When someone mentions Nashville, TN most people tend to immediately think of MUSIC. The reputation of Nashville is that it is a predominantly country music town. Although there is (and will always be) plenty of country music in Nashville, this year’s Emergenza Music Festival is proving that there are an abundance of rock, pop, metal and hardcore bands in this southern town as well. These bands are not only extremely talented, but truly know how to entertain and capture the hearts of music lovers on a World wide level. Kicking off its 3rd year in Nashville this past weekend, the Emergenza International Music Festival showcased many talented bands at one of Nashville’s best sounding venues, 12th and Porter. Thursday, December 7th Thursday evening’s shows were HOT despite the chilly weather outdoors! Methods of Maddness opened up this season’s events with a female lead vocalist who belted out powerful lyrics and had an excellent rhythm section to back her up. Juanelo and the Master Plan stepped up and also impressed with strong vocals and melodic guitar rifts. The Compromise, a local pop rock band, jumpstarted the energy in the room with strong lead vocals and an excellent stage presence. The Press then took the stage and brought us a surreal and intimate sound complete with strong vocalizations and piano accompaniment. Juan Prophet Organization closed out Thursday evening with an extremely original set. They utilized strong harmonies and even had a fiddle player to add to their strong and diverse compositions. Friday, December 8th Friday’s showcase proved to be an excellent example of what Nashville bands have to offer. Charla Beth Corn, a season 2 American Idol finalist, opened up the event with some rockin’ country. She belted out strong lyrics and had amazing back up vocals, guitar work and rhythms. August Ending followed with a very high energy set. The audience couldn’t help but rock out to the music as the band shredded guitar and jumped around stage. 4Gotten then changed the mood with an acoustic version of their typically rock set. With excellent lead vocals they had the audience speechless. November was a truly rock band: despite some technical difficulties they pulled through and managed to entertain the audience with their strong vocals, excellent drumming and great compositions. Den of Iniquity, of Chattanooga TN, stormed the stage with a progressive metal set that had even the bartenders rockin’! They had great guitar solos and a very strong rhythm section. An Ariatic Silence closed out the set with a great original set. The lyrics were there and I can’t help to mention the fact that their bass player was SICK!!! Saturday, December 9th Saturday’s Emergenza Shows were a grand success. With a packed out venue and a diverse line-up, Saturday wrapped up this weekend’s events with positive anticipation of Nashville’s Semi-Final shows at Exit/In later on this spring! Death Through Glory, a young and energetic metal band opened the evening with great compositions and excellent guitar work. Gene Evaro shocked the audience with his talented group: his jazz indie pop sound was not only technically impressive, but he utilized angelic vocals and piano solos as well to complete a unique and original sound. Upside of Envy a pop rock band then took the stage. With beautiful lead vocals and excellent arrangements these guys aimed to entertain, and did just that! The Running stepped up to a packed audience and ripped through a rock-reggae-pop set. This 3-piece not only took the energy up a level, but also set the standard for good times and just how much music has the power to make people happy. High Five for Fun - one of Emergenza’s Nashville finalists last season - then showcased. They were a great example to