Nestled in the heart of music city, 12th and Porter played host for Dream Row’s benefit show in support of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. The media firm has made a habit of partnering with charitable causes in order to give back to the community and help those in need. Dream Row elicited the services of Dee Miller and Tony Loreto from classic rock band Mystery, Belmont scholar and aspiring vocalist Rachel Schleicher, and Amanda Nagurney, a rising country talent, to promote and bolster FAAN’s cause through song. Given my relative unfamiliarity with the lineup of artists, I was eager to view the talent Dream Row assembled to aid in the charity’s mission.

The lights were low as I entered the venue and took in the intimate setting of small tables and chairs positioned close to a stage dressed in almost gothic blood red curtains. Couple this with the moody lighting and pouring rain and the atmosphere veritably cried out for music. Dan Shaw, Dream Row’s director of operations, informed me beforehand of the acoustic tone of the coming show which pleased me just fine. Artists are much more vulnerable, and in my mind entertaining, when removed from behind their wall of sound.

Mystery’s Dee Miller and Tony Loreto began the night’s festivities with original work from Mystery’s two releases “Reflections” and “Numb the Pain” and even treated the audience to some new material on their upcoming effort. Loreto’s guitar was a little flat for my taste but Miller’s seemingly all encompassing voice flooded the room and more than made up for her comrade’s tuning troubles. The source of Miller’s growing reputation around Nashville is instantly recognizable as her voice oozes emotion and demands the audience’s attention. Miller invites the audience into her world while spinning songs of sorrow in tunes like “Shoulda Know Better” and “Blindsided”. The tempo of the songs remained somewhat similar, all at a slower pace, which made some songs seemingly overlap. However, Miller’s powerful pipes supported by Loreto’s guitar play made for an entertaining and striking performance.

Next to the stage was Amanda Nagurney. Boasting impressive credentials, Nagurney faced the audience with only her guitar. Nagurney smartly began with more up-tempo songs to energize the crowd and crept into slower stuff later in the set. Certainly the most polished of the artists on display, it’s easy to understand how she’s landed gigs opening for Phil Vassar, Gavin DeGraw, and Miranda Lambert; the girl has talent. The contrast between Miller’s muscular vocals and Nagurney’s softer style provided for interesting fare. Nagurney’s original work is simply catchy and her guitar play provided the perfect backdrop for her coming of age tales. I must admit, my favorite part of Nagurney’s set had to be her rendition of “Sweet Child of Mine”. Talented and engaging, Nagurney certainly has the capabilities necessary for success.

Finally, Rachel Schleicher rounded out the night accompanied by her trio of band mates. A student of the musical arts, Rachel surprised me with her natural stage presence and sensual vocals. The injection of percussion and lively guitar play changed the dynamic of the evening, but Schleicher’s vocals easily met the high standard set by her predecessors. Her vocals were sultry yet boisterous as she treated the audience to a mix of original compositions and covers. Her entire set was well done, but her performance of Peggy Lee’s “Give Me Fever” was electric and fit her vocal style perfectly.

All three leading ladies impressed me with their performance. While each was talented in their own right, it was the contrast in styles that made the respective vocalists stand out. Whether intentional or not, the variation and rise in tempo of each successive performance created an enjoyable elevation of energy culminating in Schleicher’s performance. Given the talent on display, I was surprised by the somewhat scant audience, but nonetheless, my compliments far outweigh my complaints. Dream Row’s lineup boasted talent in spades and thoroughly impressed me, framed as they were in red.