It’s time to close the book on 2008, and what better way than by looking back at the musical talents that I experienced throughout the year. Nashville, Tennessee gets labeled as the home for country music, and while that may be true, it’s also home to much more. Step into the right place on any given night, and you may come across jazz, blues, folk, hip hop, or most likely rock. I’ve always been a fan of rock music, and the best of it is still being redefined and reborn by the emerging bands that find themselves on stage at the many venues here.

Follow me after the jump to take a look at some of my favorite photos, the bands in them, and the venues that host such amazing shows. (Above – Enjoy the Zoo performing at 12th and Porter).

I started the year when automotive racing was still in hibernation for the winter, at a venue off the beaten path called 12th and Porter. As the name implies it is just down 12th avenue north, a mere stone’s throw away from the Frist museum. Inside, a bar/lounge area greets visitors, providing a hang out for early birds such as yours truly before the main doors open. The theater room is intimate and dimly lit with enough space for probably one hundred or so at most. There is also a balcony viewing area which sits over the sound and lighting booth, but most flock towards the front to enjoy the closest proximity to the speakers.

One of the first bands that I saw perform there was Shirock. I really love their sound, and it comes with something special that I believe really distinguishes them from other bands.

No, I’m not speaking of Chuck’s favorite white microphone stand, though it is pretty unique also. What really struck me about their sound was the mix of male and female vocals. Chuck has an awesome voice, and Pap compliments it in rare way.

Sticking with 12th and Porter, another band that caught my ear was Hunted by Angels. I haven’t heard much from these guys in a while, but I thought this photo portrayed well the feeling of their show.

In another entry I plan to go into some of the ways that I create black and white images since my technique has changed a little bit over the years. All of my photographs are taken in color, but I like to preview each in a variety of different tones afterwords to see what fits best. That one was an unmistakable candidate for the monochromatic film look.

After I photographed Hunted by Angels, I was approached by some friends of theirs for a similar shoot. Hollow Day was their name, and although the members have since gone separate ways, I had a lot of fun seeing them in concert.

In addition to capturing them on stage, I hung out with the guys backstage in the tiny green room (or rooms, if you count the bathroom). The following shot of the four of them was used for their later released CD on the inside cover, and the guys were really pleased with the way it turned out.

12th and Porter is hailed by bands (and photographers) as having the best lighting setup in town. However, many of the bands I’ve spoken to agree that the Rutledge has the best sound setup. Another close quarters hotspot located just a few blocks off of Broadway, it is a great place to go when the weather is warm. They have an open veranda and although no performances are held there, it provides a nice place to escape for a beer between sets.

This photograph taken during Supre X‘s concert gives an idea of the atmosphere at the Rutledge. The stage only sits a few feet off of the main floor making it sometimes hard to distinguish where the crowd ends and where the music begins – just the way it should be.

Lovers and Liars performed at the Rutledge alongside Hollow Day at the afformentioned CD’s release party. Having both of those bands packed into the same night was fantastic. Here is Stacy, their lead singer, doing what he does best.

One of the great things about seeing a band live is that you also see their on stage personality, including their clothing, instruments, amplifiers, and everything else that they bring. Here’s a look back at some of those, starting with Stacy’s well-decorated keyboard.

I saw the Four Kicks on the same night as Shirock back at 12th and Porter, and decided to pick up their tour again when it landed back in Nashville at Exit/In. Situated in the West End area near Vanderbilt University, Exit/In is very open with its high ceiling and ample floor. The Four Kicks were even better than I remembered, and the higher stage allowed me to get a different perspective for some of my photographs.

Kennedy was another band that I enjoyed at Exit/In, and their keyboardist was at just the right angle for me to take the following shot.

As the leaves changed and Autumn was in full swing, I found myself at the launch concert for Project:AK-47. Hosted by the Anchor Fellowship, this benefit organization was looking to spread the word about their effort and help raise money in the process. Project:AK-47′s mission is to stop the use of children in wars, particularly those going on in Asia. Militia groups will take anyone that they can get to fight, thrusting children into a life of violence when they should be with their families, getting an education and growing up peacefully. This is a hardship that we do not face in America, and the small church was a very appropriate arena to showcase the project’s message.

Kyle Andrews was among the bands that performed, highlighting songs from their new album Real Blasty.

Shirock capped off the evening, and my concerts for 2008. It felt like a very fitting end to a great year.

Let me know which of these, or any of my other photographs was your favorite in the comments below.