Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

The Read

Isbell has made the multi-night Ryman stand into something closer to an annual institution than a tour stop, and the first night carries a particular charge. Nothing has been established yet, no song has been used up, and the band is playing to a crowd that has been waiting since the last run ended. The 400 Unit are a genuinely great rock band who rarely advertise it, and Sadler Vaden’s guitar tends to be the thing that tips a quiet song over. Southern Avenue open, bringing Memphis soul and a rhythm section that does not idle. Southern Avenue’s rhythmic force should give the 400 Unit something to answer when they arrive. Opening night usually leans on the songs everyone came for, with deeper material appearing as the week develops.

The Venue

Ryman Auditorium

116 5th Ave N

The best-sounding hall in American music. A riverboat captain built it as a tabernacle in 1892, the pews are the originals, and artists talk about getting to play here the way athletes talk about a title.

On the bill

Also playing

The same booking at Ryman Auditorium, 6 dates in all.

• Thu Oct 15 · this one
• Fri Oct 16
• Sat Oct 17
• Thu Oct 22
• Fri Oct 23
• Sat Oct 24