Jack and Diane

Jack and Diane have brought the quality of entertainment in the Murfreesboro area to the next level. The singers-songwriters-musicians, known to fans as simply Jack and Diane, came to the ‘Boro from Atlanta after a stop in Nashville. Diane came to Nashville for a record deal. She’d met Jack in Atlanta after he’d auditioned to play lead guitar in her band. Soon they were dating. “We just celebrated our ninth anniversary,” Diane said. “But we were together four years before that.” During their decade in the Nashville music scene, the musical pair cultivated friendships with songwriters. “We’re deeply entrenched in the songwriting community,” Diane said. But as much as they loved being in the heart of Music City, they decided it wasn’t the best place to raise their children, and they moved to Murfreesboro. “We were playing a lot of venues in Nashville – the Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner and private events,” Diane said. “But we noticed that when we wanted to go out and enjoy music that there just wasn’t much available here.” “We lived here several years before we decided to start a show. We had been performing in Nashville, but we realized that people here in Murfreesboro were missing out on the intimacy that the ‘in the round’ concept is famous for.” Now that their kids are grown, the Untzes felt free to get back to music full time.
Wish List
They began to consider what they liked – and didn’t like – about playing shows in Nashville and made a “wish list” of what they’d like to see in a show in the ‘Boro. Available parking, food and atmosphere were high on their list. Jack and Diane would be the constants in the show, with a variety of songwriters and performing artists serving as weekly guests. “We have extremely high criteria of who we include” she explained. “The pros we invite definitely have that ‘wow’ factor. We invite writers of great songs but also songwriters who can perform as well as they write.” They began their weekly shows at Maple Street Grill on the Public Square, but the show outgrew the venue.
What To Expect
Now, the performances usually take place in the Gallery of the Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Center For The Arts. Occassionally they hold special shows in the auditorium. But Diane likes performing in the more intimate setting the Gallery provides. Tables are set up, and audience members, in casual dress, can bring their own table picnics, wine or other beverages with them.

“The show starts at 7:30 and is over around 9. A lot of people love that they are home by 9:30 if they want to be.” The tables are set up around Jack and Diane and their songwriting guests. “It’s a big music circle,” she described. “We’re introducing friends to friends.” And Jack and Diane have been pleased to see the relationships forming between audience members and their songwriters.

“Couples usually come to our shows, and baby boomers who’d grown up listening to live music and missed it,” Diane said. “There’s a camaraderie among the audience. Friendships develop and they begin visiting outside the show. We really didn’t expect that but love seeing it. … This is a place to come and find a group of kindred spirits that miss that human connection. It’s an opportunity for people to connect with each other and connect with the songwriters. … It’s like being invited into our living room.”

“People think it’s a great date night out,” said Center For The Arts Director Tony Cimino, “and from the feedback we’re gathering, it’s so much more then they’ve expected. Many of the performers are Grammy Award-winning songwriters. … People seem to be amazed at the level and quality of the show.”

The style of music performed each week depends on the guests. “Usually, it’s adult contemporary,” Diane said. “Some weeks it leans towards blues, country, some jazz, sometimes it’s light rock.” But each week the show closes with “Amazing Grace.” “It’s our opportunity to offer our gifts back up,” Diane said.

Diane has sung at the Atlanta Olympics and other large venues . Jack, a multi-instrumentalist, has toured with George Thorogood, Brian Setzer and Elvin Bishop, among others. “We’re having a great time doing our show here every week,” Diane said. “We’re also very excited about some engagements that will be taking us on the road more, so we’ll have the best of both worlds.” Diane said. - Sandee Suitt of The Daily News Journal

Local tunesmiths Jack & Diane celebrate music and the craft of songwriting every Wednesday night at downtown’s Center for the Arts. Their show follows a format similar to VH-1’s “Storytellers” in which featured artists not only perform, but discuss their songs and writing techniques, making it more than just a typical concert experience.

Their story began when their paths crossed in Atlanta while Diane was auditioning guitar players for her road band in the early stages of her singing and songwriting career. Not having much luck, Diane was given Jack’s phone number by a mutual friend who thought they would work well together, although she was warned not to date him. Needless to say, Diane was blown away by Jack’s musical abilities and their ten-year personal and professional relationship was born. The couple bonded over their similar tastes in music, which include Bonnie Raitt, The Eagles, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt. They eventually married after Jack jokingly said, “she was going to have to marry me if she wanted to keep me,” and they have remained together since.

Diane is a vocalist and songwriter, while Jack plays guitar, mandolin, lap steel, Dobro and banjo. After Diane was offered a recording contract in Nashville by a major label, the duo decided it was time to make their move and pursue their dream. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right and after massive Music Row layoffs and budget cuts, the record deal ultimately fell through. However, all was not lost because this experience afforded Jack and Diane the opportunity to make a lot of important friendships within Music City’s elite circle of superb songwriters and local artists. These friends, who make up a sizable talent pool, are frequently called upon to perform during Jack and Diane’s weekly talent showcase.

In between their Wednesday night hosting and performing duties, Jack and Diane stay busy following their own musical aspirations. They released their own album, Play For Me, in January, which is a superb collection of their songs performed in a stripped down acoustic setting. When asked about the recording process, Diane explained, “We took a very unconventional approach. We recorded everything live in the studio in one day. We wanted to duplicate what we do live. We didn’t have time to think about it. I don’t like to over think everything.” she said. They also filmed a music video for the album’s title track, which was shot nearby at a friend’s house and included a lot of friends and fans as extras. “I hated every minute of it,” Jack confessed of the music video experience. “We wanted it to look real and very authentic and I think we achieved that. We had a lot of fun,” Diane added. Jack later admitted he was happy with the way it turned out and ultimately ended up having a good time. The video is an excellent extension of the duo’s laid back yet emotional style, which is a blend of easy listening and country.

The couple’s distinctive sound is prominently displayed in their songs that have been captured on their album. When listening to their music, it isn’t obvious that writing songs is such hard work for the team. While elaborating on their songwriting process, Diane revealed she usually writes the lyrics first and Jack then composes the music. They both compared the experience to “birthing a baby,” and admitted “the real work is communicating musical ideas to each other.” As the discussion segued to the current state of the music business, they both agreed that it is an exciting time to be an artist. They went on to explain how the Internet has opened up endless opportunities and unlimited avenues for artists to share their music with an audience.

“People are no longer being deprived of great music. It’s hard to find something real nowadays. The music has to be good. It has to be able to stand on its own,” Diane explained. When asked what advice they would give other artists and songwriters Jack said, “Listen, listen and listen. Listen carefully and you will learn what’s good and what’s not.” Diane offered these words of wisdom, “There’s no elevator to success, take the stairs. There is no short cut. Stay true to yourself. Don’t rush it. The journey is the destination. It all counts. Every step of the process is necessary.”

Ultimately, Jack and Diane would like to see their show evolve into Murfreesboro’s own modern day Opry, focusing on songwriters and becoming a real tourist destination. They are also contemplating the possibility of future guitar and songwriting workshops. “We want to educate the public on great artists, singers and songwriters,” Diane declared. Jack and Diane’s love and passion for music is clear and certainly explains their motivation for creating a weekly showcase. They saw a real need for a place where local talent could perform and truly be appreciated and shown the respect they deserve. What they have created is a place where artists and music lovers can gather and share an exciting and u - Eric Allen of The Pulse

Jack and Diane Untz have serenaded the town for the past three years with "Music In The 'Boro". The couple takes their new show, Nashville Unleashed, on the road. Jack and Diane are taking their show on the road. For nearly three years the husband and wife pair have entertained Murfreesboro audiences with their music in the round show, Music in the Boro. It attracted large crowds at Maple Street Grill every Wednesday night before being forced to move to a larger venue, the Center for the Arts.

“We had a great run,” said Diane Untz. “We kind of started it as an experiment. We didn’t know how it was going to go. We drew impressive crowds early on.” Each week Jack and Diane along with guest singer/songwriters would perform their songs and tell stories in an acoustic intimate setting. The couple now wants to share the music in the round concept with audiences across the country with the show Nashville Unleashed. “We are sad to the leave the ‘Boro because this will always be the home of our show,” Diane said. “The relationships we’ve built with our audience here are incredibly special to us. But, we look forward now to what lies ahead of us and we embrace the opportunity to build new relationships on the road and share our music with new audiences.”

Music in the ‘Boro became a great date night especially for married couples that wanted to be able to enjoy each other, their food and drink and the music. "Audiences also connected with each other and formed friendships", Diane said. Maura White liked to attend Music in the ‘Boro with her husband. "It was a really nice date night.” White said she loved the intimate setting of the show. “It is like a bunch of friends came over to your living room and are playing for you,” she said. Diane said she had the vision of taking the show on the road about a year ago. She not only wants to share their songs and stories with new audiences but help audiences connect across the country.

“There is a real sense of community that the show attracts,” she said. “We started seeing the audiences connecting and forming friendships. If we can create that here, we can create that across the country.” And, the show means a lot personally to Jack and Diane. “There is a very personal element in this show for us,” Diane said. “We are not performing for people solely. There is a much deeper connection made.” Many times after the shows people come up to them and say how much a song has meant to them. “It is so different than a typical concert,” Diane said. “It is a chance for us to connect with them and for them to connect with us.”

The first stop on the tour is The Lodge At Copperhead, located in the Appalachian Mountains in Blairsville, Ga. The show will take place in the Grand Hall of the Lodge, complete with a warm fire in the grand fireplace, over candlelight, cuisine and a breathtaking view. “This is a terrific way to kick off the tour...,” Jack said. “We have a personal connection to The Lodge through our friend Tom Bumpus of Bumpus Harley-Davidson here in town. After an unrelated ride to the resort last year, Tom became convinced it would be a perfect place for our show and initiated conversations between us and the owners. After making a special trip to the theatre to catch our show here, the owners got excited too and the timing just worked out perfectly for our upcoming tour. So, it’ll be a cool place to start there among friends.”

Tour dates are being added weekly to the schedule at www.nashvilleunleashed.com. Over the next couple of months, the show will visit Lexington, Ky; Smithville, Tenn.; Park City, Ky; and Fayetteville, Ark. Weekly webisodes will air online at www.nashvilleunleased.com beginning in mid-to-late December. The webisodes will show behind the scenes footage from the tour city, interviews with people from the city including folklore from the area and snippets from the show. Guest artists also may share stories and their thoughts on the show. - By: ERIN EDGEMON at Murfreesboro Post

Jack & Diane return to the Lodge at Copperhead for encore performance with Nashville artists - Trent Jeffcoat, Mark Lonsway and Darryl MacQuarrie. Tickets are on sale now for the June 11, 7:30 p.m. concert in the Grand Hall at the Lodge at Copperhead. Reservations for intimate candlelight seating and buffet dining are available from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Nashville Unleashed with Jack & Diane is an unprecedented concert experience.

The show provides a romantic evening for couples and music connoisseurs in an intimate, "in the round" format. Similar to VH-1s Storytellers, Jack & Diane and their ever-changing lineup of guest song-writing artist share the inspiration behind their music and the stories behind their songs. Running the gamut of emotion, from boisterous laughter to soul-soothing rhythms to heartfelt tears, it truly is an acoustic journey of song throughout the evening.

About the Artists - Jack and Diane's musical styles immediately resonate with the audience. The duo just released their new CD, "Play for Me," a music video of the title cut and a TV Pilot Episode of their The Ultimate Date Night with Nashville Unleashed at the Lodge At Copperhead Nashville show.

Trent Jeffcoat - after a severe car accident left him paralyzed, he overcame those odds and now writes professionally for The Writers Den. Trent just released a new CD, "When I Find Me That Mountain." Staying true to traditional country music, he has a compelling effect on an audience and is one of the most inspirational artists in Nashville.

Mark Lonsway - Recording Artist, Songwriter, Producer, and Guitarist - Toured with Terri Clark. Mark is also the composer for the theme song for WWE Wrestler, Maria Kanellis and several film tracks. Today, national radio airplay is in over sixtyfive markets for his debut CD, "Not Your Typical Cowboy." He is also vocalist and/ or guitarist for several national TV and radio commercials including McDonald's, Applebee's, and Allstate.

Darryl MacQuarrie - Enjoys the reputation as the “one to watch” for new recording artists. His rich, deep voice, captures and holds the attention of his audience. Darryl has
caught the attention of music executives and earned respect as an Artist/Songwriter.
- Towns County Herald - June 2011

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Jack & Diane Transition to The Center for the Arts

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., March 10, 2010 – After an amazingly successful 2-year run at the Maple Street Grille in the historic downtown Murfreesboro square, Jack and Diane’s Music Circle South will now be presenting their weekly show at The Center For The Arts just off the square in Murfreesboro, TN.

The Opening Night will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, March 17th from 7:30-9:00pm

This kickoff concert will feature show favorites Shannon Cain (Indie Recording Artist), and also Ricky Ray Rector (best known for his commercial success with Stand Up...Identify recorded by Mel McDaniel, Darlene recorded by T. Graham Brown and also Good Day For The Blues recorded by the legendary Ruth Brown).

Some of the new features of the show will include presenting the show in The Center’s main Theatre, state-of-the-art lighting, superior acoustics, a meet and greet with the artists, a light gourmet buffet provided by Maple Street Grille (which will be included in ticket price) and a cash bar offering wine, beer and mixed drinks.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.musiccirclesouth.com or www.boroarts.org

Jack & Diane, founders of “Music in the Boro”, have changed the name, but certainly not the quality as they move to The Center’s stage in the main theater. They excel at delivering original music in an intimate setting. All songwriters that join Jack & Diane are by “Invitation Only” and are at the Pro-Level of their craft. No exceptions are made, in an effort to ensure a consistent, high-quality show every time.

Murfreesboro residents and visitors have enjoyed the alternative the show offers, mid-week, when considering an evening on the town. The show tends to attract an elite group of music enthusiasts who have an appreciation for Arts and Culture. The beautiful amenities and surroundings of The Center For The Arts will only enhance that experience every Wednesday evening.

Said Diane, “For us, the show is all about inviting listeners into our personal music circle; where everyone experiences a special and unforgettable evening. We are blessed to call some of the best hit makers in Nashville ‘friends’. We want people to laugh with us, share in their stories and enjoy the music, just as if we were all hanging out in our living room at home.”


Step inside the circle…Jack & Diane’s Music Circle South
American Music Up Close
www.musiccirclesouth.com
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