Video peek: Big Kenny opens his Nashville home for CD-listening party, live music

September 17, 10:36 PMNashville Country Music ExaminerLisa L. Rollins

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Party invite: Big Kenny, one-half of country duo Big & Rich,
issued fun invitations to a private celebration in honor of his
new solo CD, The Quiet Times of a Rock & Roll Farm Boy.

Tickets for a ride on "Big Kenny" Alphin's “Love Everybody train” were “non-transferable.” But then again, nobody invited to the Sept. 15 shindig at the country star’s Nashville abode even thought about giving up such an entertainment-filled seat.

In fact, not even a rain-laden forecast could dampen the fun the Tuesday-evening party at the singer-songwriter’s stunning Music City digs, complete with an attached office and two-story studio, where some 35-40 members of the media 'n' music worlds converged to take part in the black-hatted artist’s listening party for his soon-to-be unleashed solo CD, The Quiet Times of a Rock & Roll Farm Boy.

Upon arriving at "Villa le Creativity," the name Big Kenny’s bestowed upon his residence, guests mingled in a pub-themed bar area, which encompassed a room just off the home’s foyer.

Photographs featuring career highlights of the Big & Rich entertainer, interspersed with pictures of family moments, covered the walls, silently creating a relaxed warmth that enveloped the space.

Big Kenny, along with his talented and lovely missus, Christiev, and son Lincoln (who’ll turn 4 in November) were the most gracious of hosts, opening their home to so many in the name of fellowship, music and food.

And speaking of food, the catered menu was padded with barbecue-meets-Southern comfort offerings—including gourmet meatloaf, mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans and fresh string beans. But the oohs and ahhhhs hit a new high at the sight, and then taste, of the most delicious melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake and pecan pie ever to grace a serving utensil.

 Party host Big Kenny, left, visits with songwriter Richie
 Supra at the country star's in-home CD party Sept. 15.

With bellies stuffed, all retreated to Big Kenny’s studio control room to take in tracks from the The Quiet Times of a Rock & Roll Farm Boy. As the music played, the man of the evening shared videos that accompanied each of the forthcoming album's 11 tunes. (Local art-school students created a clip for each of the disc's songs.)

Then, everyone—including tunesmith Richie Supa, who co-wrote the CD's lead single, “Long After I’m Gone,” and “Find A Heart,” as well as musician Adam “Atom” Shoenfeld, who played on the CD—relocated to the upstairs portion of Big Kenny’s studio for an intimate performance of four songs from the new release.

Candles burned and guests sang along, capturing an unforgettable close to what was, hands down, a hard-to-beat evening of creativity and generous hospitality.

”It was a great, magical experience,” enthused one guest. “It was a very relaxed vibe--exactly what you’d expect at a Big Kenny party."

That said, this scribe can’t encapsulate it any better. However, to spy a candid peek at the intimate evening of great food and even more filling song, please scroll below to view a Sept. 15 clip of Big Kenny, a 2009 CMA nominee, and company making a memory in the quiet life of one particular Virginia-born farm boy who, by all accounts, sincerely loves his rock ‘n’ roll in a decidedly country kinda way.

 vote it up!