Nippersink Hosts Lookout Sessions

Music, community, and history converged last month, and I’m excited to share the results with you through a new episode of The Lookout Sessions.

Music is a powerful force. It entertains. It stirs emotions. It reminds us of events and people who mean something to our lives. It’s a special thing to find someone who can create music that truly touches us on a personal level, connects with us emotionally, and causes us to think, remember, and feel.

I had the privilege of spending time with not one but three such people last month. Grace Pettis, Rachel Laven, and Natalie Price are each gifted songwriters and performers. Collectively, they have launched their first tour as The Texpats.

In last month’s issue of The Groundhog, Randy Grider shared their story in his Mentone Arts and Cultural Center column. The group was set to perform there on May 22.

In summary, these Texas artists saw their paths cross and friendship grow over the years, a journey that led them to Nashville where they are roommates, friends, and collaborators. The porch of their home inspires connection with nature, one another, and like-minded artists throughout Nashville.

Some of our readers will pause and say, “Wait, Grace is a Texan?” After 20 or so years there, she claims Texas and the state claims her. But she is a product of Mentone, where she spent the first 18 years of her life. Her father, Pierce Pettis, is also a professional performer, and one of the most gifted songwriters of our generation.

The Lookout Sessions is a series of performances showcasing the creativity and inspiration of artists visiting our area. We record these sessions in unique places in or near Mentone. We were delighted to work with The Texpats to create a truly special installment in this series, and even more thrilled to stage this one at Nippersink Lodge.

I met the new owners of Nippersink earlier this year. Tom and Paula Bouffard are a delightful couple who are committed to this community. They approached the renovation of this historic lodge with great care and commitment to preserving its story, even as they prepared the structure to enter a new era of serving guests.

When I walked into Nippersink for the first time, I knew this would be an ideal location for a recording session. I was right. Standing in the great room with its high ceilings, the artists were surrounded by wood and leather and other elements that created a warmth that enriched their stringed instruments and lovely melodies.

I’m thankful to Grace, Rachel, and Natalie for traveling from Nashville to share a few songs with us before heading out on their first official tour as The Texpats. I appreciate the Bouffards for inviting The Lookout Sessions into their lodge (and for all the work they’ve done to preserve this historic structure). And I’m grateful for the opportunity to capture this moment for everyone to enjoy. Visit The Lookout Sessions to hear some of what we captured that day. There’s more to come, along with more stories in The Groundhog about the historic Nippersink Lodge as they prepare to open for bookings this fall.