Productions
Events and Community work
Musical Moments that make an impact
Community building is at the heart of the Nick Horner Family. Outside of music making, Horner's mission-driven approach to creating spaces for connection has resulted in the creation of countless events and happenings throughout the north and southeast. Read about just a few of these events here...
Porch stomp
Founded in 2014 as a part of the Make Music New York summer solstice festival, Porch Stomp sprouted from Horner's mission to democratize New York City's folk music by creating a space for musicians of all abilities and backgrounds to grow together. What began as an intimate day featuring 25 acts had grown to include over 210 acts performing throughout the scenic greenery of Governors Island's Nolan Park. Heralded by the Patch as "a folk celebration unlike any other", Porch Stomp celebrates the common heritage shared by all acoustic genres, ranging from sea shanteys to old time, bluegrass to talking blues, shape note to singer songwriter.
Horner was also instrumental in generating other Porch Stomp initiatives such as the Porch Stomp Blog and Porch Stomp Presents video series (see below). This series provided artists with high quality video that documented the festival participants and generated media assets for booking.
For more information about Porch Stomp, visit : www.porchstomp.com
FLATFOOT FLATBUSH
A staple of Porch Stomp's year-round programming, Flatfoot Flatbush has been bringing old time music to historic downtown Brooklyn since December of 2014. Presented with partners including Make Music New York, the North Flatbush BID and NYC's-own City Stompers, Flatfoot Flatbush invites old time musicians and dancers alike to parade down the sidewalks, through businesses and the streets of Flatbush Avenue each December 21st. This one of a kind experience pairs both folk luminaries and total beginners in an epic community celebration!
MAKE MUSIC KNOXVILLE
One of over 100 chapters globally, Make Music Knoxville (MMK) celebrates all things music and community each June 21st featuring free, participatory concerts all throughout Knoxville. Featuring partners such as Zoo Knoxville, Ijams Nature Preserve, School of Rock Knoxville, Real Knoxville Music and more, Make Music Knoxville truly is a celebration of music for everybody!
One MMK initiative, the Build-a-Band Extravaganza, has had a lasting impact upon Knoxville's local music scene. From 2022-2024, Build-a-Band brought together musicians from throughout the city to form impromptu bands dedicated toward covering other local artists. A self ascribed love letter to East Tennessee music makers, this event networked local musicians while enhancing connections between local songwriters and performing artists. Build-a-Band members have also performed at festivals such as the Dogwood Arts Festival and at the Tennessee Theatre.
Through MMK, Horner also hosted Meet Music Knoxville, a live first-meeting podcast aired live on web radio station Real Knoxville Music, and Meet Music Knoxville LIVE, a First Friday music series hosted at the ACA's Emporium space.
Make Music Knoxville is now run by Knoxville's Arts and Culture Alliance.
Carol Cart
A holiday celebration set in the heart of East Tennessee, Carol Cart was first established as a partnership between Horner, Real Knoxville Music founder Chris Lamb, and Knoxville's Kiss Caboose. The event invites local musicians to Carol Knoxville-themed holiday tunes accompanied by the Carol Cart band, a rock rhythm section carried by a seasonally-decorated microvan.
In 2023, Knoxville's Arts and Culture Alliance, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, and local supporters awarded Carol Cart over $10,000 to pay +60 local musicians to compose and record 10 original Knoxville-themed holiday songs. These songs were documented by Beehive Productions (see below).
Work For Hire
The Big ears Festival
Since 2022, Horner has served as venue manager at Knoxville's Big Ears Festival overseeing venues hosted in the Old City Performing Arts Center (2022) and St. John's Episcopal Cathedral (2023-2026). Heralded by the Rolling Stone as "unlike any other [festival] in America, Big Ears' eclectic lineup runs the gamut from jazz, bluegrass, and rock to experimental music and performance art. As venue manager, Horner has overseen performances by acts such as Andre 3000, Bill Frisell, Bela Fleck, and Marc Ribot.
MUSIC OF OUR MOUNTAINS
Throughout 2022-2023, Horner worked with Beehive Productions and The Floyd Country Store to initiate the creation of an interactive living-document that chronicles the exchange of musical culture and ideas throughout Appalachia and beyond.