A Night of Musical Connection: The Parallel Love Tour at Shank Hall

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is known for its vibrant music scene, and on a chilly evening, the historic Shank Hall served as the perfect backdrop for a night of heartfelt music and storytelling. The Parallel Love tour, featuring the talented Brad Tursi, graced the stage, drawing in an eager crowd ready to be serenaded by tunes that promise to touch the soul.

Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee, Shank Hall boasts a rich history that adds an extra layer of charm to any performance. Founded by Peter Jest in 1989, the venue is a tribute to the cult classic film This Is Spinal Tap, which humorously references a fictitious Milwaukee club of the same name. After surviving a devastating fire in 1992, Jest had the club rebuilt, maintaining its cozy capacity of 300. This intimate setting creates a sense of community, making every concert feel personal and memorable.

All Photos by: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

Opening the night was Hugh Mitchell, who took the stage with nothing but his acoustic guitar and an earnest smile. Starting with Love Light, Hugh immediately connected with the audience, joking about the difficulty of whistling in Milwaukee's frigid temperatures. His warmth was contagious, setting the stage for a night of intimate musical storytelling.

As he transitioned into Gulf Of Mexico, Hugh shared that this song was penned by his father, inspired by his mother and their move to Alabama. Oh Magnolia, an ode to his affection for Alabama, followed, painting vivid images of the Southern state. The highlight of his set, Buckles And Blood, brought a touch of humor and camaraderie, recounting tales from his ten-month journey with a rodeo clown friend.

Click The Image For The Full Hugh Mitchell Gallery

The surprise collaboration with Brad Tursi on Slow Down Towns, a song favored by Brad’s mom in attendance, was a touching moment, highlighting the familial ties and friendships that music can forge. Hugh concluded his set with Ain't Nothing Like It, a tribute to his Grandma Baba, capturing a deeply personal memory that resonated with many in the crowd.

As the anticipation in the room built up, Brad Tursi stepped onto the stage to a warm reception from a nearly full house. Fresh from the release of his solo debut album, Parallel Love, Brad expressed his excitement about performing in smaller venues, a welcome change from the stadium tours with his band, Old Dominion.

Kicking off with the brief Oh Darlin' Intro, Brad quickly transitioned into Church Bells And Train Whistles, a collaborative effort written with Stephen Wilson Jr. The audience was particularly moved by Where You Been, singing along with fervor. No Luck At All, a brand-new track, had fans nodding in agreement as Brad humorously noted his friends’ perception of his unyielding optimism.

Introducing Green Eyed Girl, Brad shared a personal narrative about his fiancée, charming the audience with his sincerity. Time With You, co-written with Lukas Nelson, added another layer of emotional depth. As the title track Parallel Love played, it was evident that the album captures themes of love and life transitions that resonate widely.

Slowing things down, Brad moved to the keys for My Time, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The subsequent songs—Afraid To Lose, Wait For Me, and Crazy Life—continued to captivate, each song telling a unique story. Brad’s anecdote about Jelly Roll considering one of his old songs led into Hard To Get High, a track filled with introspective musings.

Nashville New York & Colorado followed, illustrating Brad's journey and experiences across the country. A crowd favorite, Question The Universe, saw Brad return to the keys, encouraging the audience to reflect and connect with the lyrics. As the main set drew to a close with Lover And A Friend, the crowd’s calls for an encore filled the room.

Responding to the audience's enthusiasm, Brad returned for a heartfelt encore, playfully asking if they liked Old Dominion before closing the night with One Man Band. It was a fitting end to an evening that celebrated not just the music but the stories and connections that bind us all.

Click The Image For The Full Brad Tursi Gallery

The Parallel Love tour stop at Shank Hall was more than just a concert; it was a gathering of hearts and minds united by music. Both Hugh Mitchell and Brad Tursi shared parts of their lives through their songs, allowing the audience to feel a part of something bigger. The evening served as a reminder of the power of live music to create connections, evoke emotions, and leave lasting memories. For those in attendance, it was an experience that not only entertained but also touched the soul.

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Brad Tursi Set List:

Oh Darlin’ – Intro

Church Bells and Train Whistles

Where You Been

No Luck At All

Green Eyed Girl

Time With You

Parallel Love

My Time

Afraid To Lose

Wait For Me

Oh Darlin’ – Interlude

Crazy Life

Hard To Get High

Nashville New York

Colorado

Question The Universe

Lover And A Friend

Oh Darlin’- Outro

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One Man Band - Solo