More than 20 rock bands and artists performed in Nashville’s Lower Broadway on Friday during the 2026 CMA Fest. The shows took place at Jon Bon Jovi’s honky-tonk JBJ’s and were organized by Rocknite. Cage the Elephant headlined and debuted a new song.
While country acts like Cody Johnson and Keith Urban played Nissan Stadium, alternative bands filled three stages at JBJ’s. The lineup included Cage the Elephant, Dexter and the Moonrocks, Edgehill, Mod Sun, and New Translations. Rocknite presented the daylong event as a gathering for independent artists. Fans lined up early on 4th Avenue and Broadway to see the performances. Cage the Elephant introduced the new track “Beaches in Tennessee” during their set. New Translations singer Oliver Pierce described the community as one that supports alt-rock and other styles outside mainstream country. The group performed songs from their album Vacation on the fourth floor of the venue. The Rocknite scene began in Los Angeles and now includes groups in Nashville and other cities. A follow-up show was scheduled for Skinny Dennis on Monday night.
