Fireside Friday with KT Southern Sessions at Denmark's The Dam
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Some gigs are about packed dancefloors and flashing lights. Others are about creating a space where people can slow down, connect, and simply enjoy the moment. Last Friday at The Dam in Denmark, KT Southern Sessions delivered exactly that.
From the first note, Kristen Trueman's soulful vocals settled over the venue like a warm blanket. Bringing her own blend of jazz, blues, folk and alternative influences to familiar songs, she transformed well-known tracks into something uniquely her own.
It was the perfect soundtrack for an evening spent chatting with friends, sharing food, and enjoying a cocktail beside the fire.
As a completely solo performer, Kristen has an impressive ability to fill a room. There were moments throughout the night where it became easy to forget you were sitting in a busy venue at all. The music simply pulled people in. You could see it happen as conversations softened and heads turned toward the stage. At times the volume may have crept up slightly as KT found her groove, but that's often the mark of a genuine performer — when people can't help but stop and listen.
The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, with families enjoying the evening together. Children danced between tables while parents settled in for the night, creating the kind of all-ages environment that feels increasingly rare. It wasn't a concert demanding attention; it was a shared experience that naturally drew people in.
What stood out most was Kristen's ability to adapt to the room. A skilled artist understands that every venue requires something different.
The Dam's Fireside Fridays are designed around conversation, food, community and atmosphere, and KT balanced all of those elements perfectly. Yet even within that restraint, you could catch glimpses of something bigger.
There is a clear depth to her musicianship that hints at what could be possible with a full band behind her. If that day comes, there's little doubt she will elevate her performances to an entirely new level.
For me, this particular gig came with an unexpected extra role — roadie. After the final song was sung and the last piece of gear packed away, we hit the road home armed with leftovers from the venue's famous Friday pizza night.
I'll admit I had my doubts about how good a cold pizza would be on the drive back. They disappeared embarrassingly quickly. If they tasted that good, I can only imagine how amazing they were fresh from the kitchen.
Of course, no visit to The Dam would be complete without sampling the drinks menu.
Known for its Cannabis Botanical Distillery and unique hemp-inspired creations, the venue offers a range of CBD and cannabis sativa botanical beverages unlike anything else in the region.
I opted for the Strawberry Botanic CBD Sativa Cocktail and wasn't disappointed. In fact, I could quite happily have spent the entire evening beside the fire with one of those in hand while listening to live music.
Located on the Raintree farm just outside Denmark, The Dam has built a reputation for combining local produce, innovative beverages, stunning surroundings and live entertainment. Their Fireside Fridays have become a destination event, featuring live music, pizza nights, family-friendly dining and cocktail specials. It's the sort of venue that encourages people to stay longer than they originally planned.
This night also served as a reminder of something I recently wrote about in my article offering advice to emerging musicians.
Opportunities often begin with a simple conversation. KT and I connected, BTN was able to attend as media, KT received professional photographs, and The Dam received coverage. Nobody overcomplicated it.
Somebody simply asked, "Are you available?"
Sometimes the answer is no.
Sometimes the answer is a fantastic evening of music, networking and community.
At the time of writing, KT Southern Sessions isn't yet available on streaming platforms. That's a shame, because Kristen possesses a voice that deserves to be heard beyond the venues she performs in.
For now, your best bet is to follow her on social media, catch a local show, and encourage her to take that next step.
Trust me — this is an artist worth keeping an eye on.
And if you're looking for a Friday night that combines great food, unique cocktails, live music and one of the most picturesque settings in the Great Southern, check out what's happening at The Dam.
Between the music, the atmosphere and the people, it's easy to see why so many people keep coming back.
By Uncle Tatt — host of “Between the Notes,”
where great music, good people and unexpected opportunities come together.
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