Portland’s Madison Lockwood performs on stage in Nashville at famous Ryman Auditorium

On Friday, March 21st, Portland musician Madison Lockwood got the opportunity that many musicians dream about.  Lockwood told the Beacon, “I had the opportunity to open up for Lonestar at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN!”

When we asked her how this all came to be, she explained, “A few months ago, I auditioned and got selected to play drums for an upcoming country artist, Alli Walker. We took the stage together at the Ryman, and are looking to do multiple shows together this coming summer. We are excited to share the stage with some amazing names, including a show with Chris Janson (known for “Buy Me a Boat,” “Fix a Drink,”) in Beaufort, SC this summer. Alli is continuing to book some amazing shows and appear with some amazing guests, including her most recent release, “First Time Living” featuring Gretchen Wilson. Alli began her journey as a Canadian artist, who has recently moved to Nashville to further her career. Connecting with her and being a part of her group is an absolute honor, and she has brought me to some amazing opportunities in just a few months.”

For those who may not be familiar with Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, it originally opened in 1892 as Union Gospel Tabernacle founded primarily by Riverboat Captain Thomas Green Ryman.  When Ryman died in 1904, the facility was known as Ryman Auditorium.

For many years the Ryman hosted primarily religious music events, but in the 1920s it started hosting a wide variety of performances.  In those days Charlie Chaplin and Harry Houdini were some of the names to take the stage.  In 1943 the Grand Ole Opry moved to the Ryman for nearly 31 years.  Music and entertainment icons such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson Hank Williams Junior, Kenny Chesney, Ringo Starr, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and the Zach Brown Band have graced the Ryman stage.

Lockwood said, “The Ryman was an absolute dream come true. It was my first time playing in a venue to this size, not to mention the legends that have been there before me. The Ryman is a staple in country music history, and is a dream stage for many musicians here in town. To be able to be on that stage after only being here for a few months is a proud achievement. The Ryman is so remarkable because you can feel the energy on the stage. You can connect with the crowd, and have an impression on them without exchanging words. You can pick people out from the crowd and include them in the emotion. It’s incredibly moving and breathtaking. Shows like this are what encourage me to keep going, and that remind me why I do what I do. The adrenaline was unmatched, and I could’ve played there forever. It was almost difficult to walk off that stage when I looked out to see a standing ovation. “

When asked about other projects she has been involved with, Lockwood said, “Many of my opportunities have been entirely self-made. Growing up in Portland, I had to put myself out there and break down some doors for the opportunity that I wanted. I had to push, and show others that I was worthy for a spot in this business. I began simply making content online during the 2020 shut down, and promoted myself as a drummer and business professional. My online content is what is responsible for many of my successes. Having a professional, engaging, and clean online presence is one of the most important things in the industry. It helps people get to know you and eventually want to work with you.”

She added, “I also have played many shows in bar bands, found an incredible drum and business mentor who had pushed me and provided connections, and constantly built my talent to improve every day. When I wake up in the morning, the goal is not always perfection; but it is progress. It’s a battle between you and yourself to be just a little bit better than yesterday, and progress is not always linear. You have to have the discipline to keep pushing yourself even when you are broken, struggling, or simply “unmotivated.” Being able to be the last one standing when everyone else quits and goes home is what will make you stand out and achieve greatness.”

Lockwood contributes much of her music success to her hometown.  She said, “Growing up in Portland, I do believe that my roots helped me achieve what I have so far. I always had coaches, adults, and peers who supported me. I think growing up being coached by people like Brandee Novara, Jason Haid, Sarah Honsowitz, Ariel Davids, Jeff Brooks, Chad Barker, and many more on and off the field/court made an impact on my success (even if I pissed em off a few times here and there) ;). They taught me dedication, resilience, and continuing to show up and do my best, even if things got difficult. How important it was to be “all in” to the things that you do, and to get the job done (while having some fun along the way). This staff was also attentive, and there for me when I needed them most. They supported me in so many ways, and stood by me unconditionally. I cannot thank them enough for the impact they had on me, and skills they taught me at a young age.”

When asked about her plans for the future, she said, “For my future projects, I don’t like to share too much too soon, but I have some outstanding collaborations coming along. You can follow my Instagram @madzrocks_, or Facebook (Madz) to keep an eye out for my future work, or catch my dad having a beer at Fabiano’s and ask him.”

Lockwood added, “To all the future greatness, and achievers from Portland who will come; my advice to you is simply to NEVER give up, and to never let anyone make you afraid to go after your dreams. Never let anyone make you feel small, or undeserving of greatness. Always stick to your guns, be kind, and push yourself forward to get what you want. There is such a big world out here for you to see, and endless opportunity around every corner. There is a place for you in the world, and you are not a mistake. You are here for a reason, and you will find that out soon enough. There is more positivity, greatness, and achievement waiting for you, than you can even imagine.”

Courtesy photos.