This past weekend, Franklin, Tennessee, hosted its inaugural Pilgrimage Music Festival at the Park at Harlinsdale. Being the music buff that I am, I definitely knew I had to check it out. The best way I can describe it as being a fifth of the size of Bonnaroo, with a 10th of the people (aka, I actually had room to move around). The atmosphere there was so relaxed, there was a great local feel with the vendors there, and not to mention the lineup rocked. Here are some of my highlights from this weekend:

4. Dawes

Having missed Dawes this past year at Bonnaroo, I was psyched to finally see them in person. A great American folk-rock band out of Los Angeles, they have a really fresh sound that's kind of impossible not to love. Also, hearing a couple thousand people sing "When My Time Comes" with the band? So cool.

3. The Lone Bellow

This performance, at 2 p.m. on a Sunday, honestly surprised me with how good it was. The incredible three part harmony blew me away, and all I wanted to do was sing along and dance around. The energy was infectious, and I am still talking about how much power Zach Williams has in that voice of his.

2. Saint Motel

The very first show I saw this weekend, and it set the standard for energy onstage. I'm really into their song "My Type" which was every better live than just on the radio. Also, I would be remiss not to mention their incredible horn section, who were the real MVPs of the weekend. Excellent performance from a band on the rise.

1. St. Paul and the Broken Bones

OK, St. Paul took me to church on this performance. His voice rivals that of an entire southern gospel choir (no surprise, as Paul Janeway grew up singing in his Alabama church), and he gives his all on every single song. This show was one I never wanted to end.

I so enjoyed my time at the Pilgrimage Music Festival, and I cannot wait to go back next year!