As the rain rolled off the skylights and wind beat the window panes, Cruz Contreras and Sam Quinn of the Black Lillies tempered the crowd with the somber emotional sounds of “Whiskey Angel”. The enthusiastic audience whistled and clapped their appreciation at last Saturday night's house concert hosted by Knox Heritage at Westwood on Kingston Pike. The concert was one of many fundraisers to pay off the note for Westwood. Knox Heritage and the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance contributed various resources and materials to help restore Oak Grove School in Sharps Chapel.

For nearly two hours, Cruz and Sam shared and debuted their own original songs as well as some popular favorites. At one point, Sam asked the crowd, “How many were married in their 20's and free by their 30's?” From the show of hand and the exuberant applause, several identified with the lyrics of ”Where the Black Lillies Grow” and “Goodbye Mama Blues". They continued with over a dozen more tunes surrounding Adelia's Art Studio.

A special treat was the Black Lillies' rendition of “Silver Wings”. Sam and Cruz paused to invite Cash, a middle schooler, to trumpet the melody. It was a truly rewarding and memorable moment.

But just as everyone thought the concert was winding down, the Black Lillies moved the gathering to the front parlor. With Cruz on the piano and Sam on the guitar, they entertained and led the crowd in several sing-alongs and songs from their latest album, Hard to Please.

The Black Lillies are in Texas this week. But they will return to Knoxville for a three day New Year's Celebration at the Bijou Theater beginning on December 30, continuing on December 31, and culminating in a Bonus Concert on New Year's Day. Tickets and more information are available at http://theblacklillies.com/.