An interview with co-organizer Nick Horner
by Taryn Ferro
Carol Cart is a Knoxville Christmas experience unlike any other that combines traditional caroling with a twist of local flair involving local musicians and original Knoxville Christmas songs. I was able to sit down with co-organizer Nick Horner and get an in-depth look at this one-of-a-kind holiday event. It is a feel-good occasion that supports local artists and fosters community among downtown residents, creatives and holiday shoppers alike – something we all can get behind!
Taryn Ferro: First off, what is Carol Cart?
Nick Horner: Carol Cart is a free, interactive holiday sidewalk parade hosted on Dec. 21 by Make Music Knoxville. This annual event invites Knoxville musicians and community members – anyone can join in on the fun! – to carol together throughout downtown Knox and the Old City areas. Accompanied by the ‘Carol Cart,’ a golf cart carrying musicians and decked out in holiday attire, all are invited to sing secular holiday songs and original themes written by Knoxville artists about East Tennessee! Last year, our event hosted 25 folks from the community caroling throughout Knoxville. This year we’re collaborating with over 70 local artists who have been a part of our lead-up events, video series and Dec. 21 event.
How did you come up with this idea?
Carol Cart was started in 2021 as a way to kick off Make Music Knoxville’s first annual Make Music Winter celebration, which like all Make Music events, happens in conjunction with cities from around the world! The idea was to find something truly ‘Knoxville’ that was still a new and fresh take on what the music scene had to offer. Chris Lamb [of Real Knoxville Music] mentioned teaming up with KISS Caboose and the ball started rolling from there!
Who runs Make Music Knoxville?
Our core team consists of myself as main producer of all Make Music Knoxville events with Chris and Travis Tench [of Oak Hill Audio and indie-rock band Tinca Tinca] serving as integral support. We also have a brilliant community of musicians and music lovers who contribute their time and energy to bring our events to life.
How do you develop the setlist? Is there a mix of established Christmas songs along with new ones?
The Carol Cart repertoire is a combination of original Knoxville-themed holiday singalongs and traditional carols. We still do all of the classics, but there’s nothing quite like ambling down a street singing carols about the very place you are! Carol Cart has commissioned 10 holiday songs that we’re releasing to the public throughout December via music videos [thanks to special support from the Arts and Culture Alliance], so keep an eye out on social media for festive tunes coming your way!
What’s your favorite part of this event?
I love to see the looks on the unassuming faces who missed the memo that we’re rolling through town. It starts somewhere between perplexity and amusement and usually turns to glee once they get a feel for what’s going on. I also love getting the music community together for something a little different than the usual haunts and hangs. It’s nice to do something a little different every now and again! They will be engaging heavily with downtown and Old City businesses with help from the Downtown Knoxville Alliance.
Looking to join in on the fun? All you have to do is show up! Check out the parade route on https://www.makemusicknox.com so that you can find them on the sidewalks. Bring an instrument or just your voice! If you want a leg up on learning the original songs, remember to check out social media for new music videos coming out all throughout December. These songs will surely become Knoxville holiday staples for years to come!
