Nashville, Tenn. (October 23, 2013) – It’s that time of year again, when more things seem to go “bump” in the night, stories of witches and maniacal killers play out on TV and in our movie theatres, and decorations take a darker turn in preparation for Halloween. So, too, was the recent experience of Timothy Chance, the promoter of Welcome to Nashville Showcases (WTN), downtown’s biggest and fastest-growing original music showcase, which is held each Thursday night at the Silver Dollar Saloon (110 Second Ave. North, Nashville). As Chance scouted the historic venue in mid-September to plan WTN’s First Annual Halloween Bash, he snapped off a series of photographs of the evening’s performers and caught an eerie image he did not expect.

“I almost didn’t tell anybody because it freaks me out a little,” explains Chance.  “There was no smoke in the room, nor was there anything on any of the pictures I took before or after this shot…and there wasn’t anyone in the club wearing this type of outfit.”

Looking for an explanation, he presented the photograph to Angela Ashton ofMemphis Cryptic Shadows Paranormal Research, who said:

“Well, I analyzed it briefly and took it through all the filters. It appears to be a legitimate photo of what I would call ‘energy’ passing by the camera, or, as some would call it, ‘a ghost.’ It shows movement and almost enough definition to make it out. My opinion is that is almost surely a man and not a woman though. There aren’t many photos in the field that impress me.”

However, when Chance sent the photograph to the Tennessee Wraith Chasers(the paranormal group seen on the TV Show, “Ghostland Tennessee,” which airs on Destination America), they said:

“The photo is just too perfect. In this field we usually capture an apparition’s leg or a shoulder. This photo is perfectly cropped to show the band and the establishment’s logo in the background. The ghost is right there, front and center, and I just don’t buy it. However, there are a few things that did catch my eye. If this photo was, in fact, faked, it was done by someone who knew what they were doing. It’s not bad, but yet, in my opinion, inconclusive…”

With or without the photographic “evidence,” workers of the Silver Dollar Saloon have claimed to hear footsteps and noises coming from the main floor of the venue while no one else was present. One of the workers actually quit, citing the activity as part of the reason.

Undeterred, and still not fully convinced, Chance pushed forward with his plans.Welcome to Nashville Showcases will host its First Annual Halloween Bash at the Silver Dollar Saloon (110 2nd Ave. North, Nashville) to be held from 7 p.m.until close on Thursday, October 31. The Bash will feature a “spooktacular” lineup of over 20 of Nashville’s best up-and-coming artists with acoustic shows from 7-9 p.m. and band showcases from 9 p.m. until close, including Timothy Chance, Kelly n’ Troy, Spencer Mulder, Midtown Violets, Stephen Cochran, Trickum, Willie 3rd Street and more! The evening will also feature a Cash Prize Costume Contest, as well the Ultimate WTN Gift Pack Giveaway containing merchandise from Boot Country, a writing session with a notable songwriter and a professional photo shoot including hair and makeup. The back room and lower floors of the venue will be converted to feature the Living Dead Legends Wax Museum and Silver Slaughter Haunted House. As always, there is NEVER a cover to enjoy the show, however additional VIP Seating is limited and available for a $25 donation (a portion of which will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation). The Silver Slaughter Haunted House will open Thursday, October 31 and run through Saturday, November 2. A $10 donation will be requested for admission which will also provide an entry for the raffle prize. Of course, the eerie photograph taken by Chance will also be on display to let you judge for yourself…do you REALLY believe in ghosts? The event is sponsored in part by Cumberland Hospitality Group, Boom Labs Studios, Budweiser, Crown Royal, Skyy Vodka, Free At Last, Bad Cat Amps, Nashville Universe, Silver Dollar Saloon, Timothy Chance, Whiskey Bent, Xaust Media & Young Country Royalty Records. For information on artist submissions to play the Welcome to Nashville Showcases, click HERE or for an overview of the show, click HERE. For more information on the Silver Dollar Saloon, please visitwww.silverdollarsaloon.com or call (615) 891-3168.

About Silver Dollar Saloon:
The iconic Silver Dollar Saloon is Cumberland Hospitality Group’s largest venue in Historic Downtown Nashville’s entertainment district. Steeped in a rich history dating back to the 1800’s when steamboats and railroads were the mode of shipment and trade with coal dust covering the streets, The Silver Dollar Saloon once catered to the riverboat men coming up from the wharf at the foot of Broadway (which is now Riverfront Park). The saloon earned its name for the hundreds of silver dollars used as decoration in the floor of the original saloon.Today’s Silver Dollar Saloon pays homage to this old style with detailed dark wood furnishings, copper inlaid accents, steamboat décor, spittoons, dim lights, ice cold drinks, and authentic live entertainment that will have you coming back for more.