L to R: Robert Darmstadt (bass), Steven Okoniewski (piano/vocals), Harrison Nemarich (drums)
(NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Oct. 27, 2026) Nashville-based rock trio Absolute Silence celebrated a sold-out Oct. 23 benefit concert and live album recording, Begin Again: An Evening at Ocean Way. The intimate, one-night-only event brought together approximately 100 guests at Ocean Way Nashville, generating $55,000 in support of Isaiah 117 House to date, with fundraising efforts continuing to benefit the nonprofit’s mission of providing care and support to children entering foster care.
What began as an idea for a special night of music in support of a meaningful cause grew into an experience that surpassed the band’s original vision. The energy in the room, both onstage and throughout the audience, was amplified by an extraordinary group of musicians, including a choir, string section and horn section. Together, they created a rich, dynamic sound that brought new depth to the band’s music and made the evening even more memorable than originally envisioned.
Developed by Absolute Silence and executive producer Ryan Poole, Begin Again built on the band’s existing relationship with Isaiah 117 House. After previously donating instruments to the organization’s Davidson County location, the band expanded its support through the benefit, raising funds and awareness for children navigating the difficult transition from removal from their homes to placement with a foster family.
Through its Davidson County home, Isaiah 117 House provides a safe, welcoming environment where children can receive immediate care, warm meals, clean clothes, essential supplies and reassurance from caring adults during an uncertain and often overwhelming time.
Held at Ocean Way Nashville, a renowned recording studio housed in a century-old Gothic Revival church on Music Row, the event blended Nashville’s musical heritage with a shared commitment to giving back. Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, behind-the-scenes studio tours, a silent auction featuring items from Gibson, the Nashville Predators, the Tennessee Titans and other contributors, and a special presentation from Isaiah 117 House founder Ronda Paulson highlighting the organization’s work.
The evening culminated in a live performance by Absolute Silence, featuring Steven Okoniewski (vocals and piano), Robert Darmstadt (bass) and Harrison Nemarich (drums), alongside strings, horns and a choir. The expanded arrangement and energy shared between the performers and audience brought the band’s original concept to life on a scale that exceeded its expectations.
The performance was recorded for a forthcoming live album and captured for an accompanying concert film and documentary. Both projects will be produced and creatively directed by Poole, a Nashville-based record producer, engineer and mixer who owns The Hideout Recording Studio on Music Row, extending the reach of the evening beyond the studio.
Through the generosity of attendees, sponsors, partners and local businesses, Begin Again helped advance Isaiah 117 House’s mission to provide care and comfort to children entering foster care. Absolute Silence extends its gratitude to the sponsors, partners and supporters who helped bring the event to life, including Gibson Gives, Bearded Iris, Jack Daniel’s, Grimey’s, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Holly Thompson Design, Adventure Science Center, Frist Art Museum, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Rancher Hat Bar, Aesthetics by Amy, Spavia Bellevue and Nashville Zoo.
The benefit followed an ambitious period of independent touring for Absolute Silence, with more than 300 performances across the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom and South Africa since January 2025. With Begin Again, the trio brought that momentum home, channeling its passion for live music into support for children and families in the Nashville community.
For more information about Begin Again: An Evening at Ocean Way and ways to support Isaiah 117 House, visit BeginAgainNashville.com. To stay up to date with Absolute Silence, visit their official website at absolutesilence.com.
About Absolute Silence: Absolute Silence is a Nashville-based piano-led rock trio featuring Steven Okoniewski (vocals/piano), Robert Darmstadt (bass) and Harrison Nemarich (drums). Formed in its current lineup in 2022, the band traces its beginnings to Okoniewski’s time serving in the U.S. Navy before the three musicians ultimately connected while attending Belmont University in Nashville. Combining explosive live performances, cinematic songwriting and modern production influences, Absolute Silence has performed more than 300 shows since January 2025, touring independently throughout the U.S., Europe, the U.K. and South Africa. Following extensive international touring and a prime main-stage appearance at Misty Waters Music Festival in South Africa, the trio is currently completing its debut album, recorded at Dark Horse Recording in Franklin, Tennessee, with Grammy-nominated producer Leah Haywood. Absolute Silence will continue touring throughout the Americas, Europe and South Africa in 2026–2027.
About Isaiah 117 House: Isaiah 117 House provides a comforting home where children who have been removed from their homes out of concern for their safety can wait while child welfare services identify an appropriate foster placement. Through safe and welcoming spaces, volunteers and staff provide children with necessities including meals, clean clothing, hygiene items and a place to rest and play. The organization’s mission is to reduce trauma for children awaiting placement, lighten the load for child welfare services and ease the transition for foster families.
VIEW THE FULL EVENT PHOTO GALLERY HERE
L to R: Harrison Nemarich, Steven Okoniewski, Billy Falcon, Dwayne Larring
Absolute Silence poses with featured musicians following their performance
Isaiah 117 House founder Ronda Paulson shares a presentation with attendees
Attendees gather at the iconic Ocean Way Nashville to enjoy a live performance by Absolute Silence
A trombonist from the horn section performs alongside Absolute Silence
A behind-the-scenes look at the production team recording Absolute Silence’s live album in Studio A
The strings section takes the stage for Begin Again: An Evening at Ocean Way