Daily Inspiration: Meet Patrick “Papa” Raines

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick “Papa” Raines.

Hi Patrick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
A question I get asked a lot is: “Why do people call you Papa?” I always enjoy that question because it reminds me of where I come from and where I want to go. The nickname started in high school (Richmond, Virginia) mostly as a nickname while bowling and competing in sports.

I found that I loved it when I would walk into a room and people would scream PAPA!! It had a nice ring to it.

I moved to Nashville in 2007 and shortly after my good friend and talented musician Steve Wolfe said to me in the middle of lunch at Dan Mcguiness (now Tailgate Brewery) “You are Papa, you have a nickname that fits you and makes people smile when they say it. That is rare and you should utilize it!” Shortly after, I changed my Instagram handle from @tidefan to @paparaines and started using MC Papa Raines as my stage name while booking, promoting, and emceeing shows in Nashville.

In the summer of 2020, I started releasing my own brand of “fusion music” to incorporate some of the talented musicians I was meeting along the journey. While being Papa Raines in Nashville I have been able to nurture creatives, while remaining creative. I still think my most meaningful show was the night Red Roots Music hosted an event with John Carter Cash for Toys for Tots.

Over 500 toys were collected, so many that the venue lobby was overflowing. Music City in December is a great time of year because of all the charity shows. You never know who is going to show up and perform for a good cause.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are two sides to the obstacles and challenges route. I take the time every day to acknowledge my blessings and give thanks. I also appreciate the tough times, even if many of them were avoidable or self-induced.

Nashville is a town that encourages debauchery. It takes real maturity and focuses to thrive here. Once you find that, things slow down and get a lot easier. My Dad reminds me often of his favorite Bob Weir quote “When life looks like easy street there’s danger at your door.”

Last year, I lost my mother and remain passionate about helping the fight against Parkinson’s Disease. Each year, the PAPAPALOOZA showcases fundraise for Parkinson’s research. This August the party will take place on the rooftop of The Stillery in Midtown. The loss of a parent has been a new obstacle, but the pain is not necessarily the worst element for songwriting and music production.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I studied communications at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide), I didn’t realize that public speaking would be my meat and potatoes. The “master of ceremonies” skill set has opened a lot of doors for me. One night, I might be the emcee for a major event, concert, or wedding, and the next I am releasing music or songwriting as an MC.

I try to be entertaining and work mostly in the style of an improv comedian. Sometimes, I hear lots of laughs and big applause, and other nights can be a swing and miss. I take pride in learning 3 facts about the artists I introduce with one of the facts being a personal or fun fact. It is important that both sides of an artist are seen, the product AND the person.

I emcee and book talent every Wednesday and Thursday at The Sutler Saloon. Hosting original showcases is a way to stay connected to the local Nashville pulse. I love getting to be a part of someone’s journey, especially giving them their first chance to play Nashville. The talent buyer Ashley Evans and I have worked on many projects around town and most of them with a charity aspect (Team Big 98 for St Jude, Rock to Recovery).

The Sutler is one of the last standing authentic Nashville venues in my opinion.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love to cook.

The men in my family through the generations have all been great cooks and I take a lot of pride in putting a meal together. Feeding people is an easy way to make friends, especially if the food is good! I am also an ordained minister and have performed 5 weddings. However, my secret passion is acting and I have appeared in over a dozen different television episodes.

It was a lot of fun when the ABC/CMT show “Nashville” was filmed in town. My hope is that the Nashville film community will get more opportunities to host major television and film. Being on a set is a great example of teamwork in motion.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @paparaines

Image Credits
Ashley L. Evans, Tyler Woods, Melody Johnson, and Macy Laurel