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Spring’s half gone, warm weather is here to stay, festival season is fast approaching, and great new tours are being announced left and right. The new few months are sure to be extra busy (in a good way), and this weekend’s happenings are no exception. As we do every single weekend, our staff have combed through concert calendars to pick out the best and most exciting events we think warrant your attention, so keep reading to see what your weekend in Nashville could entail…
FRIDAY
BENJY DAVIS
@ Soulshine | 7pm | Free | All Ages
To kick off the weekend is Lightning 100’s Artist of the Week, Benjy Davis. Originally from Louisiana, Davis moved to Nashville to pursue the ultimate dream that most people in Music City share: to be a singer/songwriter. He recently released his self-titled debut EP earlier this year, and is clearly motivated to get his name out there. Be sure to catch this acoustic rock/folk musician in action at Lightning 100’s infinitely popular Soulshine Pizza happy hour, and feel free to grab a beer while you’re at it – you’ve earned a drink after this week.[BM]
MARGOT AND THE NUCLEAR SO AND SOS w/ EMPIRES, KATE MYERS
@ Exit/in | 8pm | $12ADV/$15DOS | 18+
It’s tonight, folks! Indiana band Margot and The Nuclear So & So’s are headed to the Exit/In to hit Nashville with their totally unique style. These guys are ever-changing and experimenting with new sounds. They used to be known more as chamber pop, but in 2010 they made a drastic change to their sound with the album Buzzard, becoming more rock. Just last month, they released a new album, Slingshot To Heaven, and changed colors once again. This record is much more chill than the former, with almost a Sufjan Stevens feel to it. Below, we’ve got a cool video from one of their earlier, more rock influenced, songs. Just for kicks, here’s a link to “Lazy;” one of those chill new songs from the new album. [MC]
SHY GUY, IDLE BLOOM, JOSEPHINE & THE WILD FRONT, MOM & DAD
@ The East Room | 9pm | $5 | 21+
When it comes to the next best in Nashville, and, as lovers of indie-pop, we definitely have a vote in for Shy Guy. Will it just be a matter of time before these guys go the route of Wild Cub? No one knows yet, but, we do know that any of you reading this would like to be able to say that you saw them at a space the size of The East Room. Josephine & The Wild Front and Mom & Dad open up. In a weekend chock full of DIY, this may be a $5 no-brainer. [MH]
THELMA AND THE SLEAZE, RIVER CITY TANLINES, ROMAN POLANSKI’S BABY
@ The Stone Fox | 9pm | $5 | 18+
Thelma and the Sleaze is a local trio that have been a favorite in the Nashville music scene for awhile now, and for good reason: their bluesy Southern rock sound is incredibly energetic and infectious. The group consist entirely of girls, who, without a doubt, can throw down with the best of them. We’ve covered a number of Thelma and the Sleaze shows and releases, mostly because we really dig their tunes and incredible stage show. Their performance at the Stone Fox this weekend is bound to be a great one, and we highly encourage all readers to make the trek. [JS]
THE DANBERRYS w/ SAM OUTLAW
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+
East Nasville natives Dorothy Daniel and Ben DeBerry (and their band, The Danberrys) are poised to invade The Basement with their folk/bluegrass/funk/soul sounds, so don’t miss your chance to see one of the most interesting, talented, and unique local bands going. South Dakota native via LA Sam Outlaw is also poised to showcase his “Southern California country music,” so we can’t wait to see what that’s all about in person. Best part? It’s all only $5! [JR]
TOKYO POLICE CLUB w/ GEOGRAPHER, SAID THE WHALE
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | $19.50ADV/$20DOS | 18+
We’ve been telling you about this one for months and now it’s finally here! We’ve even given away some free tickets, so, hopefully, you’re already going. If you’re still on the fence, take it from us: post-punk revivalist popsters Tokyo Police Club are worth the price of admission alone. Throw in electronic trio Geographer and the poised-to-blow stateside Canadian indie rockers Said The Whale, and you have one hell of a night. [JR]
MASON JENNINGS w/ CHEYENNE MIZE
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm | $15 | All Ages
Hawaiian-born, Pennsylvania raised Americana pop-folk singer-songwriter Mason Jennings (no relation to Waylon) has catchy melodies and a unique voice that you have to see live to truly appreciate. Kentuckian Cheyenne Mize is in the same vein as the headliner, and together, they will make this all ages show one to remember for fans of the chill vibes of 3rd and Lindsley. Check out his awesome John Lennon cover and go see him live! [JR]
MODOC, PROVERBIAL w/ THE AQUADUCKS
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $10 | 18+
Nashville’s MODOC are undoubtedly a band on the rise, with numerous critical accolades, television placements, and festival appearances under their belts. Though you’ve had many chances to catch them around town, if you’ve been sleeping on this fuzzy, hard hitting rock act, there’s never been a better time to get acquainted! Virginia’s Proverbial and locals The Aquaducks sweeten the deal. [PO]
SATURDAY
THE WEEKS w/ ROBERT ELLIS
@ Cannery Ballroom | 8:30pm | $15ADV/$17DOS | 18+
One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars, local southern/garage rockers The Weeks return to Cannery Ballroom for their first proper headlining home base show of 2014. We’ve watched these guys grow from tiny, DIY beginnings to a global touring act and festival mainstay, and can’t wait to see where the next few years take then. Opening up the show is Robert Ellis, making this one a can’t-miss night. [PO]
KANSAS BIBLE COMPANY w/ JOE HERTLER AND THE RAINBOW SEEKERS, THE JOY OF PAINTING
@ The Stone Fox | 9pm | $7 | 18+
Local favorites and Road to Bonnaroo winners Kansas Bible Company take their massively loud, everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink jam band sounds to The Stone Fox to explode all up in your ear holes. We recently told you all about them right here, in case you need a reminder. Equally awesome/loud dance party starters Joe Hertler and The Rainbow Seekers with be the meat of the music sandwich and blog faves The Joy of Painting are your appetizer. Come hungry for the awesome auditory grub. You can thank us afterwards. [JR]
MUSICIANS CORNER: ANDY DAVIS, NATHAN ANGELO, DEROBERT & THE HALF TRUTHS, THE GRIPS
@ Centennial Park | 1:30pm | Free | All Ages
Centennial Park is about to get pretty soulful on Saturday. This show will serve as an almost release party for Andy Davis, who dropped his new EP To Be Cruel this week, not to mention steady venue packers Nathan Angelo and DeRobert & the Half Truths. I can already see heads swaying, and plans for baby making being laid on “Saturday in the park.” [MH]
BEST FRIEND, TWIN STUDIES, BLACKSTONE RANGERS, THAT’S MY KID
@ The Other Basement | 9pm | $5 | All Ages
Nashville born, Knoxville-based Best Friend has been on our radar pretty much since their inception. We caught their first Nashville show at The Muse (RIP) a few years ago, and we’ve been keeping you guys in the loop while their sound has taken on a bit more of a psychedelic feel as they’ve matured. This DIY bill fills out with local rockers Twin Studies, shoegazey noisepop outfit Blackstone Rangers, and up and comers That’s My Kid. Apparently, the kids have had enough, these DIY shows are too good to pass up. If you don’t know where in the Belmont neighborhood it is, ask around… surely some of your peeps are hip. [MH]
PENICILLIN BABY w/ MOSELEY, FAUX FEROCIOUS, QUICHENIGHT
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+
It’s been several years since Nashville psychedelic rockers Penicillin Baby first came onto our radar, and it’s been amazing to see their artistic and professional growth in the time since. Inarguably one of Nashville’s best and buzziest up and coming bands, we’re floored to say that their latest 7″, “We’re Not Getting Any Younger” (stream the A-side below), is the group’s best effort yet. If you know ’em, then you know this is a killer $5 lineup, and, if you don’t, you should really go see what everyone’s been talking about. Moseley, Faux Ferocious, and Quichenight round out the bill, and make this one a total no-brainer. [PO]
TURQUOISE JEEP W/ YIP DECEIVER AND LIL IFFY
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | $15 | 18+
Thank Turquoise Jeep for bringing the phrase and song “Lemme Smang It” to the world. Since they introduced us to the intricacies of concurrently smashing and banging, Jeep has schooled us on treating each other like pirates (“Treat Me Like A Pirate”), the plight of the naughty farmer (“Naughty Farmer”), and how far the golden rule will go (“Return the Favor”). Catch the full preview for more, along with features on openers Yip Deceiver and LiL iFFy. [WD]
SUNDAY
GRIZFOLK w/ PHIN
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $10 | All Ages
It’s always interesting when bands make an attempt to bridge two seemingly unrelated genres, and few bands do that as well as Grizfolk. The group take elements of electronic music and pop music to create the musical backbone of their tracks. Then, they use country-esque vocals and lyrics to fill out the sound. All in all, it’s a very interesting juxtaposition, and this five piece pulls if off spectacularly. They’ll be playing at 3rd & Lindsley with Phin this Sunday, and if you’ve got the time, we recommend you make the trek. These guys are worth it. [JS]
[BM] Beth McAllister
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JS] Jack Smith
[MC] Matt Cairns
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain
[WD] Wes Davenport