Our first full weekend of November features cooler weather, but some really hot bands. It feels like a bit of a light weekend after the crazy October, but we’ve managed to round up some incredible shows for you. We have some a night of blog faves at The Stone Fox, some throwback rock, DJs, a family affair at The City Winery, hip hop and literature and so much more. Start planning your weekend with all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!
FRIDAY
ISSAC HAYDEN
@ 12th & Porter | 7pm | Free | All Ages
Isaac Hayden describes his music as “acoustic folk rock blues pop,” which means that he offers something for everyone to enjoy. As Lightning 100’s Artist of the Week, Hayden has already accomplished a milestone given that his debut self-titled album just came out in September. It can be listened to and purchased here before you head off to the free show tonight to kick off the weekend. [BM]
SMOKING FLOWERS w/ BILL EBERLE, THE CUNNING
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+
They call it “aggressive folk,” but lilting melodies and harmonies with a punk attitude drive this local husband-wife duo’s sound. Fans of The Avett Brothers should definitely take note, as we expect to be hearing more and more about The Smoking Flowers. Bill Eberle and The Cunning get things started at The Basement for only $5. [MH]
MIMOSA w/ PLASTICIAN
@ Anthem | 10pm | $10 | 18+
A pioneer in the West Coast sound, artist Mimosa has gained a ton of notoriety for energetic and over-the-top live shows. If you’re looking for some heavy, dance friendly music, get on out to Nashville’s premier club, Anthem, to check out one of the hardest-hitting DJs on the scene. Opening for Mimosa is UK based DJ Plastician, which basically assures that this will be a nonstop party from the moment the doors open at 10pm. [JS]
BOBBY BARE & BOBBY BARE JR.
@ City Winery | 8pm | $22-28 | All Ages
Country Music Hall-of-Famer Bobby Bare and outstanding alt-rocker Bobby Bare, Jr. are performing on stage together. Check out our full preview here. It is sure to be a night of humor and fun. [SJ]
O.A.R. w/ ANDY GRAMMER
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | $30-33 | 18+
College rock legends O.A.R are in music city and ready to jam the fuck out! Touring in support of their latest offering, The Rockville LP (in honor of their hometown, Rockville, MD), the seasoned pros are ready to show everyone they’ve reached star status. Get there on time to catch platinum single hit-maker Andy Grammar. [JR]
MIKE FLOSS (AKA OPENMIC)
@ Third Man Records | 7pm | Free | 18+
There’s a free event happening at Third Man on Friday that melds hip-hop and poetry, music and literature. Third Man is celebrating the release of its first collection of literature through the new Third Man Books publishing wing and the announcement of its first single-author poetry collection by Janaka Stucky. But if you’re on this website you might not be a literature nerd like me and probably just want to hear about Nashville rapper Mike Floss, who’s shared the stage with Pusha T, Wale, Stalley, and Yo Gotti and earned Hip Hop Album of the Year from the Nashville Scene. This event is yet another example of how Jack White’s brainchild is diversifying Nashville’s arts scene and this is a rare opportunity to check Third Man out for free. [JSa]
JON BYRD
@ Stone Fox | 7pm | $10 | 18+
Jon Byrd brings his Country/Folk/Americana sound to The Stone Fox for an early 7 p.m. show to celebrate the recent release of his new album, Route 41, which is a reflection of his journey up US Route 41 from Atlanta to Nashville over a dozen years ago, and the songwriters who have inspired him. He’ll be joined by Justin Amaral, Ed Adkins, Thomm Jutz, Ward Brian Stout and the loveliest singing ladies on the Westside— Shannon Wright and Sara Beck. [JMo]
CAROLINE REESE & THE DRIFTING FIFTH
@ Kimbro’s Cafe | 7:45pm | $5 | 21+
Singer-songwriter Caroline Reese is from Reading, PA and has released two country-folk solo albums, Indian River (2010) and Slow Code (2013). She now fronts Caroline Reese and the Drifting Fifth (CRD5), an Americana / alt-folk band, which released their debut EP, The Electric Year, earlier this year. They are wrapping up three nights of shows in Nashville with this one at Kimbro’s Cafe Friday at 8 p.m. [JMo]
SATURDAY
VINYL THIEF, STAYING FOR THE WEEKEND, 12TH STREET SOCIAL CLUB
@ The Stone Fox | 9pm | $10 | 18+
Everyone’s favorite small venue, The Stone Fox, is at it again, bringing you three of Nashville’s finest indie rock bands! Headlined by the dynamic Vinyl Thief, the show will begin with surf rock act 12th Street Social Club and local indie rock veterans Staying for the Weekend. It’s sure to be a hell of a show, and may just be the best ten dollars you spend all weekend. Enjoy yourself, and read more about the lineup right here! [JS]
HOTEL WAR, DIAMOND CARTER, BLACKFOOT GYPSIES, AND MICK LEONADRI
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+
Hotel War are celebrating the release of their newest record, Nashville Nights, on Saturday night, and, based on our first listen, the raucous rock sounds are going to tear the roof off of The 5 Spot. Blog standouts Diamond Carter, Blackfoot Gypsies, and Mick Leonardi fill out an incredible bill for only $5. Uhhh, yes please. Have a listen to the new record below. [MH]
AARON BEHRENS AND THE MIDNIGHT STROLL w/ RANCH GHOST
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $10 | 18+
Ghostland Observatory’s Aaron Behrens has embarked on a cool ass side project know as The Midnight Stroll, who take are destined to take you on a musical journey for just $10! Local favorites Ranch Ghost, whom we’ve covered before, will open up the night’s festivities. [JR]
RYAN HEMSWORTH w/ METHDAD, COACH
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $15 | 18+
Canadian DJ and acclaimed remix artist Ryan Hemsworth has worked with numerous artists we love, including Grimes, Frank Ocean, and Cat Power. He’ll be showcasing his skills and turning the Exit/In into one giant dance party, with the help of local posi/experimental/indie-electro rocker Methdad and fave local DJ Coach. Don’t miss out! [PO]
SUNDAY
THE BEECH BENDERS, CHARLIE MEGIRA & THE BET SHE’AN HILLBILLIES
@ The Stone Fox | 9pm | | FREE | 18+
Local surf rock heroes and No Country Presents: Acme Tuesday night veterans The Beech Benders are headlining this FREE Sunday night shindig with Charlie Megira & The Bet She’an Hillbillies, a band you have to see to believe; retro rockabilly with outer space mic effects. [JR]
JAMES TAYLOR
@ Bridgestone Arena | 8pm | | $69.50-89.50 | All Ages
Ok, sure, Grammy award winning singer-songwriter James Taylor might not be the coolest concert happening in Nashville this week, but, without question, the man is a living legend, and you’re surely familiar with many of the hits from his six decade spanning career. Tickets for this one are a little pricey, but, with a pedigree like Taylor’s, it should be well worth the price of entry. [PO]
[BM] Beth McAllister
[JS] Jack Smith
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JSa] Jacqui Sahagian
[JEM] Jessika Malone
[JMo] Jeff Moody
[MC] Matt Cairns
[MH] Matt Hall
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[PO] Philip Obenschain
[WD] Wes Davenport
[SJ] Shawn Jackson