With Ink N’ Iron rolling into town at the same time as the ever popular Tomato Art Fest and the epic opening week of Ascend Amphitheater, it feels like Nashville has never been busier. Besides the big ticket items, there are a bunch of other great shows going on around town including a new side project from Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner at The Basement, Amanda Shires and John McCauley doing sets at City Winery, and a bill of site faves at Mercy Lounge. Keep reading for more about those shows and a ton of other events. Help make this a weekend to remember with a little help from our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!
FRIDAY
DAPHNE & THE MYSTERY MACHINES
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages
Talk about making a name for yourselves over a summer, Daphne & The Mystery Machines jumped on a Nashville Sunday Night bill, and then stormed right into the finals of Music City Mayhem a few weeks ago. I guess Lightning 100 is in full support of the incredibly soulful and honest vocals of frontwoman Daphne Culver and her incredible backing band. You’ve probably already heard them in rotation this week on L100, but if you haven’t, check out their powerful track “Learn To Fall” below to let you know why this is a sure bet FREE happy hour stop. [MH]
COUNTING CROWS w/ CITIZEN COPE, HOLLIS BROWN
@ Ascend Amphitheater| 7pm | $25-100 | All Ages
After selling out The Ryman almost instantly last year, and following a surprise set at the recent Outlaw Roadshow, popular ’90s alternative band Counting Crows return to Nashville this Friday night to help break in the new amphitheater with reggae/hip hop influenced singer-songwriter Citizen Cope. You’ll likely hear a good mix of upbeat jams like “Mr. Jones” and gut-wrenching ballads like “Colorblind,” so get ready to be on the best kind of emotional rollercoaster. [MG]
BRAID w/ BEACH SLANG, FREE THROW
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $13-15 | 18+
Midwest emo pioneers Braid, out in support of last year’s No Coast, their first full-length in 16 years, return to town for the first time in over a decade, backed by buzzworthy Philadelphia band Beach Slang, as well as local emo/pop punk act Free Throw. If you’re as big a classic emo fan as we are, this one’s a no-brainer; it’s amazing to see so many bands return years later with a more rabid fanbase and stronger critical appreciation than ever, and for Braid, it’s well-deserved. [PO]
LISSIE
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $18 | All Ages
You may recognize indie folk singer Lissie by her covers of pop songs like “Bad Romance” and “Pursuit of Happyness,” but she has made her own music popular since 2010 through several festival stints and slots opening for Ray LaMontagne and Snow Patrol. She’ll be stripping down her set and going acoustic for this show at 3rd & Lindsley on Friday night. [MG]
BLACK VENUS, DR. JUNGLE CAT, OH GRANDPA, TREE READ, ELIJAH NEWMAN
@ The East Room | 8pm | $8 | 18+
The event planning outfit Hong Meow is putting on another one of their typical humdingers at The East Room on Friday night, with five local bands, comedian MC, a photo booth, art for sale, a pop-up shop, a raffle to help abused dogs in Nashville, and much more. The bands playing the event include dark blues duo Black Venus, female-fronted indie rock band Dr. Jungle Cat, piano-driven rock outfit Oh Grandpa, and folk singer-songwriters Tree Read and Elijah Newman. You can get in for $5 with a grain-free pet product donation for charity. [JSa]
AMANDA SHIRES
@ City Winery | 9:30pm | $15-20 | All Ages
As a songwriter, vocalist and violinist, it seems like there isn’t much that Amanda Shires can’t do. The talented Texan turned Nashvillian has her own solo career in addition to being a member of her husband Jason Isbell’s backing band; her fourth full-length album, Down Fell The Doves, was released in 2013 and and the track “Devastate” was listed as one of the Top 50 songs of 2013 by American Songwriter. She and her band will take the stage at City Winery this Friday night, so head out there for a night of beautiful music. [MG]
CAYETANA, CHUMPED, THIN LIPS
@ The Stone Fox | 9pm | $10 | 18+
Punk rock doesn’t just live, it thrives in Music City, especially at the West Side haunt, The Stone Fox. Friday’s bill festers Philly power pop-punk three-piece Cayetana, Brooklyn based bummer punks Chumped, and another like minded Philly trio Thin Lips. It’s not everyday we get an east coast underground-scene invasion like this, so drop the ten skrill and get your ass to the show! [JR]
TOMATO ART FEST: NEULORE, DANIEL ELLSWORTH AND THE GREAT LAKES, AND THE FUTURE
@ Five Points | 7pm | Free | All Ages
Get ready to get your ‘mator on at one of Music City’s most unique out door festivals/block parties; it’s the 11th annual Tomato Art Fest! To get you in the spirit for the 100% free East Nashville shindig features tons of themed events, arts and crafts for the kids, parade, etc, on Saturday, they are throwing a block party for you on Friday night. So, head down to Five Points to catch FREE sets from cinematic indie alt rockers Neulore, local indie rock standouts Daniel Ellsworth and The Great Lakes, plus indie popsters The Future. [JR]
HUM w/ THE DIRTY FEATHERS
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | SOLD OUT | 18+
Though they disbanded 15 years ago, and haven’t released an album since the ’90s, seminal genre-bending alt rock outfit Hum have been intermittently active for the past decade or so, embarking on a short run this summer which includes several festival stops, and marks their first tour since 2011. Unsurprisingly their return to Nashville, which appears to be the group’s first Music City outing in 20 years, sold out in advance; hope you got tickets! [PO]
ALICE IN CHAINS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
Hope you got tickets to see hard rock legends Alice in Chains at one of their two nights at The Ryman this weekend back in the spring when we first told you about the show, because both Friday and Saturday evening’s performances have sold out. Returning to Music City for the first time in five years, the group, fronted these days by vocalist William DuVall, are expected to release a new album later this year, meaning plenty of classic cuts and likely some never before heard songs as well! [PO]
INK N IRON FESTIVAL: MERLE HAGGARD, REVEREND HORTON HEAT, SHOOTER JENNINGS, & MORE
@ Bicentennial Mall Park | 12pm | $50-270 | All Ages
Following years of operating out of Southern California, Ink N Iron Festival moves to Music City for the first time this year, for an event they’re dubbing “in the land of Cash and Elvis.” Aside from a stacked musical lineup, boasting amazing bands from the punk, rockabilly, and country realms like Merle Haggard, Reverend Horton Heat, Shooter Jennings, Bob Wayne, and Strung Like a Horse, and more, spread across four stages, Ink N Iron will feature plenty of events celebrating SoCal culture, like a pinup pageant, car and bike show, tattoo convention, and more. Numerous ticket options are available, ranging from single-day music passes, to weekend VIP treatment, so head to their site for full details! Friday’s lineup skews more country. [PO]
SATURDAY
TOMATO ART FEST
@ Five Points | 11am | FREE | All ages
Between four stages with rotating musical acts all day long. There is simply too much to describe in this little paragraph. Have a look see at our full Tomato Art Fest run down for more information on one of the most festive days of the year in East Nashville, and check out the new single “Mamma’s Gotta Secret” from Them Vibes below to get a taste of just one of the artists performing at the event. [MH]
JOHN MCCAULEY (OF DEER TICK) w/ CAITLIN ROSE
@ City Winery | 8pm | $20-25 | All Ages
Charismatic Deer Tick frontman John McCauley has been making the rounds in Music City (we caught him with side project super group Diamond Rugs a few months ago). The local resident is now ready to show the wine and cheese crowd at City Winery what he’s worth, with local friend of the blog, and kickass singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose. With a wide variety of material to pull from between the two artists, this should be a really unique and entertaining show, and don’t be surprised if a cool cover or two make their way into the set. [JR]
VINYL THIEF w/ DINNER AND A SUIT, CAPPA, TYSSON
@ Mercy Lounge | 8:15pm | $8-10 | 18+
Indie/electro/synthpop group Vinyl Thief have been a favorite of ours for quite a few years now, and their latest single “Longer” has us extra energized for their first hometown show in awhile. Rounded out by Dinner and a Suit, breakout indie pop singer CAPPA, and newcomer TYSSON, this bill is absolutely stacked, and, amidst a crowded weekend, it might just offer the most bang for your buck! Strap on those dancing shoes and come party! [PO]
HeCTA w/ FUTURE DAZE, SUGAR SKULLS
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+
HeCTA is the brand new electronic project from Lambchop head honcho Kurt Wagner. Joined by fellow Lambchop bandmates Ryan Norris (Coupler) and Scott Martin (Hobbledeions) plus Rodrigo Avendano (Coupler, Bows & Arrows), Wagner describes the project as “an attempt to extend the boundaries of our expression and have some fun.” This weekend’s show at The Basement will serve as their live debut, where they’ll be joined by locals Future Daze and Sugar Skulls. Don’t miss this chance to get to know HeCTA before the rest of the world does. [CO]
MACHINE GUN KELLY w/ KING LOS
@ Marathon Music Works| 8pm | $20-23 | 18+
Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly, who also goes by MGK, has had quite an interesting career ascent. Tatted up and aligned with the punk community, he found an early embrace from fans of Warped Tour, and is even slated to appear in the upcoming sequel to SLC Punk. However, musically, MGK is straight up hip hop, signed to P. Diddy’s Bad Boy records and aligned with some of the best MCs in the game. Though not quite a household name, Kelly’s fame has been absolutely surging lately and his upcoming sophomore effort, General Admission, seems poised to make him a superstar. King Los opens. [PO]
STEELY DAN w/ ELVIS COSTELLO
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7pm | $40-150 | All Ages
It’s rock and roll 2-for-1 night at Ascend Amphitheatre on Saturday, Aug. 8, when just one ticket will get you in to see two members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Classic band Steely Dan will be joined by Elvis Costello. It’s another chance to check out the new amphitheater and to see a billing of two legendary acts play outside, under the stars on the same night. [MW]
MYSTERY TWINS, BIG SURR, PENICILLIN BABY
@ The Stone Fox | 9pm | $5 | 18+
One of our favorite Nashville psych-rock outfits Penicillin Baby are playing The Stone Fox on Saturday, supporting another long time-site fave Mystery Twins, which consists of Doug Lehmann and Stephanie Brush from the critically acclaimed Music City band called The Clutters. Also joining the bill are surf rockers from the Infinity Cat Family, Big Surr. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this night of incredible, homegrown rock and roll. [JC]
ALICE IN CHAINS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
Hope you got tickets to see hard rock legends Alice in Chains at one of their two nights at The Ryman this weekend back in the spring when we first told you about the show, because both Friday and Saturday evening’s performances have sold out. Returning to Music City for the first time in five years, the group, fronted these days by vocalist William DuVall, are expected to release a new album later this year, meaning plenty of classic cuts and likely some never before heard songs as well! [PO]
INK N IRON FESTIVAL: COHEED & CAMBRIA, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THE MISFITS, THE BRONX, & MORE
@ Bicentennial Mall Park | 11am | $50-270 | All Ages
Following years of operating out of Southern California, Ink N Iron Festival moves to Music City for the first time this year, for an event they’re dubbing “in the land of Cash and Elvis.” Aside from a stacked musical lineup, boasting amazing bands from the punk, rockabilly, and country realms like Coheed & Cambria, Suicidal Tendencies, The Misfits, The Bronx, Nashville Pussy, Nekromantix, and more, spread across four stages, Ink N Iron will feature plenty of events celebrating SoCal culture, like a pinup pageant, car and bike show, tattoo convention, and more. Numerous ticket options are available, ranging from single-day music passes, to weekend VIP treatment, so head to their site for full details! Saturday’s lineup skews more punk and rockabilly. [PO]
SUNDAY
GOOD OLD WAR w/ SMOOTH HOUND SMITH
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $15 | All Ages
Touring in support of their fantastic fourth album, Broken into Better Shape, Philadelphia indie folk duo Good Old War return to Nashville for a headlining outing with locals (and recent Music City Mayhem winners) Smooth Hound Smith. We told you all about the show and both bands in our ticket giveaway, which ends Friday afternoon! [PO]
SMASHING PUMPKINS, MARILYN MANSON
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7pm | $30-100 | All Ages
While legendary alt rockers the Smashing Pumpkins have been something of a rotating cast of players in recent years, this tour is special, because it returns original drummer Jimmy Chamberlain to the fold. Seminal to the Pumpkins’ sound, Chamberlain is the only band member besides Billy Corgan to have made significant contributions in studio. Co-headling, shock rocker Marilyn Manson might seem like an odd choice, especially since he and Corgan have had something of a rocky relationship over the years, but for fans of ’90s alt rock, this bill is sure to more than satisfy! [PO]
BUFFALO RODEO, CONCORD AMERICA, CHIEF SCOUT
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $5 | 21+
Bowling Green based indie-psych rockers Buffalo Rodeo will be performing at The Basement East on Sunday night. They played our weekly showcase at Acme Feed & Seed just last month and we were so impressed that we definitively called them the next great Nashville/Bowling Green band. Also playing are Atlanta punk rockers Concord America and psychedelic band Chief Scout. [MW]
INK N IRON FESTIVAL: SHARON JONES AND THE DAP KINGS, BLACK JOE LEWIS, WANDA JACKSON, & MORE
@ Bicentennial Mall Park | 12pm | $50-270 | All Ages
Following years of operating out of Southern California, Ink N Iron Festival moves to Music City for the first time this year, for an event they’re dubbing “in the land of Cash and Elvis.” Aside from a stacked musical lineup, boasting amazing bands from the punk, rockabilly, and country realms like Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Black Joe Lewis, Wanda Jackson, Jim Lauderdale, Lindi Ortega, and more, spread across four stages, Ink N Iron will feature plenty of events celebrating SoCal culture, like a pinup pageant, car and bike show, tattoo convention, and more. Numerous ticket options are available, ranging from single-day music passes, to weekend VIP treatment, so head to their site for full details! Sunday’s lineup provides a good mix of rock, soul, and blues. [PO]
[CO] Carson O’Shoney
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JSa] Jacqui Sahagian
[JC] Julian Ciany
[MH] Matt Hall
[MW] Meagan Whitney
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[PO] Philip Obenschain