Unless you are living under a rock, you already know that AmericanaFest is dominating the local scene this week. We already gave a full rundown of the official events with our sprawling preview of the official showcases and, of course, the finale with Loretta Lynn, Steve Earle, Gillian Welch, Nikki Lane and more at Ascend on Saturday. That being said, there are a few showcases that we’re going to mention here, like AmericanaRama VIII at Grimeys, a cool happy hour showcase from New West Records, and a gospel brunch and alt-country icon to finish off the festivities. Are you already sick of Americana, and looking for something else to do? No worries, there are rock vibes happening at SoBro Fest, jazz legend George Benson, a Yelawolf led day party, and the kick ass post rock vibe of Godspeed You! Black Emporer, to name just a few. Head below for the our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!
FRIDAY
HeCTA
@ Grimeys Too | 5pm | FREE | All ages
Celebrating the release of their debut LP, The Diet, new local electro outfit HeCTA will be performing a free in-store (actually, it’s going to take place on the deck). In the height of the Americana explosion in town this weekend, this could serve as the perfect palate cleanser, and an opportunity to see this exciting side project from Lambchop honcho Kurt Wagner among others. [MH]
LILLY HIATT, JASON JAMES, LUTHER DICKINSON, CICADA RHYTHM
@ Acme Feed & Seed | 5pm | FREE | 21+
Local tastemaker label New West Records teams up with our friends at Acme Feed & Seed to bring you a free happy hour slotted get together (reportedly with some free drinks going around). From their roster, they’re featuring guitar virtuoso Luther Dickinson, local Americana singer songwriter darling Lilly Hiatt, the throwback country twang of Jason James, and the harmony filled old timey sounds of Cicada Rhythm. If you’re downtown after work and don’t stop at this one, you’re probably messing up. [MH]
SOBRO FEST ft. WATERS, FAMILY & FRIENDS
@ Trolley Barns (41 Peabody) | 6pm | $10 | All Ages
We already ran down the 4th annual edition of SoBro Fest that’s happening at the Trolley Barns, and features pop leaning indie rockers WATERS, and high energy folk outfit Family & Friends. Head here for more info on the event, and check out the title track from WATERS’ newest release, What’s Real. [MH]
NORMA JEAN w/ ’68, SLEEPWAVE, THE ONGOING CONCEPT, BELLE HAVEN
@ Rocketown | 6pm | $17 | All Ages
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their beloved (and, interestingly, Grammy nominated) sophomore effort O’ God, the Aftermath, long-running Atlanta metalcore outfit Norma Jean return to Nashville for the first time in two years to play the record in full. Supporting them is a stacked bill of ’68, Sleepwave, The Ongoing Concept, and Belle Haven, making this a hell of a lineup for less than $20. [PO]
BILLY IDOL w/ THE LONDON SOULS
@ Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
We hope you snagged tickets to Billy Idol‘s Ryman outing when we first announced it back in April, because it is officially sold out. The legendary rocker’s first Nashville outing since 1987, this tour celebrates the release of both last year’s King & Queens of the Underground, as well as Idol’s critically-acclaimed new autobiography, Dancing with Myself. It’s sure to be unforgettable. [PO]
DEAD SOFT w/ BIG SURR, HEINOUS ORCA
@ The Stone Foxx | 9pm |$7 | 18+
Canadian heavy pop-rockers Dead Soft are topping off a pretty heady bill that’s super easy on the wallet. Look for Nashville via San Fransisco based skate rockers Big Surr and local garage punks Heinous Orca to kick things off at The Fox … and all for just $7. If you’re looking for something completely non-Americana related, this is the show for you! [JR]
GEORGE BENSON
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 8pm | $63-143 | All ages
Jazz legends are few and far between in our contemporary music scene, and given the current direction, the number that will be deemed legends in the future will be significantly less. Take this opportunity to catch jazz guitar virtuoso George Benson when he graces the Schermerhorn on Friday night. Tickets are a bit steep for this one, but, in Music City, you don’t get too many opportunities to spend the evening with a jazz great. [MH]
SATURDAY
SLUMFEST: YELAWOLF, BUBBA SPARXXX, RITTZ, HILLBILLY CASINO, IKILLYA, JOSH HEADLY, JELLY ROLL, BIG HENRY, ALEX KING, SHAWTY FATT
@ Boswell Harley Davidson (Fesslers Ln) | 12pm | $30-50 | All Ages
Southern rapper and sometimes Nashville resident Yelawolf, having a huge year thanks to his breakout sophomore effort Love Story, is hosting what might just be the anthesis of Americana Fest this weekend. Set to take place at the Harley dealership on Fesslers Lane and dubbed “Slumfest” (after Yela’s own Slumerican label), the all day event boasts a ton of incredible, southern local and national hip hop, rockabilly, and more. Yela himself heads up the bill, and notable support includes Bubba Sparxxx, frequent collaborator Ritzz, and Nashville’s own Hillbilly Casino and Jelly Roll. [PO]
AMERICANARAMA VIII w/ MADISEN WARD AND THE MAMA BEAR, STEELISM, LEIGH NASH, MY BUBBA, THE WHISTLES AND THE BELLS, BLACKFOOT GYPSIES
@ The Basement | 11am | FREE | All Ages
The good folks at Grimeys are always throwing some of the best parties in town, and, for the 8th annual edition of their AmericanaRama event, they’ve planned a full day event including performance from some of the best local and national acts on the scene today. The event is free, features food trucks, and there will be some booze specials. As if you needed any other reason, check out rising Kansas City-based, mother & son duo, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear‘s “Silent Movies” below to get you in the mood. [MH]
GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR w/ XYLOURIS WHITE
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | $22-25 | 18+
We already told you all about Godspeed You! Black Emperor‘s weekend outing at Marathon Music Works, their first Nashville headliner in three years. Out in support of a new record, this year’s Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress, the Canadian post-rock/experimental collective are joined by Cretan/indie rock fusion duo Xylouris White. Godspeed’s live show is immersive and breathtaking; fans of the weird, instrumental, and experimental should make this a priority. [PO]
CHICAGO FUNK MAFIA W/ MARQUEE MAYFIELD
@ The Sutler | 9pm | FREE | 18+
If you are looking to dance, then the newish watering hole/venue in Melrose, The Sutler, is the place to be. Featuring local get-your-ass-moving troupe, Marquee Mayfield, and Chi-town jazz-funk dance party Chicago Funk Mafia will send you home with tired legs and a hint of sweat on your brow. Check out the latter’s “Freak Out” below to get an idea of what’s in store. [MH]
SUNDAY
CLEAR PLASTIC MASKS, JP HARRIS, ANDREW COMBS, STEELISM, SHELLY COLVIN, LUKE BELL
@ Fond Object | 12pm | FREE| All Ages
Didn’t have enough or didn’t have the budget for a badge/wristband to let you take part in AmericanaFest this year? Fret not, the fine folks at Fond Object have you covered with a mix of acts that range from the rock-licious sounds of Clear Plastic Masks to the songwriting genious of Andrew Combs or JP Harris or the instrumental blues funk of Steelism. This free event will take place in the back yard, and will feature drinks, food, and crafts. Needless to say, this is a Sunday Funday that shouldn’t be missed. [MH]
THIRTY TIGERS GOSPEL BRUNCH ft. THE MCCRARY SISTERS, JONATHAN TYLER, RUBY AMANFU, LEIGH NASH, BONNIE BISHOP
@ City Winery | 11am | $15 | All Ages
By Sunday morning you’ll probably be aching, so head to City Winery to grab Sunday brunch, and let the gospel vibe of The McCrary Sister led ensemble sooth your tired mind. [MH]
JAY FARRAR w/ PARKER MILLSAP
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $20 | All Ages
Enjoy a very special Americana-tinged edition of Nashville Sunday Night, presented by Lightning 100, featuring Jay Farrar performing the songs of Son Volt’s amazing debut album Trace. Fans of the groundbreaking alt-country act won’t want to miss out on this one. Get to 3rd & Lindsley early to give soulful singer songwriter Parker Millsap some love as well, and to get the most music for your money. [JR]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain