TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Feb. 12 – 14

Does everyone in Nashville go out to see music for Valentine’s Day? It sure seems that way with the number of shows packed into this busy weekend.  The two day break features the launch of a new local label, standout electro-pop, throwback country, Finnish metal, legends of the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s, and way, WAY more.  Welcome to the first jam packed weekend of 2016.  Let us help you make plans with all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!

FRIDAY

THE FREEWHEELERS
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

Local (via LA) rock ’n rollers The Freewheelers are hoping to make your Friday pizza party happy hour one to remember at Soulshine. Word is a new EP, Revolution Ride, is set for release soon, but you can get a taste early this weekend. Be there to catch Lightning 100’s latest featured artist for free while you grab a pint and some ‘za. [JR]

WHITEY MORGAN w/ TONY MARTINEZ
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $15-75 | All Ages

We all know the resurgence of throwback country that has been sweeping the nation with the likes of Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton, but you might not immediately suspect that another solid name in that game comes from Flint, Mich.  Whitey Morgan epitomizes this movement with soulful vocals and an earnest approach, and is a name that you are likely to be hearing more and more about in the coming months.  Morgan is listed as a solo act on the venue calendar, so it’s unclear if he will have his backing band, the 78s, on stage with him.  Either way, you’re in for a treat with this talent. [MH]

TANLINES w/ WRESTLERS, CHAOS EMERALDS
@ Mercy Lounge| 9:30pm | $3 w/ RSVP | 18+

Head out to Mercy Lounge Friday night for a $3 show from Red Bull Sound Select (with an RSVP, and admission granted first come first served). Tanlines make fun and fresh New York electro pop music on the experimental side. Last year’s Highlights transitioned the duo into a more mature and sunny sound, so get ready to dance. Wrestlers are a dance group with fun beats and soulful vocals- think if Disclosure and The Weeknd put out a pop record. Chaos Emeralds, the new project from locals Daniel Ellsworth and Kyle Andrews, making their live debut, have been off to a white hot start, and their fun, weird beats are the perfect way to start out the night. The show is 18+ and starts at 9:30 p.m. [OL]

THE JAG, QUICHENIGHT, LASSO SPELLS, GOTH BABE
@ The 5 Spot | 9:30pm | $7 | 21+

Our pals at Palaver Records are branching out with a new project called Cold Lunch Recordings, and they are hosting their launch party at The 5 Spot on Friday night.  This event will be ripe with schwag giveaways to get the word out, but it also features four blog faves from the retro pop and psychedelic rock scene in Nashville with The JAG, QuicheNight, Lasso Spells, and Goth Babe.  Tickets will only cost you $7 to join in on the fun. [MH]

CHILDREN OF BODOM w/ HAVOK, HYDRAWOLF
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $20-22 | 18+

Finnish metal mavens Children of Bodom have been hosting energetic international thrash parties all over the globe for twenty years now. Be there in person for the 2016 Nashville version, with help from like minded thrashers Havok and Hydrawolf. All-in-all, this is definitely the heaviest bill of the weekend, so if you want to get rowdy, this is the show for you. [JR]

LIGHT BEAM RIDER (ALBUM RELEASE) w/ MOSELEY, FREE TROW, THE PRESSURE KIDS
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 8pm | $5 | 21+

If you caught our premiere of Light Beam Rider‘s new album A Place to Sleep Among the Creeps yesterday, then you know it’s a phenomenal, eclectic release and a strong contender for one of the best local albums of the year already. It should go without saying, but it’s worth celebrating, and that’s just what you can do this weekend at Little Harpeth Brewing. Joined by a strong bill of Moseley, Free Throw, and The Pressure Kids, this might be the weekend’s best under the radar event. [PO]

THELMA & THE SLEAZE w/ CARTER, ISIDRO, SALLOW, SOFT BODIES
@ Mayday Brewing | 8pm | suggested charitable donation | 21+

Remember when we told you about the Thelma & The Sleaze “Kandyland Tour” that featured shows every day during the month of February at some of the most unlikely “venues” you can imagine?  If you don’t, head here for a refresher on the awesomeness, and then head out to see the irreverent garage punks this weekend.  The Friday show takes place at Mayday Brewing in Murfreesboro, so expect the brews to be flowing.  The event is free, but donations will be accepted for Mending Hearts, a a residential nonprofit drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for women in Nashville. [MH]

AMERICAN DREAM, THE RENEAUS, TWIGGS, SAD BAXTER
@ Fond Object| 7pm | $5 | All Ages

In the wake of now defunct, but beloved west side haunt Stone Fox, a void has been created. Who will help to host the national/local underground rock acts? Enter Riverside Village record store Fond Object this Friday, hosting an all local bill, featuring indie dream pop rockers American Dream, plus three bands we are very fond and familiar with: The Reneaus, Twiggs, and Sad Baxter. For just $5 at the door, you can help support a thriving local music scene, what’s not to love? [JR]

THE DEAD DEADS
@ Lipstick Lounge | 8pm | Free | 21+

A site favorite and definite up and coming act to watch, local metal/grunge/punk band The Dead Deads have been turning heads since their inception in 2013. Fresh off the ShipRocked cruise where they quickly became fan favorites, they’re back home in Nashville, and ready to get loud for the home crowd. Don’t miss the chance to catch this feminine tour de force for free at Lipstick Lounge, and then stick around to karaoke with the band! [JSt]

ELLIOT ROOT w/ AMASA HINES
@ 12th & Porter | 7pm | $12 | 18+

You may know local alternative pop band Elliot Root from the pair of EPs they put out last year, or from their performance at Live on the Green alongside Lord Huron and Shakey Graves. They’ll bring their catchy soulfulness to the stage at 12th & Porter on Friday with Little Rock, AR-based psychedelic Afro-futurists Amasa Hines. The Daytrotter-favorited soul-wrenching vocals and imaginative musicality of Amasa Hines has also been very buzzed about lately, so this one is going to be a fantastic show. [JSt]

THOSE MANIC SEAS, HANK & CUPCAKES, GARDENING NOT ARCHITECTURE
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Hailing from Richmond, VA, indie/art-rock outfit Those Manic Seas are known for their engaging live show and for their “singer,” or lack thereof, Kilroy, who appears to be images projected on a television mounted to a mannequin. The group are prepping to release their debut LP this spring, and pass through The Basement this weekend with Hank & Cupcakes and local indie rock outfit Gardening Not Architecture in support! [PO]

LOW
@ City Winery | 8pm | $18-22 | All Ages

Critically acclaimed husband/wife duo Low found indie fame in the grunge obsessed ‘90s, with minimalist arrangements and beautiful vocal harmonies. They’ve opened for such diverse acts as Radiohead and Nick Cave. Check out their sure to be epic set in a intimate setting. [JR]

RICK SPRINGFIELD
@ Wildhorse Saloon | 8pm | $48-190 | All Ages

The one and only Rick Springfield is invading Music City again this year for the Valentines’ Day weekend. The Aussie became internationally famous with he ‘80s rock anthem “Jessie’s Girl,” and further cementing himself into American pop with recurring roles on the day time drama General Hospital. Be at the Wildhorse Saloon this weekend for either/both of his performances. [JR]

WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY
@ Schemerhorn Symphony Hall | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

The second of two nights, we hope you snagged a spot to see country legend Willie Nelson and his backing band the Family when we first announced this show back in the fall, because tickets are unsurprisingly sold out. Though Nelson played two nights at The Ryman and Pilgrimage Fest in Franklin last year, he’s a living legend, and there’s no telling how long he’ll keep touring- be sure to catch him the next time he comes around. [PO]

SATURDAY

RICK SPRINGFIELD
@ Grimeys | 3pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

In between two nights downtown at the Wild horse, rock legend Rick Springfield is playing a super special in-store at Grimeys, but demand has surpassed supply friends, and this standing room only set is sold out. [JR]

THELMA & THE SLEAZE
@ Grimeys | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

The month of Thelma & The Sleaze continues with a special “post-Springfield” in-store at Grimeys.  Not sure what the residual crowd will be like from the earlier performance, but it would be worth it’s weight in gold to see some Springfield groupies get a load of Thelma & Co.  Please, oh please, lord, make this dream come true. [MH]

MESHELL NDGEOCELLO
@ City Winery | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Fans of Meshell Ndgeocello have been taken on a musical journey throughout her last eleven studio albums, and her latest release, Comet, Come To Me, is a tribute to one of her cherished inspirations, Nina Simone, that is lyrically strong and experimentally diverse musically. We have come to expect the unexpected with Meshell, with her masterful bass skills and blend of jazz, R&B, and funk, and this album continues to show her desire to move people and reach new places, and her amazing artistry and curiosity. [IS]

UKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA w/ LOWER DENS
@ Exit/In | 9pm | SOLD OUT | 18+

When Unknown Mortal Orchestra first announced a show at Exit/In, we knew that it was only a matter of time before it sold out. The group have been gaining notoriety over the years with their unique brand of psychedelic dance pop. Their album Multi Love was one of our favorite records of last year, and we were also blown away by their set at Bonnaroo 2015. Opening up for UMO are Lower Dens, a shoegaze band from Baltimore, MD, who we’ve been watching  grow since 2011. The show starts at 9 p.m., but only for those lucky enough to be holding tickets already. [JC]

MAX FROST w/ LEVI RAY
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $10 | 18+

We’ve been telling you about R&B inspired electro popster Max Frost for a week or so, while we were giving away a pair of tickets.  If you didn’t catch the drift from the giveaway, this is a show that we are excited about, and it should be on your consideration list for this weekend. Slightly darker, but similarly inspired local artist, Levi Ray opens things up. Head here for a full preview. [MH]

MAGNOLIA SONS, JACOB JONES, BRONZI BLONDE, RILEY ANGLEN
@ The Basement East | 8:30pm | $8-10 | 21+

A strong and diverse blend of some of our favorite local acts, you can’t go wrong with Magnolia Sons, Jacob Jones, Bronzi Blonde, and Riley Anglen this weekend at The BEast. We told you all about the lineup right here, and especially recommend this one for Jones, who hasn’t played a show in Nashville in over two years. [PO]

JUDAH & THE LION w/ KRISTEN DIABLE, FUTURE THIEVES
@ War Memorial Auditorium | 8pm | $17 | All Ages

Judah and the Lion’s debut EP might have been comprised of worship music, but have since branched out to their individual inspirations, which includes everything from Ray Charles to Frank Sinatra. Also playing are blog favorites Future Thieves, a local rock band that pull listeners in off the streets, and who are slated to play Forecastle later this year. Bluesy No Country Presents alum Kristin Diable rounds out the bill. [MW]

LUME, THE FOXERY, HEYROCCO, SLOWTALKER
@ DRKMTTR | 8pm | $5 | All Ages

Chicago three-piece LUME crank out heavy shoegaze that’s reminiscent of ’90s alt-rock stalwarts HUM. They recently dropped their debut album Perennial Phase on January 15 via Mayfly Records, grabbing the attention of Brooklyn Vegan and The Alternative. Louisville’s The Foxery, South Carolina rockers Heyrocco, and Nashville’s own Slowtalker open up the night at the all-ages DIY haunt Drkmttr.  [WD]

SOUTHERN SHAME, THE MOOSE, LIGHT BEAM RIDER, ASHES OF FOLLY
@ The Block (Murfreesboro) | 9pm | $donations for Bernie Sanders | 18+

If you have been declaring that you “Feel The Bern,” your Saturday night plans should lead to you to The Block in Murfreesboro where a night of rock music will entertain you, while you are registering to vote for this year’s election season.  The entertainment includes one of our best finds in recent months, Light Beam Rider, along with rockers Southern Shame, groovy swamp thrashers The Moose, and hometown ‘Boro rockers Ashes Of Folly. [MH]

RICK SPRINGFIELD
@ Wildhorse Saloon | 8pm | $48-190 | All Ages

The weekend of Rick Springfield continues with his second night at the Wildhorse. If you are feeling nostalgic, this is likely your last chance to spend with the legend… until next Valentine’s Day weekend. [JR]

SHERYL CROW
@ Schermerhorn Symphony | 7:30pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Chances are, you’ve heard Sheryl Crow’s dozen or so hit songs about 7,000 times in your life, and as catchy as they are, it’s pretty likely that you still sing along every time they’re on the radio. But no matter how many times you’ve heard them, you’ve probably never heard them played with a symphony. This weekend she’ll be playing not one, but two nights at the Schemerhorn along with the Nashville Symphony. Tickets are sold out for the first show, but a few remain for Sunday to ensure one of the best Valentine’s date nights happening this weekend. [MW]

SUNDAY

US, THELMA & THE SLEAZE, TEDDY’S ROUGH RIDERS
@ High Class Hillbilly | 8pm | cheap | All Ages

Thelma & The Sleaze weekend wraps up on Sunday with another show off the beaten path at High Class Hillbilly.  There’s no mention of a cover charge for this one, but you can rest assured that it is cheap, and with promo materials saying there will be free beer, it certainly won’t be a deal killer.  This is by no means your last chance to catch Thelma & The Sleaze this month, but don’t you want to overindulge? [MH]

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND W/ TROUT STEAK REVIVAL
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $25 | All Ages

Yonder Mountain String Band are returning to Nashville, this time at 3rd & Lindsley. This group, which features a string ensemble that is improvisational and progressive, take things beyond their label of “jam band,” creating a revolutionary bluegrass sound. This time around, they’re joined by, masters of Colorado mountain music, Treat Steak Revival. This is the perfect romantic, intimate place to spend Valentine’s Day jamming out to sweet bluegrass tunes. The show is all ages, starts at 8 p.m. and you can buy tickets for $25 at the link above. [OL]

MADEON W/ SKYLER SPENCE
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | $20-25 | 18+

Young French EDM producer and DJ Madeon first rose to prominence a few years back with mashup track “Pop Culture,” and has since become a fast favorite in the dance music world for his poppy, accessible style, operating in the realms of house and nu-disco. Along with Skyler Spence, he’ll provide a great V-Day opportunity for those of you just looking to get out and dance. [PO]

SHERYL CROW
@ Schermerhorn Symphony | 7:30pm | $15-300 | All Ages

If you’re looking for something extra special to do on this Valentine’s weekend, Sheryl Crow playing with the Nashville Symphony just might fill the bill. You’re sure to know most of the songs you’ll hear, but you’ve probably never heard them quite like this before. It’ll make for a special night that you’re sure to remember forever. [MW]

DAVID RAMIREZ w/ LUCETTE
@ Secret Location | 9 pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

At this point, if you don’t have a ticket to see ramblin’ Americana troubadour David Ramirez, playing with folk songstress Lucette, you are shit-out-of-luck. The fact that this Cause A Scene production, the location is still a secret, which certainly adds intrigue, but most of us will just have to read about it after the fact. [JR]

DEAR ETTA: AN ETTA JAMES TRIBUTE
@ The Basement | 7:30pm | $15 | All Ages

American icon Etta James spent her career spanning genres with her unforgettable voice, and Sunday night wraps up with a special tribute to her at The Basement from some of Nashville’s finest.  The event is hosted by a couple of No Country Presents alums, Alicia Michilli and Amanda Broadway, who we know can wail.  They will be joined by a slew of guest vocalists and performers including Charles “Wigg” Walker, Maureen Murphy, and tons more; and the band is top notch to boot.  Head here for full show details.  Put the romance back in Valentine’s Day as some of Nashville’s best bring an all-time great to life. [MH]

[IS] Ione Singletary
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JSt] Jen Starsinic
[JC] Julian Ciany
[MH] Matt Hall
[MW] Meagan Whitney
[OL] Olivia Ladd
[PO] Philip Obenschain
[WD] Wes Davenport