TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | March 11 – 13

Has Spring sprung? Is SXSW really next week? What do you mean it’s Freakin’ Weekend already?  Hold onto your hats folks, winter appears to be in the rearview, and spring touring is in full swing.  This weekend features a number of incredible local shows, but the headlines are likely going to be nabbed by the 7th annual installment of the now almost week long punk rock throwdown Freakin’ Weekend.  Fear not, though, if sweaty mosh pits, crowd surfing, and mandatory ear plugs are not your scene.  There are plenty of other shows to satiate your needs.  Head below for a full run down of all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!

FRIDAY

BEHOLD THE BRAVE
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

Friends of the blog and local indie rockers Behold the Brave have been picking up steam with airplay on lightning 100, and even a famous shout out. Their debut record is amazing, and word is new music is in the works. Even better news, you can see them for free while you grab some ‘za during their Friday night set at Soulshine. [JR]

FREAKIN’ WEEKEND VII DAY TWO: MUSIC BAND, SUN SEEKER, TEDDY’S ROUGH RIDERS, FREE PIZZA, DJ YANANDY 
@ Fort Houston | 12-5pm | Free | All Ages

As we said in our full Freakin’ Weekend VII guide, this year’s FREE, all ages day shows are the festival’s best ever. Set to take place at Fort Houston, you can expect records, tapes, zines, drinks, and snacks aplenty, and even special Freakin’ Weekend buttons, available for free in limited quantities. Friday’s showcase is headed up by Music Band and Sun Seeker, and we can’t think of a better way to kick off your weekend. [PO]

FREAKIN’ WEEKEND VII NIGHT TWO: SLAMMERS, EX-CULT, WHITE REAPER, GUERRILLA TOSS, CFM
@ The End | 8pm | $15 | 18+

We gave you the full Freakin’ Weekend rundown right here. Sandwiched between two stacked nights at Exit/In, night two moves to The End for the heaviest lineup, headed up by Nashville’s own Slammers. Louisville’s White Reaper return to town for this too, so you don’t want to miss it! [PO]

A GREAT BIG WORLD
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm | $25 | 18+

A Great Big World are the duo behind pop hits “Say Something” (ft. Christina Aguilera) and “Hold Each Other.” Songwriters Ian Axel and Chad King have a whole catalog of uplifting pop anthems, and their live show looks to be a giddy experience to reflect that. [LL]

DEAD CURES w/ THE BANDOLIERS, LAUREN STRANGE
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $7 | 18+

No Country Presents alum, and alt-pop power trio Dead Cures are headlining a pretty tasty bill at The High Watt, also featuring like minded rockers The Bandoliers, plus former blog contributor and another performer we’ve seen put it down before Lauren Strange. All this for under $10?! If you’re low on funds, but need maximum live music in your life, then this may be the ticket for you. [JR]

HANS CONDOR, PLASTIC PINKS, EBONY EYES
@ fooBAR | 9pm | $5 | 21+

We try to take every opportunity we can to hear Hans Condor play. No matter how many times we’ve seen this band, they never fail to surprise us. From knocking all their equipment over to jumping and catching guitars in mid-air, they always leave us impressed and wanting more. They’ll be joined at Foobar by Florida garage-rockers Plastic Pinks and locals Ebony Eyes. [MW]

DARES, REALITY SOMETHING, DOGS OF OZ, COUCHED
@ Two Boots Pizza | 9pm | Free | All ages

Two Boots Pizza is hosting their first show of 2016 this weekend with a free, all ages shin-dig featuring NYC post punk outfit Dares, rising local indie rockers Reality Something, local punks Dogs Of Oz, hardcore outfit Couched.  If you are feeling the need to bang your head with a slice of pizza in your hand, or just want to see some great bands playing for free, this is an excellent option for both.[MH]

MADELEINE PEYROUX
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Hall | 8pm | $138-$22 | All ages

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch living legend and jazz singer/songwriter Madeleine Peyroux performing in the best sounding room in Nashville! Discovered singing on the streets of Paris at the age of 15, Peyroux has grown into a renowned singer and songwriter with a truly remarkable voice and vocal style reminiscent of Billie Holiday. With tickets available in a wide variety of price points, there’s no excuse to miss this amazing show!  [JSt]

HEAVY BREATHER, RON GALLO, FEELS, MESMER TEA
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+

New Palaver Records offshoot Cold Lunch Recordings is hosting a party at The 5 Spot on Friday night to celebrate the cassette release from Heavy Breather.  Formerly operating as The Breath In, Breath Out, Heavy Breather, who are clearly interested in breathing, as we all are on some involuntary level, will be bringing their new ’90s dipped psychedelica sounds for your aural pleasure.  The lineup rounds out with Mesmer Tea, who have been hard at work toning up their experimental psych rock jams for a spring release, local newcomer Ron Gallo and LA touring outfit FEELS round out the bill.  These parties are known for great music and good vibes, The 5 Spot may just be the perfect Friday hang for those looking to keep it more low key.  [MH]

CEE LO GREEN w/ ESCORT
@ Exit/In | 9pm | Sold Out | 18+

Growing to near legendary status, as a rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and TV personality, Cee Lo Green is rolling through Music City to tear shit up. His career started in the dirty south, with rap group, and Outkast offshoot, Goodie Mob, but most people now-a-days know him for his unmistakably soulful voice, singing in the duo Gnarls Barkley with producer Danger Mouse. Course this one is sold out anyway, so anyone who’s hip already got their ticket, or you are just simply SOL like the rest of us. [JR]

JOHN PRINE w/ CHRIS SMITHER
@ Ryman Auditorium| 8pm | Sold Out | All Ages

Legendary Americana singer-songwriter John Prine is no stranger to selling out back-to-back shows at The Ryman, though it’s been since fall of 2013 that he played his last two-night stand. The folk singer kicks off the weekend Friday night with bluesy songwriter Chris Smither. [MG]

JUSTIN & THE COSMICS w/ BLACK VENUS, CHARLIE & THE EVIL MOTHERS, KNEEL JUNG
@ Meal Ticket (1030 3rd Ave S)| 9pm | $5 | 18+

We’ve been blabbering about Justin & the Cosmics for awhile and if you haven’t checked out the Americana-rock outfit, half of which are behind the local label Cosmic Thug, then you should get yourself to the DIY venue Meal Ticket on Friday night. Dark, heavy blues duo Black Venus, the ’60s rock influenced Charlie & the Evil Mothers, and Kneel Jung are opening. [JSa]

NEW FOUND GLORY w/ ANTHONY RANERI
@ Franklin Theatre | 7pm | Sold Out | All Ages

Hope you grabbed tickets when we first announced this show in late December, because pop punk pioneers New Found Glory‘s special acoustic show at the intimate Franklin Theatre with Bayside’s Anthony Raneri is now totally sold out. If you’re wondering how this random event came to be: NFG guitarist Chad Gilbert, now a local, is part of a new film and friendship club called the Movie Gang, who are hosting fun, periodic, and nostalgic movie nights at the historic Theatre. This early show will be followed by a screening of 1983 Francis Ford Coppola classic The Outsiders.  [PO]

SATURDAY

GABE DIXON w/ CAROLINE GLASER
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $15 | All Ages

Music City mainstay Gabe Dixon has tickled the keys in the major leagues for a veritable who’s who (the impressive list includes Paul McCartney), but this show isn’t about who Dixon’s played for. It’s about celebrating the release of his second solo record, Turns to Gold; tunes that he plays for himself. Look for local singer songwriter Caroline Glaser to kick things off. [JR]

FREAKIN’ WEEKEND VII DAY THREE: PUJOL, PETER STRINGER-HYE, TAN, DATE NIGHT, DJ FUTURE PUNX
@ Fort Houston | 12-5pm | Free | All Ages

Keep up with the whole Frekain’ Weekend right here. The last of this year’s stacked FREE, all ages day shows, Freakin’ Weekend main stage alumni Pujol head up one hell of a way to spend a Saturday afternoon. [PO]

FREAKIN’ WEEKEND VII NIGHT THREE: DIARRHEA PLANET, NOTS, BIG UPS, GROWWING PAINS, SAVOY MOTEL
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $15 | 18+

Freakin’ Weekend’s third and final night boasts Diarrhea Planet, fresh of the release of a new single and ahead of their highly-anticiapted new LP. The rest of the lineup is just as stacked, and you can read all about it here. The DP dudes absolutely destroy at Exit/In, and this’ll be no different. [PO]

FREAKIN’ WEEKEND VII AFTER-PARTY: PORTAL feat. CY, GREY PEOPLE, TAN
@ Third Man Records | midnight | $5 | 18+

Featuring sets by Cy, Grey People, and Tan, premiere local indie dance party Portal is running Freakin’ Weekend’s late night after-party at Third Man Records’ Blue Room to keep your night going extra long. Music starts at midnight and runs until around 4 a.m., so forget about being anything close to productive by the time Sunday rolls around. [PO]

SECRET CLUB, GOOD ENGLISH, MILK PEOPLE, FRANCES AND THE FOUNDATION
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Local punks Secret Club just released their debut Apocalypse Meow last year. If you’re looking to rock out to snotty punk that keeps its tongue firmly planted in its cheek, then this is the Nashville band you want to check out. They’re playing The Basement with alt rockers Frances and the Foundation, whose recent EP we premiered to you lovely folks back in September, the sister grunge trio Good English, and self-described “dracula pop” group Milk People. [JSa]

NATALIE ROYAL w/ BECCA MANCARI, CHARLIE WHITTEN, MOLLY PARDEN
@ 12th & Porter | 8pm | $8 | 18+

Local songstress Natalie Royal makes her debut with the just-released LP Harbinger. She’s gaining comparisons to Feist, Joni Mitchell, and Natalie Prass with sweet vocals and wonderful brass arrangements. Longtime No Country favorite Becca Mancari will provide some heartfelt  Americana tunes, while singer-songwriters Charlie Whitten and Molly Parden supply some of the most swoon-worthy harmonies in Nashville.  [LL]

THE GODDAMN GALLOWS w/ HUSKY BURNETTE, THE URBAN PIONEERS
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $10 | 21+

Saturday night, head out to The Basement East for a gritty, banjo-heavy evening. Starting things off are The Urban Pioneers, a banjo/fiddle touring duo delivering a fair share of Americana mixed with old time music. Following that is Husky Burnette, a Delta blues singer-songwriter from Chattanooga, who incorporates the soulfulness of Southern rock, and plays raw songs reminiscent of classic Southern musicians. Headlining are The Goddamn Gallows, who just released their fifth album. They make Americana tunes with touches of metal and punk; we’re talking screaming vocals juxtaposed with washboards and banjos. Needless to say this lineup is full of dirty, homestyle bluegrass, and is one you won’t want to miss.  [OL]

BOB SCHNEIDER w/ RIVERS & RUST
@ City Winery | 8pm | $25-$30 | All ages

Austin, TX based folk-rock singer songwriter, and former lead-singer of Texas rock band Ugly Americans, Bob Schneider is in town to serenade the crowd at one of the most intimate venues in all of Nashville. Be there when he digs deep into his twelve plus album catalog, and blows your mind with his amazing story telling. Blues-centric two-piece Rivers & Rust will open up what promises to be a memorable night. [JR]

JOHN PRINE w/ IRIS DEMENT
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 9pm | Sold Out | All Ages

As much as Nashville loves Americana, it’s no surprise that these tickets went almost instantly, so if you were lucky enough to score a pair, you’re in for special experience. The second sold out night of John Prine at The Ryman features celebrated country/folk performer Iris Dement. [MG]

SUNDAY

DANIEL ELLSWORTH & THE GREAT LAKES w/ MYZICA
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $10 | All Ages

Fresh off the release of their new EP, Bemidji, local indie rock standouts Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes will be performing as part of Nashville Sunday Nights at 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday night.  While the intimate showspace is pretty much the perfect way to wind down your weekend, those that can’t make it out, can still catch the set live on Lightning 100.  If you haven’t heard the new EP yet, we’re streaming it here, and you can check out the single “Get Mine” below.  Fast rising local electro pop outfit Myzica is set to open in what is one of the top bills of the weekend. [MH]

RA RA RIOT w/ SUN CLUB, PWR BTTM
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $15-18 | 18+

Celebrating the release of their fourth album, Need Your Light, indie rockers Ra Ra Riot return to Nashville this weekend with Sun Club and PWR BTTM for the first time in a few years. Their latest effort is pleasant and reinvigorated, and they’re always a treat live. There are certainly worse ways to cap off a music-filled weekend. [PO]

DROWNERS w/ REALITY SOMETHING, GOTH BABE
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $7 | 18+

If you can never get enough garage/alternative rock in your life (even after Freakin’ Weekend), then we have a bill for you Sunday at The High Watt. This low-dough show is Headlined by NYC post-punks Drowners, No Country Presents Alum Reality Something, and another buzz-worthy local, Goth Babe. If you’re not too fried from the weekend, this would be an amazing way to start your week off right. [JR]

ROZES w/ BEL HEIR, BRAVE TOWN
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $10 | 21+

Philadelphia based electro pop chanteuse ROZES is stopping over at The Basement East en route to SXSW, and her hypnotizing songs are some that you should be familiar with.  She first found commercial success for her collaboration with The Chainsmokers on the single “Roses” back in 2015, and has since released a EP of her original material that features smoky pop vocals over an impossible-not-to-dance-to beat.  Bel Heir and Brave Town get this show started. [MH]

OWEL w/ US & THEM, WYLAND
@ The End | 8pm | $10-12 | 18+

Hailing from New Jersey, OWEL incorporate orchestral, ambient sounds in into their layered brand of guitar-driven indie rock. Their 2013 debut album racked up tons of well-deserved buzz, and last year’s followup EP, Every Good Boy, really evolved and honed their signature sound. The band will be joined by Us & Them and Wyland for a low-key show at The End; perhaps one your best under the radar bets this weekend. [PO]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JSa] Jacqui Sahagian
[JSt] Jen Starsinic
[LL] Lorie Liebig
[MH] Matt Hall
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[MW] Meagan Whitney
[OL] Olivia Ladd
[PO] Philip Obenschain