As April races to a close, and we turn our attention to festival season, we celebrate another weekend simply chock full of great shows. Between festivals, benefits, release shows, reunion tours, farewell tours, cheap and intimate, big and expensive, and everything in between, there truly seems to be something happening for everything over the next few days. As we do every week, we’ve poured through all of your options to round up our top picks; here’s what’s happening This Weekend in Nashville:
FRIDAY
THE NOBILITY
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages
Long standing local rockers The Nobility try not to take themselves too seriously, proudly proclaiming on Facebook that they are “Nashville’s 53rd best band”! However, with a sweet new record, Ashford Castle, floating about, it’s easy to see why Lightning 100 choose them to be the featured resident artists of the week. We already know they’re great, but you should check them out for FREE Friday, and grab a slice while you’re at it. [JR]
THE SHADOWBOXERS w/ WAKING ASTRONOMER, VITA & THE WOOLF
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $3-15 | 18+
Soul pop trio The Shadowboxers were formed in Atlanta, but recently made Nashville their new home base. Their funky guitar and percussion-dried sound is inspired by rock greats like The Beatles and Stevie Wonder, but also modern artists like Dawes and D’Angelo. Earlier this year, they announced their “Nashville Landmarks” concert series, which will be comprised of many live shows at some of Nashville’s most iconic venues. This weekend, the series takes them to Exit/In for a gig with experimental electro-pop band Waking Astronomer and Philadelphia’s hauntingly soulful duo Vita and the Woolf. [LL]
SANTIGOLD w/ DONMONIQUE
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | $25-28 | 18+
For the first time ever, experimental pop queen Santigold is headlining a gig at Marathon Music Works in support of her new album, 99¢. She’ll bring her stylized mix of funky beats and irresistible hooks to the stage along with rising rap artist DonMonique, who’s been blowing up the blogosphere with her courageous and clever tracks. Nashville doesn’t usually get two acts as unique and genre-beding as these, so make sure you catch them this weekend. [LL]
HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF w/ PROMISED LAND SOUND, WILLY GANTRIM
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $15 | 21+
Alternative americana band Hurray for the Riff Raff are fronted by queer punk feminist Alynda Lee Segarra, who makes music for the people she refers to as the “riff raff” of society; those who are ignored by and left out of mainstream art forms of all kinds. Their 2014 major label debut Small Town Heroes earned praise for taking traditional southern music and turning it on its head by challenging gender roles and songwriting conventions. This New Orleans-based act are a must-see for americana fans. [JSa]
MUSIC BAND, FLY GOLDEN EAGLE, STUDY HALL
@ The East Room | 9pm | $8-$10 | 18+
If you’re into the local rock scene here in Nashville, you’ve likely heard of the very meta name Music Band, thanks to their label Infinity Cat, their headlining stints at Freakin Weekend and opening slots for label-mates Diarrhea Planet. They released their debut LP Wake Up Laughing at the beginning of April, and early listens of the singles prove that this will be a staple for fans of fuzzy, garage pop-rock. They’ll be joined by psych/rock/soul outfit Fly Golden Eagle and lo-fi rockers Study Hall, both of whom are also local favorites. [MG]
ESCONDIDO w/ BIRDTALKER
@ Mercy Longe | 9pm | $10 | 18+
Local indie folksters Escondido are back in town, after being on the move around the nation to promote their newest record, Walking With A Stranger. For their official home town release show, they’ve asked alt-folk five piece Birdtalker to open up what promises to be a night of awesome tunes. Help welcome home yet another great Music city act that has started dot find success on the road. [JR]
TRENTON w/ COYOTE TALK, KYOWA
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $5-7 | 18+
The live moniker of gifted performer and songwriter Ryan Courtney, Trenton ambitiously takes cues from acts like Radiohead and Sunny Day Real Estate. With three strong releases to his name, the latest, last year’s Ghost Runner EP helmed by Grammy award wining producer Joshua D Niles, Trenton’s moody, ambient, alt pop style lends itself perfectly to crossover appeal, and his earnest lyrics combine with synthy, cinematic arrangements to male him one of the most exciting products of Nashville’s flourishing pop scene. For the low ticket price and with Coyote Talk and Kyowa, this might be the best under the radar show of the weekend! [PO]
BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS
@ Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $37.50-77.50 | All Ages
After taking a hiatus for a few years, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals started touring again last year, which included a stop at Bonnaroo. The band teased the news that there was a new album in the works, and then Call It What It Is was released in February of this year. Ben & co. are widely known for their incredible live show, so fans of the late ’90s/early ’00s funk/rock band will get to experience them in an intimate setting at The Ryman this Friday. [MG]
BRAVE TOWN, KEEPS, STAYING FOR THE WEEKEND
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+
Three exciting local acts (who we’ve covered numerous times in the past) are teaming up to bring you a night of tunes for what amounts to the price of a cup of coffee. Brave Town play catchy, upbeat alt/indie rock, Keeps adopt a more dreamy, psychedelic indie pop flair, and Staying for the Weekend have adopted an energy, indie garage style; all great in their own right! [PO]
DAVID LIEBMAN w/ PEDROSAXO
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 7pm | $10-12 | All ages
With a career spanning over four decades, including stints with Miles Davis and Elvin Jones before setting out on his own, saxophonist/flautist David Liebman is well known in the jazz community, and his set at 3rd & Lindsley on Friday night offers a relatively rare chance to see some top notch jazz in Nashville. His group is rounded out by pianist Bobby Avey, horn guru Matt Vashlishan, drummer Alex Ritz, and bass stud Tony Marino, and offer a chance for the musicians of Nashville to see some of the best in the biz on their respective instruments. [MH]
SATURDAY
FLYING COLORS FEST ft. CAMM, THE PRESSURE KIDS, WEST AM, GOTH BABE, ROCK EUPORA, KID FREUD, DOWN BOY, CUMBERLAND QUEEN, YUMI & THE SYSTEM, CHICO, KATE PRUITT, NEW VESSELS, PLANET PLUTO
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 12pm | $10 | 18+
Little Harpeth Brewing is providing all-day entertainment for your Saturday with Flying Colors Festival. The lineup is full of some of our favorite local artists, food trucks, and local art. CAMM, Memphis rapper and producer, will headline the night. Indie rockers The Pressure Kids will join East Nashville’s Yumi & the System, up-and-comers Goth Babe and other local favorites such as Kid Freud and Down Boy. [OL]
NASHVILLE EARTH DAY FESTIVAL ft. THE WOOD BROTHERS, SHEL, MR. STEVE
@ Centennial Park | 12pm | FREE | All Ages
Nashville continues its Earth Day Festival tradition with a whole day of good stuff, like a spring cleaning, green market, recycling and repurposing stations, and children’s educational activities. Of course, they are going to entertain you as well with music performances from uber talented Americana folk rockers The Wood Brothers, local eclectic sister quartet SHEL, and Mr. Steve keeping the kiddos happy with his awesomely fun live show. Do some good this weekend, and get some good music in return. [MH]
EASTSIDE JAM FESTIVAL 2016
@ Drifters | 12pm | FREE | All ages
Hosted by Go2Pla, a new free app connecting musicians of all abilities who are just looking to play music together, the Eastside Jam Festival lives up to the mission of the new service. There will be a variety of bands performing, open mic opportunities, a little stand up comedy, and general good times. Head to the Facebook event page for details, then stop by the patio at Drifters on Saturday afternoon to find out more information. [MH]
BAD FRIEND
@ Grimey’s | 5pm | FREE | All Ages
Tapping into the best sounds of ‘90s rock on their latest release, Defeat Yourself, Bad Friend are ready to perform in the friendly confines of Grimey’s New and Preloved Music. Consisting of bits and pieces from other great Nashville bands like Black Patch, Deluxin, Be Your Own Pet, Roadblock, and The Ocelots, the band recorded their new LP at Battle Tapes with Jeremy Ferguson. Be there in person to get a copy of the release and hear some of it live. [JR]
W.B. GIVENS w/ ERIN RAE & SPECIAL GUESTS
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+
Don’t miss favorite local emerging songwriter W.B. Givens in his first show since moving back to Nashville a few months ago! Givens is rumored to be returning to the city with a whole new sound in his back pocket, and with local Americana goddess Erin Rae and many special guests lined up, this is going to be a night you to see first hand and not just hear about later. For just $5, there’s no excuse not to. [JSt]
JOE PUG
@ City Winery | 9:30pm | $15-25 | All Ages
Joe Pug made his name as a solo folk troubadour in Chicago many years ago and has been spreading his earnest gospel far and wide ever since. Widely considered one of the best modern folkies, he’s leaving the band behind in his new hometown of Austin, TX for a change and giving us a taste of vintage Joe Pug with a solo show at City Winery on Saturday. If you missed him at any of his appearances during AMA week the last few years, now is your chance to catch the masterful performance and heart-wrenching lyrics that have been earning Joe Pug rave views over the past seven years. [JSt]
THE DARKNESS w/ RAVENEYE, THE TIP
@ War Memorial Auditorium | 8pm | $25-40 | All Ages
As we already told you about in detail, British hard rock revivalists The Darkness are headed back to Nashville for the first time in a few years in support of their latest LP, Last of Our Kind. Though still remembered for their nostalgic, smash debut, Permission to Land, the band have shifted more towards straight up hard rock in recent years, and they still totally rip live. With support from British bluesy, garage rockers RavenEye and locals The Tip, this is sure to be one hell of a fun, rowdy, weekend outing! [PO]
EASY ROSCOE w/ THE DAILY HOWL, SUPER SHAKER, NATURAL FORCES
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $5 | 18+
Resident party rockers, and No Country Presents alum Easy Roscoe are headlining a night of killer music at The High Watt this weekend. They’re likely to play some old favorites as well as some new tracks from their upcoming record, so you better bring your dancing shoes. Fellow local indie-rockers The Daily Howl will join the festivities, along with pop experimentalists Super Shaker and rocking duo Natural Forces. [LL]
LASSO SPELLS, SUMMER SALT, GOOD BUDDY
@ Springwater Supper Club | 9pm | $5 | 18+
If you were thinking that it’s been awhile since you have seen a good show at Springwater, then we have just the solution. This Saturday local garage-psych band Lasso Spells will rock the popular Nashville dive bar. Lasso Spells are continuing on a sound that bands such as Ranch Ghost have blown up in this town, with songs that are fun and groovy. The band will be joined by surf-rock punks from Austin Summer Salt, and local psych-rock band The Inscape. Tickets are just $5 and the fun starts late at 10 p.m. [JC]
PLANNED PARENTHOOD BENEFIT ft. THE DEAD DEADS, FAUNA HALO, LITTLE PAWS, & MORE
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+
Not to get all political up in here, but if you want to get out and support a great organization that is constantly under attack from the GOP, then you need to be at The 5 Spot this Saturday night. Our favorite all-girl punk/glam/metal outfit The Dead Deads are headlining the show, along with piano-playing songstress Fauna Halo, newly-formed stoner punk band Little Paws, and more. In the spirit of feminism, all bands playing have at least one female member in the lineup. And, all proceeds from the event will go to Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee, who will have a representative on-site to answer questions about their work. [MG]
SUNDAY
GREG HOLDEN w/ JILLIAN JACQUELINE
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $15 | All Ages
British singer-songwriter Greg Holden first earned acclaim as a songwriter in 2012 when American Idol winner Phillip Phillips cut his track “Home” and sent it to the top of the charts. Last year, he released his solo album Chase the Sun, and was praised for his emotional track “Boys in the Street”, which describes the rocky relationship between a father and his gay son. He’ll bring his incredible voice to 3rd & Lindsley this weekend with local country songstress Jillian Jacqueline. It’s sure to be a night full of emotional music, so get your hanky ready and grab your ticket while you can. [LL]
BEN FOLDS w/ YMUSIC
@ Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm | $39.50-59.50 | All Ages
Singer/songwriter/producer Ben Folds has moved way past his iconic pop piano ballads of the Ben Folds Five days of old. These days he is bent on bridging the gap between pop and classical music into a new genre he dubs “chamber rock.” His new album So There is a collaboration with New York City-based chamber ensemble yMusic. The new album consists of eight new songs from the collaboration, plus a recording of his 2013 “Concerto for Piano and Orchestra” that he preformed with the Nashville Symphony just last month. This is bound to be a show filled with exquisite musical talent, forward thinking composition, and soul grabbing stories as is Folds’ tradition. It will be a musical journey that you don’t want to miss! [IS]
THE WAIFS w/ RUBY BOOTS
@ City Winery | 8pm | $25-$35 | All Ages
Australian folk rockers The Waifs have been going story since the mid ‘90s, and don’t except them to have cold off one bit since. With seven records under their belts, including 2015’s Beautiful You, it’s clear that their will be no shortage of great material to pull from. Alt-country, and at times Americana performer Ruby Boots will open up the evening of quality live music down town. [JR]
BANE, DOWN TO NOTHING, METNAL COLLAPSE, ON POINT
@ The End | 7pm | $18-20 | All Ages
Beloved, long-running Massachusetts hardcore outfit Bane announced a couple years back that 2014’s Don’t Wait Up would be their final LP, and have subsequently been out on an extended victory lap in support, bringing to a close their more than two decade existence as a seminal, tolerant, and pioneering part of the modern scene. They’ve been no strangers to Nashville over the years, but this is your LAST CHANCE to see the group in Music City. Ever. At intimate space The End and featuring Down to Nothing, Mental Collapse, and On Point, this is a no-brainer weekend decision for hardcore fans; better grab your tickets though, because we hear they’re almost gone. [PO]
[IS] Ione Singletary
[JC] Julian Ciany
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JSa] Jacqui Sahagian
[JSt] Jen Starsinic
[LL] Lorie Liebig
[MH] Matt Hall
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[OL] Olivia Ladd
[PO] Philip Obenschain
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