Summer’s coming people. It’s crazy to think that Bonnaroo is only a month out. They just announced the full 2016 schedule, and, if you aren’t already hip, you should be following our Bonnaroo Band of the Day coverage to get up to speed on all the great artists performing. Summer plans aside, we have some nice springtime events going on this weekend to get you in the mood for longer days and steamy nights. Sevier Park Fest takes over on the west side this weekend with a stellar Friday night lineup for a small fee, and a free all day event on Saturday. Make sure you save some energy though, because there are also performances from Animal Collective, The Avett Brothers, Parachute, Citizen Cope, and tons more. Head below to see all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!
FRIDAY
SEVIER PARK FEST: BLUES TRAVELER, KANSAS BIBLE COMPANY, ISAAC HAYDEN
@ Sevier Park | 6pm | $25 | All Ages
Sevier Park Fest kicks off Friday night with a concert featuring veteran blues/rock band Blues Traveler and two acts based in Nashville: psychedelic rock band with a kick-ass brass section Kansas Bible Company and singer-songwriter Isaac Hayden. The Grammy Award winning Blues Traveler have racked up millions of record sales and traveled the world in their 25+ year career. Known for their energetic live shows, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to see them in such a great setting. And the seven piece band and long-time site favorite “KBC” are gearing up to release a new album titled Paper Moon. They are loud and a whole lot of fun with their heavy guitars and incredible brass section. The Friends of Sevier Park are raising money for a planned renewal and future improvements to the park and to bring together and promote the rapidly growing neighborhoods of Belmont/Hillsboro and 12 South. Bring your blanket and enjoy an evening of great music in a relaxed atmosphere under the stars! [IS]
BIRDS IN THE AIRPORT
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages
New on the scene poppy orchestral rock project Birds In The Airport, who are helmed by Reliant K’s Tom Breyfogle, caught our attention not to long ago with their EP Domesticated Drowsiness. You have probably been hearing the single “Elevator Music” on Lightning 100 this week, and the band will celebrate their Artist of the Week claim with a FREE performance at Soulshine on Friday night. Head below to check out the track in rotation, and get in the know on this exciting new project that we expect to be hearing a lot more from this summer. [MH]
THE AVETT BROTHERS w/ BRENT DENNEN
@ Bridgestone Arena | 8pm | $39.50-59.59 | All Ages
Gearing up to release their highly-anticipated ninth album, True Sadness, famed North Carolina folk outfit The Avett Brothers return to Nashville for the first time in a few years with fan favorite Brett Dennen. Whether it’s a tiny venue or a huge arena, The Avetts’ energy, authenticity, and eclectic sound always feels like a private concert, and given their extensive back catalogue, every show has something new and different to offer. We told you about this one in more details already right here, and if you can swing the big venue ticket price, you’re sure to have a blast! [PO]
FLORALORIX (ALBUM RELEASE) w/ MOCHA, MILES ROOKER TRIO, JAHIMSA
@ Exit/In | 8:30pm | $5-10 | 18+
Friends of the blog and proliferators of Tennessee Reggae, Floralorix are thrilled to celebrate the release of their debut LP Boombox, which drops May 6. Easily one of our most highly anticipated local releases for 2016, we’ll be bringing you a full preview the day of this monster show, which also includes Mocha, Miles Rooker Trio, and Jahimsa, but for now just sit back and enjoy the sounds of their righteous rasta vibrations. [JR]
DIRTY FENCES, HANS CONDOR, JP5, SOFT OPTION
@ fooBAR | 9pm | $5 | 21+
Friday brings us another great night of rock and roll at fooBAR. Throwback punk rock outfit Dirty Fences all the way from NYC will be gracing us with their presence. Dirty Fences just released a new single “Tommy & CC,” and they provided a hilarious music video to accompany it. The song is a laid back jam that echoes the likes of Jeff The Brotherhood with a dash of country attitude. The group have a strong bundle of local support, including thrash punks Hans Condor, JP5, and new post-punk band Soft Option, making this a killer, low cost bill that no one should miss. [JC]
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE w/ KAITLYN AURELIA SMITH
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | $25-27 | 18+
Out in support of their refined, surprisingly poppy, and energetic tenth album, Painting With, Baltimore-bred musical supergroup Animal Collective will return to Nashville’s own Marathon Music Works this weekend to perform with like-minded up and comer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith. A longtime site favorite, Animal Collective as just as weird, compelling, and trippy live, and we’d recommend catching them in concert any chance that you get! Find out more about the show right here. [PO]
PARACHUTE w/ MY RED + BLUE
@ Cannery Ballroom | 7:30pm | $21-25 | All Ages
Hailing originally from Virginia but now at least partially based in Nashville, pop rockers Parachute exploded onto the scene with their debut album, Losing Sleep, and haven’t slowed down since. After several years of subsequent well-liked albums, and tours with an endless array of big name artists, the group are back with a new album, Wide Awake, from which they’ll debut plenty of new songs alongside singer-songwriter My Red + Blue. Grab your tickets before they’re gone, and read all about the show right here. [PO]
THE SAINT JOHNS w/ MYZICA, BECCA MANCARI
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | $10-12 | 18+
We have been keeping tabs on The Saint Johns, and the recent release of their debut LP, Dead Of Night, which dropped earlier this year. Their headlining show at Mercy Lounge marks their first proper date since the album release, and is definitely worthy of your attention. This duo combine top notch songwriting with stellar harmonies, and it’s no wonder why they’ve been busy touring with the likes of Delta Rae, The Lone Bellow, Drew Holcombe, and Judah & The Lion. Blog faves Myzica and Becca Mancari are set to open a night of solid local tunes. [MH]
TOMMY WOMACK
@ The Family Wash | 9pm | ??? | All ages
Tommy Womack is a local legend of sorts. The standout songwriter’s sets are topical and funny and his musicianship is top notch. He will be doing a series of dates at The Family Wash throughout the summer, so if you are looking for a night of why Nashville is Nashville, then this hang on Friday night is highly recommended. [MH]
LARKIN POE w/ HARRISON WHITFORD
@ 12th & Porter | 8pm | $10-$13 | 18+
Atlanta-based sister roots rock ’n’ roll duo Larkin Poe are currently touring in support of their new release Reskinned, the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2014 debut Kin. See for yourself what so many people already know, these girls rock (check out the dobro skills below)! Get to 12th & Porter on time to enjoy local rock singer songwriter Harrison Whitford as well. [JR]
EMMYLOU HARRIS & FRIENDS
@ City Winery | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All ages
Legendary country and roots singer Emmylou Harris will take the stage at City Winery on Friday night, and fans can try a hand at signing up for the venue’s wait list to see if any tickets to see the revered performer become available. For those not familiar with Harris’ 40-year career, she most famously collaborated with The Band, appearing on the song “Evangeline” in The Last Waltz, sang all over Dylan’s Desire, and has recorded duets with Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Gram Parsons, Lucinda Williams, and many more. Her most recent effort is a record of duets with Rodney Crowell. [JSa]
SATURDAY
SEVIER PARK FEST: THE GILLS, JORDAN DEPAUL, SHANNON LABRIE, AND MORE!
@ Sevier Park | 12pm | FREE | All Ages
The free installment of Sevier Park Fest is this Saturday and features performances from some blog faves like The Gills, Jordan DePaul, and Shannon LaBrie to name just a few. The weather should be perfect, and the family friendly event includes a kids area along with local vendors, food trucks, and craft brews. If you haven’t already picked up on it, we’re painting the picture of the perfect Saturday. [MH]
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES, THE DEVIL MAKES THREE w/ ELEPHANT REVIVAL
@ The Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel | 7pm | $29.50 | All Ages
This weekend is the perfect time to journey out to the Woods and enjoy some bluegrassy jams during Trampled By Turtles’ return to Music City. The Minnesota natives have played several TN-based festivals, including Bonnaroo and Pilgrimage Festival, in the last couple of years supporting their 2014 album Wild Animals, which inspired an EP of remixed songs to be released earlier this year. The progressive bluegrass players will be joined by alt-country trio The Devil Makes Three and folk ensemble Elephant Revival. [MG]
CITIZEN COPE w/ MAEYINI
@ City Winery | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
Famed singer-songwriter Clarence Greenwood, better known by his pseudonym Citizen Cope, is set to play not one, but two nights this weekend at City Winery. Busy working on a new acoustic album, Cope is sure to bring out some of his new and most beloved material during this intimate performance, and to flex his unique style and incredible guitar skills have helped him snag collaborations with many big-name artists over the years. While Saturday night’s show is sold out, you can still grab tickets to Sunday right here while they last! [PO]
THE NEW MASTERSOUNDS W/ MOON HOOCH
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $16-18 | 18+
The funk is going to be on display at Exit/In on Friday with a couple of British bands that are touring through with nothing short of an exceptional live show. The New Mastersounds blend soul, funk, and jazz together in an absolute show of musicianship, and relative upstarts Moon Hooch appear to be heir apparent with their ability to gather in the younger generation. If you are looking for something totally different, or you are a musician that appreciates great musicianship, this is a no brainer for you. Check out the Tiny Desk Concert from Moon Hooch below to get an idea of why jazz may not be dead. [MH]
JACK BERRY w/ TESLA ROSSA, BRAVE TOWN
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | $10 | 18+
No country confidant, and resident bluesman Jack Berry is kicking things into high gear with his new record, Mean Machine (which drops May 13), and to celebrate he is having a very special release show with Tesla Rossa and Brave Town. Look for a full rundown on the showcase ahead of time, for information on yet another local release we’ve been foaming at the mouth for. [JR]
LA LUZ
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $10 | 18+
La Luz, an all-female quartet from Seattle, combines almost every style of music you could hope for a fun night out: doo-wop, surf rock, garage rock and authentic rock & roll. Their last release, 2015’s Weirdo Shrine, was produced by fuzzy garage rock master Ty Segall and has a raw, unrefined sound that is amplified by frontwoman Shana Cleveland’s crazy guitar solos. This will be a killer show that you won’t want to miss. [MG]
JOHN BAXTER & THE BOTTOM FEEDERS, THE LOOSE HINGES, THE TALL PINES
@ Family Wash | 9pm | Free | All Ages
It’s a night of good friends and good tunes at The Family Wash on Saturday night. Roots rockers John Baxter & The Bottom Feeders join No Country Presents alumni The Loose Hinges, and Americana duo The Tall Pines. There are a lot of high profile bills in town this weekend, but you just need a locals hang with some great food and solid music, it doesn’t get much more real than this. [MH]
SUNDAY
CITIZEN COPE w/ MAEYINI
@ City Winery | 8pm | $41-$100 | All Ages
The second of two nights of Citizen Cope at City Winery with Maeyini, Sunday’s show is currently the only one still on sale, and going fast! Grab your tickets here, and read more about it right here. [PO]
ELLIOT ROOT w/ THE SOCIAL ANIMALS
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $10 | All Ages
Week after week, Nashville Sunday Night presented by Lightning 100 continues to roll on strong. This weeks performance features local alt-Americana rockers Elliot Root, and Minnesota based indie rock band The Social Animals. As always, this show is broadcast live over the airwaves if you can’t make it out, but it’s always best to see it live! [JR]
FILTER w/ ORGY, VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE, DEATH VALLEY HIGH
@ Exit/In | 6:30pm | $22-$25 | 18+
If industrial, metal-tinged hard rock is what you’re craving this weekend, you can’t do any better than Filter at Exit/In, who, as part of their “Make America Hate Again” tour, are bringing along Orgy, Vampires Everywhere, and Death Valley High. The ’90s are decidedly making a comeback these days, so there’s never been a better time to don your old Nine Inch Nails tee and rock out to some dissonant, grungy, rock and roll. [PO]
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
@ Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm | $25.50-49.50 | All Ages
The chance to see Lucinda Williams at The Ryman is one that no fan of anything resembling Americana music should pass up, and I’m honestly pretty surprised that tickets for this one are still available. The revered songwriter is coming off the release of her acclaimed record Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone back in 2014 and she just released her follow-up to it, The Ghosts of Highway 20, at the beginning of the year. So she’s staying just as prolific and inspired as she gets older as in her Car Wheels on a Gravel Road days. [JSa]
[IS] Ione Singletary
[JC] Julian Ciany
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JSa] Jacqui Sahagian
[MH] Matt Hall
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[PO] Philip Obenschain