Summer is right around the corner, festival season is coming with it. We just got back from Shaky Knees in Atlanta, and we’re giving away tickets for Bonnaroo, which unbelievably is just three weeks away; but, there are some local festival happenings that should be on your radar for your upcoming two day weekly vacation. Musicians Corner brings in a very special guest, the ever revitalizing Germantown neighborhood welcomes back its Capitol Street Fest, and we’ve been telling you about the 2nd annual East Nashville Crawfish Bash for a while now too; and that’s just what is happening on Saturday afternoon. There is another full slate of stellar shows going on in the clubs this weekend too. Head below to peruse our staff picks for all of the hot shows this weekend.
FRIDAY
KELLEN OF TROY
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages
The new musical vehicle for former Apache fiddle player Kellen Wenrich, Kellen of Troy wowed us at our own Acme Feed & Seed showcase earlier this year. With a sound that pulls from elements of rock and folk, Kellen’s transition to front and center has so far been an exciting one, and, ahead of an official debut release, you can see him in action for free thanks to Lightning 100 and Soulshine Pizza. [PO]
MIIKE SNOW w/ MYZICA, ELEL
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | $25-28 | 18+
Swedish indie-pop outfit Miike Snow are headed back to Nashville for a headlining show in support of their brand new album iii. If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard their infectious single “Genghis Khan” all over the airwaves over the past few weeks. They are sure to slay the crowd with their current hit, along with previous singles “Paddling Out” and “Animal.” Those who get their early will hear local synth-pop wonders Myzica and the brassy, joyful indie pop of ELEL. Make sure you’re ready to dance before you head out to this great show. [LL]
EMMYLOU HARRIS & FRIENDS
@ City Winery | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
On both Friday and Saturday nights this weekend, you’ll have a chance to hear 13-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris, along with many special guests, while also donating to a worthy cause. Proceeds from Harris’ shows at the City Winery go towards Bonaparte’s Retreat, a charity she started in 2002 to help find homes for dogs in Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control whose time had run out. The first night of her two-night stint is already sold out, but those with tickets can expect special guest performers including Pam Rose and Mary Ann Kennedy. [MW]
ROGUE WAVE w/ HEY MARSEILLES
@Mercy Lounge | 9pm | $16 | 18+
Look for indie pop rockers Rogue Wave to return to their more indie rock roots, based on their latest release, Delusions of Grand Fur. Basically if you like their earlier Sub Pop days, this is the perfect time to see them live. Helping the cause is chamber pop indie folk act Hey Marseilles, and you get both performances for under twenty dollars. You could do much worse (and spend much more) on your Friday night, but why would you do something silly like that? [JR]
SWEETTALKER, THAT’S MY KID, DOWN BOY, SUPER SHAKER
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 8pm | $5 | 21+
New on the scene alternative hard rockers SWEETTALKER received the nod as headliners at what appears to be a kick ass show in a kick ass brewery. Admission is only a five spot, and you know they’ll have Little Harpeth beer specials (fingers crossed anyway). But, it gets even better because No Country presents alum That’s My Kid are playing in support, with the assist from Down Boy and Super Shaker. Local brew, four local bands … need we say more. [JR]
SATURDAY
CAPITOL DISTRICT STREET FAIR ft. JESSE ISLEY, THE FUTURE, JET BLACK ALLEY CAT, JIMMY CHARLES BAND, AND MORE!
@ Morgan Park/4th Avenue | 9am | FREE | All Ages
The 3rd annual Capitol District Street Fair returns to Morgan Park in Germantown this weekend, and also marks the official pre- and after-party for the 12th annual Tour De Nash. So, head over before the ride to get in the spirit, and return for the party. Musical acts include Jesse Isley, The Future, Jet Black Alley Cat, and more. Full details can be found at the event’s Facebook page. [MH]
PALAVER RECORDS PRESENTS: THE 2ND ANNUAL EAST NASHVILLE CRAWFISH BASH w/ ELEL, THE GILLS, THE JAG, KiND, THE BEECH BENDERS, AND MORE
@ Bongo Java East Lot (109 11th Street South) | 11am | FREE | All Ages
We’ve been telling you about the 2nd annual East Nashville Crawfish Bash for a while now, and are really excited to be on board for year two. Booked by our friends at Palaver Records, this year’s event features another slew of blog favorites including ELEL, The Gills, The JAG, KiND, and more. It’s also a great chance to munch on crawfish and drink some cold beers on what should be a pretty nice day. Head here for a full preview, and head to the lot next to Bongo East on Saturday for the party! [MH]
MUSICIANS CORNER: SIERRA LEONE REFUGEE ALL STARS, MYZICA, ZEKE DUHON, EDWARD & JANE
@ Centennial Park | 1:30pm | FREE | All Ages
MUSICIANS CORNER ACOUSTIC: MARC SCIBILIA, AUSTIN JENCKES, & MORE TBA
@ Centennial Park | 5pm | FREE | All Ages
The second edition of the Musicians Corner’s 2016 season is a zinger. Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars are a group of musicians who fled their home country of war torn Sierra Leone, and banded together to keep their heritage alive. Now a worldwide musical sensation touring in support of humanitarian causes, they bring their highly acclaimed version of traditional African music to Centennial Park on Saturday. Blog favorites Myzica and Zeke Duhon are tabbed in support. Edward & Jane get things started. This free, all ages show is not to be missed.
Also, after weather forced a last minute cancellation of Friday’s Musician’s Corner acoustic night, a special 5 p.m. Saturday event has been added to keep the free music going into the evening, with rescheduled performers Marc Sciblia and Austin Jenckes (Andrew Ripp has been moved to Sept. 3, and the remaining Friday performers have presumably been canceled). Kidsville, Dogville, food trucks, local artisans, and the MC Pub will all remain on site until 9 p.m. [MH]
YEASAYER w/ YOUNG MAGIC
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $22-25 | 18+
Experimental psych rockers Yeasayer return to town for the first time in four years in support of their recently-released fourth album, Amen & Goodbye, which is raking up critical accolades as their best, most eclectic effort to date. Joined by Young Magic, the band will rock the relatively intimate Exit/In, which, if you’re a longtime fan like us, sounds like an absolute dream. [PO]
EMMYLOU HARRIS & FRIENDS ft. RODNEY CROWELL & SPECIAL GUESTS
@ City Winery | 8pm | $75-$125 | All Ages
If you weren’t able to get tickets for Emmylou Harris’ first night playing City Winery this weekend, the second show still has seats available. Like the first night, proceeds from this show will go toward Harris’ charity, Bonaparte’s Retreat, which aims to find permanent homes for dogs in Metro Nashville’s shelter that have run out of time. There are sure to be lots of special guests; already announced to play with Harris is Rodney Crowell. [MW]
EERIE VON ART w/ SHANTIH SHANTIH, JUSTIN AND THE COSMICS
@ Fond Object | 5pm | FREE | All Ages
In typical Fond Object style, there’s yet another bad ass event happening on their grounds on Saturday night. Eerie Von, drummer and bassist from Danzig & Samhain and collaborator with the Misfits, will be on-site showcasing his photography and art in a pop up tent setting, which will also include printing t-shirts from original Misfits screens. If that’s not enough in itself, rockers Shantih Shantih out of Atlanta and local rock heroes Justin And The Cosmics will be performing in the back yard. Head out around 5pm for yet another super cool event happening with the Riverside Village tastemakers. [MH]
STOMP, STOMP, STOMP Art Event FT. HEAVY SOLE & SEXFX
@ Queen Ave. | 5pm | FREE | All Ages
Local artist Ryan McCauley, who is best known for blessing Nashville with his robot art, is hosting a one night only art event at Queen Ave on Saturday night. The event also features music local rockers Heavy Sole and quirky producer SexFx. More details can be found at the event’s Facebook page. [MH]
STYX w/ THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 8pm | $27-65 | All Ages
Prog/arena rock legends Styx will be playing a very, very special gig in Music City this weekend, with the superbly talent Nashville Symphony, outside at Ascend Amphitheater. Formed in Chicago in the 1970’s, Styx rose to fame with ballad rock anthems like “Lady” and “Renegade,” and went to create progressive rock hits like “Mr. Roboto” in the early ’80s. Now, for one special night, you’ll get to see them perform all the hits, with a collection of classically trained musicians backing them up. So “Come Sail Away” this weekend friends, because you may never get a chance to see Styx quite like this again. [JR]
SUNDAY
LUKAS NELSON + THE PROMISE OF THE REAL w/ RAELYN NELSON
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $15 | All Ages
We were just blown away by Lukas Nelson + The Promise Of The Real when they slayed as the backing band for Neil Young at Ascend Amphitheater, who wrote the lyric that inspired the band name for Willie Nelson’s son. We also saw Lukas and his band throw down at Fontanel a few years ago opening for his old man, and were equally impressed with his mastery of his instrument and killer vocals. It’s really a shame that Lukas & Co aren’t headlining much larger venues, but this is a great opportunity for you to catch them in an intimate setting at 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday night. Willie’s grandchild and Lukas’ niece, Raelyn Nelson will open the show with her like minded country rock tunes. This is a family affair that is not to be missed. [MH]
SAY ANYTHING w/ MEWITHOUTYOU, TEEN SUICIDE, MUSEUM MOUTH
@ Marathon Music Works | 7:30pm | $18-22 | 18+
Back in touch with their more raw, punk-derived roots, beloved Max Bemis-led band Say Anything return to Nashville for the first time in a few years (and only the 2nd time in the last decade) supported by an absolutely stacked bill of mewithoutYou, Teen Suicide, and Museum Mouth. If you’re a fan of indie punk, post-hardcore, pop punk, art-rock, and earnest and emotional songwriting, this is hands down the best show of the weekend. Keep an eye out for an extended preview. [PO]
JER GREGG, PHIN, ROCO, SEE BRIGHT LIGHTS
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $7 (at the door) | 21+
A heartland singer songwriter who isn’t afraid to kick out the rock ’n’ roll too, Jer Gregg will be headlining yet another low dough show at The BEast. You also get to see what local indie rockers Phin have been up too (read this post for reference), as well as Roco and a band who’s name is new to us, See Bright Lights. Honestly, regardless of who’s playing, it’s all part of the local non-country scene, so you should help support. We hope to see you on the East Side on Sunday night. [JR]
MARCUS KING
@ The Basement | 8pm | $5 | 21+
Dubbed as the next Duane Allman from a very young age, up and coming talent Marcus King definitely has the chops to back up the talk. His debut album Soul Insight is a surprisingly mature blending of blues, southern rock, psychedelic rock and jazz that is all tied together by his soulful, raspy, powerful voice and masterful guitar work. Currently on tour out of his native Greenville, SC, King is not to be missed! [JSt]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JSt] Jen Starsinic
[LL] Lorie Liebig
[MH] Matt Hall
[MW] Meagan Whitney
[OL] Olivia Ladd
[PO] Philip Obenschain