TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | August 19-21

The weekend is already right around the corner, and we have another full slate of shows in Nashville.  There are local release shows, pseudo homecoming shows, pop nights, singer-songwriter nights, a laser show, and what may be the closest thing to a White Stripes reunion that you are likely to find.  That’s just the beginning.  Head below to dig into all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN.

FRIDAY

CARL BROEMEL
@ Grimey’s New & Preloved Music | 6pm | FREE | All Ages

We’ve been hyping the upcoming third solo release, 4th of July, from Carl Broemel for months now, and the release date is finally here.  You’ll be able to celebrate with the acclaimed My Morning Jacket guitarist twice this weekend, the first of which is a free in-store at Grimey’s New & Preloved Music.  The free, all ages show starts at 6 p.m., but you better get there a little early to ensure a good sight line for this intimate performance.   [MH]

CAROLINE GLASER
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

Americana singer songwriter, and season four contestant on The Voice, Caroline Glaser has been making the rounds to help support her self-titled record. The LP dropped earlier this summer, and it’s more proof that she’s not just a flash in the pan. Check her out for free at Soulshine for Friday happy hour, while you wind down after work, and see why Lightning 100 picked her as their artist of the week. [JR]

BUTCH WALKER w/ THE WIND  & THE WAVE, SUZANNE SANTO
@ The Cannery Ballroom | 7pm | $20-$25 | 18+

Beloved rocker, famed producer, and at least part-time Nashvillian Butch Walker returns, in what seems to be an annual event, to Music City this weekend for a show at Cannery Ballroom, ahead of the release of his new album Stay Gold next week. Returning to his more upbeat, pop rock stylings, the string of singles released of the head of the album indicate a glorious return to form, which has us extra excited for this outing. The Wind & The Wave and Suzanne Santo support, and tickets are likely to sell out. [PO]

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW
@ Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater | 7:30pm | $25-$55 | 18+

You know all the songs, so why not take a trip this weekend with one of the quintessential  cover bands of ‘60s rock; The Australian Pink Floyd. With well over three million tickets sold, across 35 countries, the Aussies have been correctly hailed as one of the best tribute bands to ever live, setting standards that come as close to the real thing as humanly possible. This act is so good they even played David Gilmour’s (of the real Pink Floyd) 50th birthday. Take a journey back in time to the birth of progressive rock, this weekend in Nashville. [JR]

JOHN JACKSON AND THE RHYTHM ROCKERS
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 7:30pm | $15 | All Ages

Local legends in the Nashville blues/rock scene in the ‘80s and ‘90s, John Jackson and The Rhythm Rockers were known to pack out clubs, and sell out shows in their heyday. Boasting band members who’ve worked with artists like, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne, Tom Jones, and Steve Earle, these talented performers are know for helping their crowds have a grand ol’ time. Be there in person for this very special reunion performance. [JR]

LOCAL H
@ Exit/ In | 9pm | $15 | 18+

Though they never quite achieved the scope of fame of some of their grunge rock contemporaries, Local H are nonetheless one of the best acts of the ’90s alternative scene, still going strong nearly 30 years into their existence. The trio, rejoined by multi-instrumentalist Joe Daniels for the first time in 17 years, are on the road in support of the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough 1996 LP As Good As Dead, which they will play in its entirety along with over favorites. This is definitely a unique and nostalgic outing for longtime fans, and sure to be a strong jumping off point for new ones. [PO]

PØPNITE: R.LUM.R, NAWAS, APOLLO LTD, EPPERLY
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | FREE | 21+

If you’re looking for a FREE sampling of some of Nashville’s most promising up and coming pop acts, a scene which is absolutely flourishing here right now, another installment of Mercy Lounge’s Pop Nite series is offering a seriously stacked bill. We’ve already told you a lot about R.LUM.R, NAWAS, Apollo LTD, and Epperly in the past, and they all represent the best of the electro/r&b/retro/indie pop explosion happening in Music City. Don’t miss out! [PO]

LUCY DACUS W/ KYOWA & LUELLA
@ The Basement | 9pm | $10-$12 | 21+

Richmond, VA native, and brand new Matador Records signee, Lucy Dacus will bring her particular brand of grungy, catchy feminist singer-songwriter pop to The Basement Friday night! Dacus’s debut LP No Burden is startlingly thoughtful and ear-wormy. It’s so good, in fact, that Matador just had to snatch up the digital-only record for full physical release September 9. Check out Lucy’s song “I Don’t Wanna be Funny Anymore” below, catch her at The Basement so you can say you saw her when. She’ll be joined by ethereal alt-popster Kyowa and blog friend and vocal powerhouse Luella. [JSt]

SATURDAY

BROTHER O’ BROTHER
@ Third Man Records | 4 pm | FREE | All Ages

If there were ever an outfit worthy of playing Jack White’s record store, it might be Indianapolis based Brother O’ Brother.   The gospel soul blues rockers sound as though they could be fronted by White himself, and will immediately appeal to fans of The White Stripes.  If you are in the mood to check out some new tunes from a couple of talented dudes, or just continue to miss Jack and Meg like the rest of us, head to Third Man Records for what should be a hell of an in-store performance.  [MH]

TOM PAPPAS COLLECTION
@ Grimey’s New & Preused Music | 5 pm | FREE | All Ages

One of the true new Nashville renaissance men, Tom Pappas has been writing, recording, and performing since 1992.  He’s played a part in Superdrag, The Used To Be, Whip!; and has toured with the likes of Green Day, Weezer, and the list goes on.  He’s been working on his solo project, Tom Pappas Collective, for a few years now, and the indie rocker is celebrating the release of his latest record, Bulleye, with a special in-store on Saturday.  If you are fan of excellent executed indie rock, or want to dig into the history of the Nashville music scene, Grimey’s is the perfect place for you to be.  [MH]

UMPHREY’S McGEE w/ THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 6:30pm | $25-$30| 18+

Jam titans Umphrey’s McGee return to Nashville this weekend for their first ever performance at our beloved Ascend Amphitheater. The group has been shocking audiences for years with their energetic blend of progressive rock and improvisation, and live sets that feature a great showcase of their original material and a handful of creative and fun covers. For this performance they will team up with members of The Nashville Symphony to make for a one of a kind performance. Don’t miss out on this one Nashville. Check out a video below of a full set from their Beacon Theatre run earlier this year. [JC]

FORLORN STRANGERS w/ THE GILLS, MOLLY PARDEN
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 7pm | $10-$12 | All Ages

Head on over to Little Harpeth Brewing to help local folk/Americana performers Forlorn Strangers celebrate the release of their self-titled record. With help from alt rockers The Gills, and acoustic pop/folk outfit Molly Parden, this promises to be one of the most jam packed bills of the weekend. If you’re going to spend your hard earned money, you might as well get the most music for your buck, and we can guarantee this gig won’t disappoint. [JR]

BAILEN w/ COLIN ELMORE
@ 12th and Porter | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

If money is very tight, but you still want to check out some great live music, this is probably the show for you. Join pop rock siblings BAILEN for this FREE performance at the resurgent 12th and porter. Make sure you get there on time, so you can check out singer songwriter Colin Elmore as well. With the money you save on cover, you can actually get a beer too, without having to break the bank! [JR]

BILL MAHER
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $59.50-$95 | All Ages

Perhaps best known nowadays as the host of long running HBO talk show Real Time with Bill Maher, outspoken comedian Bill Maher is also an accomplished standup, focusing especially on topics of politics, religion, observational humor, and insult comedy. His schedule makes touring intermittent, and very few tickets remain, so if you’ve been on the fence, grab yours quick! [PO]

CARL BROEMEL w/ SUN SEEKER
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $15 | 21+

The second show celebrating the release of acclaimed guitarist Carl Broemel really couldn’t take place anywhere other than The Basement East, and you know we’ve been waiting for this one for weeks.  His third solo LP, 4th of July, features some solid players including fellow My Morning Jacket band members, Neko Case, Russ Pollard, Shelly Colvin, and Laura Veirs to name a few. Sunny garage popsters Sun Seeker open up for what should be a night to remember for casual fans and guitar nerds alike. [MH]

MODERN INVENTORS w/ ALEX WONG, CHRIS KASPER
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5-$10 | 21+

Philly transplants Modern Inventors may have started their career as roots rockers, but they have found new poppier inspiration since relocating to Nashville.  If their new single, “Closer,” is any indication, this is one outfit that you’ll want to plug into your radar right now.  Their latest effort offers a chillwave approach to R&B that features Jack White’s drummer Daru Jones and bassist Owen Biddle from The Roots. Noteworthy, indeed. [MH]

BACKUP PLANET
@ Acme Feed & Seed| 11pm | FREE | 21+

Local, progressive funk-rockers Backup Planet are one of the most fun live bands around, and if you’re not familiar, you’ll never have a better chance to try them out in person than at Acme this weekend, because this late night banger is 100% free. We’re regulars at Acme (we’ll see you there again on Tuesday Aug. 23), so we can vouch for their awesome menu and local feel, despite their Broadway tourist district address. Keep the party going after Umphrey’s McGee and wander down to check out this show. [JR]

OFFICIAL UMPHREY’S McGEE AFTER SHOW feat. ZOOGMA & SPECIAL GUESTS!
@ Mercy Lounge | 11:30pm | $10 | 18+

Your official Umphrey’s McGee after party plans are right here. Immediately following the show at Ascend Ampitheater, jamtronica band Zoogma will show the Mercy Lounge stage how they have been dazzling the festival crowd across the country with their funked up grooves and blissful improvisation. This one is billed with special guests, which will include like-minded Oklahoma based jamtronica outfit MONTU. [JC]

SUNDAY

THE ORIGINAL WAILERS
@ City Winery | 8pm | $25-$32 | All Ages

We gave you a shot at free tickets to this one already, but if you didn’t win (and you love roots rock reggae) you need to get your ass to City Winery for The Original Wailers. With guitarist Al Anderson getting his start as a member of the backing band for legend Bob Marley, The Original Wailers have helped reshape the face of music at large, and are one of the most important acts of the last fifty years. Be there in person when they serenade you with contemporary classics, and some new songs as well. [JR]

ACCEPTANCE w/ CARROLLHOOD
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm | $20 | 18+

After a last minute postponement back in June, Seattle alt pop/rock group Acceptance are finally set to return to Nashville for the first time since reuniting last year. Heavily aligned with the pop punk and indie scene, and with a cult following surrounding their debut EP, the band’s jump to major label status with their 2005 debut album, Phantoms, which contained nothing but emotionally resonate, hook-laden, radio friendly bangers, felt certain to guarantee mainstream crossover success. Released to critical acclaim within the scene, Phantoms, perhaps, took a bit longer to catch than the group and label might have liked, and, just a year after its release, the band prematurely called it quits. For many years, it felt like the legend of Acceptance would remain a footnote in pop punk history, their fanbase steadily growing posthumously, until, a couple years back, Phantoms found a surprise re-release on vinyl, sparking new interest. Soon after, a full-fledged reunion followed for the 2015 Skate & Surf Festival and a handful of subsequent shows, as did the group’s first new song in a decade. Fast-forward to 2016, and the reunion seems to have stuck, as Acceptance continue to tour with short run of club dates. It’s unclear how long-term this will be, so we’d highly recommend seeing them now while you can! [PO]

TOTO
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $49.50-$75 | All Ages

When LA based session musicians David Paich and Jeff Porcaro first decided to form a band in the late 70s, it’s doubtful that they ever could have dreamed of the success that Toto would have. They produced some gems during the 80s, that were pumped through the ears of ravenous teenagers at roller rinks (do those still exist?) across the country.  While the death of Porcaro in the early 90s, along with a musical shift (remember grunge?), brought the juggernaut back to earth, their seminal hits are still relevant in the pop world today, and you’d be remiss to think it won’t be one giant singalong to “Africa” and “Rosanna” in the Mother Church on Sunday night.  [MH]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JSt] Jen Starsinic
[JC] Julian Ciany
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain