Unless you live under a rock (or just haven’t left your house for the past few days), you know that AmericanaFest has descended upon Nashville all week and weekend, with the second annual Pilgrimage Festival happening just down the road in Franklin. Fortunately (for us), we don’t have the time or the masochistic inclination to try to summarize all of that madness below. However, you can keep up with our top picks for AmericanaFest each day here, and you can head to the AmericanaFest website for all of the crazy happenings in one of Nashville’s fastest growing events. If you are heading down to Pilgrimage this weekend, we also have our not to miss acts from Saturday and Sunday that will be coming up in the coming days, and tickets for that event are still available here. If you just want to pretend that it is a somewhat normal weekend around Music City, head below to see a solid selection of shows that we have culled out of the insane schedule to keep you in musical bliss.
FRIDAY
ARIEL BUI
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages
Last week we debuted the single “Appraisal” from Ariel Bui’s upcoming self-titlted LP, and you’ve likely been hearing it all over Lightning 100 this week. She’ll be playing a couple of sets around town this weekend in celebration, starting off with her Artist of the Week set at Soulshine Pizza. This is a perfect, FREE chance to see an act that will immediately appeal to fans of Angel Olsen or Courtney Barnett. Head below to get a taste. [MH]
NEEDTOBREATHE w/ MAT KEARNEY, JOHN MARK McMILLAN, WELSHLY ARMS
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7pm | $26-$61.75 | All Ages
Christian rock icons NEEDTOBREATHE are passing through Music City on their Tour De Compadres, with Mat Kearney , John Mark McMillan, and more in tow! The headliners are promoting their newest release, Hard Love, and they’re bringing the power of their live show to Ascend to wow the crowd. Be there in person for this uplifting performance. [JR]
SCHOOLBOY Q w/ JOEY BADA$$
@ Marathon Music Works | 7:30pm | $39 | 18+
Hot off the release of his phenomenal new effort Blank Face, breakout rapper ScHoolboy Q is back in town this weekend, just a night before his friend Kanye West headlines Bridgestone Arena, for an epic night of hip hop alongside Joey Bada$$. With a cerebral, dark, and artsy vibe, Q is unlike anyone else in the game right now, and with his fast-growing buzz, we don’t expect him to be playing rooms the size of Marathon for too much longer. Also, we’re not saying a Kanye drop in is likely, but he does have the night off. [PO]
JAMES BAY
@ The Ryman | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
Grammy nominated indie folk/rock singer songwriter James Bay is holding court at The Mother Church two nights this weekend, however both shows have SOLD OUT. So if you were hoping to catch the British sensation live and in person, but you don’t have a ticket, you’re SOL … unless you know some people, who know some people. It is Music City after all, so where there’s a will, there’s a way. [JR]
NEIL MICHAEL HAGERTY w/ POWER
@ Third Man Records | 8pm | $7 at the door | All Ages
Jack White and his Third Man Records empire always have a knack for booking creative and eccentric nights of music. White lets his weirdness shine through every medium of art he gets behind with the company and this Friday is no exception as Neil Michael Hagerty is set to make an appearance at The Blue Room. Hagerty is best known for his work in Royal Trux, an alt/noise rock duo with Jennifer Herema that was started back in the late ’80s, or you also might know Hagerty under the moniker Howling Hex, a name he has used since the early 2000s. The night will be a perfect all-encompassing showcase of his impact on rock and roll, which is a unique brand of freak-punk and outlandishness that no one has since matched. Opening up the show will be Australian hard rock band Power, and local punks Deluxin’. Don’t miss your chance to see another great show in Jack White’s famous Blue Room! [JC]
LEFT & RIGHT
@ The End | 9pm | $8 | 18+
We first told you about Philly indie pop punks Left & Right thanks to their association with local tastemaking label and friends of the site Infinity Cat. Celebrating the release of a new EP, Pivot Foot, the band are back in town this weekend for a budget-friendly show at The End. Fusing thick, lo-fi alt and indie rock with contemporary pop punk, they’re one of the scene’s most interesting bands, and if you haven’t yet taken a moment to check them out, and you’re looking for something decidedly non-Americana this weekend, this under the radar punk show is a great option. [PO]
SATURDAY
PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL ft. BECK, GRACE POTTER, VIOLENT FEMMES, KALEO, CAKE, SHAKEY GRAVES, THE STRUTS, WILD BELLE, & MORE
@ The Park at Harlinsdale | 10:30am | $69-$599 | All Ages
Returning for its second year, Franklin’s Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is bigger and better than ever this time around, bringing a diverse stable of local and national acts to The Park at Harlinsdale. We’ll be there to cover it in person, and we’re also giving you a full rundown with daily artist guides, so keep an eye out for more in-depth previews. With performers like Beck, Grace Potter, Violent Femmes, and Cake tapped for day one, it’s sure to be an epic end to this year’s busy festival season! [PO]
AUSTIN LUCAS, ERIC “ROSCOE” AMBEL, TIM EASTON, & MORE
@ Fond Object | 2pm | FREE | All Ages
Escape from the madness of the city, and retreat to Riverside Village, for a much chiller night at Fond Object. Last Chance Records has returned for the second year, hosting a backyard AmericanaFest 2016 Party! Folk punk Austin Lucas is headlining, and you can check out the very deep list of performers here on the FB event page, and know that if it’s even half as badass as last year, everyone who shows up is in for a treat. Expect awesome music, cold beer, and records in stacks. [JR]
BOOM BAP!
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $10 | 21+
If you honestly hate Americana music, or maybe you just don’t really care about it one way or the other, don’t worry, you still have options this weekend in Music City… especially if you love hip hop. The monthly throw BOOM BAP! is back, and flourishing in the friendly confines of The BEast this Saturday night. They’ll be playing all the hits, and welcoming special guest DJ Mr. Sonny James, who is famously called “your DJ’s favorite DJ.” Watch him spin the 1&2s, and shake your booty to the beat. [JR]
CHARLES “WIGG” WALKER, BENYARO, DON GALLARDO & HOW FAR WEST, OJR w/ CHARLEY CROCKETT & MORE
@ Acme Feed & Seed | All Day | FREE | 21 +
Let’s face it, there are a lot of people visiting this weekend for AmericanaFest and Pilgrimage, and that means Broadway is going to be as busy as ever. If you are in town visiting or entertaining friends or family, you should stop by Acme Feed & Seed on Saturday for a full day’s lineup. Things start off early with soul legend Charles “Wigg” Walker taking the helm for the brunch hours, and the day will continue with some blog faves like Don Gallardo & How Far West, OJR, and more. Regardless of when you stop by, you are pretty much guaranteed to see someone that will blow your mind. [MH]
JAMES BAY
@ The Ryman | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
As we mentioned earlier in this post, James Bay sold out both nights at The Mother Church, which is pretty impressive even for the rising star. Enjoy more from him below, and next time don’t sleep on tickets to see him live. [JR]
KANYE WEST
@ Bridgestone Arena | 8pm | $25.80-110 | All Ages
It’s only been a few years since modern hip hop legend Kanye West last played Bridgestone Arena, as part of his conceptual, mind-blowing Yeezus tour. Given that sales were only so-so for that show (which was right around Thanksgiving), we weren’t sure if he’d be back so soon, but thankfully Yeezy has blessed us with a stop on his current Saint Pablo Tour, which shows the enigmatic performer deconstructing the traditional live concert setup to perform entirely on a floating stage in the center of the crowd. This time around, tickets seem to be moving a lot faster, but a variety of seats still remain right here for now. No opener is billed, but we don’t expect ‘Ye to go on right at 8. Still, it’d probably be better to be early safe. [PO]
THE SWORD w/ RUBY THE HATCHET, LG & FRIENDS
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $16-18 | 18+
Hailing from Austin, The Sword have, over five albums and over a decade of touring, managed to find a balance between calling back to classic metal (Black Sabbath’s influence, especially, can be heard all over their sound) and assimilating into the modern heavy music landscape. Though they make it to Music City often, their live show always rips, and with support from Ruby the Hatchet and LG & Friends, this stoner metal refuge provides the perfect antidote for those looking to escape AmericanaFest. [PO]
DAISYHEAD w/ BELLE NOIRE, ONLY SIBLING, PAINTINGS, SUN ROOM
@ The End | 7:30pm | $10 | 18+
Local emo/alt rockers Daisyhead have been one of Nashville’s most exciting breakout underground success stories, gaining a ton of buzz from their debut full-length, last year’s The Smallest Light on No Sleep Records. They’ve been touring pretty much nonstop, and sharing the stage with some pretty exciting bands since, remaining one of the best acts in Nashville’s flourishing indie punk scene. Joined by Belle Noire, Only Sibling, Paintings, and Sun Room, this show is one of the weekend’s best values, and a top pick for emo, alternative, and punk fans. [PO]
SUNDAY
PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL ft. DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES, JASON ISBELL, KACEY MUSGRAVES, THE ARCS, CITY AND COLOUR, BETTER THAN EZRA, & MORE
@ The Park at Harlinsdale | 10:30am | $69-$599 | All Ages
Day two of Pilgrimage Fest keeps things going strong, offering fun for all ages with the likes of Hall & Oates, Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves, The Arcs, City and Colour, and more! Though GA weekend passes have sold out, you can still buy day tickets or VIP. Don’t miss out! [PO]
FLY GOLDEN EAGLE, BLACKFOOT GYPSIES, JP HARRIS, ARIEL BUI, TIM EASTON, & MORE
@ Fond Object | 12pm | FREE | All Ages
Our pals at Fond Object in Riverside Village are winding down Americana Fest East Nashville style with one of their signature blowouts. Dubbed the “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” the lineup is absolutely stacked from top to bottom, and will feature local troubadour Tim Easton, an album release set from Ariel Bui, twangy chaneuse Tommy Ash, rising star Aaron Lee Tasjan, long-running local standouts JP Harris & Friends, and what are sure to be powerhouse rock sets from Blackfoot Gypsies and Fly Golden Eagle. This family friendly event will also have food, bevs, a petting zoo, and more; and for the price of free, this is a not-to-be-missed, no-brainer. [MH]
HANNIBAL BURESS
@ Tennessee Performing Arts Center| 7pm | $25-$65 | All Ages
Whether you know him for his sharp, hilarious, and laid back standup (find various specials on Netflix), Emmy-nominated writing (SNL, 30 Rock) breakout TV roles (Broad City, The Eric Andre Show, Why? with Hannibal Buress), film (Daddy’s Home, Neighbors), voice acting (The Secret Life of Pets, Adventure Time), or as the guy who helped shed public light on Bill Cosby as an abuser, there’s no denying that Chicago-bred comedian Hannibal Buress is one of the freshest, smartest, and most talented voices to emerge from the comedy world in recent years. Fast becoming a household name, it’s no surprise that Buress has, in just the course of a few months, already graduated from Zanies to TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall, where he’ll perform this weekend. [PO]
PONY BOY, EMMA SWIFT, ROBYN HITCHCOCK, T. HARDY MORRIS, TRISTEN, JUSTIN AND THE COSMICS, THE SMOKING FLOWERS
@ The 5 Spot | 8pm | $5 | 21+
Our pals at Cosmic Thug Records are going to milk the last little bit out of you at AmericanaFest 2016, and they have just the lineup to do it. Featuring a stacked bill of blog faves like Justin & The Cosmics, Tristen, Pony Boy, Lilly Hiatt, Shelly Colvin, T. Hardy Morris, and more; this is a lineup that captures all of the unique tones under the Americana umbrella. It also just sounds like a kick ass way to end the weekend. [MH]
HOLLY WILLIAMS w/ TRAVIS MEADOWS
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $15 | All Ages
Around this time last year, we were watching Holly Williams absolutely light up the stage at Pilgrimage Festival. Her spunky stage presence, top notch songwriting, and soothing vocals were a real treat at the inaugural year of the festival. This year she will be providing the de-facto closing ceremonies for AmericanaFest at the intimate confines of 3rd & Lindsley. If you need a relaxing come down after days of madness, or are just looking to keep the weekend going for a few more hours, this is your show. [MH]
MELANIE MARTINEZ w/ HANDSOME GHOST
@ The Ryman | 7:30pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
We’re feeling a little déjà vu over this show, but in the best way. Alt-pop singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez made her Nashville debut in August of last year after the release of her debut album Crybaby, also with electronic folk outfit Handsome Ghost opening. With so much buzz around her album, it was no surprise that the show sold out. She returned a few months later and packed out Cannery Ballroom, and now she’s here to take over The Ryman stage, all supporting the same album. That’s a pretty big accomplishment for a new artist, especially considering she’s only 21. We’re definitely not jealous or anything. It appears this show has sold out too, so we hope you grabbed tickets in time to catch this little firecracker before she takes a break from touring and goes back to the studio. [MG]
ALLISON WEISS w/ JOSIAH AND THE BONNEVILLES, PONDER, SLOW AND STEADY
@ Cafe Coco | 7pm | $12 | All Ages
LA based indie pop singer Allison Weiss, a longtime site favorite, dropped one of 2015’s best records in her third LP, New Love. Long associated with the indie punk scene, though more eclectic and poppy in her own sound, Weiss is a skilled, earnest songwriter and an electrifying performer, and one you absolutely want to catch in an intimate spot like Cafe Coco. Joined by Josiah and the Bonnevilles, Ponder, and Slow and Steady, this show rounds out what is an atypically strong indie and punk weekend, providing a fantastic underground alternative to AmericanaFest and Pilgrimage. [PO]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JC] Julian Ciany
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain