Fall seems to officially be here. It’s time to dust off your hoodie, and head out to see some live music. Per usual, we have a packed slate of awesome this weekend, we have a little bit of everything that we think is worth your attention, from world class singer-songwriters, punk legends, dancing, and even Queen B. Head below to see all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!
FRIDAY
JEFF CARL
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages
You may remember we introduced you to Nashville transplant Jeff Carl this summer, when we premiered the video for the title track from his EP, Survive. Did you know that was the same Jeff Carl that you’ve been hearing on Lightning 100 all week? They’ve been spinning the track “Sleeping With A Ghost,” which, like the title track, features Carl’s dynamic vocals powering the pop tinged ballad. Carl will be performing at Soulshine Pizza for free in celebration of the nod, and, if you are looking for a perfect spot to enjoy the fall weather, the outdoor show space is your destination. [MH]
COUNTING CROWS & ROB THOMAS
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7pm | $35.95-$99.95 | All Ages
Legends of ‘90s alt rock, albeit from the softer/poppier side, Counting Crows are still going strong well into the new millennium, and return to Music City with plenty left in the tank. With a smorgasbord of hits, this promises to be a super vibey sing-along from the get-go. Look for former Matchbox 20 frontman, and Grammy winning solo performer Rob Thomas to kick the evening off on the right foot. [JR]
PERPETUAL GROOVE w/ LUTHI
@ Marathon Music Works | 7:30pm | $20-$25 | 18+
Beloved Georgia jam band Perpetual Groove are back after a short hiatus, and reenergized thanks to a new EP, Familiar Stare. Blending elements of jazz, neo psychedelia, r&b, trance, electronica, progressive, and arena rock, PGroove, as they’re referred to by fans, are known just as much for their strong studio recordings as for their engaging live show, which includes an impressive lighting array and tons of spontaneity. Locals LUTHI, showcasing a new funk-rooted sound, are tapped to open, and you can find out more right here. [PO]
JOHN PRINE w/ AMANDA SHIRES
@ The Ryman | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
Arguably one of the top-10 most influential singer songwriters of all time, John Prine is making himself comfortable for two nights of performances at The Mother Church. No stranger to The Ryman stage, Prine is poised to show everyone why he’ll always be a top draw anywhere he shows up to play. With americana maven, and budding star Amanda Shires (read this post) opening, it was nearly a certainty that it would sell out, and it did… both nights. Hopefully you already have your tickets, if not, you’re SOL. [JR]
MUSIC CITY BIG BREAK SEMI-FINAL #1 ft. SAM BURCHFIELD, KID FREUD, SHANNON LABRIE, MOTE, & MORE
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm | RSVP | 21+
The Music City Big Break contest is rolling strong, and free studio time is on the line. Semi-final number one is this Friday, and man is it stacked! You get to check out neo-soul rocker Sam Burchfield, garage pop power trio Kid Freud, and No Country Presents alum MOTE, plus many more! All this music is 100% free, but here’s the catch; you HAVE TO RSVP first to go, so don’t forget to click the link, and secure your spot for one of the best indie showcases of the weekend. [JR]
AUTOGRAF w/ GOLDROOM, EAU CLAIRE
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $15-$20 | 18 +
While Nashville is Music City, it’s rare that you truly see dancing, and the EDM scene pales in comparison to the rock and folk scene around our parts. The Basement East has been working to change that, and, this weekend, they’ll invite Chicago based electro-popsters Autograf and likeminded Boston-bred co-headliner Goldroom to town. Both are known for unstoppable dance parties with infectious grooves and thumping beats, that you likely won’t find elsewhere in Nashville this weekend. [MH]
THAT’S MY KID w/ IAN FERGUSON, KELLEN OF TROY
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5-$7 | 21+
We gave you a chance at free tickets to this one already, but if you didn’t enter or win, don’t worry, there are still spots available. Be there at the original Basement when local garage blues band That’s My Kid celebrate the release of their new EP, Day Dreamer. Two more performers we are very familiar with, Ian Ferguson (read this post) and Kellen of Troy (read this post), will be filling out the bill. At just under a ten spot, this could easily be our top low-dough show pick of the weekend, so check it out! [JR]
WHEELER WALKER JR. w/ BIRDCLOUD
@ Exit/ In | 8pm | $15-$18 | 18+
While the album that Ben Hoffman released as foul-mouthed, country artist Wheeler Walker Jr. this year is a riotous, comedic one, there’s no denying that underneath the explicit, funny themes, there are some real gems. Pairing with local duo Birdcloud for a tour (including this Exit/In show) has been a perfect step for Walker. Birdcloud’s performances can border on being as explicit as Wheeler’s songs, but peel back the layers and you’ll find that they’re tackling some legitimate, serious issues. With the two outrageous acts together, there’s no telling what could happen at this hometown stop on their tour. [MW]
SATURDAY
PROMISED LAND SOUND w/ LIZ COOPER AND THE STAMPEDE, DANNY KROHA
@ Fort Houston | 6pm | FREE | 21+
As part of the opening of artist Ashley Doggett’s new exhibit, Selected Works from Master Leeroy’s Mansion, local rootsy, psychadelic band Promised Land Sound will playing alongside fellow local psych/Americana rockers Liz Cooper and the Stampede, and founding member of the Gories, Danny Kroha. It’s sure to be a night of great art and great music. [MW]
THE FELICE BROTHERS w/ AIRPARK
@ The High Watt | 8pm | $15 | 18+
Indie roots/folk rockers The Felice Brothers are touring in support of their latest release Life in the Dark. The three brothers got their start busking in the NYC subways, and now boast a very impressive catalog (thirteen records long) that is guaranteed to get your feet stompin’. Local rock band Airpark, which features members of the sadly now defunct Apache Relay, are leading off another kick ass night of live music in Nashville. [JR]
JOHN PRINE w/ HOLLY WILLIAMS
@ The Ryman | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
Back for the second night of the SOLD OUT two-night engagement this weekend, John Prine, this time with support from Holly Williams, is sure to shine at the Mother Church. Hope you scored tickets already! [JR]
BAND OF SKULLS w/ MOTHERS
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $20-$22 | 18+
Badass British power trio Band of Skulls have returned to Music City, touring in support of their latest offering, By Default. We know firsthand that they can shred with ease, as well as get the crowd going, so if you crave pure, unadulterated hard rock, this is the only show for you this weekend. Athens, GA based garage rock band Mothers are in the warm up spot, so get to Exit/In on time to get the most music for your hard earned dollars. [JR]
GOTH BABE (EP RELEASE SHOW) w/ DANGER INCORPORATED, BIG YOUTH
@ The East Room | 9pm | $5 at the door | All Ages
We’ve been keeping tabs on local psych/punk rocker Goth Babe for awhile now, so we’re super pumped to inform the uninformed that his new EP, Shall We, drops this weekend! Be there in person to help one of our favorite local talents celebrate the next phase of his musical odyssey. He’s sharing the bill with ATL dream pop outfit Danger Incorporated, and Big Youth, so it’s well worth it to head to The East Room a little early for the most tunage possible. [JR]
BUENO w/ MOM AND DAD, BOYSCOTT
@ Drkmttr | 8pm | $5-$7 | All Ages
Since its inception last year, Drkmttr has become the premiere spot in Nashville to catch a wide variety of local and touring DIY bands. And now a new location brings more space, air conditioning, and an even bigger backyard to accommodate more enthusiastic music lovers. This weekend they’ll host alt-rock band Bueno coming through town from NYC. The group sounds like the best parts of Pavement and Dinosaur Jr. put together. Supporting the band will be local rockers Mom and Dad, the newest project from Pujol bass player Zach Prosser. Opening up the night will be another band from here in town called Boyscott. Don’t miss out on this one guys. [JC]
SUNDAY
BEYONCÈ
@ Nissan Stadium | 7:30pm | $45-$280 | All Ages
Announced during an epic Super Bowl appearance and originally slated for May, though postponed last minute for this weekend, Beyoncé‘s return to Nashville, an upgrade from previous Bridgestone Arena appearances to the sizable Nissan Stadium, comes at perhaps the artistic peak of her career thus far, after socially charged and sonically adventurous masterpiece Lemonade, unveiled as a cinematic, critically lauded short film, absolutely dominated the musical landscape earlier this year. Though most seats aside from nosebleeds are a bit pricey, plenty of good tickets remain, and given all that we’ve heard about this tour so far, it sounds like an event tour you seriously do not want to miss. [PO]
RYAN BINGHAM & BRIAN FALLON w/ PAUL CAUTHEN
@ The Ryman | 7:30pm | $26.50-$36.50 | All Ages
As we already told you about in detail, accomplished Americana singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham and Gaslight Anthem heartland punk frontman turned folk solo artist Brian Fallon will co-headline a performance at The Ryman this weekend, a stellar venue to catch either act. With opening support from Paul Cauthen, and with plenty of decent seats still available, this is a great pick for fans of punk spirit and folk earnestness. [PO]
KID CONGO & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS W/ DANNY KROHA
@ Third Man Records | 7pm | $7 | All Ages
To say Kid Congo (née Brian Tristan) has had an impressive career would be an understatement. The acclaimed guitarist and singer has spent time with The Cramps, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and The Gun Club to name just a few, but, for the past few years, he’s been touring with a new project he’s dubbed The Pink Monkey Birds. You can hear influences from all of his past work in the primal, punk doused rock n’ roll he is playing today, and they are a perfect fit for Jack White’s always eclectic Blue Room. Old school Detroit rocker Danny Kroha of The Gories will open up, and, frankly, it’s amazing this one isn’t already sold out. If you are looking to step out of your normal comfort zone, the Blue Room is your spot. [MH]
THE SPILL CANVAS
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $12-15 | 18+
Alt rockers The Spill Canvas were originally slated to play Nashville in the spring, but, taking a page from the Beyonce playbook, moved their show to this weekend. Fresh off a run with Motion City Soundtrack, the band are bringing what they’re dubbing the “Requestour” to Exit/In, where they’ll allow fans to select the setlist. Not only is it a unique way to catch the underrated group, but also may be the last for a bit, as they prep to create their first album in four years following this run. [PO]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JC] Julian Ciany
[MW] Meagan Whitney
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain