Though the fall weather doesn’t yet seem to be sticking, fall concert season is definitely in full swing, and that means for the next couple of months we’ll be overloaded with constant, quality live music; not a bad problem to have, huh? This weekend seems to offer something for everyone, with big name EDM acts, punk and pop punk shows, comedy, locals, legends, folk, alternative, indie, and so much more. Per usual, we’ve picked out the best shows for you, so start planning your essential shows with This Weekend in Nashville!
FRIDAY
PRETTY LIGHTS w/ EMANCIPATOR, LTJ BUKEM, BIG WILD, MADDY O’NEAL
@ Municipal Auditorium | 6pm | $27-42 (single day) $54-$313 (two-day) | All Ages
Get your glow sticks, and your rave costumes ready, because EDM royalty is rolling into Music City this weekend in the Form of Pretty Lights. He’ll be hosting a very special two day take over of Municipal Auditorium with help from like minded performs Emancipator, LTJ Bukem, plus many more! One day tickets or two day tickets are available, and with some electronic music filling the airwaves, ridiculous light shows, and crowd antics are soon to follow. If you’re a fan of the scene, this an ABSOLUTELY not to be missed show! [JR]
THE DAYBREAKS
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages
We can always count on our friends at Lightning 100 to help kick off the weekend right with their free local Artist of the Week showcase every Friday at Soulshine Pizza! Newcomers The Daybreaks, who we’ve been digging on since they made their debut earlier this year, are this week’s featured artist, and with their nostalgic, dance-ready sound, they’re definitely a band you should know. [PO]
KAL MARKS, SALLOW, SHELL OF A SHELL, CULL
@ Blackbird Tattoo Gallery| 9pm | $7 | All Ages
Boston gut-core trio Kal Marks caught our attention when they rolled through our beloved Fort Houston for a killer Freakin Weekend day set earlier in March. We expect nothing less from this time around as they are joined by Sallow, who just returned from an East Coast Tour with Watcher. Nashville supergroup Shell of a Shell, and newcomers Cull will also be helping us to head-bang the troubles of the week away. Party starts at 9pm with a $7 donation for the touring band. [JC]
DAVE ATTELL
@ Zanies | 7:30 & 9:45 pm | $30 | 18+
Performing stand-up with a bit of an edge, and never one to shy away insults, or dark material, Dave Attell rose to fame as the host of Comedy Central’s Insomniac, a popular late night travel show where Attell would perform a stand-up set in a random city, and than wonder around said city afterwards, drunk with a camera crew, checking out popular dives and/or landmarks. Definitely must-see TV! While the show is no more, but Dave is certainly alive and kicking, still touring all over to the give the people what they want; laughs! He has two sets on Friday, and two on Saturday, so that’s plenty of time to catch him doing his thing in Music City. [JR]
TODD SNIDER w/ ROREY CARROLL
@ The Ryman | 8pm | $30-$40 | All Ages
This Friday is a big day for Todd Snider. He’s celebrating his 50th birthday with a show at The Ryman and releasing a new album Eastside Bulldog, featuring songs about East Nashville, fighting, and cars. Snider recently remarked that playing The Ryman and turning 50 are both landmarks for singers and we couldn’t agree more. Tickets for this show, which Rorey Carroll will be opening, are selling out fast so grab one before they’re gone and help Snider celebrate. [MW]
BOY & BEAR w/ ROADKILL GHOST CHOIR
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $20 | All Ages
Though still bubbling just below the surface of broader mainstream recognition, Boy & Bear have become a breakout success in their native Australia, and have been a favorite of ours since their debut LP Moonfire, recorded right here in Nashville. Adopting a pleasant indie rock sound with folk tendencies, the group, whose third album, Limit of Love, arrived last year, haven’t played Nashville proper since 2014, though they did wow us this summer at Bonnaroo. Paired with the well-matched Roadkill Ghost Choir, this outing promised to be one of the weekend’s best shows for fans of quality indie rock. [PO]
AJ & THE JIGGAWATTS (7″ RELEASE SHOW) w/ AWAS, GIRLS AND MONEY
@ Bridge Below Space | 9pm | $5 | All Ages
Local, via Memphis, funk/soul/r&b big band AJ & The Jiggawatts are super stoked to announce the release of their brand spanking new 7”, featuring the tracks “It Is What It Is” and “Party Music,” courtesy of Colemine Records. Expect fire and aerial dancers, DJs, and venders at what promises to be an off-the-chains party! Also performing will be AWAS, plus Girls and Money, but you won’t have to spend a ton of yours (just five bucks!) to get in. For more info, check out the FB event page, and we hope to see you there! [JR]
THE DANDY WARHOLS w/ SAVOY MOTEL
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | $25 | 18+
The Dandy Warhols might bring a wave of late ‘90s nostalgia there, but their influences, made obvious not only by their name but by songs with titles like “Lou Weed” take you back to the ‘60s. They’re a great live band, and with their ability to come up with such good melodies, they were the States’ response to Brit-pop. Sing along with all your favorites and hear them do some new material from Distortland at Mercy Lounge this Friday. [MW]
CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD
@ Cannery Ballroom | 9pm | $20 | 18+
If you love blues-infused psych-rock, now is the time to check out Chris Robinson Brotherhood. The group are led by (surprise!) Chris Robinson, who’s best known for his role as vocalist for The Black Crowes. The group’s brand new album, Any Way You Love, We Know How You Feel, features lots of stellar jams and rhythmic cuts that are sure to have you hypnotized. This special performance has no opener, just two separate sets of tunes that will get your juices flowing. [LL]
JULIEN BAKER
@ Hound Dog Commons | 9:30pm | $10 | All Ages
If you’re a regular reader, then you’ve surely seen us rave about Julien Baker on countless occasions. Hailing from Memphis, though she cut her teeth in the Nashville music scene as an MTSU student, Baker has been met with critical acclaim and a fast-growing fanbase thanks to her hauntingly sad and beautiful, wise beyond her years solo debut Sprained Ankle. Swept up in buzz and earning some seriously impressive shouts from big name artists, Julien’s career has likely exploded faster than she ever anticipated, so a chance to see her play in an intimate, small space is a great way not only to catch the singer, who sprung from staunchly punk beginnings, in her element, but also the best environment to connect with her deeply personal and moving songs. [PO]
SATURDAY
PRETTY LIGHTS w/ ATMOSPHERE, G JONES, BRASSTRACKS, MARVEL YEARS, ARTIFAKTS
@ Municipal Auditorium| 4pm | $27-42 | All Ages
Night two of Pretty Lights takeover of Municipal Auditorium, this time with co-headliner Atmosphere in the house as well! Of course they’ll be plenty of EDM performers to warm you up Saturday, just like Friday, so you should really just go ahead and buy the two-day pass. [JR]
DAVE ATTELL
@ Zanies | 7:30 & 9:45 pm | $30 | 18+
Back at Zanies for the second night, with the final two sets of his Nashville tour stop, Canadian standup comedian Dave Attell is bringing you his dark subject mater to laugh out. Be there in person to see one the best do what he does best. [JR]
THE DEAR HUNTER w/ EISLEY, GAVIN CASTLETON
@ Exit/In | 7:30pm | $20-$50 | 18+
Progressive, experimental, indie rock outfit The Dear Hunter have long been one of our favorite artists, and with a prolific return to their long-running concept album series, with new LP Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional, there’s never been a better time to catch them live, always bringing something new and engaging to their show. With support from indie popsters Eisley, another longtime favorite, who are prepping their highly-anticipated fifth LP with a new lineup, plus opener Gavin Castleton, this feels like one of the weekend’s most promising events, and is sure to go down and one of the fall’s best shows. [PO]
LERA LYNN w/ STEELISM, WILLIAM WILD
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $15 | 21+
Singer-songwriter and current Nashville resident Lera Lynn has been celebrated for her moody, atmospheric and emotional songs. If you’ve been watching True Detective, you’ve definitely heard her tracks, and maybe even spotted her on screen acting as a lounge singer. In support of her new album Resistor, she’ll headline a set at The Basement East with local instrumental duo Steelism and indie folk singer William Wild. If you love stellar songwriting and truly unique local music, make sure you head to the Beast this weekend. [LL]
KELSEY KOPECKY, SYK SENSE, METH DAD, IAN FERGUSON, & MORE
@ Nashville Sporting Goods Co. | 8pm | FREE | 21+
Jagermeister is behind this cool event featuring a solo set from Kelsey Kopecky, hip hop artist and producer Syk Sense, and blog faves Meth Dad and Ian Ferguson to name just a few of the musical guests that you can check out for free. There will also be visual artists, and, rumor has it that Jager will be serving up some complimentary beverages. Head to the Facebook event page for more information and to RSVP. [MH]
KANSAS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $39.50-$59.50 | All Ages
If you’re hoping to catch legends of American prog rock Kansas, you should probably act fast, because time to buy tickets is running out. We heard that they’re only a few left, so if you’re thinking about going, don’t hesitate! Giving it even a little more prestige, it is the 40th anniversary of their smash hit record, Leftoverture, which features one of their most iconic songs ever (see below). So help them celebrate in person, at the best indoor venue for live music in all of Nashville. [JR]
PALM, AND THE KIDS w/ FREE PIZZA
@ The Basement | 8pm | $10 | 21+
If you’re going to the Cassette Store Day Party at Grimey’s, hell even if you’re not, you’re definitely going to want be downstairs at The Basement later that night. The best local DIY label/booking agent/manager of everything that is rad known as Designer Medium is bringing the mighty Palm back to town. Palm are a four-piece math-rock group from Philly that will have you scratching your head in confusion and dropping your jaw in awe. Their crazy time signatures and fierce riffs are definitely something to stick around for. Opening up the show will be And The Kids from Northampton, Massachusetts; and Free Pizza, who will bum you out with their name but wow you with their grooves. [JC]
MUSIC CITY BIG BREAK ROUND 2: LUTHI, LAUREL AND THE LOVE IN, KATIE PRUITT, MICHAEL LESOUSKY, KATIE BRUXTON, THE MIDDLE GROUND, MELANIE DEWEY, AMBROSE WAY, BRANDON WATSON, MICHAEL MCQUAID
@ Mercy Lounge & The High Watt | 8pm | $7 or FREE with RSVP | 18+
The Music City Big Break competition rolls on at Mercy Lounge and The High Watt, and free studio time is on the line! This battle of the band style event features a plethora of amazing local talent, including some artists we’ve covered before. Look for Luthi (read this post), Brandon Watson (read this post), plus Laurel and the Love In, Katie Pruitt, many, many more to kick out the jams! The event is FREE with an RSVP, or if you hate FB, you can pay $7 at the door. Help make a lucky winner’s Nashville dreams come true, and support the local scene while you do it, but only if you attend the show. [JR]
SUNDAY
TODD SNIDER BENEFIT FOR WOODLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
@ Woodland Presbyterian Church | 11:30am | Donations | All Ages
After his show at the Ryman on Friday night in celebration of a new record, Eastside Bulldog, Todd Snider plans to give back to his neighborhood before heading out on tour. The Woodland Presbyterian Church in the 5 Points area is known for being a refuge of hope for the homeless in Nashville, but rumors are swirling that developers are chomping to get their hands on the prized property. Snider will be performing in front of the church after their services on Sunday with a hat going around for donations. In case you needed a reminder that we live in a cool city, here you go. [MH]
DIE ANTWOORD w/ HYPE
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | SOLD OUT | 18+
Like their last Marathon outing, Die Antwoord‘s Nashville return sold out well in advance, which is no surprise, since the South African shock rap/rave/zef duo put on one crazy live show. If you weren’t quick enough to grab tickets, and you’ve been stressing over the group’s rumored impending breakup, don’t sweat it; Die Antwoord have set the record straight, promising to continue on for the foreseeable future, so you will (hopefully) get another chance to see them in action! [PO]
THE TEMPER TRAP w/ COAST MODERN
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $27.50 | All Ages
We already told you about Australian-bred indie rockers The Temper Trap‘s return to town in full detail right here. Celebrating a new album, Thick As Thieves, the band are sounding as good as ever, and their electrifying live show, with support indie pop newcomers Coast Modern, definitely deserves top consideration on your weekend must-see list! [PO]
SWITCHFOOT & RELIENT K
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $35.50-$40.50 | All Ages
If you grew up in a Christian, youth group centric upbringing, then your experience with both Switchfoot and Relient K likely spans back to their more niche ’90s origins, where both groups found a way to merge a religious message with more lighthearted alt rock and pop punk. If your formative years were more secular, then you probably remember Switchfoot for their massive early ’00s breakout hits, and Relient K for their rise alongside the boom of pop punk, where they cemented their reputation for writing some insanely catchy songs alongside Warped Tour’s finest. Both band have stayed active and busy, Relient K now based right here in Nashville, and continue to make some fantastic new albums, forever associated with but less strictly tied to the Christian rock scene. With decades of touring experience, and plenty of crossover appeal, both acts are known for their phenomenal live shows, and we have no doubt that seeing them at the Mother Church will be an extra special outing. [PO]
THE SUMMER SET w/ WILLIAM BECKETT, HUDSON THAMES
@ Mercy Lounge | 7pm | $15-18 | All Ages
Though they emerged from the pop punk scene of the late ’00s, Arizona’s The Summer Set have settled into a more straightforward pop rock sound in recent years, seemingly perpetually to be just on the verge of massive breakout success. Out in support of their latest, Stories for Monday, the group return to Nashville with William Beckett, who came to fame as the singer of The Academy Is, but has carved out an impressive solo career over the last few years, along with Hudson Thames. If you want some quality, lighthearted and emotional pop rock jams, this all ages show is your best bet. [PO]
THE DIRTY NIL
@ The High Watt | 8pm | $8-10 | 18+
Harboring elements of punk, garage rock, and ’90s-sounding grunge and alternative, Canadian trio The Dirty Nil simply consider themselves to be loud, aggressive rock and roll, and that’s as apt a description as any. We loved their high-energy set opening for FLAG earlier this year, and had a chance to watch them at Riot Fest in Chicago last month. It’s unclear if there’s an opener for this show (we’d guess a last minute local?), but either way, for the low ticket price, The Dirty Nil are sure to get fists pumping, beer flowing, and crowds moving; not a bad way to end your Sunday. [PO]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JC] Julian Ciany
[LL]
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[MH] Matt Hall
[MW] Meagan Whitney
[PO] Philip Obenschain
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