TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Oct. 14 – 16

Fall is in full swing, and that means that the fall touring season is upon us.  That is clearly evident in the number of shows going on around town this weekend.  There are an extraordinary number of sold out happenings, particular big events at The Ryman, Bridgestone, and Ascend, but, fear not music lovers, there are plenty of other shows to satiate your needs.  Head below to see all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!

FRIDAY

THE GILLS
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

Indie rock n’ rollers The Gills are the featured Lightining 100 Local Artist of the Week, and the honor falls in perfectly with the release of their latest album EP2. No strangers to the Music City scene, they have been churning out quality ’90s inspired rock for Nashville fans since they first arrived.  It seems like they are primed for a big year, and this is the PERFECT opportunity to see one of our favorite bands 100% for free. [JR]

LOCAL NATIVES w/ CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON
@ Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $35.50 | All Ages

LA-based indie rockers Local Natives are back at the Mother Church in support of their new album Sunlit Youth, with soulful Canadian songstress Charlotte Day Wilson in tow and, surprisingly, there are still some tickets available. Don’t miss your chance to hear this beautiful music at The Ryman for a truly spiritual experience. [MG]

BRETT DENNEN w/ LILY & MADELEINE
@ City Winery | 8pm | $20-$30 | All Ages

As we already told you in full detail, singer-songwriter Brett Dennen is celebrating his sixth album, Por Favor, recorded right here in Nashville with Dave Cobb. We can’t think of a better spot than the intimate City Winery stage to hear Dennen’s personal, eclectic, and earnest songs, and with up and comers Lily & Madeleine rounding out the bill,  this is sure to be one of the weekend’s standout shows! [PO]

ELEL w/ SKYWAY MAN, BILL EBERLE
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $10-$15 | 21+

It’s been a long time coming for one of our favorite local bands.  Worldy indie-popsters ELEL are finally sharing their debut Mom + Pop back full-length, Geode, with the world… next week.  One of the best parts of living in Nashville?  You get a chance to get a jump on your copy at their official album release party at The BEast on Friday night.  ELEL will be joined by James Wallace’s new outfit Skyway Man and rising Americana songwriter Bill Eberle for what is sure to be one of the best local bills of the weekend. [MH]

HENRY ROLLINS
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | SOLD OUT | 18+

We told you about this show way back in June, so if dragged your feet and didn’t snag tickets to Henry Rollins, you can’t say we didn’t warn you. A spoken word show rather than a concert, the legendary former Black Flag frontman promises “On this tour, fans can expect Henry to mix timely commentary on the current state of politics with anecdotes on his latest L.A. experiences, to perspective gained from his extensive world travels.” Given the state of the world right now, we’d wager Henery has quite a few things on his mind.  [PO]

FOY VANCE w/ TREVOR SENSOR
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm | SOLD OUT | 18+

Foy Vance is bringing his “Wild Swan Tour” to Nashville this Friday at Mercy Lounge. The folky singer-songwriter, who recently signed to Ed Sheeran’s record label, is returning to the south after a summer spent abroad and on the festival circuit. You can catch the legendary waxed mustache in real life and hear his low-key set, with support from the more rambunctious Trevor Sensor. His latest EP Starved Nights of Saturday Stars is gritty and southern, a bit more upbeat than Foy Vance, but still complementary. We hope you snagged tickets early, because this one is all sold out. [OL]

HIGHLY SUSPECT w/ SLOTHRUST
@ Cannery Ballroom | 8:30pm | SOLD OUT | 18+

After a huge year which included an unexpected Grammy nomination and runaway buzz surrounding last year’s Mister Asylum, Massachusetts alt rock trio Highly Suspect have become something of an overnight success. They return this weekend just a few months after playing The Basement East and ahead of new LP The Boy Who Died Wolf, for a sold out performance at Cannery Ballroom with Slothtrust, cementing how big their rise has been. [PO]

MODERN INVENTORS, w/ AIRPARK, & THE BLACK MOONS
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $10-$12 | 18+

Local psych-tinged indie rockers Modern Inventors have been on our radar for a while, and we recommend you catch them this weekend in the intimate confines of The High Watt, because only bigger venues are in their future. Kicking things off are two more local acts, new on the scene indie rockers Airpark which feature Apache Relay’s Michael Ford Jr., plus folk seasoned collective The Black Moons. If you are looking for the best of what’s next, The High Watt has you on lock. [JR]

JORDAN HULL, IAN FERGUSON, ETHAN SAMUEL BROWN
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Growing Americana presence, local hero, and No Country Presents alum Jordan Hull is hosting a special showcase at The 5 Spot this weekend in hopes of accepting additional donations, however small, to generate revenue to get his new record, Somewhere is a Place to Be, pressed to vinyl. Helping him out are blog favorites Ian Ferguson, and symphonic folk singer songwriter Ethan Samuel Brown. You get all this great music for just $5, but throw a couple of bucks in the kitty to help Jordan out, because you know it’s all going towards a great cause. [JR]

FAILURE
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $25 | All Ages

While we did catch alt rock legends Failure just last year, in celebration of their reunion and long-awaited comeback album, also at 3rd & Lindsely, the group’s return this weekend is extra special, since it’s 20th anniversary of their beloved 1996 third LP, Fantastic Planet, the last release before their 17 year split. Obviously, this is a special chance to watch the band revisit perhaps their most seminal effort, and should be a no-brainer for fans in any capacity. We heard tickets are getting low, so don’t miss out! [PO]

THE CHICK COREA ELEKTRIC BAND
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Hall | 8pm | $28-$138 | All Ages

Chick Corea is a living legend from a dying genre.  The highly acclaimed jazz pianist is considered to be a part of the electric jazz fusion movement, which he helped begin while working with Miles Davis.  The guy has played with, and led, a literal who’s who of jazz greats including, just to name a few, Herbie Mann, Stan Getz, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Keith Jarrett, Airto Moreira, Stanley Clarke, John McLaughlin, and Bela Fleck.  Corea has been touring with the Chick Corea Elektric Band since 1986, as they strive to keep the spirit of jazz alive.  This is really a rare opportunity, even in Music City.  If you are a fan of improvisation from master musicians, this is a not to be missed show. [MH]

CHRIS STAPLETON w/ LEE ANN WOMACK
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

If you were hoping to catch award winning Americana/country performer Chris Stapleton at the best outdoor venue in Music City this weekend, well, we hope you already have tickets because both nights have been sold out since the show was announced. Another big name in the world of Americana, Lee Ann Womack, will be opening, so be sure to get there early to claim your spot at what promises to be a packed house. [JR]

SATURDAY

HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER w/ PHIL COOK
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $15 | 18+

Hiss Golden Messenger just released their incredibly well received 7th record, Heart Like A Levee, via Merge earlier this week.  We’ve been getting you primed for M.C. Taylor’s mastery of bluesy indie folk and alt-country since the show announced, and the time has come for both the record and the show.  Taylor’s oft collaborator and Megafaun and Gayngs member, Phil Cook is set to open in what is one of the top indie shows of the week in Nashville.  [MH]

LAWNDRY, THE ALARMS, THE INSCAPE, KINHIN, PRO TEENS
@ Meal Ticket | 8:30pm | $7-$10 | 21+

Celebrating the release of their four song, Cold Lunch Recordings release Tumble Dry, blog faves Lawndry are teaming up with another electic bill at Meal Ticket on Saturday night. They’ll be joined in this eclectic bill by indie rockers The Alarms, psych rock favorites The Inscape, shoegazer upstarts Kinhin, and Pro Teens. If you want to stay hip on the best up and coming bands in town, the Cold Lunch Records parties are the way to go. [MH]

BLAKE BABIES w/ BLANK RANGE & PHOEBE BRIDGERS
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $20-$50 | 21+

Formed in 1986 in Boston, Blake Babies achieved moderate success amidst the boom of “college rock” and alt rock of the late ’80s and early ’90s, lasting just six years and three albums before calling it quits in 1992. Though they maintained a cult following in the U.S. and abroad, the group largely stayed dormant until returning for a string of shows been 1999 and 2001, again grinding to a halt for the last 15 years. Unexpectedly, the band reemerged once more this year, plotting a modest handful of shows to support the reissue of the records and release of new demos, and even more surprisingly, the New Englanders are bringing their show to Nashville, potentially for the first time ever, or at least first in decades, this weekend with Blank Range and Phoebe Bridgers. Though somewhat under the radar, Blake Babies are a pretty fantastic footnote in alt rock history, and we definitely think a rare chance to see them deserves top consideration this weekend. [PO]

CROSS COUNTRY, SWIM TEAM, THE GUYS, TED TYRO
@ Drkmttr | 8pm | $7 | All Ages

This Infinity Cat sponsored event features two Ohio based bands that have released grung-ily delicious IC cassette tapes. Swim Team and Cross Country will be joined by soulful local rockers High Tides and Louisville, KY based experimental popsters Ted Tyro.  Most every party we spend with Infinity Cat leads us to our next favorite band, so don’t miss out on this cheap show, that is BYOB for those 21 and up. [MH]

PUJOL, HUSBAND STITCH, WATCHER
@ The East Room | 8pm | $8 | 18+

The East Room is the place to be this Saturday as power pop rocker Pujol is throwing another party filled with a whole list of great musicians and poets. Not only is Daniel Pujol celebrating his birthday, but he is also celebrating the release of his new chapbook entitled A Mighty Stranger. Joining him will be Husband Stitch, the new noise-punk project from Idle Bloom frontwoman Olivia Scibelli. Also opening up the show will be some of our favorite noise rockers Watcher. Various readings will happen in between each band. Don’t miss out on this one of a kind night.  [JC]

MYSTERY TWINS, STONE JACK JONES, NEW MAN
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Guitar and drum two-piece band Mystery Twins are one of the most in sync in town. The chemistry onstage between Doug Lehmann and Stephanie Brush is mesmerizing and undeniable; they’re an act that’s never to be missed. Also playing are incredibly talented, dark, rootsy, singer/songwriter Stone Jack Jones and locals New Man. [MW]

MUSIC CITY BIG BREAK ROUND 3: DORAN DANOFF, TIFFANY ASHTON, STELLE AMOR, THE WILD JAYS, JESS NOLAN, THE BLACK MAGS, FRANCES AND THE FOUNDATION, EMMA HERN, SAD BAXTER, WHOA DAKOTA
@ The High Watt & Mercy Lounge | 8pm | $7 or FREE with RSVP | 18+

For the third weekend in a row, the Music City Big Break completion will be taking over Mercy Lounge in and The High Watt, pitting a ton of local bands we regularly cover against each other battle of the bands style, in order for a chance to win a slot at the BMI Festival, a Lightning 100 Artist of the Week feature, studio time, and more. RSVP to check it out for free, and sample a ton of Nashville’s finest all in one spot! [PO]

WAKA FLOCKA FLAME w/ DJ WHOO KID
@ Reign Nightclub | 10pm | $25-$1,200 | 18+

Atlanta based hip hop sensation Waka Flocka Flame is rolling through Music City this weekend, and he’s ready to get the party ’turnt to 11. Word is a new record has been in the works, entitled Flockaveli 2, but no official release date yet. However you can bet some of the new material will be on display at the show. Look for the legendary DJ Whoo Kid, also know as the mixtape king, to get things started on a blazing night of hip hop in Music City, plus body paint, confetti guns, lights, and DJs for what’s sure to be one wild party.  [JR]

DAN ANDRIANO IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM w/ DAN P, DEREK GRANT, SLOW AND STEADY
@ The End | 7:30pm | $12 | 18+

While his Alkaline Trio bandmate Matt Skiba is enjoying a huge new gig as guitarist/vocalist of Blink 182, Dan Andriano has been using his break from Ak3 to double down on his long-running solo career, touring heavily on last year’s fantastic Party Adjacent. It’s pretty cool to see such a famous figure in punk play a spot like The End, with a lineup that also includes MU330’s Dan P, a solo set from Alkaline Trio drummer Derek Grant, and Nashville’s own Slow and Steady, you’d be hard pressed to find a show with any more punk cred anywhere else this weekend. [PO]

CHRIS STAPLETON w/ BRENT COBB
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Night two of Chris Stapleton’s take over of Ascend is also sold out, so we hope you planned ahead. This time, in the warm up spot, the featured artist is rising country star Brent Cobb, so be sure to get to the venue on time to catch his set as well. [JR]

THE HEAD AND THE HEART w/ DECLAN McKENNA
@ Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Yet another SOLD OUT show during a crazy busy weekend in Music City, but when you consider it’s The Head and The Heart performing two nights at the best venue in the city, it really shouldn’t come as any surprise. Rising British singing songwriter Declan McKenna will kick things off both nights, so be sure to catch his set. [JR]

ADELE
@ Bridgestone Arena | 7:30pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

If you didn’t get tickets within minutes of when they went on sale 10 months ago, then you unfortunately never stood a chance to see Adele‘s long awaited Nashville return (and first Music City shows since she played Cannery Ballroom way back in 2009). Even the resale tickets are scarce and expensive, meaning you’ll like have to wait years for another shot at seeing the modern legend in the flesh. Don’t worry, we’ll be watching her videos at YouTube and crying at home too. [PO]

SUNDAY

LA SERA w/ SPRINGTIME CARNIVORE
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $12-$14 | 18+

This year La Sera released their fourth album, Music for Listening to Music To, which was produced by Ryan Adams. This project of former Vivian Girls member Katy Goodman does breakup and heartache songs right. Also playing are Springtime Carnivore, the latest project from former The Hush Sound singer Greta Salpeter. [MW]

OJR w/ The Shelters
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $10 | All Ages

If checking out a great, local psychedelic band in a comfortable, sit down environment, where you can order a great food is your thing, you’ll want to be sure to catch OJR (Oliver John-Rodgers) at 3rd & Lindsley for Nashville Sunday Night this weekend. OJR’s sound straddles the line between accessible and poppy and psychedelic rock. He’s a boundary pushing artist who it’s hard for anyone to find fault with. Opening the show are LA based band The Shelters, whose recent album was co-produced by Tom Petty. [MW]

THE BUDDIES w/ THE WORLD’S GREATEST EAGLE SCOUTS, GREG GARING
@ Radio Cafe | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

We’ve been mad fans of The Buddies since we discovered their party punk rock masterpiece “All The Beer Is Gone” back in 2011, which had Deer Tick and Cosmic Thug fingers all over it. After some difficult times, they are back in town, and are hosting a night of undeniable fun at upstart car dealership turned venue Radio Cafe.  They’ll be joined by The World’s Greatest Eagle Scouts, and honky tonk hero Greg Garing.  Rumor has it there will be refreshments for those of age.  Do you really have an excuse?  [MH]

BANDITOS, PROMISED LAND SOUND, TYLER CHILDERS
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $8 | 21+

It’s hard to describe (rarely these days) locals Banditos better than this snippet from their bio, “bodaciously appropriate elements of ’60s blues-fused acid rock, ZZ Top’s jangly boogie, garage punk scuzz a la Burger Records, the Drive-By Truckers’ yawp, the populist choogle of CCR, Slim Harpo’s hip shake baby groove, gut bucket Fat Possum hill country mojo and the Georgia Motherf**king Satellites.”  If you need further convincing just have a listen to “The Breeze.”  They’ll be joined on Sunday night with blog faves Promised Land Sound and Tyler Childers.  [MH]

THE HEAD AND THE HEART w/ DECLAN MCKENNA
@ Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

The second night of The Head and the Heart’s two night stand at The Mother Church is also SOLD OUT. So, unless you already have tickets, you’re SOL. The good news is there’s no shortage of great shows this weekend, so you can pick another, or try to call in some favors. [JR]

ADELE
@ Bridgestone Arena | 7:30pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Night two of Adele is just as solidly sold out as the first. If you don’t have tickets, you’re basically out of luck, sorry. [PO]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JC] Julian Ciany
[MH] Matt Hall
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[MW] Meagan Whitney
[OL] Olivia Ladd
[PO] Philip Obenschain