TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Dec. 16-18

With Christmas falling on a Sunday next week, it will essentially shut down the local music scene.  So, finish up your Christmas shopping, and then reward yourself with some live music.  Obviously, we think that our Christmas Caroling Show at The 5 Spot takes top billing, there are plenty of shows to go around this weekend, with a little something for everyone.  Take a look at all of our staff picks to find the show that fits you best.

FRIDAY

MASHA
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

No Country Presents alum (read this post) Masha is Lightning 100’s featured Artist of the Week at the best Friday happy hour in town, especially if you love great pizza. The soulful indie pop singer has been generating heavy buzz since the last time we saw her, and we’re happy to see that she’s making the rounds at all the local haunts. If you want to catch a rising resident talent for free, this a great opportunity. [JR]

STEELISM w/ PROMISED LAND SOUND
@ The East Room | 8pm | $5 | 18+

Two of our favorite bands to emerge from the local music scene in the past few years will share a bill at The East Room on Friday night.  Steelism have been hard at work in the studio working on the follow up to their incredible debut LP 615 to FAME, and expect to hear some of the new songs at this show.  Promised Land Sound open things up, as they continue to hone and mature their sound after the release of their incredible sophomore LP, For Use And Delight last year.  If you have family in town, and want to show them what the Nashville music scene is really all about, this would be a perfect place to do it. [MH] 

MIKE FARRIS SINGS THE SOUL OF CHRISTMAS
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm | $31.50 | All Ages

Some people who really tapped into the Nashville scene know Mike Farris as the lead singer/founder of ‘90s area Music City southern rock outfit Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies. He also continues to have a strong solo career (three albums deep), and is a bit of mainstay in the local scene. Weaving together a very diverse basket of sounds, Farris is at his best when his voice is on a blues/soul/gospel lean. His talents will be on full display at 3rd and Lindsley for TWO nights in a row, singing the Christmas classics we all know and love. Spread some cheer, and check it out! [JR] 

FUTURE THIEVES w/ GUTHRIE BROWN, SUNGHOSTS
@ 12th and Porter | 8pm | $5 | 18+

As we already told you about in a full preview, breakout local rockers Future Thieves are set to host a “Not-So-Silent-Night” show Friday at 12th & Porter, along with buzzy folk-tinged rocker Guthrie Brown, and Miami’s SunGhosts. Certainly one of the best value shows of the weekend at only $5, this would be a worthy choice regardless! [PO]

CREATURE COMFORT w/ CHARGE THE ATLANTIC, OH GRANDPA
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $5-$10 | 18+

Creature Comfort are hosting a “Snow Day” event on Friday night, which sounds fitting given the potential weather that is reportedly brewing up.  CC hit us hard with their EP Echoes & Relics, which dropped earlier this year, and their live shows always impress.  Charge The Atlantic just released a soulful, poppy new single “Something You Feel,” and it’s feel good music that is definitely dance-worthy.  Bluesy funksters Oh Grandpa will open things up, and reportedly there is going to be a snow machine, so plan appropriately. [MH]

FUTUREBIRDS w/ T. HARDY MORRIS, THE HARDKNOCKS
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | $15 | 18+

We’ve been telling you about the impending invasion of Athens, GA based indie rockers Futurebirds and genre bending songwriter T. Hardy Morris for a while now, and we even offered up a pair of tickets to one lucky fan.  Head here to read a full preview of the event, and make sure you put this one on your calendar.  [MH]

TURKUAZ w/ THE NEW MASTERSOUNDS
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $15-$18 | 18+

If you are feeling an insatiable desire to dance, look no further than the co-headlining tour from Turkuaz and The New Mastersounds.  Both of these bands have mastered “the funk,” and steadily land spots on festivals around the world with their mastery of crowd control via top notch musicial technique and bounding energy.  Check out the Turkuaz’s live video of “Feelin’ Alright” from Brooklyn Bowl below to get a taste.  [MH]

SATURDAY

NO COUNTRY CHRISTMAS CAROLING PARTY ft. ELEL, ALANNA ROYALE, RON GALLO, SAD BAXTER, FLORALORIX, BEECH BENDERS, & MORE!
@ The 5 Spot | 8pm | FREE | 21 +

It’s crazy to believe Christmas is almost here, and it is even crazier to think that we’ll be celebrating with our annual Christmas Caroling Party for the FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR.  This is hands down one of our favorite events of the year, and features another strong lineup of some of our favorite local acts.  Head to the site for full details, or RSVP at the Facebook Event Page.  Don’t forget to bring a canned good to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank! [MH]

MIKE FARRIS SINGS THE SOUL OF CHRISTMAS
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm | $31.50 | All Ages

This is night two of local hero Mike Farris’ two-day Christmas takeover of 3rd and Lindsley. Be there in person when he squeezes some pure southern soul from holiday favorites, proving that ever song can be sung with just a taste of the blues. [JR] 

THE BOOM BAP!
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $10 at the door | 21+

The hottest (monthly) hip hop party in Music City is back for its December 2016 addition. Look for Dallas based DJ Metronome to be spinning the ones and twos, at possibly the only holiday party that is GUARANTEED to be turnt up, especially at Boom Bap’s new home The BEast!! It’s almost certain you can expect some Christmas songs to be mixed in, so catch the vibes, ’tis the season to be merry! [JR]

SUNDAY

RUFUS & MARTHA WAINRIGHT’S NASHVILLE NOEL NIGHTS
@ The Ryman | 7:30pm | $44.50-$64.50 | All Ages

Playing their first of two very specials shows, brother sister combo Rufus & Martha Wainright are bringing Christmas to The Mother Church on Sunday night with their beloved Nashville Noel Nights. Featuring three generations of the Wainwright and McGarrigle families (plus Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, and more), the showcase has been going strong since 2005, and wowed audiences all over the nation. Equal parts Christmas concert and family reunion, the show was originally inspired by Kate McGarrigle, Rufus and Martha’s late mother. Be there Sunday or Monday night, to enjoy performances, and to get into the holiday spirit. [JR]

ARKELLS w/ GREAT PEACOCK
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $10 | All Ages

Juno award winning Canadian indie rockers Arkells are touring in support of their latest LP Morning Report, which dropped earlier this year on Universal/Last Gang Records.  The band have gained considerable traction over the past three prolific years, and their brand of poppy alt-rock has found more fans due to extensive touring with the likes of Lights, Tokyo Police Club, X Ambassadors, Metric, and more.  Local rootsy pop outfit Great Peacock will open, and are a must see for fans of harmony-heavy, guitar-driven Americana. [MH]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain