TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Dec. 30- Jan. 1

In case you haven’t looked at your calendar (or don’t have any friends to remind you of such things), this is New Year’s weekend.  We will certainly be partying away what has been a forgettable year, and hoping to usher in some positive vibes to get 2017 moving in the right direction.  There will be many that brave the crowds for the official city celebration in Bicentennial Mall this year, but, for those of you that aren’t so keen on large public gatherings, there are plenty of other options that support all price points.  Not to mention, we have shows to get you warmed up on Friday, and ease your aching bones on Sunday to consider.  Head below to let us help you plan your holiday weekend, with a more comprehensive list than usual with a full spread of happenings, and we hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!

FRIDAY

WIDESPREAD PANIC
@ Bridgestone Arena | 8pm | $60.50-$65.50 | All Ages

Get ready to jam your ass off for the last of bit 2016 Music City, thanks to two nights of Widespread Panic at Bridgestone. Reaching legend status in the jam band community, with their only real rival in terms of following size being Phish, Panic aren’t just a band, they’re a way of life for the diehards. With almost thirty years worth of music and spectacular live shows under their belts, these guys are seasoned pros to say the least, but with their distinctive southern flair they set themselves apart amongst the sometimes monotonous catch-all label “jam band.” Be there for one or both nights, when they shut down “the worst year ever” with one of the best live shows ever! [JR]

UNKNOWN HINSON w/ BLACKFOOT GYPSIES
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $12-$15 | 18+

The one, the only (thank God!), raunchy undead cowboy known as Unknown Hinson will be brining his heathen, psychobilly meets crude stand-up comedy routine to Exit/In to entertain the masses. A legitimately talented musician, Stuart Daniel Baker dreamed up Hinson in the late ‘90s and NEVER breaks character when performing on tour. He is also known to be incredibly gracious after shows, staying for as long as there are people who want photos/autographs, and is just as widely known as the voice of Early Cuyler on the Adult Swim show Squidbillies. Look for rowdy, local, Southern blues rock ’n’ rollers (and blog faves) Blackfoot Gypsies to kick off what promises to be a very interesting night of music. [JR]

WIDESPREAD PANIC AFTER PARTY ft. ZOOGMA
@ Mercy Lounge | 10:30pm | $10-$12 | 18+

Spread heads, this is the only after party you need to know about after night one of the band’s two night take over. Local (via Atlanta) genre bending electronic jam band Zoogma will be keeping the party going late, late into the night … or very early into the morning, depending on how you want to look at it. It should be a crazy hippie-dance party at Mercy Lounge, but be sure to save some energy for night two of Panic, if you’re already on board for both shows.  [JR]

SATURDAY

NASHVILLE NYE ft. KEITH URBAN, STYX, A THOUSAND HORSES, MOON TAXI, CHARLIE WORSHAM, THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS
@ Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park | 4pm | FREE | All Ages

The city’s official downtown New Year’s Eve celebration has made an effort in recent years to appeal to more than just country fans, while also keeping in mind that that’s exactly what a multitude of tourists want to hear. Lineup aside, the massive celebration, which moves this year to Bicentennial Park, is a free and revelrous gathering no matter what your musical preference. We’re especially intrigued by the random inclusion of prog-rock legends Styx, and happy to see site favorites Moon Taxi on the bill. [PO]

WIDESPREAD PANIC
@ Bridgestone Arena | 9pm | $60.50-$65.50| All Ages

Strap in for night two of Widespread Panic’s auditory assault on Bridgestone Arena. Hopefully you saved some energy from day one, or you’re only going for day two, but regardless be ready to shake your ass, because Panic know how to ring in the new year like few others. Glow sticks/party favors not included. [JR]

CHAMPAGNE CAMPAIGN ft. BACKUP PLANET, THE GRIPSWEATS & FRIENDS, ACME RADIO DJS, COACH & RATE
@ Acme Feed & Seed | 6pm | $40 | 21+

Why not head to one of the hottest NYE parties in the city, and catch some kick ass live local music while you’re at it? You can do both, downtown at Acme Feed & Seed! Your forty dollar GA admission ticket (which is down to doors only, so arrive early) grants access to all four floors of shenanigans, including DJ helmed dance parties, and performances by progressive funk jammers Backup Planet and instrumental funk band The Gripsweats, plus many more! Be at the heart of the action without having to fight the fireworks crowd at Bicentennial, and don’t miss the one everyone will be talking about on Monday. [JR]

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES
@ City Winery | 7pm & 11pm | (early show) $50-$70 (late show) $50-$70 | All Ages

Renowned local country rocker Marty Stuart will be taking over City Winery for two sets on New Year’s Eve along with His Fabulous Superlatives.  With a history stretching back nearly 40 years, Stuart epitomizes the Nashville tradition, and, if you are looking for a more subdued vibe to ring in the new year with family or loved ones, this is a perfect example to experience some of the true talent that gave us the name Music City. [MH]

JOHN PRINE, JASON ISBELL w/ KACEY MUSGRAVES
@ Grand Ole Opry House | 8pm | $75-$250 | All Ages

At the time of writing, only a handful of tickets remain to what promises to be one of the best shows this New Year’s Eve. Bringing together country/folk legend John Prine with one of the most exciting up and comers, and one of the best things to happen to the genre in years, Jason Isbell, the powerful lineup is supported by country pop starlet and all around badass Kacey Musgraves. This trio of talented performers represent all of the best elements of country, Americana, and folk, and are a boldly tasteful foil, at the Opry no less, to the mainstream country our city often gravitates to. [PO]

QUICHENIGHT, STATIONWAGON, THE BEECH BENDERS, HARPOONER, TELEFONES
@ The Basement | 8pm | $10 | 21+

Our pals at Cold Lunch Recordings seemingly never rest, or at least their version of resting is (commendably) throwing a rocking party with some of the best local acts in Nashville.  They host their own New Years Eve party at The Basement with rising local rockers Quichenight, who just celebrated their Camille’s Market release with the label earlier this month.  Quichenight will be joined by Nashville based troubadour Pete Lindberg’s STATIONWAGON project, along with blog faves Beech Benders, and local power popsters Harpooner.  If you are looking for a reasonable value full of top notch local music, look no further. [MH]

THE PROTOMEN, THE DEAD DEADS w/ MAKEUP AND VANITY SET, BORN EMPTY
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $16-$20 | 18+

As we already told you about it full detail, Exit/In are keeping up their tradition of providing a spot to rock your way into the new year, with a stacked local bill of retro operatic rock outfit The Protomen, punk-tinged alt-rockers The Dead Deads, electronic artist Makeup and Vanity Set, and genre-bending rockers Born Empty. If a smaller, rock-focused show is what you’re in the mood for, you can’t go wrong with this one. [PO]

Y2K MADNESS: THE ULTIMATE NEW YEARS PARTY
@ Mercy Lounge | 10pm | $22-$35 | 21+

In a year when we lost Prince, the phrase “party like it’s 1999” seems somewhat ill-fitting, but then again, so does Donald Trump as president.  Regardless or your feelings towards The Purple One or The Orange One, Mercy Lounge is throwing a hell of an end of the year bash.  This ultimate singalong will feature the best of boy bands, pop divas, nu metal, and pop punk for an unforgettable end to a forgettable year.  Rumor has it this one is close to selling out, so don’t dilly dally on those last minute party plans. [MH]

QYE: A NYE EVENT BY QDP
@ The Basement East | 9pm | SOLD OUT | 21+

The infamous Queer Dance Party (QDP) takes their wildly successful monthly dance party to a year end frenzy with their QYE event at the Basement East.  If you are just in need of an out of this world dance party, QYE will sound like most dating profiles: fun, sexy, cheap, and available. [MH]

CHERUB w/ TWO FRESH, GIBBZ
@ Marathon Music Works | 9pm | SOLD OUT | 18+

With all of the buzz they’ve churned up the past few years, and a kickass new album, Bleed Gold, Piss Excellence, to boot, it’s no surprise that breakout local electro-indie duo Cherub managed to sell out Marathon Music Works in advance. MMW always nabs the top local talent to help usher in the new year, and this wild lineup is sure to bring the biggest party yet. [PO]

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW w/ DOM FLEMONS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 10pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Old Crow Medicine Show‘s annual NYE performance at The Ryman is becoming something of a local institution, as the tried and true local bluegrass/Americana rockers have performed there seven of the last eight years. Clearly, there’s no decline in demand, because this yearly tradition is already sold out. [PO]

PANIC NYE PRE-PARTY ft. WRANGLER SPACE; MIDNIGHT RIDERS
@ Soulshine Pizza | 4pm & 9pm | Free | All Ages

Whether you’re headed to Widespread Panic’s evening show at Bridgestone, or if you didn’t want to shell out the dough for tickets, Soulshine has you covered with a warmup/stand-in performance from Wrangler Space, who’ll be playing an early set, covering Panic’s legendary 1999 New Orleans Halloween show in full. The jams continue later in the evening, when Midnight Riders pay tribute to The Allman Brothers Band. [PO]

THE AQUADUCKS w/ IKE AND THE CROOKED SOULS
@ The Horton Building | 7:30pm | $25 | 21+

Funky site faves The Aquaducks are bringing the NYE jams at The Horton Building along with special quests Ike and the Crooked Souls. VIP tickets are sold out, but general admission to the downtown dance party includes champagne, giveaways, door prizes, a dance contest, a photo booth, and more! [PO]

THE HAPPENING VII ft. BRONZI BLONDE, OLI ENDLESS AND THE POSSIBILITIES, ENIMAL, REAL TIME HAND MOTION, SATI FLOW, SINCLAIRE DOTSON, & MORE
@ POP | 8pm | $20 | 21+

Ecclectic music, dance, visual art, poetry party and more, The Happening is an incredible showcase of some of Nashville’s more underground talent. If a blend of DJs, bands, performing and visual artists, poets, and more sounds like the alternative New Year’s Eve party you’re in search of, this is the Happening for you. [PO]

BEARING TORCHES, BUCK N STUFF, JIM OBLON, MICROWAVE MOUNTAIN, THE BURPS
@ The 5 Spot | 9:30pm | $5 | 21+

If you’re seeking out some quality local rock, and not wanting to break the ban, Eastside Music Supply’s showcase at The 5 Spot offers a pretty stacked lineup for just $5, featuring Bearing Torches, Buck N Stuff, Jim Oblon, Microwave Mountain, and The Burps. For an extra $3, you can also buy raffle tickets, for a chance to score some sweet gear! [PO]

THE REMONES w/ THE SISSY JERKS
@ The End | 10pm | $5 | 21+

Want to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but can’t find a party that suits your classic punk sensibilities? Nashville’s premiere Ramones cover band, The Remones, have you covered at The End! The group will perform Ramones classic It’s Alive in full, and The Sissy Jerks will support- all for just $5! [PO]

THEE ROCK N’ ROLL RESIDENCY: NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $20 | 21+

“Started in April of ’13 by guitarists Jeremy Asbrock and Phil Shouse, Thee Rock N’ Roll Residency has become the longest-running, star-studdedest, Rock N’ Roll extravaganza in Nashville, TN,” taking place formerly at Harp & Fiddle, and now Tailgate Brewing, though, this weekend, they move to The High Watt. The group are known for often hosting special, famed guests, and fans of classic, hard rock from the ’70s will surely have a blast. [PO]

THE STOLEN FACES
@ The Family Wash | 9pm | $20

If you’re in the mood for a jam band evening, and Widespread Panic is out of your price range or not your scene, The Family Wash is offering a great alternative: Grateful Dead cover band The Stolen Faces. Admission includes champagne at midnight, and a chance to party the evening away with fellow Deadheads. [PO]

OPRY AT THE RYMAN ft. OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, DOM FLEMONS, DAN LAYUS, & MORE
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7pm | $47-77 | All Ages

Ahead of their full, annual, evening show, Old Crow Medicine Show are also set to take part in Opry at The Ryman, along with opener Dom Flemons, Dan Layus, and many more! This is Grand Ole Opry style, so it’s more  of a variety show where everyone plays a song or two. Still, if you couldn’t get tickets to OCMS’ headlining spot, this might be the next best thing. [PO]

GUILTY PLEASURES
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | SOLD OUT 

Cover hits from the late ’70s to early ’90s, Guilty Pleasures‘ name provides everything you need to know about their setlist. The preeminent local cover band always host a hell of a New Year’s Eve party, so it’s no surprise that once again, the affair is totally sold out. [PO]

MY SO-CALLED BAND’S CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA: THE ULTIMATE ’90s NEW YEAR’S EVE
@ Cannery Ballroom | 9:30pm | SOLD OUT | 21+

Of the many accomplished, beloved (and decade-specific) cover bands in town, My So-Called Band have long been one of our very favorite. Expertly tackling the music of the ’90s, which is all the rage right now, the group have once again sold out Cannery Ballroom. If you grabbed your ticket in time, you’re in for an amazing night. [PO]

SUNDAY

LANGHORNE SLIM & FRIENDS
@ City Winery | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Local hero Langhorne Slim, who continues to see his stock rise after the release of his most recent and well received record The Spirit Moves (read this post), is playing his third annual New Year’s day gig with some performing pals at City Winery. Be there in person, to chase the hangover away, and cheer on a supremely talented local (via PA), as he puts it down at one of the most intimate stages in Music City. With his star power growing, there’s no telling who will show up to accompany him, so if you can shake off the cobwebs of your NYE’s celebrations, this is a not-to-be-missed showcase. [JR]

CAREY OTT w/ SHELLY FAIRCHILD, & JEREMY LISTER
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $10 | All Ages

Longtime Nashville songwriter Carey Ott celebrated the release of his latest album, Nocona, earlier this year, which featured support from local standouts like Will Kimbrough, Lincoln Parish, and Rebecca Roubion.  He now finds himself headlining the Nashville Sunday Night show at 3rd & Lindsley along side twangy songstress Shelly Fairchild and talented local songsmith Jeremy Lister.  If you need a breather after a wild NYE, this is a good reset button to bring in 2017.  [MH]

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