Surprise “snow storm” aside, we’re happy to celebrate the first full weekend of 2017, trudging forward into an uncertain, but, hopefully, better year. And what better way to start it off than by soaking up some live music? This weekend offers plenty of local talent, country legends in small(er) spaces, folk, rock, r&b, and everything in between. Per usual, we’ve rounded up our top picks in the first TWiN of 2017!
FRIDAY
DWELE
@ City Winery | 7pm or 10pm | $30-$40 (early show) $30-$40 (late show) | All Ages
Neo soul, r&b crooner Dwele will be stopping in on Music City this Friday for two intimate performances at City Winery. Whether you opt in for the early or late show (or both!), you’ll be blessed with the Detroit, MI, native’s beautiful voice, and incredible songwriting, as well as his top-notch production. He’s already worked with HUGE names like Common, Slum Village, the late/great J Dilla, and Kanye West, so obviously he’s doing something right. Check it out for yourself and see why Dwele’s is a name you need to know. [JR]
BRANDY ZDAN w/ CHRIS MILAM, THE SATURNS, SCALE MODEL
@ The High Watt | 8pm | $5-$7 | 18+
We’ve been charting the rise of local indie rocker Brandy Zdan for a while now, and even premiered the single “Back On You” ahead of the release of her 2015 self-titled album. She’s been working hard to followup that record, and this show at The High Watt will offer a great opportunity to hear what is in store for 2017. Zdan and her band will be joined by Memphis based singer-songwriter Chris Milam, bluesy retro rockers The Saturns, and old blog pals Scale Model will be bringing their dance-worthy brand of indie rock. [MH]
[CANCELLED] SAD BAXTER, w/ THE ACORN PEOPLE, BEAR BEAR, FAUNA HALO
@ The East Room | 8pm | $3 | 18+
Longtime friends of the blog and possibly the hardest working band in Music City as of late, Sad Baxter will be lending their alt garage/grunge rock to the top spot of a killer bill at The East Room. The like minded, garage leaning groups The Acorn People, Bear Bear, and Fauna Halo will be pitching in as well, ALL for just three bones at the door. Also, be sure to bring some extra fly gear to barter, because the Nashville Clothing Swap will be in the house as well! You can get more info from the event flyer on Facebook, and we hope to see you there supporting Nashville’s indie rock scene. CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER [JR]
ODESSA w/ REUBEN BIDEZ, CAROLINE SPENCE, CALEB CAUDLE
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5-$7 | 21+
When singers like Odessa start singing, the room shuts up, and when songwriters like Odessa start to pen gorgeous songs to sing to labels like Republic Records start to take notice. She also caught the attention of a lot of Nashville artists (Rayland Baxter, Abigail Washburn, and Gill Landry to name a few) during her stint in Nashville. She is set to headline what is seemingly an undersell for an artist 25 million streams on Spotify when she takes over The Basement on Friday night. Throw in sets from Reuben Bidez, Caroline Spence, and Caleb Caudle, and this is an absolute steal of a deal. [MH]
SATURDAY
SUNRACER w/AMBROSE WAY
@ The Basement | 7pm | $5-$7 | 21 +
Indie/alt rock with a electronica twist is about as close as you’ll get to describing genre benders Sunracer‘s sound. The Nashville natives got their start playing together in high school, and officially formed the band in 2013. Ever since they’ve been putting out music, and tightening up their live show. Prog rockers Ambrose Way will be kicking off a night of awesome local music that is well under ten bucks. Plus this one starts early, so you don’t have to worry about missing any beauty sleep. [JR]
WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY
@ War Memorial Auditorium | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
Just over the past few years, country legend Willie Nelson has graced us with his presence at The Ryman, The Woods at Fontanel, the Schermerhorn, a Kris Kristofferson tribute at Bridgestone Arena, the Southern Ground Music Fest, Pilgrimage Fest, and more. Still, at 83, we’ll take every chance we get to see the seminal performer in action- and you should too. Unsurprisingly, Willie’s somewhat last minute outing at War Memorial, a smaller space by his standards, is sold out; if you got tickets, you’re in for an unforgettable night. [PO]
WEBB WILDER
@ City Winery | 8pm | $12-$20 | All Ages
Roots/Americana singer songwriter Webb Wilder is bringing his unique sound to the friendly confines of City Winery to wow the crowd. Imagine comedic rock ‘n’ roll lyrics, surf riffs inspired by The Ventures, plus Duane Eddy’s twang on vocal, and are in the wheel house of what Mr. Wilder has to offer. If you’re looking for a story-tellers inspired evening of live music, this show is a must see. [JR]
THE MIDDLE GROUND w/ MOTE, STELLE AMOR, PAIT AND CAGE
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm | $7 | 18+
Celebrating the recent release of their new sophomore album Start Again, Milwaukee transplants The Middle Ground are sure to reel you in with their hook-laden, pop rooted flavor of rock. With a stacked support slate of Mote, Stelle Amor, and Pait and Cage, this weekend pick is heavy on quality music and easy on your wallet. [PO]
THE SOUL SHAKERS w/ THE TIP, STARBENDERS
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $7 | 18+
There is sometimes reason to worry that rock n’ roll is dead, but with one listen to The Soul Shakers, your faith will be restored. The Los Angeles transplants bring a retro rock sound with a contemporary flair that seemingly finds a home somewhere between The Black Crowes and Aerosmith, and, if their first single, “Here To Have A Good Time,” is any indication, the future looks bright. They will be joined by Nashville’s premier party rockers The Tip and hair metal throwbacks Starbenders. Need to rock out? Head to The High Watt on Saturday night. [MH]
JASON ISBELL w/ AMANDA SHIRES, BUDDY MILLER
@ The Bluebird Cafe | 9:30pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
While you can always find talented and accomplished singer-songwriters at famous writer’s round space The Bluebird, it’s not often you see a bill with the star power of Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, and Buddy Miller, despite what ABC’s Nashville might lead you to believe. Performing to benefit Alive Hospice, the trio unsurprisingly sold the tiny room out, padded-for-charity price tag and all. With the ability to regularly sell out multiple nights at The Ryman, seeing Isbell at The Bluebird should nothing short of magical. [PO]
RUNAWAY GIN: A TRIBUTE TO PHISH
@ Exit/In | 10pm | $10-$15 | 18+
Fans of the jam band scene should go ahead and get ready for the headiest night of live Phish tunes since Trey and the gang played Ascend this past summer. Runaway Gin takes the concept of tribute band to new heights with their take some of the funkiest jam you’re likely to ever hear. This one doesn’t get kicked off until ten, so you could easily make plans before, and still make it to the show on time. Don’t miss it! [JR]
SUNDAY
DON GALLARDO & HOW FAR WEST
@ Acme Feed & Seed| 6pm | FREE | 21 +
We’ve spent plenty of time over the past year telling you about Don Gallardo’s incredible new record, Hickory. We’ve also seen first hand just how awesome his sets at Acme can be, and recommend that you make early Sunday evening plans to drench yourself in his version of thoughtful lyrics and Wilco-esque Americana while you enjoy one of the most popular downtown hangs sans the intense crowds. [MH]
THE ACCIDENTALS w/ DOMINIC AND RACHAEL DAVIS
@ City Winery | 8pm | $15 | All Ages
Michigan indie folk trio The Accidentals have been drumming up buzz since springing onto the scene with their 2012 debut Tangled Red and Blue, lauded for their genre-bending sound which should appeal equal to more traditionalist folk fans as well as fans of thoughtful indie rock. City Winery feels especially suited to their warm, acoustic stylings, and at $15, along with openers Dominic and Rachael Davis, this feels like a bargain. [PO]
THE MARCUS KING BAND w/ MATT ANDERSEN
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $10 | All Ages
Dubbed as the next Duane Allman from a very young age, up and coming talent Marcus King definitely has the chops to back up the talk. His debut album Soul Insight is a surprisingly mature blending of blues, southern rock, psychedelic rock and jazz that is all tied together by his soulful, raspy, powerful voice and masterful guitar work. He makes stops in Nashville somewhat frequently, but doesn’t often stop into venues like the 3rd & Lindsley for a Sunday night. Make sure you get there early to check out the opener Matt Andersen whose “Let’s Get Back” makes him sound like he was most likely frozen in time since some of the greatest Allman Brothers records. [MH]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain