TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Jan. 20-22

This weekend is the first time in eight years that we aren’t under the leadership of President Obama.  There are mixed feelings in the country about that, and rallies will continue all weekend, including the Nashville Women’s March on Saturday morning.  It’s time to find common ground, and we recommend you heal with your fellow community members with some live music this weekend.  We have another stacked slate of performances including zydeco legends, the ghost of Frank Zappa, and one MASSIVE birthday celebration for our friends over at Mercy Lounge.  Dig into this week’s edition of TWiN for all of our staff picks!

FRIDAY

ARC & STONES w/ BROTHER MAN
@ The Basement | 7pm | $5 | 21 +

Local alternative rockers Arc & Stones are dropping a hot new single, “Let Me Down”, this Friday, and to celebrate they’re headlining a kick ass bill at The OG Basement. Also featured, will be No Country Presents alumni Brother Man, whose two-piece blues rock bravado reminded us of when the Black Keys used to really rock. Put both bands together, and keep admission right at $5, and you have the recipe for possibly the best low dough show of the weekend, but it starts early (7 p.m.) so make sure you get there on time! [JR]

DR. JOHN & THE NITE TRIPPERS
@ City Winery | 8pm | $70-$95 | All Ages

Mac Rebennack may not be a household name around these parts, like he is in his hometown of New Orleans, but people the world over know the zydeco seasoned rock music of his stage name Dr. John.  The talented performer has nearly 50 years of making music under his belt, which includes over 30 solo albums, including Desitively Bonnaroo, the namesake of our nearby music megafest, as well as performing on scores of other releases.  He will return to Nashville this weekend with his backing band The Nite Trippers for an intimate set at City Winery.  There is no need for a performer like Dr. John to bring in special guests, but he has a long history, including producing records and performing a Bonnaroo SuperJam, with The Black Key’s Dan Auerbach.  You never know.   [MH]

IRON VESSEL, DIRTY FUSS, SKY SYSTEM
@ Crying Wolf | 8pm | $5 | 21+

If you’re looking for a night of hard hitting, bluesy, psyched out, southern infused local garage rock,  Iron Vessel, Dirty Fuss, and Sky System have your fix for just $5 this weekend at Crying Wolf. Always a bonus when a bar that’s great on its own also has a budget-friendly show happening. [PO]

DEVON GILFILLIAN
@ Acme Feed & Seed | 8pm | FREE | 21+

Yet another No Country Presents alum who is still making waves around Music City, Devon Gilfillian‘s soulful voice gives his singing and songwriting an extra dimension most Broadway performers can’t achieve. Lucky for you, he’ll be performing at our favorite downtown, unconventional honky tonk spot for FREE, so you can get hip to his stylings without spending a ton of cash. See what caught our attention for yourself, and hop on board with another amazing resident talent. [JR]

BASECAMP w/ SHALLOU, KROVI
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $15 | 18+

It’s been a hell of a recent run for local r&b-laced electronic trio Basecamp, whose latest EP, last fall’s In Stone, has been drumming up quite a bit of national buzz, capping off what was arguably their breakthrough year. The group have been good about playing hometown shows at a regular clip, but as they inevitably get busier, these outings could become more of a rarity. This weekend, they head up Exit/In along with Shallou and Krovi, making for one of the most solid bills of the weekend from top to bottom. [PO]

DIAMOND CARTER, SAD BAXTER, OGINALII, HUNTER SHARPE
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $7 | 21+

Indie rock outfit Diamond Carter appears to be back from a brief hiatus and they’re ready to top off a heady ass bill at The 5 Spot. Look for fearsome grunge alt act Sad Baxter, rockers Oginalii and Hunter Sharpe to help you forget about the shit show that’s happening in DC. This is Music City dammit, and we will rock regardless of who’s president. [JR]

SAVOY MOTEL, IDLE BLOOM, SUN SEEKER, DADDY ISSUES, AIRPARK, MACHETE, PHANTOM FARMER
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | FREE (with RSVP) | 18+

Our pals at Mercy Lounge definitely know how to throw an anniversary show. Per tradition, the famed local haunt has curated a stacked, totally FREE lineup of local performers, for two nights of quality music. Friday features Savoy Motel, who’ve been attracting quite a bit of national attention as of late, plus favorites (and artists we regularly feature) like Idle Bloom, Sun Seeker, Daddy Issues, and more! [PO]

VIDEO GAMES LIVE
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 8pm | $39-74 | All Ages

Video game music, huh? Whether or not you realize you’re a fan of the soundtracks to many a classic console-based adventure, if you someone starts humming the theme to Mario, Zelda, or Pokemon, you’re likely to recognize every note. A specially designed symphonic performance, which is set to HD video clips and alight show, Video Games Live has been reworked with an all new show for 2017, featuring the aforementioned titles along with Final Fantasy, Sonic the Hedgehog, Uncharted, World of Warcraft, and more! [PO]

SATURDAY

VITO BANGA (of NAPPY ROOTS) w/ TAYLOR X, RENEGADE615, AND MORE!
@ The End | 6pm | $16 | 21+

The hottest hip hop bill of the weekend is a doozy! Headlining is Vito Banga (of Nappy Roots), who is itching to bless everyone with his unique style of southern rap that will stick to your ear drums like grandma’s grits stick to your stomach. Be sure to get to The End early (show starts at 6 p.m.) to get your full money’s worth, including pop/dance performer Taylor X, local rapper Renegade615, and many more! [JR]

AMITYVILLE RECORDS LAUNCH PARTY w/ LAUREN STRANGE, LADYSHARK, SEAN STANNARD, IAN TAYLOR
@ The East Room | 8pm | $5 | 21+

Nashville’s newest record label, Amityville Records, will formally celebrate its inception with a showcase this Saturday at the East Room. The show highlights Amityville Records recording artist Ladyshark, an alt-rock duo featuring one of the label’s founders, as well as performances by rockers Lauren Strange & The Pretty Killers, acoustic singer-songwriter Ian Taylor, and hip-hop artist Sean Stannard. Run by two women and rooted in riot grrrl values, this new addition to the Nashville music business scene prides itself on refusing content with any racist, sexist, misogynist, or otherwise discriminatory values. So get out there and support local, y’all. [MG]

DWEEZIL ZAPPA
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | $25-$75 | All Ages

The ghost (well, son) of rock weirdo legend Frank Zappa returns to Marathon Music Works this weekend.  Dweezil Zappa brings his band of incredibly talented musicians to welcome another generation of his father’s mold-breaking music to the masses.  We caught the last performance at Marathon, and were blown away by the talent of the performers, many of whom now live in Nashville after years of recording and touring with the late Zappa.  If you are a fan of Zappa or want a serious dose of awesomely weird, this is worth every penny.  Heads up musicians, if you really want to make the most of the experience, you can pay a little more for a Dweezil led Master Class.  [MH]

J. HUMAN, CAPPA, AWAS, APOLLO LTD, MANRELIC, THE TRINITY SCHILL KILL, MATT THOMAS
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | FREE (with RSVP) | 18+

Mercy Lounge continues its epic, FREE, two day anniversary celebration with a Saturday night slate headed up by two of our all-time favorites: funky, pop r&b singer J. Human and electro/indie pop songstress Cappa. Also feature Awas, Apollo LTD, and more, this would be a must-see weekend show even if cost something; all the more amazing that it doesn’t! [PO]

SAME AS IT EVER WAS: A TALKING HEADS TRIBUTE
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $10 | 18+

Although we are usually not in the habit of writing about cover bands or tribute shows, Same As It Ever Was are so amazingly good at doing Talking Heads songs, we felt they were worth mentioning. The Knoxville natives started out as just a college band that played campuses across the south, but now, based solely on their live performances (plus word of mouth), they have been gaining more and more notoriety as the best T Heads tribute band around. Dance along to your favorites, and see what all the fuss is about, but act quickly because this one will be packed to the max for sure. [JR]

CHICO w/ THE MUMZEES, WAX MISTRESS, SPIRIT WEEK, TELEFONES
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+

The last time we checked in on local psychedelic-infused garage rockers CHICO, they had just released their Pipe Dreams EP, without a doubt one of the best under the radar efforts of 2015. Yet another quality, wallet-friendly weekend happening, they’re joined by The Mumzees, Wax Mistress, Spirit Week, and Telefones for a stacked local bill at The Basement; if you’re in the market for some straight up rock and roll, this’ll do the trick. [PO]

EVERYONE LEAVES, FOSSIL YOUTH, CAVING, IDLE THREAT, PONDER
@ The Block (Murfreesboro) | 9pm | $8 | All Ages

Though they’re based in Ohio, alt/emo group Everyone Leaves seem to make it to Nashville at a regular clip, and you won’t catch us complaining. Definitely a band you should be keeping an eye on, they’re out on the road with Oklahoma alt punks Fossil Youth and acoustic/lo-fi emo singer-songwriter Caving. This weekend, they stop off at Murfreesboro’s The Block, joined by locals Idea Threat and Ponder, making this without a doubt the best weekend happening for emo and punk fans. [PO]

SUNDAY

LUKAS GRAHAM
@ Ryman Auditorium| 7:30 pm | $29.95-$39.95 | All Ages

Lukas Graham, the Danish foursome responsible for radio hit “7 Years,” are headed to the Mother Church this Sunday as part of their expansive headlining tour here in the states. Despite the misleading name that could make one assume it’s a solo act, lead singer Lukas Graham Forchhammer shares the spotlight with the band to create their poetic pop tunes, and they’ve continued to crank out several hits since their debut single. This is a show worth checking out if you’re keeping up with pop stars on the rise. [MG]

EMMYLOU HARRIS & FREINDS ft. JOHN PRINE
@ City Winery | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

A benefit for Bonaparte’s Retreat, even with its hefty price tag, it’s no surprise that folk/Americana legend Emmylou Harris sold out City Winery well in advance, especially when her “friends” on the bill include the great John Prine, who recently headed up a sold out New Year’s show at Opry. For those with tickets, you’re in for an amazing night. [PO]

JACK PEARSON w/ THE DYLAN ATLMAN BLUES BAND
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $15 | All Ages

Made famous for his time with the Allman Brothers, plus a stellar solo career, local funk/blues guitarist Jack Pearson is taking over Lightning 100’s Nashville Sunday Night showcase at 3rd & Lindsley, and we couldn’t be happier about it. With help from The Dylan Atlman Blues Band, and some very famous friends who are sure to sit in, this promises to be a barn burner, and at $15 it’s a steal of a deal! We recommend you see him in person, but if money is tight don’t worry; you can catch the entire performance live, for free, on your radio. [JR]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[PO] Philip Obenschain