Looking for weekend plans? There are a slew of shows going on around town that are worthy of your consideration, including rock vets, rising soulful pop stars, legends in bluegrass, a Boom Bap, guitar virtuosos, and the Queen of Rockabilly to name just a few. Head below to see all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN.
FRIDAY
BRIGITTE DEMEYER, WILL KIMBROUGH
@ The Basement | 7pm | $8-$10 | 21+
Born in the deep south, near Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Will Kimbrough has flourished into an award winning guitarist, and a talented singer-songwriter, producer, performer and bandleader. He has insatiable hunger for any, and all things music, and with this in mind, he is proud to be playing this show in support of his latest project, Mockingbird Soul, an LP recorded in conjunction with local blues, gospel-inspired singer songwriter Brigitte DeMeyer. The melding of the minds to produce such a fine record was clandestine in a town like Music City, and we hope you check them out live to see why we think it’s an early front runner for local album of the year. [JR]
CARL BROEMEL (of My Morning Jacket) w/ EVEREST, NICOLE ATKINS
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $15 | 21+
It’s been nearly half a year since Carl Broemel celebrated the release of his third album, 4th of July, at The Basement East. In the months since, the buzz surrounding the My Morning Jacket member’s latest effort has only continued to grow, and we’re incredibly excited that he’ll return to the same spot once more with reunited folk-tinged alt rockers Everest and soulful songstress Nicole Atkins. We gave you the rundown in a full preview right here. [PO]
PAUL McDONALD w/ REUBEN BIDEZ
@ The High Watt | 8pm | $12 | 18+
Soul pop singer-songwriter Paul McDonald first gained national attention in 2011 with his American Idol appearance, after which he made Nashville home. He’ll be warming up material from an upcoming solo record, and will be joined by like-minded rising local songwriter Ruben Bidez. If you want to be embraced by the warmth of talented songwriters, this is a show that should give you all the feels. [MH]
STEVE EARLE w/ EMILY EARLE
@ City Winery | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
Legendary outlaw country/folk singer Steve Earle has been something of a regular fixture at City Winery over the past few years, but that definitely doesn’t seem to be slowing down his star power in always selling the place out, especially with his niece Emily Earle, of The Voice fame, on the bill as well. If you got tickets early, you already know you’re in store for a special show. [PO]
EASY ROSCOE, COLD CREEKS, LITTLE MERCY
@ Phat Bites | 9:30pm | Free | All Ages
It’s been a minute since we checked in on local party rockers Easy Roscoe, who are veterans of our Acme showcase series. Last summer, the group followed up their fantastic 2015 debut with an EP, Piñata, which further hones their poppy, indie/alt rock sound and feel good vibes. Along with must-know local indie trio Cold Creeks and Little Mercy, they’re playing a FREE show Friday night at Phat Bites, which is a great way to soak up some quality local music to begin your weekend. [PO]
ALISTAIR HENNESSEY, INFINITE ME, SERENITY AND THE BLUSH
@ Dad’s Garage | 7pm | $5 | All Ages
Minnesota indie/post-hardcore rockers Alistair Hennessey are set to bring their passionate, eclectic live show to Murfreesboro DIY space Dad’s Garage this weekend, along with fellow Minneapolis shoegaze-leaning Infinite Me and local indie act Serenity and The Blush. This is definite a must if you like to stay on top of the best of what’s up and coming. [PO]
SATURDAY
ANCHOR THIEVES
@ The 5 Spot | 7pm | 21+
Details are a little fuzzy for this one (it looks like the earliest of several shows happening at The 5 Spot in the same night), but it’ll presumably set you back just a few bucks and include another band or two, likely local. Alt-rock trio and Acme alumni Anchor Thieves have been a longtime site favorite, and with a new EP on the way, they’re sure to have some fresh tunes for your listening pleasure. [PO]
WANDA JACKSON w/ DARRIN BRADBURY, BANG! BANG!
@ City Winery | 7:30pm | $25-$35 | All Ages
Any chance you possibly have to see the original “Queen of Rockabilly” Wanda Jackson is a chance you should absolutely take. While, in recent years, Jackson has played spots like The Franklin Theatre, the troubled Ink N Iron Fest, and even a surprise show at The 5 Spot, the Oklahoma native isn’t as active as she used to be, but is nonetheless spectacular every time. After a huge and seminal run in the ’60s, Wanda’s stateside appeal slowed down for a few decades, but with new albums produced by Jack White then Justin Townes Earle a few years back, she’s deservedly grown in recognition to a whole new generation. The intimate setting of City Winery is perfect for Wanda’s legendary live show, and with a handful of tickets still available as of writing, you’d be crazy to miss it. [PO]
OMEGA SWAN w/ OPPOSITE BOX, KAT MILK BLU
@ The East Room | 8pm | $7 | 18+
Local outer space garage shredders Omega Swan have been working on new material and we personally can’t wait to hear what it’s all about. With help from experimental jungle funk outfit Opposite Box and heavy blues performers Kat Milk Blu, this promises to be one the headiest bills of the entire weekend. At just $7 at the door, it’s also one of the least expensive. If you love to rock, there’s no excuse. See you at The East Room. [JR]
BLUETECH w/ BOGTROTTER, DETOX UNIT, HYPERBOLIC HEADSPACE
@ The End | 8:30pm | $15 | 18+
Evan Bartholomew, better known by his DJ name Bluetech, is a California based artist/producer whose unique downtempo beats create a vibe that most people (who aren’t versed in the EDM scene) will have never heard of. Borrowing elements of dub, and ambient techno, the sub-genre is worth some of you’re time you haven’t given a chance already. Look for like minded performers Detox Unit and Hyperbolic Headspace to get the party going, and the heads bopping. [JR]
CHANCELLOR WARHOL w/ ZACH TAYLOR, ESCPE, BILLY CAVE
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $5-$7 | 18+
On the heels of new EP Until the Light Takes Me, seminal local hip hop artist Chancellor Warhol returns to The High Watt this weekend with a largely electronic-skewing support lineup of Zach Taylor, ESCPE, and Billy Cave. With a dazzling, contemporary production style and sharp lyrical prowess, Warhol’s appreciation for broader art and culture has helped him navigate between mediums and has kept him one of the most interesting artists in Nashville, bar none. Find out all about this show right here. [PO]
COWBOY MOUTH w/ STONE SENATE
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $15-$17 | 18+
It’s crazy to think that Cowboy Mouth have been bringing their creole infused rootsy alt-rock for nearly 30 years now. They first found success in the mid ’90s with their single “Jenny Says” which crept up the Billboard charts, but have maintained a very healthy touring schedule since. They most recently dropped their impressive 21st album, The Name Of The Band Is…, last year, which continues the band’s tradition as festival favorites. Expect a night of high energy rock at Exit/In on Saturday night, when they will share the stage with local southern rockers Stone Senate. [MH]
BOOM BAP! ft. PRINCE PAUL
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $10 at the door | 21+
The hottest monthly hip hop party is Music City is ready to make it’s triumphant 2017 debut, and if you want to hear the hottest songs in rap spun some of the best national DJs around, this is a party that needs to be marked on your calendar. Boom Bap! happens one Saturday night a month, and January’s guest DJ is the legendary Prince Paul. An OG producer in the world of hip hop, whose name has graced legendary records from Boogie Down Productions, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul, and The Rza (to name a few), so you know he’s going to be bring thta fire! All you need to bring is yourself, and ten skrill. [JR]
SUNDAY
SARA WATKINS w/ LIZ LONGLEY
@ City Winery | 8pm | $18-$28 | All Ages
After a jam-packed year of performances, multitalented musician Sara Watkins is back in Nashville in support of her latest album, Young in All The Wrong Ways. Her quirky, confident personality shines through all of her recorded tracks, but is especially impressive from the live stage. Nashville transplant and seasoned singer-songwriter Liz Longley will kick things off, making this intimate performance one you’d be wise not to miss. [LL]
YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND w/ THE RAILSPLITTERS
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $25 | 18+
Americana, progressive bluegrass performers Yonder Mountain String Band are making a stop in on Music City, and have agreed to take past in Lightning 100’s kickass Nashville Sunday Night series, which is also broadcast live weekly, for your listening pleasure. Of course, we highly recommend you check out some of the best pickers in the world in person. Like minded collective The Railsplitters will be warming things up, so make sure you get to 3rd & Lindsley on time! [JR]
THAYER SARRANO w/ JON LATHAM, RILEY ANGLEN
@ The Basement | 8pm | $5-$7 | 21+
Shoegaze-y, psychedelic-tinged, southern gothic singer-songwriter Thayer Sarrano harbors a haunting, unique sound that conjures pieces of PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, and Neil Young. The Athens, GA native returns to Nashville this weekend with Jon Latham and Riley Anglen, and with a cover that won’t dent your wallet, we definitely deem this one of the most interesting happenings of the weekend. [PO]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[LL] Lorie Liebig
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain