TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | March 10-12

While the talk of the town this week has been the eighth and final edition of long-running punk fest Freakin’ Weekend (and the turbulence surrounding it, as it bows out), there are a ton of other shows, many DIY, all ages, and inexpensive, going on this weekend, as bands are buzzing from all across the country en route to Austin for SXSW.  There are also a couple of stacked benefits that will give you an opportunity to give back, while taking in some incredible bills, and the usual faire of legacy acts, folk, punk, indie, and much more.  Head below to see all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN.

FRIDAY

FREAKIN’ WEEKEND VIII ft. RANCH GHOST, SILK & SUEDE, JAWWS,  MUSIC BAND, ANDY FERRO
@ The End | 7pm | $15 | All Ages

Freakin’ Weekend winds down with its eight and final year, ending with an appropriately scaled back version of the long-running and immeasurably influential local fest. Complete with a reunion set from hardcore punks Jawws, Friday’s showcase at The End is stacked- read more about all of Freakin’ Weekend VIII right here. [PO]

COMMONER w/ SQUARE PEG ROUND HOLE, NIGHT IDEA, PAMPHLET, MICHIGANDER
@ The High Watt | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5-7 | 18+

Droning, ambient, instrument post-rock/doom group Commoner are a dense, hypnotizing option for those looking for something a little different this weekend. Philly instrumental outfit Square Peg Round Hole bring a more electronic bent, and Richmond’s Night Idea, while not instrumental, fit right in with their proggy, indie sound. Locals Pamphlet and Michigan’s Michigander open things up, for a seriously cool and seriously cheap weekend bill. [PO]

KINGS OF THE F**KING SEA, SADLER VADEN, JON LATHAM, CODY HUGGINS
@ The Basement | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10 | 21+

A now established superduo of sort, Kings Of The F**King Sea features Poni Silver on the skins and Chet Weise manning the guitar, whom you may know collectively from their work with The Ettes, Ultras S/C and more.  Their genre bending take on noise rock is definitely something to behold, as you can hear in their “Fascination, Imagination, Masochistation” below.  They’ll be joined by longtime member of Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden, who just released his well toned self titled record last summer. Cody Huggins will be using the evening as a defacto release show of his latest album See For Days, and singer songwriter Jon Latham rounds out a bill that arguably should be in a larger venue.  Guess you better get there early to take full advantage of this intimate and eclectic event. [MH]

PUJOL, WATCHER, DONORS
@ Charlie Bob’s | 9pm | FREE | All Ages

Originally scheduled to be a part of Freakin Weekend, this spin off show spawned after a rough and tumultuous week for the punk promoters.  Pujol, err… the Pujol Tribute Band  -Anubis Jackson Jr., are heading over to perform at Charlie Bob’s on Friday night.  Joining the longtime local rocker are hardcore thrashers Watcher, originally scheduled for Saturday’s Freakin’ Weekend showcase, and Donors.  There will be a donation jar at this inclusive all ages event, and all donations will go to Planned Parenthood.  [MH]

REBEL WITH A CAUSE
@ The 5 Spot | 8:30pm | Donations | 21+

In true East Nashville form, when one of our neighbors and friends are in need, we throw a party.  This event benefits kickboxing guru and life coach Richie Lee, who just had extensive spinal reconstruction surgery.  The event features performances from Jon Corabi (Motley Crue, RATT, The Dead Daisies), The Dead Deads, A Man Called Stu, and more.  The night will be capped off with Nashville Burlesque.  You can find out more about the “get well” party at the event’s Facebook page, or, if you can’t make it, you can contribute to help Richie here. [MH]

MIKE DOUGHTY w/ WHEATUS
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm (7pm doors) | $18-20 | 18+

Memphis based, genre bending singer songwriter Mike Doughty is stopping in on Music City to put on one hell of a show. Dabbling in alt rock, downtempo, break beat, alternative hip hop, and even trip hop, as well as authoring books, Mr. Doughty really is a jack of all trades. He’s also prolifically put out 18 records since 2000. Look for power pop-rock outfit Wheatus to start things off on the right note, and get you rockin’ from the get go. [JR]

THE CHIEFTAINS w/ THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 8pm | $34-150 | All Ages

Marking the 55th anniversary of their inception, The Chieftains will be playing three very special nights at the beautiful Schermerhorn center with help from the Nashville Symphony. Friday is day two and if you need helping getting into the St. Patrick’s day spirit, you’d be hard pressed to find a better show. The traditional Irish band formed in Dublin, and they’ve released over twenty records of Irish folk music over the years that is impossible not to love. Catch the spirit, and maybe even a little luck of the Irish. [JR]

BIG SAM’S FUNKY NATION
@ 12th & Porter | 9pm | $12 | 18+

Trombone playing frontman Big Sam and his Funky Nation are marching into Nashville to bring us their interpretation of New Orleans brass and funk music, and if you’ve never experienced them live, do yourself a favor go to this show. A very talented performer, Sam has also spent time with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band as well, so he’s nearly perfect his skills over the years, and with his current backing band, he’s never afraid to kick out some rock influenced jams as well. Mardi Gras might be over, but the party is still going strong at 12 & Porter this weekend. [JR]

SATURDAY

FREAKIN’ WEEKEND VIII ft. DIARRHEA PLANET, OMNI, DADDY ISSUES
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $15 | 18+

After one final free, afternoon day show, Saturday evening’s final showcase of the final Freakin’ Weekend ever will feature local faves Diarrhea Planet and Daddy Issues, along with Atlanta’s Omini and more! Having DP play the final set in FW history is the perfect choice, and you can read more about it here. [PO]

RATBOYS, SLINGSHOT DAKOTA, LOOMING, SINAI VESSEL
@ Cafe Coco | 7pm | $10 | All Ages

The week before SXSW is always excellent for shows, as bands frequently stop off in Nashville during their trek to Austin. Billed a “Nashville Emo Night” (but, like, one with bands, not DJs), right around the corner from Freakin’ Weekend at Cafe Coco, some seriously great talent will pass through Saturday- Chicago folk-tinged indie rockers Ratboys, Pennsylvania emo/indie pop duo Slingshot Dakota, Illinois poppy, indie rockers Looming, and North Carolina emo revivalists Sinai Vessel. This might be the best under the radar event of the weekend!  [PO]

BRENDAN MALONE BENEFIT ft. BOBBY BARE JR., THE TIP, LILLIE MAE, HUGH MASTERSON, NATHAN BELT
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $5 | 21+

Those of you in the local scene know that Brendan Malone is one of the most unique and cherished figures in town.  A true music lover and supporter, Brendan has been bringing his love of the classic twang to the American Legion and beyond for a while now, helping to bring some $$ and love to the post for veterans of foreign wars.  What you may not know is that Brendan lost his house to fire recently, and, almost crazy heroically, couldn’t even immediately come back to assess the damage because he had already committed to help, you got it, a music organization.  The Basement East has stepped up to help Brendan with a benefit show in support on Saturday, and it’s certain they had no trouble convincing an eclectic bill of musicians to join the cause.  Help out one of your own.  Even if you don’t know him personally, it’s likely you’ve been touched by something he has contributed to this scene. [MH]

MORUGA SCORPIO, BLACK VENUS, DIRTY FUSS
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Evan P. Donohue is back with a new project called Moruga Scorpio, and they are celebrating the release of their aptly titled EP, 1, this weekend.  The one-time Diarrhea Planateer is joined by former Colorfeels drummer Josh Minyard and Coley Hinson (Tristen) on bass.  The rock based tunes on the EP veer from playful to retro while bobbing down the pop route, and it’s good to see Donohue and company back on the scene with the new project.  They’ll be playing a release show at The 5 Spot on Saturday night with dark rock outfit Black Venus and alt rockers Dirty Fuss. [MH]

ANGELA PERLEY & THE HOWLIN’ MOONS w/ ERICA BLINN
@ The Basement | 8pm | $6-8 | 21+

Hailing from Columbus, OH, Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons seamlessly combine elements of Southern rock, Americana, psychedelic and folk for songs that sound like something you’d cruise down the highway to on a cross-country road trip. Perley is a dynamic frontwoman and guitarist equipped with a band of talented musicians that mesh well as a unit. The four piece are known for their extensive touring, and this year is no exception as they continue on the heels of 2016’s release, Homemade Vision. Catch fellow Ohio native turned Nashvillian Erica Blinn opening up the show. [MG]

THE CHIEFTAINS w/ THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 8pm | $34-$150 | All Ages

Eager to close out their three day run on a high note, The Chieftains, and members of the Nashville Symphony will be transplanting their audience into the beautiful, rolling, green hills of Ireland with the traditional Gaelic music. Get ready to celebrate St. Patricks a little early, with arguably the greatest Irish folk band ever. [JR]

SUNDAY

ELECTRIC GUEST w/ CHAOS CHAOS
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12-14 | 18+

You’ve likely heard this indie pop duo’s hit “The Head I Hold” on all the hottest Spotify playlists, but Electric Guest are definitely no one hit wonder. They may have taken an extensive break from recording after releasing 2012’s Mondo, but now they’re back with a new album called Plural and touring in support with New York-based sister duo Chaos Chaos. Spend your Sunday Funday at this show for some funky tunes that you can get down to. [MG]

MOVER SHAKER, PALE LUNGS, SAVE FACE, O SUMMER, EVA ROSS
@ Dad’s Garage (Murfreesboro) | 7pm | $5 | All Ages

Ambient, post-rock and emo tinged indie outfit Pale Lungs, one of the area’s most promising up and coming bands and best-kept secrets, are currently on the road with eclectic, mathy, likeminded Detroit group Mover Shaker, ending, fitting, this weekend at their own house venue home base, Dad’s Garage. Joined by Jersey’s Save Face and locals O Summer and Eva Ross this is, without a doubt, the coolest DIY show of the weekend. [PO]

OVLOV, IAN SWEET, IDLE BLOOM, SHELL OF A SHELL, SOCCER MOMMY
@ Charlie Bob’s | 8:30pm (8pm doors) | $8 | All Ages

Originally slated to take place at Drkmttr (which just hit a snag with codes, ahead of their planned re-opening), this is another serious gem. Connecticut poppy, indie rock outfit Ovlov and New York grungy, garage pop outfit Ian Sweet head things up, with local grunge poppers Idle Bloom, who just dropped their debut full-length, supporting. Rounded out by out by the ambient/indie sounds of Shell of a Shell, and a special solo set from part-time Nashvillian Soccer Mommy, this is yet another budget-friendly, all ages event that deserves your attention amidst a packed weekend. [PO]

FUN WHILE YOU WAIT, WE’RE GHOSTS NOW, KIM LOGAN, NUCLEAR BUBBLE WRAP, JON WORTHY
@ The East Room | 8pm | $5

Hailing from New Jersey, Fun While You Wait channel an eclectic, pleasant, poppy, folk sound with some reggae flair. Along with fellow Jersey band, the more indie rock leaning We’re Ghosts Now, they’ll stop off for an inexpensive night at The East Room, also featuring local psychedelic, blue rock songstress Kim Logan, neo-psych/alt rock outfit Nuclear Bubble Wrap, and singer-writer Jon Worthy. [PO]

BLEACH PARTY, QUEEN OF JEANS, BOYSCOTT, BLAKETHEMAN1000
@ Betty’s Grill | 8pm | $5ish | All Ages

The cheap, all ages shows seem endless this weekend, with Chicago surf-tinged garage rockers Bleach Party and Philly indie posters Queen of Jeans heading up a show at Betty’s. Local support comes from breezy indie outfit Boyscott and lofi indie poster Blaketheman1000. Can’t go wrong with this one! [PO]

GORDON LIGHTFOOT
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | $39.50-$75 | All Ages

Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot is playing the Mother Chruch Sunday, and with his amazing rap sheet, we suggest you act fast on tickets, because it may sell out. Dabbling mostly in folk rock, country, and little bit of pop, Mr. Lightfoot’s songs have been covered by a literal who’s who of performers, including (but not limited to): Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. Over his fifty-plus year career, Mr. Lightfoot has gone multi-platinum and released over twenty records, so he should have plenty of songs to choose from. Be there in person to see one of the greatest living song writers around. [JR]

JAIN w/ TWO FEET
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $15 | All Ages

Local radio giant Lightning 100 and their weekly Sunday showcase, Lightning 100 present’s Nashville Sunday Night, is still going strong, and this week’s lineup should grab your attention. French singer-songwriter Jain is headlining, no doubt with help from some backing players, and you can be there to welcome here to Music City. Look for likeminded performers Two Feet to open up the festivities, and, as always with the Lightning showcase, if you can’t make it out to the the venue, you can hear it all live on the radio for free! [JR]

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