TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | April 7- 9

The weather is feeling very spring-ish, and we are beginning to see outdoor events starting back up to compete with the usual nighttime club shows.  This weekend features the uber popular East Nashville Beer Festival, which will have some cool music curated by our friends at The Basement East.  If you don’t like beer or the outdoors (or just don’t have tickets to the sold out event), the venue scene remains packed across town, boasting shows from hip hop legends, rock star side projects, ’60s icons, local record release shows, punk, experimental, indie, r&b, country, electronic, and more, offering DIY shows, big venue events, all ages affairs, in-stores, and more (not to mention the stuff we didn’t even get to, like a Mario Kart themed art show, a silent auction for Planned Parenthood, and a five-year anniversary party at the I Believe in Nashville mural in 12th S, featuring an afternoon performance from a surprise guest). As always, we’ve done our best to round and rank the weekend’s most promising happenings, so head below for our latest edition of TWiN!

 

FRIDAY

GHOSTFACE KILLAH w/ KEMBA, GREG GREASE, CASE BLOOM
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $3-10 (w/ RSVP) | 18+

One of the most visible MCs from the influential, beloved hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah has been prolific in his solo career and endless collaborations for over two decades. He performs for just $3 as part of Red Bull’s latest Sound Select showcase, along with Kemba, Greg Grase, and DJ Case Bloom, which is an insane deal for a hip hop legend- just be sure to RSVP and show up early to snag your spot- details here. [PO]

MOUNTAINS LIKE WAX, CONSTELLATIONS, ROCK EUPORA, COYOTE TALK
@ The High Watt | 8:30pm (8pm doors) | $8-10 | 18+

With their ambient, indie/post-rock sound, locals Mountains Like Wax are fast becoming one of the buzziest new bands in town, following their 2015 debut EP, Tetralogy, and after winning last year’s Music City Mayhem, earning a spot at Live on the Green. The group head up a great local show at The High Watt this weekend, joined by alt rock trio Constellations, melodic indie rocker Rock Eupora, and the alt/Americana leaning Coyote Talk. For a low price tag, this is an outstanding slice of the best of the local scene! More info here. [PO]

KISHI BASHI w/ TALL TALL TREES
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $16-18 | 18+

In support of his latest album Sonderlust, violin virtuoso K Ishibashi (better known by his pseudonym Kishi Bashi) is back in Nashville this weekend. His unique sound mixes elements of classical music with pop melodies and infectious rhythms. He’s been praised by critics for his impressive and captivating live show, so don’t miss out on seeing him in such a small setting. Get there early to catch Tall Tall Trees, another stellar live act that brings some funk and humor to indie folk. More info here. [LL]

THE BY GODS, CONEJA BLANCA, TWEN
@ The Cobra | 8pm | $5 | 21+

Adopting a hook-laden, earnest, golden era alternative sound with flourishes of post-punk, The By Gods are a gem in the local music landscape. Along with local shoegaze-y, psych-pop outfit TWEN and South Carolina indie rock trio Coneja Clanca, this is a stellar, underground weekend offering for a mere $5 at a space that is rapidly asserting itself as one of the most interesting small rooms in town- The Cobra. [PO]

SUNDRESSED, NOMINEE, CHASE HUGLIN, EARLY HUMANS, FRICK THIS
@ Cafe Coco | 7pm | $8 | All Ages

Cafe Coco has been on a hot streak lately, hosting some fantastic DIY touring and local acts, largely from the indie, punk, and emo realm, and this weekend is no exception. This budget-friendly, all ages show boats Arizona pop punk/power pop outfit Sundressed and slightly heavier but similarly pop punk Texas group Nominee, along with new Nashville transplant and indie/acoustic singer Chase Huglin, emo-laced college rockers Early Humans, and indie trio Frick This. [PO]

NOAM PIKELNY
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $22 | All Ages

Performing as part of Lightning 100’s “Tomorrow Is Today” week-long showcase, coinciding with 3rd and Lindsley’s anniversary, Noam Pikelny is one of the finest banjo players you’re likely ever to see. The Grammy nominated picker is also a member of beloved bluegrass outfit Punch Brothers, and was previously in Leftover Salmon as well as the John Cowan Band. However, this weekend he’ll be flying solo, unless he’s got some surprise hiding up his sleeve. Of course this is Music City, so you never know, but one thing is certain; his skills are supreme, and well worth your time. [JR]

BRIDGET KEARNEY (of Lake Street Dive) w/ FIT CLUB
@ The Basement | 7pm (6:30 pm doors) | $10-12 | 21+

Perhaps best known for her role as upright bassist in fast rising soul pop band Lake Street Dive, Bridget Kearney recently stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, releasing a string of singles ahead of her debut LP, Won’t Let You Down. Adopting a more dreamy, shimmering, indie pop sound, Kearney’s new direction won’t be foreign to LSD fans, but is definitely unique and different, with flouring synths and retro sensibilities. Along with Fit Club, she’ll play The Basement this weekend, which is a pretty cool place to see her considering her main gig just announced a headlining show at The Ryman. [PO]

TAUK w/ SOUL MECHANIC
@ Mercy Lounge | 10pm (9pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+

Tapping into numerous genres like funk, hip hop, progressive rock, and even jazz, instrumental jammers TAUK‘s sound stays fluid. So, if you’re looking to get you dance on, especially the hippie dance variety, this show might be your best bet. Look for like minded collective Soul Mechanic to kick off the night of crunchy tunes. [JR]

SATURDAY

HALFNOISE (EP Release) w/ SKYWAY MAN
@ Lucky Bamboo | 8:30pm (8pm doors) | $5 | All Ages

The solo, indie rock vehicle of local artist Zac Farro, who recently rejoined alt rock juggernauts Paramore, HalfNoise has long been a site favorite, and very exiting to watch evolve from orchestral and indie early leanings to the layered, synthy, polish of last year’s sophomore effort Sudden Feeling, to the organic, retro, and groove-laden feel of brand new EP, The Velvet Face. That EP’s release is the occasion for this show, which is set to take place at Lucky Bamboo (yes, the Chinese restaurant) with support from James Wallace’s new project Skyway Man. With a $5 price tag to boot, everything about this is pretty amazing, and it’s without a doubt one of our top show picks of the entire weekend. [PO]

DRKMTTR GRAND REOPENING BBQ ft. BLAKETHEMAN1000, MUM AND DA, NEGRA
@ Drkmttr | 2pm | FREE | All Ages
PAMELA_ AND HER SONS, SEQUOYAH MURRAY , DREAM LVR,  Λ°C
@ Drkmttr | 9pm | $7 | All Ages

After working with the city to meet codes and accessibility, and a resoundingly positive community effort in crowdfunding, beloved, inclusive, DIY, all ages show space Drkmttr is finally, after a couple weeks of delays, back up and running for shows as of Thursday! To celebrate their relaunch, the space will host free bbq and party Saturday afternoon, featuring performances from Blaketheman100, Mum and Da, and Negra, art from Daniel Lane and Marlos Evans, food, DJs, and more!

The festivities don’t stop in the afternoon, though, with a full-on show planned for the evening (unlike the afternoon, this part’s not free, but the $7 cover goes to some great touring bands), featuring experimental, electronic group Pamela_ and her sons, and world/fusion project Sequoyah Murray, both from Atlanta, as well as dreamy, electro-folk band Dream LVR and local darkwave artist Λ°C. [PO]

CHRIS SHIFLETT
@ Grimey’s | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

Ahead of his headlining Sunday night outing at The High Watt (you can read more about that below), Foo Fighters guitarist and punk veteran Chris Shiflett, who’s been making country music under his own name for the last several years, will play an in-store performance at Grimey’s. Chris recorded his latest, West Coast Town, here in Nashville at RCA Studio A with producer Dave Cobb, so you know his country cred it legit. [PO]

JONATHAN TOUBIN’S NY NIGHT TRAIN SOUL CLAP & DANCE-OFF w/ THE NUDE PARTY
@ Third Man Records | 8pm | $10 | All Ages

Nashville, Get ready to host “the world’s most popular, prolific, and fun soul party” around, when it returns to Third Man Records. Make sure you bring a comfortable pair of dancing shoes, and get ready to sweat all night long to the best ’60s soul spun by famed New York DJ Jonathan Toubin. Be sure to get to the venue early for a performance by Boone, NC, surf rockers The Nude Party, and stay late for the midnight dance contest! First place is $100 cash, and second place gets you a copy of Jonathan Toubin’s latest Norton Records LP Souvenirs of the Soul Clap, Vol. 5. If you’ve been known to enjoy Motown Monday, or you just love to shake your ass, this show is a must. [JR]

NEW MADRID, DAVID BARBE & FRIENDS, THAYER SARRANO, BILLY BENNETT, DREW DIXON, PAYTON BRADFORD, INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY, PARKER GISPERT (THE WHIGS), SETH MURRAY (NATURAL CHILD), JAMES WILSON (SONS OF BILL)
@ Exit/In | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

It’s hard to deny the impact that Athens, GA has had on the contemporary music scene, producing acts like R.E.M., The B-52’s, Widespread Panic, Drive-By Truckers, Olivia Tremor Control, and scores more. This weekend Nashville joins together to support Athen’s Nuci’s Space, a non-profit providing mental health counseling and healthcare services in the city. This benefit will feature performances Athens ex-pats including psych outfit New Madrid, David Barbe (Sugar, DBTs, Son Volt, Deerhunter), Parker Gispert (The Whigs), Seth Murray (Natural Child), Thayer Serrano, and a number of others. If you need to give back this weekend, this is probably your best bet at a kickass feel good event. [MH]

LASSO SPELLS, OJR, IAN FERGUSON, BLACK VENUS
@ The Cobra | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Western tinged psych rockers, and friends of the blog Lasso Spells are keeping busy as ever, and heading up one of the tastiest all local bills of the weekend. Look for powerful garage rock outfit OJR, and No Country presents alum Ian Ferguson, plus heavy blues duo Black Venus to round out the lineup. All this kickass music for just a five spot, and you’re helping to support the local scene. You know what to do. [JR]

PASSENGER w/ THE PAPER KITES
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

British singer-songwriter Michael David Rosenberg has been performing solo under the moniker (of his former band) Passenger since 2009, and caught worldwide attention with his chart topping single “Let Her Go” back in 2012.  Passenger has followed up that smash with three records since, most recently the Young As The Morning Old As The Sea last fall. While the latest release hasn’t garnered critical acclaim, it has steadily been climbing the charts of late, pinging #1 on the album charts in several countries.  Hopefully, if you are fan of heartfelt songwriting, or just want to sing along to “Let Her Go” in the Mother Church, you already have tickets, because this one appears to be sold out.  [MH]

THE SHADOWBOXERS w/ MR. GABRIEL
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $15 | All Ages

The nearly week long “Tomorrow Is Today” celebration at 3rd & Lindsley continues on Saturday night, and the party will certainly get dancing with the soul pop sounds of The Shadowboxers. The Atlanta formed band has been making serious waves since relocating to Nashville a few years ago, and find themselves on a growing number of festivals lineups this summer (including Pilgrimage). If you haven’t had a chance to see their hypnotic live show yet, you’ll be in for a true treat of originals and spot on covers, and you might even catch one of the high profile local musicians that have historically special guested with them. You should definitely get there on time to catch the catchy-as-hell work of Gabe Simon’s (Kopecky) new high energy alt-pop project Mr. Gabriel. Tickets for this one are going fast, so we would recommend advance purchase. [MH]

DEROBERT AND THE HALF-TRUTHS w/ JUSTIN KALK ORCHESTRA
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $10-12 | 21+

Local funk/soul/r&b outfit DeRobert & The Half-Truths are actually the house band for Music City funk label G.E.D. Soul Records, but they don’t just rip it on wax. Their live show is a sight to behold, and if you haven’t already, get them in your life ASAP. With experimental blues rock ‘n’ rollers Justin Kalk Orchestra in the warmup spot, this is going to be a lot of bang for your buck. So get on it, get out there, and see some live local musicians do their thing. [JR]

NICOLAS JAAR
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm (7pm doors) | $20-25 | All Ages

Producer, composer, label head, DJ, and one-half of short-lived group Darkside, Chilean American artist Nicolas Jaar wears a lot of hats, and, with a prolific number of releases and collaborations over the past few years, most recently last year’s full-length Sirens, he’s earned more than enough cred to justify his numerous endeavors. Mixing experimental and Spanish influences with hip hop and house, Jaar has become a fixture in the underground electronic scene, and he’s bringing his heralded live show to Nashville for the first time this weekend, for an all ages show at Marathon Music Works. [PO]

SUNDAY

THE ZOMBIES
@ TPAC’s James K. Polk Theater | 7pm | $35-$190 | All Ages

As we explained in detail, short-lived but wildly beloved British psychedelic/baroque pop band The Zombies never got a chance to play their posthumous sophomore LP, Odessey & Oracle, while they were still around. About a decade ago, the four surviving members finally came together to perform for its 40th anniversary (a version of the band reformed prior to that, and continues to play, but features only two of the original members), and reconvened once more in 2015 to celebrate it again. Ahead of the album’s 50th anniversary, what is being called the very final leg of Odessey & Oracle shows brings The Zombies back to Nashville (a first for this original lineup), for a very special night at TPAC. It’s confusing to keep track of why this is different from the partial Zombies who’ve played Nashville more often, but trust us, this is the real deal, and a once in a lifetime show. [PO]

NIKKI LANE w/ JONATHAN TYLER
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $16 | All Ages

Outlaw country songstress Nikki Lane has been abuzz for the past few years, and has only seen her stock rise since the release of her latest LP Highway Queen. We’ve seen her incredible live show on numerous occasions now, including her unbelievable release show at Donelson Bowl earlier this year, and she never disappoints. Expect her to cap off 3rd & Lindsley’s “Tomorrow Is Today” week with a bang. Lane will be joined by running partner and oft-collaborator Jonathan Tyler, whose brand of twangy, bluesy rock sound will be the perfect way to kick off the weekend ender. [MH]

CHRIS SHIFLETT w/ SAM PALLADIO, BRIAN WHELAN
@ The High Watt | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-15 | 18+

Best known for his near two-decade tenure as lead guitarist for the Foo Fighters, as well as his prior role in punk band No Use for a Name and supergroup Me First and the Gimmie Gimmie Gimmies, guitarist Chris Shiflett has taken a surprising turn in recent years as a solo alt-country artist. Celebrating his latest, West Coast Town, Chris headlines The High Watt his weekend with Sam Palladio (of Nashville fame, though his solo career is quite different and very much worth checking out) and Brian Whelan. It’s not every day you get to see a Foo in a 200-cap room, so grab tickets while they last! [PO]

ANWAR SADAT,  UTOPIA BRIGADE, ARGUS
@ Drkmttr | 9pm | $7 | All Ages

After a few weeks of false starts and rescheduled shows, DIY arts space Drkmttr is finally all up to codes and back to doing shows, with a great one on tap for this weekend. Louisville post-punks Anwar Sadat will be joined by locals Utopia Brigade (made up of members of Brothers, Idle Bloom, and Watcher) and experimental, droning, electronic project Argus. Support the local scene and all ages spaces, and welcome Drkmttr back! [PO]

LIL BRE w/ CAMM, ESTEF
@ Exit/In | 8:30pm (7:30pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

Nashville native Lil Bre is barely a freshman in college, but he’s already making waves in the rap world, honing his sound throughout his teens to attract the attention of some big names, landing a production deal, and scoring spots opening for the likes of Migos and Yo Gotti. With a flow not unlike contemporary rappers 2 Chainz and Lil Uzi Vert, Bre is fast becoming one of the next wave of names to watch in the local hip hop scene, and, joined by CAMM and Estef, you can see what he’s all about this weekend at Exit/In. [PO]

JOSHUA C.S. w/ LAMAR WILLIAMS JR & FRIENDS
@ The Basement | 8pm | $8-$10 | 21+

Local neo soul/blues singer-songwriter Joshua C.S. is happy to announce his latest offering, the Roots LP, and in conjunction with that release, he’s having a very special record release party/performance at The Basement.  The ten dollar cover gets  you a copy of the CD (while they last), as well as a performance by Lamar Williams JR and some friends. If you want to get out Sunday night to see some music, but you also want to keep it fairly mellow, this is the ticket. Also know you’re helping yet another local get his message out as well. [JR]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[LL] Lorie Liebig
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain