TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | April 14-16

Easter weekend is upon us, and, no matter your religious leanings, it doesn’t seem to be slowing down the slate of great show options happening around town, if you’re looking for some weekend entertainment. Between release shows for local favorites and emerging artists, country legends and young blood, pop, folk, punk, post-rock, and a whole lot more, there’s plenty to be excited about, whatever your budget or attention span. Start planing out your musical weekend below with our latest installment of This Weekend in Nashville!

FRIDAY

BLACKFOOT GYPSIES
@ Little Harpeth Brewery | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10-15

Get ready to get rowdy with local honky bluesy, retro rock powerhouse Blackfoot Gypsies, as they gear up to release their brand spanking new record, To The Top, on local indie label Plowboy Records. We’re quite familiar with BFG’s work, having interviewed them before the release of their last LP, Handle It, so we couldn’t more excited about new music from the resident group. They seem to be gaining traction nationally too, thanks to relentless touring and a new track, “Potatoes and Whiskey,” from the new record, featuring rising Third Man Records star Margo Price. See what all the fuss is about for yourself, and enjoy some local beer at Little Harpeth Brewery while you do it. More info here. [JR]

SAINT PÈ w/ RI¢HIE, REALITY SOMETHING
@ The End | 8pm | $8

You can check out a full preview for this one right here, but the key points you need know about are as follows: former Black Lips guitarist and Nashville resident Ian Saint Pé is rolling out his solo project, simply dubbed Saint Pé. His debut record, Fixed Focus, dropped just last week. To celebrate, he is playing a very special show in the intimate confines of The End with some other scene regulars like Ri¢hie and Reality Something. You get this totally local and totally awesome bill for under ten bucks, so if you’re looking to rock out on the cheap this weekend, this show might be your best bet. [JR]

SIMO w/ DEVON GILFILLIAN, QUINN DEVEAUX
@ The Basement East | 8pm (7pm doors) | $12-15 | 21+

The triumphant return of local shreddy psych rock ‘n’ roll trio SIMO is this weekend, and if some how you hadn’t heard, consider yourself informed now. You can read a full run down on this gig right here, but trust us when we say that this will be one of the hottest tickets of the weekend, especially with help from soul performer Devon Gilfillian, and blues man Quinn DeVeaux. Snag tickets while you can, because this has the potential to sell out.  [JR]

LORETTA LYNN w/ SHAWN CAMP
@ The Ryman Auditorium  | 8pm (7pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

With a career that spans the course of six decades, living legend Loretta Lynn has a legacy that is almost too monumental and influential to sum up in a simple paragraph. Sometimes called the “Queen of Country Music,” and for good reason, Lynn was a pioneer in a male dominated music scene, and, with over 60 studio releases and nearly 50 million albums sold, she’s one of the most successful and beloved country artists of all time, period. Lynn brings her monumental talent to The Ryman for two nights this weekend. The bad news? It’s sold out. The good news? She’s already announced a two-night return to The Ryman in August! [PO]

JEFFREY JAMES w/ JAMES DROLL
@ The Back Corner | 7:30pm (6pm doors) | $12 | 21+

We’ve been raving about local r&b/pop artist Jeffrey James for quite awhile now and have shared several of his singles and videos, so if you’re a regular reader, you know this show is a must-see. His new EP Unsaid is out the same day via Nashville independent label South x Sea, so don’t miss your chance to catch the soulful crooner hot off the heels of this anticipated release in one of Nashville’s newest music venues. Check out the title track from Unsaid below if you need more convincing! [MG]

SHEL w/ THE RAILERS
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $10-15 | All Ages

The Colorado raised, Nashville based sister quartet known as SHEL (which stands for Sarah, Hannah, Eva and Liza) gained recognition in the Americana world with their debut self-titled album in 2012, and followed it up last year with Just Crazy Enough. This latest effort, a continuation of the delicate collaboration between the four virtuosos and containing a beautiful rendition of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”, has put them on a relentless touring schedule. If listening to their records is any indication of their individual skill levels, then you can imagine the experience of seeing them performing live, and City Winery is the perfect atmosphere for it. The Railers open. [MG]

CONESTYLE, THOSE LAVENDER WHALES, B|_ANK, SONATORE
@ Charlie Bob’s | 9pm | $5 | All Ages

Proggy instrumental duo Conestyle turned quite a few heads back in 2012 with their deliciously “lunchcore” (self-described) record Born Warm.  They reportedly were working with Wayne Coyne after the release of that record for their next effort, but then seemingly fell off the earth, leaving us wondering what Coyne did to them.  They will apparently will reappear at Charlie Bob’s on Friday night.  Is this a sign of new music?  Better head out to see.  This eclectic bill is rounded out by South Carolina indie popsters Those Lavender Whales, B|_ank, and sludgy electro-noise outfit Sonatore.  Looking for something different to do this weekend?  Here you go. [MH]

SAM OUTLAW w/ DORI FREEMAN
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm (7pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+

Los Angeles country crooner Sam Outlaw captured the spirit of his SoCal home with aptly-titled debut Angeleno in 2015, and with his followup, Tenderheart, the release of which coincides with his Nashville return this weekend, has managed to further hone that sound, tapping into a unique and timeless style of country that reminds us how much lesser-utilized territory the genere really has room to tread. Despite the stage name (which is actually a family name), Sam adopts a pretty heartfelt and personal  writing style, and like the Stugrills and Baxters and Prices and Isbells of the world, challenges us to rethink country in 2017. [PO]

OH GRANDPA, DANIMAL PLANET, MELD
@ The East Room | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5

The East Room has been booking some really unique and eclectic lineups of late, and they continue this weekend with local proggy rock outfit Oh Grandpa, Chattanooga based electro-rockers Danimal Planet, and rising local alt-pop outfit MELD.  For only $5, you can see the best of what’s next in Music City and beyond.  [MH]

DON GALLARDO w/ CHRISTIAN LOPEZ
@ The Family Wash | 9pm (8pm doors)

Local folk/Americana hero, and friend of the blog Don Gallardo is playing a chilled out show at the Family Wash with his band How Far West. Look for like-minded performer Christian Lopez, who’s been out on the road lately with Gallrdo, to kick things off on for this mellow night of quality tunes, and sample a brand new beer from The Black Abbey. [JR]

SATURDAY

DANIELLA MASON w/ EZA, JESSIE EARLY
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

Three of Nashville’s best pop artists are joining forces for one powerhouse show, presented by PØPSQUAD. Last year, Daniella Mason dropped her Technicolour EP, featuring clever hooks and driving beats. EZA and Jessie Early will hit the stage early, rounding out a night of stellar music that will have even the coolest of cross-armed, concert-going bros getting into the groove.  [LL]

LORETTA LYNN w/ MICKEY GUYTON
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | $45-75 | All Ages

Just a handful of tickets remain for Loretta Lynn‘s second night at The Ryman this weekend as of writing, so, if you procrastinated, we’d recommend checking immediately to see if they’re still there. Otherwise, you’ll have another shot to see the country legend when she returns to the Mother Church in August! [PO]

GLEN PHILLIPS (of Toad the Wet Sprocket) w/ AMBER RUBARTH
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $15-25 | All Ages

Best known for fronting popular alt rock group Toad the Wet Sprocket, singer-songwriter Glen Phillips has carved out just as much a name for himself with his solo career, since releasing his debut back in 2000. Incorporating a bit more of a folk bent, fans who know him for hits like “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean” will still find the same core songwriting talent. Largely independent, Phillips’ latest, Swallowed by the New, arrived last year, and he’ll bring his unique and eclectic talents to City Winery this weekend with Amber Rubarth. [PO]

PENICILLIN BABY, TENNESSEE MUSCLE CANDY, SOFT CRUSH, THE MINKS, DAN LUKE AND THE RAID, HR_LEXY
@ The Basement | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5-20 | 21+

A benefit for both Planned Parenthood and the ACLU, both incredibly worthy causes in our current political climate, presented by our friends at Cold Lunch Records, this show is variable in its price level, and encourages at least $10-20, both of which will earn raffle tickets which go towards a chance to win art and music donated by the bands (a $5 level, sans raffle tickets, also exists for this without the financial means to give more). An amazingly curated sampling of some of Nashville’s most exciting, up and coming talent, psych rockers Penicillin Baby at the top of the bill should be enough to get you there, PP/ACLU benefit or not, but with the added talents of Tennessee Muscle Candy, Soft Crush, The Minks, Dan Luke and the Raid, and HR_Lexy, it stands as maybe the coolest local bill of the weekend. [PO]

THE SLANTS w/ THE ERIC STUART BAND
@ The Country | 7pm (6pm doors) | Sold Out

If you were hoping to catch Asian American dance rock outfit The Slants this weekend, and you have not yet bought tickets, you’re are SOL my friends, because this show is SOLD OUT. The band have generated a lot of buzz, based on their talent and their controversial name (which co-opts a racial slur). In an effort to re-appropriate the term, the band sticks to their guns in regards to the name, and is even taking their fight to keep it, all the way to the Supreme Court. They also recently released an EP entitled, The Band Who Must Not Be Named, as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the “controversy” surrounding their name. If you waited too long, better luck next time they come through town, because now you know not to sleep on one of the hotter bands around in the national scene. [JR]

HAYES CARLL w/ BAND OF HEATHENS
@ The Basement East | 8pm (7pm doors) | $20 | 21+

Texas bred singer songwriter Hayes Carll is breezing through town this weekend to serenade the willing at The BEast, and if you like a little western twang flavored into your tunes, this is a must. Austin americana rockers Band of Heathens are opening what promises to be a wonderful night of music. Texas meets Tennessee this Saturday; don’t miss it! [JR]

SUNDAY

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm (6:30pm doors) | $35-45 | All Ages

Despite your religious leanings, there’s definitely one church we highly recommend attending this Easter Sunday- that would be the Mother Church, where acclaimed Texas post-rock outfit Explosions in the Sky will return for the first time in five years. Hailed for their intricate guitar work and narratively styled instrumentals, the band weave their sound into a stunning, emotional, and visually mesmerizing live show, and one that’ll hypnotize and satisfy even the most casual fans. Tickets are still available, and we can’t think of a cooler way to end your weekend. [PO]

PILE, GNARWHAL
@ Third Man Records | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-12 | All Ages

Pairing the unique stylings of Boston indie/post-punk/experimental outfit Pile and local math punk duo Gnarwhal, this low cost show, which will be recorded live to acetate, is the latest in Third Man’s absolute fire of a streak lately. Our usual spiel is any Blue Room show is one worth seeing, but this should especially satisfy punk fans and those looking for weirder, more underground music that happens to be set in one of Nashville’s coolest spaces. [PO]

THE CANVAS PEOPLE, APOLLO WILD, SONIC VOODOO
@ The East Room | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5

Hailing from Austin, The Canvas People blend a knack for poppy, indie rock and alt rock sensibilities, creating a pleasant, riff driven, and earnest style. Still enjoying hype from last year’s City Boy Slump EP, the group return to town this weekend for an inexpensive DIY show at The East Room, rounded out by locals Apollo Wild and Sonic Voodoo. It’s hard to beat the price for this quality of a bill. [PO]

MO LOWDA & THE HUMBLE
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $5 | 21+

Philly rockers Mo Lowda & The Humble started making waves in the city of Brotherly Love immediately upon the release of their Curse The Weather debut in 2013.  After honing their skills with a hefty slate of touring, they returned to the studio, and released a six song effort with 2016’s Act Accordingly. The band’s raucous live shows highlight their alt rock approach, while digging into the recordings showcase their ability to interweave touches of soul and surf.  They’ll be stopping in to The Basement on Easter Sunday for the first of three Nashville shows in the following three days (they also play New Faces Nite at The Basement on Apr. 18 and The 5 Spot the same night. [MH]

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