As we inch closer to festival season, the spring concert calendar is absolutely heating up, and that couldn’t be clearer when looking at the dizzying number of great shows happening around town this weekend. Whether you’re looking for legendary hip hop, indie punk, local DIY shows, classic rock legends, r&b, buzzwrothy grunge bands, local day fests, dance music, free music, and so much more, you’re definitely going to find something up your alley This Weekend in Nashville. Check out our guide below!
FRIDAY
BALANCE AND COMPOSURE w/ FROM INDIAN LAKES, QUEEN OF JEANS
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm (7pm doors) | $17 | 18+
As we told you already, one of our most-anticipated shows of the weekend is punk/post-hardcore outfit turned artsy, alt rockers Balance and Composure, who return in support of last year’s Light We Made, along with genre-bending indie rockers From Indian Lakes and poppy, retro outfit Queen of Jeans. Punk and indie fans looking for something different and interesting won’t be disappointed. [PO]
DAWES
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | $35 | All Ages
The first of two nights at The Ryman, which we previewed here in detail, LA folk rockers and longtime site favorites Dawes are set to perform a pair of extra-long shows, with two sets ranging from new songs to old favorites. They come to Nashville at a regular clip, but they never disappoint, and after last year’s fifth album We’re All Gonna Die, it’s as exciting a time as ever to see this unparalleled band live, in one of the best rooms in town. [PO]
SNOOP DOGG w/ FLATBUSH ZOMBIES, BERNER
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7pm | $25-201 | All Ages
Formerly a two-day fest celebrating, what else, weed, Snoop Dogg has reimagined Mount Kushmore as a traveling tour, which brings him back to Music City for the first time since his epic, last minute Cannery Ballroom outing in 2014. While that show is certainly going to be hard to top, it’s a lot easier to get tickets this time around, and the legendary west coast MC is still a hell of a lot of fun live in any venue. Expect a career-spanning, old school hip hop experience (there aren’t enough dudes doing call and response anymore), with support from Flatbush Zombies and Berner. [PO]
DATENITE, SPODEE BOY, COWBOYS, DONORS
@ The Move | 9pm | $5 | All Ages
Moved from Drkmttr to The Move (you’re gonna have to ask for the address if you don’t know it), locals Datenight and Spodee Boy celebrate their new 7″ releases with an epic party, featuring free Two Boots Pizza and PBR. Bloomington’s The Cowboys and Donors round out the lineup, making this a sweet hang for just $5, so if you’re looking for a great DIY show and some quality punk and garage rock, you can’t go wrong. [PO]
SUSTO w/ BECCA MANCARI
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12 | 18+
We last saw Charleston, SC based group Susto when they opened up for Wild Child at Mercy Lounge last fall, and we’re glad to have their eclectic blend of Americana, country and folk back in Music City this Friday night. The band’s strength comes from singer Justin Osborne’s smart, poetic writing style, most recently seen on this year’s release of & I’m Fine Today, which landed them a spot on Billboard’s Independent Album chart. Local songstress Becca Mancari, who they’ve previously shared a bill with here in town, will get the night started. [MG]
THRIFTWORKS w/ FLAMINGOSIS, DAILY BREAD, ESCPE
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $12 | 18+
EDM producer/performer Thriftworks is bringing his hip hop, electro, and dubstep spliced beats to Music City, and fans of the genre should already have this one circled on their calendar. His extensive catalog of work (over a dozen releases) stretches back to his 2010 debut, so there will be no shortage of bangers. Look for experimental hip hop act Flamingosis, Atlanta based DJ Daily Bread, and like minded local ESCPE. All this great music, guaranteed to get your booty shaking, and for just $12. If you’re looking to catch the dance club vibes Friday night, The BEast is really your best bet. [JR]
BOMBADIL w/ THOSE LAVENDER WHALES
@ The Basement | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $10-12 | 21+
North Carolina based folk pop outfit Bombadil write touching, heartfelt songs that are reminiscent of Conor Oberst’s Bright Eyes project, and they have continued to see their stock rise during the course of their six record career. Their most recent effort, Fences, was produced by John Vanderslice dropped in late 2016, and the band is stopping by Nashville for an early set at The Basement in support. They are joined by South Carolina psych pop outfit Those Lavender Whales, who have spent the past few weeks playing shows around town in support of their Chaz Bundick (Toro y Moi) recorded record, My Bones Are Singing. [MH]
NIGHTINGAIL, KATIE PRUITT w/ RYAN SOBB
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $6 | 21+
If you are looking to continue a night of top notch songwriting at The Basement, stick around for sets from some local talent. Memphis born, Nashville based songwriter Alicia Gail’s Nightingail project features a range of influences from her Tennessee roots, including blues, gospel, and jazz, as her mesmerizing “Green Coat” below features a stellar backing band of some favorite Nashville friends. Like minded songwriter Katie Pruitt spins her yarns through a distinctly pop influenced filter, and has you can hear in the smattering of tracks on her Soundcloud page. There is some conflicting information in the opener slot between The Harmaleighs or OJR, neither of which will disappoint, and Ryan Sobb gets things started. [MH]
KEITH SWEAT, K-CI & JOJO, 112, GINUWINE
@ Nashville Municipal Auditorium | 8pm | $47-99 | All Ages
A posse of legends from the world of ’90s r&b will be appearing at Municipal Auditorium, and if this is your favorite era of the genre, you simply can’t afford to miss this one. The one and only Keith Sweat earns top billing with help from other icons, like K-Ci & JoJo, the re-united 112, plus Ginuwine. Between them all, there are so many hit songs, it’d take a full paragraph to list them all. Fans of a certain age remember when all their names were climbing the charts the old fashioned way, selling records/singles, well before streaming even existed. Bring along someone special, and jam to some of the best grooves from the modern age of r&b. [JR]
THE AQUADUCKS, THEM VIBES, COSMIC SHIFT, MELD
@ Exit/In | 8pm (7pm doors) | $7-10 | 18+
Looking for an eclectic night of local talent? Exit/In is hosting Groovestock on Friday night, which features sets from a bunch of blog friends including resident funksters The Aquaducks, soulful rockers Them Vibes, space jam outfit Cosmic Shift, and soulful electro artist MELD. It’s a packed night of music on Friday, but this is one that will show you some of the top talent this city has to offer. [MH]
SATURDAY
CHARLY BLISS
@ Grimey’s | 5pm | Free | All Ages
w/ SAD BAXTER
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $8-10 | 18+
On the heels of their phenomenal debut album, Guppy, which is without a doubt one of our favorite albums of 2017 so far, rising Brooklyn grunge pop group Charly Bliss return this weekend for their first Nashville show since late 2015, this time in a headlining slot at The High Watt, with support from perfectly-matched local duo Sad Baxter. They’re having a total buzzy moment right now, and we have a feeling you won’t get to see Charly Bliss in a room this small again next time around, so catch them while you can- trust us, they’re incredible live. The band are also playing a free in-store at Grimey’s, for double the music or in case you can’t make the evening show. [PO]
DAWES
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | $35 | All Ages
It appears that even fewer tickets remain for night two of Dawes‘ weekend residency at The Ryman so if you can’t make it Friday, we suggest snagging your Saturday tickets asap! Head here for a full preview! [PO]
NORTHBOUND, TIGERWINE w/ EUREKA MO, FRNDS
@ The End | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10 | 18+
What started as an acoustic project for frontman Jonathon Fraser, Florida’s Northbound have morphed into a fast rising, full band fixture in the pop punk scene, channeling an emo-tinged, unabashedly poppy throwback to the best of the mid-’00s (before pop punk kind of flew off the rails for a few years). Co-headlining with Colorado’s Tigerwine, whose grungy, loud, punk-informed alt rock sounds like it’ll be absolutely killer live, and with support from locals Eureka, MO and FRNDS, this is a solid, under the radar weekend options for fans of punk spirit and earnest songwriting. [PO]
LIGHTNING 100’s SPRING BLOCK PARTY ft. THE DELTA SAINTS, WAKER, LUTHI, OKEY DOKEY, THE LISTER BROS, MR STEVE THE MUSIC MAN
@ Marathon Music Works | 3pm | $15-55 | All Ages
We’ve been hyping this annual event for months, so you should already know that this is one of the best ways to catch tons of great local talent for one low price. In case you missed out, here’s the takeaway: The Delta Saints (touting a new record entitled Monte Vista) will be headlining an all local and very stacked bill, there will be food trucks and a market, it’s an all ages event, and you should act quickly if you’re interested, because it may sell out. Got it? [JR]
PAUL MCDONALD w/ KELSEY KOPECKY, REPUBLICAN HAIR
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10 | 18+
Alabama native, Nashville resident, and American Idol alum Paul McDonald is prepping to release an inspired new solo album, Modern Hearts, later this year, and from the sound of new single “Call On Me” (below), it’ll be a pretty significant start to a new chapter of his career. With powerful pipes and a soulful, pop rock sound, McDonald will be joined by a massive 10-piece backing band from his hometown show this weekend, which also features support from Kelsey Kopkecy and Republican Hair. Don’t sleep on this one! [PO]
JUNIOR ASTRONOMERS, H.A.R.D., BUMMR CITY, LACQUER
@ The East Room | 9pm | $7 | 18+
Indie/post-punks Junior Astronomers are topping off a tasty bill set to invade The East Room this weekend. Similarly flavored acts like H.A.R.D., locals Bummr City, and Chattanooga/Nashville collective Lacquer. All this great indie, equipped with an indie price; just seven bones! Quite possibly our top low dough show of the weekend, this is tailored made for music fans who are balling on a budget, but still want to be out and about on the east side. Don’t miss it. [JR]
MOM AND DAD, EVIL TRIPLET, NECTAR, CHOOVANSKI
@ The Move | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5 | All Ages
An all ages, DIY house show (ask for the address here), organized in opposition to hate groups, this “No Nazi Benefit Show” features artsy local punks Mom and Dad and garage punks Choovanski, along with touring acts Evil Triplet and Nectar. It’s a cool show with a solid lineup we’d recommend no matter what, but with door money going to benefit local Jewish and Islamic centers, it’s punk for a purpose, and that’s something we can solidly get behind. [PO]
ADIÓS GHOST, ANCHOR THIEVES, THE BY GODS
@ Fond Object (Riverside) | 7pm | $5 | All Ages
Brooklyn based rockers Adiós Ghost present a very interesting take on indie rock by running their sounds through pop, psych, and new wave filters, and this is on display in their recently released record, Fade Out With Your Phantoms, that you can dig into below. Per usual with Fond Object bookings, this one is expertly curated with local rockers Anchor Thieves and The By Gods, and any evening spent with backyard hangs at Fond Object is a good bet. [MH]
SUNDAY
CAGE THE ELEPHANT
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm (6:30pm doors) | SOLD OUT | All Ages
While we typically rave about local transplants and friends of the site Cage the Elephant for this wild, uncontainable, pure rock and roll live presence, a la The Stooges, their unstoppable live force wouldn’t be as exciting if, at their core, they weren’t supremely talented musicians as well. Part of a rare run of acoustic shows, Cage will take it down a notch this weekend at The Ryman (which is good, because a normal Cage show would bring the house down), for a special evening dubbed “Live & Unpeeled.” Unfortunately though unsurprisingly, tickets are long gone, but if you managed to get one, you’re in for a treat. [PO]
CHARLIE BOB’S LAST SHOW
@ Charlie Bob’s | 11am | Free | All Ages
Longtime East Nashville institution Charlie Bob’s, which, after decades of operation as a family-run restaurant, and after months of rumblings, closes its doors for good this weekend, is the latest casualty of Nashville’s real estate boom. Though we’re happy that the owners were able to sell for millions of dollars after years of hard work, seeing what has become a de facto DIY venue, which has housed some incredible punk, rock, indie, art rock, and so much more in recent years, get turned into another residential development will sting. Before they leave forever, Charlie Bob’s will host one last giant, free, all ages show this Sunday, with a gargantuan lineup of Alex Caress, Ariel Bui, Biscuit Boy (Bruce Ervin), B|_ank, Brett Rosenberg (standup comedy), Caldwell Jack & The Six Pack, Chill Witch, Curt Oren, Dudette, Emma Dilemma, girls and money, Jon Byrd, Mike Cullison The Roadhouse Rambler, Ra Noise, Rem Steel, Roman Polanski’s Baby, Saddle Up!, Salina Hernandez’s Lost Bet, Soft Option, Terror Pigeon, The Shadowtones, The Mumzees, Trane Spitta, and Watcher! Needless to say, it seems like the most essential show of the weekend, and you can keep up with the latest info and schedule right here. [PO]
CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH w/ LAURA GIBSON
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15 | 18+
Fans of the popular indie rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are no doubt thrilled that they released a new album this year and announced a tour in real music venues – they previously toured heavily with a DIY approach, playing house shows across the country. The Tourist finds the band, largely centered around singer/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Alec Ounsworth, reverting back to the sound that made them a staple of the ’00s indie scene when they released their self-titled debut more than a decade ago. Doesn’t that make you feel old?! Oh well. Embrace the feeling of nostalgia and grab your tickets to this show. [MG]
GENERATIONALS w/ PSYCHIC TWIN
@ Mercy Lounge| 8pm (7pm doors) | $12-14 | 18+
It’s been awesome to watch the rise of indie pop outfit Generationals over the years, and it is hard to believe they have almost been around for 10 years now. As one half of the show that helped to start this blog 6 years ago, they stole the show that night, and turned out to be solid dudes to boot. Fast forward through thousands of tour miles, tens of thousands more fans, and a slew of ridiculously catchy songs, like “When The Fight, They Fight,” “TenTwentyTen,” and “Put On A Light On” in their catalogue; the path forward looks very bright, and their new single “Avery” below is a taste of what the future holds. They will be joined by rising Brooklyn based electro pop act Psychic Twin, and just like Generationals stole the show as the opener the first time we saw them, you may just find your next favorite band when things kick off on Sunday. [MH]
MONA w/ FLAGSHIP
@ The High Watt | 7:30pm (7pm doors) | $15 | 18+
Local (via OH & KY) alternative rockers MONA will be playing what promises to be an intimate show at The High Watt before hitting the road again. A band on the rise nationally, this might the last time for awhile that Nashville fans get to seem them in a club sized venue, since it appears that bigger and bigger stages will beacon them in the future. Get to the venue on time to catch the warm-up set from Charlotte, NC rockers Flagship, to make sure you the most musical bang for your buck. [JR]
PENICILLIN BABY, THE COMMON TIGER, SALVADORE ROSS
@ The Cobra | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5 | 21+
Sunday Psych Night continues at The Cobra on Sunday thanks to our friends at Nashville Psych Alliance. This episode features the heady space jams of blog faves Penicillin Baby, whose 2016 release Cryptic Fantasies, still sees regular spins on the NC turntables. Local proggy, progressive rockers The Common Tiger will get things started along with Dayton Ohio flower psych rockers Salvador Ross. It’s a low key end to the weekend, particularly for those balling on a budget. [MH]
THE WHISTLES AND THE BELLS w/ JOANNA BARBERA
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $10 | All Ages
Local singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bryan Simpson, better known by his stage name The Whistles and The Bells, is releasing his brand spanking new record, Modern Plagues, on Friday), and you can help him celebrate with the Sunday night show courtesy of Lightning 100’s long running showcase, Nashville Sunday Night. Look for No Country Presents alum Joanna Barbera to open, and as always with this weekly event, the performance will be broadcast live over the airwaves. Of course seeing it in person is best, and helping locals get the word out about new records is always a nice added bonus. [JR]
DAVE DAVIES (of The Kinks)
@ City Winery| 8pm (6pm doors) | $40-60 | All Ages
Easily one of the most influence bands of the ’60s and early ’70s, specifically when talking about the British Invasion, The Kinks paved the way for massively popular modern Brit pop bands like Oasis and Blur, to name a few, while simultaneously leaving a large imprint on rock music as a whole in the process. After disbanding in 1996, its members, all in their sixties or older at this point, have embarked on solo careers, and Music City is happy to welcome lead guitarist and occasional lead singer (depending on the song) Dave Davies to the friendly confines of City Winery. There is little doubt he’ll be sporting his signature “flying V” Gibson guitar, as well as tracks form his new record Open Road, plus some classics form his massive catalog. So catch a living legend in person, and understand firsthand why his legacy will live on much longer than any of us. [JR]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain
[LL] Lorie Liebig
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