TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | May 12-14

Don’t forget to call your mother this weekend!  If you aren’t spending time with family this though, you are in luck, because it is another huge weekend of shows around Nashville.  We have some of the top rising talents in pop, folk, punk, psych, and metal playing across town featuring both local and national talent.  Figure out how to fill the void of missing family, or snag your mom for a weekend to remember, with all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN.

FRIDAY

WHITE REAPER w/ NO PARENTS, DUCK
@ The Basement East | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10 | 18+

We already gave you the rundown in our full show preview, but the short version is: Louisville garage punks and longtime site faves White Reaper are celebrating their fantastic new album and anthemic sonic departure, The World’s Best American Band, and they return to town for their largest Nashville date yet. LA punks No Parents, who seriously rip in person, and Diarrhea Planet offshoot Duck (who sound like they’re going to be a blast), open, so show up early! [PO]

THELMA AND THE SLEAZE, COOL GHOULS, THE DEACONS
@ The East Room | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $5 | 18+

On the heels of their Seth Graves-directed, acclaimed new documentary and a month before the release of their long-awaited debut LP, Somebody’s Doin Somethin, grungy, local hard rock outfit Thelma and the Sleaze return to frequent hang The East Room this weekend with buzzed-out San Fransisco group Cool Ghouls and locals The Deacons. At only $5, this is a strong contender for best value to quality ratio of the weekend, so don’t sleep on it! [PO]

SCALE MODEL w/ SLEEPTALKRE, PET ENVY
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 9pm (8pm doors) | $7

Celebrating the release of their new EP, Afterglow, local indie rock staples Scale Model will be taking over Little Harpeth Brewing with help from Sleeptalkre and Pet Envy. No strangers to No Country coverage, SM have been know to put on a great show, and with the help of an all local undercard, you can rock out and support our thriving scene. Throw in the added bonus of a new record to share (a download is included with admission), and great hometown brews … what’s not to love? [JR]

US WEEKLY, GUNTHER DOUG, THE PILLS, BORZOI
@ Blackbird Tattoo | 9pm | $5 | All Ages

Our pals at Cold Lunch Recordings are back with another kickass show featuring Austin based post-punk outfit US Weekly, who are celebrating the recent release of their solid self titled record.  You can get a taste of how perfect that will be for Blackbird Tattoo below.  They will be joined by like-minded Austin noise punks Borzoi, and local thrashers Gunther Doug and The Pills.  Full details are available at the Facebook event page. [MH]

UNI IKA AI (ft. Peter Lalish of Lucius) w/ LAWNDRY, BLACK VENUS
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $8-10 | 21+

Fusing elements of dreampop and artsy, neo-psychadelia, Brooklyn’s Uni Ika Ai bring the poppy haze of their stunning debut, Keeping A Golden Bullseye in the Corner of My Mind, to the intimate confines of The Basement this weekend. Made up of  Maia Friedman (Bobby), Peter Lalish (Lucius, Elizabeth & The Catapult), Tom Deis (Via Audio), and Dan Drohan (Maggie Rogers, Wilsen), their sound seems destined to make them festival fixtures and press darlings before long, so catch them while you can with local support from Lawdry and Black Venus! [PO]

KEHLANI w/ ELLA MAI, JAHKOY
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm (7pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

Grammy nominated, breakout r&b artist Kehlani is currently out in support of her great debut LP, SweetSexySavage, which dropped earlier this year. A fast rising force in the pop world, and with support from Ella Mai and Jahkoy, it’s not a shock that Kehlani’s headlining debut in Music City, two years after a supporting stop at the same venue with G-Eazy, sold out in advance. If you got a ticket, you’re in for a fun, buzzy, memorable night. [PO]

BISHOP BRIGGS w/ SHAED, MANATEE COMMUNE
@ Exit/In | 8pm (7pm doors) | $20 | 18+

British expat Bishop Briggs has seen a sharp rise, especially in online attention, since first erupting on to the scene in 2015, and thanks to last year’s massive indie pop banger “River,” it’s no surprise that she sold out her inaugural Nashville outing at Exit/In. We hope you didn’t procrastinate on grabbing your tickets! [PO]

THE WIND AND THE WAVE w/ JUSTIN KAWIKA YOUNG, THE NATIVE SIBLING
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12 | 18+

Austin based alt-folk duo The Wind And The Wave are touring in support of their well-received, Butch Walker produced, 2016 release Happiness Is Not A Place.  You’ve likely been hearing the title track and “Grand Canyon” on the radio of late.  They’ll be joined by recent Nashville transplant Justin Kawika Young, and Seattle based brother/sister poppy folk duo The Native Sibling. [MH]

MUSICIANS CORNER: K.S. RHOADS & JILL ANDREWS, AMY STROUP, K PHILLIPS, THE UKEDELICS, WHISKEY WOLVES OF THE WEST
@ Centennial Park | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

Musicians Corner kicks off its stacked spring season with the more recent tradition of Acoustic Friday Night, a special special evening series a day before the main, two-stage, afternoon show. Don’t think acoustic night means less-specular lineup though; with K.S. Rhoads, Amy Stroup, and more, this FREE event, which also features food trucks and vendors, sounds like a pretty wonderful Friday night. [PO]

THE DIRTY DELUSIONS, CASEY JO & THE FRIDAY NIGHT DADS, THE HOLLYWOOD KILLS
@ The Crying Wolf | 9pm | Free | 21+

It’s hard to argue with a price tag of free, and for no cover this Friday, Crying Wolf is showcasing some pretty sweet and wide-ranging local talent this weekend- nostalgic, fuzzy garage punks The Dirty Delusions, country-infused power pop group Casey Joe & The Friday Night Dads, and long-running rockers The Hollywood Kills. Dig it. [PO]

COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS w/ CAROLINE SPENCE
@ The Basement | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $7 | 21+

Indie folk singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs when she was just a teen, and now, six records later, she’s continued to create a buzz every time she performs. Currently touring in support of her latest release, Honest Life, Andrews has a little country fried flare to her voice that reels you in. With help from local transplant Caroline Spence, this promises to be a wonderful night of music, and at just seven bucks, it’s one of the best options for a low dough Friday night show. [JR]

PURGATORY, QUEENSWAY, ABSOLUTE SUFFERING, GREAT MINDS, PINION, WASTE
@ The End| 8pm (7pm doors) | $10 | 18+

Fans of hardcore rejoice, because Purgatory are exploding eardrums in Music City this weekend, with their metallic flavor of intense, era-spanning hardcore. Like-minded brethren Queensway, and Absolute Suffering will help get your blood pumping as well, and the bill is rounded out by Great Minds, Pinion, and Waste; so much most for just a ten spot. If you want to thrash on a Friday night, this is the only show for you. [JR]

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS w/ JOE PURDY
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | $29.50-44.50 | All Ages

Fresh off the release of their new album Souvenir, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors return to The Ryman for two straight nights of rootsy, introspective Americana. Expect to hear plenty of news music, as well as some of the hits from their 2015 breakthrough LP, Medicine. They’ll also be joined by stellar singer-songwriter Joe Purdy, so make sure to get to your spot in the pews early. [LL]

SATURDAY

REDD KROSS w/ FAUX FEROCIOUS
@ Third Man Records | 8pm (7pm doors) | $12-15 | All Ages

Seminal punks Redd Kross first got their start in the mid 70s with brothers Jeff and Steven McDonald, and they struck early success with a host of who’s who players like Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks, Bad Religion) and Ron Reyes (Black Flag), including notching a first gig opening for Black Flag.  Riding the initial buzz, the brothers continued releasing records and touring through the late ’90s under a revolving lineup of characters until taking a hiatus in 1999.  They returned in the mid ’00s with an almost original lineup, and found renewed interest as they found themselves on festival lineups across the world.  They followed up with a new LP, Researching The Blues, in 2012, and continue touring today.  They’ll be stopping by the Blue Room at Third Man Records on Saturday night along with local punks Faux Ferocious for what should be a special night for those that keep up with rock history, and, let’s be honest, most shows at the Blue Room are special nights based on the intimate venue alone. [MH]

HOLY FUCK w/ >MANCONTROL<, THE MUMZEES
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15 | 18+

Canadian experimental electronic noise rock outfit Holy Fuck have caught attention for more than just their provocative name since forming nearly 10 years ago.  They’ve been festival mainstays and internet darlings finding a niche between EDM and traditional rock, and the single “Tom Tom” from their latest album Congrats perfectly exemplifies this and will immediately appeal to fans of Nine Inch Nails.  Likeminded Memphis based >mancontrol< and local rock outfit The Mumzees get this not-to-be missed show started. [MH]

REAL ESTATE
@ Exit/In | 9pm | SOLD OUT | 18+

Real Estate have been darlings of the indie rock scene since the New Jersey based quartet struck success with their 2009 self-titled debut.  Since, the band has released three more albums that have continued the hype machine, including this year’s In Mind, which is already landing on Best of 2017 lists.  Of course, we don’t need to tell you guys what a great show this is going to be, because you’ve already bought all the tickets to their sold out Exit/In gig tonight. [MH]

FRUIT BATS (solo) w/ MICHAEL NAU (Cotton Jones)
@ The Basement | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $12-15 | 21+

Formed 20 years ago in Chicago, Fruit Bats were an important and influential fixture in the early ’00s indie folk movement, largely centered around singer Eric D. Johnson, who started the project as a solo outlet while playing in other bands, before turning it into a full-time focus. The band took a bit of a break, before returning in 2015 and releasing a new album last year, and in support, Johnson is touring solo, for some of the most intimate shows he’s played under the Fruit Bats moniker in years. Along with Cotten Jones’ Michael Nau, this promises to be an especially cool chance to see some accomplished musicians in a stripped down setting. [PO]

MUSICIANS CORNER: JOHN PAUL WHITE, SMOOTH HOUND SMITH, CARET OTT, THE HARMALEIGHS, & MORE
@ Centennial Park | 1:30pm (12pm gates) | FREE | All Ages

After a Friday night acoustic show, Musicians Corner kicks off its fantastic spring season with a stacked Saturday, headed up by John Paul White (of The Civil Wars), Smooth Hound Smith, Carey Ott, and The Harmaleighs! In addition the main stage performers, as well as local vendors, food trucks, kids activities, and more, the Lightning 100 acoustic stage is looking great too, with performances from Ross Livermore, Nina Ricci, and Katie Buxton. [PO]

PENICILLIN BABY w/ STEP SISTERS, MOUTH READER
@ The Cobra| 8pm | $5 | 21 +

Local psych rock outfit Penicillin Baby have been blog faves for nearly as long as this blog has been around.  They are back this weekend celebrating the release of their latest EP, Who Cares, at The Cobra along with local standouts Step Sisters and Mouth Reader.  If you need a local, low dough, rock show this is the perfect event for you to show you mom that Nashville is definitely more than just country music. [MH]

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS w/ PENNY & SPARROW
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | $29.50-44.50 | All Ages

If you had plans on Friday, you have a second chance to catch Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors complete their two-night stay at The Ryman. This time around, they have support from indie-folk singer/songwriter duo Penny & Sparrow. With tickets still available for less than $30, it’s a stellar way to spend your Saturday evening. [LL]

OPPOSITE BOX, w/ BRONZI BLONDE, NEW WAVE REBELLION, THE BUMBS
@ The End | 8pm | $5 | All Ages

Genre-bending, experimental jam-rock outfit Opposite Box are known for their super high energy shows that have a funky-psych-pirate-circus atmosphere, featuring dazzling light shows, off-the-stage interaction with the audience, plus a wonderful cast of characters including belly dancers, fire eaters, hula hoopers, guest musicians and whatever else they have hiding up their sleeves. It’s also being billed as a “Graffiti Party,” so they’ll have local street artists, repainting The End’s famous courtyard mural of “DBZ vs. Pokemon” art, with a Rick and Morty vs Spawn theme. Be there early to watch the mural being painted live, and also enjoy Bronzi Blonde, New Wave Rebellion, plus The Bumbs. At $5, this might be the best low dough local show of the entire weekend. [JR]

JET BLACK ALLEY CAT w/ GOLD ZOO, THE BAND CAMINO, SYLMAR
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10 | 18+

Calling themselves vintage pop rock, with lots of dance-able grooves, Jet Black Alley Cat are a local outfit we’ve been hearing a lot about, and one we look forward to catching again live. With their unique blend of influences, including ’50s cinema, JBAC are not your typical indie pop outfit. Get a taste of their wears below, and be sure to get to The High Watt on time to catch Gold Zoo, The Band Camino, and Sylmar. That’s four acts, for only ten skrill. Don’t waste another weekend, go see some live music! [JR]

SUNDAY

ALICE COOPER
@ TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall | 8pm | $55-85 | All Ages

If you’re only casually familiar with shock rock legend Alice Cooper (or if you’re simply too young to remember), you might not realize that the name “Alice Cooper,” before it was exclusively a stage moniker for the man born Vincent Furnier, was also the name of his original band, born out of the ashes of Phoenix, Arizona garage rock group The Spiders. Rising to fame in the early ’70s, pioneering theatrical and shock rock tactics along the way, the original band of hard rockers were responsible for Cooper classics like “School’s Out” and “I’m Eighteen,” releasing seven LPs before disbanding in 1974, paving the way for Furnier to adopt the name as a solo artist, and carry on with new backing players, achieving continued, huge success throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Still on good terms, Alice Cooper plans to reunite with original bandmates Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith during the Nashville stop of his current tour (making this a one-night only, amazingly rare event), for a mini set of their classics. Needless to say, it’s a chance to witness a piece of rock and roll history, and since tickets are still available, there’s no excuse to miss it! [PO]

PRAWN w/ SECRET STUFF, EARLY HUMANS, POCKET SCIENCE
@ Cafe Coco | 7pm | $10 | All Ages

Stopping through Nashville on a day off from their tour supporting site favorites PUP, New Jersey’s Prawn bring their indie, emo-informed, moody post-rock sounds to Cafe Coco. Prawn alone are more than worth the price of admission, but with local support from some of the most exciting acts in Nashville’s underground punk scene- Secret Stuff, Early Humans, and Pocket Science– this is looking like one of the best happenings of the whole weekend. [PO]

OBITUARY w/ GRUESOME, ACT OF IMPALEMENT
@ Exit/In| 8pm (7pm doors) | $20-26 | 18+

Nothing will help you shake off the Mother’s Day brunch blues like death metal. Lucky for all you metalheads out there, legends of the subgenre Obituary will be melting skulls at Exit/In, and you can be there. Often described as a fundamental act in the development of death metal music, Obituary (who originally called themselves Executioner) have grown to be considered one of the most successful death metal bands of all time. With ten records worth of material, including this year’s self-titled release, it’s easy to understand why. Similar flavored fair like Gruesome, and Act of Impalement will insure everyone get the most death possible for their hard earned buck. If your mom’s into this kind of party, hell, bring her along too! [JR]

RUN RIVER NORTH w/ COBI
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $12.50 | All Ages

LA indie folk outfit Run River North are a band we’ve had an eye on for awhile now, and with the well-recieved release of their sophomore effort, Drinking from a Salt Pond, last year, it’s not surprise to see them return to headline 3rd & Lindsley’s Nashville Sunday Night- a spot they’ve played before as a supporting act for Goo Goo Dolls. Along with Cobi, and at a price that won’t break the bank, this feels like a pretty worthy option to end your weekend. [PO]

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