TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | June 16-18

With Bonnaroo in the rear view and the heat and humidity ramping up, it seems as though summer is in full swing.  This weekend is, shockingly, devoid of daytime events, but that should leave you plenty of time to rest of for another solid listing of talent performing around town.  Head below to see all our top show picks in this week’s edition of TWiN.

FRIDAY

JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
@ Grimey’s | 6pm | Sold Out | All Ages

Reconvening with backing band The 400 Unit after two breakout solo efforts in recent years, local Americana transplant Jason Isbell is dropping his latest, The Nashville Sound, this Friday, and will celebrate with an out-store performance in the back lot at Grimey’s. Priority admission is granted to those who pre-ordered the album and received a wristband (now sold out, unsurprisingly, just like the group’s Ryman residency), but a limited amount of free walk up space will also be available. [PO]

THE REGRETTES w/ STEF CHURA
@ Fond Object (Downtown) | 7pm | $10 | All Ages

Fronted by 16 year old, endlessly cool high school student Lydia Night, LA teen band The Regrettes have been making waves with their debut, Feel Your Feelings Fool!, a mix of retro pop and garage punk, laced with a fiercely feminist riot grrl bite. A lot of precocious young bands seemingly emerge out of nowhere with skills beyond their years, but this group feels different and no doubt the real deal- get to know them now, because there’s a lot of greatness ahead. Stef Chura opens, and at Fond Object downtown, it’s guaranteed to be a special night. [PO]

FAR OUT NASHVILLE: THE ASCENT OF EVEREST, THEE OPEN SEX, THE PSYCHICS, TTOTALS, MOUTH READER, FACEMAJIK, & MORE
@ Cobra & The East Room | 9pm | $15 | 18+

If you are looking for a one of a kind event this weekend, Far Out Nashville is “striving to create a stimulating and inspirational experience for the local and outer art communities,” which means that you will be drenched in killer psychedelic music, uber curated DJ sets an a “one-of-a-kind far out market.”  This event is taking place at two facing venues in Cobra and The East Room on Friday and Saturday night, and night one will feature performances from some of the top rockers in town, including The Ascent Of Everest, The Psychics, Ttotals, Mouth Reader, and more.  Head to the event’s webpage for more info.  [MH]

BACKPACKS, WEST MEANS HOME, RETRO PINOCCHIO, THE VERGE, BEGINNING
@ Dad’s Garage (Murfreesboro) | 7pm | $5 | All Ages

You can always count on Murfreesboro DIY space Dad’s Garage for some quality, wallet-friendly, all ages punk, and this weekend is no different. Anchored by Michigan emo-tinged indie punk outfit Backpacks and Alabama alt/emo group West Means Home, the $5 show is rounded by the local talent of pop punks Retro Pinocchio, likeminded rockers The Verge, and emo outfit Beginning. If the DIY scene is your jam, this is worth the drive! [PO]

BAD CULTURE w/ FAST ROMANTICS
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $5 | 21+

Relatively new on the local scene, Bad Culture are bringing their alternative indie rock sounds, which earned them top billing, to a tasty little five dollar rumble at the OG Basement. Look for like minded Canadian indie outfit Fast Romantics, who are touring the states in support of their new release American Love, to kick off the jams. That’s a lot of awesome packed into just five beans, so don’t hesitate; get your ass to one of the best low dough shows of the weekend! [JR]

LITTLE HURRICANE w/ GREAT PEACOCK
@ The High Watt | 8:30pm (7:30pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+

San Diego based poppy, blues inspired, indie rock duo Little Hurricane have been making waves since their 2011 debut Homewrecker.  Six years, three more releases, and countless gigs under their collective belt now, the band have returned with ramped up production with a finely tuned hone of their minimalist blues take on indie rock.  Local southern folk rockers Great Peacock are set to open for a show that is sure to appeal to fans of guitar driven rock jams. [MH]

NASHVILLE FIRE DEPT. PIPES AND DRUMS
@ Third Man Records | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

Formed in the time honored tradition of honoring fire fighters lost in the line of duty, the Nashville Fire Department Pipes & Drums ensemble was founded by Jason Tant a few years ago, along with a like-minded group of talented local heroes, to carry on the tradition started eons ago.  These guys have been spreading the magic of their music through local parades and events, but they will be stopping by Third Man Records for a free in-store on Friday night to perform a free, all-ages show.  If you have the means though, you really should donate to their cause at the event.  Their instruments and uniforms can cost up to $1,000, and they don’t receive any funding for their honorable mission. [MH]

RAVINER, THE NEVERHAWKS, CROWNS, BLIND BREED, EPHEMERAL
@ Cafe Coco | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $5-8 | All Ages

We’ve been hip to local alt rockers Raviner since they formed over two years ago, and we couldn’t be happier to hear they’re poised to self-release their debut LP Beast this weekend! For under a ten spot you can be there at Cafe Coco to help them kick start what looks to be a promising career, and you’ll always be able to say “I was there way-back-when, before they were stars.” Look for The Neverhawks, Crowns, Blind Breed and Ephemeral to get things rolling on a heavy night of tunes. [JR]

SATURDAY

RICHARD LLOYD (of Television) w/ CHROME PONY, SPODEE BOY
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $12-15 | 21+

A founding member of massively influential New York proto-punk outfit Television, rock icon Richard Lloyd has been fostering a fantastic solo career for nearly just as long, Though he left the reunited Television a decade ago, Richard still possesses much of the band’s original spirit and musical knack, and continues to tour solo, his stops in Tennessee becoming more frequent since moving to the state a few years back. With local support from Chromy Pony and Spodee Boy, his return to The Basement is perhaps one of the weekend’s best underrated gems. [PO]

MERCHANDISE, B BOYS, SOFT OPTION
@ Third Man Records | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-12 | All Ages

Though Tampa, Florida’s Merchandise adopt a nearly impossible to pin down sound, rooted in pop, shoegaze, noise rock, and post-punk, their origins actually trace back to the punk and hardcore scene, adding a definite earnestness and aggression, if not directly influencing what they’ve become, while still maintaining something of a cult following in the punk world. Celebrating their fifth album, A Corpse Wired for Sound, released last fall, their first effort recorded in a studio rather than at home, the trio have drifted more definitively into rock territory than ever before, maturing without sacrificing any of the artistry or passion that makes them so special. Performing at Third Man’s Blue Room with Brooklyn based jangly, indie, garage punks B Boys and locals Soft Option, this is without a doubt one of the best shows of the weekend. [PO]

FAR OUT NASHVILLE: MAGIC CASTLES, FUTURE DZ, HR_LEXY, HOLY MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVERS, LAWNDRY, BUMMR CITY, NAAN VIOLENCE
@ Cobra & The East Room | 3pm | $20 | 18+

Far Out Nashville continues on Saturday night boasting an even more stacked lineup than the opening night for the two venue bill that is sure to have Gallatin Ave. rocking all weekend.  It’s the same set up as before with killer psychedelic music, uber curated DJ sets an a “one-of-a-kind far out market,” and the night two lineup features performances from standouts like Death Panels, Holy Mountain Top Removers, Bummr City, Lawndry, Magic Castles, and more.  Things close out at Cobra with a “secret surprise band.”  You’ll have to stick around to see who that is going to be, but, with a lineup like this one, you won’t be going anywhere else anyway.  Head to the event’s webpage for more info. [MH]

FOREVERANDNEVER w/ SECRET STUFF, BORN WITHOUT BONES, EARLY HUMANS
@ Cafe Coco | 7pm | $10-12 | All Ages

Local alt/indie/post-hardcore rockers ForeverandNever are celebrating the release of their new record “Promises” with a performance at Cafe Coco, and a stellar supporting bill makes this a compelling weekend show, especially for DIY punk fans. Locals Secret Stuff are quickly gaining buzz, and adopt a sort of classic emo bent, while Massachusetts based Born Without Bones harbor a biting, ’90s influenced, alt rock sound. Opening up, eclectic local poppy, emo-infused rock up and comers Early Humans recently released a great new single “Verge,” and should definitely be on your radar. [PO]

THE BY GODS, SAD BAXTER, HURTS TO LAUGH, MAD ANTHONY
@ Fond Object (Downtown) | 7pm | $5 | All Ages

Fond Object is on fire this weekend, and Saturday’s largely local lineup at the 4th Ave location is light on the wallet and high on the quality tunes. Pairing alt/garage rockers The By Gods, grungy, pop, sad-singalong duo Sad Baxter, metal-infused indie punks Hurts to Laugh, and Cincinnati garage rockers Mad Anthony, this is a recipe for a great night. [PO]

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS, WANDA JACKSON, ANGALEENA PRESELY, JIMMY WAYNE, CONNIE SMITH, THE WHITES, & MORE
@ Grand Ole Opry | 7pm | $38-95 | All Ages

It’s not often we include the Grand Ole Opry in our weekend preview, but one name this weekend caught our eye, namely the Queen of Rockabilly herself, Wanda Jackson! Any time you can see this absolute legend in person is a worthwhile show, and with a great local act, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, heading up the bill, this seems like one Opry weekend show worth checking out- especially if you’ve never been, but don’t typically care about the performers. [PO]

FORTEBOWIE, YOUNG CHOP w/ DEE GOODZ, SLIMM BODY, KLASSIK, UNPOPULAR DEMAND, BURIAL BOYZ, CHYNA CYMONE, DRUMMA BOY
@ The Basement East | 10pm (9pm doors) | $20-25 | 21+

Looking for a gigantic bill of under the radar hip hop and r&b performers this weekend? The Basement East has you coveted! Helmed by ForteBowie and Young Chop, and hosted by Drumma Boy, this stacked out bill is brimming with talent, sure to delight, entertain, and perhaps even introduce you to some new names. [PO]

SUNDAY

CLEARANCE, SPODEE BOY
@ Fond Object (Riverside) | 6pm | $5 | All Ages

Ahead of a Fond Object Riverside backyard screening of the seventh episode of David Lynch’s incredible Twin Peaks revival, you can catch some killer tunes (and free beer, to those of age) for just $5. Hailing from Chicago, lo-fi/alt punk rockers Clearance are gearing up to release their sophomore LP, and opening things up, Nashville’s own Spodee Boy, the live alias of prolific artist Connor Cummins, brings the lo-fi, garage punk goodness. [PO]

KOFFIN KATS w/ EL ESCAPADO, NO LOVES, THUNDER TAKER
@ The End | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10 | 18+

Hailing from the Detroit area, Koffin Kats are a long running fixture in the underground psychobilly scene, especially in Europe, where rockabilly has seen a huge resurgence. The group last played Nashville at the ill-fated Ink N Iron fest, which almost certainly means you didn’t see them, and is extra reason to welcome them back for a proper show at The End. With support from El Escapado, No Loves, and Thunder Taker, this is another solid bet for punk fans who don’t want anything too hardcore. [PO]

CREAMER w/ WILLIAM MATHENY, NEW SUEDE
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $5-7 | 21+

Texas transplants Creamer are starting to generate some buzz in the local garage/indie rock scene thanks to their seven man power house approach. With wailing vocals, rowdy guitars, and swagger to spare, they’ve officially been placed on our local must see list. With help from William Matheny, and New Suede, this show will be a barn burner, and it’s also under ten bucks, so you can rock out without spending a fortune. Help support the area scene, go see some live music! [JR]

JOHNNYSWIM
@ Exit/In | 8pm (7pm doors) | FREE | 18+

Beloved husband-wife duo Johnnyswim got their start here in Nashville, and released a smattering of solid singles before heading out to Los Angeles to settle down, start a family, and hone their talented blend of unique blend of soulful folk pop.  The band released their latest record Georgica Pond in 2016, and a free show at Exit/In (must arrive before 3 p.m. to receive a wristband) has us wondering if they aren’t in town laying down record #4.  Head out to catch some old faves and perhaps some new tunes from the once local standouts. [MH]

MICKY DOLENZ (of The Monkees)
@ City Winery | 6:30pm (5:30pm doors) & 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $40-60 (early / late) | All Ages

Long-time drummer and vocalist of The Monkees Micky Dolenz is stopping into City Winery on Sunday night for a night of not to miss nostalgia.  The talented and funny singer will be rehashing some of the singles that he made famous as part of the early rock juggernaut, including “Last Train To Clarksville,” “Take A Giant Step,” and “I’m A Believer.” If you are a fan of ’60s rock n’ roll and you have the means, this is one show that you need on your weekend calendar. [MH]

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD w/ JEFF PLANKENHORN
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $20 | All Ages

Famous for his red dirt folk inspired country western singing & songwriting, Ray Wylie Hubbard is still going strong into his five decade career. With fifteen plus records, including his newest effort, Tell The Devil That I’m Getting There As Fast As I Can (set for an Aug. 18 release) Mr. Hubbard is helping to redefine what the genre title “country” really means. With Texas based rock song writer Jeff Plankenhorn filling the warm-up spot, this will be a very memorable Lightning 100 Nashville Sunday Night showcase, and as always, if you can’t attend, you can tune in live on your FM radio. [JR]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain