TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | June 23-25

In the summer malaise that tends to occupy us between festival weekends, the amount of awesome music around town this weekend came as a bit of a surprise while we thought all eyes were going to be on Pride.  Despite the massive planned events downtown, there are also a few exciting album release shows, buzzy touring rockers, solid in-stores, and more than one legend performing this weekend.  There is plenty for everyone in this week’s edition of TWiN.

FRIDAY

SURFER BLOOD w/ WINTER
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+

With new fourth album Snowdonia, Florida bred indie rockers Surfer Blood began something of a new chapter. Now many years removed from the chillwave movement they helped popularize, and throughly settled into more indie, surf-tinged territory after flirting with electronic and garage rock elements over several releases, the band take on a more focused, and straightforward sonic direction, but that’s far from the only new beginning. Following the unfortunate death of guitarist Thomas Fekete, who quit shortly after the group’s last effort, 1000 Palms, to battle cancer, and after the exist of longtime bassist Kevin Williams, Surfer Blood are, in actuality, a wholly new band. You can catch this new chapter in person, when they return for the first time in two years this weekend with Winter! [PO]

SWIM TEAM, TED TYRO, DHARMA, DIRT
@ Drkmttr | 8pm | $7 | All Ages

The DIY, all ages, inclusive show offerings have been fantastic lately, and Drkmttr keeps that going with a few great happenings this weekend. Friday sees Cincinnati thrash pop band Swim Team, who’ve worked with local tastemaking label Infinity Cat, return along with Louisville based lofi indie pop group Ted Tyro. Bringing the local support are Dharma and Dirt, two acts we’re not yet familiar with, but are sure to be awesome if they’re on this bill. Don’t miss out! [PO]

LOS COLOGNES w/ THE PRESCRIPTIONS, CAROLINE SPENCE
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $12 | All Ages

We’ve been talking about the excellent new record, The Wave, from local rockers Los Colognes for a while now, and, though it has been released for a few weeks now, the band finally see their tour routing back home for an official hometown release show at 3rd & Lindsley on Friday night.  They will be joined by upcoming rockers, and soon to be No Country Presents performers The Prescriptions and Caroline Spence, who kicking off a tour for her still fresh 2017 release, Spades And Roses.  If you haven’t seen the magic of Los Colognes live, check out their recently released video for “Forever In Between” below to get a taste of what’s in store. [MH]

THE CUNNING, MACHETE, CHARLIE ABBOTT
@ Fond Object (Downtown) | 7pm | $5 | All Ages

Local pop-rock four piece The Cunning are headlining a super tasty all ages low dough show at Fond Object’s downtown location. Look for up-and-coming garage punks Machete, and East Nash based rocker Charlie Abbott to get the party started. Also worthy of mention, Jägermeister will be on premiss to raffle off free shirts, record players and a guitar … plus free booze. What’s not to love? [JR]

STEELISM
@ Grimey’s | 6pm | FREE | All Ages

Local traditionally instrumental virtuoso Americana (if you can call it that) duo Steelism are celebrating the release of their second full-length this weekend, and will be promoting the release with a special “Side A” performance of the record during a free in-store at Grimey’s to kick off your Friday night.  The stellar new effort is titled “ISM,” and, for the first time, the band have incorporated vocals from local standouts like Tristen, Ruby Amanfu, Andrew Combs, and Jessie Baylin.  No word if they will show up for this intimate performance, but at the low, low cost of free, you’d be foolish not to stop by to see what all the buzz is about. [MH]

THEM VIBES
@ Soulshine Pizza Factory | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

Yet another local rock outfit officially celebrating a record release this weekend, Them Vibes have been on our radar since their debut single “Lorelei” appeared off of their 2013 debut Shine On.  The band returned last month with their sophomore effort Electric Fever, which sees the rockers channeling more of their retro rock vibe, but with a swagger that shows years of maturity.  The funky fresh single “Electric Fever” will give you a taste of what we’re talking about. [MH]

BARNS COURTNEY w/ FOXTRAX
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | Sold Out | 18+

London based singer-songwriter Barns Courtney has spent enough time on both sides of the pond to know what  music fans from both North America and Europe dig.  In the matter of only two years, the young artist has captured the ear and hearts of music fans with smash singles like, “Glitter & Gold,” and the undeniable earworm “Fire.”  Hopefully, you already bought your tickets for this singalong, as it’s sold out.  Tickets or not, you can sing along to yourself below. [MH]

THE NEVERHAWKS, DOWN BOY, SPACETRAIN, AMERICAN ROOMMATES
@ The End | 8pm | $10 | 18+

Pairing alt rock trio The Neverhawks, eclectic, bluesy power trio Down Boy, proggy rockers Spacetrain, and indie duo American Roommates, The End has you covered if you’re just looking for some straight up, groovy, no-BS local rock- all for just $10. [PO]

BUCKINGHAM MCVIE w/ THE WALLFLOWERS
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7:30pm | $35-129.50 | All Ages

As part of legendary classic rock group Fleetwood Mac, Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham helped to create some of the most timeless tunes of a generation. After a hiatus, Fleetwood has enjoyed a revival of sorts with Stevie Nicks and crew touring again to perform their music live for a whole new flock of fans. When McVie came back into the fold in 2014, her and Buckingham took sometime away from the others to record their first record as a duo. Dubbing themselves simply Buckingham/McVie, they released the record earlier this month and it is enjoying a lot of success. Now you can check them out live for yourself at the beautiful Ascend Amphitheater, with help from Americana rockers The Wallflowers. Don’t miss your chance to see some legends from a former era of rock do their thing live and in person. [JR]

SATURDAY

NASHVILLE PRIDE FESTIVAL: LIZZO, BIG FREEDIA, LA BOUCHE, BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, AJA, VYRGO, TREVOR JAMES TILLERY, ALANNA ROYALE, JORDAN ALLEN, OBSINITY, DJ REMEDY
@ Public Square Park | 10am | $5-130 | All Ages

With its pride, representation, revelry, and, of course, great music, this year’s installment of the long-running Nashville Pride celebration is looking as essential as ever. For as low as $5, you can see the “Queen of Bounce” herself Big Freedia, rising rap diva Lizzo, legendary dance duo La Bouche, soulful local faves Alanna Royale and tons more! Head here for details. [PO]

EVA ROSS, DREAM WAVE, SPIRIT WEEK, ROCKY BLOCK
@ Wilder Etudes (1200 Villa Place #301) | 6pm | FREE | All Ages

Adopting a raw, folky, gut-wrenchingly personal indie rock sound, local transplant Eva Ross is perhaps our favorite new discovery since similarly stripped down and earnest breakout Julien Baker. Celebrating the release of her new EP, Lose, Ross tops a free, all ages show hosted at the brand new Wilder Etudes boutique in Edgehill Village. Local ambient, indie outfit Dream Wave, Bowling Green groovy, indie rockers Spirit Week, and soulful Nashville pop singer Rocky Block round out the stacked sampling of local and regional talent; this show is worth paying for, but at the price of free, it feels like a can’t-miss weekend event. [PO]

RON FUNCHES
@ The Basement East | 7pm (6pm doors) | $22 | 18+

Growing ever more increasingly visible thanks to his film and television roles, and frequent appearances on programs like @midnight, comedian Ron Funches combines a personal, observational, and endearing style with a love for pop culture as one of the most infectiously likable and hilarious standups to emerge in recent years. Read more about his Funch-A-Mania tour here! [PO]

STEVE GUNN, LEE RANALDO w/ MEG BAIRD
@ The Anchor | 8pm (7pm doors) | $20-22 | All Ages

Communion has pulled together a bill fitting for guitar lovers everywhere, Lee Ranaldo is best known as a founding member of alt rock pioneers Sonic Youth, and has his guitar work, for good reason, has been acclaimed at the top of a number of top guitarist lists. Steve Gunn is a rising virtuoso, who got his first (overdue) recognition as a member of Kurt Vile’s backing band, The Violators, and, as a solo performer, has become a festival mainstay with his laid back style that really caught hold with his absolutely incredible 2014 release Way Out Weather. These two have been touring together of late with multi-instrumentalist Meg Baird, whose 2011 release Seasons On Earth begs for more national recognition. This one is a little bit on the pricier side, but, in an intimate venue like this, is worth every penny. [MH]

DANIEL ROMANO w/ BLANK RANGE
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

Celebrating the release of Modern Pressure, his seventh album in seven years, Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Romano channels a classic country, retro sensibility that has run the gamut of straight up nostalgia to laid back, timeless rock, and, in recent years, has really honed his sound to become a powerful, multi-faceted artistic force. Performing with locals Blank Range, Romano, no stranger to Music City, headlines Mercy Lounge this weekend; a show guaranteed to impress. [PO]

BLACK VENUS, TELEFONES, ELON MUSK
@ Radio Cafe | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5

Hosted by Banana Tapes at the newly resurrected Radio Cafe, this is anther solid low-cost, quality local rock show. Rising heavy, bluesy rockers Black Venus head things up, along with acid/freak/psychobilly band Telefones and stoner/doom metal outfit Elon Musk. If you’re hoping not to stray far from the east side and want to soak up some great under the radar rock, this is the show for you. [PO]

CHRISTMAS PETS, GREY PEOPLE, SPODEE BOY, BLEARY, TAPHOPHILE
@ Drkmttr | 9pm | $5-7 | All Ages

Another great Drkmttr happening this weekend, Cleveland’s Christmas Pets infuse lofi pop sensibilities into a synthy, indie, garage rock sound. Local support is equally as great, with Alex Michalski’s electro/experimental project Grey People, prolific artist Conor Cummins’ lo-fi garage punk vehicle Spodee Boy, and the debut performance of Bleary, featuring former members of Dogtooth, along with Taphophile, the solo project of Moniker Records’ Jordan Reyes. $5 gets you in before 10 p.m., or $7 if you’re rolling up late (great incentive to not miss any of these awesome bands). [PO]

MUSICIANS CORNER: THE WEEKS, DEROBERT & THE HALF-TRUTHS, DIVINITY ROXX, CENTENNIAL JAMBANDS, & MORE
@ Centennial Park | 1:30pm (12pm gates) | FREE | All Ages

Rain or shine, one of rowdiest lineups of the summer for the free, local mini-fest Musicians Corner is happening this Saturday! Look for breakout local and blog favorites The Weeks to headline with help from soul/funk r&b outfit DeRobert & The Half-Truths, plus Divinity Roxx, Centennial Jambands and an acoustic stage slate of Alyssa Bonagura, Hannah Miller, and Kyle Cox. You get al this without a cover charge, but wear some old shoes and bring a poncho, becuase it’s looks like it might be a muddy and wet weekend. [JR]

KDSML & FRIENDS w/ GATES, DORIAN a.k.a. DREAD SAVAGE, DAVEY ROCKIT, MIKE-ILL
@ The End | 9pm | $5 | 18+

The wallet-friendly shows abound this weekend, and for hip hop fans, you can’t go wrong with KDSML and friends at The End! The local based, British born, accomplished hip hop DJ has been a fixture in the scene for years, and with a little help from Gates, Dorian a.k.a. Dread Savage, Davey Rockit, Mike-Ill, and more, he’s sure to remind you why mainstream hip hop just can’t touch the underground or old school stuff. [PO]

THEM VIBES
@ Grimey’s | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

If you missed Them Vibes for their free Friday night set as Lightning 100’s Artist of the Week, you budget conscious readers have another chance to see them on Saturday at Grimey’s for a free in-store. Best part of this one… It’s usually beer:30 over there for those of age. [MH]

PUNCH BROTHERS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | $39.50-69.50 | All Ages

Exulted modern bluegrass five-piece Punch Brothers are making their triumphant return to Music City, to play the hollowed confines of the Mother Church. Featuring arguably the greatest living mandolin player in the world, Chris Thile, Punch Brothers have been turning heads since their inception in 2006, but reached new heights of international acclaim for their uncanny ability to cover hard rock songs in the style of bluegrass. Check out their take on The Strokes hard rocking “Reptillia,” below, and be sure to catch them live and in person at the greatest venue in all of Nashville, The Ryman Auditorium. [JR]

DUSTBOWL REVIVAL w/ RUNNER OF THE WOODS
@ Cornelia Fort Airpark | 7pm (6pm doors) | $12-15 | All Ages

The Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Party revives their long running concert series at East Nashville’s uber-cool Cornelia Fort Airpark on Saturday night with performances from the funky and soulful Dustbowl Revival and local singer songwriter and No Country Presents alum Runner of the Woods. This event is pet and family friendly (kid under 12 get in free), and features food trucks, beer, and wine for sale. Grab a blanket, some bug spray, and an instrument if you want to jam, and join your neighbors for a fun night under the stars. [MH]

THE ALARMS, SIBERIAN TRAPS, JORDAN HULL
@ The East Room | 8pm | $5 | 18+

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from our old friends The Alarms. After heading out of Nashville for a while to taste the sea air of Florida, they are settled back in Music City and are rumored to be sitting on some new tunes that we are looking forward to hearing. You can get a first glimpse and catch up with some old faves at The East Room on Saturday night, where they will be performing with former Belmont standouts Siberian Traps and talented local and No Country Presents alum Jordan Hull. [MH]

SUNDAY

CINDY WILSON (of The B-52’s) w/ OLIVIA JEAN
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $15-35 | 21+

A founder, songwriter, and backing vocalist for new wave icons The B-52’s, Cindy Wilson has begun stepping out with solo material lately, releasing EPs both last fall and earlier this year. Still active with her main gig (they tour regularly), Wilson’s recent DIY efforts really flex her individual artistry, and, while not a huge departure, definitely adopt a different sound, bringing a moody, mature, electropop bent. On tour with a honed backing band, you can catch Cindy this weekend at The Basement- a spot twenty times smaller than you’re likely to ever catch The B-52’s. Local singer and Third Man Records artist Olivia Jean  [PO]

NASHVILLE PRIDE FESTIVAL: CONRAD SEWELL, CECE PENISTON, TY HERNDON, JULIEN BAKER, EZRA FURMAN, JAIDYNN DIORE FIERCE, DJ RICKY SIXX
@ Public Square Park | 12pm | $5-130 | All Ages

Day two of Nashville Pride also boats an impressive lineup, headed up by ’90s r&b/dance star CeCe Peniston and Australian pop singer Conrad Sewell. Formerly local emo-tinged breakout singer-songwriter Julien Baker grabs our attention as well; though she might be a little somber compared to much of the lineup, her earnest style and representation as a queer artist makes her an exciting and well-deserved addition, and reason enough to venture downtown. [PO]

LAVENDER COUNTRY w/ LITTLE BANDIT, BECCA MANCARI
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $5-7 | 21+

Helmed by Patrick Haggerty, Lavender Country have the distinction of releasing what is widely recognized as the first openly-gay country album, their eponymous debut, in 1973. Though not widely-known (early on the record was distributed by mail order through gay publications), Haggerty’s music has kept something of a cult following, and in recent years, especially surrounding a 2014 re-issue, his impact and relevance has received renewed attention, and has enabled Lavender Country to mount something of a musical comeback. The band (now with new backing players) have played several shows around Nashville in recent years, and return this weekend, perfectly coinciding with Nashville Pride, to headline The Basement East, along with locals Little Bandit and Becca Mancari. Social relevance aside, Lavender Country are simply a great, classic, outlaw country outfit, and for the low cost of admission, this is an incredible way to end your weekend and catch an underrated musical gem. [PO]

ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND w/ SAM LEWIS
@ 3rd and Lindsley| 8pm (6pm doors) | $22.50 | All Ages

Keeping the big names coming for their Nashville Sunday Night showcases, Lightning 100 hosts Robert Randolph & The Family Band in this week’s headlining spot. The funky, soul/blues rocker and his spectacular pedal steel guitar (and his band of course) will be joined by local Americana/folk singer-songwriter Sam Lewis. Tickets are reasonably priced, but if you can’t make it, or money is tight, fear not! The entire gig will be broadcast live over the FM airwaves for free. [JR]

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