TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Sept. 29 – Oct. 1

As we head fast into fall and the temperature begins to finally drop ever so slightly (we could have used that last week for Pilgrimage Fest), the onslaught of October shows Nashville experiences every year are beginning to kick off. This weekend is especially strong for rock fans, and whether you’re looking for some musical legends or buzzy newcomers, from indie to punk, emo, psych, metal, hardcore alternative, or roots, you’re sure to find something to love at just about every price point. We’ve rounded up some great pop, electronic, hip hop, and comedy as well, so start making plans with This Weekend in Nashville!

FRIDAY

WHITNEY w/ KWEKU COLLINS
@ The Basement East | 8:30pm (7:30pm doors) | $22 | 18+

Chicago indie rockers Whitney, originally a duo but now fleshed out to something of a giant band, are still fairly new, but after last year’s debut, the remarkable Light Upon the Lake, their stock has risen at rapid speed. They’ve blown us away time and time again in concert, most recently opening for Phoenix at The Ryman earlier this year, so we’re eager to see them return for another proper headliner, after a spectacular outing last fall at Exit/In. Rapper Kweku Collins opens. [PO]

THE AFGHAN WHIGS w/ HAR MAR SUPERSTAR, SWEET SPIRIT
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $25 | 18+

Formed more than 30 years ago in Cincinnati, The Afghan Whigs have always been a band hard to put into a box. Circling the grunge and alt rock explosions of the late ’80s and early ’90s, all the while channeling early garage rock, midwest punk, and classic r&b, the band rose through the ranks of indie label cred to major label stardom, maintaining a devoted following and always fresh sound until disbanding in 2001. A decade later, they became active once more, and, since their first album in 16 years, 2014’s Do the Beast, have felt more energized and active than ever, continuing to tour and settle into their current lineup, which includes frontman Greg Dulli and original bassist and co-founder John Curley. Supporting a new LP released earlier this year, the group are joined by soul pop cult figure Has Mar Superstar as well as Sweet Spirit. [PO]

THE HEAD AND THE HEART w/ DR. DOG
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7pm | $34.50-59.50 | All Ages

Celebrated folk-pop group The Head and the Heart are back in town this weekend in support of their celebrated third studio album, Signs of Light. Although fall is officially here, you can still soak up the last bit of summer with this outdoor show, featuring support from psychedelic indie rockers Dr. Dog. [LL]

TTOTALS, CREASE READER, LAWNDRY, HARI
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $7-10 | 21+

Local psych outfit Ttotals have been a staple in the local rock scene for a few years, and they have teamed up with Cold Lunch Recordings to release their new EP, We Are The Outer Blues, on Friday.  You can stream the full EP at the band’s Soundcloud page, or you can dig into the album’s deliciously droning album opener, “Flowers Follow” below to get a taste.  They’re joined with an exceptional bill featuring like-minded, and equally talented, local outfits Crease Reader, Lawndry, and Hari.  Get there early, and grab a copy of the new EP (for $10, the tape comes with admission) at the show. [MH]

KINGS OF LEON w/ DAWES
@ First Tennessee Park | 7pm | $49-90 | All Ages

It’s been nearly a decade since local rock outfit Kings of Leon found widespread fame with their breakout fourth album Only By the Night, and though the years and several releases since have been marked by a bit more lukewarm reception and, perhaps, a bit of a decline in stature, they’ve nonetheless achieved something of a return to form with their latest, WALLS. The group are treating their hometown to the first-ever concert this weekend at the Nashville Sounds’ stadium First Tennessee Park, which opened in 2015, with excellent opener Dawes, which in of itself sounds like a very special show to soak up. Tickets are still available! [PO]

COAST MODERN w/ SALT CATHEDRAL
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15-17 | 18+

Los Angeles indie pop duo Coast Modern have only been around for a couple of years, but that hasn’t stopped them from already amassing some serious buzz thanks to breakout singles “Hollow Life,” “The Way It Was,” “Animals,” and “Guru,” leading up to their debut LP this year. The duo, Luke Atlas and Coleman Trapp, first met after moving to LA, writing songs together with little success. However, after Trapp returned to his native Colorado, a new spark of inspiration hit, and they began long distance writing what would be become Coast Modern’s first batch of tracks. With a layered, poppy, trendy indie sound, they’ve quickly gained a following, touring with the likes of BØRNS, The Wombats, and The Temper Trap. Clearly a rising act to keep an eye on, get hip to Coast Modern if you’re not already, and catch their Nashville retune this weekend with Salt Cathedral! [PO]

VACATION STATE, ONEFORALL, GAMES WE PLAY, TRUE BLISS
@ That 70’s House | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5 | All Ages

A cool house show option for those looking for a punk, indie, and heavy underground rock, That 70’s House will host a bill headed up by South Carolina newcomers Vacation State, featuring members of Ivadell, who boast thick, melodic riffs and slow, sludgy arrangements. Rounding out things are fellow South Carolina indie punks Oneforall, local pop punks Games We Play, and brand new local outfit True Bliss. Ask a punk for the address! [PO]

THE MIDNIGHT STROLL w/ THE BUMBS, THE WOOLY MAMAS
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $5-10 | 21+

Fans of Ghostland Observatory are surely in the know on this one already, as frontman Aaron Behrens’ other project, The Midnight Stroll, will be in town on Friday with an intimate show at The Basement.  The new project leaning more into the pop-tinged melodic rock fringe that Ghostland, but it’s excellently done, and Behrens’ distinct voice soars.  Locals The Bumbs and Wooly Mamas fill out this dance-worthy bill, and the cooler weather should push you to move booty a little more freely this weekend. [MH]

SILENT MONOLITH, SHADOW HORSE, OLI ENDLESS & THE POSSIBILITIES, WHEATHOUSE
@ The End | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5 | 18+

If you’re looking to rock out at a low dough show, and help a good cause all at the same time, then this is the show for you this weekend. Local retro stoner rockers Silent Monolith will be headlining a Hurricane Harvey Benefit gig at The End, and with help from like minded outfits Shadow Horse, Oli Endless & The Possibilities plus Wheathouse, it’s sure to be one hell of a night o live music. At just five bones, it’s also easy to have the nice and warm feeling on the inside from helping out those in need without breaking your bank account. [JR]

BOZ SCAGGS w/ JEFF LEBLANC
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | $59.50-69.50 | All Ages

Accomplished singer songwriter and iconic classic rock guitarist Boz Scaggs is stopping in on Music City this weekend to spread his gospel at the Mother church and tickets are still available if you act quickly. Gaining fame in the ’60s and ’70s as the lead guitarist for the Steve Miller Band, Scaggs went on to have a successful solo career, including writing some hit songs like “Lido Shuffle” and “Lowdown,” which were both part of his incredible release Silk Degrees. With help from smooth pop-rock up and comer Jeff LeBlanc in the warmup spot, it promises to an unforgetable night of tunes. Don’t pass on a a legend of the golden age rock, in the one of the best venues anywhere! [JR]

SATURDAY

CAYETANA w/ HEMMING
@ The High Watt | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

There must be something in the water in Philly these days, because, more than anywhere else in America, that city has been churning out some of the coolest, most talented, smartest, and most organic punk derived acts in recent years. One such group, trio Cayetana, have managed to fuse elements of indie rock, pop, and punk to forge a hypnotic, earnest, and unique sound. Their debut, Nervous Like Me, was one of our favorite records of 2014, and this year’s followup, New Kind of Normal, manages to improve on it with even catchier, more focused songwriting for true indie/pop/punk/emo bliss. Headlining The High Watt with likeminded Philly outfit Hemming, this is one weekend show you seriously don’t want to sleep on! [PO]

WEEPING ICON, THE MUMZEES, PIOUS, DONORS
@ Drkmttr | 9pm (8pm doors) | $7 | All Ages

New York based psyched out experimental indie punks Weeping Icon, featuring members of Advaeta, head up a rad under the radar bill at favorite local DIY space Drkmttr this weekend. For just $7, you also get local post-punk/psych rockers The Mumzees, dreamy local shoegaze/post-rock outfit Pious, and post-punk band Donors. That’s a solid Saturday night! [PO]

ZEALYN, JMR, VALISE, JON SANTANA
@ The East Room | 7:30pm | $10 | 18+

Since rising to national attention as a content on American Idol in 2013, young pop singer Angie Miller, who recently rebranded as Zealyn, has drifted towards a more synthy, stylish, electropop direction, generating buzz with her 2016 debut EP under the new moniker, Limbic System. She hits The East Room this weekend with collaborator JMR, as well as indie rockers Valise and local buzzy producer and artist Jon Santana, for a solid, intimate pop show. [PO]

BEASTO BLANCO (ft. Calico Cooper and Chuck Garric), THE DEAD DEADS, THE CREEPING CRUDS, DEAD DICK HAMMER, THE VAMPTONES
@ The End | 9pm | $10 | 18+

We’re firm believers that Halloween is basically all of October if you try hard enough, and with Dr. Gangrene’s Horror Hootenanny #14, a Halloween costume party and spooky show at The End, happening this weekend, a whole month early, you can really make the most of your Halloween festivities. Heading up the bill is Beasto Blanco, fronted by longtime Alice Cooper guitarist Chuck Garric and Cooper’s own daughter Calico Cooper, joined by Nashville faves The Dead Deads, horror rockers The Creeping Cruds, Kentucky “rot n rollers” Dead Dick Hammer, and Murfeesboro’s The Vamptones. Great excuse to test out your costume early! [PO]

TREVOR NOAH
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7pm (6pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

Two years into his tenure at The Daily Show, host Trevor Noah seems finally to be escaping the shadow of Jon Stewart, coming into his own at a time that the show’s subject matter couldn’t be a bigger mess. Before landing that coveted gig, however, the South African born Noah worked full-time as a standup, and it’s that worldly brand of observational comedy he’s brining to The Ryman. Between TDS and his well-received recent Netflix special, it’s no shock that this managed to sell out, but if you scored tickets, it looks like the weekend’s best bet for comedy fans (though Moshe Kasher’s weekend residency at Zanies is going to be great as well). [PO]

RAC w/ LPX
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $22 | 18+

The live alias of Portland by way of Portugal’s André Allen Anjos, Remix Artist Collective, or RAC, was founded a decade ago as a more formal collective, but has since morphed more into a solo project. Though RAC still does plenty of remix and production work, he’s also found his own voice with original electronic and synthpop, and will showcase his impressive range this weekend with a performance at The Basement East with LPX. [PO]

SUNDAY

THE BRONX w/ PLAGUE VENDOR, ’68
@ Exit/In | 8pm (7pm doors) | $18-20 | 18+

While, in recent years, they’ve become just as well-known for their mariachi alter-ego, especially at festivals, Mariachi El Bronx, LA hardcore punks The Bronx have long commanded an enthusiastic cult following for their main gig. Celebrating the recent release of their first (non-mariachi) album in four in a half years, which, like the proceeding four is simply titled The Bronx, the group are a modern punk institution and a an intense and commanding live force. Making this show even more essential is the addition of SoCal punk newcomers Plague Vendor and buzzy Atlanta punk duo ’68, featuring The Chariot’s Josh Scogin. [PO]

RIFF RAFF w/ HOT TUB CLUB
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $22-82 | 18+

Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Texas rapper Riff Raff, a.k.a. Jody Highroller, is one of a kind. The self-proclaimed “neon icon” has been amassing an underground following for the last several years, and rose to further mainstream recognition when he famously (or controversially) served as the inspiration for James Franco’s character in 2013 Harmony Korine film Spring Breakers. Now with several LPs to his name, the ’90s loving, codeine sipping, pop culture referencing MC has an elevated presence and has managed to find a following in both the hip hop and EDM world, with a show you really just have to see in person to understand. No one is more suited to open than larger-than-life local hip hop outfit Hot Tub Club, so show up early and get ready for a wild party. [PO]

CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $22 | All Ages

Blues flavored southern rock outfit Chris Robinson Brotherhood are making their triumphant return to Nashville almost one year to the day of their last Music City engagement. Helmed by former Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, CRB incorporate some of the elements of the Crowes’ sound into a more soulful, jam band friendly template. Their extended set is being brought to you thanks to Lughtning 100’s always awesome Nashville Sunday Night showcase, and heed our advice; buy tickets now because the closer we get to showtime, the more likely this one will sell out! If you do somehow miss out on tickets, you can also hear the show for free on the radio, but, of course, we feel music is best enjoyed live AND in person. [JR]

CORPSE LIGHT, SET AND SETTING, FOREST OF TYGERS, TOM VIOLENCE
@ Drkmttr | 9pm (8pm doors) | $7 | All Ages

Sludgy, atmospheric Baltimore doom outfit Corpse Light head up a Sunday show at Drkmttr perfect for anyone looking for something heavy and heady to end the weekend. Rounded out by St. Petersburg, FL ambient post-metal outfit Set and Setting, local blackened metal band Forest of Tygers, and new heavy noise group Tom Violence, this is looking pretty stacked. [PO]

COUNTERPUNCH w/ STUCK LUCKY, BOWLING GREEN
@ The Cobra | 9pm (8pm doors) | $6 | 21+

Chicago’s Counterpunch are a wonderful callback to the golden age of ’90s skate punk, packing a fast, melodic, no frills sound not enough of their punk contemporaries are embracing nowadays. They’ll hit The Cobra, a perfect spot for a punk show, with Stuck Lucky and Bowling Green, rounding out an unusually robust selection of cool, wallet-friendly options for punk fans this weekend. [PO]

STRAND OF OAKS w/ SKYWAY MAN
@ The High Watt | 8pm (7pm doors) | $14 | 18+

Tim Showalter’s Strand of Oaks project has made serious waves over the past few years with his throwback indie rock style that shows his affinity for diverse legends from Springsteen to Dinosaur Jr., and his latest release, Hard Love, engages listeners of all ilk as an cover to cover collection of standout songs.  Strand Of Oaks are joined by one of our local favorites, Skyman Man, whose eclectic and experimental style are refreshing even in the breadth of Nashville’s diverse music scene.  If you are looking for a top notch show to finish off your weekend, this is a sure fire bet. [MH]

ALISON KRAUSS, DAVID GRAY
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm (6:30pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

If you were hoping to catch the incomparable bluegrass/Americana performer Alison Krauss, and big name British singer songwriter David Gray at The Mother Church this Sunday, and you don’t have tickets already, we’re afraid you are S.O.L., because this show is sold out. The second night of their two night run on Monday is sold out as well, and, as big as both these performers are, it’s really no surprise. Better luck next time either of them come to town, and to the lucky ones who got their tickets already, enjoy! [JR]

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