If you are not one of the 300,000 people imbibing in Germantown this weekend at Oktoberfest, or among the 40,000 or so that helped sell out two nights of Ed Sheeran at Bridgestone Arena, you’re likely looking for some music to get your fix (and probably avoiding downtown like the plague). Fear not, friends, as per usual, we’ve run down our top shows of the weekend in another edition of TWiN, with a wide range of picks to fit just about any taste and budget. Start making plans below!
FRIDAY
PVRIS w/ LIGHTS, PARTY NAILS
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm (7pm doors) | $27 | All Ages
Out in support of their stellar new sophomore album, All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell, breakout Massachusetts alt rock/dark electropop trio PVRIS are set to return to Nashville this weekend for their largest local headliner to date, at Marathon Music Works, on the heels of a high-profile supporting slot earlier this year at Ascend with Muse and Thirty Seconds to Mars. PVRIS alone is exciting, but making this show even more essential is the addition of beloved electropop singer Lights, whose latest, Skin & Earth, pushes her artistic medium and conceptual nature to new heights, and buzzy up and comer Party Nails. Tickets are still available right here, and whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to these acts, we encourage you to take the plunge and catch what promises to be one of the best shows of the fall. Read on for more about the lineup here! [PO]
WIDOWSPEAK w/ CLEARANCE, SAD BAXTER
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12 | 18+
Returning to Nashville for the first time in a couple of years, in support of their excellent recent fourth LP, Expect the Best, New York/Washington indie rockers Widowspeak are slated to headline The High Watt with support from Chicago garage rock up and comers Clearance and local favorites Sad Baxter. A stacked and diverse sampling of three exciting and eclectic rising bands, this is without a doubt one of the coolest club shows of the fall, and tickets are still available. Read more about the lineup here! [PO]
LESS THAN JAKE w/ RED CITY RADIO, PROTAGONIST, LONESOME TOWN DRIFTERS
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm (7pm doors) | $20 | 18+
Inarguably one of the most important acts of the third wave ska movement, helping fuse traditionalist ska sounds with the pop punk resurgence of the ’90s, Gainesville, Florida’s Less Than Jake, along with their contemporaries Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, No Doubt, Sublime, and more, catapulted to mainstream consciousness two decades ago and haven’t slowed down since. Responsible for classic albums like Hello Rockview, Losing Streak, and Anthem, LTJ have spent time as both a major label success story and a wildly self-sufficient indie band, and, while the popularity of ska as a whole has dramatically waned (we’re still hoping the recent ’90s nostalgia trend will give way to a fourth wave), they’ve kept a loyal and dedicated following, continuing to release albums and tour relentlessly. [PO]
NICK HAKIM w/ SAM EVIAN
@ The Basement East | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $12-15 | 21+
Buzzy r&b pop singer-songwriter Nick Hakim has been making waves on the internets with his soulful style and excellently produced tracks that appeared on his 2017 debut Green Twins. His stock is continuing to rise on new home ATO Records. Another buzzy songwriter, Sam Evian’s music finds a home somewhere in the spectrum between Mac DeMarco and Velvet Underground, and is one of the freshest voices on the scene right now. If you are looking for what’s next in music, you’ll want to be at The Basement East for this show. [MH]
SAM EVIAN
@ Grimey’s | 6pm | FREE | All Ages
If you can’t make it to his opening set at The Basement East on Friday night, you really should try to swing by Grimey’s for this free in-store. Sam Evian is a rising songwriter, who really made waves with his debut Premium, which dropped in 2016 via Saddle Creek. He’s gearing up to release new music in the coming months, and, based on what we’ve heard so far, the future is bright. You have a chance to see him for free in a record store on Friday night, which, regardless of future fame, is always a good idea. [MH]
J.P. HARRIS w/ BRANDY ZDAN, KIRBY BROWN
@ The Basement | 9pm (8pm doors) | $8-10 | 21+
Honky tonk inspired country performer J.P. Harris harkens back to the golden age of the genre, when it was probably at its best. We recommend you prepare yourself to get loose on the dance floor, while sipping some whiskey. Filling out the all local bill is rocker Brandy Zdan, and roots rock singer songwriter Kirby Brown. You get all this kick ass for about $10, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a Friday night out, while helping to supporting the local scene. Sounds like a win/win to us! [JR]
LEAH BLEVINS
@ Soulshine Pizza | 7pm | FREE | All Ages
Per usual, our pals at Lightning 100 are helping you kick off the weekend with some free tunes (and delicious pizza) with their Local Artist of the Week showcase at Soulshine. Singer-songwriter Leah Blevins, who you’ve surely seen around if you’re dialed into the local scene, is this week’s featured artist, and with a 7 p.m. set time, you can check out her sure to be stellar set and still make it to a later show as well! [PO]
STS9 w/ GANJA WHITE NINJA, MIJA, SUNSQUABI, JADE CICADA
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 5pm | $25-39.50 | All Ages
Electronic jammers STS9 are the type of band you just have to see live to truly understand. Purveyors of a sub-genre dubbed Livetronica (see also: the Disco Biscuits), Sound Tribe Sector 9 play instruments and use sound boards hooked up to all manner of gear, to build their tracks live, much to audiences’ dancing delight. Always packing a spectacular light show as well, they are a band not to be missed for fans of the jam scene. Similarly flavored acts like Ganja White Ninja, Mija, Sunsquabi, and Jade Cicada are poised to pack out the extended performance time (the show starts at 5 p.m.) with an epic amount of tunes. Don’t miss a second! [JR]
SATURDAY
GLOSSARY w/ JON LATHAM
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm (8pm doors) | Sold Out | 18+
It’s been four years since local indie rock institution Glossary decided to go on indefinite hiatus, and six since their seventh and final LP, Long Live All Of Us, but, this weekend, the group are set to reunite for a performance at Mercy Lounge in celebration of their 20th anniversary. A prolific, beloved local fixture in their decade and a half run, it’s certainly no surprise that this one-off show with Jon Latham, the latest in an exciting string of reunions from bands who predated “new Nashville,” sold out in advance, but here’s hoping it might get the juices flowing for future activity. [PO]
J. MARCO w/ CREATURE COMFORT, WHOA DAKOTA, PET ENVY
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10 | 18+
We’ve been buzzing about local rocker J. Marco for a awhile now, and even invited him to play our Acme showcase series earlier this year and recently premiered a new single. Though he’s been a fixture in the Nashville scene for a minute, previously fronting New City Savages after relocating to Music City from Massachusetts, his introduction for many likely came from last year’s strong debut solo LP, Myth, which showcased J.’s unique blend of fuzzed out garage rock, punk, and pop, and immediately hooked us as one of the best local releases of 2016. Last week, Marco released an even-better followup, Days of Surrender, and he’s celebrating with a release show at The High Watt, rounded out by some other incredible local favorites, Creature Comfort, Whoa Dakota, and Pet Envy. This bill is hard to top- don’t miss it! [PO]
BRILLIANT BEAST, TAPE DECK MOUNTAIN, PUBLIC SPREAD THE NEWS, ELECTRIC SHRUG
@ The East Room | 8pm | $5 | 18+
Fuzzy Minneapolis based shoegaze band Brilliant Beast head up an expertly curated, wallet-friendly East Room show that’s a weekend must if you’re looking for something underground and cool. Local dreamy, shoegazers Tape Deck Mountain are perfectly matched to support, and poppy, lo-fi electronic project Public Spread the News and electro-tinged rockers Electric Shrug round things out! [PO]
WHITE ANIMALS w/ THE BOILERS
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15 | 18+
“Mixing ’60s British Invasion influences with a ’70s punk aesthetic, a dash of psychedelic flavor, and dub rhythms,” White Animals formed in Nashville in 1980, and, while they never quite managed to find breakout success, they’ve maintained a respectable cult following in the decades since. Though they first broke up in ’87, the group have been intermittently reuniting over the years, especially for hometown shows, and, never ones to take themselves too seriously, still command an energetic, engaging, and lighthearted stage presence. Like Glossary, this show is a fantastic Nashville musical history lesson. [PO]
THE DIRTY DELUSIONS, BASIC PRINTER, SANDYTRONN
@ The Cobra | 8:30pm | $5 | 21+
Another solid, inexpensive, local option on the east side, fuzzy retro rockers The Dirty Delusions head things up with their ’60s and ’70s inspired sound and dive bar primed presence. You also get the synthpop sounds of Basic Printer and the debut performance from electropop artist Sandytronn, all for just five bucks! [PO]
TAJMO: THE TAJ MAHAL & KEB’ MO’ BAND w/ JONTAVIOUS WILLIS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm (7pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages
If you are a fan of the blues, we hope you jumped on this rare opportunity. Living legends Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ teamed up to release a collaborative record, titled Tajmo, earlier this year, and if you are a fan of bluesy roots music, it is a must listen. They are touring in support of the release, and just sold out their highly anticipated Ryman performance a couple of nights ago. If you didn’t get your hands on tickets, you’ll have to dig into “Diving Duck Blues” below to get your fill. [MH]
JJ GREY & MOFRO w/ WAKER
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm (7pm doors) | $30 | All Ages
Bluesy swamp rock performer JJ Grey and his band Mofro are returning to Music City to bring the party to Marathon. Originally hailing from North Florida, the fellas have a unique take on southern jam rock that you just kind of have to see live to fully appreciate. Look for local funk/soul flavored seven person collective Waker (formally Koa) to get things started on a high note. For an all ages show, this is in the running for top non-Ed-Sheeran gigs of the weekend. Bring whoever you’d like, and get down with your bad selves. [JR]
CBDB w/ THE AQUADUCKS, COSMIC SHIFT
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12 | 18+
Jam friendly southern rockers CBDB are back in town for the second time this year, this go ’round they earned top billing on a very awesome ticket. With help from local blog favorites The Aquaducks, plus resident psych-pop jam outfit Cosmic Shift, it promises not to let you down. That’s three quality rock bands for about four beans apiece, and we don’t think that’s too much to ask. So get your butts to The BEast to enjoy some amazing live performances at a reasonable price; no excuses. [JR]
SUNDAY
WILD CUB w/ MYZICA, YON ORT
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 7pm (6pm doors) | $15 | All Ages
As they gear up to release their highly-anticiapted sophomore LP, formerly Nashville based and still Music City connected breakout indie rock outfit Wild Cub return to town for a homecoming this Sunday at 3rd and Lindsley. Long one of our favorite bands to emerge from the local scene, the group are supported by a similarly synthy site fave, buzzy duo MYZICA, as well as Yon Ort, the brand new solo vehicle of former Wild Cub keyboard player Eric Wilson, for a stacked out bill perfect for ending your weekend on a high note. [PO]
KEVIN SMITH
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7pm (6pm doors) | $37-49.50 | All Ages
Filmmaker, podcaster, comedian, television personality, and professional nerd Kevin Smith, who you likely know for his films Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (in which he plays titular character Silent Bob), among others, is filming his latest standup special, “The Grand Ole Bob-pry,” this weekend at The Ryman. No stranger to Nashville, Smith usually passes through town at smaller comedy club Zanies, but opted to select the Mother Church for his next special in honor of his late father, a lifelong fan of country music and Nashville. While the local comedy scene is certainly growing, it’s still rare to see major standup specials filmed here, making this a very cool happening. [PO]
YELAWOLF w/ MIKEY MIKE, BIG HENRI
@ Marathon Music Works | 8:30pm (7pm doors) | $30 | 18+
Combining a southern rap flow and polished technical expertise with elements of rock, blues, and even country, all enhanced by eclectic backing players he’s recruited in Nashville, Alabama bred, Nashville based rapper Yelawolf has steadily become a national fixture, brushing shoulders and collaborating with heavy hitters like Eminem and Travis Barker. Yela’s label and lifestyle brand, Slumerican is celebrating the grand opening of its first brick and mortar location, situated in Marathon Village, which includes a barber shop and tattoo parlor, with a free “Slumfest” from noon to 6 p.m., featuring food trucks, performances and DJs, motorcycle stunts, and more (details here). Afterwards, Yela plays a ticketed show at Marathon, along with Mikey Mike and Big Henri. [PO]
ROADCASE ROYALE w/ ALANNA ROYALE
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $40-55 | All Ages
Nancy Wilson of Heart and Liv Warfield of Prince’s New Power Generation star in their Roadcase Royale project, which makes a stop in Nashville on Sunday for an intimate performance at City Winery. This exploration of rock and R&B has been garnering rave reviews for their ace live show and a out of this world backing band. They’ll be joined by local blog faves, that’ll fit right into the vibe, Alanna Royale, in a near perfect pairing of music (and names). If you are looking for a low-key, yet inspiring way, to end your weekend, look no further. [MH]
ALL GET OUT w/ SLOW AND STEADY, LOW MASS
@ The High Watt | 8pm (7pm doors) | $12 | 18+
Poppy, South Carolina based, emo-tinged indie outfit All Get Out, largely the brainchild of frontman Nathan Hussey, made waves with last year’s sophomore full-length, Nobody Likes A Quitter, and have been continuing to rise in buzz throughout this year. They return to Nashville to headline The High Watt this weekend, which is exciting alone, but with the addition of two local favorites- emotionally resonant indie outfit Slow and Steady and melodic, eclectic, and post-hardcore tinged up and comers Low Mass– it feels like an essential weekend pick. [PO]
PATSY, COMPUTER, WATCHER, LONG CON
@ Drkmttr | 9pm (8pm doors) | $7 | All Ages
Featuring members of Mystic Inane, New Orleans punks Patsy head up a great Sunday show at DIY space Drkmttr, perfect if you’re looking for a loud, fast, no bs punk show. Philly’s noisier, math-y, more hardcore rooted C0mputer bring even more intense energy, while local noise punks Watcher and Long Con round out the bill. [PO]
CUZCO, STAGOLEE, GROUP NAP
@ The East Room | 8pm | $5 | 18+
Another space that’s become quite the haven for inclusive, inexpensive, DIY shows (we wish they could also be all ages, but venue rules y’know), The East Room hosts another worthwhile Sunday option featuring North Carolina based instrumental, experimental math rockers Cuzco. Local bluesy, garage rock outfit Stagolee and jammed out psych rockers Group Nap are icing on the cake. [PO]
BLED TO SUBMISSION, WAR BRIDES, TWELVES
@ The Cobra | 8:30pm (8pm doors) | $5 | 21+
If heavy, thick, and weird is more your speed, The Cobra’s got you covered with another $5 option featuring local experimental, sludgy, grind metal and Bled to Submission, along with Chicago’s noisy, sludgy War Brides and Wisconsin noise rockers Twelves. [PO]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain