As we wrap up the first week of intense consumerism to fire up the holidays, it’s probably time that you give yourself a present, and, of course, we recommend some live music. After a fairly quiet weekend following Thanksgiving, we’re back with a stacked slate of shows to kick off December, including a massive charity show, some blues, lots of punk, and tons more from both local and killer touring acts. Head below to check our staff picks for the weekend!
FRIDAY
ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES w/ LOS COLOGNES, THE NEW RESPECTS
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm (7pm doors) | $30 | All Ages
Lightning 100 returns again this year with their ever popular annual charity show, “Festivus,” and they’ve pulled out all the stops. While the Salvation Army will be benefiting from the unwrapped toys or senior citizen items that you bring, the real treat will be for the fans experiencing the powerful gospel-tinged soul of St. Paul & The Broken Bones, the swaggering groove of rising local rockers Los Colognes, and buzzy soul popsters The New Respects. It’s a great show to get you in the spirit of the holidays, while sonically taking your breath away. [MH]
THE LIFE AND TIMES w/ CHICO, TAPE DECK MOUNTAIN
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10 | 18+
As a fan of post-rock, it seems strange to have only recently discovered The Life And Times, but given their ability to slither between genres so effortlessly, it’s maybe that I just wasn’t looking in the right places, as the Kansas City based outfit could also easily be lumped into the categories of alt rock or subgenres like shoegaze and post-hardcore. They’ll be headlining a stellar bill, which features a nicely matched undercard including local psych rockers Chico and up and coming shoegaze rockers Tape Deck Mountain. [MH]
ONLY, FAITH HEALER, CECIL FRENA, Z
@ Drkmttr | 8pm | $7 | All Ages
Local DIY space Drkmttr never disappoints with its weekend offerings, and this Friday night show is no exception. Local jangly, poppy, indie/garage rockers Only should be on your must-know list, and they head up a bill that also includes the immense talents of buzzy Canadian lo-fi/indie pop rocker Faith Healer, fellow Canadian alt rocker Cecil Frena, and local Mom and Dad offshoot Z. That’s a hell of a lineup. [PO]
BIYO w/ JONIE, BANTUG
@ WELD (90 Oceanside Drive) | 8pm (7pm doors) | $7-10 | 21+
Our pals over at tastemaker pop community Pøpsquad have made quite the splash since they jumped in the communal scene. They are keeping the party rolling by sponsoring a kickass local bill featuring fast-rising r&b/pop outfit Biyo, dream pop sensation Bantug, and electropop newcomer Jonie. If you are a fan of well crafted pop, or just want to see what some of the hottest parties in Nashville look like, this is your Friday night plan. [MH]
BRANDI CARLILE, ANDERSON EAST, BRENT COBB
@ The Basement East | 7:30pm (6:30pm doors) | Sold Out | 21+
Local super producer Dave Cobb has his very own label imprint as part of a creative partnership with Elektra Records, and if you’re not hip to the records he’s put out, you need to step up your game. Dubbed Low Country Sound, the imprint is hosting a very awesome showcase this weekend, thanks to the likes of Grammy nominated folk/Americana singer song writer Brandi Carlile, rock and soul performer Anderson East, and alt country singer songwriter (and cousin to Dave) Brent Cobb. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, it’s totally sold out, but if you managed to snag a spot you’re in for a great night! [JR]
ORDINARY MADMEN, SKY TEMPLE BLUES, BLACK MOON MOTHER
@ Fond Object (Downtown) | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5 | All Ages
Fuzz drenched blues rockers Ordinary Madmen are topping a very tasty low dough show at Fond Object’s 4th Ave. location, and if you’re trying to get out this weekend to enjoy some live music, but funds are tight, you’d be hard-pressed to find more bang for your buck. Classic rock inspired power trio Sky Temple Blues, and ambient rockers Black Moon Mother ensure sure this all-local show will be the best $5 you can spend! [JR]
NASHVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 7pm | $15-20
Set to perform a plethora of music ranging from funk to holiday classics, the city’s finest jazz ensemble, the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, are hosting a Holiday Jam Friday night at Little Harpeth. Jazz in a brewery? We’re sold. [PO]
STELLE AMOR, TREZ, MORGAN BOSMAN, ILLPHONICS
@ The East Room | 8pm | $5 | 18+
Fans of funk, soul, hip hop, and r&b will surely want to flock to The East Room Friday night for an incredibly stacked lineup. Local soulful siren Stelle Amor is a vocal powerhouse, and she’s joined by funky, soulful hip hop artist Trez, soul/r&b singer-songwriter Morgan Bosman, and buzz St. Louis fusion outfit The iLLPHONiCS for one seriously killer $5 show. [PO]
CASEY JO & THE FRIDAY NIGHT DADS w/ DIRTY DELUSIONS, DEBRA
@ The Cobra | 9pm | $5 | 21+
Celebrating the release of their debut EP, Work, local Americana tinged, no-frills garage rock outfit Casey Jo & The Friday Night Dads head up another solid, wallet friendly local option at The Cobra. Garage rockers Dirty Delusions and Debra round things out; can’t go wrong. [PO]
BOBBY RUSH w/ SHANNON MCNALLY
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $20-28 | All Ages
At the ripe ol’ age of 84, Bobby Rush has been a staple in the blues scene since the ’50s, and has played with some of the absolute monsters of the genre and some of the most prestigous venues in the country (including The White House). Despite his massive list of awards, Rush added one of his most coveted honors to his case earlier this year when he nabbed a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album for his latest release Porcupine Meat. Whether you are a devoted fan of the blues or just want to get a primer with one of the best living members to grace the genre, this is the show for you. Sultry songwriter Shannon McNally opens this one up, so head out early and make night of it. [MH]
THE STEELDRIVERS w/ ERNIE HENDRICKSON
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages
Rocking out their first night of a three night run at 3rd and Lindsley with help from modern folkster Ernie Hendrickson, local bluegrass legends The Steeldrivers are poised to add another chapter to their already storied history. Just in case you didn’t know, breakout alt country star Chris Stapleton is also a former member, so you know these guys are the read deal. Both Friday and Saturday night are sold out at the time of writing, so if you’ve been dragging your feet, Sunday is your best and only option (details below). [JR]
SATURDAY
BECCA MANCARI
@ Grimey’s | 5pm | FREE | All Ages
Long an integral part of the local scene, nostalgic, country-tinged singer-songwriter Becca Mancari‘s recent debut full-length, Good Woman, is not just one of the best local releases of 2017, but one of the best albums of the year period. Unbelievably earnest and deep, yet remarkably relatable, Becca’s debut was well-worth the wait, and she’ll be celebrating with a Dec. 7 show at 3rd & Lindsley, also featuring her supergroup Bermuda Triangle. Before that, though, Becca will stop by Grimey’s on Saturday for a free in-store, which should be absolutely mandatory whether you have other weekend plans or not. [PO]
NULL, BLESSED, TOM VIOLENCE, ARGUS
@ Drkmttr | 8pm | $7 | All Ages
Drkmttr keeps the inclusive, all ages weekend options going Saturday, welcoming Birmingham experimental post-punk outfit Null, Canadian genre-bending experimental punks Blessed, and local experimental metal outfit Tom Violence and experimental, industrial, electronic project Argus for one of the coolest, most unique shows you’ll find. [PO]
THE SPILL CANVAS w/ SUPER WHATEVR, CHRIS CRON
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+
Fresh off of their fan-gear Requestour and, before that, a slot on Motion City Soundtrack’s farewell tour, alt rock faves The Spill Canvas are back in Music City once again this weekend, this time celebrating the 10th anniversary of their most popular LP, No Really, I’m Fine. It’s been a few years since the group last released a new record, but if you’re looking for nostalgia, this show will definitely deliver. Super Whatevr and Chris Cron open. [PO]
WELLES w/ DAN LUKE AND THE RAID, REALITY SOMETHING
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $5-8 | 21+
Newly a Nashville resident by way of Fayetteville (and before that, Ozark), Arkansas, Welles is the musical outlet/band name of talented artist Jehsea Wells. Though he’s been making music for many years, harboring an early affinity for (and obvious influence from) The Beatles, Jehsea only recently released his debut under the Welles moniker, an EP called Codeine. Yet, already, the young performer is drumming up mountains of positive press and drawing comparisons to rock legends, thanks to his earnest, growling voice and a knack for penning personal, poetic, and honest lyricism, adopting a style that draws from nostalgic, psychedelic, and grandiose tones fused with grungy, alternative, and modern indie sensibilities. See what he’s all about at The Basement, along with fellow locals Dan Luke and the Raid and Reality Something. [PO]
SIMPLE PLAN w/ HIT THE LIGHTS, PATENT PENDING
@ Cannery Ballroom | 7pm (6pm doors) | $25-28 | All Ages
15 years ago, Canadian pop punks Simple Plan erupted to international fame, thanks to their infectiously catchy and well-timed debut, No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls, which hit right at the moment pop punk was about to become the dominant force in rock for a few years. The band have continued to maintain modest success and release new music, maturing along the way, but that first LP, a perfect snapshot of sophomoric pop punk angst, has remained a fan-favorite, which is why the group opted to hit the road for its anniversary, where they’re playing the album in full. Hit the Lights and Patent Pending support what appears to be the group’s first Nashville outing in years, and we’re told very few tickets remain- don’t procrastinate. [PO]
NASHVILLE IS THE REASON PRESENTS: THE EMO BAND
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $8-10 | 18+
Presented by our pals Nashville Is The Reason, Pittsburgh’s The Emo Band are an emo night type experience like no other. Rather than a nostalgic DJ set, like most emo nights have adopted, or even an emo themed traditional karaoke, this is a full, live band experience where YOU can sing your favorite emo and pop punk songs live and on stage with a real, full backing band. They were a hit when they stopped through in July, and it feels only fitting that they return the same weekend groups like Simple Plan, New Found Glory and The Ataris are in town. And, of course, Nashville Is The Reason’s DJs will be spinning before and after. [PO]
THRIAE, LACQUER, SUNDAES
@ Fond Object (Downtown) | 8pm | $5 | All Ages
Art rockers Thriae just released their debut single, “Starmap,” a few months ago, but they’re an up and coming local act that should absolutely be on your radar. See them at Fond Object Saturday night for just $5, along with a great local lineup of alt/indie rockers Lacquer and ice cream indie rockers Sundaes. It’s great weekend for local shows! [PO]
THE STEELDRIVERS w/ KIERAN KANE, RAYNA GELLERT
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages
If you were hoping to catch local scene staples The Steeldrivers with the very talented Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert, and you don’t already have tickets, we’re very sorry to inform you that the Saturday night show, like Friday, is already sold out. The good news is that, of as writing, Sunday tickets are still available. However, if you don’t act fast, you are likely to be SOL. [JR]
SUNDAY
NEW FOUND GLORY w/ THE ATARIS
@ The Basement East | 7:30pm (6:30pm doors) | Sold Out | 18+
Earlier this year, New Found Glory brought their gigantic 20 Years of Pop Punk career retrospective tour to Exit/In on May 18, where they played arguably their two most famous releases, 2002’s Sticks and Stones and 2004’s Catalyst, in full (each night of the run features two different album performances). Unsurprisingly, that show sold out almost instantly, and the band, now partially Nashville based and who frequently operate within Music City, plotted a swift return, July 20 at The Basement East, to perform their 2000 eponymous sophomore release New Found Glory and 2009’s highly underrated Not Without a Fight. For their third and final Music City date of the year (which, surprise surprise, sold out too), the group will play Sticks and Stones once more, along with cult favorite soundtrack covers album From the Screen to Your Stereo, tapping fellow pop punk faves The Ataris to support. [PO]
THE DISTRICTS w/ HARPOONER, SUN SEEKER
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm (7pm doors) | $13-15 | 18+
Out in support of their third and best LP to date, Popular Mechanics, Philadelphia eclectic indie rock outfit The Districts are set to return to town for the third time in just as many years to headline Mercy Lounge on Sunday. Joining them are two local faves, retro pop outfit Harpooner and buzzy indie and folk-tinged outfit Sun Seeker, for one solid show from top to bottom. [PO]
THE LOVE-BIRDS, PETER STRINGER-HYE & PAN, DANCERS
@ Fond Object (Downtown) | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5 | All Ages
Propelled by the buzz of strong debut EP, Filled with Hate, and gearing up to release their first full-length this spring, San Francisco’s The Love-Birds play a sort of jangly, nostalgic, indie/college rock we can’t get enough of. The band hit Fond Object 4ve Ave for a great, affordable end of weekend option, joined by buzzy locals Peter Stringer-Hye & Pan and newomcers Dancers. [PO]
THE STEELDRIVERS w/ ABERDEEN GREEN
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $22 | All Ages
For the final night of their three night run, The Steeldrivers are welcoming No Country Presents alum Aberdeen Green into the warm-up spot, and if the other gigs are any indictor, this could also be a sell out engagement, so don’t delay. If you’re a diehard, chances are you scored tickets to all three nights, but if you’re not familiar with the local bluegrass masters, do yourself a favor and get hip immediately. [JR]
I, GRIEVER w/ AELIANA, ABYSS WALKER, YUGEN
@ The End | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $7-10 | 18+
Self-described as “progressive video game metal,” as apt an explanation as any, duo I, Griever are celebrating the release of their new record, I, Griever II, Sunday night at The End. Joined by Æliana, Abyss Walker, and Yugen, this is definitely your best if unconventional metal is what you’re looking for. [PO]
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain