TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | March 23-25

The wave of SXSW buzzy bands appears to have died down slightly from the onslaught of the past few weeks, not to mention that the uber cool Big Ears Festival is swallowing up the more eclectic acts in Knoxville this weekend, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some incredible shows on the radar. From incredible legacy acts to buzzy up-and-comers, there is definitely a little something for everyone. Dig into all of our staff picks in this week’s edition of TWiN!

FRIDAY

SOCCER MOMMY w/ IDLE BLOOM, DANCERS
@ The East Room | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12 | 18+

The most promising and emotionally resonant songwriter to emerge from the local DIY scene since Julien Baker, young up and comer Soccer Mommy has earned nothing short of ubiquitous critical praise for her phenomenal new LP (and first proper studio effort), Clean. Before heading back out on the road, Soccer Mommy will celebrate the release with a Friday night performance at The East Room with grunge pop faves Idle Bloom and Dancers. Without a doubt one of the most essential shows of the weekend, head here for more on why you seriously don’t want to miss it. [PO]

S. CAREY w/ GORDI
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15 | 18+

The musical vehicle of Wisconsin’s Sean Carey, S. Carey came about when Sean was on a break from touring with famed indie folk act Bon Iver, for whom he’s served as a drummer and backing vocalist since their earliest full band days. Adopting an ambient, harmonically dense, chamber pop influenced sound, S. Carey has become an indie darling in his own right across three full-lengths over eight years. With a break from Bon Iver’s stellar recent run, Carey is back on the road in support of his excellent new effort, Hundred Acres, and we couldn’t think of a cooler spot to see him in action than the intimate High Watt. [PO]

EMBRACER, NATIVE TONGUE, THE STILL SMALL VOICE, KHAMSIN, PORTSMOUTH
@ That 70’s House | 7pm | $5 | All Ages

In the ever shifting DIY and house venue landscape, That 70’s House has emerged lately as one of the most dependable spots to take in a good punk, indie, or hardcore show. Friday night sees West Virginia ambient/indie outfit Embracer pass through, joined by some great locals: alt/post-hardcore rockers Native Tongue, ambient/indie group The Still, Small Voice, indie/post-rockers Khamsin, and the emo leaning Portsmouth. That’s a cool touring act and a stellar sampling of local talent for just $5! [PO]

JOHN OATES & THE GOOD ROAD BAND w/ LEAH BLEVINS
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $25 | All Ages

Hot off the release of his latest offering, Arkansas, John Oates and his stellar backing band The Good Road Band will be putting on a quasi-hometown (John also spends time calling Colorado home) show with local fave Leah Blevins that is not to be missed. In all honesty, we’d be really surprised if this doesn’t sell out on name recognition alone. Even on a stacked weekend, this gig is at the top of many people’s lists. If you’re interested in going, but you’re currently ticketless, don’t delay, and don’t say we didn’t warn you. [JR]

MMHMM w/ TACO MOUTH
@ The Basement | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $5 | 21+

A buzzy local duo of Hannah Fairlight and Raelyn Nelson, mmhmm formed when the two accomplished artists found themselves frequently confused with one another and decided to join forces. Akin to a less raunchy version of Birdcloud, the duo play edgy, acoustic, smart rock that has fast made them one a local act you should have an eye on. Taco Mouth, the new/old project from ex-members of the The Dead Deads open, after making a splash with their inaugural live show a few weeks back. You’ll have another chance to see both acts (with the order flipped) the following night at Lipstick Lounge as well, if your Saturday is more open. [PO]

EAGLES w/ JD & THE STRAIGHT SHOT
@ Bridgestone Arena | 7pm (6pm doors) | $99.50-375 | All Ages

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, and easily one of the most influential bands in the history of country inspired rock music, the Eagles will be bringing their stupendous catalog to Bridgestone arena to enthrall the masses for two awesome nights. With six grammy awards under their belts, and some of the most memorable hit songs form the ’70s including the seminal soft rock classic “Hotel California,” it’s hard to imagine a more legendary show in the city Friday or Saturday. Country blues influenced roots band JD & The Straight Shot will be kicking things off on what promises to be an unforgettable night of music. Standard tickets are sold out for Friday, but plenty of Verified Resale spots remain for comparable prices. [JR]

SAM BUSH w/ MISSY RAINES
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $35-48 | All Ages

Multi-grammy winning multi-instrumentalist and long-time Nashville staple Sam Bush has been flipping Bluegrass on its head for nearly five decades now with his exquisite skills on the mandolin and violin, and, when he is not on the road with a literal who’s who in the Americana world, he’s still cranking out noteworthy music, as we heard in his 2016 record, Storyman.  It’s unclear what this WMOT Roots Radio event will bring, besides a guaranteed opening set from acclaimed bassist and songwriter Missy Raines, but given Bush’s deep connections in the local scene and his aptitude for leading high energy jam sessions, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some local guest sitting in.  Regardless, this will be a display of exquisite musicianship in one of the most relaxed and comfortable venues in town. [MH]

THE ASCENT OF EVEREST, HOLY MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVERS, INSOMNIAC
@ Little Harpeth Brewing | 9pm (8pm doors) | $7-12 | 18+

CBDB, MARADEEN w/ MCLOVINS
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

If this week has beaten you down, and you just need to dance to some groovy, funk-infused, rock jams, then you should head out to The Basement East to catch sets from Tuscaloosa based, jammy progressive rockers CBDB, local, like-minded, high-energy, eclectic rockers Maradeen, and local upstarts McLovins. Sometimes you just need to move your ass, and from the excellent live CBDB video below, you’ll get an idea of just how to move. [MH]

SATURDAY

TOMMY STINSON’S COWBOYS IN THE CAMPFIRE
@ Luna Record Shop | 8pm (7pm doors) | $23.16-107.62 | All Ages

Best known as the bassist and founding member of seminal ’80s punk/alternative group The Replacements (who reconvened in 2013, only to split once more in 2015), as well as for his 18 year tenure in Guns N’ Roses (which ended amicably in 2016 to make way for their current classic lineup reunion), Tommy Stinson is inarguably a rock and roll legend. Between the ‘Mats and GnR, Tommy fronted two lesser known ’90s groups, Bash & Pop (who staged a surprise reunion last year), and Perfect, and has been flirting with solo material, as well as contributing to groups like Soul Asylum and Old 97’s, since the mid ’00s. Following last year’s B&P run, Tommy is back to touring in a more stripped-down capacity with his longtime collaborator Chip Roberts, and the duo are set to bring their Cowboys in the Campfire run to Franklin’s own Luna Record Shop for a special, intimate performance this Saturday. Head here for more on why this is undoubtedly one of the weekend’s most essential shows. [PO]

SEASICK STEVE
@ Third Man Records | 8pm (7pm doors) | $12 | All Ages

Though he has been in the music world as a touring musician, producer, and solo blues artist for nearly 60 years (or maybe 50 given the different accounts of his actual age), Steve Wold (aka Seasick Steve) didn’t breakthrough to mainstream success until the late aughts with his major label debut, I Started Out With Nothing, And Still Got Most Of It Left. Despite the late career success, Steve has lived a very interesting life traveling the world, working and busking on multiple continents, and has crossed paths with a number of the most influentials artists today, including Jack White, John Paul Jones, Modest Mouse, and many more. While it is unlikely that White, who is celebrating the release of his latest solo album this week, will be around to support his old friend, this is an awesome opportunity to see a legend in music perform in a very intimate show space.[MH]

BOTTOM BRACKET, TREADING WATER, SMALLVILLE, FAITH HOLT, RABBIT CLUB
@ That 70’s House| 7pm | $5 | All Ages

LUNAR VACATION, ZOOK, PIOUS, SO VERY
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Our pals from Cold Lunch Recordings are back with a fresh lineup that features some cool new rock tunes. Atlanta based shoegaze popsters Lunar Vacation, local psych folk outfit Zook, downtempo alternative rockers Pious, and So Very. Looking for the next best bands that you need in your life?  Cold Lunch is one of the premiere crews in town to keep your eye on. [MH]

BASIC PRINTER w/ KELLIE BESCH, KATE PUCKETT, FLESH EATER
@ The East Room | 9pm (8pm doors) | $6-8 | 18+

THE GODDAMN GALLOWS, KOFFIN KATS w/ AGAINST THE GRAIN
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15-20 | 18+

With one of the more unique sounds going, The Goddamn Gallows are a punk/metal band with bluegrass blended in. Incorporating elements of the aforementioned genres, with special emphasis on the satanic undertones in black metal, GG are really something to behold live if you’ve never seen them before. Look for psychobilly inspired punk rockers Koffin Kats to co-headline kick ass night of rowdy tunes, and Detroit thrash punks Against the Grain to get things started. [JR]

ESP: ECLECTIC SOUNDS & PEOPLE
@ Phat Bites | 8:30pm (8pm doors) | $5 | All Ages

Looking to realize the full artistic potential of Nashville’s underground scene?  Then you’ll want to head out to the ESP (Eclectic Sounds & People) event happening at Phat Bites in Donelson. This affordable affair features live music from Easy Roscoe and the solo project of ER guitarist Jon Worthy, readings from six local poets, and live painting during more musical performances from Jessica Douglas as Still Satellite and Esau Cruz’s LVNKY.  There’s too much going on at this event to summarize in a paragraph, so head to the Facebook Event Page to read more. [MH]

THE BOOM BAP ft. DJ JAZZY JEFF w/ CASE BLOOM, BOWLS, RATE
@ The Basement East | 9pm | $20 | 21+

Rolling into their impressive 10th year of existence, The Boom Bap is the undeniable go-to for hip hop inspired dance parties, and, in the years since their formation, have attracted some big name producers and MCs to join the party.  For this month’s edition of the turned up affair, famed producer and musician DJ Jazzy Jeff will take the stage, and, though many of the older readers will immediately associate the name with his breakout success as part of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince with now-superstar Will Smith, Jeff has continued a successful musical career producing up and coming artists, while expanding on his significant solo catalogue.  If you want a taste of what you might be able to expect on Saturday night, head below for one of his excellent 90’s mixes below. Locals Case Bloom, Bowls, and Rate will be spinning as well. [MH]

TACO MOUTH w/ MMHMM
@ Lipstick Lounge | 7pm | 21+

KRISTEN FORD w/ COLE FERGUSON, KIKI HALLIDAY
@ The Bowery Vault | 7pm | FREE | All Ages

EAGLES w/ JD & THE STRAIGHT SHOT
@ Bridgestone Arena | 7pm (6pm doors) | $99.50-375 | All Ages

Back for their second night in a row at Bridgestone, the incomparable Eagles will be doing it one more time in Nashville for this ‘go round. After the fairly recent passing of the legendary, and founding Eagles member Glenn Fry, we were reminded that we should be thankful for every day we’re given and never pass on seeing living legends. Take this opportunity to check another band of your concert bucket list, or appreciate living rock hall of famers all over again. [JR]

CJ THE GREAT, ICE THE DON, KEITH MOSLEY, REAL, RED G & TRAP, KING CHEZ
@ The End | 7pm (6pm doors) | $11 | 18+

RUSTY SHIPP, ALEX MASON, CHRIS WILSON, SAM JOHNSTON
@ Cafe Coco | 7:30pm | $10 | All Ages

BLIND TIGERS w/ JOSEPH JARED
@ Flatrock Cafe | 6pm | FREE | All Ages

THE AQUADUCKS, TRIBAL HOOSE w/ DIRTY GIRL
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $5-10 | 21+

Funky party starters The Aquaducks will be turning it out at the OG Basement this weekend, and if you’re looking to shake your booty Saturday night, this one is a must. The rest of the bill is equally up to the task of getting you to move your feet, as Tribal Hoose and Alabama based blues rockers DirtyGirl take warm-up honors. At just a ten spot, this is a reasonably priced party that you’re sure to enjoy without having to spend a ton of dough. [JR]

MAT KEARNEY w/ ANDREW BELLE
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | Sold Out | All Ages

SUNDAY

ALBERT HAMMOND JR. w/ HINDS
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15-18 | 18+

Strokes guitarist turned respectable solo artist Albert Hammond Jr. recently released his most deeply personal and musically focused effort to date, Francis Trouble, and, in support, will bring his latest tour back to Nashville’s own Exit/In on Sunday. With the longest-running solo career of any of his Strokes bandmates, Hammond has proven time and time again with numerous great releases and countless live shows, that he can both recapture the spark of his band and find his own voice, forging a path that warrants attention in its own right, without the lens of his prior success. A seasoned and magnetic live performer, Albert will be joined by buzzy Spanish indie act Hinds, whose forthcoming sophomore effort, I Don’t Run, is easily one of our most-anticiapted albums of the year. Tickets are still available, but we have a feeling they might not last. [PO]

MOOSE BLOOD w/ LYDIA, MCCAFFERTY
@ The Basement East | 7pm (6pm doors) | $19-23 | 18+

Out in support of their brand new third album I Don’t Think I Can Do This Anymore, English emo and pop punk outfit Moose Blood return to Music City this weekend for their biggest local headliner yet, at The Basement East. Formed just a few years back, the group fast because a beloved fixture in the modern pop punk landscape (can we call this the “post-emo-revival” yet?), and with each release, only seem to get better, more confident, and more niched. With support from Lydia and McCafferty, this is looking like a weekend best-bet for fans of substantive pop punk. [PO]

WASTE MAN, PART TIME FILTH, MRFUCKER
@ Fond Object (downtown) | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5 | All Ages

Need to end your weekend with a bang, head out to visit our pals and eclectic tastemakers Fond Object to catch sets from New Orleans art punks Waste Man, local “shit pop,” “trailer rockers” Part Time Filth, and up and coming local punks MRFUCKER. You may be hurting on Monday morning after this one, but it’ll be totally worth it. [MH]

DIAMOND CARTER (EP RELEASE & BRUNCTIME PARTY)
@ Smith & Lentz Brewing | 12:30pm & 2pm | FREE | All Ages

Celebrating the release of his new EP, Moon Paradise Vol. 1, folk-tinged, nostalgic, psyched out rocker Diamond Carter, a longtime friend of the site and alumni of our Acme series, is hosting a brunch time party this Sunday at Smith & Lentz. From the sound of it, there won’t actually be a performance, but rather a listening/video screening sesh (at two different times), and free burritos to anyone who follows Diamond on Spotify. Honestly, you had us at brunch. [PO]

PONCÉ, DIZZY BATS, MORI, PET ENVY
@ The East Room | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5 | 18+

Made up of twin brothers Carson and Michael Poncé, local indie/pop rock duo Poncé fuse a nostalgic rock vibe with more contemporary indie, and have been a buzzy fixture in the Nashville scene for several years. They head up an inexpensive Sunday night bill at The East Room, and with New York alt/pop punk outfits Dizzy Bats and Mori, as well as locals Pet Envy, rounding things out, this is a solid under the radar find. [PO]

THANK YOU PLEASE, NRA SETS, HELEN GILLEY (of Butthole) THE DAYTONA MACHINES, GEIST HYMN
@ The Cobra | 8:30pm | $5 | 21+

Atlanta bred, Nashville based psych/noise rock duo Thank You Please top another promising $5 lineup Sunday at The Cobra, primed for fans of underground indie, punk, noise, and experimental rock. You also get impromptu/ever-changing supergroup NRA Sets, a solo performance from grunge punk group Butthole’s Helen Gilley, grungy art punks The Daytona Machines, and experimental noise project Geist Hymn. [PO]

OUTLIER, ROAM ZOETTA, MORTIUS
@ Springwater Supper Club | 8pm | $5 | 21+

MARC RIBOT’S CERAMIC DOG w/ ARIEL BUI
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $15 | 21+

THE BUTTERTONES w/ THE EXOTIC ONES, WHITE WOOLY
@ The End | 9pm (8pm  doors)| $10 | 18+

MIKE + THE MECHANICS
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $40-55 | All Ages

CORDOVAS w/ DANIEL DONATO
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $10 | All Ages

Roots rock infused jammers Cordovas have been generating buzz all over town for years, and are a band poised to explode onto the national rock scene at large in a big way. Backed by a stellar, high energy live show, they are already Music City staples, and if you’re not hip to them, you should 100% get familiar at this performance. Filling out the all-local bill will be talented country blues picker Daniel Donato, and as always with the Lightning 100 curated Nashville Sunday Night showcase, the entire show will be broadcast on the FM airwaves. [JR]

NASHVILLE IN CONCERT: FINAL SEASON CELEBRATION
@ Grand Ole Opry House | 7:30pm | $45-299 | All Ages

Love it or hate it, ABC (now CMT) drama Nashville has been a huge milestone for our city, and after it airs its final episode this summer, it will surely be missed by millions. As they gear up to end the show, the bulk of the main cast are performing a “final season celebration” this weekend at the Grand Ole Opry, including Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella as well as Rainee Blake, Kaitlin Doubleday, Jake Etheridge and Nic Luken. While you’re likely to have more chances to catch many of the frequently gigging regulars again in the coming months, this is more than likely the last time you’ll see them all together and performing material made famous by the show. [PO]

BRIAN REGAN
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7pm | $47.50-57.50 | All Ages

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