Whether you’re looking for indie rock icons, two days of metal, local indie and garage rock, country, r&b, funk, hip hop, punk, or anything in between, this weekend is stuffed full of shows at all prices and sizes, bound to offer something that suits your fancy. Per usual, we’ve combed through them all and offered up our top picks- check ’em out below in our latest installment of TWiN!
FRIDAY
ROGUE WAVE
@ Grimey’s | 6pm | FREE | All Ages
w/ DEAR BOY
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm (8pm doors) | $17-20 | 18+
Out in support of the tenth anniversary of their seminal and now classic third full-length, Asleep at Heaven’s Gate, Bay Area indie rockers Rogue Wave return to Nashville for the first time in a couple of years for both a free Grimey’s in-store then a performance at Mercy Lounge, where they’ll play the whole thing in full, along with openers Dear Boy. With a deluxe re-issue also in tow, which includes four previously unreleased tracks as well as a Beatles cover, Rogue Wave aren’t simply pulling a nostalgia grab, but instead are truly paying homage to an important, creatively liberating, and deeply personal entry into their impressive discography- a rare and special event that longtime fans surely won’t want to miss. Tickets are still available, and you can read more about the show here! [PO]
ARLIE, THE MEDIUM, LACKHONEY
@ The End | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+
Local lo-fi, outer space pop rockers Arlie are hard at work on a new EP, and fans of their unique blend of sounds should be super stoked fo this show, since some of the new material is likely to be showcased. Make sure you get to The End on time, to catch local (via Miami) rapper/producer Lackhoney, and No Country Presents alumni The Medium. You get this bang for a reasonable amount of your bucks, but we have a feeling the friendly confines of the venue will be filling up fast, so don’t wait to buy tickets, because this puppy has the potential to sell out. [JR]
JOHNNY GATES, I&R, MICAH MCCASLAND, JACK O’SHEA
@ Fond Object (Downtown) | 7:30pm (7pm doors) | $7 | All Ages
A one-time Nashvillian, now LA based singer-songwriter Johnny Gates is best-known recently for appearing on The Voice, but his rock-infused sound and impressive range is worthy of broader attention. He’ll head up a cool, inexpensive Friday bill at Fond Object, along with earnest, melancholy alt rocker I&R, alt/acoustic singer-songwriter Micah McCasland, and Jack O’Shea, best known as the guitarist for long-running punk group Bayside, who recently unveiled his alt, jazz, and indie informed debut. [PO]
LEE ANN WOMACK w/ WAYLON PAYNE
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | Sold Out | 18+
Americana and blues flavored singer-songwriter Lee Ann Womack has been a staple in our local scene and abroad since 1997. She has consistently put out quality work, earning her praise from her peers, while also earning her the rare combination of underground and mainstream success. Her latest offering, 2017’s The Lonely, the Lonesome, & the Gone, is yet another gem, packed with her trademark country fried, smoky soul, providing even further that she has carved out her very own unique niche in world/city full of plastic cowboy hats and bubble gum pop country radio. Enjoy night one of her intimate two night stand, Friday at The BEast, with the talented Waylon Payne in the opening spot- that is if you were quick to snag tickets. [JR]
THE BUMBS, BLACK VENUS, NORTH BY NORTH, PRUDE HUSSY
@ The East Room | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5 | 18+
The East Room has you covered Friday night if you’re looking for a fun, wallet-friendly mostly local rock show, topped by retro-informed indie pop outfit The Bumbs. For just $5, you also get blues-infused alt rock band Black Venus, Chicago based, retro-informed alt/garage rock band North By North, and locals Prude Hussy! [PO]
NASHVILLE DESECRATION RITUAL: MORBOSIDAD, NEXUL, CAVEMAN CULT, GRAVE RITUAL, ULULATUM TOLLUNT, VILE DESECRATION
@ Exit/In | 7pm (6pm doors) | $60 (two day pass) | 18+
While Nashville certainly has representation from virtually every genre, and the local metal scene definitely predates new Nashville, metal is an area that isn’t quite as flourishing or widespread as other musical subsets. Most weekends, you’ll find a metal show here or there, increasingly including touring acts of all sizes, but rarely if ever have we seen anything as packed or well-curated as the two-day black/death metal fest Nashville Desecration Ritual. It appears only two-day passes are available, and while a tad pricey, you’ll get to see a dozen of some of the best, heaviest, darkest acts from all over. [PO]
STOP LIGHT OBSERVATIONS w/ SMART OBJECTS , HUB CAP ANNIE
@ The Basement | 8:30pm (8pm doors) | $10-12 | 21+
THOSE DAMN EYES w/ FERRIS AND THE WHEELS, YEAR OF OCTOBER
@ The Crying Wolf | 8pm | $5 | 21+
THE RUSS LIQUID TEST w/ MODERN MEASURE
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12-14 | 18+
SATURDAY
HOWLING GIANT, MOUTH READER, GT, BLACK VENUS, HARI, TALK SHOW CIRCUIT, LASSO SPELLS, TAYLS, SAD BAXTER, CAVE MODE
@ The Cobra | 7pm (6pm doors) | $10 | 21+
Brought to you by the wonderful people at Cold Lunch Recordings and the Nashville Psych Alliance, Cody’s Boom Boom Room Extravaganza has got to be one of the hottest tickets of the entire weekend, boasting three Stages, and ten killer (mostly local) bands. Enjoy cosmic riff rockers Howling Giant, Murfreesboro rock quartet Mouth Reader, blog favorites like Lasso Spells, Sad Baxter, and many more for just ten beans. For a fullrun down of who is playing what stage at The Cobra and when, please check out the Facebook event, and be sure to get to the venue on time to get the most Music City underground rock for your dough as humanly possible. [JR]
MALCOLM VOLTAIRE, THE BLACKSON & REAUX MARQUES, STAN, LUL LION, DJ YO BREEZY
@ Third Man Records | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-13 | 18+
It’s no secret that Nashville’s hip hop scene has been a formable and buzzworthy force in recent years, and Atlanta transplant Malcolm Voltaire is another name that should be added to the long list of must-know MCs. Set to perform this weekend at Third Man Records, this especially cool Blue Room show also features The Blackson & Reaux Marques, Stan, Lul Lion, and DJ Yo Breezy! [PO]
THE BY GODS, PLS PLS, TAPE DECK MOUNTAIN
@ The East Room | 8pm | 18+
Local husband and wife helmed power trio The By Gods will be headlining a tasty bill at The East Room this weekend that is perfect for the moderate indie rock fans out there in Music City. With help from Atlanta based electronic pop rock outfit PLS PLS, and resident (via San Diego) shoegaze grunge rockers Tape Deck Mountain, it’s sure to hit all the right sweet spots. If you want your night to be a little more low key, but you still want to get out to see some quality live music, this show is probably your best bet of the weekend. [JR]
INDIA.ARIE w/ THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $39.50-75 | All Ages
Actor, producer, and Grammy winning r&b and neo soul superstar India.Arie is a singer who should need no introduction. The modern legend returns to Nashville this weekend to play the perfectly suited Ryman Auditorium with The Fisk Jubilee Singers, and, incredibly, a handful of tickets remain. [PO]
LEE ANN WOMACK w/ WAYLON PAYNE
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | Sold Out | 18+
Back to perform for her second night in a row at The BEast, the incomparable Lee Ann Womack will be setting the stage ablaze with a deep catalog of kickass songs. Also back in the warmup spot will be the talent country fried crooner Waylon Payne; if you were able to get tickets- enjoy! [JR]
NASHVILLE DESECRATION RITUAL: NYGOTHAEBLISZ, HELLVETRON, ABYSMAL LORD, HELLFIRE DEATHCULT, PROCESS OF SUFFOCATION
@ Exit/In | 7pm (6pm doors) | $60 (two day pass) | 18+
Day two of the first ever Nashville Desecration Ritual continues to pack a host of excellent black and death metal bands, providing one of the best weekend options for metalheads we’ve seen in a long time. It appears that two-day passes are your only option, so we’d recommend catching both days to make the most of it. [PO]
EDGEHILL ROCKS: GREAT PEACOCK, THE MELTING POT BAND, THE BELTONES, SWING DANCE NASHVILLE, CARLY ROGERS, SCHOOL OF ROCK FRANKLIN/NASHVILLE
@ Villa Place, Edgehill | 10am | FREE | All Ages
The unseasonable weather isn’t exactly cooperating for this year’s rite of spring, but the Edgehill Rocks festival has been a long time kickoff for the outdoor music, food, and arts scene in Nashville, and, despite the chill, will still be a great time even if you are in a few extra layers. This year’s musical lineup features an eclectic mix including the soothing Americana sounds of Great Peacock, the uplifting melodies of traditional Irish tunes from The Melting Pot Band, and the poppy feel good of songwriter Carly Rogers, just to name a few. Put on a coat, and head out for a little while. It’s free and all ages. What do you have to lose? [MH]
BEARING TORCHES w/ TACO MOUTH, JACKSON BRUCK & THE DUKES OF HUME
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $5-7 | 21+
THE HAMILTONES w/ KIM FLEMING, JOVAN BENDER
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $21.85-54.63 | All Ages
TIM REYNOLDS & TR3 w/ THE SUMMIT
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $15-25 | All Ages
Lightning quick picker Tim Reynolds and his jamtastic backing band TR3 will be blowing minds at City Winery this weekend. Rising to fame for a certain generation, who fell in love with his abilities on an acoustic guitar thanks to a live double album with Dave Mathews (and many, many tour dates in support over the years), Tim is also no slouch on the electric. Equally to the task of shredding his strings through the amplification of electricity, with the help of his two compadres, Mr. Reynolds is poised to show all in attendance what a power trio can really be. Look for instrumental prog rockers The Summit to kick start a tasty night of tunes. [JR]
THE FLOOZIES w/ DAILY BREAD
@ Cannery Ballroom | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $20-25 | 18+
Kansas based outfit The Floozies have been building up buzz with their distinctly entertaining brand of electro funk, and producer/guitarist Matt Hill and drummer Mark Hill have shown that their live show is where the magic really lives. You’ll get a chance to dance to your hearts delight when they stop at Cannery Ballroom this weekend, which may just be what you need to warm up your soul. [MH]
MEL BRYANT w/ CAITLIN LUCIA, OUR BROTHER GEORGE
@ The End | 9pm (8pm doors) | $7 | 18+
SUNDAY
SUPERMELT, BLEARY, PEYOTE COYOTE, THE ICEMAN
@ Fond Object (Downtown)| 7pm | $5 | All Ages
Garage punks Supermelt have long been a favorite fixture in the local scene, and this Sunday night they head up an inexpensive, all ages show at Fond Object 4th Ave, a perfect way to end the weekend. For just $5, you also get dreamy, shoegaze-y indie rockers Bleary, Austin indie/psych rock outfit Peyote Coyote, and The Iceman. [PO]
KAL MARKS, SHELL OF A SHELL, DROOL, TWEN
@ The East Room | 8pm | $7 | 18+
Another cool DIY Sunday night option, Boston indie rockers Kal Marks top a solid bill at The East Room, out in support of their excellent new LP, Universal Care. Look for support from local indie punks Shell of a Shell, Chicago minimalist punks DROOL, and Nashville garage punks TWEN, a killer lineup from top to bottom. [PO]
SKIZZY MARS w/ OLIVER TREE
@ Exit/In | 8pm (7pm doors) | $15-79 | 18+
New York rapper Skizzy Mars has been rapidly building up hype in recent years, especially since his 2016 debut studio album, the excellent and under appreciated Alone Together. The trendy young up and comer headlines Exit/In this weekend, marking perhaps the coolest pick of the weekend for fans of quality hip hop. [PO]
ODDNOTE, BORN CROOKED, STAYING FOR THE WEEKEND, PARROTFISH
@ The Cobra | 8:30pm | $5 | 21+
End the weekend with a LOUD bang via some solid local rockers. Local upstart alt rock outfit Oddnote just dropped their powerhouse self-titled debut, which you can check out below. Born Crooked may not be a household name- yet- but you’ve likely heard their high energy rock amping up the crowds at Preds games. This solid lineup rounds out with longtime blog faves Staying For The Weekend and Parrotfish. [MH]
VIRETTA, SYRINGA, WATER AEROBICS
@ The Crying Wolf | 8pm | 21+
STACKED LIKE PANCAKES w/ WILD LOVE, ABRAYSIV, MULLIGAN’S MATCH
@ The End | 8pm (7pm doors) | $7-10 | 18+
SONIA LEIGH w/ DAPHNE WILLIS, HAILEY STEELE, DAVE TAMKIN
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $6-8 | 21+
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain