TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | May 11-13

Spring is in full swing (though the upcoming forecast looks more like mid-summer), and that means it is time to get outside. Not only are there shows at Ascend this weekend, it’s also the kickoff of Musicians Corner’s spring season, and there’s plenty one offs that should strike your fancy if you’re into punk, emo, indie, electronic, psychedelic, garage, pop, or Americana, with shows ranging a host of prices and sizes. Regardless of what you choose to do, you need to pace yourself though, because there are a ton of happenings you’ll have to decide between each night. Need some help? Head below for this week’s edition of TWiN!

FRIDAY

FAR OUT FEST II: ELECTRIC CITIZEN, DEAD FEATHERS, TTOTALS, NEST EGG, WET PISS
@ Mercy Lounge & The High Watt | 8pm (7pm doors)
$15 (Friday) | $35 (weekend) | 18+

Easily boasting the most packed out bill of the entire weekend, Far Out Fest II is sure to pack the most possible punch for your hard earned dollars. Night one of the music an art portion, following a Thursday film night, will feature Cincinnati, OH, based rockers Electric Citizen, psych rock outfit Dead Feathers in from Chicago, local scene heroes Ttotals, plus Nest Egg and Wet Piss. We already gave you the rundown on how this all works, but here’s a summation; five bands spread out across The High Watt and Mercy Lounge stages. For fifteen beans, you can just catch Friday night’s show, or for $35 you can go Friday and Saturday nights. We recommend just opting in for the weekend pass, and when you read on about the even more jam packed lineup Saturday night, you’ll understand why. [JR]

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL w/ NOAH GUNDERSEN, AMY SHARK
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm (6:30pm doors) | $33.60-43.60 | All Ages

Just over a year ago, now-local emo trailblazers Dashboard Confessional played a sold-out, very special five night residency at The Basement East, before returning later in the summer for a bigger, more conventional Ascend Amphitheater outing. Since then, the reunited group have finally released their long-gestating seventh album and first in almost a decade, Crooked Shadows, through new label home Fueled By Ramen, to renewed acclaim. In support, Dashboard returns to The Ryman for the first time in over a decade, with support from acclaimed singer-songwriter Noah Gundersen and buzzy indie pop up and comer Amy Shark. It’s one of the hottest tickets of the weekend, and you can read more about it here. [PO]

BAHAMAS w/ SOUL BROTHER STEF
@ Cannery Ballroom | 9pm (8pm doors) | Sold Out | 18+

A Canadian singer-songwriter with a penchant for folk, who performs live under an assumed moniker, Bahamas was born Afie Jurvanen. The Juno nominated artist and former Feist collaborator has, in recent years, become a frequent performer in Music City as well as a festival favorite, and not long after an inspired set at the Live on the Green finale, which included quite a bit of new material and some broader influences than we’ve heard in the past, he announced a new album, Earthtones, which arrived earlier this year. Given all the positive buzz, it’s no surprise that Bahamas’ return to Cannery Ballroom this weekend with Soul Brother Stef managed to sell out in advance. [PO]

MUSICIANS CORNER: JOE PURDY & AMBER RUBARTH, STRIKING MATCHES, REUBEN BIDEZ, JESSE ISLEY, JOEL LEVI
@ Centennial Park | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

While the main event of Musician’s Corner’s spring season kickoff is Saturday afternoon, the free, outdoor, all ages fest gets going officially with its acoustic Friday night, and this week’s installment is looking extra sweet. Celebrating both their on-screen and musical contributions to new film American Folk, LA Americana singer Joe Purdy and local Amber Rubarth top the bill. However, we’re just as excited for powerhouse local duo Striking Matches, who’ve been further exploring a more expansive pop and rock geared direction with recent EPs Retrograde and Shameless, as well as folk rock fave Reuben Bidez, singer-songwriter Jesse Isley, and Americana rocker Joel Levi, ahead of his release show later in the evening at The Local. [PO]

LUTHI w/ SPAZZ CARDIGAN, THE GRIPSWEATS
@ Exit/In | 8pm (7pm doors) | $15 | 18+

To celebrate the release of their debut full-length Stranger, blog favorite Luthi and his collective will be turning the volume up to eleven at Exit/In this weekend. Equal parts funk, pop, and psych rock, the cast of characters puts on one of the best local live shows around. With help from alt pop performer Spazz Cardigan, and another scene staple The Gripsweats, it’s sure be one of the best all-local lineups of weekend, and great way to keep all the love (and proceeds) in our Music City community; don’t miss it! [JR]

THE SUFFERS w/ THE AQUADUCKS
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+

With a self-described “Gulf Coast soul” sound, Houston, TX group The Suffers have managed to gain quite a bit of notoriety in just a few short years, enlisting a huge swatch of players to create a sound heavily influenced by their regional and ethnic backgrounds. Leading up to their 2016 eponymous, full-length debut, the band made several recent late night television and festival appearances, and have been generating tons of positive press and newfound attention ever since. They stop through The Basement East this weekend, for a show with local funk rock faves The Aquaducks. [PO]

MARK FARINA
@ The 5 Spot | 9:30pm (9pm doors) | $18 | 21+

World renowned DJ Mark Farina has been a household name in the EDM scene since the early ’90s, and found his niche with his trademark acid jazz infused house music.  While Farina initially made a splash with his 1989 release Mood, he found well-deserved respect with his incredible Mushroom Jazz series of records, which began releasing 1996 as a result of a weekly San Francisco residency. Farina is prepping for a sure to be sensational five hour marathon set in the intimate setting of The 5 Spot in Nashville this weekend, and it is a show that will appeal even to folks that aren’t heavy into the EDM scene. Head below to get a taste of what to expect, and then you’ll probably want to YouTube through the rest of the 8 record series to get fully up to speed. [MH]

JOEL LEVI w/ IRON RANGE, AUSTIN ALEXANDER YOUNT
@ The Local | 8pm | $5

Another area performer it’s been a pleasure to watch grow and mature as an artist, Joel Levi has earned top billing on an excellent low dough show being held at The Local Friday night. The Americana flavored troubadour has really made strides in the right direction with his eponymous new LP, so don’t pass on the chance to see him celebrate it live for such a low price. With the assists courtesy of Iron Range, and singer-songwriter Austin Alexander Yount, it’s sure to be an inspired night of tunes in a wonderful venue. [JR]

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS w/ CAMP HOWARD
@ The Cowan | 7pm | Sold Out | All Ages

Despite the sad death of longtime frontman Scott Weiland a couple of years ago (and the even more recent suicide of replacement vocalist Chester Bennington), Stone Temple Pilots are forging on with new lead singer Jeff Gutt, and they even have new music in their self-titled seventh LP, which dropped back in March. For fans of their rise to fame during the ’90s grunge era, don’t worry, there is sure to be plenty of hits to sing along to.  For those lucky enough to have tickets to this sold out show, make sure you get there early enough to check out buzzy Richmond, VA indie rockers Camp Howard, who’ll be opening things up. [MH]

WHEN ALL IS LOST, DAYLIGHT SINNERS, MERCURY BLONDE, VINYL SQUARE
@ The Cobra | 8pm | $7 | 21+

DEAD FINGERS w/ THE POLLIES, ADAM FAUCETT
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $8-10 | 21+

SATURDAY

JIMMY EAT WORLD w/ THE HOTELIER, MICROWAVE
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $29.50-39.50 | All Ages

With over 20 years of beloved and essential releases, few bands have been as important to the emo scene or have maintained as much breakout, immeasurable influence as Jimmy Eat World, who first rose to widespread recognition in the early ’00s (but made a big impact in the underground several years prior). While 1999’s Clarity, 2001’s Bleed American, and 2004’s Futures remain their best-known, fan-favorite, and most enduring records, all cemented as legitimate modern classics, the band have continued to produce some stellar more recent work over the last decade, hitting a particularly cool stride with 2014’s criminally underrated Damage, and last year’s poppy and well-received Integrity Blues. They return to Nashville in support of that effort, with their first Music City show in five years and first at The Ryman, along with indie/emo kindred spirits The Hotelier and earnest alt rock up and comers Microwave. It’s nearly sold out as of writing, so don’t slack- and head here for more info. [PO]

HOP ALONG
@ Grimey’s (Frances Quinlan Solo) | 3:30pm | FREE | All Ages
w/ SAINTSENECA
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15-18 | 18+

Folk and emo tinged indie rock outfit Hop Along have been a critical darling since finding breakout attention for their 2015 third full-length, Painted Shut. The Philly outfit have honed a knack for crafting earnest and relatable songs with deep emotional resonance, propelled by frontwoman Frances Quinlan raw’s and etherial delivery. Their brand new effort Bark Your Head Off, Dog, is already a shortlist contender for best of 2018, and the band return Nashville this Saturday to headline Exit/In in support, along with Saintseneca– adding to this a super tough weekend of decisions for fans of punk and emo adjacent indie rock. You can’t go wrong with this show though, and if you want a double dose or simply can’t make the evening set, you also have a chance to see Quinlan solo for free in the afternoon at Grimey’s. [PO]

FORT HOUSTON 6TH BIRTHDAY BONANZA: JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD, DIARRHEA PLANET, TWEN, THICK, KATIE SCHECTER, DAN LUKE & THE RAID
@ Fort Houston | 5pm | $10-20 | 21+

It’s hard to believe local maker, art, and creative space Fort Houston is already turning six, but it’s no surprise that they’re going all out once more with a stacked celebration at the new Lindell Ave complex where they relocated last year. The bash comes in two parts, a late afternoon to evening concert featuring a stacked lineup of local favorites, like JEFF the Brotherhood, Diarrhea Planet, Twen, and more, and a late night after party with Sparkle City DJs, a light show, art, and free booze and pizza. You can snag tickets separately or together, but whichever way you choose to partake, this is going to one of the most fun local-geared events of the whole weekend. [PO]

FAR OUT FEST: HOLIFIELDS, AL LOVER, A DRUG CALLED TRADITION, BEGINNER’S MYND, FRAGMENTS OF GOD, THE SPIDERBERRIES, BLACK MOON MOTHER, THE CHEWERS, WU FEI
@ The High Watt/Mercy Lounge | 6pm (5pm doors)
$20 (Saturday) | $35 (weekend) | 18+

Kicking off at 6 p.m., night two of Far Out Fest II is nearly overflowing with awesome. TN based psych rockers Holifields, San Fransisco performer Al Lover, Washington D.C. stationed psychedelia inspired singer-songwriter Beginner’s Mynd and many many more will be spreading it the heady tunes thick across two stages until the wee hours of the morning. Read a more detailed preview of the event here, but all you have to know is it’s a $20 cover Saturday unless you were smart and copped a the full weekend pass for $35, and also enjoyed Friday night’s festivities. [JR]

MUSICIANS CORNER: NIKKI LANE, LILLIE MAE, ROBBIE FULKS, VIVA MEXICO, J.R. WYATT, JESSICA LAMB, GIRI & UMA PETERS
@ Centennial Park | 1:30pm (12pm gates) | FREE | All Ages

Musicians Corner kicks off their spring series this weekend, and the debut of the free Saturday event includes a packed lineup of songwriters, including the unbelievable outlaw country artist Nikki Lane, longtime Jack White contributor turned standout solo artist Lillie Mae, alt-country songwriter Robbie Fulks, and mariachi inspired Viva Mexico.  The family (and pet) friendly event will also include acoustic stage performances from J.R. Wyatt, Giri & Uma Peters, and Jessica Lamb. Regardless of your financial status this weekend, Musicians Corner is always a fan fave, which is the main reason they remain one of the longest standing musical events in Nashville. [MH]

TRAVELLER w/ IZAAK OPATZ
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15 | 18+

Newly founded supergroup Traveller is composed of songwriting standouts Jonny Fritz, Robert Ellis, and Cory Chisel, and their debut record, Western Movies, is already making waves in the Americana scene and beyond.  The trio, who all have called Nashville home at one point or another, will be returning to their old stomping grounds for a special performance at The Basement East in support of their new record, which will immediately appeal to fans of early Wilco, over the weekend. Longtime collaborator of the Traveller three, Izaak Opatz, will open things up, giving you a taste of his upcoming record, Mariachi Static, which drops later this summer. [MH]

ODESZA w/ KIMBRA, YAHTZEL
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7pm | Sold Out | All Ages

Seattle based electronic music duo Odesza probably need no introduction to those that have kept up with the electronic music scene over the last five years, while the rest of the musical world realized what was happening with their back to back Grammy noms in 2016 and 2017, with tracks “Say My Name” and “Line Of Sight,” respectively. While those singles are certainly earworms that you should have in your musical lexicon, they’ve showcased their impressive live show is not to be missed. Take it from the fans that have reveled in their headlining performances across the world, and packed sets at festivals like Bonnaroo, Coachella, Hangout, Governor’s Ball, and Lolla, that if you snagged tickets for this sold out Ascend show with Kimbra and Yahtzel, is almost guaranteed to annoy the neighbors. You’re in for a wild night. [MH]

OHMME w/ ZOE SKY JORDAN
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $8 | 21+

GRAHAM PARKER (solo) w/ JAMES MADDOCK
@ City Winery | 7pm (5pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

SUNDAY

HALFNOISE w/ BECCA MANCARI, ORNAMENT
@ Exit/In | 8pm (7pm doors) | $15-17 | 18+

By now you should be more than familiar with HalfNoise, the solo musical vehicle of Paramore drummer Zac Farro, a longtime local fave and friend of the site. Formed and cultivated between Farro’s 2010 departure from Paramore and his return to the renowned group last year, HalfNoise has, so far, released two full-length albums and three EPs, navigating the realms of ambient, indie rock, synthpop, and groovy, retro psychedelic rock. In a swift followup to last year’s The Velvet Face EP, HalfNoise just dropped another effort, Flowerss, which keeps with the analog, psyched-out vibe but also reincorporates some of the ambient, layered feel of prior efforts. He’ll celebrate with his first hometown show of the year Sunday night at Exit/In, with some stellar support from country-infused singer-songwriter Becca Mancari, and indie pop trio Ornament. [PO]

SPOON w/ WALKER LUKENS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 7:30pm | $29.50-39.50 | All Ages

After a few years off, during which they explored side projects, production, and more, Austin indie, alternative, and art rock outfit Spoon, now celebrating 25 years of existence, sprang back to life with 2014’s They Want My Soul, but it was last year’s effort, Hot Thoughts, which really feels like a return to the band’s artistic heights of a decade ago, reclaiming all of the emotional nuance, diverse influences, and inspired songwriting that made them such an important musical fixture. Their first release on Matador since their 1996 debut, Hot Thoughts has brought the group increased radio attention and a packed schedule of live dates, including a stop last year at Live on the Green. While LOTG was cool, The Ryman feels like a space that couldn’t be more perfectly suited for the beloved band, and with plenty of tickets still available as of writing, this feels like a no-brainer guarantee to end your weekend on a high note. [PO]

KING TUFF w/ CUT WORMS, SASAMI
@ The Basement East | 8pm (7pm doors) | $16 | 18+

We’ve had our eye on King Tuff, a former member of Ty Segall’s backing band, for a few years now, and since breaking out with his eponymous, 2012 LP on Sub Pop, he’s fast become a favorite fixture of the garage and indie scene. Born Kyle Thomas, Tuff has been met with continued praise for 2014’s Black Moon Spell, and his brand new, highly-anticipated new LP, The Other. Though he gives off something of a slacker punk vibe, Tuff’s sound is actually a lot more polished, pop accessible, psych-tinged, and firmly indie and garage rock, and his live show is a breezy, electrifying treat. For his latest stop in Music City, Tuff headlines The Basement East this Sunday, joined by Brooklyn lo-fi/garage pop project Cut Worms and LA “synth queen” SASAMI. [PO]

BONES OWENS w/ DON GALLARDO
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $10 | All Ages

Acclaimed guitarist Bones Owens cut his chops on the road with Yelawolf and Mikki Ekko, and is now celebrating the release of his latest single, “Keep It Close,” with a special Nashville Sunday Night show at 3rd & Lindsley this weekend. The new single veers away from the alt-country that Bones debuted on last record, and has us wondering what to expect on a surely-soon-to-be-released sophomore effort. Long time blog fave Don Gallardo joins the celebration in support of his very recently released record, Still Here, which sees the talented songwriter further hone his excellent alt-country sound. [MH]

THE SHITDELS, WITCH JAIL, VLADOPUS9
@ The Cobra | 10pm | FREE | 21+

BRIAN MCKNIGHT
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30pm | $49-99 | All Ages

If you’re hoping to make it an extra special Mother’s Day, for the number one mom in your life, you’d be hard pressed to find a better Sunday night show than an evening with spectacular r&b singer and producer Brian McKnight. The legendary crooner has been going strong for decades now, and the multifaceted performer is unlikely to leave a single eye dry in the house as his sings his catalog of inspired and soulful tunes about love and life. Whether you want to show mom how much you truly care, or you want to take the mother of your children out for a special night on the town, this one is a top contender on Mother’s Day evening when it’s supposed to be all about the ladies [JR]

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