TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | May 18-20

Springtime is here, and that means unpredictable spring weather. There are few outdoor events that will probably require you to watch the radar, but, if those don’t work out, there are plenty of dry spaces to catch some incredible shows coming through Music City this weekend. Plan your weekend below with our run down of not-to-miss shows, from festivals to free events, tons of record release parties, indie rock legends, Japanese kawaii metal, folk, r&b, garage rock, soft rock, punk, pop, and more, with our latest edition of TWiN!

FRIDAY

TAYLS w/ THE JAG, HARPOONER, JUSTIN KALK, LASSO SPELLS, COUCH JACKETS, ELECTRIC WARRIORS, HOT DAMN BURNETTE, OGINALII, SUP
@ Mercy Lounge & The High Watt | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5-10 | 18+

We’ve been obsessing over Tayls, the solo project of former Chalaxy frontman (and current Creature Comfort drummer) Taylor Cole (and friends) since they sprang onto the scene a couple of years ago, forging a psyched-out, pop tinged sound and willingness to push and subvert artistic boundaries. With each live performance, Tayls has gained a reputation for epic, artistic, flamboyant, and exciting live shows, reminiscent of theatrical groups like The Flaming Lips, so it’s no surprise that after a year of steady song releases, the band are going all out in support of their eponymous debut EP, out this Friday, May 18. Anchored by what’s sure to be the most creative and party-primed Tayls show to date, the extravaganza is so huge that it spans across both the Mercy Lounge and High Watt stages. A testament to how beloved Tayls are in the Nashville community, they’ve recruited an absolutely stacked array of friends to perform, most all names you should be intimately familiar with if you regularly read the site, like The JAG, Harpooner, Justin Kalk, and Lasso Spells. Even if you’re new to Tayls, this kind of a must-see who’s who of the best of Nashville’s indie scene, and with a cover that comes to basically $1 per band, it’s the most bang for your buck you’ll find all weekend! [PO]

TUNE-YARDS w/ MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $23-26 | 18+

Centered around eclectic performer Merrill Garbus, and calling on the help of Nate Brenner and  slew of backing musicians in a live context, tUnE-yArDs blends electronic music, indie pop, and afrobeat in an experimental and wholly original way, employing the use of diverse instrumentation, samples, loops, and more. The group entered the scene with their buzzworthy debut album almost  a decade ago, and with several more excellent and critically-acclaimed releases, countless high-profile tours and festival outings, prominent placements, and more, they’ve since become a beloved fixture in the indie scene. Back with their first full-length in four years, the stellar and fresh new I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life, the band return to Nashville for the first time in a few years to headline Exit/In Friday night with My Brightest Diamond. It’s easily one of the weekend’s most essential shows, and while tickets remain as of writing, they’re not likely to last. [PO]

WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY w/ ALISON KRAUSS
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7:30pm | $35-199.50 | All Ages

85-year-old country legend Willie Nelson has been nothing short of prolific his entire career, and has shown no signs of slowing down as of late, having just recently released his sixty-seventh album, Last Man Standing, to universal acclaim. He seems to make it Nashville at least once a year, whether as a headliner or part of some larger event or festival, but even so, a chance to see Willie do his thing, especially in a proper headlining capacity like his Ascend stop this weekend, is something every music fan should witness in their lifetime, preferably more than once, given Nelson’s huge repertoire. With Alison Krauss tapped to support, this show promises to be extra special, and a handful of seats are still on sale, but only if you snag ’em quick. [PO]

BETTY’S FEST: R. STEVIE MOORE, NEON BLACK, SECRET FRIENDS, JNN, TERRIBLE, CHOP CHOP CHANG, OVERWHELM_ED
@ Betty’s | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5 minimum

Over the last several years, longtime west side dive Betty’s has become an unlikely home for some of the coolest, most under the radar, and supremely creative shows of Nashville’s DIY scene, playing host to both locals and smaller touring acts on a near weekly basis. As Betty’s grows in prominence, so too do the needs to help it best serve as a cool little artistic refuge, so this weekend, in order to raise money for a new P.A. system, 14 bands have are slatted to play across two nights, with all of proceeds from the door set to go towards necessary upgrades. A $5 minimum gets you in, but we strongly encourage you give more, as this important side of the local scene relies on all of us to remain sustainable and thriving. Plus,Friday’s lineup, headed up by local legend R. Stevie More, is worth your hard-earned money no matter the cause. [PO]

BABYMETAL w/ SKYHARBOR
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm (6:30pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

Pioneers of Japanese kawaii metal (a fusion of J-pop and cutesy kawaii culture with dark, intense, and extreme heavy metal), Babymetal might, at first glance, be easy to write off as a novelty. But over two albums, and with growing international acclaim, the trio, who’ve now been around for seven years, have proven to be the real deal, a uniquely Japanese fusion of musical and non-musical cultures and aesthetics that that lands as something pretty captivating and sincere. They’ve amassed a huge cult following, so it’s no surprise to see that the band sold out Marathon Music Works in advance- if you’re just hearing about Babymetal though, we’d strongly encourage you to keep an eye out for their next Music City stop. [PO]

TRAMPLED BY TURTLES w/ HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $30-45 | All Ages

Bluegrass inspired folk rock outfit Trampled By Turtles are making a return visit to the Mother Church to wow audiences with their trademark improvisational performance. Hot on the heals of their new release, Life Is Good on the Open Road, the sextet have a full LP’s worth of new material to pull from, so fresh jams are surely on deck. With help from the talented Hiss Golden Messenger in the warmup spot, it’s sure to be one best bills of a busy weekend. [JR]

RUBY BOOTS w/ LITTLE BANDIT, STEPHIE JAMES
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $9-12 | 21+

Aussie native, Nashville resident Ruby Boots headlines The Basement on Friday night in support of her latest record, Don’t Talk About It, which sees the continued maturity of the Americana darling, whose rock flair has taken fans and critics alike by storm. You get a glimpse of this swagger in her latest video “Believe In Heaven” below. Head out early to catch sets from last year’s local breakout success story Little Bandit and retro-inspired songwriter Stephie James for an incredible all-Nashville bill. [MH]

MUSICIANS CORNER: ANDREW COMBS, DYLAN LEBLANC, ANGEL SNOW, SAANEAH, WILDEYES
@ Centennial Park | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

The Friday edition of Musicians Corner (weather permitting) features a stacked lineup of fast-rising Americana darlings. Local singer-songwriter Andrew Combs has been well known in Nashville circles for quite a few years, but, with the release of his latest record, Canyons Of My Mind, the talented artist has been gaining traction with tour dates across the world. He’s heads up the bill for this Musicians Corner acoustic event, which also features performances from a number of folks that we’ve written about in the past, including Dylan LeBlanc and Angel Snow. Soulful R&B artist Saaneah and indie folk outfit Wildeyes kick things off in the best weekend deal around. [MH]

BRANDY ZDAN
@ Grimey’s | 6pm | FREE | All Ages

We’ve gushed about local rocker Brandy Zdan before, who’s hot off the release her latest record, Secretear, which sees the hard hitting artist toying with a more pop-tinged sound, as you can hear in the single “I Want Your Trouble” below. Zdan is celebrating the release with a special, free, in-store at Grimey’s on Friday, offering an opportunity to catch one of our artists to watch in 2018 in an intimate record store environment. [MH]

CLOUDMOUTH, LYLAS, THE MUTE GROUP, BASIC PRINTER
@ The East Room | 8pm | 18+

Local indie folk outfit Cloudmouth, comprised of Kyle Numann, Amoretta Taylor, and Chris Wilson, are celebrating their brand new record Dark Energy this week, and the official release party takes place at The East Room on Friday night. You can get a taste of what to expect (or what you might not expect from the tag indie folk) with their single “Nice Looking Mountain” below. They’ll be joined on a strong bill by psych tinged indie folk outfit Lylas, Umbrella Tree alumni operatic rock project The Mute Group, and synth pop inspired openers Basic Printer. [MH]

CHARGE THE ATLANTIC, FUNKONAUTS, MASSEUSE
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10 | 21+

SAM LEWIS w/ KATIE PRUITT
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $12 | All Ages

SATURDAY

GUIDED BY VOICES
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $25 | 18+

Just a few years ago, it seemed like iconic indie outfit Guided By Voices‘ prolific and improbable reunion had flamed out for good, and our chances of seeing them once more in Music City looked slim. To our pleasant surprise, however, it wasn’t long before frontman Robert Pollard once again willed the band back into existence, recruiting a fantastic new lineup, which has released an impressive four new full-lengths since 2016, and has been touring relentlessly, with several stops in Nashville since their return. The group are back once more on Saturday, this time at The Basement East in support of excellent recent effort Space Gun. Known for their epically long sets and Pollard’s legendary presence and rock pedigree, no two GBV shows are the same, and whether you’re a longtime fan or newcomer, you’re bound to have a blast. Head here for more. [PO]

PORTUGAL. THE MAN w/ JACK HARLOW
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7:30pm | $35-56 | All Ages

Since the release of last summer’s massive, breakout eighth full-length Woodstock, long-running Portland alt/psych rockers Portugal. The Man have been on something of an extended victory lap, enjoying their largest mainstream audience ever, thanks to the crossover success of Grammy winning single “Feel It Still. O.G. fans know, though, that the band have a rich and diverse catalogue of more than a decade of genre-bendning, exploratory releases, and have spent their career honing an engaging, powerful, and trippy live show that really elevates their art in a way you must see to really understand. Along with Louisville indie rapper on the rise Jack Harlow, PTM return to Ascend Amphitheater, where they previously supported Cage the Elephant a couple years ago, for their biggest Nashville headliner to date! It’s a busy weekend, but this is a strong contender. [PO]

MARGO PRICE w/ TYLER CHILDERS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | Sold Out | All Ages

Nashville’s own Margo Price, whose musical rise over the past couple of years has been meteoric, will make her inevitable but exciting headlining debut The Ryman Auditorium this Saturday, followed by appearances the following night and next Wednesday. As we’ve covered extensively, Price broke through to national acclaim with her solo debut, the phenomenal Midwest Farmer’s Daughter, in 2016, and followed it up with last year’s All American Made, once again through Third Man Records. Consciously exploring broader musical realms than the raucous, revivalist sound of her debut with more modern influences, and moving beyond the deeply personal and confessional themes to include broader subject matter and social commentary, All American Made is another triumph for country’s latest anti-establishment success story (and, as we know, one of the hardest working performers in Nashville for over a decade). Unsurprisingly, both shows this weekend are sold out, but it might be worth hitting refresh a few times in case any get released, or go ahead and snag a spot for Wednesday. [PO]

MUSICIANS CORNER: KAREN ELSON, AJ & THE JIGGAWATTS, CORDOVAS, JEFF CARL, COCO REILLY, J WHALEY, LANE ABERNATHY
@ Centennial Park | 1:30pm (12pm gates) | Free | All Ages

A totally stacked Musicians Corner Saturday caught our attention this weekend, with folky, indie, English transplant singer-songwriter (and resident supermodel) Karen Elson earning top billing, followed by a slew of our local favorites. Expect hot and funky soul rock performers (and Music City scene staples) AJ and the Jiggawatts to kick out the jams, with help from another site favorite, Cordovas, and a slew of others, including Jeff Carl, Coco Reilly, and more, spread across two stages all day. Best part of all is this one is 100% free, so as long as you have a way to get there, you don’t really have to spend a dime! [JR]

FEVER BLUSH, TWEN, PINKEST
@ Center 615 (Rooftop Deck) | 4:30pm (4pm doors) | $10-20 | All Ages

Part of a cool new live audio/video recording series called The High There Sessions, our pals at Cold Lunch Recordings are hosting a rad midday party on Saturday on the roof of Center 615 (at 615 Main Street, across from Family Wash), fearing a couple of our favorite local acts. Celebrating the release of a new split 7-inch are lo-fi, dreamy, indie pop up and comers Fever Blush and psych-tinged garage rock faves Twen, with support from likeminded Atlanta act Pinkest. $10 gets you in, but we’d personally spring for the $20 VIP tickets, which include a couple of drink tickets and a copy of the 7-inch. [PO]

BETTY’S FEST: GNARWHAL, TENNESSEE SCUM, THE CHEWERS, THANK YOU PLEASE, WORK, VLADOPUS9, DEPRESSION BREAKFAST
@ Betty’s | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5 minimum

As we mentioned above, a ton of great local bands and members of the fantastic Nashville DIY scene have come together this weekend for Betty’s Fest, performing for donations in order to raise money to outfit the west side haunt with a much needed new P.A. system. These aren’t any old bands either, but a group of artists we’d be strongly recommend fans of underground, artsy, experimental rock, psych, garage, and indie check out no matter the cause, with Saturday’s slate featuring Gnarwhal, Tennessee Scum, The Chewers, and more! There’s a $5 minimum donation, but we’d say at least throw in $10, or more if you can spare it, and enjoy the experience even more next time, knowing you helped improve the local scene! [PO]

DIRTY PROJECTORS w/ BUZZY LEE
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $25-28 | 18+

After a bit of a prolonged absence, famed New York indie rock outfit The Dirty Projectors sprung back into action last year with their excellent, eponymous seventh album (and first effort since long-running member Amber Coffman exited the band). Still  riding the buzz from that release, the band are prepping a swift followup, Lamp Lit Prose, due out this summer, and return to Nashville for the first time in nearly six years at this exciting, second wind juncture. An excellent and acclaimed live outfit, they’ll be joined by Buzzy Lee for a stop at Exit/In, and tickets still remain as of writing! [PO]

TRISHA IVY, SHEL, KOZIOL AND KENNEDY, JOBEK, EMILY OTTESON
@ Fond Object (Riverside) | 7pm (6:30pm doors) | $5 | All Ages

Here’s to hoping the weather doesn’t play havoc with the slew of outdoor events happening this weekend, as our pals at Fond Object are hosting a backyard hootenanny that has a lineup geared to appeal to all. Americana singer-songwriter Trisha Ivy takes on the headlining role, with standout sibling group (and blog faves) SHEL set to perform as well. Americana leaning standouts Koziol and Kennedy, Emily Otteson, and Jobek are warming things up. It’s a perfect chance to enjoy spring, and, for those age, partake in some beers from partner Little Harpeth Brewing. Head to the Facebook event page for more info. [MH]

THE DIRTY DELUSIONS, IRON VESSEL, JACK BERRY, DAN LUKE AND THE RAID
@ The East Room | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5 | 18+

Not to be confused with The Dirty Projectors, who play Exit/In the same night, local garage rockers The Dirty Delusions celebrate the release of their new EP Sell Yourself Saturday night at The East Room. After dropping a cool debut EP last spring, the band made an interesting sonic leap with single “Dark Eyes” a few months later, and have continued to hone their hard-hitting fusion of garage, indie, and punk rock with more focused and confident results on their latest. Support comes from local faves Iron Vessel, Jack Berry, and Dan Luke and the Raid, a solid bill from top to bottom, and one of the best values of the weekend without a doubt. [PO]

BROTHER MAN w/ THE RAGCOATS, THE WEIRD SISTERS
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $7 | 18+

A local roots rock and heavy blues flavored duo who pack a serious punch, Brother Man are poised to release their new six-track record All On My Own, and to celebrate they’ll be headlining a very special release show at The High Watt this weekend. Local rock power trio The Ragcoats and funktastic ensemble The Weird Sisters will fill out the bill on what is sure to be a kickass night of tunage. That’s three local bands for just seven bones, plus you’re helping to support a local record release. Do your part to help keep Music City awesome, support resident musicians! [JR]

PARKER MILLSAP
@ Grimey’s | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

Americana standout singer/songwriter Parker Millsap returns to Nashville in support of his latest record, Other Arrangements, which debuted earlier this month. After the breakout success of his 2014 self-titled release, Millsap has seen his stock rise, touring with Patty Griffin, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason Isbell, and more. You’ll get two chances to see the talented songwriter this weekend. First, this in-store at Grimey’s for free on Saturday, but you should also make note of his full set as part of Nashville Sunday Night the following evening at 3rd and Lindsley as well. We recommend that you make an effort to catch both. [MH]

DEROBERT & THE HALF-TRUTHS, DORAN DANOFF, TENNESSEE MUSCLE CANDY
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10 | 21+

SUNDAY

MARGO PRICE w/ TYLER CHILDERS
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | Sold Out | All Ages

As we mentioned above, Nashville breakout outlaw country singer Margo Price sold out her debut Ryman residency well in advance, but you can still get tickets to see her this Wednesday as of writing. If you’re dying to catch a weekend show, however, you can try you luck on the secondary market, or check the direct ticket links every once in awhile, in case some last minute spots get released. [PO]

TELEFONES, BAMBARA, THE MEDIUM, ONLY
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | 21+

Our pals over at Cold Lunch Recordings are throwing yet another killer party this weekend, and this one features the rich, groovy, experimental rock of local outfit Telefones, Brooklyn based noise rockers Bambara, psych tinged rockers The Medium, and indie rockers Only. If you are looking for a local hang to wrap your weekend, this is a great option. [MH]

SECRET STUFF, KAYAK JONES, GEIST, PLAYBOY MANBABY, RUN TOBIAS
@ The Spice Rack | 7pm | $5 | All Ages

Effectively the artistic vehicle of local DIY punk champion Michael Pfohl, who not only contributes musically to the Nashville scene, but also serves as a key figure in growing it behind the scenes as well, Secret Stuff have long been site faves, since first emerging in 2014. In recent years, the band have earned national buzz through constant touring, adding their own voice to revivalist trend in emo with personal, earnest, and resonant songs fusing pop punk and midwestern, classic emo flair. It’s been a long time coming, but the group are finally prepping to release their full-length debut, and you can hear some brand new tunes performed full band this weekend at under the radar spot The Spice Rack (ask around for the address). Support comes from Iowa emo/pop punks Kayak Jones, Memphis art rockers Geist, Arizona indie punks Playboy Manbaby, and local emo punks Run Tobias, without a doubt the best DIY lineup of the weekend! [PO]

DOG CONTEST, SHINING MIRRORS, MONOCULTURE, APOLLO WILD
@ The East Room | 8pm | $8 | 18+

The East Room boasts another cool Sunday night mix of local and national talent for a wallet-friendly price. While we’re not exactly sure who top-billed act Dog Contest are (we’re assuming a new local project), New York dark pop primed garage punks Shining Mirrors and Dallas psych rock and jazz fashion outfit Monoculture are reason enough to make this an enticing pick. Local rockers Apollo Wild are icing on the cake. [PO]

STEELY DAN w/ THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
@ Ascend Amphitheater | 7:30pm | $39.50-199.50 | All Ages

Get ready to take a stroll through the classic rock hits parade, courtesy of The Summer of Living Dangerously tour, featuring Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. Although the touring lineups have varied a lot over the years, and some founding band members have moved on to that big gold stage in the sky (RIP Walter Becker), both bands have part/most of their core intact, and a litany of popular songs sure to keep people grooving and shaking all night long. Don’t pass on the chance to see some true legends of soft rock in probably the best outdoor venue in town. [JR]

AWOLNATION w/ MISSIO, IRONTOM
@ Marathon Music Works | 8:30pm | $15.40-32 | All Ages

Breakout LA alt rock project AWOLNATION have, over nearly a decade, perfected a sort of populist, hook-laden, electro and industrial infused primed for radio play, prominent placements, and big stages, and along the way have become a commercial hit at time when rock is largely in decline. While we still have more of a soft spot for frontman Aaron Bruno’s insanely fan last band Under the Influence of Giants, AWOLNATION are especially well suited to live performances, and with a new third album in tow, this is a cool time to catch ’em. [PO]

MARK FREDSON, CANCION FRANKLIN, PARKER HODGES, ETHAN SAMUEL BROWN
@ The Crying Wolf | 8pm | $5 | 21+

Best known for his decade for fronting The Lonely H, who relocated to Nashville from Washington towards the end of their run, Mark Fredson, who’s also worked as a co-writer for many local faves, has become increasingly more active as a solo artist lately, and is currently prepping a full-length solo debut, which seems to be taking an anthemic, pop primed direction. He heads up an inexpensive Sunday night show at The Crying Wolf that warrants your attention, also featuring Brooklyn singer-songwriter Cancion Franklin, and fellow locals Parker Hodges and Ethan Samuel Brown, all great bets if you like earnest, story-driven songwriting. [PO]

PARKER MILLSAP w/ JILLETTE JOHNSON
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (8pm doors) | $20 | All Ages

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