Brace yourselves Nashville, there are a TON of shows going on around town this weekend. So, you have quite a few decisions to make. We have benefits, record releases, sold out shows that you will kick yourself for not getting tickets to before, and a lot more. Have a look at our overly ambitious rundown of staff picks in this weeks editions of TWiN!
FRIDAY
AJ & THE JIGGAWATTS
@ Soulshine | 7pm | Free | All Ages
Cleverly described as “rock’n’soul,” AJ & The Jiggawatts is Lightning 100’s Artist of the Week. Playing at the Soulshine Pizza Factory at 7PM, this is a show you can’t afford to miss – literally. The show is free. Everyone can afford ‘free.’ You have no excuse to not be there. AJ & The Jiggawatts are going to bring down the house with their rock’n’soul. Need reassurance? Check out the video below. [BM]
BENEFIT FOR SHAKES ft. JUSTIN & THE COSMICS, KINGS OF THE F**KING SEA, MOSELEY, SHANE TUTMARC, MYSTERY TWINS, ANDREW LEAHEY, NATURAL OUTLAW, FRANCES AND THE FOUNDATION, ALLEN THOMPSON
@ The 5 Spot | 8pm | $give | 21+
Those of you that have spent time at The 5 Spot, 3 Crow, or even East Nashville Underground have crossed paths with “Shakes” (aka Jason Hostetler), and understand that he is an integral part of the Nashville independent music scene. Shakes had to go in for major surgery last month, and is going to miss a lot of work. In typical Nashville fashion though, tons of folks have chipped in to try to help out. For those of you that have ever worked in the service industry, you know that something like this can be devastating to make ends meet. Stop by and help out… and see some great music while you are there! [MH]
FOSTER THE PEOPLE W/ ST. LUCIA
@ Ryman Auditorium| 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
We hope you bought tickets to see indie superstars Foster the People way back in January when we first told you about their Ryman performance, because tickets to see the “Pumped Up Kicks” rockers are totally sold out. [PO]
BRIAN FUENTE W/ BOYS ON THE RADIO AND EARL BURROWS
@ 12th and Porter | 8pm | $8 | 18+
Only a couple years removed from his appearance on The Voice, the one man wrecking crew that is Brian Fuente not only sings on his new self-titled record, he also co-produced it and plays multiple instruments on it. Growing up just outside Jackson, Mississippi with a jazz singer for a mother and guitarist for a father, Fuente has numerous musical influences that have helped shape his unique indie pop sounds. He now calls Nashville home as do alternative/pop four-piece Boys on the Radio and synth-folk rockers Earl Burrows who fill out this all local bill. Regardless of if you’re local yourself or just visiting, what’s not to love at just eight duckets? [JR]
KATIE HERZIG RECORD RELEASE W/ AMY STROUP AND LOVERS ELECTRIC
@ Mercy Lounge | 7pm | $15 | 18+
We ran this show down for you with a full preview this morning, so check back there for more info. Otherwise, check out the title track for the album (Walk Through Walls) that she is celebrating tonight. [WD]
THE ZOMBIES
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 6:30pm | $25 | All Ages
One of the inaugural members of the British invasion made famous in the 60s, The Zombies were the second band from the UK to chart a number one single in the US (the first? The Beatles, of course). After break-ups, reunions and various lineup changes they keep coming back, like all good undead do. Don’t pass on one of the few legendary bands from the hippie era still touring and don’t miss your chance to hear their iconic hit “Time of the Season” live. [JR]
STEVE MOAKLER
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 9:30pm | $10 | All Ages
This guy, he’s a well-connected dude. In addition to the fact that his songs have been performed by various famous country artists, Steve Moakler is an incredible musician in his own right. With three albums under his belt and songs that have been in movies and on television, he is well worth checking out at 3rd and Lindsley. He’s not one of those people who just up and moved to Nashville to be a singer/songwriter, but he’s actually making it in this dog-eat-dog industry. Originally from Pittsburgh (that’s in Pennsylvania, for those of us who aren’t the greatest at geography), Steve Moakler is here to impress the hell out of everyone who sees him. [BM]
CHARLES BRADLEY AND HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES W/ DEROBERT AND THE HALF- TRUTHS
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $18ADV/$20DOS | 18+
Traditionally labeled as Nashville’s rock venue, Exit/In will be transformed by some serious soul action with a stacked lineup worthy of a summertime festival. Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires are no strangers to Nashville, and DeRobert and The Half Truths seems to be soothing Nashville ears on a near weekly basis these days. Get in the groove, before you get left behind. [MH]
DAN CROLL W/ PANAMA WEDDING
@ The High Watt | 8pm | $10 | 18+
If summery synth pop makes up your poolside tanning soundtracks, Dan Croll with Panama Wedding is your show. Though we’re 87% sure there isn’t a tanning bed at The High Watt, you’ll still catch rays from Dan Croll’s single “From Nowhere”. Take a listen below. No sunblock needed. [WD]
THE CUNNING W/ JUDSON AND GORILLA BABY
@ The Basement | 9pm | $5 | 21+
It’s a night of new rock tunes over at The Basement. Heavier southern inspired rockers The Cunning have the headling slot, but we’re interested to check out new Nashville transplant Judson McKinney. You can have a listen to his video for “Moon Pie” below. [MH]
ERICK BAKER W/ SETH GILER
@ The Basement | 7pm | $7 | 21+
Hailing from just down the road in Knoxville, TN, Erick Baker has played with many notable musicians including James Blunt, John Legend, Grace Potter, and the Goo Goo Dolls; but Baker is looking to make a name all on his own. His Americana singer songwriter no nonsense songs will draw you in from his first breath and Seth Giller brings his piano to the party with some singer-songwriter anthems of his own (and a degree from Berklee College of Music to boot). Should be great night of introspective songsmiths for you all to enjoy! [JR]
SLIGHTLY STOOPID, MARIACHI EL BRONX, THE EXPANDERS
@ Marathon Music Works | 7pm | $25ADV/$30DOS | 18+
SoCal super jammers Slightly Stoopid describe their sound as “a fusion of folk, rock, reggae and blues with hip-hop, funk, metal and punk.” Sooooo basically they have all the bases covered but take it from us they are a blast live. If you can see through the haze of marijuana smoke (their fans tend to burn copious amounts of it) than you will enjoy watching their improv styled performance and hippie dancing. Latin influenced rockers Mariachi El Bronx and roots reggae rockers The Expanders will be the appetizers for what promise to be a Smörgåsbord of sounds at a fair price. [JR]
JEN HODGES AND SPURGE W/ NEW WAVE REBELLION, OCEAN ARCHITECTURE, AND GENERAL JOYSTICK
@ fooBAR | 9pm | $5 | 21+
One thing that drives me nuts about live hip-hop is the lack of instrumentation. Maybe I’m a visual person, and just get bored watching one man with a microphone stand on stage. Regardless, enter Music City’s Jen Hodges And Spurge who sent us this video a while back, and we’ve been trying to find a spot to get it out to ya. [MH]
ELEL w/ Sad Baxter & The Reneaus
@ The Stone Fox | 9pm | $5 | 18+
Friends of the site and recent Road to Bonnaroo winners ELEL have been busy lately! This is a major mark of a genuinely great band though: we still haven’t gotten tired of watching them live. One of the coolest, most unique indie bands to come out of Nashville in awhile, it seems only fitting that they would return to The Stone Fox this weekend (where we first got a chance to see them). Sad Baxter and The Reneaus support. Don’t miss out! [PO]
SATURDAY
WE ARE NASHVILLE: A BENEFIT FOR RELAY FOR LIFE
@ 12th and Porter | 8pm |$8|18+
Want to go to a great show this weekend while also doing your duty to mankind? Well, reader with oddly specific Saturday night goals, you’re in luck. 12th and Porter and the We Are Nashville organization, this interesting show features a lineup of local artists including singer-songwriters Kel, Louisa, and Matt Robinson, DJ Rudy, electronic/trap artists Lara and Third Kind, and country acts Williams & Co. and Ben Whisler. On top of all that, you can also catch a performance by the improv comedy troupe and frequent 12th and Porter performers LOL Nashville. The show is $8 (though if you’re under 21, it’ll cost you $11), and half of the proceeds will go to Relay for Life. Besides having a killer lineup, this show is also for a great cause, and we wholeheartedly recommend you check it out if you’ve got the time. [JS]
GORILLA BABY, NORTH BY NORTH, WOOLY MAMAS, JON RICE BAND
@ fooBAR | 9pm | $5 |21+
Rock varies from melodic songwriting treasures to hard hitting boot stomping melees to southern fried roots. You’ll have the opportunity to check out all three at Foobar on Saturday night. Have a listen to the double LP Something Wicked from Chicago rockers North By North to get just a taste of what you’re in for. [MH]
JOE BONAMASSA
@ The Ryman | 8 PM | Sold Out | All Ages
Yes, friends, you read that correctly: guitar legend Joe Bonamassa will be playing in Nashville this Saturday at the Ryman. Unfortunately, official tickets have been sold out, but we’ve seen a number of resale tickets going from $100-$150 across the web. If you’re unfamiliar with Bonamassa, he’s widely considered to be one of the most gifted guitarists alive today both within in the genre of blues and in the entire music industry. The man first started playing at age 12 back in 1989, and even before that felt a strong inclination towards the British blues traditions. Ten studio albums, a number of live recordings, and 25 years later, Bonamassa has essentially mastered the sophisticated blues styles pioneered by the likes of Eric Clapton or Paul Kossof, as well as injected his own musical sensibilities, lightning fast chops, and unique vocal style into the mix. All in all, Bonamassa is without a doubt one of the most creative guitarists of our time, and his live shows are the stuff of legend. You can check out one of Bonamassa’s hit tracks, “Just Got Paid”, below, or try to get a ticket through Craigslist (avoid the shady listings). Be looking for our photos and review of the show early next week![JS]
DENNEY AND THE JETS
@ Grimey’s | 5pm | FREE | All Ages
Fans of one of our favorite local albums of the year, Mexican Coke, need to get out to see Denney And The Jets. They have an upcoming in-store at Grimeys, which is surely the cheapest place that you will see them this summer. It’s also the last show they have in-town for almost a month. So, jump on it peeps. [MH]
BLACK 13 TATTOO PRESENTS PROMOCALYPSE 2014- 5TH ANNUAL HUMAN AND ZOMBIE PROM FT LA FORCE, RUBIK’S GROOVE AND MORE
@ The Cannery Ballroom | 8pm | $15 | All Ages
A Promocalypse is actually what it sounds like: a standard prom-style dance mixed with an apocalypse situation. In this case, guests of the prom will have the choice of coming as either a human or a zombie, but in either case, you must be dressed in prom appropriate attire. The event will take place at the Cannery Ballroom, and will feature a DJ set by La Force, a live band performance by Rubik’s Groove, breakdancing by Alkemy, and “a few surprises” (according to the website). Furthermore, there will be a prom photographer offering free photos of you and your undead date. This is going to be one of the most unique events that the Cannery holds this year, and at a mere $15, we won’t be too surprised if this one sells out. Remember if you’re going that they do actually enforce the dress code! [JS]
MONO W/ YOUNG WIDOWS
@ Exit/In | 8pm | 18+| $12
Mono is a four-piece Japanese instrumental band known for their elaborate and complex musical arrangements and amazing live shows. Quick to enlist the help of multiple musicians including, but not limited to, the string section of an orchestra, the group is touring in support of their latest EP Kanata. So let’s show them that not all Americans have shitty taste in music. Louisville dark-rock poets Young Widows will get things started but be sure to give both bands a warm welcome since they are blessing you with another amazing night of tunage. [JR]
DAMIEN JURADO W/ ADAM FAUCETT
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm | $12 | 18+
While the promacolypse goes on down the hall in the Cannery Ballroom, the Mercy Lounge will adopt a totally different vibe this Saturday. Acoustic indie singer-songwriter Damien Jurado will be taking the stage with Adam Faucett for a more introspective and thoughtful evening. Both of these musicians delight in producing songs that really make their audiences think and feel something, rather than simply producing dance beats. While this might not make either of these artists the most upbeat guys in the world, this dedication towards crafting intellectual challenging music is quite artistic and definitely has its own sort of appeal. To get a sense of what we mean, check out the video below for Jurado’s track “Silver Timothy”, or better yet some on out this Saturday and check out the performance. [JS]
KEVIN COSTNER AND MODERN WEST W/ LILY COSTNER
@ War Memorial Auditorium | 7:30pm | $35-65 | All Ages
Hollywood frontman Kevin Costner is a busy man these days. With multiple blockbuster movies in 2014, we find it hard to believe that he is making time to tour with his musical side project Kevin Costner And The Modern West. We’ve seen this show before, and it is backed by some pretty amazing Nashville based musicians, not to mention Costner’s incredible storytelling. Tickets are still available for a truly intimate evening! [MH]
SUNDAY
JOHN OATES W/ JAMIE MCLAUGHLIN
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $18 | All Ages
John Oates might not be as a big a draw without his famous other half, Daryl Hall, but, still, his solo stuff is sure to appease fans. The singer, who now calls Nashville home, dropped by Grimey’s last week for Record Store Day, and will be hitting the stage at 3rd & Lindsley for a more expanded set in support of his new full-length and recent live album. [PO]
ALLEN THOMPSON BAND W/ ROMAN WILLIAMS & THE PREY, JENNIFER GIBBONS, AND GREG AMELL
@ The Basement | 8pm | Free | 21+
The free Sunday get-down at The Basement continues this week with some friends like the Allen Thompson Band. I’ve seen you out at bars on Sundays. Sunday funday is a very popular pastime. Why not throw in a free show and cheap beers to boot. Thanks Grimey for getting our work week off to a slow start! [MH]
WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS W/ LEIF VOLLEBEKK
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $15/18DOS | 21+
William Fitzsimmons fills the songwriter void like few others. Poignant, artistic, and lovely are three of the first words that come to mind. You’ve likely heard his tunes if you are a fan of Private Practice or One Tree Hill type shows. If you aren’t already, you’ll likely be a fan if you dig Andrew Bird, Sufjan Stevens, or Iron & Wine type stuff. You can check out the title track for his most recent release below to see what you are in store for. [MH]
HAIM W/ SHY GIRLS
@ The Cannery | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages
HAIM‘s show sold out Mercy Lounge, like, instantly, and then proceeded to do the same when the show was upgraded to Cannery Ballrooom, so, if you’re a fan, odds are you either nabbed tickets months ago, or this one is something of a sore subject. Either way, those who managed to snag a spot are in for a great time. [PO]
[BM] Beth McAllister
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JS] Jack Smith
[WD] Wes Davenport
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain
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