While most regular readers will be avoiding the madness downtown this weekend and preparing for Bonnaroo next week, there are still plenty of shows going on around town that the tourists won’t have a clue about. Have a look at a surprisingly full calendar of events despite upcoming mega-festivals and CMA Fest! See what we are excited about this weekend in this week’s edition of TWiN!
FRIDAY
CONOR OBERST W/ DAWES
@ Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | $29.50-39.50 | All Ages
We’ve been reminding you for months, and even gave away some tickets, and, finally, the night has arrived. Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes, Monsters of Folk, Desaparecidos, and The Mystic Valley Band fame) is out on a solo run in support of his amazing new album, Upside Down Mountain, and, along for the ride, folk rockers Dawes will both support Oberst and open the show. Tickets are still available for this one, so grab yours now, and read more about it right here. [PO]
PERFECT PUSSY W/ WAXED, CHAINSOT
@ The Stone Fox | 9pm | $8 | 18+
I wonder if in Perfect Pussy‘s hometown of Syracuse, New York, people asked themselves, like we did with Diarrhea Planet, “why are these kids making it so hard on themselves to succeed in the music industry?” Needless to say, I’ve asked myself that on more than one occasion about both non-radio friendly named bands. However, DIY is the style that Perfect Pussy prefer. We tried to set up a show for them right after Pitchfork started swooning, and they asked if we could do it at a house or some other non-formal space. They ended up, fittingly, at Exit/In for Freakin’ Weekend, but, tonight, they are back for another foray into their noise rock mind games. You better believe we’ll need a dose of kick ass after the prettiness of Conor Oberst & Dawes. Lyft with us. [MH]
JEFF BLANEY AND THE DANBERRY’S
@ fooBAR | 9pm |FREE | 21+
Don’t miss the amazing Nashville based Americana singer-songwriter and award winning Blues guitarist Jeff Blaney when he plays fo’ free at fooBar tonight. We think you’ll dig his fine picking and down to earth songs. Get there early for East Nashville’s own The Danberrys and their crunchy Bluegrass, folk, Americana vibes, which are also 100% free. [JR]
CHANCELLOR WARHOL W/ RUSH MIDNIGHT AND NIGHTBOX
@ Mercy Lounge | 9pm | $10 | 18+
It’s no secret that we’re HUGE fans of Nashville emcee on the rise, Chancellor Warhol, and his latest album, Paris Is Burning, has quickly become one of our favorite releases of 2014 (and 2013, since we were lucky enough to be invited to hear it early). Smart, witty, ambitious, and technically skilled, Warhol is a genre-bending, larger-than-life performer, and, inevitably, is on the path to putting Nashville hip hop on the map in a big way. His hometown shows are few and far between amidst his busy recent schedule, so you’d be crazy to miss this one. Rush Midnight and Nighbox support. [PO]
EARPHUNK W/ THIS IS ART AND AMERIGO GAZAWAY
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $10 | 18+
Funky jam music is in right now, and frankly we couldn’t be happier about it. If you’re ready to bust out them dancing shoes and get your groove on, we’ve got the perfect show for you tonight. New Orleans based funky/progressive/jazzy six piece Earphunk is the headliner for the evening, and they’ll be opened for by two local producers: This is Art and Amerigo Gazaway. All three of these acts have made names for themselves in the last couple years for producing groovy tracks that are easy to get down to. We predict (no, we know) that this show is going to be a blast, and we highly encourage all of you to get out to Exit/In and enjoy yourselves. [JS]
SATURDAY
THE HOWLIN’ BROTHERS
@ Howlin’ Books | 5pm | Free | All Ages
No, that isn’t a typo. Local bluegrass/Americana three-piece string band the The Howlin’ Brothers will be playing at the ultra-cool independent book store Howlin’ Books. The talented pickers will dig deep into their wide variety of originals and traditional favorites. The best part about this all ages show is it is totally free, so bring the kids and buy some books while you’re there! [JR]
MUSICIANS CORNER: KATIE HERZIG, PAPER BIRD, KANSAS BIBLE COMPANY AND JILLIAN EDWADS
@ Centennial Park | 1:30pm | Free | All Ages
Let’s face it. For non-country music lovers, this weekend has the potential to suck. Our fair city is overrun by mid-westerns stuffed into their Wranglers, Justins, and Stetsons. Fear not, lovers of the pop, Musician’s Corner has another Saturday chock full of local awesome. We recently told you about Katie Herzig’s album release, and, of course, we’ve been selling stock for the, about to play Bonnaroo, Kansas Bible Company since their first days in Nashville. Paper Bird and Jillian Edwards are the proverbial whipped cream and cherry to top off this stellar lineup. Stock up on the sunscreen, but pull out your rain boots, cause either way, we about to party up in here. [MH]
EAST SIDE HOOTENANNY: KINK ADOR, HEAVY SOLE, FRANCES & THE FOUNDATION AND THE LOWER CAVES
@ East Park | 4pm | Free/VIP $30 | All Ages
If you are following me around on Saturday, you’ll shift from Centennial Park pop vibes to East Park rock jams when you head over to for another East Side Hootenanny. The week’s event is chock full of blog faves like Kink Ador‘s summery jams, Heavy Sole‘s riffy blues, indie rockers Frances & The Foundation, and the rebranded phoenix of The Lower Caves (formerly Eastern Block). No Country would easily write a stand alone “GO SEE THIS SHOW” blurb for any of these four, so why would you pass up the opportunity to see them all at once for free. Of course, if you are really following me around, you’ll drop a little extra coin for VIP, because, let’s face it, we’ll have been drinking a lot of beer together by that point, and private restrooms will be a must. [MH]
TIDES OF MAN, LIONS AND MONOLITH EMPIRE
@ Cafe Coco | 6pm | 18+
If you recognize the Tampa based prog rock/metal act Tides of Man, chances are you’re aware that former lead singer Tilian Pearson recently left the group in order to take the role of lead vocalist of Dance Gavin Dance. This put the rest of the band in a tough position, but, rather than looking for a new singer, they simply became an instrumental act. Their newest album, Young and Courageous, is the first step in the road to being an instrumental band, and presents an interesting look at a band forced to adapt to a challenging situation. However, the album is quite strong musically and sure to delight fans of Tides of Man’s early stuff. You can catch them at the lovely Cafe Coco this Saturday evening if you’re free! [JS]
THE WHIPPOORWILLS w/ RAELYN NELSON, THE VINTAGE COWBOYS, AND BIRD DOG
@ The Rutledge | 8pm | $5 | 18+
We tapped into The Whippoorwills earlier this week with the release of their debut single “Thin Man Blues”. It’s always fun to get excited about a new band in the scene. We don’t much about these newbs… yet. Join us tonight though, and you may just find a new favorite band. [MH]
HOT ACTION COP W/ NEW WAVE REBELLION
@ 12th and Porter | 9pm | $12-15 | 18+
Rock/pop band Hot Action Cop first hit the scene hot and heavy in the early ’00s with their single “Fever for the Flava,” and, even if you don’t recognize the song name, I can guarantee that you’ve heard it. It’s been in many hit movies (including American Wedding) as well as television shows, and the band are set to play a hometown Nashville show tonight in support of their latest, Listen Up!, to prove that they have more than just that one hit single to offer. This band put a fun twist on rock and pop which is guaranteed to bring a night full of excitement to 12th & Porter, and, with New Wave Rebellion tapped to open, you can’t go wrong. [BM]
JAMMIN’ ON ELLISTON ISLAND FEATURING ROOTS OF A REBELLION, CHINESE CONNECTION DUB EMBSSY, MD AND COBALT BLUE, PARADISE DAZE, THE LTG, JO’SHUA ODINE AND CHLOE KAT
@ Exit/In | 7pm | $5 | 18+
Nashville’s not particularly known for its thriving reggae scene, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an interest in the genre here. Spearheaded by Roots of a Rebellion, this Saturday you can see the best of Nashville’s acts at Jammin’ on Elliston Island. The concert features a number of performers from across town, all ready to take your hand and lead you into the fantastic world of dub and roots. Also, the event will be partnering with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in an effort to get attendees to bring both perishable and nonperishable food items. If you bring 10 items, you can get into the show for free! So go on and tap into your humanitarian side, and check out some awesome reggae acts this Saturday. [JS]
SUNDAY
FAILURE
@ Exit/In | 8pm | SOLD OUT | 18+
With their fans amassing into the realm of near cult status, LA alternative, metalish space rockers Failure are back on tour and opening for Tool. For their SOLD OUT show here in Nashville they will be flying solo but still blowing minds just the same. Odds are you’re going to be left out for this one, but if at possible, we highly recommend you check one of the most overlooked bands from ’90s alternative music. Here’s to hoping there may be a new album on the way. [JR]
L.P. W/ GUTHRIE BROWN
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm | $10 | All Ages
We fell hard for LP back in 2012 when she unleashed her single “Into The Wild.” After an excruciatingly long wait, she dropped her debut full length this week, entitled Forever For Now. The whole record packs an undeniable oomph, nesting her mighty songbird-of-prey vocals with sweeping power-folk arrangements. 18 year-old up-and-comer Guthrie Brown is sure to be a strong opening act, with past performances alongside The Lumineers and Buddy Guy. [WD]
[BM] Beth McAllister
[JR] Jacob Ryan
[JS] Jack Smith
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain
[WD] Wes Davenport