TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Feb 17-19

Just when you thought that the winter show doldrums were going to last for the rest of whatever season this is, we have a stacked weekend of top notch shows going on around Music City.  We’ve got future folk at Third Man, jam bands, hip hop reunions, and legends from the past three decades performing around town, not to mention a slew of gigs from local acts going on.  Head below to navigate your way through a busy weekend with this week’s edition of TWiN.

FRIDAY

SKYWAY MAN
@ Third Man Records | 5pm | FREE | All Ages

In continued celebration for the release of Seen Comin’ From A Mighty Eye, Skyway Man, the new project from local future folkster James Wallace, will be bringing his tripped out sounds and talented band of musicians to the storefront at Third Man Records on Friday for a free all ages show.  This is just one of the many parties to celebrate the latest release and there are more coming up next week.  However, this is a cool opportunity for you to spend some time digging through the eclectic stacks at Third Man while you listen. [MH]

TEMPLES
@ Grimey’s | 6pm | FREE | All Ages

English psych outfit Temples are gearing up for the release of their much anticipated sophomore release Volcano, which is due out on Fat Possum on March 3.  They’re heading out for a serious U.S. tour in support, but, before the record is released or that tour starts, you’ll have a chance to catch them here first for free.  Don’t sleep on this in-store as it is sure to be packed, and it is the only confirmed Nashville date on the docket right now. [MH]

NIKKI LANE w/ BANDITOS
@ Donelson Bowl | 8pm | $20 | All Ages

It’s been a big week for local outlaw country bad ass Nikki Lane.  She will release her third LP, Highway Queen, on Friday, and has been celebrating all week with performances at Music City Roots and Grimeys.  Of course, you know she’s going to go all out for her official release, and has taken over Donelson Bowl for a special release show featuring like minded local brethren Banditos.  Last we heard, tickets for this very limited engagement were in the single digits, but you can head over to Nikki’s High Class Hillbilly store on Gallatin to try your luck.  Head below to check out the new single “Jackpot” from the record to get an idea of just how bad ass this will be to hear in a bowling alley. [MH]

ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES W/ RUBY AMANFU
@ The Ryman | 7:30pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Y’all should know by now that every time St. Paul & the Broken Bones come to town, their shows are gonna sell out. Night two with the Alabama soul ensemble features local songstress Ruby Amanfu opening, who recently grabbed our attention with her powerful Women’s March anthem “When They Go Low We Go High.” [MG]

MOE.
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm | $22-$25 | All Ages

Jam fans rejoice, because Buffalo, NY legends of the game moe. are passing through Music City on winter tour, and, as of writing, tickets are still available. Prepare for a wook army to invade Marathon Village, as the five-man power house bring their mass of diehard fans. Since the ’90s, they’ve pumped out eleven LPs, ten live albums, and so many festival appearances, it’s more of a question of what fest haven’t they played at this point. They’ll be a lot of out-of-towners at this one, so act fast before it sells out. [JR]

WE THE KINGS w/ CUTE IS WHAT WE AIM FOR, PLAID BRIXX, ASTRO LASSO
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $25-$79 | 18+

Feeling nostalgic for some infectious pop punk from the mid 2000s? We The Kings are celebrating the 10th anniversary (yes, we feel old too) of their self-titled record, which featured their signature track “Check Yes Juliet.” Strap on your Converse and perfect your hair swoop, because Cute Is What We Aim For are also slated to open, and we know you still have all the lyrics to “Curse of Curves” memorized.  [LL]

GABE DIXON w/ JESS NOLAN
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | $15 | All Ages

Local rock singer songwriter Gabe Dixon is topping off a very tasty bill, especially if you like piano. We’ve covered him before, and Dixon’s work show’s influences from two of the greats, Ellton John and Billy Joel, all be it with a modern Music City flare. The opener Jess Nolan is no stranger to No Country, and we like her work so much we helped her get the word out about her debut EP. Expect both performers to pack a punch, and to bring some others out to perform with them, upping the ante. [JR]

THE TEMPTATIONS
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center| 8pm | $46-$149 | All Ages

For the second night of three, the legendary Temptations will be playing the beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center with help from members of the Nashville Symphony. Although the lineups have changed over the years for the crooners (Otis Williams singing baritone has been the only constant), the songs remain the same, and hearing them live in this setting has to be the chance of lifetime! If you grew up loving them, or just appreciate seeing legendary performers, this show is a must. Synchronized dance moves are sure to be included. [JR]

DEVON GILFILLIAN
@ Acme Feed & Seed | 8pm | FREE | 21+

If you happen to be down town Friday, or you’re just looking for some awesome FREE live music, head to Acme and check out No Country Presents alum Devon Gilfillian. A heavy soul singer songwriter, Devon has pipes to spare, and we look forward to seeing the Morton, PA, find his way in the his new(ish) home; Music City. Help support the local scene, and don’t spend a fortune doing it … be at this show! [JR]

STAGOLEE w/ THE FUTURE, CREATURE COMFORT, PORCH LIGHT APOTHECARY
@ The 5 Spot | 9pm | $5 | 21+

In the vein of keeping it local, despite their recurring role in national TV success story Nashville, The 5 Spot will be hosting a bill packed with locals on Friday night.  Local mainstay rockers Stagolee will be joined by danceable pop drenched rockers The Future, melodic indie rockers Creature Comfort, and North Carolina based folksters Porch Light Apothecary.  If you need a low price solution to catch an eclectic bill of live music, this is a good choice. [MH]

US AND THE SHIP, LOW MASS, NATHAN K
@ Cafe Coco | 8pm | $5 | All Ages

Clearly influenced by artsy, alternative punk-rooted projects like mewithoutYou and Manchester Orchestra, locals Us and the Ship play the type of epic, emotionally charged  indie rock that we can’t get enough of. Joined by one of the most promising new acts in the local music scene, post-hardcore/indie outfit Low Mass, as well as folky, alt-country rocker Nathan K, this exciting,  cheap, all-local bill in the intimate back room of Cafe Coco is perhaps the best under the radar finds of the weekend. [PO]

SATURDAY

LAUREN STRANGE & THE PRETTY KILLERS, FREE KITTENS & BREAD, LATE BLOOMER, CHEAP DEMON
@ Radio Cafe | 9pm | $5 | All Ages

Austin-based punk rockers Free Kittens & Bread are stopping through Music City this weekend to join forces with local riot grrrl grunge outfit Lauren Strange & the Pretty Killers, Charlotte rockers Late Bloomer, and fellow locals Cheap Demon at the quaint little listening room Radio Cafe in Inglewood. If you’re looking for a lowkey night of rock music, this is it. [MG]

BON JOVI
@ Bridgestone Arena | 7:30pm | $38-$780 | All Ages

Ageless and legendary ’80s hard rock icons Bon Jovi are returning to Bridgestone Arena this weekend, and undoubtedly bringing their diehard fanbase the hits they love. Seeming to enjoy a new wave of success in the last several years, and releasing a new record, This House is Not for Sale, in late 2016, Jon Bon Jovi and the boys will be sure to pack the house. If you need to cross this stadium rock act off your “must see list,” or you just want to experience it all over again, snag a ticket while you can.  [JR]

SHOVELS & ROPE w/ AARON LEE TASJAN
@ The Ryman | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Americana duo Shovels & Rope have a habit of playing Nashville in the month of February; this will be their fourth year in a row, but we’re not complaining by any means. In addition to practically living on the road, Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst have been consistently cranking out new material, from a documentary called ‘The Ballad of Shovels & Rope’, a collaborative cover album called Busted Jukebox, Vol. 1 featuring Shakey Graves and Milk Carton Kids, and then last year’s full-length album Little Seeds. We’re sure this show will cover a wide range of their catalog, so if you got tickets, you’re in for a treat. East Nashville alt-country songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan will get the night started. [MG]

THE TEMPTATIONS
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center| 8pm | $46-$149 | All Ages

Keeping the party going at the Schermerhorn for the final performance of a three night stand, The Temptations and Nashville Symphony musicians are going to delight the masses with soul music from the golden age of the genre. If you missed your chance Thursday or Friday night, there is still time to grab tickets to this concert, so don’t wait a second longer. Go see some legends do their thing. [JR]

THE COOL KIDS w/ PELL, JUNG YOUTH
@ The Basement East | 8pm | $3 (w/ RSVP) | 18+

As we told you last month, beloved Chicago hip hop duo The Cool Kids, who initially called it quits in 2012, have been mounting a comeback since last summer, finally releasing a first taste of new music in recent months, and increasingly becoming more active with shows. Joined by buzzy up and comer Pell and Nashville’s own Jung Youth, the duo will headline the Red Bull’s latest Sound Select showcase this weekend, which means you can RSVP to lock in $3 admission (though space is first come, first served, so show up early). Look for a full preview ahead of the show! [PO]

STAYING FOR THE WEEKEND w/ BUTTHOLE, ROCK EUPORA, & PEOPLE ZOO
@ The High Watt | 9pm | $8-$10 | 18+

Long time blog faves Staying For The Weekend are celebrating their latest EP, Growing Pains, with an official release party at The High Watt on Saturday night.  You can have a listen to the first single “Hell No” below to see what the rockers have been up to of late.  They will be joined by local punks Butthole, indie rockers Rock Europa, and relative new comers People Zoo making this a perfect showcase of the talent in Nashville’s underground rock scene. [MH]

K.FLAY w/ PAPER ROUTE, DAYE JACK
@ Exit/In | 9pm | $10-$18 | 18+

K.Flay is one of those artists that truly can’t be pigeonholed. While the Chicago native started out primarily as a rapper, her style has evolved over the years to combine elements of alternative, pop, electronic, and hard rock. Her single “Blood in the Cut” was her first to hit the alternative charts last fall, and we have a feeling the new angst-ridden anthem “Black Wave” won’t be far behind. Catch her high energy live performance this weekend with local indie rockers Paper Route, still riding high from last fall’s Real Emotion, and Atlanta hip hop artist Daye Jack. [MG]

ANCHOR THIEVES
@ The Family Wash | 9pm | $5 | All Ages

No Country Presents alums Anchor Thieves last performed with us right around the time of the release of their 2016 LP Monolith.  The indie rockers will be releasing a follow up EP, The Nova Riches, on Friday, and hosting an official celebration party at the friendly confines of The Family Wash on Saturday night.  Have a listen to the opening track “The Last Surviving Coyote” below to get an idea of what the new effort is all about.  Spoiler alert… it’s great.  [MH]

SUNDAY

NEW SUEDE, HARPER & THE BEARS, TETAIL SPACE, THE SHY
@ The East Room | 8pm | $5 | 18+

Aspiring to make ’70s-infleunced, unabashed “dad rock,” local newcomers New Suede tap into some blues, funk, and soul vibes on their debut single, “Taxi.” This weekend, they’ll join forces with Harper and the Bears, Brooklyn’s Retail Space, and locals The Shy for a wallet-friendly show at The East Room, so you can’t go wrong.  [PO]

HAMILTON LEITHAUSER w/ LUCY DACUS
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm | SOLD OUT | All Ages

Hamilton Leithauser has been performing solo since the sad demise of The Walkmen in 2013, and released his debut full length, Black Hours, the following year.  That album, while retaining the grit of The Walkmen, missed some of the commercial and critical acclaim, though it is arguably underappreciated.  Not to be deterred Leithauser, joined forces with Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij to release their impressive and well-received I Had A Dream That You Were Mine.  He (no word on a Rostam appearance) is touring that record now, which apparently has caught the attention of Music City already, given that it has been sold out for a while.  Those lucky enough to have tickets already will also get to enjoy fast-rising Matador starlet Lucy Dacus, whose 2016 release No Burden pinged a dozen or so top 50 lists. [MH]

SHOVELS & ROPE w/JOHN MORELAND
@ The Ryman | 8pm | $35 | All Ages

Shovels & Rope’s two-night stand at the Ryman concludes on Sunday with heartfelt singer-songwriter John Moreland supporting. It looks like tickets are still available, but they probably won’t last long, so if you missed out on the first night, here’s your chance. [MG]

DEATH w/ SOFT OPTION, DATENIGHT
@ Exit/In | 8pm | $15 | 18+

Though their initial run in the early ’70s was short, protopunk pioneers Death reformed in 2009 (and should not be confused with the Orlando metal act of the same name), since releasing a whole trove of classic demos, including a 7″ through Nashville’s own Third Man Records. Enjoying a new wave of success, the rockers play Exit/In this weekend with Canada’s Soft Option and locals Datenight, for what is sure to be one of the best weekend picks for the discerning rock and roll completist. [PO]

THE GO ROUNDS w/ HOLY GHOST TENT REVIVAL
@ The Basement | 8pm | $5-$7 | 21+

Genere breakers The Go Rounds are bringing their version of indie rock (beats meet fury according to their FB page) to Nashville to play the intimate confines of the OG Basement. Look for brass driven rockers Holy Ghost Tent Revival to kick things off in style (read this post for our thoughts on them live), and know you’re going to have a kickass time at a badass rock show for under a ten dollar cover. So get out there, and squeeze the most you can out of your weekend. [JR]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[LL] Lorie Liebig
[MG] Meredith Galyon
[MH] Matt Hall
[PO] Philip Obenschain