TWiN | This Weekend in Nashville | Mar. 2-4

Spring doesn’t officially start for a couple more weeks, but between the nice weather and huge uptick in show happenings, it feels like spring has already sprung in Music City. This weekend, you’ll find buzzy local punk upstarts, critically acclaimed indie rock, folk legends, new-wave icons reborn, emo, garage rock, hip hop, country, a surprising number of jam bands, and more. Whether you’re looking for local or national talent, cheap or premium shows, there’s sure to be something that’ll resonate, so start planning your shows with This Weekend in Nashville!

FRIDAY

BOGUES, DAISYHEAD, SAFE BET, PALE LUNGS, THE STILL SMALL VOICE
@ Cafe Coco | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5-10 | All Ages

As we outlined already in a full preview, if you have any interest in Nashville’s vibrant underground indie and punk scene, this is perhaps the weekend’s most essential show. Bogues is celebrating his phenomenal sophomore EP, Life, Slowly, not just one of the best local releases of the year so far, but one of the best records period, expanding on his raw and earnest sound with more focus and polish. And alt rockers Daisyhead, a longtime site favorite, will bid fans goodbye with their last show before a hiatus, following a turbulent year that still saw them release both a great new full-length and surprise EP. Acoustic emo rocker Safe Bet, along with buzzy local ambient indie rockers Pale Lungs and melodic indie outfit The Still, Small Voice round out this astonished stacked lineup. [PO]

PROTOMARTYR w/ SHAME, TWEN
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $15 | 18+

Out in support of their smart, topical, critically beloved fourth album Relatives in Descent, Detroit artsy post-punks Protomartyr return to town Friday for a headlining outing at The High Watt, alongside buzzy British post-punks Shame, celebrating their phenomenal recent debut, and local favorites TWEN. A band we’ve been obsessing over for a number of years now, each time Protomartyr make it to town, every time with a bit more buzz, is a treat, and it’s great to still be able to catch them somewhere up close and intimate like The High Watt. Find out more about the show in our full preview. [PO]

ANI DIFRANCO w/ GRACIE AND RACHEL
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm (6:30pm doors) | $25-40 | All Ages

Eclectic indie folk singer and poet Ani DiFranco is a certifiable modern legend at this point, and an artist who should need no introduction. Since landing on the scene with her 1990 eponymous debut, she’s remained a beloved feminist icon, and has managed to keep churning out relevant and modern music at a prolific pace, her latest and 19th album, Binary, just last year. Though it’d be cool to see her somewhere more theatrical like The Ryman or City Winery, Ani’s appearance this weekend at Marathon with Gracie and Rachel gives you a chance to get up close and personal. [PO]

PYLON REENACTMENT SOCIETY w/ LYLAS, DANCERS
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $10-12 | 21+

Along with R.E.M. and The B-52s, new wave and post-punk legends Pylon helped usher in the immensely influential Athens, GA scene, which would go on to make “college rock” a staple of the 1980s. The group originally disband in ’83, only to reform for two years in ’89, and for a third and final time from ’04 to ’09, ending with the death of guitarist Randy Bewley. With the remaining members unlikely to ever reform in his absence, the closest thing with have is the Pylon Reenactment Society. Don’t mistake them for some tribute though; led by Pylon frontwoman Vanessa Briscoe Hay, they’re a love letter to the group and their legacy, with the added authenticity of featuring their most irreplaceable member. Catch this unique slice of musical history along with Lylas and Dancers, Friday at The Basement. [PO]

SWEET ASCENT, ANSON w/ DANGER SCENE, LAUREN STRANGE, CONQUER THE DISTANCE
@ The End | 8pm (7pm doors) | $7-10 | 18+

Hailing from Lawrence, Kansas, pop tinged alt rockers Sweet Ascent bring their tour to The End this weekend with likeminded Los Angeles group ANSON. Local support comes from pop/rock outfit Danger Scene, alt rock site favorite Lauren Strange, and hard rockers Conquer the Distance, making this a solid, affordable choice for fans of gimmick-free rock. [PO]

OVER THE RHINE w/ DANIEL DANIEL
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $20-35 | All Ages

Named after a historical neighborhood in their native city of Cincinnati, Ohio, Over The Rhine are a folk/Americana flavored husband and wife duo who’ve been on their grind since the early ’90s. Sometimes performing a trio or quartet, they have released a staggering 13 studio albums, six live albums, and many other compilations, solo works, and webcast exclusives, earning them a strong underground following. With help from Daniel Daniel in the opening spot, this promises to be possibly the top pickin’ party of the weekend. [JR]

BACKUP PLANET w/ THE VEGABONDS, THREE STAR REVIVAL
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+

Resident jam friendly rock outfit Backup Planet seeming to popping up on bigger and bigger local bills as of late, and usually in the headlining spot. Their latest show at The BEast is no different, and when No Country presents alumni The Vegabonds, plus Three Star Revival are thrown into the mix, you have the fixin’s for a great night of tunes. A great blend of genre for your hard earned bucks, plus they’re all Tennessee based. What’s not to love? [JR]

BIG SOMETHING w/ OPPOSITE BOX, FUNK YOU
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+

Touring in support of their latest effort, Tumbleweed, Carolina based alt rockers Big Something are a powerhouse on stage, boasting six members and a massive jam inspired sound. With local genre-bending experimental rockers Opposite Box, and funk heavy hitters from GA Funk You filling out the lineup, this promises to be a show that gets everybody’s booty shaking. If you’re looking to get your dance on Friday night, this gig might be your best bet, so don’t miss out. [JR]

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | Sold Out | All Ages

Back at the Mother Church for their second two-night run in as many weeks, beloved southern rock jammers Tedeschi Trucks Band have managed to once again sell out both nights this weekend (asa they they did last week). No surprise, as their dynamic live show is stuff of legends. [JR]

SATURDAY

JOY AGAIN w/ OGINALII
@ The High Watt | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

Rising stars of the indie pop scene, Philadelphia’s Joy Again only formed in 2015, but are already earning critical acclaim for their off-kilter, genre-bending style, which reminds us a bit of local faves (and their Mom + Pop label mates) ELEL. Still buzzing from last year’s debut EP and a string of strong singles since, they hit The High Watt this weekend with Oginalii for one of the best under the radar shows you’ll find. [PO]

TAPE DECK MOUNTAIN
@ Grimey’s | 5pm | FREE | All Ages
w/ THE INSCAPE, THAYER SARRANO, THOSE FAR OUT ARROWS
@ The Cobra | 8:30pm (8pm doors) | $7 | 21+

Shoegaze rockers Tape Deck Mountain have been bounding around the local music scene since 2015, but the story of founder and frontman Travis Trevisan dates back a decade when he released the group’s debut EP in 2008. Fast forward to today, and the band have moved on from San Diego, and moved on again from Brooklyn, to land in Nashville with a fresh lineup and new outlook on their craft of creating their tasty brand of soaring, reverb drenched shoegaze rock that we hear on their brand new third LP Echo Chamber Blues. The group will celebrate its release with a free, in-store performance at Grimey’s Saturday afternoon, before hitting The Cobra that evening for a full show with The Inscape, Thayer Sarrano, and Those Far Out Arrows. [PO]

CHICO, SUPERTEEN, BILLY BALDWIN
@ Fond Object (Downtown) | 7pm | $7 | All Ages

Formed by frontman Carson May and guitarist Ryan Quarles, both Nashville natives (an increasing rarity in the local scene) who met in high school and further assimilated into the underground rock scene while attending Belmont, Chico are gearing up to release their debut full-length, Ballet for Bastards, on May 4. They hit Fond Object downtown this weekend with Massachusetts buzzy indie outfit Superteen, a stacked bill that’s perfectly primed for fans of cool, genre-bending alt and indie. Grunge pop Bostonites Billy Baldwin open, sweetening the deal. [PO]

A NIGHT FOR DOLORES: THELMA & THE SLEAZE, LAUREN STRANGE, THE GAMBLER, CHLOE KAT, RACHEL COATS, BRIANNE O’NEIL, ROBIN AUGUST, & MORE
@ The Bowery Vault | 8pm | Donations | All Ages

The abrupt death of Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan shocked the music community earlier this year, and left fans mourning the loss of yet another modern icon. In honor of her memory, some of the raddest ladies in the Nashville scene, including LG from Thelma & the Sleaze, Lauren Strange, Chloe Kat, and many more, are hosting a free (donations accepted), all ages tribute show at The Bowery Vault (behind Nicoletto’s and Mickey’s), where they’ll perform and share stories about her impact on their lives. [PO]

JON LATHAM, LITTLE BANDIT, JEREMY PINNELL, & MORE
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $10 | 21+

Raised in Georgia but now based in Nashville, local singer-songwriter Jon Latham cites influences like Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, and Billy Bragg, boasting a soulful voice and attention to nuanced, personal songwriter that makes him an artist that should absolutely be on your radar. In honor of his birthday this weekend, Latham’s headlining a bash at The Basement, joined by breakout country outfit Little Bandit, singer-songwriter Jeremy Pinnell, and a special surprise guest. [PO]

COUCH JACKETS, GHOST TOWN REMEDY, JON WORTHY, SLIDER
@ Cafe Coco | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $5 | All Ages

Arkansas’ Couch Jackets play a groovy, experimental, psych-tinged style of indie pop that has us instantly hooked, and ahead of a new record, apparently recorded here in Nashville, they head up a very interesting and inexpensive weekend show at Cafe Coco. For just $5, you also get locals Ghost Town Remedy, Jon Worthy, and Slider. [PO]

VLADOPUS9, FRIENDSHIP COMMANDERS, BAZOOKATOOTH, TOM VIOLENCE
@ Radio Cafe | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Experimental, sci-fi geared punk outfit Vladopus9 top a Saturday bill at Radio Cafe, primed for someone looking for something a little more off-kilter, heavy, and artsy than your average local show. Hardcore local outfits Friendship Commanders and Bazookatooth, as well as heavy noise rock group Tom Violence, round out the $5 bill. [PO]

NORMA JEAN w/ GIDEON, TOOTHGRINDER, GREYHAVEN
@ The End | 7pm (6pm doors) | Sold Out | All Ages

Formed more than 20 years ago in Atlanta, Norma Jean rose to fame during the metalcore explosion of the early and mid ’00s, serving as one of the earliest groups to perfect the style, as well as push its boundaries with mathy, post-metal, sludge, and noise rock influences. They’ve consistently continued to tour and release new music, despite an ongoing series of lineup changes which have left only vocalist Cory Putman as a long-serving member (and he isn’t even original, despite singing on all but the group’s first release). With a hard-hitting live show, the band are still at the top of their game, so the fact that their appearance at The End this weekend is already sold out should come as no surprise. [PO]

MATISYAHU w/ EMINENCE ENSEMBLE
@ Exit/In | 8:30pm (8pm doors) | Sold Out | 18+

With an evolving style and sound that defies normal genre parameters, the one and only Matisyahu is returning to Music City to rock the crowd  at Exit/In.  What started around 2004 as modern reggae, blended with exceptional beat boxing and other hip hop elements, has morphed over the years into a more reggae fusion alt rock jam band sound, with tons of experiments, and backing band lineups along the way. Under his latest touring incarnation, Matisyahu released Undercurrent in 2017, and is still as engaging as he’s ever been on stage. Soulful rock big band Eminence Ensemble will be opening for what promises to be a fun night, but only if you snagged tickets in advance. [JR]

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
@ The Ryman Auditorium | 8pm | Sold Out | All Ages

As stated above, tickets for both nights of Tedeschi Trucks Band‘s second consecutive weekend residence at The Ryman sold out in advance. Hope you acted fast, because there won’t be a weekend three. [JR]

SUNDAY

FREDERICK THE YOUNGER w/ HARPOONER, THE MINKS
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $6-8 | 21+

Hailing from nearby Louisvilles, psych-tinged, lo-fi, indie popsters Frederick the Younger are an up and coming act you should definitely have an eye on, especially after last year’s really stellar full-length Human Child. The group stop through Sunday night for an inexpensive, intimate show at The Basement, with support from likeminded local favorites Harpooner and The Minks; one of the best musical options to end your week if you’re not going to be tuning into the Oscars. [PO]

ZION I, LESPECIAL w/ TAI CHEETAH, BRIAN BROWN, & MORE
@ The Basement East | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

Oakland alternative hip hop duo Zion I have been going strong for over two decades, praised for their genre-bending sensibilities and prolific, diverse output. They co-headline The Basement East Sunday night with proggy, contemporary rock trio lespecial, who, thought distinctly different, share Zion I’s musical adventurous, and have even collaborated in the past. Support comes from Tai Cheetah, Brian Brown, and more, for one of the most interesting lineups you’ll find all weekend. [PO]

LOST DOG STREET BAND
@ Exit/In | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10-12 | 18+

Based in Marshall Country, TN, Lost Dog Street Band have been bringing their unique breed of outlaw country to stage since about 2011, and we must say we are digging it. With songs written in the classic storyteller style of country, or just good country to us, they are a throwback to an era that almost all of us can look back on with fondness. Think Townes Van Zandt or Guy Clark, but with a modern flair, and you are starting to get the picture. Of course, you can always check them out live for yourself, and formulate your own opinion, which we highly recommend. Polish off your weekend right, with some wonderful live music. [JR]

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
@ City Winery | 8pm (6pm doors) | $45-65 | All Ages

The longtime beloved South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo rose to international fame from their collaboration with Paul Simon in his seminal 1986 record Graceland.  Known for their traditional Mbube and Isicathamiya vocal styles, they are certified musical superstars in their beautiful home country, and, even after the retirement of founder Joseph Shabalala in 2008, the band continue to stun crowds with their live performance as they continue to collaborate with international superstars and tour the world with their powerful message. [MH]

NIGHT TALKERS, BASTARD BEARDED IRISHMEN, KRANTZ
@ The Cobra | 9pm | $7 | 21+

Locals Night Talkers play a fast, loud, heavy, no holds barred kind of punk and hard rock perfect for anyone looking to get rowdy. Sunday night, they’re set to top a bill at rock dive The Cobra, joined by Pittsburgh Celtic and gypsy punk outfit Bastard Bearded Irishmen (St. Paddy’s is right around the corner) and retro rockers Krantz, for a balanced, no-bs rock lineup. [PO]

HARM, SHORT TERM, CAME BACK HAUNTED, BEGGAR
@ That 70’s House | 8pm (7pm doors) | $5 | All Ages

Hailing from Greensboro, NC, Harm describe themselves as “The scene kids from your high school. All grown up.,” which feels incredibly fitting. Their metalcore, post-hardcore, and screamo sound feels mores akin to the scene of 10 years ago than today, which is satisfying nostalgic. Catch them at house space That 70’s House Sunday, along with emo leaning local outfits Short Term and Came Back Haunted, as well as Beggar. [PO]

RAILROAD EARTH
@ 3rd and Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $22 | All Ages

Roots and Americana infused newgrass jam band Railroad Earth are headlining Lightning 100’s popular Nashville Sunday Night showcase at 3rd and Lindsley, and fans of the collective know they are not to be missed live. On a weekend jam packed with, well, jam bands, these guys stand out with their speed and precision. You should be there in person to experience their incredible skill, but if you can’t be sure to catch the whole show live on the radio for free. [JR]

[JR] Jacob Ryan
[PO] Philip Obenschain