There are few things more Nashville to me than a weekend of outdoor music – picnic blankets, beer in plastic cups, the sound of a fiddle or guitar getting wafted away by a spring wind. While cities I’ve lived in before had their versions, no one does this quite as well, or quite as relaxed, as this town. Luckily, the weather is set to improve a little for a slew of musical events under the clear(ish) blue skies. Add some amazing shows (including a modern jazz legend) and the quarterly installment of beloved East Nashville Underground, and it’s a weekend for the ages.
Friday
* East Nashville Underground at the East Room ::: Emily will be camped out at this side of the river’s favorite musical event, checking out acts that have seen much ink on this blog, like The Future, The Young International, The Kicks, Brandon Jazz and his Armed Forces, Repeat Repeat, Chancellor Warhol, The Weeks, The Kingston Springs, Derek Hoke, Little Bandit and Erin McCarley, among many others. We’re not going to highlight times you should go or particular bands to see – part of the beauty of this event is leaving the guesswork and the curation in the hands of the very able organizers, and just trusting that whatever you show up for is going to rock. Doors open tonight at 9 and stay that way until 3 a.m, and get your wristbands at the door if you haven’t already (though we can’t guarantee that it won’t sell out).
* Father John Misty at Marathon Music Works ::: I’ll checking out former Fleet Fox Joshua Tillman, aka Father John Misty, who I profiled this week in the Nashville Scene, in between pop-ins at the Underground. I love the way he resurrects killer, vintage Doors vamps and weaves them into his sound (that, by the way, has little to nothing to do with his harmony-loving former band).
* Courtney Jaye album release at the Stone Fox ::: We love the way Courtney mixes the South Pacific with the American South, and a killer pop sensibility – something she explored in her tropical Nashville Five. Tonight she’ll celebrate the release of her new album, Love and Forgiveness.
* T. Rust cassette release with Blank Range at the End ::: we’d check this out for local openers Blank Range alone – expect to see more on them in the form of a feature in the very near future. Until then, stay tuned – we’re keen on these guys.
* The Lonely H, Hugh Bob and the Hustle, Promised Land, Bob Lanphier at the 5 Spot ::: a reliably good lineup at our local watering hole.
Saturday
* Matthew Shipp at VFW Post 1970 ::: I’ve oft lamented the lack of substantial jazz scene here in Nashville (particularly in the realm of attracting touring acts) and this is a special chance to see this avant-garde pianist along with local beloveds Lambchop. Do yourself a favor and spend some time with his records. See you there.
* Musician’s Corner at Centennial Park ::: Check out Matt Wertz, Gregory Allen Isakov, Green River Ordinance, Erin Rae, Shannon Labrie and Steve Everett. Bring the kids, bring a blanket.
* East Side Hootenany at East Park ::: The first in a series of summer shows on our side of town will bring Jacob Jones, The Lonely H, Buffalo Clover and Los Colognes.
* East Nashville Underground at the East Room continues ::: info here.
* The Eastside Brew Ha Ha at the East-Centric Pavilion ::: Beer + Granny Whites, Josh Farrow and the Shelby Bottom String Band.
Sunday
* Barista Parlor 1-Year Anniversary Party at Barista Parlor ::: Spend Sunday afternoon celebrating this amazing coffee shop (and your mom) with Chris Scruggs, Derek Hoke, and J.P. Harris (all playing on the shop’s fancy new stage), along with food and drink by Porter Road Butcher, Fat Bottom, Yazoo and more.
* Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk at The End ::: a night with the Canadian indie-folk songstress.
Then make sure to get enough sleep so you can party with us at the High Watt on Monday night.
Lockeland Springsteen 