Yo La Tengo and Lambchop at Exit/In on 3/29
If there were ever a dad rock dream bill, this would be it. New Jersey indie lifers Yo La Tengo and Nashville’s own alt-country pioneers Lambchop share the stage at the city’s best rock club in advance of a collaborative performance at Big Ears this weekend. This one’s sold out already, but keep your ears to the streets as far as resale tickets are concerned. Or just head to Knoxville for the weekend to catch both bands play separate sets and the aforementioned special collaboration.
Andrew Bird at The Ryman on 3/30
Another artist stopping through Nashville on their Big Ears touring route, multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird plays The Mother Church with opener Boogarins. Bird’s new album Are You Serious can be streamed over at NPR Music. It’s a good one. $35-$45.
Eastside Sounds with Jonny P and MODOC on 3/30
BMI’s free monthly local music showcase at The Beast brings together soul singer Jonny P (recently spotted hanging with the like-minded Leon Bridges outside of Dino’s) and alt-rockers MODOC. Get there early for an industry happy hour.
Big Ears in Knoxville on 3/31-4/2
While festival season began in earnest in Austin a couple weeks ago, it kicks into full gear in the California desert in the middle of next month. For those of us who like the idea of communal gatherings based around music but also the idea of keeping our sanity, Knoxville’s Big Ears offers a relative oasis. With a schedule tailored to discerning listeners and a more relaxed metropolitan atmosphere, Big Ears is highly regarded as one of the country’s best alternative music festivals. It’s only three hours away and tickets are still available. Must-watches that haven’t already been covered here: Sun Ra Arkestra, Nicolas Jaar, Kamasi Washington, Angel Olsen, Circuit Des Yeux, Andy Stott, and Shabazz Palaces. $150.
Father at Third Man Records on 4/1
Atlanta weirdo rap cult figure Father, riding on the warm reception towards his newest album I’m A Piece of Shit, brings his lackadaisical monotone delivery to The Blue Room with Awful Records cohorts Lui Diamonds and Lord Narf. RIYL: Tyler, The Creator while secretly wishing that he was a better rapper. $10.
– Kevin
Lockeland Springsteen 