Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Your “dancing in the street” might not look as cool/insane as Mick’s (then again, maybe it does), but with the new year approaching we bet you’re ready to do some concert dancin’! Where’s a Nashvillian to bust out those moves? We rounded up 10 of the best concerts this week (and you can browse the rest HERE). Rock on, y’all!
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Old Crow Medicine Show
WHO IT IS:
You might know Old Crow Medicine Show for their monstrous hit “Wagon Wheel” (that has since been covered by our beloved Hootie-turned-country-star pal Darius Rucker), but there is MUCH more where that came from. Their 2014 release “Remedy” features even more banjo-laden hooks and quirky lyrical fun. Get ready to get to foot-stompin’, pretty little thang!
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Soak up the last moments of downtown Broadway before it turns into what will probably look like the last scenes of Cloverfield (in terms of panicked crowds – parking is hard, y’all) on NYE. Grab a bite at 417 Union for some vintage-inspired eats & a short walk to the venue! If you’re feelin’ energetic post-concert, walk the strip and pop into Robert’s Western World for an ice cold beer. It’s the little things.
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Mosh Your Face Off With The Nashville Cool Kids
Diarrhea Planet, Those Darlins, & Sol Cat
WHO IT IS:
You might not be guaranteed a ticket to Exit/In’s NYE party featuring Diarrhea Planet (then again, you might), but you can still party with Nashville’s most insane live band. has gotten tons of national acclaim, and their concerts are dynamic and absurd – you will walk away with a story, guaranteed. Joining them are the equally awesome Those Darlins & Sol Cat. What a lineup!
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Get down & dirty with some cheap Mexican food that will hit the spot for a pre-concert dinner. Oscar’s Taco Shop has got you! If you’re feeling more like pizza (aren’t you always), hit up Two Bits for beer, dinner, & classic arcade games. Score!
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Dance Your 21st Century A** Off
Totally Rad 3D NYE
WHO IT IS:
Nashville is BRINGIN’ it when it comes to dance music this NYE. Wild Cub will be doing a DJ set, and Jung Youth (listen to “There It Is (That’s That Sh**)” feat. Nephew), Diamond Cuts, and DJ Rage will keep the party going all night. What else will be there? With the VIP experience, you’ll have a private bar and lounge (with exclusive drink specials), private restrooms, free coat check, a 3D dance floor, and more. Guess what?! We’ve got a Wannado EXCLUSIVE. VIP & General Admission. Go for it, yo.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Get all the food you can in your system (the vodka tonics will be a’flowin’) pre-party. Hit up ML Rose on 8th Ave for burgers and some top-notch wings. You’ll dance that side of sweet potato fries off anyway.
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Party With “The Sentimental Gentlemen Of Swing”
The One & Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
WHO IT IS:
Yes, we are getting into New Years Eve territory, and we’re kicking it off with a bang, dollface. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is a cultural institution that’s been around since the 1930s (the decade that Franklin Theatre opened its doors), and the beat is still swingin’! Enjoy the best of big band at one of the swankiest, most nostalgic parties in town (and if you missed our round-up of NYE parties, check ’em out HERE).
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
This party has got it all, but if you feel like spending the day in Franklin (and you probably do), check out the nearby Carnton Plantation and Carter House to get you in that late 19th/early 20th century mood. The museum tours are awesome!
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Ring In 2015 With A Country (& Hairstyle) Legend
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
WHO IT IS:
Marty Stuart is certifiably awesome. The country music veteran has done it all: been a cast member of “Heehaw” at 14 years old, played in Johnny Cash’s band, put up a photography exhibit at The Frist Center, and done about everything else you can imagine. Plus, Nashville (and everyone) has a longstanding love affair with that classic Marty hairstyle. Ring in 2015 with Marty & his fabulous band at City Winery – it’s gonna be a party! It also starts at 7pm, so you’ll have time to squeeze in your late night NYE plans.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
For a pre-show bite, get as classic as Marty Stuart: go with a tried-and-true burger from Rotier’s off of West End. For post-show NYE plans, don’t miss our round-up of partaaaays (or our New Year’s Eve section in Wannado).
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Nashville’s Brightest Stars & The Music Note Drop
Jack Daniel’s Bash On Broadway
WHO IT IS:
Why brave the insane crowds on Lower Broadway this New Year’s Eve? We’ll give you these reasons: Lady Antebellum. Gavin Degraw. The Apache Relay. Kristen Capolino. DJ DU. Storme Warren emceeing. The beautiful (yes, we stand by that word choice) and charming Charles Esten hosting segments for the national program “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve”. A huge music note drop. Shall we go on? Oh yeah, it’s FREE.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Go big or go home, kid. If you’re going to do Lower Broad, make sure you get a Lyft to avoid a parking nightmare, and grab dinner somewhere feasibly walkable a little ways up the street (just bring comfortable shoes as a backup in your purse, gals). Try out a place in The Gulch – Bar Louie, Cantina Laredo, Party Fowl, or Adele’s – to avoid the directly downtown eatery crowds.
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Get To See A Moon RAWK
Moon Taxi & The Lonely Biscuits
WHO IT IS:
Ok, so not an actual moon rock (we can dream, can’t we), but you’re definitely going to see Moon Taxi RAWK OUT. This Tennessee band has hit the big time (yeah, they’ve performed on Fallon – it’s casual), and they’re playing a hometown show to close out 2014. War Memorial is a gorgeous auditorium, and a chill/wonderful place to be if you’re going to be downtown for New Years. General Admission has sold out, but you still have a chance for VIP tix, big shot!
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
If you like your bands local, you probably like your food local. Pay a visit to some of the sometimes-overlooked local gems that shouldn’t have unmanageable crowds on NYE – International Market (amazing Thai food), Belcourt Taps (HELLO stuffed burgers), and DeSano Pizza (some of the best ‘za in town).
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Start Your Year With Quality Jamming
First Ever New Year’s Day Extravaganza w/Langhorne Slim, Cory Chisel, & Special Guests
WHO IT IS:
Just about everyone you’d want to hear live. But we digress. City Winery is hosting a concert that will be the perfect first day of 2015. Langhorne Slim delivers the feel-goods even when he’s bummed out. That raspy voice is filled with hope, and you’re going to feel like you’re barefoot at an outdoor concert in an endless summer. Bonus? Even more amazing musicians like Cory Chisel (and some special guests) are rounding out an amazing lineup.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Take in the sights and set some New Year’s Resolutions with the people you love. We suggest a long night drive through Franklin or up to Love Circle and end the night with some brews and/or a bottle of your favorite red. It’s gonna be a good one, that 2015.
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Find Some Love, Peace, & SOUL
Gedeon Luke
WHO IT IS:
Memphis native Gedeon Luke has got soul for DAYS, y’all. Influenced by the likes of Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, and Al Green, Luke & his band “The People” bring down the house every single time. Their message of free love and peace are a great way to start your year. And if you don’t funkily step-touch your heart out to “Lend Me Your Sunshine”, we just don’t get it.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Get your family-style restaurant on at nearby Athen’s Family Restaurant. It’s been featured on Food Network and has a super laidback/loving vibe, a prime location, and Greek food that will make you never want to leave. But you have to. Because you’re going to an awesome concert!
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This Show Is Instrumental (To Your Happiness)
Steelism
WHO IT IS:
Instrumental duo Steelism are veteran Nashville studio musicians (so expect a who’s who of the music scene in the audience for this one). Their vintage-guitar laden hooks will have you feelin’ like you have one foot in 1940’s Hawaii and one in the old West. They’re kind of the best. Head to 3rd and Lindsley to catch this awesome group!
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Grab a pre-concert bite at Husk for some mid-century inspired ingredients with some trendy flair. An authentic, nostalgic-yet modern take on a meal, just like your choice of band!
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There you go, y’all! 10 must-see shows for the first week of the new year. Make it a great one, and if none of these struck your fancy, don’t forget to browse Wannado! From happy hours to live music to the best place to watch the game, we’ve got you covered.
