For those about to rock, we salute you.
We’re in the sweet spot, y’all! That magical time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, aka “the most wonderful time of the year.” That means tons of festive shows rolling through town. Prepare your best stank face (for the bass solo) and celebrate the holidaze with a host of killer live shows this week (browse them all HERE).
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Get Trippy & See The Next Big Thing
FKA twigs
WHO:
FKA twigs is hittin’ it big, and for good reason. The British former backup dancer (she worked with Jessie J and Kylie Minogue) has a unique style that doesn’t feel put-on. Ariana high notes, Lana beats, tUnE-yArDs swagger, Betty Boop curls- it all makes up an artistry that’s truly her own.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Head to the nearby Gulch neighborhood for a locally loved happy hour! Hops & Crafts has “Hoppy Hour” on Mondays till 6pm, and you can enjoy a craft brew that will make you feel as hip as FKA twigs (though you won’t start magically dating Robert Pattinson like her. Sorry.).
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A Famous Foursome Plays An Intimate Set
Little Big Town
WHO:
Country’s most famous foursome at the moment, Little Big Town. The group has been on the scene for a few years, and they keep picking up steam. Their harmonies are almost as tight as their leather pants (and Kimberly’s curls), and seeing them live is always pretty amazing. The best news? It’s not in an arena! Catch the show up-close at Marathon Music Works.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Take your concert buddies to South in Midtown for a post or pre-meal bite! There are tons of TVs for all your game-watching needs, and the down-home menu hits the spot for all the southern-food-lovin’ country music fans.
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Nashville’s Royal Couple Brings The Christmas Cheer
Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas
WHO:
Nashville’s royal couple (sorry about it, Wills & Kate) Vince Gill and Amy Grant. The dynamic duo is bringing the Christmas carols to one of Nashville’s most historic venues on Wednesday, and the holiday tradition is one of Music City’s favorites. Expect lots of folksy sayings, moving duets, and elegant gowns (we’re looking at you, Amy, but we won’t count Vince out).
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Get your fill of Nashville-inspired food and drink from Acme Feed and Seed! The third floor has sushi from Sam (formerly of the infamous Sam’s Sushi) if you feel like going for some lighter fare.
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Have The Best Day Of Your Livez
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
WHO:
Um, YEAH. The famous rap group out of Cleveland consists of some fellas with the best stage names around – Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh Bone (which sounds kind of like a hardcore band, but we digress). Get ya swerve on to hits like “Days of Our Livez” and “Thuggish Ruggish Bone”, and bring that 90s hip hop style. It’s gonna be RAD.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Wanna get weird for this pregame? We thought so. Head to The Attic downtown! This ain’t your grandmother’s attic. You’ll probably end up doing a jello shot – or 10. Just roll with it…you’re about to see Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
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Celebrate The Reason For The Season With An Acoustic Crooner
Jon McLaughlin
WHO:
The acoustic singer/songwriter king of music and television placements, Jon McLaughlin. The sensitive crooner’s tunes have been on Scrubs, Ghost Whisperer, and Enchanted (he actually appeared as himself singing “So Close” in that one). He’ll be playing Exit/In with songs off his “Holding My Breath” EP, but we’re betting there will be some Christmas songs thrown in from his brand new Christmas record – his version of Away In A Manger is a revelation.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Get cozy as can be with some wine and Italian food at Coco’s Italian Market. It’s a short drive to Exit/In, and you’ll have a belly full of pasta and a warm heart ready to hear those smooth and soulful ballads.
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Get Together For Some Good Vibes
The Get Togethers
WHO:
An indie pop/rock confection that would make even Ebeneezer Scrooge want to bust a move. The “Home As In Houston” record documents heartbreak with sunny melodies and a beat that will make you tap those leather boot-clad toes. The Get Togethers play a lot in the 615 (they recorded the album here), but make sure you catch ’em at High Watt. The sound and the good vibes will be on POINT.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Treat your someone to a date night at Sinema just down the street on 8th Ave. If you’re not feeling the romantic vibes, go pick up some vinyl at Grimey’s before you hit up the show – tons of local artists to discover!
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Legendary Gospel Group With A Yuletide Twist
The Blind Boys Of Alabama Christmas Show
WHO:
This has such a cool backstory, y’all! Blind Boys of Alabama have been around since their youth in the 1930s, and the founding members sang together for very small amounts of money. The legendary gospel group finally got some major label backing and have been bringing their soulful blues sangin’ to the masses. The Christmas show will be hosted in the historic Franklin Theatre in one of the most quaint/nostalgic parts of town, downtown Franklin.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Keep the throwback vibe going with a meal and drinks at Grays On Main. The Prohibition-era cocktails will get you in a bluesy mood, doll face. Bonus? If you have a few, you’re literally right across the street from the venue. You only have to park once!
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Rise N’ Grind, Then Bump N’ Grind
R.Kelly
WHO:
I mean, does this guy even need an introduction? R.Kelly entered our homes and our hearts with the classic love ballad “Ignition (Remix)” (can we get a toot toot or a beep beep?), and cemented his place in pop culture history with the absurdist R&B opera “Trapped In The Closet”. Rise n’ grind on the last day of the week (TGIF!) and then go get your BUMP n’ Grind on. You’ll believe you can fly.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
You’re gonna want to perform some insanely inappropriate R&B hits after this concert. Sure, you could limit your skillz to the car ride home or your shower concerts. We suggest a trip to Santa’s Pub where you can perform a spirited rendition of “Trapped In The Closet” in a double-wide trailer (get that falsetto ready for “Rosie The Nosy Neighbor”).
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Get Ready To RAWWK
JAWWS
WHO:
JAWWS consists of some punk rawkers that are in the cool kid’s group, Infinity Cat. Much like their contemporaries (Diarrhea Planet, etc), the group has reckless abandon and a riotous swag that is infectious (and usually results in some kind of mosh pit). Their CD release is going to be a blast.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
ML Rose’s west side location has all the burgers and beer you need to fuel up for ultimate moshin’. Go for those sweet potato fries, champ – you’ll dance them off.
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Nashville’s Holiday Cheermeister Brings The Laughs & Christmas Tunes
Dave Barnes & Special Guests
WHO:
We won’t force-feed him figgy pudding a la The Grinch, but we think it’s safe to say Barnes has earned the title of Nashville’s holiday cheermeister. His annual Christmas shows always bring the laughs and holiday spirit, and this year he’s bringing some special surprise guests to the Schermerhorn. Fingers crossed for him to break out the Santa suit for “Baby I’m Yours”.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:
Use the cheerful momentum to try to earn your place on the wall of fame at The Flying Saucer. If you drink 200 types of beer, you get a plate on the German beer hall wall (don’t do it all in one night, obviously). The soft pretzels are insanely good. Go for it.
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Get that concert dance ready (we suggest a hearty step-touch) and head to one of these shows to get your groove on. Don’t see anything that strikes your fancy? There are tons of live shows listed by genre in Wannado for you to browse. We’ll see you out there, Nashville!
