Nashville for Free

Man, Kyle Andrews is going to have one hell of a weekend. First of all he’s having this free show at the Mercy Lounge to celebrate the release of his new EP, KANGAROO TONIGHT, Friday September 3rd. It’s going to be a party, with Heypenny, Mother/Father, and Gold Motel playing as well. That’s pretty much the definition of indie-pop heaven, right? That show starts at 9pm and is 21+.

If you’re not yet 21 or just can’t make it to the Mercy Lounge on Friday then don’t fret; Kyle is playing a free all ages in-store at Grimey’s on Saturday at 5pm. Oh yeah, and there will be free beer (is there ever not free beer at a Grimey’s in-store?)

So there you have it. You have no excuse to not check out Kyle Andrews at some point this weekend. It’s like this weekend of his was designed for cheapskates like ourselves.

Also, Kyle has hit the big time and has a song in a Holiday Inn commercial. I hear that this song is called “You Always Make Me Smile” and can be found on his new EP, so you might want to consider buying it if you dig this song:

-Emily

Editor’s Note: This blog post was written by our newest contributor, Hilary Blakeney, who was actually hanging out with me when I created N4F. She rocks and deserves a big welcome!

The four-year-long project known as Westfolk originated at Belmont University. We all know some of the bands cranked out of that school aren’t the most original, but these guys are legitimate. Front man, Oscar Anthony’s vocals are as distinct as Yoni’s from WHY?, and the five-piece has harmonies rich enough to warm the soul. I’ll admit when I’m bored with six-minute-long songs. However, Westfolk not only held my attention, but I really enjoyed them as well. Check them out if you don’t know them already. Fortunately, you’ll have the opportunity to do so for free on September 3^rd at 12th and Porter.

With the likes of local favorites Natalie Prass and The Hollywood Ten, this EP release show will be one you’ll definitely regret missing. Just check out that sweet line-up! Ride your bike to 12^th and Porter and be ready to bob your head at 8 pm sharp. And while you’re there, please unfold your arms long enough to get your hands on this EP, seriously.

-Hilary

Yeah, that looks nicer than my bedroom too...

Another contest? Already? Yep, that’s right!

A night at Hotel Preston recently fell into my lap, well, a friend’s lap. It turns out he can’t use it, so he kindly offered to give it to one of this blog’s fine reader’s.

I don’t know how many of you guys have super swanky houses, but I know that I sure don’t. I was half-tempted to use the free night myself just to be able to sleep in that huge bed, watch HBO, and use a shower that doesn’t leak water into the kitchen if you hold the spigot the wrong way

So use it for yourself, or let your mom have it when she comes into town to visit you. It’s better than her sleeping on the floor in your dorm room or the couch in your dining room (don’t judge me). Pretend to be a businessman who’s only in town for the weekend, it doesn’t matter. Do what you want with it, just please do not tell me what you’re doing with it.

Also, you have to use it within the next month or so or it’ll expire.

Here’s how you can enter this contest: give me a big what’s up on the N4F Facebook page. Write on our wall, comment on the wall post about this contest, whatever. Just a single little comment will get you entered into this random drawing. I want to feel the love on the Facebook! I’ll contact you on Saturday if you’re the winner. I’ll give you all the details then.

BONUS STEP: post a picture on my wall of you jumping up and down on your bed and I’ll put your name in the hat 3 times.

Best of luck,

Emily

If you’ve been reading N4F for awhile then you know that I LOVE the International Lens Film Series at Vanderbilt. I just don’t think that people see enough foreign films, not because it doesn’t interest them, but because they’re never really presented with an opportunity to see them.

International Lens is great because they usually show a few different films a week, all from different countries. For example, tomorrow Wednesday September 1st they’re screening a film in the Sarratt Cinema called The Good, the Bad, and the Weird. It’s a Korean Western. How does that not sound awesome?

This film was released in 2008 and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. It was inspired by the classic western the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. I think it’s pretty easy to guess who’s the good one, the bad one, and the weird one from the poster. That dude in the middle is obviously weird, but he looks pretty awesome.

And now, the synopsis:

(2008) Dir: Ji-woon Kim. Set in the 1930s Manchurian desert where lawlessness rules, a bounty hunter, a bandit, and a train robber fatefully meet. Their chase across Manchuria for a mysterious map escalates, growing as unpredictable as it is good, bad, or weird. Korean with English subtitles.130 mins.

Just try to tell me that doesn’t sound like a cool movie. Again, it’s tomorrow night at Vanderbilt’s Sarratt Cinema.You can park for free Zone 2 lot 2 on West End. Here’s a map.

-Emily

this was as close as I could get

Apparently I completely underestimated the size of Magic Kids’ fan base.

I haven’t been to a Grimey’s in-store in awhile, but I certainly don’t think I’ve ever been to one where they store was filled to capacity, but that was the situation with Magic Kids.

I rolled into Grimey’s at exactly 6 o’clock worried that I’d miss the first part of their set, but was pretty confident that I’d at least get a decent spot. I was wrong on both counts. First of all my spot wasn’t great at all. I could barely even see the band! Also, they didn’t get started until about 6:30, at which point I was a little grumpy, a little tired, and feeling really hot.

All those nasty feelings (except maybe the overheating) melted away when Magic Kids started playing. God, those are some awesome pop songs. Their main influence is obviously 1960s pop like the Beach Boys (how many times have you heard that this year) but they feel less like imitators and more like the real deal. I’ll be damned if I didn’t feel like getting my groove on right there in the middle of the store. Sadly, I didn’t really have that much space to move around.

The band played for about 30 minutes, which is about the same as when they opened for Girls last fall, but I enjoyed them way more this time around (despite not being able to see them at all). It makes me wish I’d gone down to Memphis the other week to see them play a real show with the Memphis Youth Orchestra last week. Next time, next time.

Man, hopefully the next time will be soon. I hear they’ll be at The End in November!

-Emily

That's a lotta Canada, Ashlee

Ashlee Hinman! Congratulations Ashlee, your willingness to get goofy in Photoshop undoubtedly helped you win the tickets to see Metric at the Cannery Ballroom! Thanks again to AEG Live for giving us the hook up!

For the record, this is the second of 3 contest winners who did the bonus step, so I’d say it’s worth it, wouldn’t you Ashlee?

Ashlee wasn’t the only person who did the extra step and contributed to my personal entertainment. Paul Hinman (relation?), and Ambika Beepath also sent in some pretty hilarious pics of them gettin’ Canadian eh. I’ll be sure to post those.

I just wanted to remind you that there are still tickets on sale for this show, so if you didn’t win you’re not completely out of luck. Also, Grimey’s is giving away some tix for Metric and about 50 other cool shows.

And now, for the fun part:

My favorite pic for sure

Paul. He's on the far right I think.

Again, congrats to our big winner, and if you didn’t win don’t feel too bad. N4F already has a few more contests in the works, so check back!

-Emily

This past Saturday I finally had my second Musicians Corner experience. I had enjoyed my first time there, but it was raining and I was disappointed when they had to call it before the Dynamites could go on.

When I heard that Charles Walker and the Dynamites were making up for lost time AND that the Westbound Rangers, one of my favorite local bands was playing I knew that there was no way in hell I wasn’t going to be there.

I gathered a friend and ended up rolling into Centennial Park at the exact time the Westbound Rangers took the stage, and I have to tell you, they were freaking awesome, as always. Four talented dudes playing great country classics (and some solid orignals) around a single mic? Yes please. Those men are after my heart, I swear.

After the Westbound Rangers finished up Courtney Jaye took the stage. I have to admit, I didn’t pay particularly close attention during her set. I was too tempted by the BBQ at Hog Heaven and the Old Time Photobooth. By the way, that free photobooth was freaking awesome. I was really surprised by the high quality of the pictures and the fact that the pics were printed instantly AND were made available online. Bravo, Old Time Photobooth Co. You rock.

Things were running a little ahead of schedule, so Drew Holcomb performed a few songs. I enjoyed him, but I was way too excited to see Charles Walker and the Dynamites. They were great, as expected. That Charles Walker is one funky, funky man. He even got the crowd dancing, though I did not partake. The band even gave the crowd the hookup on how to get $2 tickets to their show at the Mercy Lounge that night.

Overall I’d say that the event was a complete success. I hope they keep this going for a long time.

-Emily

Monday

Magic Kids In-Store at Grimey’s – 6pm
If you want to hear some awesome fun pop that was born in Memphis then check out Magic Kids. This is their only show in town so don’t miss it.

Rock’n’Roll Trivia at the Mercy Lounge – 6:30pm, 21+
What, you think you know more rock minutia than I do? Well, you’re probably right, but if you really want a challenge then you should hit up this event. It consists of three rounds of questions, two rounds of “name that tune,” and the rock and roll-est of final wagers where you can bet (and possibly lose) it all. The prizes are $50, $25 or $10 to be spent at Mercy Lounge. Plus, everyone gets free parking and beer specials all night. It’s about teams, so grab some friends, yo.

8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge – 9pm
This is a special edition of 8 off 8th. It’s the Armed Forces 7″ Radical Love release party. Performers will include Armed Forces, Loose Cougar, the Black Shades, Black Baby, Diarrhea Planet, Heartbeater, Captain Midnight Band, and DJ Gumby. You can also buy the 7″, which I’m sure the Armed Forces would appreciate.

Women and Money at the Green Hills Public Library – 6pm
I sort of hate how this event assumes that women in particular would have no idea how to handle their finances, but if you could use a little help with understanding your finances then this could be a really helpful event.

Tuesday

Concerts in the Courtyard with Sara Sant’ Ambrogio at the Downtown Public Library – 11:45am
This week’s live performance features Grammy-winning classical cellist and member of the Eroica Trio, Sara Sant’ Ambrogio. You can also enter to win prizes, like an iPad.

Billy Block Show at Tin Roof – 6pm
Some country greats have played the Billy Block Show, including Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, Keith Anderson, Sara Evans, and Trisha Yearwood.

A Year with the Birds: A Film by a Father and His Daughter at the Green Hills Public Library – 6:30pm
Twelve months in the making, and filmed during all four seasons, A Year With Birds is an intriguing glimpse into the lives of Tennessee’s birds. Woven together with moving music, ever-present bird song, and informative narration, the film brings you in close to over 60 beautiful bird species you may encounter during the year.

New Faces Nite at the Basement – 8pm
This week’s New Faces Nite features Sarah Pray, Jessica Rae, Marin and Taylor, Granville Automatic and more.

Wednesday

International Lens Film Series: The Good The Bad The Weird at the Sarratt Cinema – 7pm
Set in the 1930s Manchurian desert where lawlessness rules, a bounty hunter, a bandit, and a train robber fatefully meet. Their chase across Manchuria for a mysterious map escalates, growing as unpredictable as it is good bad or weird. Korean with English subtitles. 130 mins.

Old Time Jam at the 5 Spot – 7:30pm
East Nashville’s Wednesday Night Old Time Jam provides enthusiasts of traditional, acoustic-based roots music the opportunity to regularly meet, share tunes, dance, swap stories, and bond together in general camaraderie.

Celtic Jam at 12 South Taproom – 6pm
Get your jam on, celtic style. For fans of the movie Braveheart.

Thursday

NAAD Presents Art After Hours – 5-8pm
Art, free wine, and cool people. Who doesn’t love art crawls. This takes places all over Nashville, including The Arcade and Hillsboro Village.

International Lens Film Series: Copyright Criminals at the Sarratt Cinema – 7pm
Is sampling and scratching theft or merely traditional cultural appropriation? That’s the central question of this documentary that focuses on sample-based sound collage in hip-hop, which has become a multibillion-dollar global industry and has sparked lasting, devastating copyfights. There will be a Q & A with director Kembrew McLeod after the screening.

Friday

Kyle Andrews EP Release Party at the Mercy Lounge – 9pm
It’s a big week for release shows. First Armed Forces releases their 7″ and now Kyle Andrews is releasing his new 18 minute EP, KANGAROO. Celebrating with him will be Heypenny, Mother/Father, and Gold Motel.

Westfolk EP Release at 12th and Porter – 8pm
Holy crap, ANOTHER release show! This one is for the new Westfolk EP and other performers include Natalie Prass and the Hollywood Ten.

Saturday

Kyle Andrews in-store at Grimey’s – 5pm
Did you miss the EP release the night before? Check him out his “bedroom electro-pop” and grab a free beer at Grimey’s at this in-store.

Shakespeare Allowed Presents All’s Well that Ends Well at the Main Public Library – 12:45pm
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival invites you to read Shakespeare’s play, All’s Well that Ends Well out loud in a reading circle at Nashville’s Downtown Library.  There will be 16 chairs in a circle, and whoever wants to read out loud can choose one of the 16. There will be additional seating available for anyone who wants to read along silently. Bring your own copy, please.

First Saturday Art Crawl – 8-10pm
More art to be seen, wine to be consumed, and people to meet. You might even see something you love enough to buy.

Musician’s Corner in Centennial Park – 3-6pm
Local vendors and local music. Sounds like a winner to me. This week’s performers include WestBound Rangers, Michael Logen, Ali Rogers, Keenan Hunter, Courtney Jaye, and a surprise guest. There will also probably be a really cool free Old Time photo booth. There will be much joy and fun.

Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies with Platinum Rose at the Mercy Lounge – 8pm
Awesome rock and soul band. These guys are known for awesome live performances. Get down.

Let me introduce you to Magic Kids. They’re from Memphis, they named their album, which came out this past Tuesday Memphis, and they’re poppy soda-shop bliss.

If you were at the Girls show at Exit/In this past winter you probably saw Magic Kids and either thought “what the hell?” or “THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!” I was at the Girls show and, though I was a little confused, thought they put on a pretty solid set.

It’s remarkably hard to find any background on this band, but I can tell you that it features members of The Barbaras and Girls of the Gravitron. I can also tell you that they’re just one of the many critically acclaimed bands on True Panther Sounds, the label that brought us Girls, Delorean, Glasser, and a bunch of other bands that I’ve fallen in love with over the past year. I also know that their taste in clothes is questionable and that their pop hooks are undeniably catchy.

Yeah, you know what, Magic Kids are a little difficult to describe. You should probably just go see them.

This will be the only show they’re playing in Nashville, so don’t miss it. The in-store will be at Grimey’s on Monday, August 30th at 6pm. See you there!

-Emily

Westbound Rangers

You might remember a few weeks ago I wrote about the very first Musicians Corner in Centennial Park. Despite the rain and the whole event getting called before the Dynamites could perform I thought it was a really cool event that had a lot of room for growth.

I’ve given it a few weeks, and now that things are cooling off and the lineup includes the Westbound Rangers and, once again, Charles Walker and The Dynamites, I’m going to check out the event again, and I’m freaking excited.

One of my main complaints was that Musicians Corner doesn’t like to give out the exact lineup and times. That would be fine if I was interested in staying the whole time, but my schedule honestly doesn’t allow for that, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Saturday is when I get a lot of work done, and when I go out for some free music I want to make sure I get there in time to see who I really want to see. But finally, after some whining, I have the lineup. The bands will perform in this order:

• Keenan Hunter
• Alli Rogers
• West Bound Rangers
• Courtney Jaye
• Charles Walker & the Dynamites

Dang, that’s one fine looking lineup! To make things even more appealing, the weather looks like it’s going to be mighty fine. Hopefully I’ll actually get to see the Dynamites, who have eluded me for 3 years. I have no idea how I haven’t seen them yet. No clue.

So come out and enjoy the weather and some good tunes with me. I’ll get my dance on if you do. It’ll be today, Saturday August 28th from 3-6pm in Centennial Park.

-Emily