Nashville for Free

Well, not exactly, so please don’t show up at my house with a price sticker on your forehead or something.

What I DO want is your story. I want you to send me the pictures you took at that Grimey’s in-store or at the outdoor movie. I even want the pictures of your free Monday morning McDonald’s coffee! I also want a little paragraph or so explaining what’s going on in the picture.

That’s right, YOU could be a Nashville for Free scene reporter, just like Michelle and Lance! Is that cool or what?

Send your stuff to nashvilleforfree@gmail.com

Don’t forget to include your name if you want credit!

Again, thanks for reading, and rock’n'roll, you wonderful cosmonauts!

*Note: You will not be paid. This is called Nashville for Free for a reason.

Also wanted: Someone to design a logo/icon/avatar for NashvilleforFree. I can’t pay you, but I can give you credit for your work.

Can you handle THIS?

Monday

8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge – 9pm
Music that will make you CREAM presents 90s night. Bring your worst 90s clothes, be it your flannel and acid wash jeans or your Spice Girls tour t-shirt.

Ginger Rue reads from and signs Brand New Emily at Davis-Kidd – 7pm
Brand New Emily is the story about a girl who makes enemies with the most popular girl in school, then undergoes a complete makeover with the help of a publicist, becoming Brand Em, then learns the limits of brand loyalty.

Tuesday

Ga’an at Grimey’s – 6pm
If you don’t know who Ga’an is, it’s Lindsay from Cake Bake Betty’s new band. If you’ve never heard of Cake Bake Betty you should go anyway.

Team Green Birthday Adventure Mixer at Downtown YMCA – 6-8pm, 21+
Info from Now Playing Nashville:
“Team Green is turning 13 and to celebrate our teen year’s we’re throwing a huge birthday bash downtown! Head over to the brand new Dowtown YMCA building for a scavenger hunt for giveaway tickets as you visit different facility features of the building, then walk a block to The Standard, a historic downtown house converted into a beautiful restaurant and ballroom where the real party begins! The Standard is located at 167 Rosa Parks Blvd.”

New Faces Nite at the Basement – 8pm
Free show featuring artists you probably haven’t heard of yet. Who knows, you could discover your new favorite local band.

Wednesday

Paolo Nutini at Grimey’s – 6pm
Catch Paolo before his show at the Cannery Ballroom. I can’t promise he’ll play “New Shoes,” but you never know. Also, if you have tickets to his show at the Cannery you should get there early (7pm), because that ticket will get you free admission to Five for Five at the Mercy Lounge, which will feature Gates of Graceland (formerly The Shoals, they’re really cool dudes), Rhean Boyer (Carolina Rain), Mike Willis, Clay Evans, and Anthony Snape.

Arby’s Freebie
Free Fruitea with any sandwich purchase.

Dave Peterson and 1946 at 12 South Taproom – 9pm
He’s “a savvy independent recording artist and a bluegrass singer who cherishes tradition.” Also, he’s awesome, so that helps.

ASCAP Rocks the Basement – 8pm
Come and catch some cool new acts. I’m going to recommend Natalie Warner because I saw her live awhile back and she was pretty damn good.

THOR’s-Day

Spike and The Impalers: A Classic Rock Tribute at Exit/In – 9pm
Seattle’s greatest classic rock tribute band comes to Nashville in an attempt to rock us like we haven’t been rocked in a very long time. Expect serious AC/DC, The Who, Bruce, and Van Halen, among others.

Eric Barnes reads and signs The Shimmer at Davis-Kidd – 7pm
A story about a CEO and his discovery that his company is built on a lie. Corporate Ponzi scheme, ho!

Bobby Bare, The Henningstons & Dixie’s Finest at 12th & Porter – 6pm
Well, we all know that Bobby Bare is awesome. Why wouldn’t you want to catch him and two other great bands for free? Seriously.

Friday

GINO: The Greatest Funk show in Nashville at Music City Bar – 9pm
Funk. Music. Could be good, could be not so good.

Shelby Bottom String Band at French Quarter Café – 6pm
From their bio:
“Shelby Bottom String Band plays quirky Americana and old songs that have current relevance along with originals — all delivered with charm and humor.”

Saturday

Ugly Tomato Festival at Nashville Farmers’ Market – 11am
Come on down and taste a variety of tomatos, check out some cooking demos, listen to some music, and more!

Shakespeare Allowed presents King John at the Main Public Library – 1-4pm
Come down and enjoy/participate in a reading of Shakespeare’s King John. This event happens with a different play every first Saturday of the month.

First Saturday Art Crawl at various art galleries – 6-10pm
Enjoy some great art, drink some free wine, and meet some cool people at the First Saturday Art Crawl. I’d personally avoid any free food that’s sitting out. I had a bad experience last time I ate the food at an art gallery opening…bleh
Here’s a link for the free shuttle map: http://artatthearcade.com/first-saturday/

Let’s hope that the temperatures stay cool and bring some cool events for us.

Monday

8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge – 9pm, 21+
The Nashville Cream continues to treat us to great tunes by the decade for this month’s 8 off 8th. The theme this week is 80s night, so dress accordingly. Of course, since 90% of what’s hip today is straight out of 1985 that should be pretty easy.

Valentiger, Ikak, and Seth Wood at Edgehill Studio Cafe – 7pm
I have never heard of any of these bands, but I love the Edgehill Studio Cafe and I trust their taste.

Mike Freeland discusses and signs Blood River to Berlin: The World War II Journal of an Army Medic at Davis-Kidd Books – 7pm
Mike Freeland is a Tennessee native who found himself witnessing the horrors of WWII, including a Nazi death camp. Come and hear him talk about his experience and get him to sign a copy of his book.

Tuesday

Lunch and Learn with Martha Stamps at the Nashville Farmers’ Market – 11am
This week’s topic is titled “Feeding the Sheep.” It’s about what we put in our bodies from a spiritual perspective. Sounds like it could lead to a great discussion.

2 events at The Basement – always a 21+ venue
Carnival Music Presents:
Come and check out some Carnival Music artists for free. Performers include Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, Skip Matheny (of Roman Candle), and Daniel Tashian. Starts at 7pm
New Faces Nite:
Come see nine (yes, nine) new acts rock the Basement’s Stage after Carnival Music’s show. Acts include Antiverse, Avery Set, Average Girl, and Loose Cougar. Starts at 8pm.

Starbuck’s – opening -10:30am
Purchase any beverage before 10:30am and present this coupon (printed out or on the screen on a mobile device) and get a free pastry! Wasn’t that easy? Well, not as easy as Arby’s freebies, but much easier than free grilled chicken from KFC via Oprah.

Wednesday

Arby’s
Free Roastburger with any soft drink purchase…I don’t know how I feel about that.

Knot Tying 101 at South Cumberland State Park – 2pm
I know, I know, it’s an hour and a half away, but who knows when you’ll need to learn how to tie a sweet knot? Meet at the visitor’s center.

Local Author Lydia Peelle reads and signs Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing: Stories at Davis-Kidd Books – 7pm
8 stories that “explore lives derailed by a loss of the vital connection to the land.” You support local restaurants, local food, and local music, so why not support local authors?

Yoga in Centennial Park, presented by Team Green – 5:30-6:30pm
This is the first day of the to-be-weekly yoga classes presented by Team Green. What better way to relax from mid-week stress than yoga? Meet at the west corner of Parthenon Field, closest to West End. A spot will be chosen there, probably in the shade.
*Note: this is free, but donations are welcome and encouraged.

Thursday

Home Renovation Series: The House of Ill Repair at the Green Hills branch of the public library – 6:30-7:45 pm
Any house can easily fall into disrepair if you don’t know maintenance. Learn some basic tips about keeping your own house in top shape as well as some info about what to look at when buying a house.

Skate of the Union at the Sommet Center – 5-9pm
If you’re a hockey fan this is something you can’t miss. A used equipment sale goes from 5-7, then Skate of the Union town hall discussion picks up. Expect to see some bright new faces there, as well as Steve Sullivan, who will be there with his Masterton trophy.

Friday

Poolapalooza featuring Brother Trouble at Cascades Pool in Gaylord Opryland – 6pm
Cool drinks, hot party, good tunes, and it’s free. Seriously, what’s not to love? Parking is even free in selected lots.

Love (as it turns out) is a Battlefield at Downtown Presbyterian Church – 7pm (show at 9:30)
An evening of performances and conversations with musicians and authors including Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz, a popular book, so I’ve been told), Matthew Perryman Jones, Sandra McCracken, Sarah Masen, Justin Caldwell, and film shorts by Tom Willis. It’s hosted by David Dark for Blood:Water, which is a grassroots organization that works to help the HIV/AIDS and water crisis in Africa. Donations are accepted, so please consider giving.

Flea Market at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds – starts Friday at 8am
Come and check out the wonderful world of the flea market! It starts Friday at 8am and goes until 5pm, goes Saturday 7am-6pm, and Sunday 7am-4pm. I wonder if I could buy a chase-lounge there…

Saturday

Kingbilly is Your Friend Night at 12th& Porter – 8pm
Kingbilly seems like a really fun band (though I’ve never seen them I’ve heard great things), and they want to be your friend, so leave your wallet at home and check them out at 12th & Porter. You can’t beat free friendship, some people have to buy love.

Cold War Film Festival: Dr. Strangelove at Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in Clarksville – 2pm
There’s a catch to this, and that is that you have to buy admission to the exhibit. The tickets are cheap, though, $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 55+, $2 for college with picture ID, and $1 for anyone 1-18 years of age. That’s pretty cheap.

Ice Day at the Nashville Zoo – 9am-4pm
It’ll cost you regular admission to get into the zoo, but once you do there’s a lot of fun to be had. Today all the animals get an icy treat, and you’ll get some as well! Bluebell will be giving out free ice cream throughout the park. One of my roommates works at the zoo, and she says it’s going to be a lot of fun. Too bad they couldn’t hack off some of the price of getting in…

Sunday

Mayor’s Nashville Housing Fair at the Sommet Center – 1-5pm
At this free and open event you can learn learn about new homes, how to obtain a mortgage, and how to increase your credit score and available tax credits. There will also be some freebies, but I imagine that only means ink pens and pads of paper, but hey, it’s all about learning something.

“So,” you might ask me, “what’s up this week? What kind of fun is planned?”

Well, I have an answer.

Are you ready?

Here it comes.

Monday:

8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge
This weekly event features 3 song sets from up-and-coming bands in Nashville. I believe that the Nashville Scene is taking control of the fun, so you know it’s gotta be good.
Starts at 9pm. Ages 21+

Howling for Darling at 12 South Taproom
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the bands that play the 12 South Taproom have the BEST names.
Starts at 9pm

The Dead Weather (Jack White’s new band) midnight release party at Grimeys
Snacks, beverages, free stuff you could win, and a special DJ performance by the Bens from Third Man at everyone’s favorite local record store. Be one of the first people to get the new Dead Weather record on vinyl or CD. Who knows who else might show up?
When: 11pm

Tuesday:

Dan Curtis, Dark Shadows, and Television Suspense at the Green Hills Public Library
Here’s a description from Now Playing Nashville:
“Dark Shadows remains a cult classic decades after the final episode aired on television in 1971. Dr. Jeff Thompson, author of The Television Horrors of Dan Curtis: Dark Shadows and Other Productions, 1966-2006, will show film clips and discuss director Dan Curtis, Dark Shadows, The Night Stalker, literature’s influence on his films, and the influence of Curtis’s horror films on subsequent scary movies and TV shows. A book signing will follow.”
When: 6:30-7:30

Next Door Neighbors: Meet the Cultures of Somalia and Kurdistan that Call Nashville Home at the Scarritt-Bennett Center
Nashville is home to a lot of refugees from Kurdistan and Somalia, and we should take the time to learn more about their cultures.
When: 7:00-9:00pm

New Faces Nite at the Basement
This is the second weekly event that showcases new Nashville artists. You never know which one is going to make it big. Rock.
When: 8:00pm

Wednesday:

Free Arby’s for Lunch
Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase

Thursday:

Throw Down Barista Competition at Edgehill Studio Cafe
Sounds pretty sweet.
When: 7:00pm

Best Selling Author Jennifer Haigh reading from The Condition at Davis-Kidd Books
From Now Playing Nashville:
“The long-awaited third novel from the bestselling, award-winning author of Mrs. Kimble and Baker Towers explores the immutable bonds of family witnessed through one turbulent year in the lives of the McKotches. With compassion and almost painful astuteness, The Condition explores the power of family mythologies–the self-delusions, denials and inescapable truths that forever bind fathers and mothers and siblings”
When: 7:00pm

The Comfie’s live in-store at Grimey’s
From the Grimey’s website:
“The Comfies are releasing the first of 3 new EPs. It’s called The Comfies Present: Benjamin A. Harper in This Ship Is Going Down and it’s out digitally now. You can download it here using the “name your own price” model. But if you’re a real fan and want the CD, you’ll need to join us for a free live in-store performance by the band and pick up CD while you’re here.”
When: 6pm

Friday:

Charles Butler at 12 South Taproom
Progressive Bluegrass!
When: 9:00pm

Saturday:

Big Band Concerts at Centennial Park
Music, dancing, dance lessons, dance competitions. Bring good shoes.
When: 7:30-10:00pm

Buffalo River Music Festival in Main Street Lobelville, TN
From Now Playing Nashville
“Perry County Forward, Buddy the Dog Entertainment and the Town of Lobelville proudly present the 1st Annual Buffalo River Music Festival in Perry County, Tennessee. The evening will feature performances by Terri Gibbs, Razzy Bailey, Marion James, Blue Mother Tupelo, Johnny Jones, Moe Denham, Les Kerr, Nick Nixon, Jerry Roll Johnson, Brooks Brothers and many more!”
When: 5:00pm

Umbrella Tree live in-store at Grimey’s
From the Grimey’s website:
“Zach, Jillian and Derek have a new album called “The Letter C” with a video to accompany each song. They’re unveiling it here at Grimey’s on a Saturday afternoon and will screen all the videos. They’re a quirky and very creative band and I bet they’ve got some cool stuff cookin’ for this. More details soon…”
When: 4pm

This weekend brought two free events to me: free Chick-fil-a and a free outdoor movie at the Belcourt.

Two of my roommates were VERY excited about the free Chick-fil-a, as noted in their attire when I came home from work…

Dan (Belmoo!) and Alex

We weren’t sure which restaurant was closest to us, so we google mapped it, and it took us to 333 Commerce St. (the Batman building), which just didn’t seem right…and it wasn’t, because the doors for the building were locked by the time we got there.

Not happening

All was not lost, because I knew how to get to the Chick-fil-a in Brentwood! When we got there we found many other cows, including people who were REALLY getting into it and some really cute little kids who I didn’t take pictures of, because that would be a little strange in my opinion.

Though none of us got a free combo we all got a free entree or fruit cup or whatever, mostly by means of Dan’s cow bonnet.

Katharine wearing Dan's cow bonnet

We had a lot of fun, and our bellies were full, so we were very satisfied. Same time next year? Yes, of course. Totally worth it.

Belcourt’s Second Saturday Drive-in: The Wrestling Women vs. The Aztec Mummy

The next night I took a friend with me and we hit up the Belcourt for a good ‘ol fashioned drive-in (only instead of sitting in cars we were sitting on a blanket and pillows in a parking lot).

We got there when it was still light outside even though the movie wasn’t even scheduled to start until sunset. I’ll tell you what, I always wondered what that big white rectangle on the side of the Belcourt was for.

Wait, you mean to tell me there's gonna be movin' pic-turrs up there?

I’m couldn’t even begin to estimate the number of people who atteneded, but it seemed like a pretty good crowd.

We were all antsy for the movie to start, so we cheered in joy when everything go started.

Yay!

Before they started the actual movie we were shown several HILARIOUS advertisements for things like asbestos, Ayds diet candy, and a freaking crazy Levi’s ad along with previews for movies like The Crawling Hand, the Little Cigars (tagline: 5 midgets and 1 chick), and next month’s drive-in movie choice W. W. and the Dixie Dance Kings, which features some country music stars and Burt Reynolds. We were also treated to an episode of Popeye the Sailor Man and Duck Dodgers!

The movie itself was pretty awesome, I’m not gonna lie. It was a little long, but it was hilarious, especially when we finally met the Aztec Mummy (“he’s a vampire now! He’s a mummy again! He disappeared! Look, he’s a spider!”)

Even if W. W. and the Dixie Dancekings doesn’t sound appealing to you, you should go check it out on August 8th at 7:45! It’s a lot of fun and it’s free. If you really don’t think you can stomach a Burt Reynolds movie, Young Frankenstein on September 12th at 6:58! Young Frankenstein! Why wouldn’t you go?

That’s today’s scene report.

Check back later for a post about this week’s highlights.

This weekend brought two free events to me: free Chick-fil-a and a free outdoor movie at the Belcourt.

Two of my roommates were VERY excited about the free Chick-fil-a, as noted in their attire when I came home from work…

Dan (Belmoo!) and Alex

We weren’t sure which restaurant was closest to us, so we google mapped it, and it took us to 333 Commerce St. (the Batman building), which just didn’t seem right…and it wasn’t, because the doors for the building were locked by the time we got there.

Not happening

All was not lost, because I knew how to get to the Chick-fil-a in Brentwood! When we got there we found many other cows, including people who were REALLY getting into it and some really cute little kids who I didn’t take pictures of, because that would be a little strange in my opinion.

Though none of us got a free combo we all got a free entree or fruit cup or whatever, mostly by means of Dan’s cow bonnet.

Katharine wearing Dan's cow bonnet

We had a lot of fun, and our bellies were full, so we were very satisfied. Same time next year? Yes, of course. Totally worth it.

Belcourt’s Second Saturday Drive-in: The Wrestling Women vs. The Aztec Mummy

The next night I took a friend with me and we hit up the Belcourt for a good ‘ol fashioned drive-in (only instead of sitting in cars we were sitting on a blanket and pillows in a parking lot).

We got there when it was still light outside even though the movie wasn’t even scheduled to start until sunset. I’ll tell you what, I always wondered what that big white rectangle on the side of the Belcourt was for.

Wait, you mean to tell me there's gonna be movin' pic-turrs up there?

I’m couldn’t even begin to estimate the number of people who atteneded, but it seemed like a pretty good crowd.

We were all antsy for the movie to start, so we cheered in joy when everything go started.

Yay!

Before they started the actual movie we were shown several HILARIOUS advertisements for things like asbestos, Ayds diet candy, and a freaking crazy Levi’s ad along with previews for movies like The Crawling Hand, the Little Cigars (tagline: 5 midgets and 1 chick), and next month’s drive-in movie choice W. W. and the Dixie Dance Kings, which features some country music stars and Burt Reynolds. We were also treated to an episode of Popeye the Sailor Man and Duck Dodgers!

The movie itself was pretty awesome, I’m not gonna lie. It was a little long, but it was hilarious, especially when we finally met the Aztec Mummy (“he’s a vampire now! He’s a mummy again! He disappeared! Look, he’s a spider!”)

Even if W. W. and the Dixie Dancekings doesn’t sound appealing to you, you should go check it out on August 8th at 7:45! It’s a lot of fun and it’s free. If you really don’t think you can stomach a Burt Reynolds movie, Young Frankenstein on September 12th at 6:58! Young Frankenstein! Why wouldn’t you go?

That’s today’s scene report.

Check back later for a post about this week’s highlights.

Dan Buckley was kind enough to send me some pictures of some of the free events he’s participated in as part of Lightning 100 and Team Green. Let’s have a look, shall we?

Sambuca on July 8th.

“This was at a free event last night at Sambuca. It was a sign up for the Dragon Boat races, which people will be able to attend for free.

Everyone also got a drink ticket and a free ice cold beverage from Sambuca. There were also free munchies! more info at Teamgreenadventures.com”

That looks like it was a lot of fun!

Here’s a picture from the Lightning 100 booth at the free Earth Day festivities in Centennial Park…

“This was a free event at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville. A battle of the bands competition for a Nashville rep to compete nationally for a spot at London’s Hard Rock Calling festival.”

A big thanks to Dan for the pics. I’m glad that Lightning 100 and Team Green are around to provide us with so many free events, like the upcoming Live on the Green concert series.

If you go to any free event in Nashville, even one I didn’t post, and you took pictures, send them, along with a little paragraph on what you thought of the event to NashvilleForFree@gmail.com and you could end up on my blog!

This is going to be fun!

I thought I’d create a post that highlighted some of this weeks cool events. This isn’t meant to include everything, but if you feel like I missed something major then let me know.

MONDAY:
8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge at 9PM
This is a weekly event, and though I’ve never gone it seems really great. The Mercy Lounge is a great venue, and I always have a good time hearing new bands, even if they sort of suck. You should definitely consider going at least once

TUESDAY:
Cotton Jones performs at Grimey’s at 6PM
I LOVE going to in-stores at Grimey’s, even if I don’t know the artist. It gets a little cramped sometimes, but the tunes are great, and sometimes Grimey’s will have some surprises like free beer or prizes. If you’re a fan of the artist this is probably the most intimate setting you’ll ever see them in, and you can almost always get the to take a picture and sign after their set.

Lunch and Learn with Martha Stamps at Nashville Farmers’ Market – 11am
Eat some lunch and learn a little about the food you’re eating. I don’t think that we give enough thought to what we put into our bodies, and this sounds like a great way to learn more about it. This week’s topic is “Local is Everything”.

Dime Cookie Day at Whole Foods – while supplies last.
I don’t think it’s a secret that I LOVE cookies, especially good ones that only cost 10 cents each. The first Tuesday of the month means 10 cookies for $1 at Whole Foods in Green Hills, and let me tell you, they’re delicious! The cookies are left sitting out in little bags of 10 each on the bakery counter, and you just grab one and take it to a register. One greenback later and they’re all yours to eat or to share. I eat mine.

NANA Day (Anime) at Sonobana Restaurant and Grocery
It’s July 7th, which apparently means it’s NANA day in celebration of the anime comic of the same name. For more info click here

New Faces Night at The Basement – 8pm
A free show with some up-and-coming acts. This week features Theodore, Douglas Lucas, Wendy Duffy, Tennessee Hollow, Mariesa Frank and Andrew Bryant. This, like all Basement shows, is 21+

Local Author Elizabeth Pace signs and discusses her book The X and Y of Buy at Davis Kidd – 7pm
This book discusses the differences between the purchasing habits of men and women. It sounds pretty interesting.

(more…)

My account has been one of the many that was accidentally suspended this afternoon. It’s probably because I use the client TweetLater, which allows me to plan my tweets and post over intervals instead of creating an avalanche, which could get annoying.

I hope that this gets sorted out ASAP, but until then you can check for free events here. Monday morning I’ll make a big ol’ blog about it.

Later.

*UPDATE*

The Twitter account is up and running. I thought for sure that it would take longer to fix the problem.