Nashville for Free

Monday

Rock’n'Roll Trivia and 8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge – 7pm & 9pm
Show off your mad trivia skills in an attempt to win prizes from The Groove and the bar, then stick around for some rock. This week’s 8 off 8th features The New Protestants, The Lake, Goldroom, Cobra Cheetah Tiger Viper, The Kingston Springs, Downtown Handshake, My Tyger, and Hanzelle. Brought to you by We Own This Town.

Who’s on 3rd at 3rd and Lindsley – 9pm
Free show with Bryan Sackenheim, Paige Bainbridge, Heather Wiggins, Stacey Donahue, Greg Walters, Kevin Masch, Jer Gregg, Cat Beach, Risa Binder.

A Chopin Celebration at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music – 7pm
Chopin will be 200 this year so go celebrate his awesome tunes.

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These two fellas will be at Grimey’s tonight at 6pm to bring you some free live jams

Don’t they look incredibly polite? You should go see them.

Also, if I had to guess I’d say there might be a little bit of this for free as well:

Don’t be mad if it’s not there, but I assume it’s going to be there because it usually is.

Enjoy this event for me because I can’t be there.

-Emily

Sad news in the Dollar Records world last Sunday, as Knack frontman/songwriter/guitarist Doug Fieger passed away after courageous bouts with brain and lung cancer. Reviled by rock critics and self-proclaimed people-with-taste everywhere, The Knack had a huge hit in 1979 with their classic studio-punk, raging-horno stomper “My Sharona” and followed it up with the similarly sexist “Good Girl Don’t.” While the critics decried the mysogomy and L.A. musician’s band take on punk rock, the little girls screamed, and their excellent debut, Get The Knack hit #1 for six weeks.

Get The Knack has aged well, in part due to its raw, sponaneous presentation (thanks to producer Mike Chapman, responsible for the bubblegum side of proto-hair-band Sweet) . This is a hot club band playing live, fast, catchy pop music, and it’s not just the reprised Capitol rainbow inprint and Meet The Beatles homage on the cover that makes this feel like early Fab Four. It’s pop-for-pop’s sake, a fun album full unhinged performances and killer pop songs.

Fieger has two speeds. For the girls: the sweet, shy, crestfallen boy. For the guys: horny confindant who wants to help you get some from the girls who won’t give you any. Considering Fieger was 26 when Get The Knack came out, this should be disgusting…but Berton Averre’s guitar playing is sooooo sweet! His solos are caffienated explosions of genius, but it’s not all bombast. On Fieger’s absolutely stunning slow-one, “Maybe Tonight,” Averre rips the perfect little George Harrison lead. Were I a 14-year-old girl, I’d tear my hair out. Then I’d probably learn the solo.

If good playing makes for bad punk, I guess we’re supposed to hate the Attractions and The Rumour, too? I love this band. Bassist Prescott Niles bassically becomes Paul for the record. Notable session drummer Bruce Gary (who we also recently lost) seems much more at-home playing a cross between Ringo and Keith Moon than ruining postumous Hendrix records.

What’s not to love about Get The Knack? The songs are great, the band is hot, the recording is raw, Side Two is appropriately different (“Siamese Twins” shows the band is already progressing beyond its chosen idiom) and it’s one of the greatest power pop albums ever.

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Donate a little cash to a good cause and get this until 10pm:

At IHOPs everywhere.

Monday

Rock’nRoll Trivia & 8 off 8th Road to Bonnaroo at the Mercy Lounge – 6:30pm & 9pm
Okay, I think it’s officially been established that the Mercy Lounge is the place to be on a Monday night in Nashville if you are 21+ and poor/hip/both. First it’s Rock’n'Roll Trivia with prizes from the bar and The Groove record shop. Hey, you might even see some N4F’ers there, who knows? After the trivia it’s 8 off 8th Road to Bonnaroo. Of all the bands who play these special 8 off 8ths one will be selected to play at Bonnaroo. Last year it was Heypenny and though I didn’t see them at either I was told it was great. The winner will be decided through a fan and judge vote. Anyway, this week features, Born Empty, Kyle Andrews, Moon Taxi, Mona, The Non-Commissioned Officers, Parachute Musical, Ponderosa, and The Privates.

Master Classes with the West Point Academy Wind Quintet at Blair School of Music – 4-6pm
Master classes are always great. I used to go to them all the time for jazz guitar. I know, right? Call 615.322.7651 for more info. Here’s where’s what:

• Flute Master Class with Julie Williams Ditzel, Room 2190.
• Oboe Master Class and Reed-Making with James Mullins, Room 2192.
• Clarinet Repair Workshop with John Parrette, Room 2109.
• Bassoon Master Class with Christian Eberle, Room 1167.
• Horn Master Class with Troy Messner, Instrumental Rehearsal Hall.

Belmont Camerata Musicale: Celebrating Schumann’s Bicentennial at the Belmont Mansion – 7:30pm
Belmont Camerata Musicale will feature music celebrating the bicentennial of German composer Robert Schumann. The program will include Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44, Fairy Tales for Clarinet, Viola and Piano, Op. 132 and selected songs.

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I don’t know if you feel the same way about Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, but when I walk by that stand at the mall I WANT some pretzels. The aroma is freaking incredible and they taste pretty excellent as well. One of the pretty good moments in my life was when I actually met Auntie Anne while carving a pumpkin depicting Flying Ace Snoopy while I was in the suburbs of Philly this past Halloween.

But I digress. I’m talking about Auntie Anne’s because this Saturday from 10am to 3pm every Auntie Anne’s in the country is giving away a free pretzel. You can either get an original or a cinnamon sugar one, and really, do the other kinds even matter? Limit is one per person. You can even get a wake up call, which seems unnecessary, but whatever.

Auntie Anne’s can be found at the following locations in Nashville:

• The Green Hills Mall
• Opry Mills
• Mall at Hickory Hollow
• Cool Springs
• Rivergate Mall

Special thanks to @laurenbolek for the tip!

-Emily

I don’t know if you feel the same way about Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, but when I walk by that stand at the mall I WANT some pretzels. The aroma is freaking incredible and they taste pretty excellent as well. One of the pretty good moments in my life was when I actually met Auntie Anne while carving a pumpkin depicting Flying Ace Snoopy while I was in the suburbs of Philly this past Halloween.

But I digress. I’m talking about Auntie Anne’s because this Saturday from 10am to 3pm every Auntie Anne’s in the country is giving away a free pretzel. You can either get an original or a cinnamon sugar one, and really, do the other kinds even matter? Limit is one per person. You can even get a wake up call, which seems unnecessary, but whatever.

Auntie Anne’s can be found at the following locations in Nashville:

• The Green Hills Mall
• Opry Mills
• Mall at Hickory Hollow
• Cool Springs
• Rivergate Mall

Special thanks to @laurenbolek for the tip!

-Emily

I chose this picture because CBJ actually won this game

I love hockey. After baseball it’s my favorite sport. I’m glad to live in Nashville where baseball tickets are affordable but dang, I just cannot afford to get out to those hockey games. Well, fret not, fellow college students, our friend Danielle Ferraro has got your back!

The Preds have these college days where college kids can get cheap tickets, and Danielle is selling them. Here are some of the details:

Lower Bowl (100-Level) Tickets are $30 ($82 face value) Upper Bowl (300-Level) Tickets are $15 ($48 face value) Those are amazing savings and $5 of each sale goes to an MTSU business department scholarship.

All games are on Thursday nights (College Nights/Hockey Happy Hour) and start @ 7 p.m.

The available games are:

• March 4 vs. LOS ANGELES
• March 18 vs. MINNESOTA
• March 25 vs. PHOENIX
• April 1 vs. ST. LOUIS

Ah man, no games against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it’s probably for the best. Anyway, if you’re interested in buying tickets or need more info you can email Dan Schaefer at the Preds office dschaefer@nashvillepredators.com and tell them that Danielle Ferraro referred them. Or They purchase the tickets over the phone with a Predators Sales Exec at 615-770-2115 and pick them up at will call the night of the game. Be sure to mention Danielle so that she can get credit and graduate.

Good luck Danielle!

Monday

8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge – 9pm
Well, well, well, if it isn’t everyone’s favorite weekly free show. This week it’s more like 9 off 8th (10 if you count the afterparty with Coach, who will be DJing). Have fun with  Peter Barbee, Keegan Dewitt, Jeremy Lister, Kyle Andrews, Madi Diaz, Majestico, Space Capone, Slick, and Heypenny. I don’t see any mention of Rock’nRoll Trivia, so my guess is that it’s not happening this week. Does anyone know for sure?

Eric Schlosser Live at Belmont Heights Baptist Church – 7pm
Ever heard of a little documentary called Fast Food Nation? Well, that’s Eric Schlosser. He’s going to speak about the health, security and sustainability of our food supply. As an investigative journalist, Eric Schlosser tries to explore subjects ignored by the mainstream media and give a voice to people at the margins of society. His aim is to shed light on worlds that are too often hidden. Schlosser’s first book, Fast Food Nation (2001), helped start a revolution in how Americans think about what they eat.

Tracy Rapp discusses and signs Simply Southern with a Dash of Kosher Soul at Davis-Kidd Books – 7pm
Well, it’s a big night for food events. This cookbook will solve those “what’s for dinner?” requests you get each day. It also shares fascinating stories about Jewish life in the South. Inside, you’ll find nearly 300 recipes from fabulous cooks who show you how to add kosher soul to Southern cooking. I mean, it helps if you actually buy the book, but I’m sure Ms. Rapp will be happy to tell some stories and chat it up with you.

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I know that I probably should’ve gotten to this sooner, but it’s been one of those weeks, you know? Well, if you do know then you’re probably in dire need of this post, because I imagine you didn’t have time to get your plans together. Here are a few ideas for you poor, poor souls.

Jazz on the Move: To Ella with Love with Sandra Dudley at the Frist – 3pm
EVERYONE knows and loves at least one Ella Fitzgerald song. “At Last” is a perfect love song, and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t think so.

Noted jazz vocalist and educator Sandra Dudley will discuss Ella’s life and career, and will perform some of her most popular works. Sandra will be joined by Lori Mechem, Roger Spencer, & Marcus Finnie for this informative and entertaining program.

Those attending Jazz on the Move will be able to visit the Frist’s exhibitions free of charge (!!!) and will also receive discounted parking.

Jazz and art, for free? Sounds like a winner to me.

VALENTINES DAY 2010: IN H.D. at Battle Ground Brewery – 6:30pm
Here’s the official blurb which I will simply cut and paste because I have absolutely no idea what most of this means:

High Definition Ent. presents to you “VALENTINES 2010: IN H.D.” You don’t want to miss this event. Headliners such as American Idol Finalist-Saaneah, Mega-Producer/Artist-Jonathan Winstead, Soulful Singer-Jerami Matlock, Jazz Guitarist/Artist -John Richards, & The Very Soulful- High Definition Band. This major love show will be at the all new “Battle Ground Brewery” in Historic Franklin, TN. Great Food, Fun, Dancing, & Most Importantly Love!

Personally, in the level of bad Valentine’s Day dates this would be right up there with a really really bad rom-com, but if it sound appealing to you then more power to you. I mean, this comes from a lady who spent last night writing an essay about Eleanor Roosevelt at her kitchen table. Sigh…

Bluegrass Jam at Station Inn – 9pm
Because nothing says “I love you” like some grade-A bluegrass. Seriously, marry me.

Also guys, if the roads are bad be careful. Car crashed are not romantic unless it involves a Pearl Jam song, and that was a really sad song that involved the lady dying. So yes, not romantic.