Before the academic year gets too stressful and you start locking yourself in the library for all-nighters, make sure to take advantage of Nashville’s seemingly endless cache of concerts. Among the hundreds of concerts coming up this month, here are eight worth checking out, plus an album release to be on the lookout for.
Ben Folds, September 9 – Schemerhorn Symphony Center
Singer-songwriter Ben Folds returns to Nashville almost a year after his performance at Live on the Green in 2015. However, this year he will be trading his typical alt-rock/pop originals for Romantic-era classics by Bartók and Wagner. Folds will be performing alongside the Nashville Symphony to deliver recognizable orchestral standards such as the “William Tell Overture” by Rossini, as well as premiering his own Piano Overture. Whether you’re a devout Folds-fan or a classical music buff, this sold-out concert is worth scouring those third-party ticket vendors for.
The Kills, September 14 – Marathon Music Works
The last time these indie-rock veterans visited Nashville was in April, just two months before their long-awaited comeback album, Ash & Ice. This first album since guitarist Jamie Hince lost the use of his middle finger displayed an updated sound to accommodate Hince’s new playing style. The band’s new bare bones sound matches the stripped down ambiance of Marathon Music Works, a venue with plenty of space to dance along to Hince’s bluesy guitar licks and Alison Mosshart’s sultry vocals.
Heart and Joan Jett, September 19 – Ascend Amphitheater
The rock legends of Heart will be teaming up with punk icon Joan Jett later this month for a Clash-of-the-Titans level lineup. Whether you’re a classic rocker, an old-school punker or a fan of badass women screaming into microphones, this concert is for you. As if this event wasn’t spectacular enough already, though, hard rock legends Cheap Trick will be opening.
Avenged Sevenfold w/ Killswitch Engage, September 21 – Bridgestone Arena
A change of pace from the typical popular music in Nashville, metal/hard rock giants Avenged Sevenfold will be playing at Bridgestone Arena, supported by another staple of the metal world: Killswitch Engage. Avenged Sevenfold plans on releasing their seventh album later this year, and so it is entirely possible that they will be playing new material on this tour, while Killswitch Engage will be playing the material off of their newest release from this year, Incarnate. Rounding out this metalhead dream lineup is Volbeat, who dropped their sixth album, Seal the Deal and Let’s Boogie, back in June.
The Lumineers, September 22 – Ascend Amphitheater
Luckily, if metal isn’t your thing, indie-folk sensations The Lumineers will be playing in town just 24 hours later. Known for their smash hit single “Ho Hey”, the group just released their second album, Cleopatra, back in April, and are in the middle of a World Tour in support of the LP. Joining them will be recent Live on the Green performer BØRNS for a night in indie-folk heaven. For a night of feel-good, rootsy music under the stars on the lawn, start searching those third-party sites because this show is sold out.
Schoolboy Q, September 23 – Marathon Music Works
Fresh off the release of his third album, Blank Face LP,Schoolboy Q will be taking over Marathon Music Works later this month. The album features the same over-the-top energy and West-Coast style beats as his previous albums, but with much darker and more twisted bars and production. Accompanying him will be New York’s Joey Badass, whose 2015 debut album B4.DA.$$ album debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Top 200. Joey Badass’ music calls back to the flows and production of many 90’s New York artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, so seeing him set against Q’s West Coast style will make for an interesting concert, not to mention both MCs’ lyrical talent.
Kanye West, September 24 – Bridgestone Arena
A man that needs no introduction, (in)famous rapper/producer/fashion mogul Kanye West will be taking over Bridgestone Arena. Known for his landmark production, over-the-top verses, and controversial tweets, Mr. West is sure to fill the 20,000 seats of the Predators’ home rink. If you’re a Kanye devotee, a hip-hop connoisseur or just curious about what provocative statement Yeezy will make next, get your ticket soon before they’re $1,000 on the resale market.
Isaiah Rashad new album “The Sun’s Tirade” – September 2
A native of Chattanooga, TN, Isaiah Rashad just dropped his long awaited debut album “The Sun’s Tirade”. Labelmate of hip-hop greats like Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q, Rashad has been building hype in the rap game since the release of his critically acclaimed Cilvia Demo.The album features smooth and groovy beats with a flow and cadence to match, although Rashad isn’t afraid to up the energy on tracks like “Park”. While this album isn’t a game changer for the rap world, Zaywop sets himself apart from the rest of the Top Dawg Entertainment camp and more clearly defines his sound.
