Friday is a tough one for Next Big Nashville as there is no clear cut single destination to park yourself. Granted, you can’t go wrong with the takeover of Tootsies or the WOXY Showcase at Exit/In but maybe it’s time to jump on the Shuttle and jump around a bit.

• 8pm – The Clutters play at Tootsies as part of the Chicken Ranch Records Takeover showcase. This is likely the greatest idea to have spawned from the entirety of Next Big Nashville.
• 9pm – Cortney Tidwell hits the stage at Exit/In as part of the WOXY / Future Sounds showcase. I have yet to hear a single negative review of any performance from her.
• 9:30 – Mean Tambourines play over at 12th and Porter. There’s something about their vaguely snide delivery that hits me just right. Call it a guilty pleasure or just call it well done rock.. they put on a good show.
• Midnight – Eureka Gold headlines late over at The End but I’ve heard tale that they’ll be debuting some new songs, so well worth attending.

There are a whole lot of individual artists playing tonight that are worth trying to see but there’s only so much time you can cut between venues. You’ve got a pretty safe bet with Tootsies or the Exit In / The End combo but be sure to check the whole schedule and make your own decisions!

Tonight’s festivities for Next Big Nashville are an easy choice as far as We Own This Town is concerned – Mercy Lounge party sponsored by Nashville Cream and Lake Fever Sessions. Aside from the fact that it’s obvious that we’re in the tank for both of the sponsors the lineup is undeniably good: Bad Cop, Elle Macho, Tristen, Non-Commissioned Officers and How I Became the Bomb have all been featured on previous podcasts – not to mention regular listenings on our own free time. So, if you find yourself desiring one destination tonight, Mercy Lounge is the place to be.

If you feel like being adventurous and doing some bar hopping here are some additional suggestions:

• 8:00 – hit up The Basement to catch The Carter Administration.
• 8:45 – make your way to Exit/In to see Shoot the Mountain – playing their second show as a 3-piece.
• 10:15 – The End has The Young Republic
• 11:30 – Umbrella Tree plays FooBar.. and any night that ends on the East Side is a good night indeed.

Keep in mind, that’s an alternate schedule.. I really can’t stress enough how enjoyable the show will be at Mercy Lounge tonight. Promise.

Before settling on your final schedule for Saturday you may want to check out this Infinity Cat Showcase Primer to get a bit of insight on who all is playing, what bands they’re from and what sort of sound to expect. I’ve not actually seen JEFF listed on any official documentation as playing but I’m fairly apt to believe Nashville’s Dead if they say they are going to be there.