Photo: More Is Not Enough – Playing JJ’s Bohemia 4/26 9:00pm
Live music to check out this week in Chattanooga!
Here are twelve concerts to see in the next seven days, happening all around Chattanooga; for ticket links and more details head on over to the Chattanooga Music Guide Concert Calendar.
Thursday 4/25: Emily Nenni, The Band Pearl @ Cherry Street Tavern
Emily Nenni brings fresh energy to Nashville’s music scene, blending classic honky-tonk with fiery rock and country-soul, making her live shows wildly fun. She honed her performance skills at late-night gigs in honky-tonks and trailer parks across the West. Her follow-up to 2022’s “On The Ranch,” titled “Drive & Cry,” drops on May 3rd. This week, catch Emily Nenni live at Cherry Street Tavern for a night of boot-scootin’ fun. Local band The Band Pearl will open the show. Don’t miss it! // Cherry Street Tavern 9:00pm $15 at door Event link. 21+
“Long Game” is the title track from Emily Nenni’s 2020 EP.
Thursday 4/25: Jazz Futures ft. Zowie Boyd, Alex Keiss @ Songbirds
The incredibly talented local musician Dakari Kelly, who has played with Rick Rushing, Deacon Blues, and Ogya World Music Band, is hosting a night of musical education and exploration. This event features soulful vocalist Zowie Boyd and guitar virtuoso Alex Keiss of Et Cetera. It’s an excellent opportunity for jazz fans or musicians eager to learn from local legends. // Songbirds 8:00pm $8 Ticket link. All ages
“Fireflies” from Zowie Boyd
Thursday 4/25: The Earls of Leicester @ Walker Theater
The Earls of Leicester, formed in 2013, honor the legendary bluegrass duo Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. With their precise recreation of Flatt and Scruggs’s music and award-winning performances, the Nashville-based band is a bluegrass sensation. Don’t miss The Earls of Leicester at Walker Theater, where their Grammy-winning sound and joyful stage presence will transport you back to the golden age of bluegrass. // Walker Theater 7:30pm $33.10 Ticket link. All ages
“The Train That Carried My Girl From Town” by The Earls of Leicester
Friday 4/26: YATES! EP release show @ The Dark Roast
The Dark Roast is hosting another benefit concert to help save their venue, and they’ve lined up an amazing night of music. This Friday’s show features Atlanta-based electronic artist Yates!, who’s also celebrating the release of his new EP, Ephemeral. The evening includes performances from other Atlanta DJs and local talents like Prest.Pill, R3lic, and Funk The Empire. Don’t miss out on a great show for a great cause! Read our article about saving their venue here. // The Dark Roast 7:30pm $15 Event link. 21+
“Backwoods” by YATES!
Friday 4/26: More Is Not Enough, General Trust, Riot Age @ JJ’s Bohemia
More Is Not Enough is the music project led by local metalhead Pedro Lopez. His latest single, “Frail Flesh,” dropped in February and even earned a feature on Post-Punk.com. Joining him for this fantastic show are Nashville’s General Trust and Atlanta’s Riot Age. You won’t want to miss this lineup. // JJ’s Bohemia 9:00pm $10 Event link. 21+
“Frail Flesh” by More Is Not Enough
Saturday 4/27: Cactus Lee @ Yellow Racket Records
Cactus Lee, the musical moniker of Austin, Texas-based Kevin Dehan, is known for his intricate and melancholic arrangements inspired by Gene Clark, Blaze Foley and Townes Van Zandt. His latest album, “Big Red,” was released last fall. The record reflects Dehan’s artistic growth, shaped by relentless performances and dedicated studio work. Catch Cactus Lee at an unforgettable show in an intimate setting this Saturday night. // Yellow Racket Records 8:00pm $12 Ticket link. All ages
“Big Dog” by Cactus Lee from his new album ‘Big Red’
Saturday 4/27: Big Kitty, Old Time Traveler @ Sluggo’s
Chattanooga native Clark Williams, who now lives in France, creates music under the name Big Kitty. His spring tour has visited over 20 cities across the country, concluding with two shows in his hometown. Big Kitty will perform an adult show on Friday night at Cherry Street Tavern and an all-ages show on Saturday at Sluggo’s. // Sluggo’s 6:00pm $10 All ages
Official video for “Chattanooga” by Big Kitty
Saturday 4/27: Buffalo Nichols, Sunny War @ The Woodshop
Buffalo Nichols‘s latest album, The Fatalist, showcases a fresh take on a classic genre, blending traditional blues elements with modern influences like 808 programming and synth washes. The result is a contemporary sound that’s both innovative and rooted in blues traditions. Powerful vocals and intricate songwriting explore themes of personal and emotional depth.
Sunny War is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso. Her latest album, “Anarchist Gospel,” reflects on internal struggles through a mix of genres including gospel, country blues, and rock. // The Woodshop Listening Room 8:00pm $10 adv, $15 day of show. Ticket link.
“The Long Journey Home” from Buffalo Nichols’ 2023 album ‘The Fatalist’
Saturday 4/27: A Tribute to Willie Nelson @ Barrelhouse Ballroom
Tyler Martelli & Friends host a tribute to Willie Nelson on the weekend of his 91st birthday. Featuring special appearances from Amber Carrington, Jessica Nunn, BJ Hightower, Bryan Knispel, John Boulware, C-Grimey, Joel Forlines, Randy Steele, Stephen Harris, and Zowie Boyd. There will be a special art unveiling from Lauren Geisen, and folks from the Soho Salon will be on hand to assemble your Willie Nelson braids and bandanas. // Barrelhouse Ballroom 9:00pm $15 adv, $20 day of Ticket link. 21+
Danimal Pinson, Tyler Martelli will be performing at A Tribute to Willie Nelson this weekend.
Sunday 4/28: Madeline Goldstein, Normal Bias @ JJ’s Bohemia
Madeline Goldstein is a musician who combines European dark electronica with West Coast dream-pop. After relocating to LA from Portland in 2019, she self-released “Forget This,” an experimental album, and has since collaborated with producer Matia Simovich on an EP, starting with the single “Seed of Doubt.” Her music blends new wave and 80s theatrics, reflecting a unique balance of lo-fi aesthetics and polished production. NYC/ATL-based Normal Bias of SYNTHICIDE Records is also on the bill. // JJ’s Bohemia 8:00pm $10 Ticket link. 21+
“Seed of Doubt” official video by Madaline Goldstein
Sunday 4/28: JJ Grey & Mofro, Cedric Burnside @ The Signal
JJ Grey & Mofro are a Southern rock and swamp funk band known for their deeply soulful sound and storytelling. Led by musician, singer, and songwriter JJ Grey, the band has released a series of successful albums since their debut in 2001. Blending blues, rock, and soul, their music is full of redemption and celebration. Cedric Burnside, the grandson of blues master R.L. Burnside and the son of drumming legend Calvin Jackson, has blues running through his veins. He is an opener you cannot miss. // The Signal 7:30pm $49.83 Ticket link. All ages
JJ Grey & Mofro perform “Lochaloosa” live from their album ‘Brighter Days’
