Punk, shoegaze, folk, hip hop, and Americana. There’s tons of music to see around the city this week.
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.
Tuesday 5/7: Earth, Ester Blue @ Cherry Street Tavern
The Seattle-based band Earth was founded by Dylan Carlson in 1989. Recognized for pioneering drone/ambient metal, their album Earth 2 is credited with establishing the genre. Expect heavy distortion, repetitive song structures, and a doomy vibe. While originally rooted in experimental doom metal, their sound has since evolved to incorporate elements of country and jazz. L.A.-based experimental musician Esther Blue will open the show. // JJ’s Bohemia 9:00pm $20 Ticket link 21+
Earth “Tallahassee” (Official Music Video)
Wednesday 5/8: Thomas Csorba @ Cherry Street Tavern
Houston-born singer-songwriter Thomas Csorba explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery against a backdrop of rootsy Americana. His songs carry an authentic and introspective vibe. Csorba’s latest release, Windchimes, was released last month via Standard Issue Records. Local musician Nic Bevins will open the show. // Cherry Street Tavern 9:00pm $17.85 Ticket link 21+
Thomas Csorba “Crystal Eyes” (Official Audio)
Wednesday 5/8: Slowdive @ The Pelham Caverns
Slowdive, the iconic U.K. dream pop and shoegaze band, plays to a sold-out crowd at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee. Though they split in 1995, their cult following endured, leading to their 2014 reunion. Their 2023 album, Everything Is Alive, their fifth studio record and second since reuniting, has received acclaim from critics and fans alike. Expect ethereal guitars, dreamy vocals, and a unique cave venue. L.A.-based Drab Majesty will open. // The Pelham Caverns 8:00pm Sold out
Slowdive – Sugar for the Pill (Official Video)
Thursday 5/9: Dixon Blake Callahan, Toothless Hags @ The Woodshop
ALEX The Band’s Thursday night Variety Show at The Woodshop is a Chattanooga must-see. This week’s musical guests are Dixon Blake Callahan and Toothless Hags. Enjoy great music, friendly faces, and St. Elmo’s coziest neighborhood bar every Thursday night. // The Woodshop Listening Room 8:00pm Free show
Dixon Blake Callahan “Appalachia in the Rain” (Official Audio)
Friday 5/10: I Before E @ Yellow Racket Records
The high-energy pop-punk trio I Before E will headline a show at Yellow Racket. In January, they released their second EP, Criminal Record. Also on the lineup are local bands Charlie Horse, Repulsion, and The Cutts. // Yellow Racket Records 8:00pm Ticket link. $10 at door. All ages
I Before E “Jamie, Baby” (Official Audio)
Friday 5/10: Grateful Dead Monday on a Friday @ Barrelhouse Ballroom
Grateful Dead Mondays is Chattanooga’s only regular event dedicated to the Grateful Dead. Usually held on the first Monday of each month at The Barrelhouse Ballroom, this month, it’s happening on a Friday. Chants in the Void adds a fresh, improvisational twist to the classic jams from the Dead. // Barrelhouse Ballroom 8:30pm Event link. $15 at door
Chants in the Void – 4 Year Anniversary Show
Saturday 5/11: Days Now @ Yellow Racket Records
Days Now is a new project formed by the members of the band El Rocko. Founded by Chris Waller, El Rocko is still going strong, but Days Now lets the band release collaborative work. Sharing the bill is Asheville-based indie pop group Wagging, supporting their debut record, My Own Private Rodeo, released in January. // Yellow Racket Records 8:00pm Ticket link. $12 at door. All ages
Days Now (f.k.a. El Rocko) “Days, Now” (Official Music Video)
Saturday 5/11: Dylan LeBlanc @ JJ’s Bohemia
Alt-Americana singer-songwriter Dylan LeBlanc released Coyote in 2023, a concept album recorded at the iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He’s known for his storytelling, with influences like Jason Molina, John Prine, and Willis Alan Ramsey. Opening for him are Nashville-based songwriter Ryan Culwell and Chattanooga’s own Magic Birds. // JJ’s Bohemia 8:00pm $20 Ticket link 21+
Dylan LeBlance “Coyote” (Official Lyric Video)
Saturday 5/11: Chat Pile @ Poor Taste
Chat Pile is a noise rock and sludge metal band from Oklahoma City. Their 2022 debut album, God’s Country, earned acclaim for its intense, abrasive guitar riffs, and guttural vocals with lyrics that convey the angst of societal collapse. Austin, TX-based Portrayal of Guilt, Kansas City-based Nightosphere, and Chattanooga-based shoegaze favorites MULT are also on the lineup. This is a HUGE SHOW. // Poor Taste 7:00pm $22 Ticket link All ages
Chat Pile “Dallas Beltway” (Official Music Video)
Saturday 5/11: Jonathan & Abigail Peyton @ The Woodshop
Jonathan Peyton is a singer-songwriter from Woodstock, Georgia, known for crafting emotional, relatable songs. His new album, Nothing Here’s the Same, was produced by Sadler Vaden of Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and released in March. The powerful Americana duo Jonathan and Abigail Peyton have performed alongside country stars like Zach Bryan and Charles Wesley Godwin. // The Woodshop Listening Room 8:00pm $10 suggested donation. Ticket link
Jonathan Peyton “Since You’ve Been Gone”
Sunday 5/12: John-Michael Bond / CATWOLF @ JJ’s Bohemia
Two shows, one night. First, comedian John-Michael Bond records his latest special live at JJ’s Bohemia, with Cory Ryan Forester and Good Cop Rad Cop opening the early set. The second show features local punk band Cult Baby and Nashville-based Miss Lonely, opening for CATWOLF, a soulful and stylish rock trio from Conway, New Hampshire. // JJ’s Bohemia 6:00pm $20 Ticket link
CATWOLF “Jungle” (Official Music Video)
Sunday 5/12: Kevin Gates @ The Signal
Kevin Gates, the Baton Rouge-based rapper who broke into the Top 40 with his 2013 mixtape Stranger Than Fiction. His platinum debut album, Islah, and recent releases like The Ceremony have solidified his position in the hip-hop world. // The Signal 8:00pm $96.44 Ticket link
Kevin Gates “It Won’t Happen” (Official Music Video)
