Monday (1/25)
Headliners Music Hall
Session musician, sideman, solo performer, whatever, Leon Russell is a music legend. The multi-instrumentalist and songwriter has played alongside popular musicians like Elton John, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, The Band, and many, many more. Also performing is Louisville’s upcoming Americana artist, Justin Paul Lewis.
Wednesday (1/27)
Zanzabar
The guys in Parlour are well seasoned. They’ve been performing since the 90s and have been working on new material. They recorded at La La Land last spring with hopes of releasing new tunes in upcoming months. I’m sure they’ll be playing a few of those tunes here! Listen to “Excess Pretext.” It’s weird and experimental.
The New Vintage
This is one of my favorite line ups in all the Free Week craziness. Wilder Stallions are a funky jazz quartet satisfying a lot of musical tastes.
Not to be confused with Willie, Billy Nelson, a former member of folk pop group, Whistle Peaks, is out on his own making some synth pop magic.
Twin Sister Radio came up from the basement last October and gave us a self-released album with new material we’d all been waiting for. They also released “David/TheBeloved” on Gubbey Records’, “Head Cleaner,” earlier this year.
Thursday (1/28)
Zanzabar
If you haven’t seen Cher Von, you must. The experimental vocalist puts on one fascinating show using various vocal stylings, a bass drum, and whatever else is lying around.
Kaleidico is like a beautiful dream. Their indie pop tunes are easy listening. I haven’t seen them live, but I’m a big fan of their album, “Zoetic,” that released last year.
The New Vintage
I have to be honest I'm not familiar with all these locals, except Justin Lewis. He's the bees knees.
Mercury Ballroom
Headliners Music Hall
Kaiju
Haymarket Whiskey Bar
Friday (1/29)
Mercury Ballroom
Feels like Discount Guns were tacked on here amongst all the hip hop, but hey, it's Free Week and anything goes. All great artists, but if you haven't seen Jack Harlow yet I'm judging you. He's fantastic live and killer to watch.
Zanzabar
This is another line up I'm pumped about. In Lightning are great performers and really get your feet moving. New Bravado is badass. Their sets are healthy dose of rock 'n' roll.
The Tunesmiths, The Hot Wires, Jordan Hetson (Free Week)
The New Vintage
I saw The Hot Wires during last year’s Free Week. Their show was easily in my top three. They projected old motorcycle films behind them, which fit their aesthetics to a tee.
Headliners Music Hall
Saturday (1/30)
Zanzabar
Headliners Music Hall
Obviously you should go to this one too. Jalin Roze always has something up his sleeve. You never know who might join him on stage.
The New Vintage
A B-52's cover band?! Jelly Swirl, aka, Nellie Pearl will be taking on the persona of America's best new wave group. I can't wait to see that beehive.
Kaiju
Lazy Ass Destroyer, Godawfuls
Third Street Dive
Modern Cult Records
Sunday (1/31)
The Louisville Palace
Wut wut. Wut wut. (repeat)
Cover Image: Aaron Mikel
