photo by Joshua Wilkins

Have you ever wanted license to knock over convenience stores, play stickball in junkyards, and drink 40’s while riding in the back of an antique pickup truck? The permission for these activities and more will be granted to you, but only if you’re able to score some of that sweet, sweet Kings of Leon fundage. No fundage? OK, maybe you can just live vicariously through Mississippi ramblers The Weeks, who now call Nashville home. Have a look at their new video for “Brother In the Night,” and if you want to talk to them about some fundage in the form of 40’s or their new record, Dear Bo Jackson, visit them at Mercy Lounge on April 26th. –Jonathan Parrish

If you're all dressed up with no place to go this weekend, we've got some suggestions for you...

Friday...

Tonight, the Exit/In is hosting a sweaty roots rock show, highlighting two local acts and one out-of-towner. The Blackfoot Gypsies kick things off with a solid dose of rock swagger and are followed up by fellow Nashvillian, Joshua Black Wilkins and his gritty brand of whiskey folk. Headliner American Aquarium is set to take the stage around 11 pm. You can find the details for this one here.

If you'd like your Friday night activities to be a little more laid-back and bank account-friendly, the free show at the Basement is your jam. Further exemplifying that Nashville is a goldmine of musical talent, TORRES will be hosting her record release show. Sharing the stage with her is the erotically-named, immensely-talented BF/GF Sex and former Floridian, surf rock band Catfish. Get all the info on this show over this way.

Saturday...

Keeping the album release theme going, Sol Cat are heading to the Stone Fox to unveil their self-titled debut. After what felt like an eternity of teases and video premieres, the band are finally unveiling their LP. Joining them for the event are The Weeks and Junior Astronomers. Getcher tickets here.

If you plan to head to the Mercy Lounge on Saturday night, act fast. The venue is sure to fill up with Kopecky Family Band, RayLand Baxter, and indie rock Texans, The Eastern Sea, taking the stage together. All three acts spent 2012 catching a decent amount of heat and hype, so get your tickets early and expect an explosive and fun show.

Sunday...

Typically a quiet day for venues, Butterfly Boucher keeps the party going for one more night over at 3rd & Lindsley. Joe Pug joins her on the bill and, according to the Facebook event, the show will air live on Lightning 100.

Next Friday and Saturday nights, on January 11th and 12th, Mercy Lounge will celebrate its 10th birthday in true Cannery Row fashion, throwing a party that will span all three venues. On Friday night, you can catch JEFF the Brotherhood, Tristen, Wild Cub, and RiCHiE, and on Saturday, performers will include Cherub, Ravello, The Weeks, and Machines Are People Too. With three stages to fill, more performers will be announced within the coming week via Twitter and Facebook.

If you're broke or just the type to arrive empty handed at parties, Mercy Lounge has your cover covered. On both nights, the first 250 people through the door will get in for free. After that, tickets are $10 for one night or $15 for both and can be purchased here (for night one), here (for night two), or at Grimey's New and Preloved Music, The Groove Record Shop, and Parlour & Juke Salon.

In addition to the full bars in Mercy Lounge, Cannery Ballroom, and the High Watt, both shows are presented in part by Yuengling and Brooklyn Brewery.

It seems as if "short but sweet" is Next Big Nashville's state of mind these days. Last year, the event's name was shortened to simply "Soundland," and this year the Nashville festival has been condensed to just one day of music. A self-described "one-day outdoor extravaganza," Soundland has a new home on the Riverfront Park lawn (which is such an ace venue in October, good choice) and the 2012 lineup features some local acts as well as some My Morning Jackets and some Young the Giants.

Local favorites such as Jonny Corndawg, Kopecky Family Band, and PUJOL are just a few of the supporting acts on the event's roster, but if the highlights aren't enticing enough, we have the full initial lineup here, too:

Soundland takes place on October 6th. Tickets are on sale now.