Critic's Pick: Bryan Andrews

We’ve gotten used to a mainstream country universe that turns a spotlight on some true weenies. Missouri’s Bryan Andrews, an openly politically progressive country singer-songwriter and political commentator, is the opposite of that. “Some of these newer artists get onstage and throw these beer cans and act like they’re some kind of outlaw, but then they get right down and kiss the ring and put on that MAGA hat every chance they get,” Andrews told the Scene ahead of his packed CMA Fest debut in June. “I really don’t think they listen to the music, because if they did, they’d know that [Johnny Cash’s song] ‘Man in Black’ is about standing in solidarity with the working class and the working man and the marginalized communities of that time period.” Following his July release Independence Day and November’s midterm election, Andrews embarked on a club tour called Taking My Flag Back that brings him back to Nashville Monday night. Joining him on this run of shows is Texas’ Lou Ridley, who has been teasing a song called “Beer, Truck, Truck, Beer” that skewers the inanity and homogeneity of the country bros who seem to easily earn top-tier promotion.

8 p.m. at The Basement East

917 Woodland St.