Critic's Pick: Resolute Fest

Conventional narratives about the range of Nashville music tend to overlook the contributions of the city’s avant-garde rock scene. Starting Thursday at Betty’s Grill, a group of artists whose work goes from noisy free jazz to Sonic Youth-style guitar rock, with stops at R&B and country-rock, gathers for three nights of Resolute Fest. Organized by guitarist Joseph Page, who leads Nashville rock band Vladopus9, Resolute Fest started in 2017 and ran until 2020 at various venues around town. This week’s shows mark Resolute Fest’s return to Nashville, with 17 artists hitting the stage at Betty’s. The aforementioned Vladopus9 sounds like Sonic Youth reconfigured as comedy music, and their 2026 single “Grimm Poobah” features Page’s abstract guitar accompaniment and sardonic lyrics delivered by singer Lisa Rau. Meanwhile, Nuclear Bubble Wrap specializes in psychedelic rock with satirical elements, as you can hear on their 2026 release “Healing Hand.” For fans of jazz-informed experimental music, Skin Tension’s 2025 album Inaugurate Renaissance ought to fit the bill, while Country Death evokes the style of The Byrds circa 1970. There will also be appearances by The Chewers (who sound like The Residents), spoken-word artist Simp Goddess and avant-R&B band Altered Statesman. The fest is free all three nights. 

Sept. 24-26 at Betty’s Grill

407 49th Ave. N.