It probably isn’t a surprise that Sol Cat won the top spot in our Open Submission Poll with a 7.16 from our editors. They had already won our Artist of the Month Poll earlier this summer, and earned praise from My Old Kentucky Blog and Relix Magazine. Their dedication to trippy groove-rock extends far beyond their music; they have carved out a very distinct nook in the Universe, and then stuck a towel under the door jam so smoke won’t escape. 2013 saw the release of their EP “Welcome to the Cowabunga,” (as well as THIS amazing tribute to Paul McCartney and the Christmas spirit, with the Kansas Bible Company.) So they are rolling into the New Year on some pretty strong momentum.  This video for "Sea of Light" offers a glimpse into the Sol Cat microcosm. –Terra James-Jura

Congratulations to Bashly and Sol Cat for being our two winners of The Deli Nashville’s Artist(s) of the month poll. Yes, both bands had voters passionate enough to split the results. Rather than have the bands duke it out in a battle royale on the train tracks behind Cannery Row, we decided to declare two victors for the month of August.

So say you’re not the voting type and this is the first time you’ve heard of Bashly? Head over here https://noisetrade.com/bashlymusic/not-alone to download their free EP “Not Alone” and listen to the dream-pop-slash-soul that had fans clamoring to vote. Then go catch them at Belmont’s Battle of the Bands on McWhorter Lawn this Friday, August 23rd, or wait until August 30th for their show at Rocketown (if your college days are long over.)

Voted for Sol Cat and yet do not possess their album? Visit http://solcat.bandcamp.com/album/sol-cat and put $9 of your beer money towards their self-titled full length. Sol Cat has been blowing minds and grooving the Nashville scene since 2012, so it is high time they were added into your rotation. Keep up with their latest news and shows here: https://www.facebook.com/solcatband

Thanks to all that voted, and to all the nominated artists. If this happens again, there will be a 'sudden death' protocol.  Stay tuned for a new poll coming soon!          -Terra James-Jura

Sol Cat is a groove rock band with melodies that catch your imagination and often cause a daydream-like effect. Their psychedelic feel and catchy melodies bring out the best dance-rock music that will get your bodies moving. The unique feel that Sol Cat produces reaches out to audiences of all kinds. With positive vibes and uplifting spirits, these guys radiate with talent and skill. - Maria Hartfield

The local venues are bursting at the seams with local talent this weekend, so if you're looking for something to occupy your free time from the grind, then you've come to the right rundown.

Friday

If you want to hang with us tonight, get to the High Watt early because the visionaries over at OurVinyl have put together a showcase featuring Daniel Ellsworth & the Great Lakes and Sol Cat. The whole thing is being recorded, so wear your favorite dance pants or bring someone enough tall to hide behind. Show's $5, doors are at 8:30, and the whole thing kicks off at 9.

In the same building but up the other staircase, you'll find Night Beds and Tristen performing over in the Mercy Lounge. This one will cost you $10 with doors at 8 and the show at 9.

We told you earlier this week about Anna Haas' Women Who Rock Nashville showcase, featuring Frances & the Foundation, Hot Mess Loves You, and Anna Haas & the Effect and now it's happening tonight! Doors are at 8, show is at 9, cover is $10.

Over at the 5 Spot, there's a four-band lineup, featuring Bear Cub, The Great Barrier Reefs, Andrew Leahey, and Levi Weaver. Bear Cub starts things off at 9 pm, so be sure to show up on time.

Stagolee is hosting their CD release party for The Latest Craze over at the Basement, and they've enlisted the help of The Weakenders, The Future, and William the Accountant. Get there at 9, $5 cover.

After you've finished making the rounds through the Friday night music circuit, get to the Stone Fox for the Nashville Pioneers Pep Rally, Part 2. La Force and Coach will be on deck to get people pumped about the forthcoming face-off between Lightning 100's Wells Adams and Justin Hammel. The two local radio DJs will go head to head to find out who will represent Lightning 100 on Nashville's official basketball team. The pep rally starts at 9 with a $5 cover at the door.

Saturday

Things are a little less crazy on Saturday because almost every musician in town will be at No Country for New Nashville's two-year anniversary party. Tomorrow night at the Basement, two(!) handfuls of Nashville's best and brightest will cover selections from Beck's Song Reader. From Daniel Ellsworth & the Great Lakes to Milktooth to Anna Haas, the lineup is stacked and the venue will be full. Currently set to perform are:

Anna Haas
Ben Elkins
Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes
Jared Corder
Milktooth
Park Chisolm
Steve Lee
& special guests

The show kicks off at 9 and tickets are $7 at the door.

If you're looking for something a little more punk, head to Mercy Lounge. Most people will be there for out-of-towners Face To Face and Teenage Bottlerocket, but you'll be there to catch the Joshua Black Wilkins set. Tickets are $20 and it looks like JBW is opening, so if you show up early, you've already gotten your money's worth.

Happy Friday! Party responsibly, and have fun out there!

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.