Friday, June 1

What: Styx

Where: Tennessee Theatre

When: 8 p.m.

Price: $47

Preston’s view: It’s hard to go wrong with Styx, they may be getting up there in years, but they still remain the prototype band for the arena rock movement of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Expect a big band, with bigger hair and gigantic power ballads. Price is a little high, but the Tennessee is a great venue and Styx is worth the money, even if you’re only going to either listen to the music your parents blasted, or if you just want another band crossed off your bucket list.  

What: First Friday

Where: Downtown Knoxville

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Price: Free

Preston’s view: The basis of First Friday can be broken down into three words: food, music and art. And in regards to all three, this free festival offers more than any one person could ever need. Not only do the sights, sounds and tastes delight anyone who comes to First Friday, but so does the chance to have a nice, chill and lively spot to hang out with friends in Knoxville’s burgeoning Old City.

Saturday, June 2

What: Truth and Savage Co.

Where: The Ciderhouse

When: Doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.

Price: $8 advance, $10 at door ($3 minor fee for under 21s)

Preston’s view: Truth and Savage Co. straddles a fine line between country and rock & roll, but the band’s members profess to love both genres equally. They’re veterans of national festivals, with appearances at Bonnaroo and the Stagecoach under their belts, and their four-part harmonies are sure to satisfy most ears. Also, the price is within most people’s budgets.

Sunday, June 3

What: Tea Leaf Green with Hollis Brown

Where: The Ciderhouse

When: Doors open at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m.

Price: $12 advance, $15 at door ($3 minor fee for under 21s)

Preston’s view: TLG are a traveling band that prefers to describe themselves as “gypsies” touring along America’s highway gracing audiences with their own mixture of jam band-esque tunes and pop gems. At the heart of TLG is the idea of a quest. For the band members, the search is for wisdom and good times, and for those in attendance, the quest’s goal is a good live show, which is something that TLG will provide readily.

What: The Coathangers

Where: The Pilot Light

When: 10 p.m.

Price: 18+, $6

Preston’s view: The Coathangers are an all-girl quartet out of Atlanta bursting at the seams with rambunctious stage energy and killer rock riffs. For those who haven’t heard of this band yet, take the time for a listen, or just go to the show for something new. Good price, good venue, good band. That’s a combination that’s hard to beat.