615 Week kicks off Sunday, and we're celebrating the best thing about Nashville: Nashville. This week, local rock opera legends The Protomen are sharing their favorite places to eat, drink, and disappear between shows before their three-night run at Marathon Music Works. Consider it a field guide from one of the most righteous bands Nashville has ever spawned.

Speaking of hometown heroes, today's giveaway sends one lucky winner to see Sierra Hull at the Ryman on July 7th. The Tennessee mandolin phenom has been turning heads since she was a kid, and she's somehow only gotten better since then. Enter to win your way into the Mother Church and catch one of the finest musicians this state has produced.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Kacey Musgraves returns to Bridgestone Arena on September 27th and 28th with Flatland Cavalry. Enter to win tickets for Monday night's show and spend an evening with one of country music's spaciest and most beloved songwriters.*

• If your ideal summer soundtrack includes smooth harmonies, soft rock classics, and a little nautical escapism, Yacht Rock Symphony is calling your name. Enter to win tickets and catch these legends with the Nashville Symphony at Ascend Amphitheater on June 23rd!*

• Phoebe Bridgers and Alex G sharing a stage at Bridgestone Arena on October 10th and 11th feels a little unfair to every other concert this fall. Enter to win seats and live out your sad song dreams with the best to do it. Act fast, because tickets are selling quickly!*

• The workday ends, the $7 Seven Happy Hour begins. Head to Alligator Bar Monday through Thursday from 4–7 PM for $7 drinks, good company, and a much better use of your evening than checking email. Come hang!*

• Plus other just-announced shows from Neko Case, Lady A, Peaches, and more!

LOCAL’S LIST: THE PROTOMEN’S HOMETOWN HANGS

As an indie-rock-loving kid who grew up in Nashville and went to MTSU when the local music scene was being heralded by Billboard magazine as “the next Seattle”, I’m hard-pressed to think of a more consistent and devoted group of local musicians than the Protomen. If you’re not familiar, the elevator pitch goes as such: “They wrote a three-act dystopian rock opera based on Mega Man (yes, the old-school video game); however, their legend ranges far beyond just that.

I remember when I was working at Chili’s in the Boro on a Friday night back in the early aughts, and the Dean of Mass Communications came in and was raving about a new project that he’d just heard, which had just blown his mind. Fast forward 20-some odd years (and infinite fist-pumps from the crowd) later, and The Protomen are still melting faces and catering to one of the most dedicated fan bases I’ve ever encountered.

Kudos to their leagues of fans, and here’s a gift from the legends themselves on where to hang while you're in town next weekend… I don’t think the band would disagree when I say that you’re the real legends, fans!

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LOCALS ONLY

• Porter Flea returns to the Fairgrounds this weekend with 200+ local artists, makers, food vendors, and small businesses under one roof. Bonus: Wags & Walks will be there Saturday with adoptable rescue dogs, because apparently shopping wasn't dangerous enough for your wallet. Come shop and pet.*

• Skip the fireworks crowds for a minute and spend First Friday supporting local makers, artists, food vendors, and creatives at The Nashville Black Market. The July 3rd edition takes over Nashville Farmers Market from 6–10 pm with DJs, food trucks, games, and plenty of reasons to keep your dollars local. Pull up!

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