FEATURE SHOW
Wednesday, January 2, 10 p.m.
Sports Bar, Nervous Ticks, Warren Hixson, Big No @ The Nile - Price at door/21+
What a stupendous show this will be to kick off 2013 the right way. I always said that my favorite day of the year was January 2nd, because it meant we are out of the bullshit that is the holiday season in America. It's time to get back to the music, and tonight at the Nile will feature some barnburners. Sports Bar has some new music to debut and there is no doubt it will punctuate our ear’s delights. Sports Bar is a must-hear as they lead this parade of insanity. The Nervous Ticks are a sure thing when it comes to delivering the stripped-down rolling garage rock. If you can stand still during a Nervous Ticks set, I’ll give you a million dollars. It can’t be done. What an exhilarating band. They are a Rose Bowl on steroids. Then there’s Warren Hixson, the band everybody is talking about. It will be a statement show for Warren Hixson. Brent and the boys, with their straight ahead surf-psych rock and roll, will rise to the occasion. It’s a guarantee. Recently, somebody even got a tattoo of Sports Bar/Warren Hixson bassist Kemper Blair, Richmond Braves hat included. That’s not only original as all hell, but also gives credence to the fact that these bands are worshiped. Join in the congregation, and show up at what is already a Show-of-the-Year candidate. Big No, a new Richmond band, opens this amazing start to Richmond music in 2013.
Thursday, January 3, 9 p.m.
Alison Self, The Richmanian Ramblers (pictured above) @ Balliceaux– Free/21+
Tonight at Balliceaux is something completely different, and more importantly, fun. The Richmanian Ramblers are a glorious gypsy folk band reminiscent of the old country sound of the Balkans and Romania. This five (sometimes seven) piece group is a collection of some of the best classical musicians in Richmond.
There is no quit in Alison Self, as she and her beautiful folk songs, lay down the blueprint of another strong evening of music in the middle of the Fan. Self’s old timey ukulele jams are the center of a Tootsie Pop, and, I know, we all love that.
Quality is this evening’s calling card, and what better way to get rid of that lingering New Year’s hang over. Get away from the plugged in music, and come catch folk music, especially old timey/gypsy folk, the way it is supposed to be played.
Thursday, January 3, 10 p.m.
The Ernies, Photosynthesizers @ The Camel - $7/18+
Oh my. It’s a reunion from that 90s ska/alternative rock band everybody in Richmond loved, the Ernies. Lead by Will Hummel on lead vocals and guitar, the Ernies reached national acclaim thanks to a ton of touring and capturing the hearts of numerous fans. They were eventually signed to Mojo Records, which helped get their sound a wider range across the states.
Known for their intensely energetic live shows, the Ernies were electric. They could do it all--ska, reggae, jazz, funk, hip-hop, horns, and bouncing pop. The Ernies made a unique sound that was all theirs. This is a wonderful band to be doing a reunion show. Hopefully this spiritual kickoff to 2013 will lead to other shows down the road from the Ernies.
Another reunion of sorts opens this marvelous show. The Photosynthesizers, who basically took 2012 off to record and do other stuff, are staking a claim to make 2013 the year of the Photosythesizers. Face it, it’s been awhile since we’ve experienced the afro-punk/independent hip hop sounds of the Photosynthesizers, and I don’t know about you, but I need a serious fix. Easily one of the best bands in Richmond, the Photosynthesizers always get the crowds bouncing off the walls. You add in the Ernies, and oh my word, somebody call 911 before the show as a precaution.
Friday, January 4, 9 p.m.
Among Criminals, Downbeat Switch, River City Rising @ Canal Club - $10/18+
Philadelphia band Among Criminals is a high riser around the Mid-Atlantic. This alternative dub rock band is a shoo-in when it comes to making a Richmond audience smile. Tonight in Shockoe Bottom, Among Criminals may appear to be miscreants, felons, or crooks, but--wait a second--their sound is a joyful good time. Among Criminals combine punk, psych, and reggae in a symmetrical way not to be missed. Touring in support of their EP Noisetrade, Among Criminals will provide enough electricity to power a canal boat. Want more New Year’s Eve partying in your life? Well mosey on down to the Canal Club because it’s all here. Richmond’s answer to the shake-your-booty, Downbeat Switch, is the perfect band to compliment Among Criminals. It’s going to get even groovier as River City Rising opens this rager.
Saturday, January 5, 10 p.m.
Inter Arma, Hivelords (pictured above), Sadgiqacea, Subjugation, Sacrificial Massacre, Congenital Death @ Strange Matter - $5/18+
Metal madness kicks off 2013 with an incredible potpourri of loud, raucous, black metal bands tonight at Strange Matter. Inter Arma already is the next big thing, as they plan on bludgeoning your ears yet again, for the upcoming year. Now with Relapse Records behind them, Inter Arma is a force. It doesn’t get any more head banging than when it comes from T.J. Childers’ drums, Steven Russell and Trey Dalton’s guitars, Joe Kerkes’ bass, and Mike Paparo’s vocals. Inter Arma will be performing new songs from their upcoming LP on Relapse.
Also on the bill will be Philadelphia black metal band Hivelords. Word is, they are devastating, and I mean that in a good way. Joining Hivelords, also from Philly, will be the black sludge duo of Sadgiqacea. Black metal bands Subjugation, Sacrificial Massacre, and Congenital Death fill out a bill that just might be the blackest metal alliance I have ever heard of playing in one night. Count me in.
Sunday, January 6, 9:30 p.m.
Glows in the Dark @ Commercial Taphouse– Free/18+
It must be a week of reunions. Look who else has crowed out from under a rock. It’s that jazz supergroup, Glows in the Dark. Yes, it’s true--Glows in the Dark, comprised of Scott Burton, Scott Clark, John Lilley, Reggie Pace, and Cameron Ralston, will be performing in the cozy confines of the Commercial Taphouse tonight. If you love quality jazz, brass, and unadulterated fabulous music, then I suggest you spend a quiet Sunday night at a divinely loud room on Robinson Street full of the Richmond jazz sound. It doesn’t get any better than this. Seriously, every quality jazz musician/VCU School of Music graduate keeps getting scooped up by some of the biggest bands in America today, including some of these cats here tonight. The reason? Well, it's simple--Richmond has the most talented musicians in America.
Monday, January 7, 8 p.m.
Floodwall, My Darling Fury, The Northerners (pictured above), Celtic Panda @ The Camel– Free/18+
Monday is for ambient folk rock. Some of the better high risers in that genre locally are at the Camel tonight. The Northerners and My Darling Fury especially are turning a lot of heads. The show is free, and I think it would be in your best interest, if you have nothing to do on a boring Monday night, to make it un-boring and come to this lovely event. Floodwall and Celtic Panda open up this Garden of Eden, and they are as fabulous with their classical songs and well worth showing up on time.
Tuesday, January 8, 10 p.m.
Ghost Lotion, The Act Rights (pictured above), The Banduras, The TKA @ Strange Matter - $5/18+
Austin’s The Act Rights come to Richmond with their highly praised psychedelic garage freak-rock. If you like the Jacuzzi Boys and or Donnie Iris, you’ll love this band. They are sure to get you dancing and spinning adrift into the lights. In the similar garage rock vein, Richmond bands, the Banduras. The TKA, along with the long awaited return of Ghost Lotion open this surf rider grill of an evening.
By John Lewis Morgan (onewayrichmond.com)