FEATURE SHOW
Saturday, January 26, 8 p.m.
Corrections House, Solo Sets by Scott Kelly (Neurosis), Bruce Lamont (Yakuza), Mike IX Williams (Eyehategod), Sanford Parker (Nachtmystium), Windhand @ Strange Matter - $10 Adv – http://correctionshouse.eventbrite.com /$10 Door/18+
Corrections House, self described as "experimental/spoken word/acoustic and end of times collaboration," is a band of giants that features Scott Kelly (Neurosis), Bruce Lamont (Yakuza), Mike IX Williams (Eyehategod), and Sanford Parker (Nachtmystium). These dark metal stalwarts will play together as an experimental band that will take your consciousness places, and then they’ll finish their set with each member doing a solo thing. Richmond hardcore/metal band Windhand, one of my favorites, open this crouching tiger, hidden dragon of a show. Wow, as usual, what a great night of music at Strange Matter. Real lovers of post-hardcore, metal, and experimental music should come one, come all, to this glorious evening of rock!
Wednesday, January 23, 9 p.m.
Taarka, The Whiskey Rebellion @ The Camel - $7/18+
Taarka has a very unique sound that they would love you to hear at the Camel. When not arguing about marriage bullshit, this husband and wife team meshes unlike any other Ward and June. When recording and touring, Taarka go through a kaleidoscope of musical collaborators. Taarka is touring in support of their new LP, Adventures in Vagabondia. This album takes Taarka back to their roots as a Gypsy punk band and is a wonderful listen. I can only imagine how beautiful it will sound live at the luxurious Camel.
Joining Taarka is the perfect bluegrass band, Richmond’s The Whiskey Rebellion. These guys are an absolute joy to take in. This is some of the realest bluegrass you’ll get in this city--or Commonwealth, for that matter. The Whiskey Rebellion takes it back to the true roots of bluegrass and Americana as they put the “high” in high energy acoustic music. Flatt and Scruggs would be very proud of Ryan Phillips, Jared Pool, Roy Myers, Tim Deibler, Mary Simpson, and Jesse Wells, aka the Whiskey Rebellion.
Thursday, January 24, 6:30 p.m.
Biggz General, Solomon Miles @ Positive Vibe Cafe - $10/All Ages
It’s a big deal for Biggz General to perform at Positive Vibe Café in conjunction with their annual Vibefrost benefit shows. The grandson of Bob Marley, this reggae artist combines hip hop and old school reggae with inspirational vocals that will keep you bouncing. Currently residing in Miami, Biggz’s modus operandi always has been and always will be lifting the spirits of others. This self-described soldier in the Jah army has a duty to promote oneness amongst his people. He does this, of course, though his music, which is top shelf, no question about it. Biggz’s music is a current take on the reggae music of his grandfather’s. Whether you are a fan of old-school or newer styles of reggae, you will be pleased you came out to Stratford Hills to see this rebel for peace and equal rights.
Richmond’s Solomon Miles is a devout advocate for those with disabilities and a seasoned singer that leaves you speechless. Miles, a veteran frontman for multiple jazz, rock, and soul bands, seriously has what it takes to be the next big thing out of Richmond. You will not miss out when witnessing the great Solomon Miles.
Friday, January 25, 7 p.m.
Black Liq& The New Juice Crew Present - Face Melt Friday XIII featuring Artik Phreeze, B double E, Big Ty, Blokx, BOCM, Bonnieboy Ent., Bravo, Crossover, Doethepaperboy, Falmouf, Fundamental, GMG, Goad Gatsby, Gritty City Records, Ishaboy Luke, New Era Click, Octavion Xcellence, Odd.i.See Music, Official Freeze, P & R Records, PJ Murda, Papercaperz, Prez, Rah Scrilla, Shane Dollar, Soul Sun, Spazz, Spititout Inc., Superstar Spitaz, Tatum, The New Juice Crew, DJ's Bandolero & Swerve 36 @ Strange Matter - $5/18+
Black Liquid and the New Juice Crew are at it again, delivering Richmond’s best underground emcees straight to your ear. This is a miracle lineup of true hip hop artists that work harder than any other city’s hip hop artists. That’s a strong statement, yes, but I’m sure of it. The hip hop scene in Richmond is exploding, and the true grit of it all will be right here on the Strange Matter stage tonight. Face Melt Fridays have become legendary, and are beyond must-see mandatory shows. I could not have dreamed a better lineup in regards to showcasing Richmond’s lyrical swords. Seriously Richmond, see what all the righteousness is about; come down to the 900 block of Grace Street tonight and partake in science. There are many hip hop nights in Richmond, but Face Melt Fridays are a guaranteed award-winning evening. It’s the real thing. Hence, I know I’m going--why don’t you join me?
Saturday, January 26, 8 p.m.
Subterranea Collective presents PS13, KI ONI, Glits, Navi, Houdan the Mystic, The Catalyst @ Gallery 5 - $5/All Ages
If you love art and music--and who doesn’t--then tonight at Gallery 5 will be a show for the ages. Creativity is absolutely lost for the masses, yet for folks like you and me, it’s alive and doing extremely well. Case in point will be this collection of great minds in Jackson Ward tonight.
Subterranea Collective is a great multi-media collective out of Richmond whose goal is to create a community of art/music enthusiasts that will help each other with various projects. They feel there is strength in numbers. PS13 is a collective that derives from the DC/MD/northern VA area, specializing in acoustic and electronic music. They blend a variety of styles from electronic beats to hip hop soundscapes and even experimental improvisation. PS13 is also a spectacular digital visual artist. KI ONI aka Chuck SooHoo, will be performing his tasteful samples of life and objects, making beautiful and harmonious beat textures. There is nothing like it; you will enjoy. Glits is performing a piece called “Paradittle” that consists of using the drum kit unlike any other way you have seen that instrument played. It will be quite unique, and dare I say special. Glits will also be performing with Ki Oni.
Navi is the heroic power rock duo that just keeps getting more and more out of this world--and your mind. Houdan the Mystic will be performing melodic mixtures of math-infused bliss, as the metallic noise rock band the Catalyst will be performing a very special film score for the night. The film is to yet to be determined. You’ll just have to go to find out. I’m sure you will be mesmerized. The Catalyst is that good.
Come by 6pm for the art show, spanning two hours and featuring the splendid art of Edwin Perez, Jonathan Perez, Victor Koroma, Jorge Guillen, Mauricio Escamilla, Ricky Taylor, Jason Rountree, Peter Lawrence, Cosima Storz, Lizzie Sampson, Kendall Cash, Michael Nolan, Amber Erickson, and Mike O'Brien.
Sunday, January 27, 10 p.m.
RVA Noise Night #7 featuring Close Your Eyes I'm Changing, Cash Slave Clique, Stone Garden Jam Temple (Joe Legzz of Contortionist Jazz Exotica), Kimberly (pictured above), Death Register, E+E (=?), Anchor @ The Nile– Donations/21+
Well here we go again--another RVA Noise Night, and another night of headless horses. If I had a calculator in my pocket, I would without a doubt catch this night of barracuda blood and smart ladies strumming silhouettes of banjos. Sure that made no sense, but true unadulterated noise does make sense. It’s just these cats performing tonight are ten years past your bedtime. I remember that time I rubbed a Snickers bar across a Brillo Pad, my Aunt Chester said, “That could sell as noise.” I thought to myself, “She’s right.” I realized I needed an accomplice, so I got on top of my Frisbee, and flew out to Nottoway Prison. There, I picked up my pen-pal, Luther, who just served a two year bit, and we ventured to a secret location. Rehearsal set in, but because the sandwiches we bought at Goodyear were stale, we said “Screw it!’’ let’s see how it’s really done. Off to the Nile we shall go tonight. I just hope I don’t run over a poodle wearing an ascot. Anyway, the next left will be Laurel Street. Once we arrive, we’ll get to take in the most confusing sex one could imagine.
Anchor lays it down first with weird guitar and noisy smashes. Holy dandelion, that’s Silver! Then, Close Your Eyes I’m Changing barges in. Oh that Dylan--when it’s not snuff films inside a cave, it’s a saxophone and underwater trumpets in sync with whippoorwills. Looking for harsh noise? Look no further than at the bottom of the cupboard. Yes, that’s the malefic Death Register (Matt of Scant/Sex Complex and Gary of Head Molt/Mutwawa). Next up is Kimberly, half woman/half noise. Watch out fellas, she as experimental-breakdown as it gets. Her man follows with his take on headaches with cancer. Yep, stand back, its Joe Legzz as Stone Garden Jam Temple. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a sanctuary underneath a Texas Beach copperhead’s belly. Then the icing on the burnt cake is for sure going to be Cash Slave Clique. I think they are from DC, but does it matter? Their scatterbrain jungle marathon ventures set sail across a dogmatic mind just bursting with love and frantic Hasidic loops. Yes, more detergent in my ear please, Mr. Bartender. Thanks.
Monday, January 28, 8 p.m.
Cat Power @ The National - $25 Adv - tickets available HERE / $30 Day of show/All Ages
Cat Power is doing a seven US city tour before Europe, and of course Richmond is one of the seven. The lovely Charlyn Marie Marshall, aka Cat Power, is an incredible singer-songwriter. Her music, thanks to her powerful vocals, resonates with any music lover. Just as good as her beautiful voice are her guitar and piano abilities. Finally, there will be a truly distinctive visionary at the National again. This indie, punk, blues, and folk musician is at the top of her game. Her shows are always sellouts. Just listen to one of her songs, and you’ll know why.
Touring in support of her highly acclaimed new LP, Sun, Cat Power is bridging pop with the blues only in the way she can. Sun certainly reveals the fact that Cat Power is a perfectionist. Just listening to a few tracks explains to me why this album was on many music websites’ top ten for 2012. Her show at the National tonight is a major deal for Richmond, and you better be there.
Tuesday, January 29, 8 p.m.
The xx, Austra @ The National - $20 Adv - tickets available HERE / $25 Day of show/All Ages
For only having been a band for five years, The xx has steadily become a juggernaut in the indie pop genre. Their sound is dreamy and will take you away into a realm of just damn good music. Touring in support of their sophomore LP, Coexist, this London band has taken it to the next level. Already mainstays on the stages of Coachella, Sasquatch, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits, The xx are one of the most intriguing bands for your show-going endeavors. Critics love The xx, fans love The xx, and most importantly, you’ll love The xx. Canadian electro-dance band Austra opens what is sure to be a moving-in-place show. With this show following Cat Power, the end of January is a banner time at the National.
By John Lewis Morgan (onewayrichmond.com)