It's the last weekend in March and the weather's still cold, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of great events around town to fit in before Easter Sunday. From rap battles and dance parties to bluegrass and girl punk, there's something for everyone this weekend. Let's just hope another freak snowstorm doesn't spoil it.
Friday, March 29th: Facemelt Fridays @ Strange Matter
This Friday, Black Liquid and The New Juice Crew present the fourteenth installment of Facemelt Fridays at Strange Matter. There will be about thirty local MCs performing, ranging in diversity from the political and intellectual stylings of Goad Gatsby to the edgy yet accessible sounds of Spazz. There will also be merch and clothing for sale, The Cheats Movement will be providing photo coverage, and tickets are only three bucks a pop!
Friday, March 29th: Psychic Mirrors @ Balliceaux
If you are just looking to dance this Friday, there is a great show happening at Balliceaux. Ten-piece psychedelic boogie/funk/disco band Psychic Mirrors will be playing a long set of danceable jams. They will also be joined by their labelmates The Miami Players Club, a collective of DJs who spin house, boogie, and disco. There will be some serious talent at this show as well as some serious butt shaking--come out if you're in the area!
Saturday, March 30th: Vindication @ Strange Matter
Richmond local pop-punk allstars Vindication are reuniting for one night only this Saturday! Darling Meridian, East Coast Secondaries, and T-Division will be opening up the show. Five dollars gets you in and gets you four great bands. Plus, this is your only chance to see Vindication, so if you are a fan from back in the day who wants to catch the reunion, or you've heard great things and want the chance to see them live, don't miss this!
Saturday, March 30th: The Infamous Stringdusters @ The National
If you're looking for a big, family-friendly show this weekend that still has awesome music, check out The Infamous Stringdusters at The National with contemporaries Whitehorse. They play a blend of classic and contemporary bluegrass and jam, and they have an awesome following. This would be a great show to check out if you're a fan of Old Crow Medicine Show and The Avett Brothers.
Saturday, March 30th: Barren Girls @ Steady Sounds
This Saturday, Richmond is lucky enough to host a release party for Raleigh, NC all-girl punk group Barren Girls. They are celebrating the release of their first single on Merge Records. They already have an album out called Hell Hymns, and they have an awesome garage rock, organ-fueled old school sound that is super unique. I'm stoked to see them, and the show is free and takes place at Steady Sounds from five to seven, so even if you're broke or have other plans for the evening, you can still make it out.
Sunday, March 31st: Funky Brunch With Oregon Hill Funk All Stars!
You say you don't have plans for Easter? Well, have no fear, because the Camel has got you covered. Show up at 11 AM for the Funky Brunch, and chow down on a hearty meal to chase those hangover blues away. But after you're done, don't go anywhere, because at 2 PM, the Oregon Hill Funk All-Stars will be on hand to get you revved up and back to 100% with some great soulful grooves. This 8-piece band, featuring an extensive horn section, have got the perfect sound for a pleasant afternoon, and when you combine them with the great food at the Camel, you've got a recipe for the perfect lazy Sunday.
For more great events, check out our whole calendar here!