There are a lot of cool things to choose from this weekend in terms of stuff to keep you occupied, from Christmas-themed dance parties, musical showcases and benefits, to beer release parties and a performance by the world's premier Led Zeppelin tribute act, Zoso. The cool thing is, all these events are super different and varied, not just the laundry list of indie and punk shows that we so often have going on. Those are great and all, but it's nice to switch things up and have a little variety in our lives! Come check things out these weekend--and watch out for heat exhaustion, it's brutal out there.
Friday, 7/19: Bourbon Dipa Release @ Hardywood
This Friday, Hardywood is releasing their newest creation, a Belgian Double India Pale Ale aged in bourbon barrels. I don't know a ton about beer brewing, but according to Hardywood, the beer is "hopped with a heavy dose of Columbus, Cascade and Summit hops, fermented with an abbey ale yeast that imparts some subtle tropical fruit and peppery notes and conditioned twelve weeks in freshly emptied Virginia bourbon barrels from the A. Smith Bowman Distillery, where earthy, vanilla, toffee and bourbon notes lend an exquisite mellowness to Bourbon DIPA." Whatever that means, it sounds really good, and Hardywood rarely disappoints. Plus, they are going to have the Scorpio Brothers--Marty Key and Troy Hurt--playing some funk and soul records, and there will be plenty of food vendors. Come out for food, music, and beer!
Friday, 7/19: Christmas in July Dance Party and Stupid Sweater Contest @ The Well
For those who just want to unwind and do something really goofy this weekend, The Well is hosting a Christmas In July-themed dance party. There will be Christmas music, dance music, Christmas movies playing in the background, Christmas cookies, stockings, and even a tree. There is also a sweater contest, with awards for both the most classy and the most ironic. Just make sure you carry the damn sweater there--wearing it outside at this time of year sounds like a good way to pass out or get swamp ass all over your body.
Saturday, 7/20: Soulpower @ Balliceaux
Don't miss this month's installment of the Soulpower Dance Party at Balliceaux, hosted by local DJs Andrew Felty and DJ Pari. As usual, they will be playing a ton of great soul music to keep everyone dancing. Come enjoy this celebration of culture and have some drinks in the delightful, air-conditioned atmosphere of Balliceaux. See you there!
Saturday, 7/20: Bitter Resolve & Sinister Haze @ Strange Matter
You didn't think we could get through the whole weekend without some metal, did you? Sure enough, there's a rad show happening at Strange Matter this Saturday night that will give all of you headbangers a dose of the brutality you know and love. North Carolina's Bitter Resolve will be in town, laying down a dose of Melvins-style sludge. They'll be joined by up-and-coming locals Sinister Haze, who feature members of Cough, Balaclava, and other great local metal acts and have been generating a buzz in the local scene lately. With opening sets from fellow doom merchants Lugweight and Lexington's Stampede, this will be an awesome evening of doom power. Come experience it for yourself!
Sunday, 7/21: Zoso @ The National
If you are a dedicated Zeppelin fan and you are bummed that you never got the chance to see them live, you should check out Zoso at The National this Sunday. Not only do Zoso play nothing but Zeppelin and do it well, they create an awesome 70s vibe that really makes you feel like you're experiencing an honest-to-goodness Led Zeppelin performance. Best of all, there is only a $12.50 cover charge to see this international act. Come end your weekend with some great classic rock and unwind at Richmond's premier super-venue!
For a complete list of stuff to do this weekend, check out our whole calendar here!