FEATURE SHOW
Saturday, August 31, 9 p.m.
Toxic Moxie, Legion of Doom, Machine Gun Mustache, Bandrew @ The Camel– Free/18+
Self-described disco punk band Toxic Moxie is releasing a new CD tonight, and the party is on, my brother. Toxic Moxie’s sail is riding a heavy wind as they continue to flourish as one of the better up-and-coming bands in Richmond. This is their first CD, and you know what folks say about bands’ first CD? It’s always their best. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been looking forward to hearing Toxic Moxie’s full-fledged endurance on a disc - even better, their live shows. People always leave satisfied, or drunk, for that matter.
The indie/folk/experimental band Machine Gun Mustache is the perfect opener for Toxic Moxie. They are that band that if you haven’t seen, well, you lose, game over. Legion of Doom, stacked full of some of Richmond’s best jazz and trained musicians, is never boring. Bandrew is quite exhilarating too. It’s Andrew with a B.
Wednesday, August 28, 7 p.m.
Louis Ledford @ Ashland Coffee and Tea - $5/18+
Ex-Richmonder Louis Ledford returns back to the area with his hauntingly strong Americana music. There are some great singer-songwriter guitarists out there, and then there’s Ledford. Ledford still has it, and then some, since his days fronting the 90s Richmond Americana rock band, Used Carlotta.
Ledford’s narratives are about the anti-hero. You know - the ones a cultured society really cares about. Ledford’s latest album puts him in front of a microphone, sans a band, where he delivers astonishing humbleness. The reviews are in, and this is Ledford’s best work yet. See you in Ashland.
Thursday, August 29, 9:30 p.m.
Mighty Joshua and The Zion #5 (photo by Melissa Brugh) @ Balliceaux - $5/21+
For the best in down home roots reggae and roots music, look no further than the higher power of Richmond’s Mighty Joshua. This man will transfix you. A veteran of the local roots and reggae scene, he has taken it upon himself to re-energize the roots reggae scene in a city that desperately needs it. The other band that embodies this roots spirit is Antero, of which Joshua is also a member. Joshua draws from his musical roots with African percussion such as Djembe and Djun Djun drums, along with a Didgeridoo. His voice is as pure as molasses, so you can’t lose with the Mighty Joshua. Joshua and his talents will continue to reach a stronger-than-a-lion status, and it’s safe to say this man will be a force as his music heads towards the future.
Thursday, August 29, 7 p.m.
Navdeep Singh @ Globehopper– Free/AllAges
The cool and soothing sounds of New York City’s Navdeep Singh comes to Shockoe Bottom to brighten up our day. This singer-songwriter will croon his way to your perked ears. Sigh prefers small intimate venues such as the world famous Globehopper, so if you just had a crappy day at work, slide on over to 21 and E. Main, grab a fine brew, and unwind with a man full of talent and guitar ecstasy.
Friday, August 30, 7 p.m.
RVA Noise Night #13 featuring Astrology Diet, Rosemary Arp, Rotted Ear, Dyrt, Scant, Miranda, Diamond Black Hearted Boy, Glisper, Anduin& Elian, I.Dr., NU Depth, Cain/Borden @ Gallery 5– Free (Bring donations for touring bands)/All Ages
Still stigmatized from that time mother caught you masturbating? Well, who cares? There’s another noise night to be had, and you can let out those skeletons that you've been harboring in your closet for years now. Number 13 is indeed actually lucky tonight, as this night of nights moves over to Jackson Ward. It’s only fitting that one of the loudest neighborhoods, thanks to those bloody students, is hosting a noise night. Why most folks aren’t attending, let alone aware, of the Richmond noise scene is pathetic. This is the future of society, people, and it's performance on steroids. Short sets too, so your brain can endure. All kinds of noise will be booming from inside an old fire station, such as harsh, spurting, house, slime, sound-art, high-art and neo-static noise. I’m sold, and you should be. Experimentation is the only way to get through these end-times the world is currently experiencing, so run--knock over children and the elderly if you have to--and get down to Gallery 5 tonight!
After-party late show at Strange Matter follows at 11pm, featuring Scared to Death, Flesh Control, and Insomniacrobats (CNP records all star session with members of Suppression, HO-AX, Silver Ninjas, Caves Caverns, etc).
Sunday, September 1, 10 p.m.
Much Worse (Photo by Nicole K), Unholy Thoughts, Nightstalker, Vile Faith, Knife Creep @ Strange Matter - $7/18+
What a night of fast and furious hardcore punk this will be. By all means, stay away from churches and those pesky collection plates. Headlined by Minneapolis crazy’s Much Worse, these guys actually get much better, as they are guaranteed to blow your face off. Richmond punk lords--who I just happen to adore--Unholy Thoughts will rip it a new asshole. Nightstalker isn’t Richard Ramirez, but quality hardcore DC punk, and Vile Faith, oh my work, Vile Faith rocks a guerilla! This is hard core for the hard core. And, yes, Knife Creep will certainly play the role of creepy, as their incestuous punk will mesmerize.
Monday, September 2, 8 p.m.
The Dirty Picture Show, Dumbwaiter @ The Camel– Free/18+
One thing Dirty Picture Show isn’t is dirty. These lads are straight up psychedelic funky. All washing machines are not in need this evening at the Camel. Dirty Picture Show describes themselves as “spawned in the dark and shady bowels of downtown Richmond, making art and love and funky grooves, bringing life and death and manic blues.” Damn, I’m going to see this four-piece; that’s it. Here comes the Avant-garde math rock jazz taste we all know and love, Dumb Waiter, so come early--and come clean, so you can leave obscene.
Tuesday, September 3, 10 p.m.
Pissbath, Haldol, Disparage @ Strange Matter - $6/18+
Tennessee invades Richmond with some hardcore street punk that every Tuesday night wanderer wishes for. Pissbath and Haldol come from the Volunteer State, and volunteer to shred everything we stand for as a community. Richmond punk degenerates Disparge lend local support, while word on the street is another band will be added later. I sure hope it’s the Marshall Tucker Band. Geez, there’s so much real punk rock in this city bisected by a river, and so little time.
By John Lewis Morgan (onewayrichmond.com)