There’s always a special energy in the air when musicians play their hometown stage. Guitarist Joe Lawlor is usually on the road with Dave Matthews Band, where he works behind the scenes in the audio crew. An accomplished musician in his own right, Lawlor is a founding member of several progressive funk and rock bands, like Egypt. Ahead of his duties at Dave Matthews Band’s November 10–11 John Paul Jones Arena shows, Lawlor will lead his own sets influenced by funk, blues, and classic rock at The Jefferson Theater with his band, Joe Lawlor and Friends, on November 9. The Longway, Kristen Rae Bowden, and Afro Asia are a few of the acts that’ll jam alongside Lawlor, plus a host of special suprise guests. jeffersontheater.com
Name: Joe Lawlor.
Age: 55.
Pronouns: He/him/his.
Hometown: Hard to say. I was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in northern Virginia, Vermont, and Massachusetts. I’ve lived in Charlottesville for the past 25 years.
Job(s): Part of the touring audio crew for the Dave Matthews Band for the last 21 years. Specifically, I am the live recording engineer and archivist. I’ve been a professional guitar player for 37 years.
Coolest venue you’ve played: That’s tough. I sat in with DMB at the Hollywood Bowl and the Gorge. Both are iconic venues, but my band Egypt played at CBGB’s in NYC regularly in the ’90s. Now that was cool!
What’s something about your job that people would be surprised to learn: There are over 100 of us on the DMB crew, traveling in 10 buses and carrying 12 tractor-trailers worth of equipment.
Favorite local restaurant: Thai Cuisine and Noodle House [and] Public Fish & Oyster.
Who is your hero: Leo Fender. He was a genius inventor and tinkerer who came up with the Stratocaster and hundreds of other tools for musicians.
Best advice you ever got: Let them dig their own graves.
Proudest accomplishment: Every good gig. Making good music always makes me feel proud.
Describe a perfect day: A cup of strong English breakfast tea. A recording session or rehearsal. A killer gig.
If you could be reincarnated as a person or thing, what would you be: My cat Zeppelin. He has a good life.
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for: Peace around the world. The end of sexism and racism and a loud tube guitar amp.
Do you have any pets: Kristen and I have two cats, Zeppelin and Janis.
Favorite movie and/or show: The Big Lebowski and anything by director Wes Anderson.
Favorite book: Jitterbug Perfume.
Favorite musician: Jeff Beck for bending strings. Eddie Van Halen for reckless abandon and energy. Chris Whitley for songwriting.
Favorite song: “Dirt Floor” by Chris Whitley.
Favorite album: Van Halen one.
What are you listening to right now: “Succession” in the background.
Go-to karaoke song: It would be an instrumental with lots of air guitar.
Who’d play you in a movie: Javier Bardem (says my girlfriend Kristen Rae Bowden).
Celebrity crush: Jessica Chastain.
Most used app on your phone: Voice memo (I record song ideas and music daily).
Last text you sent: “Of course that’s why I sent them. They are different sizes. Choose the right size for your purpose.”
Most used emoji: Thumbs up.
Subject that causes you to rant: The ways our medical system doesn’t work.
Best journey you ever went on: I’m still on it.
Next journey: South Africa with DMB.
Travel must-haves: Noise canceling headphones, a guitar, and layers.
Favorite curse word: Dang!
Hottest take: I’m a Dapper Dan man.
What have you forgotten today: I’m not sure but I’ll find out when I get off the plane.
