Michael Hirsch at The Stage at WTJU 5/16

Richmond-based mead the dear offers a cosmic-country sound steeped in old-time influences. The act functions as an outlet for songwriter Michael Hirsch to blend a bevy of interconnected inspirations—folk revival, traditional Appalachian arrangements, podunk country, summer-of-love psychedelia, and a little downtrodden rock ‘n’ roll. In a scene that’s seen its fair share of Americana mashup acts come through town, mead the dear stands out as having united disparate elements into a holistic style, delivering strong original material. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

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