In addition to the high-energy performances that have landed The Black Lillies at Bonnaroo, Stagecoach and the Grand Ole Opry, the band recently became known for overcoming artistic obstacles. Two weeks before entering the studio to record its fourth album, Hard to Please, two members gave notice, causing frontman Cruz Contreras to pull together new […]
In addition to the high-energy performances that have landed The Black Lillies at Bonnaroo, Stagecoach and the Grand Ole Opry, the band recently became known for overcoming artistic obstacles. Two weeks before entering the studio to record its fourth album, Hard to Please, two members gave notice, causing frontman Cruz Contreras to pull together new […]
A few years ago, Bob Boilen, host of NPR Music’s “All Songs Considered,” turned his work desk into a concert venue. Today, he invites musicians from all over the world to play intimate sets of songs between the desk and bookshelves in the Tiny Desk concert series. The short sessions are filmed and later posted online […]
While many symphonies and orchestras have seen economic challenges in recent years, they’ve also been given a facelift through fresh takes on classical arrangements and some budding new instrumentalists. Ray Chen falls into the latter category, bringing a passionate intensity to his instrument with every blazing stroke of the bow. Hailed as a “young violinist,” […]
Self-proclaimed “trippy trio” Ruckzuck digs live shows, feeding off of spontaneity and grooving on audience energy. The band’s loping sets are part psychedelic, part Krautrock and unlike any other fusion of musical forms. And although the group’s lyrics are sometimes dark and emotional, nothing makes brothers Nick and Matt Bedo and Faith Kelly happier than […]
Inspired by the poetry of Maya Angelou at a young age, Staunton artist Lady Taij delivers thought-provoking, silky rhymes that detail a rarely observed female perspective on a scene filled with “sex, drugs and rap.” Her edgy lyrics float over an infectious R&B accompaniment and confident social commentary. Thursday 2/18. $5-8, 8pm. The Ante Room, 219 […]
Jason Huber and Jordan Kelley burst out of a tiered cake wearing cowboy hats. Kelley pops and pours champagne. Both men strip down to nothing save metallic underwear, hats and boots. So begins the NSFW video for “Doses and Mimosas,” the Nashville-based electro-pop band Cherub’s breakout 2012 hit. As the video plays on, it’s clear […]
Take five of Virginia’s finest singer-songwriters, pair them with some of country music’s most poignant love (or lost-love) songs and put them onstage for the annual Country Sweethearts Valentine’s Day show. Be it single and looking, or fed up and freedom-bound, there’s no way to deny the pure passion that emanates from these authentic voices. […]
The Beatles taught us that “All You Need is Love,” and they’re probably right. “The tricky part is how to get it, keep it, give it, know it,” says indie-folk songwriter Devon Sproule. Learn more at Lovefest, where Sproule and her friends Mira Stanley and Chuck Costa of The Sea The Sea play sets about […]
The bio of clarinetist Ben Goldberg bounces from klezmer accolades and Thelonious Monk covers to Nels Cline and Charlie Hunter collaborations, musical interpretations of Allen Grossman’s poetry and an ode to Elliott Smith. His latest incarnation is Invisible Guy, a uniquely talented trio, formed in the San Francisco Bay area with pianist Michael Coleman and […]
As far as establishing a new local legend goes, jazz guitarist Randy Johnston’s recent relocation from Brooklyn to Charlottesville is notable. Having sat in or been featured on the records of, as he puts it, “every major organ player to come through New York City in the ’80s,” Johnston’s musical prowess is, at least among […]