April brings sunshine, warm weather, thunderstorms and lotsa good tunes!!! Can't argue with facts - check em out!
4/1 - North Miss Allstars @ Jefferson Theater
4/7- Livin Local - Trees on Fire, HoboJac, and Rythym-n-Booze- Expoland - This is the first annual Livin' Local Event, celebrating local businesses and community. With 3 great acts, sumo wrestling suit, mechanical bull, local brews, moonbounce for the kids, and many more unique aspects making this a one of a kind family affair. Trees on Fire are local to Charlottesville and continually bring it. Their fun tunes incorporate a rock/pop sound that will keep you dancing! HoBoJac is an alternative country/folk rock act that I have yet to see but am excited to experience for the first time!
4/9- Eoto w/ Kraddy - Jefferson Theater- EOTO is an all improv dubstep act formed by Jason Hann and Michael Travis of String Cheese Incident.
4/11- Ozric Tentacles + Galaxy Dynamite @ Jewish Mother
4/12 - Archnemesis + DrFameus @ Canal Club
4/13-14 - Lotus @ 9:30 Club
4/13 - Eoto w/ Kraddy @ Jewish Mother
4/15 - Shpongle @ National
4/17 - Drive-By Truckers @ Jefferson Theater
4/20 - Cat Daddy @ Captn' Sam's
4/21- Shpongle @ Norva
4/22 - Trampled By Turtles @ Jefferson Theater
4/22 - Conspirator + Damn Right! @ Kingdom
4/26- Rodrigo y Gabriela and C.U.B.A. @ Ntelos Charlottesville Pavillion
4/26-27- MantraBash Showcase 9/10
4/27-28- Camp Barefoot Kickoff Session 5/6
4/28- Eoto + Kraddy @ National
Coheed and Cambria @ Jefferson
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
March Means Music
First I'd like to apologize for not getting the festival guide I had planned from mid-February up. I realized, without all the line ups announced I was unable to accurately portray each in their own light as I would have liked. Look for this in mid-April!
March is filled with a diverse calendar, reaching from the legends like "Hot Tuna" to the stage-ragers like "Lotus".
Hot Tuna @ Jefferson Theater 3/1- Hot Tuna will be playing an electric at the Jefferson. These founders of rock are guaranteed to be a earful of delight. This spin off band of Jefferson Airplane has been together almost half a century and is a continual odyssey of creation and permanent bonds between musicians.
The Werks & Kung Fu @ Canal Club 3/2- The Werks are a psychedelic journey through live-tronica-fusion. After being one of the first bands announced for All Good (and one of my honorable mentions for bands to watch out for in 2012), these guys have quickly gained a big name for themselves since their debut in 2007. I have heard GREAT things about Kung Fu, but haven't had the chance to see this "jazz/funk-fusion", but I am on it like white on rice!
The Festy Presents: The High Country Bluegrass Jam @ The Southern 3/6- Brought to you by the Festy, every first Tuesday of the month is a Bluegrass Jam with different members of the Infamous Stringdusters. This was a really neat experience last month. My only issue was that it was very hard to hear the jams with how crowded the room was and all the talking. Hopefully the Southern will move it into the room they normally do shows in next time. HINT!
Lotus @ The Norva 3/9 & The National 3/10- Lotus is ending their winter tour in the states locally. Their last 2 stops before they make way to Europe for Jam at the Dam IV being the Norva and the National. This live jam-tronica act is not one to be missed.
Perpetual Groove @ Jefferson Theater 3/10- PGroove is returning to the Jefferson, marking the first visit with Matthew McDonald on keys. While I was able to see them perform together for the first time as "2.012", I saw a solid new bond formed and a tight knit functioning four-some with creative intentions. Look out for a new series of exploration and diverse jams. They'll also be hitting the National three weeks later on the 30th.
Moe. @ Rams Head Live Baltimore 3/10- This is not quite local, BUT this IS the last chance to see Moe. until at the earliest Summer Camp Festival. Moe is going on an 11 date tour of Europe, including Jam at the Dam IV with Lotus and Mike Gordon. Moe. has yet to announce any other summer dates other than Summer Camp as of now (2/23).
Railroad Earth @ The National 3/23- Come off of 2 sold out dates in January at the Jefferson, Railroad Earth is back! These guys are one of the BEST live acts touring right now. Railroad Earth is a collection of blue-grass, jams, rock-n-roll, and cannot be held to one single category because of their creative uses of varied instruments. "Even in the new millenium, Railroad Earth's instantly classic sounding songs and timeless vocals could sound at home in any generation."(Felton Pruitt - XM Satellite Radio)
Archnemesis @ The National 3/23 & The Jefferson 3/30- "Formed as the musical brainchild of Curt Heiny and Justin Aubuchon (Telepath, MO Theory), Archnemesis creates its distinct sound by combining original music with samples ranging from early 20's blues and jazz to modern hip-hop and soul." - taken from the facebook event page
Buckethead & That 1 Guy @ The National 3/24- Two of the most innovative solo projects of our time will be performing together at the National. Buckethead is known as one of the fastest, and weirdest, guitar players in the world! That 1 Guy is the only person is the world able to play his self-made instrument that keeps the jams going nightly!
Toubab Krewe @ The Jefferson 3/29- "Blending American and West African influences into a sound all its own, Toubab Krewe has set "a new standard for fusions of rock 'n' roll and West African music" - taken from the Toubab Krewe facebook page
Camp Barefoot 5 Kickoff Session #3 @ The Southern 3/31- Camp Barefoot is kicking off the season right! In preparation for the 6th Camp Barefoot, these Kickoff Sessions are a great lead up to the big event! Gracing us with their presence at the Southern will be Kings of Belmont, Hype Science, The Judy Chops, and Tara Mills w/ Strings Attached.
Gramatik & Break Science @ The Jefferson 3/31- Pretty Lights Music presents Gramatik & Break Science at the Jefferson. Personally don't know too much about either artist, except it will be EDM.
Mid-March I hope to be releasing an interview with a local live painter. It's for another blog, so if they don't run it before that time I will replace it with something just as cool. Promise!
March is filled with a diverse calendar, reaching from the legends like "Hot Tuna" to the stage-ragers like "Lotus".
Hot Tuna @ Jefferson Theater 3/1- Hot Tuna will be playing an electric at the Jefferson. These founders of rock are guaranteed to be a earful of delight. This spin off band of Jefferson Airplane has been together almost half a century and is a continual odyssey of creation and permanent bonds between musicians.
The Werks & Kung Fu @ Canal Club 3/2- The Werks are a psychedelic journey through live-tronica-fusion. After being one of the first bands announced for All Good (and one of my honorable mentions for bands to watch out for in 2012), these guys have quickly gained a big name for themselves since their debut in 2007. I have heard GREAT things about Kung Fu, but haven't had the chance to see this "jazz/funk-fusion", but I am on it like white on rice!
The Festy Presents: The High Country Bluegrass Jam @ The Southern 3/6- Brought to you by the Festy, every first Tuesday of the month is a Bluegrass Jam with different members of the Infamous Stringdusters. This was a really neat experience last month. My only issue was that it was very hard to hear the jams with how crowded the room was and all the talking. Hopefully the Southern will move it into the room they normally do shows in next time. HINT!
Lotus @ The Norva 3/9 & The National 3/10- Lotus is ending their winter tour in the states locally. Their last 2 stops before they make way to Europe for Jam at the Dam IV being the Norva and the National. This live jam-tronica act is not one to be missed.
Perpetual Groove @ Jefferson Theater 3/10- PGroove is returning to the Jefferson, marking the first visit with Matthew McDonald on keys. While I was able to see them perform together for the first time as "2.012", I saw a solid new bond formed and a tight knit functioning four-some with creative intentions. Look out for a new series of exploration and diverse jams. They'll also be hitting the National three weeks later on the 30th.
Moe. @ Rams Head Live Baltimore 3/10- This is not quite local, BUT this IS the last chance to see Moe. until at the earliest Summer Camp Festival. Moe is going on an 11 date tour of Europe, including Jam at the Dam IV with Lotus and Mike Gordon. Moe. has yet to announce any other summer dates other than Summer Camp as of now (2/23).
Railroad Earth @ The National 3/23- Come off of 2 sold out dates in January at the Jefferson, Railroad Earth is back! These guys are one of the BEST live acts touring right now. Railroad Earth is a collection of blue-grass, jams, rock-n-roll, and cannot be held to one single category because of their creative uses of varied instruments. "Even in the new millenium, Railroad Earth's instantly classic sounding songs and timeless vocals could sound at home in any generation."(Felton Pruitt - XM Satellite Radio)
Archnemesis @ The National 3/23 & The Jefferson 3/30- "Formed as the musical brainchild of Curt Heiny and Justin Aubuchon (Telepath, MO Theory), Archnemesis creates its distinct sound by combining original music with samples ranging from early 20's blues and jazz to modern hip-hop and soul." - taken from the facebook event page
Buckethead & That 1 Guy @ The National 3/24- Two of the most innovative solo projects of our time will be performing together at the National. Buckethead is known as one of the fastest, and weirdest, guitar players in the world! That 1 Guy is the only person is the world able to play his self-made instrument that keeps the jams going nightly!
Toubab Krewe @ The Jefferson 3/29- "Blending American and West African influences into a sound all its own, Toubab Krewe has set "a new standard for fusions of rock 'n' roll and West African music" - taken from the Toubab Krewe facebook page
Camp Barefoot 5 Kickoff Session #3 @ The Southern 3/31- Camp Barefoot is kicking off the season right! In preparation for the 6th Camp Barefoot, these Kickoff Sessions are a great lead up to the big event! Gracing us with their presence at the Southern will be Kings of Belmont, Hype Science, The Judy Chops, and Tara Mills w/ Strings Attached.
Gramatik & Break Science @ The Jefferson 3/31- Pretty Lights Music presents Gramatik & Break Science at the Jefferson. Personally don't know too much about either artist, except it will be EDM.
Mid-March I hope to be releasing an interview with a local live painter. It's for another blog, so if they don't run it before that time I will replace it with something just as cool. Promise!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
February is Full of Love!!
February always has reminded me of love and cutesy cards and chocolate... this year it's all about music. This is a full stocked February, where you can fill your head full of music to your hearts content!
Papadosio @ Jefferson Theater 2/2- The "Awake Inside Tour" kicks off here at our dear venue, the Jefferson Theater. They'll continue their journey, hitting Pittsburg the next evening and SoundStage AE in Baltimore 2 nights later. Papadosio is coming off of a strong year in 2011, and I'm stoked to see them bring it this tour. After months working in the studio on their next album, we'll have to be on the look out for the release of new tracks this tour. This live jam-tronica band will keep you dancin' with their unmatched energy and path of musical exploration.
SOJA @ The National 2/3 - SOJA is a heavy hitter in the reggae scene. Known for their mellow groovy tunes, SOJA has become a well known name in the American Reggae scene over the last several years. Their new album "Strength to Survive" hits stores January 31st. Their first stop after Hawaii will be the National, with a cross country tour supporting the album to follow.
Paper Diamond & Polish Ambassador @ Canal Club 2/3- This ambient electronic act's winter tour continues on to Richmond's Canal Club. After a year full of festivals and touring, Paper Diamond is at it again! You can grab their EP "Levitate" for free here
http://tinyurl.com/43hhn9l
William Walter & DJ Williams Projekt @ The Southern 2/4 - Nelson Country local William Walter is a solo machine, harnessing an earthy tune reminiscent of Keller Williams meets John Mellancamp. With a passion for his craft and a real gift across the instrumental board, William Walter is a force in the local festival circuit as well. This rock and twang mash up has it's own special sound, that only one William Walter can provide with such ease, excitement, and perfection.
Rusko @ The National 2/6 - Rusko is a pioneer of European dubstep and electronic music. Rusko mixes several different electronic styles to create his own master sounds. With 10 years under his belt as a producer, expect an unmatched air of electronic expertise. This evening will be heart pumping, bass booming, and high energy, leaving you weak and begging for more.
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk @ Jewish Mother 2/8 & Capital Ale House 2/9 It doesn't get much funkier than Dumpstaphunk! Hailing from New Orleans, Ivan Neville put together this bunch together back in 2003. Since then, they've been harvesting a field of notoriety for not only their bad ass music, but their community services during the Katrina disaster.
Crazy Red Beard and the Box Present Pigeons Playing Ping Pong @ The Box 2/9 "With a high-energy mix of funk, rock, electronica, and jazz, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong has made their mark as a band that will always bring a good time."(Taken from their Facebook page) I have yet to see these guys live, but I'm very much looking forward to it!!
Big Gigantic @ Jefferson Theater 2/12- After a sold out show at the National last December, Big G is back in VA! This will be their first Jefferson Theater performance. Anyone that saw this electronic-saxophone infused act at the Southern last year should be just as blown away as me about how fast these guys have blown up! My issue? Less sax, more wobbles now vs. when I first saw them and they had more sax. Please limit the wobbles, get more sax, and blow our minds at the Jeff!
Umphrey's McGee @ Rams Head Live Baltimore 2/12- With the success of their current "Death By Stereo" tour and cd, Umphrey's McGee has been buzzing with talk lately. Umphrey's is full speed every night, tearing up their tracks and exploring jams, and making a beautiful relationship between their metal-electronic-rock jams. Umphrey's is most certainly a rock band, not "hippie-granola-shit", and they're bringing it harder than ever before. Are you ready?
Silo Effect, Sonic Spank & DVS @ Jewish Mother 2/16 This will be an electronic evening to remember! Silo Effect, hailing from Richmond, thrives on leaving their audience vibing off of their unique "electronic space-rock". Sonic Spank, a big opener for bands like Disco Biscuits, The New Deal, Future Rock etc, pioneered their own genre "Sextronic". A live band with unbeatable chemistry, this DJ and live-instrument mash up is an impressive experience. DVS is a live DJ hailing from Brooklyn.
Rubblebucket @ The Southern 2/18 Rubblebucket is an up and comer that has been blowing up over the last year. Their Winter Tour will be closing at The Southern. Their second album "Omega La La" release June 21st 2011, and they're been touring extensively since to promote it. A big hit at this years Floyd Fest, Rubblebucket is a genre spanning act that cannot be pigeon holed. Expect a really good time, and to be pleasantly suprised.
Camp Barefoot 6 Kickoff Sessions @ Canal Club 2/18 With this years Camp Barefoot shaping up to be the best yet, they're starting the Kickoff Sessions at the Canal Club. Former Champions, The Big Payback, The People's Blues of Richmond, The Air Circus, and Potent Sync will be shaking things up! Come out and Support Camp Barefoot!
Tea Leaf Green @ The Jefferson 2/19 - Tea Leaf Green returns to the Jefferson! These guys are a mellow, soothing, band that jams with an organic live sound. The trio reflect's well off one another, creating an intensely passionate live set.
Alligator @ The Southern 2/19 - Local Grateful Dead cover band Alligator will be gracing our stages once again! This group has a passion for staying true to the classics and sharing their love with the audience. Their rendition of "Eye's of the World" is on par with the big boy's themselves. This is sure to be an exciting evening!
The Machine @ The Jefferson 2/24- The Machine is THE best live Pink Floyd cover band. These folks execute an enthusiasm for Floyd's craft like no other. If you're too young to have seen Pink Floyd live, this is most definitely the next best thing!
Yonder Mountain String Band @ The Jefferson 2/26 - Colorado's golden boy's will be gracing us with the finest pickin' for our pleasure! One of America's premier blue grass acts, YMSB WILL sell out (hint hint!!) and blow the proverbial roof off our dear Jefferson Theater once again.
Be sure to look out for the mid-month addition!! This month I'll be discussing festivals! The pro's, the con's, line-up's and most bang for your buck!
Papadosio @ Jefferson Theater 2/2- The "Awake Inside Tour" kicks off here at our dear venue, the Jefferson Theater. They'll continue their journey, hitting Pittsburg the next evening and SoundStage AE in Baltimore 2 nights later. Papadosio is coming off of a strong year in 2011, and I'm stoked to see them bring it this tour. After months working in the studio on their next album, we'll have to be on the look out for the release of new tracks this tour. This live jam-tronica band will keep you dancin' with their unmatched energy and path of musical exploration.
SOJA @ The National 2/3 - SOJA is a heavy hitter in the reggae scene. Known for their mellow groovy tunes, SOJA has become a well known name in the American Reggae scene over the last several years. Their new album "Strength to Survive" hits stores January 31st. Their first stop after Hawaii will be the National, with a cross country tour supporting the album to follow.
Paper Diamond & Polish Ambassador @ Canal Club 2/3- This ambient electronic act's winter tour continues on to Richmond's Canal Club. After a year full of festivals and touring, Paper Diamond is at it again! You can grab their EP "Levitate" for free here
http://tinyurl.com/43hhn9l
William Walter & DJ Williams Projekt @ The Southern 2/4 - Nelson Country local William Walter is a solo machine, harnessing an earthy tune reminiscent of Keller Williams meets John Mellancamp. With a passion for his craft and a real gift across the instrumental board, William Walter is a force in the local festival circuit as well. This rock and twang mash up has it's own special sound, that only one William Walter can provide with such ease, excitement, and perfection.
Rusko @ The National 2/6 - Rusko is a pioneer of European dubstep and electronic music. Rusko mixes several different electronic styles to create his own master sounds. With 10 years under his belt as a producer, expect an unmatched air of electronic expertise. This evening will be heart pumping, bass booming, and high energy, leaving you weak and begging for more.
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk @ Jewish Mother 2/8 & Capital Ale House 2/9 It doesn't get much funkier than Dumpstaphunk! Hailing from New Orleans, Ivan Neville put together this bunch together back in 2003. Since then, they've been harvesting a field of notoriety for not only their bad ass music, but their community services during the Katrina disaster.
Crazy Red Beard and the Box Present Pigeons Playing Ping Pong @ The Box 2/9 "With a high-energy mix of funk, rock, electronica, and jazz, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong has made their mark as a band that will always bring a good time."(Taken from their Facebook page) I have yet to see these guys live, but I'm very much looking forward to it!!
Big Gigantic @ Jefferson Theater 2/12- After a sold out show at the National last December, Big G is back in VA! This will be their first Jefferson Theater performance. Anyone that saw this electronic-saxophone infused act at the Southern last year should be just as blown away as me about how fast these guys have blown up! My issue? Less sax, more wobbles now vs. when I first saw them and they had more sax. Please limit the wobbles, get more sax, and blow our minds at the Jeff!
Umphrey's McGee @ Rams Head Live Baltimore 2/12- With the success of their current "Death By Stereo" tour and cd, Umphrey's McGee has been buzzing with talk lately. Umphrey's is full speed every night, tearing up their tracks and exploring jams, and making a beautiful relationship between their metal-electronic-rock jams. Umphrey's is most certainly a rock band, not "hippie-granola-shit", and they're bringing it harder than ever before. Are you ready?
Silo Effect, Sonic Spank & DVS @ Jewish Mother 2/16 This will be an electronic evening to remember! Silo Effect, hailing from Richmond, thrives on leaving their audience vibing off of their unique "electronic space-rock". Sonic Spank, a big opener for bands like Disco Biscuits, The New Deal, Future Rock etc, pioneered their own genre "Sextronic". A live band with unbeatable chemistry, this DJ and live-instrument mash up is an impressive experience. DVS is a live DJ hailing from Brooklyn.
Rubblebucket @ The Southern 2/18 Rubblebucket is an up and comer that has been blowing up over the last year. Their Winter Tour will be closing at The Southern. Their second album "Omega La La" release June 21st 2011, and they're been touring extensively since to promote it. A big hit at this years Floyd Fest, Rubblebucket is a genre spanning act that cannot be pigeon holed. Expect a really good time, and to be pleasantly suprised.
Camp Barefoot 6 Kickoff Sessions @ Canal Club 2/18 With this years Camp Barefoot shaping up to be the best yet, they're starting the Kickoff Sessions at the Canal Club. Former Champions, The Big Payback, The People's Blues of Richmond, The Air Circus, and Potent Sync will be shaking things up! Come out and Support Camp Barefoot!
Tea Leaf Green @ The Jefferson 2/19 - Tea Leaf Green returns to the Jefferson! These guys are a mellow, soothing, band that jams with an organic live sound. The trio reflect's well off one another, creating an intensely passionate live set.
Alligator @ The Southern 2/19 - Local Grateful Dead cover band Alligator will be gracing our stages once again! This group has a passion for staying true to the classics and sharing their love with the audience. Their rendition of "Eye's of the World" is on par with the big boy's themselves. This is sure to be an exciting evening!
The Machine @ The Jefferson 2/24- The Machine is THE best live Pink Floyd cover band. These folks execute an enthusiasm for Floyd's craft like no other. If you're too young to have seen Pink Floyd live, this is most definitely the next best thing!
Yonder Mountain String Band @ The Jefferson 2/26 - Colorado's golden boy's will be gracing us with the finest pickin' for our pleasure! One of America's premier blue grass acts, YMSB WILL sell out (hint hint!!) and blow the proverbial roof off our dear Jefferson Theater once again.
Be sure to look out for the mid-month addition!! This month I'll be discussing festivals! The pro's, the con's, line-up's and most bang for your buck!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Bands to Watch in 2012
As 2012 unfolds, there will be several bands that you should be on the look out for. This is for many different reasons, whether it be a new band member, a growing sound and fan base, etc. These bands are, in my humble opinion, going to take us places musically this year, so hold onto your dancin' shoes!
Perpetual Groove - The return of keyboard player Matt McDonald marks an era P. Groove is calling 'P. Groove 2.012'. 2011 held a packed touring schedule for them including 85+ shows and festivals, a killer 2 day new years celebration, and hosting a sensational 10th annual Amberland. 2012 has started off strong with a 2 day stand at the Asheville Music Hall. The vibe and playful interaction between the 4 members was a clear indication that the return of McDonald will be bringing some new juices into the mix. The overall feeling in Asheville was one of excitement and experimentation. With over 20 dates already on their calendar for the year, 2012 is starting off strong with a new vibe as they return to old roots while forging an exciting future. Perpetual Groove's multi-layered sound will continue evolving, and I'm excited to see some of the new material mastered by former keyboard player John Hruby refined and remastered by McDonald. If you're into getting lost in a jam, funky psychedelic electronic, playful ballads, and soothing, dancey tunes then you'll love getting to know Perpetual Groove.
Papadosio - These guys are another advocate of intense touring schedules and breaking musical boundaries. This live jam-tronica fusion group is coming off of an excellent year with tons of shows, music festivals, and their own big event deemed Rootwire. This festival entitles all attendee's VIP access to showers, meals, and special late night festivities. With everyone being VIP there is a sense of community and appreciation for artists and their support base of fans alike. Papadosio and Rootwire also promote sustainability, re-use/recycle, and other earth-friendly concepts as part of their message through arts and music. Rootwire 2012 has recently been announced for August 16th-19th. After pushing their own limits, like an all improv set at Floyd Fest, and gaining speed with their following through a rather large and on point All-Good performance, I see big things for these guys this year. Watch out! Papadosio's Winter Tour "Awake Inside" Starts February 2nd here at our local spot the Jefferson Theater, and will continue until March 24th with a close out at their hometown venue the Orange Peel.
Former Champions - These locals from Richmond are another band coming off of a big touring year, and are easily gaining press as one of RVA's local favorites. Making a name for themselves on the festival circuit, their regular spots at City Dog's and Cary Street Cafe, and headlining shows throughout the East, the Champs are coming into their own as a shining star. Mixing rock meets psychedelic dance funk and jams, playing to the vibe of their crowd, these guys are a continual evolution of their sound. This bands vast creativity leads them toward a path of ever growing exploration and perpetual ingenuity. Look out for them headlining festivals, bringing you their hot money fire, and blowing your mind with their talent.
The Mantras - This is another high energy jamtronica-funk/rock-fusion band that has been solidifying their sound and fanbase rapidly over the past few years. I first saw them at the first Nomadic Roots Festival in 2010 and was blown away by their flowing and organic sounds, mixed with dancy tunes and blood pumping tracks. The Mantra's expanded their horizons and set big goals for 2011 with a heavy tour and festival schedule. The first Mantrabash will be held June 21st-23rd at High Country Motor Cycle Club in Ferguson, NC. Several "Mantrabash Showcases" are scheduled around the mid-atlantic to promote and help fund this great homegrown festival.
Pimps of Joytime - If you've yet to experience the Pimps of Joytime, get on it! This funk band from Brooklyn brings you soul like no other. My first experience with them was over the summer at Floyd Fest during their daytime set. The set was fun, funky, experimental and groovin'. It was something special. A few hours later, okay 4 am, I hear this wave of psychedelic, spacey alien funk... I check out my program and it's Pimps of Joytime. It blew my mind that they were so versatile and had such a range that I had NO idea it was them a few hours later. Their sound is never to be stated as one dimensional funk, they pull from salsa, rock, electronic, and afro-beat to keep their sounds ever changing. With hundred's of shows, venues, and sounds under their belt, these cat's are fully ready to take it to the next level.
A few bands I feel made an honorable mention, Dopapod, Rubblebucket, Silo Effect, The Werks, and Trampled By Turtles. They're all hard working, very talented musicians that will be bringin the noise and taking names in 2k12. Hear me out ladies and gentlemen, if you have the chance, go see each and every one of the bands on this list this year!
Who do you think will be taking the reign's in 2012? Anyone I Forgot? Please leave a comment, and if you're convincing enough, it may end up as an addition!
Look out for the February 2012 show listings and a Festival Feature mid-February!
Perpetual Groove - The return of keyboard player Matt McDonald marks an era P. Groove is calling 'P. Groove 2.012'. 2011 held a packed touring schedule for them including 85+ shows and festivals, a killer 2 day new years celebration, and hosting a sensational 10th annual Amberland. 2012 has started off strong with a 2 day stand at the Asheville Music Hall. The vibe and playful interaction between the 4 members was a clear indication that the return of McDonald will be bringing some new juices into the mix. The overall feeling in Asheville was one of excitement and experimentation. With over 20 dates already on their calendar for the year, 2012 is starting off strong with a new vibe as they return to old roots while forging an exciting future. Perpetual Groove's multi-layered sound will continue evolving, and I'm excited to see some of the new material mastered by former keyboard player John Hruby refined and remastered by McDonald. If you're into getting lost in a jam, funky psychedelic electronic, playful ballads, and soothing, dancey tunes then you'll love getting to know Perpetual Groove.
Papadosio - These guys are another advocate of intense touring schedules and breaking musical boundaries. This live jam-tronica fusion group is coming off of an excellent year with tons of shows, music festivals, and their own big event deemed Rootwire. This festival entitles all attendee's VIP access to showers, meals, and special late night festivities. With everyone being VIP there is a sense of community and appreciation for artists and their support base of fans alike. Papadosio and Rootwire also promote sustainability, re-use/recycle, and other earth-friendly concepts as part of their message through arts and music. Rootwire 2012 has recently been announced for August 16th-19th. After pushing their own limits, like an all improv set at Floyd Fest, and gaining speed with their following through a rather large and on point All-Good performance, I see big things for these guys this year. Watch out! Papadosio's Winter Tour "Awake Inside" Starts February 2nd here at our local spot the Jefferson Theater, and will continue until March 24th with a close out at their hometown venue the Orange Peel.
Former Champions - These locals from Richmond are another band coming off of a big touring year, and are easily gaining press as one of RVA's local favorites. Making a name for themselves on the festival circuit, their regular spots at City Dog's and Cary Street Cafe, and headlining shows throughout the East, the Champs are coming into their own as a shining star. Mixing rock meets psychedelic dance funk and jams, playing to the vibe of their crowd, these guys are a continual evolution of their sound. This bands vast creativity leads them toward a path of ever growing exploration and perpetual ingenuity. Look out for them headlining festivals, bringing you their hot money fire, and blowing your mind with their talent.
The Mantras - This is another high energy jamtronica-funk/rock-fusion band that has been solidifying their sound and fanbase rapidly over the past few years. I first saw them at the first Nomadic Roots Festival in 2010 and was blown away by their flowing and organic sounds, mixed with dancy tunes and blood pumping tracks. The Mantra's expanded their horizons and set big goals for 2011 with a heavy tour and festival schedule. The first Mantrabash will be held June 21st-23rd at High Country Motor Cycle Club in Ferguson, NC. Several "Mantrabash Showcases" are scheduled around the mid-atlantic to promote and help fund this great homegrown festival.
Pimps of Joytime - If you've yet to experience the Pimps of Joytime, get on it! This funk band from Brooklyn brings you soul like no other. My first experience with them was over the summer at Floyd Fest during their daytime set. The set was fun, funky, experimental and groovin'. It was something special. A few hours later, okay 4 am, I hear this wave of psychedelic, spacey alien funk... I check out my program and it's Pimps of Joytime. It blew my mind that they were so versatile and had such a range that I had NO idea it was them a few hours later. Their sound is never to be stated as one dimensional funk, they pull from salsa, rock, electronic, and afro-beat to keep their sounds ever changing. With hundred's of shows, venues, and sounds under their belt, these cat's are fully ready to take it to the next level.
A few bands I feel made an honorable mention, Dopapod, Rubblebucket, Silo Effect, The Werks, and Trampled By Turtles. They're all hard working, very talented musicians that will be bringin the noise and taking names in 2k12. Hear me out ladies and gentlemen, if you have the chance, go see each and every one of the bands on this list this year!
Who do you think will be taking the reign's in 2012? Anyone I Forgot? Please leave a comment, and if you're convincing enough, it may end up as an addition!
Look out for the February 2012 show listings and a Festival Feature mid-February!
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