Before a recent Post Sixty Five band practice, frontman Hicham Benhallam sat on a patch of grass outside the rehearsal space and stared into the trees nearby. The muggy June air blurred his vision, so he took off his dark-framed glasses and blinked a few times before acknowledging that there was no relief from the […]
Thirteen years ago, four school friends just south of Manchester, England, got together to play music and The 1975 was born. Fronted by the enigmatic Matthew Healy, the alt-rock group lyrically combines notions of upheavals, triumphs, traumas and losses on its latest album, I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet […]
Below the poignant, heartfelt cries of singer-songwriters and the ticklish grooves of jam-rockers, there’s a dark undercurrent of guttural sound in local music that’s soon to break like a jump scare in a slasher film. C’ville doom/sludge band Beldam shares a five-part bill with Wanderer, Dogs Eyes, Genosha and Sundrainer for a hardcore show that […]
Lake Street Dive wasn’t sure what it wanted to be when the quartet formed in 2004 at the New England Conservatory of Music—and five albums later that hasn’t changed. The name of its new release, Side Pony, was taken from the hairstyle that can’t decide if it wants to be wild or subdued. “We’ve [...]
Singer-songwriter and co-founder of the defunct chamber-pop group October Project, Mary Fahl draws on classical and world music influences to forge her earthy sound. Fahl, who has written and performed songs for several films and television shows, recently toured to promote her latest release, [...]
Thirty-two years after an informal beginning, The Charlottesville Women’s Choir continues to perform in honor of its commitment to peace and justice. With minimal percussion, the a cappella group, comprised of 40 voices, soars to inspirational heights on songs such as “One” and “Born This Way,” [...]
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson approaches his music as a folk purist reminiscent of early Bob Dylan in his delivery and aesthetic. Performing under the moniker The Tallest Man on Earth, Matsson has four albums, the latest being Dark Bird, in which The Man pulls in mysterious backing [...]
These days it’s rare to find a musical style that remains provincial, but the greater D.C. area’s grip on go-go is still the heart of the genre. Tight funk blended into hip-hop call and response sets the boogie in motion for the Double Faces Gogo Band, formed in C’ville as a tribute to the [...]
After leaving Pale Blue Dot two years ago, Tony LaRocco returns from a stint of self-discovery to front the local quartet once again. The modern pop group reveals its soul through lyrics that reflect a sense of nature, space and Buddhist precepts, and its latest EP, Telescopes, produced by [...]
Josh Ritter is on the road again after the release of his eighth studio album, Sermon on the Rocks, which has received a considerable amount of praise. It marks a transformation for Ritter, who, according to Rolling Stone, is “fully reimagining his own art while still holding close to what’s [...]
Made popular in the 1930s and ’40s, gypsy jazz is in the middle of a renaissance, and Baltimore’s Michael Joseph Harris (left) is bringing it to the stage in two formations. His traditional band, Hot Club, relies on the classic repertoire, while Ultrafaux is guided by modern inspirations and [...]
Rock poet David Tewksbury has worked the Charlottesville singer-songwriter circuit for years and issued a series of EPs. Now, with the help of longtime DMB collaborator Butch Taylor, he’s pulled together a band for his first full-length album, Sun is Rising. While composing the tracks on [...]
“For a bunch of boys from Toronto, The Slocan Ramblers are turning out a piping-hot brand of bluegrass that you just may think was cut fresh from a back porch in the Blue Ridge.” That’s what Elmore Magazine says about these four young Canadian musicians, who call themselves rowdy. Their tunes [...]
The multitalented Michael Clem steps away from his role as a member of Eddie From Ohio to host A Benefit for Jason Burke. Local acoustic musicians who will gather to help Burke with medical bills include Terri Allard, Thomas Gunn, Butch Taylor and Peyton Tochterman. Monday 5/16. $20 suggested [...]
Eric Seidel spent the last 25 years bringing smiles and laughter to others as Recycle T. Clown, before cancer forced him to give up his act. A group of musicians, led by Megan Huddleston, unites to present Tin Can Alley, a carnival rock show featuring Mister Baby, American Girl, Shagwüf, [...]
The Charlottesville Festival of Cultures may be the simplest way to learn about the world. With more than 30 countries represented by local citizens and organizations, the event offers a glimpse into the art, food, music and languages in our diverse community. Saturday 5/14. Free, 10am. Lee [...]
Family Family Art JAM Jacob Lawrence’s Struggle: From the History of the American People is the inspiration for kids ages 8-14 to collaborate with adults on art and discussion. Saturday, 5/14. Free, reservations required. Fralin Museum of Art at UVA, 155 Rugby Rd. 243-2050. Nonprofit Mister [...]
Asheville, North Carolina’s Midnight Snack rips open a set of melodious, psychedelic rock to support the Music Resource Center. The band will hang out late with those who can’t get enough of the Know Good Beer festival and take over the stage for an after-party benefit show. [...]
Multifaceted singer and musician Gina Sobel brings a unique, vibrant energy to the stage. With her melodic voice and the twinge of funk, jazz and improv present in her music, she earns the warm accolades put forth by BolderBeat, “…listening to Gina Sobel [and her band] feels like a [...]
The Dave Matthews Band played its first gig at a private party held on the roof of a downtown Charlottesville warehouse in May of 1991. On Saturday, DMB will play a sold-out show at John Paul Jones Arena and kick off its 25th anniversary summer tour, which includes 48 dates in almost as many [...]
Frenetic drummer and composer Allison Miller began playing the drums at age 10, before studying music performance and going on to collaborate and record with the likes of Norah Jones, Michael Feinstein and Mimi Fox. The New York-based percussionist is on a nationwide tour with her band, Boom [...]
McCoury talent runs deep. Brothers Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo) spearhead the modern bluegrass ensemble The Travelin’ McCourys, joined by Jason Carter on the fiddle and Alan Bartram slapping the bass. After a stop in Charlottesville, the foursome hits the road for DelFest, a Maryland-based [...]
Widespread Panic is celebrating 30 years as one of America’s preeminent party bands. Holding the record for sold-out performances at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (48) and selling more than 3 million albums, the well-oiled machine comes to the nTelos Wireless Pavilion on April 28. [...]