Mon., Apr. 23 – 6:00pm – Ed Askew with Pull My Daisy and Jonathan Vassar at Steady Sounds – Ed Askew is a folk legend and the chance to see him in the intimate space at Steady Sounds should not be missed. Pull My Daisy will deliver a touch of dark, industrial, melancholic and straight up rock music with a French twist (they rose up from the remains of French band Lillian Gish) and create a soundscape filled with rockish guitars, a 90s flair and easily likable tunes. Jonathan Vassar and the Speckled Bird play dark folk music that will reach into your head and repeat for days. Bring money to donate to the touring bands.
Tues., Apr 24 – 8:00pm – Hotel Lights, Goldrush and Dimmer Twins at the Camel – Fans of Ben Folds should know the leader of Hotel Lights: it’s their drummer Darren Jessee taking on singing and multiple instruments for this indie band. Supporting them will be RVA’s own Prabir and the Goldrush, guaranteed to deliver both Bach and the Beatles via their two classical musicians, violinist Treesa Gold and upright bassist Matt Gold. The Dimmer Twins are more straightforward rock and roll, making for a tasty variety of music on a Tuesday night.
Wed., Apr. 25 – 5:00 – 7:00pm – Happy Hour at Rowland’s – Forget your perception of this place as reserved for special occasions and check out their excellent happy hour deals. There are a variety of options for appetizers, all $5 (they change, but stuff like rockfish sticks, soup, their entirely unique and mouthwatering trademark butterbean cakes, calamari and spring rolls). If you’re thirsty, all wines by the glass are $5, imports $3, domestics $2, and rail drinks are $3. As a bonus, Wednesday nights are also half- priced bottles of wine (those on the list that are $39 and under). It’s a great way to try their great food at an affordable price.
Thurs. Apr. 26-5:00 – The Features and Green Hearts at Strange Matter – Tennessee’s The features, a mainstay in the South and a favorite of European audiences, headline along with the retro 60s power pop of Green Hearts and the inimitable Herschel Stratego doing his combination of ukulele-accompanied songs and jokes. Best of all, this is an early show, so you’ll be out on the street by 8:00 and ready to head next door to Ipanema for dessert and a drink.
Fri., Apr. 27 – 12:00pm Bike Film Fest at the Byrd - A host of short films dedicated to all things bike-related. A guy riding his bike and playing various musical instruments? A bike messenger going about his day on the mean streets of the city? A short about alleycat races like the ones that take place in Richmond regularly? They’re all a part of this ode to the bicycle and the midnight start time means a lovely nighttime ride to the show. Because it would just be wrong to drive to this screening.
Sat. Apr. 28 – 12:00 – Shadrock Festival with Yo la Tengo and Dum Dum Girls at Brown’s Island – Part of the all-day Shadrock Festival, these two bands along with locals Photosynthesizers are the must-sees of the event. New kids the Dum Dum Girls do girl dream pop with lots of youth and energy, while old pros Yo la Tengo bring multiple vocalists, fuzzy guitars and a songbook that goes back to 1984. Photosynthesizers deliver live hiphop, a rare treat, with multiple vocalists and a stellar band backing them up. Also don’t miss Kid is Qual and Invisible Hands while you’re there.
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Karen is Just your average Jackson Ward resident who thinks Richmond offers more than enough to keep you occupied and entertained. She smiles too much, talks way too much, is too into music, and shares her opinion whether it’s asked for or not on her blog “I Could Go On and On.”