It might be a surprise to learn that concerts are a little sparse this weekend, with touring acts taking an almost complete hiatus, at least at the larger venues, until the new year. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see or nothing new to listen to on the scene this week on this locally focused edition of this column. While the concerts are almost all holiday focused, the new releases by local artists are almost entirely secular, so we’ve still got a good mix for you. On this week’s SOUND CHECK J. Roddy Walston hosts his annual Christmas show, R4ND4ZZO pays tribute to one of the greats and Pay Rent Brass Band has put together a beautiful cozy evening. Check back next week for a run down on everything happening across New Year’s weekend for what is sure to be an exciting time packed to the brim with anything and everything music lovers could want.
But, before all of that, I had the chance to grab a moment with Richmond hotshots Destructo Disk to talk to them about their prolific rise to the top of the Richmond music scene and what their new year is going to look like. We’ve got it all for you here on SOUND CHECK.
Are you an artist with new tunes, a listener with suggestion, or just want to say hi? Send an email to Bones@rvamag.com.
Local & Regional Acts to See
J. RODDY WALSTON’S 3RD ANNUAL “CHRISTMAS TO THE BONE” TOUR
Wednesday, December 20th & Thursday, December 21st @ The Broadberry
Doors: 7:00 pm
Have you ever thrown a party that went so well you had to throw a second one the next day? Well, welcome to that party. J. Roddy Walston, a veteran of the Richmond music scene, has put together what is sure to be a wonderful evening to help concert goers launch themselves into the holiday weekend with style as hundreds descend on The Broadberry for two nights of Christmas themed shenanigans. Follow J. Roddy Walston on Instagram, and check out his website for more info.
R4ND4ZZO BIGB4ND HOLIDAY CONCERT
Thursday, December 21st @ Ember Music Hall
Doors: 5:00 pm
You might know Andrew Randazzo as the bass player in the Richmond powerhouse that is Butcher Brown, but what you might not know is that he arranges for large jazz ensembles, mainly culminating in his project that is the R4ND4ZZO BIGB4ND. Butcher Brown did a series of tributes to Vince Guaraldi during their time in Covid lockdown, and the keys player for the group, DJ Harrison, has this year embarked on a similar project, but R4ND4ZZO is taking it one step further by putting on a whole show in tribute to the legendary jazz pianist. An evening of incredible big band tunes at a shining new concert venue — need I say more. Follow R4ND4ZZO on Instagram.
CHANDLER
Friday, December 22nd @ The Camel
Doors: 9:00 pm
If the big crowds of The Broadberry and Ember Music Hall aren’t quite your speed, perhaps the up close and personal atmosphere of The Camel might be what you’re looking for. This Friday night five of Richmond’s favorite rappers and hip hop artists will be taking the stage for an evening of holiday festivities. Alongside another one of my favorites Lunch $pecial, Chandler and his unique brand of internet rap full of personality and humor will keep you entertained inside on a cold night in December. Follow Chandler on Instagram.
PAY RENT BRASS BAND
Saturday, December 23 @ Get Tight Lounge
Doors: 4:00 pm
Are you broke after buying all those presents? Do you want an inexpensive way to entertain the family from out of town or just get away by yourself for an evening? Then look no further! Pay Rent Brass Band have put together the coziest of evenings at Get Tight Lounge; a night of carols, hot chocolate and holiday movies, and that’s before you even consider the full concert they are going to put on at some point during the evening. Make your way down to Get Tight this Saturday night for what is sure to be the best free night out you’ll get this year. Follow Pay Rent on Instagram.
local & Regional Releases
CHARLES OWENS TRIO
Here It Is (album)
This epic piece of music comes out just as the year is winding to a close and brings along the kind of nostalgic attitude for the season without being holiday music. Here It Is by local legendary saxophonist Charles Owens and his trio spans a century of jazz standards performed by a technical three piece and goes for well over an hour making this an easy album to throw on for a long dinner or party that are frequent this time of year. With a line up of a drum kit, a “hybrid guitar” and Owens himself on the saxophone, my initial concern is that the music would be missing an important harmonic texture provided by a more traditional chordophone, however when I saw who was backing him up my fears were completely assuaged. On kit is no other than DJ Harrison, and on hybrid guitar is Andrew Randazzo providing the kind of bassy chords this record needs. Follow Charles Owens on Instagram.
ALYSSA DARBY
Butterflies (album)
Brand new on the scene as of this year, as her bio will admit as she “started her music career in 2023,” Alyssa Darby has released her debut full length record. This short yet delightful album is full of bouncy production and smooth yet beautiful vocal lines that lend an air of relaxation to this record. With this being only her first year releasing music on the Richmond scene, one can only speculate where Darby will go next, but it looks like a promising future for the freshman artist. Follow Alyssa Darby on Instagram.
Top photo courtesy of Dustin Luttrell
