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If the constant storms aren’t driving you inside, then the temperature fluctuations are. If the environment is going to be driving the citizens of Richmond indoors we might as well catch some music while we’re in there, and we’ve got you covered on what to check out. It’s eclectic this week with week day performances from veteran punk rocker Jeff Rosenstock, and then McKinley Dixon will be paying our fair city a visit after relocating to Chicago earlier this year. A local jam band pays tribute to The Grateful Dead on Thursday, and if that’s not up your alley then just head down the street for a night of psyched out rock at The Camel. We have everything for you this week, so give these artists a glance and see if anything catches your eye.
Out of town acts to see
Jeff Rosenstock
9/12 @ The Broadberry
Doors: 7pm
You might know Jeff Rosentock from any number of bands that he’s passed through over the years, for instance I primarily know him from Bomb the Music Industry!, but this punk rocker has been cultivating a solo career that has gone on to outshine every group he’s participated in. Describing his own music as “increasingly chaotic,” Rosentock’s most recent endeavor is an album by the name of Hellmode which he released at the very end of August. Though laden with catchy hooks, the record maintains a punk attitude and aesthetic with his half spoken half sung verses, violent guitars thrashing through power chord progressions, and then a truly bonkers cover full of subtle pop culture references. It is surely going to be a wild night at the Broadberry this Tuesday, so if you need a weeknight punk fix, then by all means give this show your attention.
My favorite tracks from Hellmode
- “LIKED U BETTER”
- “SOFT LIVING”
McKinley Dixon
9/15 @ Gallery 5
Doors: 7pm
I struggled with whether to put McKinley Dixon in out of town acts or local acts, but I have settled on out of town acts as he recently relocated to Chicago after living in Richmond for many years. Dixon’s fourth album Beloved! Paradise! Jazz? came out earlier this year and has earned the young rapper some well deserved acclaim. Featuring phenomenal full horn band arrangements as well as possessing a heart and and offering a vulnerable persona many rappers make specifics moves to avoid, Dixon is a shining light amongst a genre group that finds itself in a period of extreme success, alongside intense over saturation. Who could ask for a better Friday night in the heart of Richmond’s arts district than seeing an upcoming artist representing the very soul of hip hop manifesting itself in the next generation?
My favorite Tracks from Beloved! Paradise! Jazz?
- “Run, Run, Run”
- “Beloved! Paradise! Jazz?”
local & Regional acts to see
Local Dead People
9/14 @ Get Tight Lounge
Doors: 7:30pm
Not everyone loves the Grateful Dead, though I have found very few who hate them, and those who love them truly adore them. Almost 30 years after the death of Jerry Garcia numerous tribute bands form to pay homage to the revolutionary guitar player and band leader, so if you’re hip to the dead, but have never seen a tribute, now is your chance. Formed from members of Richmond/Charlottesville based jam band Kendall Street Company as well as “friends” it is going to be a laid back evening of classic jams honoring a group that defined a generation.
Mad Abbey
9/14 @ The Camel
Doors: 7pm
It’s been a while. Mad Abbey have a unique sound in Richmond, but it has been over three years since the group has released some new tunes. Well all that is about to change at the end of this month when Mad Abbey release their new single “Leech” on September 29th. Until then, if you can’t wait, you should go check them out at The Camel this Thursday 9/14 if the whole Grateful Dead Tribute isn’t quite your bag. They are not headlining this show, so make sure to get there early to catch them. Stick around though, because the whole night will be packed with great groups like New Orleans’ based Dana Ives as well as Richmond fusion rockers Marshall Family Values.
Top photo courtesy of Polyvinyl Records
