Last few shows before Christmas rolls out. Got one more charity gig on the bill for this week, some great locals, and a couple folks from on the road.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Gritty City for the Kids
Friday, December 19th
The Camel
And here we have the final Punks for Presents associated show of the year, but this one is a bit different.
This show is hosted by the local legends at Gritty City Records, showcasing the massive talent that they have accumulated and supported. As per all of these Punks for Presents shows, the money raised will be going to buy toys for the Children’s Hospital, not just this Christmas, but all throughout the year.
This bill hosts local hip hop artists Ant the Symbol, Rah Scrilla, and Johnny Ciggs, amongst a huge host of other amazing local talent. This is such an insane showcase of artists that you should do yourself a favor and pull up. These shows often sell out, so get your tickets as soon as you can.
49 Winchester
December 19th & 20th
The National
Virginia’s own 49 Winchester is doing two sweet nights at the National before Christmas, serenading us with their sweet Appalachian country sound. They have that unfiltered working man’s blues, a remote and isolated sound that is raw and sometimes brutal, but all the while soulful. It calls back to its predecessors from Woody Guthrie to Pete Seger to Merle Haggard. They are masters of the craft of songwriting, seriously impressive stuff. Their shows are always a hit in rva, so let’s show up for these two great shows.
Night one is supported by Sela Campbell and The Vegabonds. Campbell is another Virginia based artist, and she is really capturing that lonesome Hank Williams Sr. songwriter sound. It is stripped back and intimate, letting the power of vocals shine. Also taking the stage on this premier is The Vegabonds out of Nashville. Their sound is a little more unconventional, with feet in a few different genres, but don’t get it crossed, this is a country outfit right here. The southern rock twist wears them very well.
Night two is being supported by Maggie Antone. Antone is an rva local who has seen insane success since her debut single in 2022. You can really hear the Richmond sound in her music, something different and off the beaten track that shows it was inspired by our city. Her music showcases great storytelling and vivid imagery, characters that feel real and familiar.
Fightback, Bite, Reaction Time, Point of View
Sunday, December 21st
Banditos
A little hardcore at Banditos does wonders for the soul.
First, we are looking at Roanoke’s Reaction Time. These guys waste no time and hit the gas. They remind me a bit of that 80’s California sound from bands like D.I. and T.S.O.L., with that slight moody edge. Their demo that came out earlier this year is fantastic. It is hard hitting, aggressive, brutal, and does not squander a second. Listening to them makes me want to run through a wall and keep going.
We have a pair of Baltimore bands on the lineup. First up, we have Bite. Bite is blitzing hard and fast. They are characterized by some serious low and scary vocals, booming like a medieval monarch. Their songs usually fall between one and two minutes, so you can thrash in quick bursts to Bite.
Next up, we have Fightback. These guys are pure and raw energy. They seem to have a bit more of a punk and rock influence, a little bit more melody between breakdowns. Check out this great video of them here, starting off their set with “The Boys Are Back in Town.”
Coming from North Carolina, we have Point of View, a hard hitting powerhouse. These guys definitely have some homage to the classics like Bad Brains, but certainly have a bit of that modern metal guitar tone that has become a staple of current hardcore.
New Tunes
Nucleiii by Nucleus Trio
The local Nucleus Trio is following up on this year’s singles with their first full-length album. This is an absolutely fantastic debut with some really great tunes, chock-full of the tenseness that I love in jazz. They lean a bit more funky in tracks like “Acheron,” while letting the piano do the talking in “Agamemnon.” The range really offers a wide and fantastic listening experience and gives you a song for any mood.
A handful of songs feature another piece of local jazz, the Charles Owens Trio, which serves as a great bit of spice in the album. I was really impressed by their singles and am very satisfied with the album.
Main image: 49 Winchester
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