Christmas soundcheck. RVA has some great stuff bookending the holidays this week. If you start feeling stuck in the house, go check out one of these shows and I bet you won’t be disappointed.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
J. Roddy’s Christmas to the Bone
Tuesday, December 23rd
The Camel
RVA’s rock royalty is back. J Roddy has made quite the tradition of his Christmas shows, always smoky and psychedelic in nature. It’s a bizarre yuletide bash led by one of the wildest performers in town.
If you don’t know J. Roddy, he fronted J. Roddy Walston and the Business and later Palm Palm, which was my own introduction to his shows. Both bands were pure mania, and he brings all of that energy into these holiday sets.
It’s a perfect last hurrah before the lull of the holidays and the slow reignition that comes with New Year’s.
Jazz night with Mike Hawkins and the OMP Jazz Workshop
Friday, December 26th
Gallery 5
Local jazz bassist and bandleader Mike Hawkins is taking the stage at Gallery5 with the OMP Jazz Workshop Band. His playing is absolutely next level. He pours so much emotion and precision into every note that you can feel the tension in his fingers and the sweat on his brow.
His sound paints the whole smoky scene, larger than life, locked in on the instrument in his hands. The OMP Jazz Workshop Band is an incredibly tight group as well. If you’re looking for some sharp, energetic jazz, this is the show for you.
A Man To Cook For, Kale Gawd, BEEFCAKE, Show Pony
Monday, December 29th
Banditos
Got some killers together for a cozy post-Christmas show. First up is A Man To Cook For. These guys can land a catchy hook and have sharp vocals to match. The instrumentation is quick and varied, weaving bright lead lines through every moment. There’s a hint of emo in what they do, but they’re just as comfortable in the power pop lane, which makes for a great mix.
Next is Kale Gawd, a local rapper whose flow holds up whether he’s firing fast or slowing things down. His voice really shines on the chiller tracks, where a youthful, bright tone comes through and feels personal.
BEEFCAKE follows. They’re a local indie outfit who recently collaborated with Kale Gawd. They’re a tight group with a clear emo influence, think along the lines of Jimmy Eat World. It’s an open, honest sound that should be easy to move to.
Closing out the night is Show Pony, an indie rock band that formed last year. They just released their EP, Show Pony II, and the songwriting is strong. The tracks are well built, well paced, and perfect for your next road trip.
New Tunes
Penny Pincher by Chandler and Fellaair
Chandler may have moved to New York, but spiritually he’s still Richmond in my eyes. His newest tune is a quick minute-and-a-half burst called “Penny Pincher”. A sweet guitar line carries it along, and the whole track leans on Chandler’s signature wit and sense of humor.
It’s a fun, fast hit from one of Richmond’s classics.
Main image: J Roddy by Joey Wharton
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