Lotta Punks for Presents on the lineup this week, and it pairs well with a fantastic show from Richmond’s own McKinley Dixon. Both feel like solid ways to close out these oh so dark nights.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
McKinley Dixon
Saturday, December 13th
Richmond Music Hall
Hometown hero McKinley Dixon is taking over Richmond Music Hall. He’s been releasing music since 2016 and has cemented himself as a sincere tower in the Richmond hip hop scene. Earlier this year he put out Magic, Alive! which came packed with standout features. The record pushed further into jazzier and noisier territory while still giving Dixon plenty of space to flex as a lyricist.
It’s pretty great that someone with Dixon’s talent comes from our town. He has racked up millions of streams and earned real critical acclaim. He should be an inspiration for every kid in Richmond trying to make something happen.
Punks For PResents Part 2
December 5th & 6th, 12th – 14th
Fuzzy Cactus 12/12: Punks for Presents Night 3
Another glorious weekend of Punks for Presents. For those who do not know, PFP is a local charity group that raises money to buy toys for the children’s hospital by playing a series of covers nights.
I am particularly excited for this one. First off, we got The Sisters of Frosty, who will be doing a Sisters of Mercy set. Next up, we got One Sleigh or Another doing the ever iconic Blondie. Lastly, we have Depeche Snowed, obviously doing Depeche Mode. If you are an 80s music fan, get out to Fuzzy. The first weekend of PFP was non stop parties. Make sure you get your tickets in advance as shows sold out last weekend.
Canal Club 12/13: Punks for Presents Night 4
Even more punks, even more presents. This show is all about the 90s and all about California. Headlining the night is Operation Icy doing a fantastic set of Operation Ivy. I have seen these guys a whole bunch over the years at previous PFP shows and they are always a standout.
We also got Snow Control returning to do Bad Religion. SNOFX is coming in with NOFX. And Out Come the Wools is gearing up for Rancid, works well with Operation Icy already on the bill. Lastly, we have Carol Fang doing a Distillers set, which should be an absolute blast.
Gallery 5 12/14: Punks for Presents Night 5
Guess what. Punks for Presents. I believe this is the first PFP show at Gallery 5, and it will be christened by Something to Write Santa About rocking as The Get Up Kids. We got HateWreath coming in hot as Hatebreed. Next up, we got Ginger Snapcase as Snapcase, and lastly Snowicide Machines as the Suicide Machines.
There is something here for literally everyone. Punks for Presents is some of the most fun I will ever have in Richmond and it is run by easily some of the greatest people in this city. It means a lot to me and I hope you can see the same light that has captivated me for many years.
New Tunes
You Aren’t All You Need by Twin Films
Twin Films can never be held down or confined to one thing. Every time you expect them to zig, they zag, and this is exactly the case with their newest single, “You Aren’t All You Need.”
This track is teeming with life and an underlying tension, a sense of wanting to break free and run. They are reaching into a more mystical sound on this one, a slight ethereal sense to it. Give it a listen and become obsessed with those backing vocals.
Main image: McKinley Dixon, photo by Dennis Larance.
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