Some legends will be walking the streets, one of the most underrated and exciting vocal talents of her generation will grace a Richmond stage, and the local musicians keep rocking away in the clubs and alleys of our fair city. On this week’s SOUND CHECK, EDM powerhouse Darude will be at Ember Music Hall, Sammy Rae and her group of friends will bring down The National, and a collection of some delightful local acts post up at The Camel for a Saturday night filled with original music. We’ve got it all for you and more on this week’s Sound Check.
Are you a listener with suggestions, an artist with new tunes or just want to say hi? Send an email to Bones@rvamag.com
out of town acts to see
SAMMY RAE & THE FRIENDS
Tuesday, February 19th @ The National
Doors: 6:30 pm
Oh my god. Perhaps one of the greatest vocalists of this generation, Sammy Rae & The Friends are back in town and ready to bring down The National. This will be my third time seeing Sammy Rae, and every time I am always overwhelmed by the her range, control and the vocal gymnastics that she is capable of. There’s hardly more that I could say about Sammy Rae & The Friends other than that the rest of the group are also phenomenal musicians, they give off nothing but great vibes and good times. and on top of all of that Erin & The Wildfire will be opening for them again. Great ready for a night of great music, and some of the best vocalists this side the turn of the century. Follow Sammy Rae on Instagram.
DARUDE
Friday, February 16th @ Ember Music Hall
Doors: 10:00 pm
New on the scene, and propping up the mostly underground Richmond EDM scene, Ember Music Hall are forging a path for electronic music in Richmond to enter the limelight. Though he is by no means local, Finnish musician Darude is about as mainstream as they come. Known for his hit track “Sandstorm,” Darude has released numerous studio records and sell out shows all over the world. If you’re looking for a late night fix for your electronic dancing tendencies, or simply want to check out what all the hullabaloo is about, then by all means head on down to Ember Music Hall this Friday for a late show of some hot and heavy tunes.
local & regional acts to see
THE HURRICANE PARTY, SHERA SHI & JONATHAN BROWN
Saturday, February 17th @ The Camel
Doors: 7:00 pm
Prepare to be hypnotized by The Hurricane Party. This self-described “American Roots” band blends many different styles resulting in an ever changing sound that refuses to be caged in and parties hard. Having released their debut album Cat. 2 in the Summer of last year, this Richmond group has energy, dynamics and the power to make listeners to dance as often as they stand entranced by their complex and unique tones.
Propping them up are two more Richmond acts Shera Shi and Jonathan Brown. Though you’d be hard pressed to find their music anywhere online, Shera Shi is full of hard-boiled Richmond veterans, and Jonathan Brown cranks out soulful tunes with everything from a full band with an upright bass to just him and a guitar against the world. There’s hardly any other place I could think of to be this Saturday night, so you’ve got no excuse not to be at The Camel.
local & Regional releases
DJ HARRISON
Shades of Yesterday (album)
He simply can not be stopped. Though Richmond musician DJ Harrison has been dropping singles nonstop he has not released an album since 2021’s Tales from the Old Dominion. This new endeavor Shades of Yesterday gives listeners everything they could hope for from a DJ Harrison joint; there’s instrumental tracks and some great songs, it’s funky, it’s chill, and chock full of strange covers to boot. While maintaining a presence in the Richmond powerhouse Butcher Brown who have also just recently released a record, it’s hard to imagine how DJ Harrison keeps it all in order. Check out the record anywhere you get your music.
What I’ve Been Listening to
CHICK COREA
Late Night Chick Corea (album)
One of the 20th century’s great keyboardists, Chick Corea unfortunately passed away in 2021. In this day and age however, this no longer indicates that an artist is finished putting out new music — not by any means. Gone the way of everyone from Tupac to Jimi Hendrix, Chick Corea released an album in early February full of new sounds. A monstrous release with over 26 tracks and over two and a half hours long, this album is full of new tracks, alternate takes, and a reimagining of some of his more popular works into an album meant for the wee small hours of the evening, Late Night Chick Corea is a welcome sight to see plastered with the name of a dearly missed musician.
Top photo by Mia Isabella (@miaisabellaphotography) courtesy of Sammy Rae
