Ross Harman was one half of the indie electro-pop duo The Gaskets, who left their stamp on Richmond’s music scene throughout most of the 00s with several albums’ worth of great material and tons of great live shows, which inspired a rabid cult following around town. However, the band ended late last decade when singer Teddy Blanks moved to New York, and Ross Harman took his own life in fall 2010. Shocked and saddened by the loss, and blown away by the amount of great music that Ross left behind, his friends and musical compatriots from the Richmond scene began working to put together a tribute album, featuring bands and musicians that had known Ross and The Gaskets performing their own versions of his songs.
A year and a half later, that project has come to fruition, and is finally available for purchase. Love Me When I’m Gone: A Tribute To Ross Harman, featuring 18 songs by 15 different local artists, including VCR, White Laces, and former Gaskets frontman Teddy Blanks, among others, will be formally released during a special live performance tomorrow night at Strange Matter. In addition to the tribute album, both albums by Ross’s solo project, Ballpoint Pens, will also be available for purchase, with the profits all being donated to charity in Ross’s name. But the real highlight of the evening will be the live performances. In tribute to Ross, Novios will perform an entire set of Ballpoint Pens songs, while Schnitzel will do a set of Gaskets songs. Most importantly, Teddy Blanks will give his first live performance in Richmond since the breakup of the Gaskets. With all of this, plus WRIR DJ Shannon Cleary spinning tunes before and between sets, this is guaranteed to be the sort of unforgettable evening that comes along quite rarely. Don’t miss it! Celebrate the too-brief life and brilliant work of one of RVA’s favorite sons.
WHAT: Love Me When I’m Gone: A Tribute To Ross Harman Record Release Party
WHO: Teddy Blanks, Novios, Schnitzel, Shannon Cleary
WHERE: Strange Matter (929 W. Grace St.)
WHEN: Saturday, February 25, 8 PM
ADMISSION: Free!
