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Richmond, VA Culture & Politics Since 2005

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Shake Some Action: Weekend Playlist by Cobra Cabana

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Every Friday night, RVA Mag brings you an A-plus can’t-miss playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions.

This time around, our playlist comes from Cobra Cabana, the much-loved restaurant and bar on Marshall St in Carver. They’ll be rocking hard all day tomorrow with a one-year anniversary party sure to be the highlight of your weekend. As much of a staple as this place has become in its first year of existence, it’s hard to believe it’s been in our lives for such a short time. Here’s to many more years of awesomeness!

Saturday’s party, a free affair, begins around 3 PM and will last into the night. It will feature performances by legendary rap superstar Kool Keith and stoner rock veterans Weedeater, both of whom show up on the playlist Cobra Cabana put together as a sneak preview for RVA Mag’s readers. There are a ton of incredible sounds on the playlist, from Euro-pop and essential disco to No Wave, hardcore punk, and classic country — plus a whole lot more. Put it on now and you’ll blast it all weekend — except when you’re actually at Cobra Cabana, of course.

Dig in, Virginia.

Open this playlist from mobile in your Spotify app HERE.

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

Why I Sing The Blues: Weekend Playlist by Rumput

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Every Friday night, RVA Mag brings you an A-plus can’t-miss playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions.

This one comes to us courtesy of Rumput, a delightful Richmond-based ensemble that combines the classic string-band traditions of early 20th century American music with folk music traditions of Indonesia, mainly focusing on keroncong — traditional Indonesian string-band music. Regularly working with Indonesian musicians, both locally and abroad, the dozen-plus member ensemble incorporates a variety of Indonesian instruments, as well as shadow theater, into their multimedia performances.

Rumput has been quite active in the Richmond area recently, and even performed with Indonesian master musicians Endah Laras (vocals) and Danis Sugiyanto (violin) at the Smithsonian earlier this month. They’ll accompany Laras and Sugiyanto again for a performance of keroncong classics at this weekend’s Richmond Folk Festival on Brown’s Island. Their set will take place at 3:15 PM on Sunday, October 13 on the CarMax Family Stage (more info here). If you’re not familiar with Rumput as yet, it’s a great opportunity to expand your musical horizons and enjoy some excellent string-band sounds. Plus, admission is free!

Before that, though, take a listen to the excellent sounds this extensive ensemble have assembled for us all. Featuring not only blues, jazz, and folk sounds from the United States but plenty of traditional sounds from all over the world and even a few modern sounds by contemporary artists, the playlist offers an excellent preview of the many varied influences Rumput draw from in order to create their multi-cultural sound.

“Our playlist is based on songs we’ve played, artists we’ve collaborated with and/or been inspired by, music we’ve encountered while touring Java, and music we’ve turned each other onto while touring regionally,” states the group. “Also, Western songs that stretch time like the Indonesian musics we love.”

Stretch into it, Virginia.

Open this playlist from mobile in your Spotify app HERE.

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

Ring The Alarm: Weekend Playlist by Chris L. Terry

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Every Friday night, RVA Mag brings you an A-plus can’t-miss playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions.

This week’s playlist comes to us from Chris L. Terry, a Los Angeles-based author with some deep Richmond roots. Those roots are on display in his new novel, Black Card, which tells the story of a mixed-race musician navigating the RVA punk scene with the help of his black friend, Lucius (who may only exist in the narrator’s mind). When the unnamed narrator stays silent in the face of a racist incident, Lucius revokes his “black card.” Determined to win it back, the narrator attempts to date his black coworker, Mona, only to end up the prime suspect when she is attacked. It doesn’t help that the cop investigating the crime is carrying a grudge against him that dates back to their high school days.

Terry’s rich descriptions of Richmond’s Confederate-obsessed streets and sweltering basement shows draw extensively from his days as a Richmond resident. In the late 90s and early 00s, he was heavily involved in this city’s punk scene, singing in bands like Light The Fuse And Run and the Flesh Eating Creeps. Having departed for bigger cities over a decade ago, Terry will return to Richmond next week for a Black Card release party, presented by Chop Suey Books and taking place at Babe’s Of Carytown from 6 to 8 PM on Thursday, October 10. Terry will read from Black Card, sign copies of the novel, and discuss the book with Stereogum senior editor Tom Breihan.

We highly encourage you to be there and pick up a copy of this excellent novel from an author who’s been a strong part of Richmond’s literary scene since his days leaving stacks of his zine on the racks at Plan 9. And we also encourage you to check out the mix he’s made for us, which draws from hip hop, punk rock, jazz, R&B, and much more to create the perfect soundtrack for what will hopefully be the last hot weekend of the year here in Richmond.

Shake ’em on down, Virginia.

Open this playlist from mobile in your Spotify app HERE.

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

Sounds Like Hallelujah: Weekend Playlist by Muther Goose

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Every Friday night, RVA Mag brings you an essential playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions.

This week’s comes to us from Muther Goose, a young bluegrass/folk/Americana quintet from Richmond who are just about to release their brand new album, Enough To Go On. In fact, you’ll be able to get it tonight, if you go check them out at their record release show at the Camel, where they’ll be sharing the stage with Dalton Dash and Graham Stone starting at 9 PM tonight. Grab your tickets here.

But first, make sure you give a listen to the treasure trove of goodies that Muther Goose has left us in the form of an excellent Spotify playlist. You’ll get a cornucopia of sounds that has influenced this acoustic quintet, from the predictable yet delightful sounds of Willie Nelson and Bela Fleck to unexpected but always excellent tunes by Karen Dalton and Pink Floyd. It’s a great way to get the most out of a lazy sunny afternoon this weekend. After which you can put on the new Muther Goose album you’ll score tonight at The Camel. Of course.

Get with it, Virginia.

Open this playlist from mobile in your Spotify app HERE.

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

Meet Me At The Movies: Weekend Playlist by Fuzzy Cactus

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Every Friday night, RVA Mag brings you an essential playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions.

This time around we’re bringing you a playlist curated with love by the staff of Richmond’s best new music venue 2k19 (that’s right, we’re calling it now): Fuzzy Cactus. They’ve been open for something like a month and a half and have already put on a ton of essential live shows, with a whole lot more coming in the near future. Indeed, this weekend alone features tonight’s performances by local electro/alt-rockers Opin and RVA-via-NYC experimental musician Ghost Piss, tomorrow’s Surf N’ Turf dance party featuring DJ Devolved and DJ Dogpants spinning tunes all night long, and Sunday’s appearance by raging Catalonian punks Irreal and local maniacs Benderheads.

There’s a lot more where that came from too, so stay tuned to Fuzzy Cactus’s facebook page for updates, and while you’re getting ready to head out to the show tonight, rock to this excellent playlist from the Fuzzy Cactus staff! It’s got a ton of no-frills rock n’ roll to keep your feet moving and get you ready to rage all night long, plus some awesome local artists to remind you that, while this place is still brand new, their knowledge of Richmond music is deep.

Get rockin’, Virginia.

Open this playlist from mobile in your Spotify app HERE.

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

The East Virginia Blues: Weekend Playlist by Graham Stone

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Every Friday night, RVA Mag brings you a lovely and wonderful playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions.

This week, we bring you a lengthy list of jams from Graham Stone, a Richmond based singer-songwriter whose rollicking style pulls from folk, country, and American roots music. He released his second album, Bad News, earlier this year, and has stayed busy ever since, playing regularly around the Richmond area and across the Mid-Atlantic region. You can catch him at The Camel two Fridays from now on September 27, with fellow local favorites Dalton Dash and Muther Goose.

Until then, this playlist full of country, blues, old-time music and good ol’ rock n’ roll is sure to keep you tapping your feet and help you build up anticipation for Stone’s next live gig. It mixes legends of 20th century Appalachia and the best of the current Americana scene in alongside a variety of talented locals, adding up to hours of fun.

Tap your toes, Virginia.

Open this playlist from mobile in your Spotify app HERE.

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond