There is a lot going on this weekend around town and out of town. Here’s our Top 3 for the week! Scroll below the Top 3 to see a lot of other great happenings!
On Friday (6/17) the Shadowbox will present the debut of director/writer/producer Jason Eisener’s first full-length film, Hobo With a Shotgun! In a random train yard a hobo steps off a train with hopes of starting a new life. Quickly realizing this is a town where crime rules and justice drools he decides to take up the mantle of law. Armed with a pawn store shotgun and a fucked up set of morals he takes to the town to rid it of evil. Starting at at 8pm and only costing $5 this film is worth seeing more than once! The Shadowbox is located on Kirk Ave, downtown Roanoke.
On Sunday (6/19) the Missionaries will be hosting new friends from Baltimore, Small Sur! This show will take place at 1515 Roanoke Ave. with donations requested for the traveling group. Small Sur has garnered a lot of attention recently through their live shows and recordings with mentionings from blogs such as Tiny Mix Tapes to NPR to their own Baltimore City Paper. The Missionaries will also be playing that evening sharing their own blend of myth inspired folk. This show will start at 8pm, donations! Above is a video interview of Small Sur by a Portuguese TV station in Coimbra, Portugal.
On Saturday (6/18) the Dogtown Roadhouse in Floyd celebrates its 1 year anniversary! Starting at 11am and running all the way to midnight Dogtown will be bringing back some of their favorite bands and people throughout the last year to celebrate. Music for the evening includes Wyndy Hill Travelers, Grass Monkey and DJ Joneski! Come out and celebrate with Dogtown, pick up a wood fire oven pizza and one of the great microbrews on tap!
Other awesome things happening this week include:
Wednesday (6/15-26) Frogger (a play by Adam Hahn) directed by Cheryl Snodgrass. Studio Roanoke, downtown. 8pm.
Saturday (6/18) Goodwill Falcon, Rugby and Nobles at the Bazaar. 9pm, $5.
Tuesday (6/21) Gleaming the Cube at the Shadowbox. In celebration of “Go Skate Day”. 8pm, $5. All proceeds go to the Skateistan charity.
On Wednesday (3/16) the Bazaar will host a triple header of a show. Ike As In Dwight’s co-captain Maya Renfro will be sharing the evening with fellow Blacksburg band Nash Smith & the Ganges and Fine Linens. This is a show to be excited about and what else do you have going on the night before St. Patrick’s Day? This show starts at 8pm and is only $5 for three bands.
Starting out our St. Patrick’s Day is Another Roadside Attraction at the Village Grill. This is a free show and knowing the ARA folks and the shows they put on… it should be a great evening! Not only will you get to see a great band but pitchers of PBR are only $5! Starting at 9:30pm and running late.
Also on Thursday Dogtown Roadhouse is throwing its own St. Pattie’s Day celebration. Roanoke nu-grass band Grass Monkey will be there drinking, fiddlin’, yelling, stomping and playing for your entertainment! So head on down to Dogtown, grab one of their great drafts & pizzas and go flat footin’ to Grass Monkey! Starting at 8pm.
Also at Dogtown on Friday is outlaw-country band JP Harris & the Tough Choices. These guys are out to set things straight and take back country music from those low life pop country superstars… I’m paraphrasing here. Starting at 9pm and running late this should be a drunken evening for all involved.
Also on Friday in Blacksburg the XYZ Gallery will host the Blind Photographers with Cumulonimbus. Promising to be quite a fun time full of dancing (at least by A.K. Kanode) and smooth melodies for all. This show starts at 7pm and only costs $3 with proceeds going toward a great cause! Also on Saturday (3/19) A.K. Kanode of the Blind Photographers will be DJing for the Baby Sean Fire Foundation at the Carlton-Scott Dance Dungeon. Also on board for the evening are the Manns, Tyler! and the Legendary Chris Meyers. Come out one and all!!!
On Saturday (3/19) the Bazaar hosts a folk show. Magic Twig Community folk orchestra the Missionaries will be sharing the evening with Asheville, NC band Uncle Mountain. The Missionaries will be splitting their set between Missionaries songs and Strange Birds songs (Jamie Booker’s folk project). Come out to the Bazaar and have a great time with us! Starting at 9pm and costing $5.
A bunch of great things coming up next week including the Bazaar’s first show at Kirk Avenue Music Hall!!!
Welcome to December everyone! Get ready for a huge list of events this month to keep you entertained when you’re not attending those Christmas parties…
On Thursday (Dec. 2nd) local consignment shop/ venue the Bazaar is hosting Charlottesville band Birdlips and Roanoke’s own the Situationist. This show will be awesome so make sure not to miss it! Starting at 8pm and costing you $5 the line-up is well worth it. Check out the above video of Birdlips performing their song “Powerlines” live in San Francisco, CA.
On Saturday (Dec. 4th) Hollins University throws their annual folk fest now titled “Beyond Folkfest 2010”. The festival is in celebration of the end of the semester and will feature several bands from around the country as well as Roanoke. Slotted to play are the Dead Sea, Michael, Jordyn and Greg, Caitlin Watkins, Roanoke’s very own the Bastards of Fate and DJ Kimchi. Beyond Folkfest starts at 2pm and runs til 6pm, a bit shorter than past years with fewer bands but let’s hope they keep up the tradition! $3 for Hollins students and $5 for everyone else.
After Beyond Folkfest on Saturday (Dec. 4th) the Bazaar will host Richmond rockers Long Arms with Magic Twig folk group the Missionaries. Long Arms features former River City High/Fun Size member James Menefee. This show starts at 9pm and costs $5. Above is a video of the Missionaries performing “Chester Behind the Foliage” live at the Bazaar.
Also on Saturday (Dec. 4th) Blacksburg’s XYZ Gallery hosts Blacksburg dream poppers Hoop Dreams. The show is a benefit for the XYZ Gallery with more bands to be announced. This show starts at 7:30pm and runs til 10pm.
On Monday (Dec. 6th) the Shadowbox microcinema will present five short films exploring the topic of AIDS. Focusing mostly on the lives of gay men dealing with AIDS from many different angles these five films range from satirical to serious. Some films include Lost Cause, RSVP, Deaf Heaven and Relax. These showings are free and start at 7pm with doors opening and refreshments provided at 6:30pm. Donations are appreciated to benefit the Drop In Center.
On Wednesday (Dec. 8th) the Bazaar hosts Seattle based World History with Roanoke favorite Another Roadside Attraction. Starting at 8pm and costing $5 this is a show you should check out, what else is happening on a Wednesday night? While you’re there wish Jordan and Lucy from Another Roadside Attraction a happy marriage! Above is a live video of ARA performing “Tragic Demise of a Mariachi” at the Bazaar.
On Thursday (Dec. 9th) the Bazaar will have Charlottesville duo Veelee alongside Roanoke Magic Twig duo Eternal Summers. Get out to the Bazaar and check out some of the new songs Eternal Summers have been playing out on the road! This show starts at 8pm and cost $5. Above is a video of Eternal Summers performing “Dye” live in Denton, TX presented by WeDentonDoIt and Weekly Tape Deck.
On Friday (Dec. 10th) Roanoke hip hop allstars the Illbotz will be sharing the stage with MC/DJ extraordinaire Joneski at the Village Grill. Starting at 9pm and going til last call Joneski and the Illbotz are going dropping beats and rhymes for your entertainment. Joneski and Stevie D will also be unveiling a few tracks from their side project that night as well! Above is a video of the Illbotz performing live at Underground Melodies.
On Saturday (Dec. 11th) local fashion and pin-up photography company the Pretty Pistols is throwing a dance party at the Shadowbox! “Dirty Dozen’s Dance Party & Calendar Release” celebrates the release of the 2011 local pin-up photography calendar. Music will be provided by DJ trio DANGER FANGS! (Turbo P, DJ Felix Leiter and DJ Shady Hawkins). Be sure to bring canned food and donations for Toy for Tots for a chance to win a raffle prize. There will be a sneak peak of the Bang Bang Burlesque Troop and the new 2011 calendar will be specially priced for $15 for event night only. Starting at 7:30pm and running til after midnight this event will cost $7 at the door.
Also on Saturday (Dec. 11th) Blues BBQ Co. Downtown is putting on a free show for those who are 21 and up! Two great local bands the Circus Practice and Another Roadside Attraction will be playing from 9:30pm til 1am for your entertainment! So make sure to get there on time and don’t miss out on two of the most fun bands to watch in our area. Check out the above video of the Circus Practice playing live at Grandin Gardens.
Also on Saturday the 11th Roanoke allstars Grass Monkey play Awful Arthur’s Downtown. Starting at 10pm and going late the boys will be running through a set full of new songs, reworkings of old ones and a tighter set all around. Head downtown, grab a drink and have listen!
On Sunday (Dec. 12th) the Shadowbox is showing Christmas classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The children’s favorite narrated by legend Burl Ives will show at 2pm. Bring the kids! Above is a classic TV spot for the special.
And finally to round up our list of happenings is the Shadowbox’s presentation of I’m Still Here. Starring the on edge Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Casey Affleck this “documentary” explores the actor’s career change into rap. Everyone is curious about this film so fill that curiosity and go see it on Monday the 13th at 7pm.
On Thanksgiving night if you’re feeling like you can move after stuffing your face then you should head down to Blues BBQ Co. in downtown Roanoke for the Jesse Ray Carter Trio. Starting at 10pm and going late, get your Turkey Day drink on!
On “Black Friday”, November 26th the Water Heater on 5th Street is hosting the CraftStar Bazaar! CraftStar has been dubbed Roanoke’s “first indie craft fair” and will feature all kinds of homemade knick knacks, crafts and goods for sale! The Water Heater will open its doors on the 26th from noon til 7pm then again Saturday from 10am til 5pm! For more info about this event feel free to email the events organizers here.
Also on “Black Friday” Roanoke nu-grass outfit Grass Monkey will be playing Blues BBQ the night after the Jesse Ray Carter Trio performs the very same stage. Starting at 10pm and going til midnight join the boys for a good time of beer, tunes and turkey/tofurkey stuffed bellies!
Roanoke DJ/MC extraordinaire Joneski is providing the jams at Floyd’s own Dogtown Roadhouse on Saturday night, November 28th. Starting at 9pm Joneski will be spinning, rapping and dancing for your entertainment until 2am! This dude rolls with vinyl and makes a lot of his own beats, come check him out and DANCE!
On Monday, November 29th the Shadowbox microcinema on Kirk Ave. is showing 1979 film Quadrophenia. The film stars Phil Daniels as Jimmy a London mod growing up in a dysfunctional household. Based loosely on the Who’s rock opera of the same name and co-written by Pete Townsend Quadrophenia has everything from mod vs. rocker showdowns to pill popping depressed teenagers with no better outlet than riding their scooters and battling their parents who just don’t understand. With musical direction from the Who this film is worth heading downtown this Monday and paying your respects to this cult classic. Starting at 7pm, don’t be late!
On Friday Nov. 12th Blacksburg-based artist and musician Maya Renfro (Ike As In Dwight) will be opening her newest studio show entitled Future Projections of Individuation. The exhibit will take place at the Armory Gallery at 201 Draper Rd NW. Running for a full week until the 19th Maya’s work will feature prints, projections, soundscapes amongst other forms of expression. The opening will take place at 5pm on Friday and refreshments will be provided.
Right down the road from the Armory Gallery that same Friday (11/12) Roanoke nu-grass outfit Grass Monkey will be a Blacksburg venue favorite, Gillie’s. Starting at 10pm and going til midnight the boys will stand alone as the sole performers for the evening on College Ave. A perfect opportunity to head down to a great restaurant and have some incredible food, drinks and a listen to an extended repertoire from a great Roanoke group.
On Saturday Nov. 13th the Shadowbox microcinema located on Kirk Ave. in downtown Roanoke partners with the O. Winston Link Museum to bring you the “Photo Throwdown”. The idea of the event is somewhat comparable to a poetry slam, photographers showing their work have only a few minutes to provide insight on their pieces. The photographer to get the best crowd response wins! Contestants must submit hi-res digital copies of their work to be projected on the Shadowbox’s screen and must be in attendance. To register or if there are any questions about the event send an email to Leah Gardner before the event. Following the throwdown will be silent film classic Buster Keaton’s “The General”, providing musical accompaniment will be Lenny Marcus with drummer Larry Scott. This event starts at 7pm!
That same Saturday just a block or two over on Luck Ave. is the opening of a brand new studio/ gallery. The Unicorn Stables Project is a studio ran by a trio of Hollins graduates turned Roanokers geared towards promoting and encouraging young and emerging artists. The project’s method of promoting the arts/ artists is through shows, events and installations! The opening celebration will start at 8pm featuring various works by Cameron Niedermayer, Tif Robinette, Amanda Agricola and Julia Schneider. Music will be provided by DJ Kimchi! For any additional questions email The Unicorn Stables Project.
Send off the warm weather and sunshine in this last full week of Summer the right way, by getting out and seeing some awesome shows, films and plays!
Starting out the week is a new event taking place twice a month at Studio Roanoke. The Guerrilla Playhouse will feature one-act plays and bands following with a set of their own. Music meets the dramatic arts on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month at 8pm. This Sunday (9/12) will feature a one-act play written and directed by Don LaPlant entitled “Family Programming”. Performing the event will be Nancy & 2 Meteors. Starting at 8pm the event will cost only $5!
Continuing the week on to Monday is the Shadowbox’s showing of “Pari”. Iranian filmmaker, Dariush Mehrjuei gives us his adaption of the J.D. Salinger novel Franny & Zooey. The film is based around three brothers and one sister confronting the issues of art and religion in contemporary Iran. This is an interesting and rare opportunity for fans of the late Salinger to see this film adaptation of his beloved novel. The film starts at 8pm on Monday.
On Thursday & Friday Blacksburg based indie label, Flannel Gurl Records present a two day mini festival. Both days will take place at Blackburg’s newest music venue, Jax on Jackson Street. Below is a list of artists playing and their respective days…
The Reasons Were Legion
Hey Dude!
Bear Attack
Grapes
Cryptorchid Chipmunk
the Blind Photographers
Bay of Pigs
Be sure to make it down for at least one of these days, it should be a blast!
Also on Friday local Roanoke nu-grass group, Grass Monkey will be recording a live album at Blue 5 downtown. The group invites you all to come out to drink, holler and shout. Who knows maybe you might just hear yourself out their in the crowd somewhere when you pick up the CD. This drunken evening starts at 9pm, bring a DD.
Add just one more event to your Friday (9/18) in this last weekend of Summer by heading over to the Bazaar for a night of folk and stories. Magic Twig Community folk orchestra the Missionaries will be sharing a set with Missionaries member Jamie Booker’s long overdue folk project, Strange Birds. All 10 of the Missionaries will be playing to both their own tunes and the songs of Strange Birds. Opening will be ever so amazing Another Roadside Attraction. Come early to catch them in all their singing saw, ukulele, guitarron, beautiful harmonies, and kazoo glory! A great way to end the summer! Starting at 9pm on Friday this show is only $3!!!
Ending our post about the demise of Summer is something a bit cliche, a post about Eternal Summers! The Magic Twig Community duo releases their first full-length entitled “Silver” via Kanine Records on September 28th and have big plans for this month. During the last week of September Eternal Summers will spend a week on the road with Jenny & Johnny, a project headed by Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley and Jonathan Rice. Both two-somes will be touring the South together all the way to Texas. Wish them luck by heading out to Floyd, VA this Thursday (9/16) to catch the Summers opening for Stephaniesid down at the Sun Music Hall/ Dogtown Roadhouse. The show starts at 7pm.
Hello all! We’ve got some great news on upcoming events on this blog but first let’s recap a few things that have happened recently….
The May 29th show at the Bazaar (presented by your’s truly at SR) with the Sad Cobras & the Late Virginia Summers was killer! The Summers opened with a set that was relaxing and intimate while the Sad Cobras played a great set featuring a lot of new material. Friend and fellow musician Charlie Johnston filled in playing drums for most of the set and guitar on a tune. If you weren’t there….shame….
Local artist and dancer Beth Deel put on a one night only art performance busking with multiple Roanoke musicians and performers. The performers took up street corners and sidewalks in response to the Roanoke council making busking illegal in a city which has become known for its music and art. The evening closed with Roanoke locals Grass Monkey & traveling friends Paleface at Kirk Avenue Music Hall. Check out the NPR story on the event HERE.
The Young Sinclairs returned safely and successfully after opening for the Brian Jonestown Massacre on the East Coast portion of their U.S. tour. The gang played Boston’s Paradise Rock Club, Manhattan’s Webster Hall, Philadelphia’s Theatre of Living Arts, and Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club. The Sinclairs also had an off date in Brooklyn with Airwaves & Easter Vomit at Death By Audio.
Our friends over at Roanoke Revolution are putting on an all day music festival featuring Roanoke area bands in Boones Mill, VA! Underground Melodies will feature some of the area’s best talent ranging from bands to artists. Be prepared to have fun! Tickets are on sale now at the Bazaar and are $15 for the whole day. Free camping is included!!!! July 10th, be there or miss out on something awesome! If you have any questions please contact Jovan Rahsman at the Roanoke Revolution website. More info on Underground Melodies as it comes.
Roanoke’s own community microcinema the Shadowbox is having two great showings this weekend! The first being Drive Well, Sleep Carefully: On the Road With Deathcab For Cutie. Drive Well will be showing Friday at 8pm. The second showing this weekend is cult comedy classic Spinal Tap which goes to 11…at 7pm on Saturday. This event will include a special prefeature screening of Heavy Metal Parking Lot and an air guitar contest. BRING YOUR OWN CD to rock out with! Until then, stand in front of your full length mirror and practice that air guitar windmill move…slowly… like you mean it. See you there!
Finally, this Sunday to round out our weekend of events is Brooklyn band Family Trees! The band will rock out Heidi’s basement after a great potluck! The potluck starts at 6:30pm and the band should go on around 9pm. BRING FOOD! 1515 Roanoke Ave, be there…. its FREE!!! While you’re at it check out the latest mention Family Trees got in Pitchfork HERE.
On Saturday (6/18) the Dogtown Roadhouse in Floyd celebrates its 1 year anniversary! Starting at 11am and running all the way to midnight Dogtown will be bringing back some of their favorite bands and people throughout the last year to celebrate. Music for the evening includes Wyndy Hill Travelers, Grass Monkey and DJ Joneski! Come out and celebrate with Dogtown, pick up a wood fire oven pizza and one of the great microbrews on tap!
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Scenic Recovery
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