This needs to happen in our neck of the woods, as I sit here and listen, once again, to the incessant barking from the pitbull next door! Now I know that Cali is well known for leading the way in many respects, and to this I say a big KUDOS! but did RVA area officials ever consider the amount of income they could take from some of these dog owners, like the one next door, instead of wasting revenue on having to respond to the constant calls of frustrated neighbors for the last 6 months! Even a couple of the officers who have had to deal with these constant complaints here in our block, have expressed a desire, to be able to ticket these owners at some point, but there hands are tied with the same red tape people like you me are tied up with, so wise up city and county of RVA!!
Read The Article Here
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Showing posts with label virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label virginia. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, November 10, 2011
A Tribute to Cory Smoot AKA Flattus Maximus
Memorial Collage to celebrate Cory Smoot, the memorial service for Cory is 11-11-11! I think that is quite appropriate! In any case, tomorrow being 11-11-11 it is officially Nigel Tufnel Day, I request that from at least 4PM tomorrow, until at least 8 PM tomorrow, that everyone who will pay tribute to Cory, display a pic in their profiles on their websites and social networks such as Facebook, of either Cory or Flattus! Anyone who wishes can use or share this memorial photo I made. We will miss you CS!!
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Fender Precision Bass for Sale
I really need to sell this AWESOME Bass, please pass this deal around if you know bands or bass players in the RVA area. I will ONLY sell this inside of the Richmond Virginia area! Please do not contact me if you can not jump in a car and get here within 30 minutes. I will Not ship this item anywhere, so please do not ask! With that said.....
This bass was made from a Fender Kit, and sounds every bit as good as the store bought one. It has no logo, but if you know Fenders, then you know this. Butter yellow, has only been played a couple times, as it was meant for me, but my back can't handle the weight of a guitar of any kind. Small chip in the paint here or there, because I have no case, and it sits on a stand. Bass is worth $450, but will take best offer...
Note: It is actually worth in the $800 range, when doing the online research, so this deal gets sweeter with age LOL! Contact me if interested.
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This bass was made from a Fender Kit, and sounds every bit as good as the store bought one. It has no logo, but if you know Fenders, then you know this. Butter yellow, has only been played a couple times, as it was meant for me, but my back can't handle the weight of a guitar of any kind. Small chip in the paint here or there, because I have no case, and it sits on a stand. Bass is worth $450, but will take best offer...
Note: It is actually worth in the $800 range, when doing the online research, so this deal gets sweeter with age LOL! Contact me if interested.
***************************************
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A Day At The Park
Thanks for the article from Quinton Wynn
When the sun is shining and my favorite baseball team takes the field, there's nothing more spectacular in my life. It's like nothing has ever happened before or will ever happen again, so there's nothing left to do but enjoy the roar of the crowd and the crack of the bat. That's the kind of overwhelming feeling I get when my team takes the field and begins passing the ball around to practice. It's like watching someone prepare for war, only the war is going to dazzle instead of sadden. A live game is one of the greatest pleasures in life, though my recent addition has made the live game about the same as another simple pleasure:
I also love to watch games on satellite television from www.tvbydirect.com/directv-deal/VIRGINIA-VA-direct-tv.html. A professional baseball game captured in my living room is just as awesome as it is in person. I kick back on the couch, have some nachos and a few drinks, and take in all the action just like I would if it were live. If it's a beautiful day outside, the tv captures that beauty perfectly and I never feel as if I've missed out on anything. It saves an unbelievable amount of money too. Hot dogs are reasonably cheap at home, not at the park.
I would recommend an afternoon of baseball indoors. It's just as exciting.
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for MusicRVA Social Network!
When the sun is shining and my favorite baseball team takes the field, there's nothing more spectacular in my life. It's like nothing has ever happened before or will ever happen again, so there's nothing left to do but enjoy the roar of the crowd and the crack of the bat. That's the kind of overwhelming feeling I get when my team takes the field and begins passing the ball around to practice. It's like watching someone prepare for war, only the war is going to dazzle instead of sadden. A live game is one of the greatest pleasures in life, though my recent addition has made the live game about the same as another simple pleasure:
I also love to watch games on satellite television from www.tvbydirect.com/directv-deal/VIRGINIA-VA-direct-tv.html. A professional baseball game captured in my living room is just as awesome as it is in person. I kick back on the couch, have some nachos and a few drinks, and take in all the action just like I would if it were live. If it's a beautiful day outside, the tv captures that beauty perfectly and I never feel as if I've missed out on anything. It saves an unbelievable amount of money too. Hot dogs are reasonably cheap at home, not at the park.
I would recommend an afternoon of baseball indoors. It's just as exciting.
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for MusicRVA Social Network!
And Be sure to sign up for the new Sojournstar Music Network!
and if you want to make money while having fun and promoting your band, music or business, then you must Join me at Weblo Virtual World for Fun & Profit!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Jim Morris Music
Jim has something in his music that everyone can like. Along with great guitar playing like Joe Satriani and up-lifting and inspirational melodic movements like Dream Theater, Jim captures the music lovers heart as well as their mind.
Jim Morris is an articulate singer/songwriter with a devotion to storytelling. Whether it is a thoughtful ballad about doomed love or an anthem to a night of drunken revelry, the listener can always count on well-crafted songs with carefully drawn characters, clever lyrics, and satirical charm.
Although Jim’s musical style is admittedly reminiscent of Jimmy Buffett and Jerry Jeff Walker, he has a knack for defying categorization. He mixes a whimsical island sound with a splash of Texas to produce a sound that is uniquely Gulf and Western.
Jim grew up in Georgia and has a heritage rich in music. His grandfather led a dance band, and everyone in the family either played an instrument or sang. At age 10 Jim taught himself to play the guitar by listening to Hank Williams records. After college (BA in English and graduate studies in English and Human Resources Management) while pursuing a career in human resources management, he continued to write songs and dream of the day when he could do it full-time. "After I graduated, I wanted to be a drifter and a writer; instead, I settled for corporate executive and closet entertainer."
During his 15-year corporate career, his job allowed him to live in several interesting locales, such as Montana, New Orleans, and St. Simons Island, all of which would figure prominently in his writing. Following a business trip during which he renewed his love affair with the southwest coast of Florida, Jim took the leap he had been contemplating for some time and left the corporate world for good.
Jim spent the subsequent years writing songs and playing gigs around Florida. From the beginning he took a big risk by featuring original music. "I spent about a year writing and developing a catalog of songs. I was unsure of my ability to sing and play the guitar professionally, but I thought my songs might separate me from the other performers."
A fortuitous meeting with recording artist Randy Matthews would result in Matthews producing Morris’ first recording, "Laid Back and Key Wasted," released in 1996 by Fish Head Music. As you would expect, each song tells a story: the title track is about a guy who gives up the corporate world for the beach; one is about the exploits of a pilot who flies contraband; another is about roadkill and the people who collect it; others tell great stories of sailing, fishing, and drinking. "After my first CD was released, I changed my focus. I stopped playing bars so much and I worked coffeehouses and bookstores. I wanted to play before a listening audience who might appreciate what I had to say. I made less money, but I started to develop a fan base."
Jim returned to the studio during the summer of 1997 to work with noted guitarist/producer Chris Hattingh. The result was "Bocanuts" which was released by Fish Head Music the following November. "Bocanuts" shows again that Jim is capable of creating memorable stories in a variety of musical moods. "With 'Bocanuts' I found a formula that I’m comfortable with and that people seem to enjoy: some tropical, some jazz, some country, some acoustic folk, and some humor. It certainly reflects my musical tastes."
With the success of "Bocanuts" and a growing catalog of songs, Jim decided to release a CD every year. In November of 1998 he was back with Hattingh recording "Looking for a Place to Happen" which was released in February 1999. "The CD didn’t turn out exactly as planned," says Morris. "Several songs I was hoping to include were not as good as I wanted them to be. Sensing my frustration, my wife, Sharon, sat me down with a list of my songs and pointed out a lot of songs I had neglected. Consequently, songs like "What Kind of Fool Can I Be," "The Hammock Club," "Gatsby Dreams," and "Sometimes I Wish" were added." "Looking for a Place to Happen" became the most critically acclaimed CD to date. Hattingh had little doubt that the CD would be successful. "As soon as we listened to the final mix, I knew that Jim had topped his other CDs. For a CD with a variety of musical styles, it had such an amazing continuity."
Following the release of "Looking for a Place to Happen," the pressure grew to perform more outside the state of Florida. "I wanted to be a 'lifestyle artist,' fishing by day and playing music by night. But I also wanted to broaden my fan base, so I hit the road a bit." He also formed the Big Bamboo Band in order to capture the full sound of his CDs in live performances. "Playing with the Big Bamboo Band required more discipline and concentration than playing solo. It took a while to get used to it. Playing with a band is like playing team sports, and you get the same feelings after a tight performance that you do when you win the big game."
True to his plan to produce a CD every year, December 1999 found Jim back in the studio working on his fourth CD, "Bar Stools and Beach Chairs." He took a different approach this time, preferring creative spontaneity to careful planning. "I wanted to feel my way through the project and do some tweaking and changing as we went along." As it turns out "Bar Stools" may be his best effort yet. Along with his customary strong lyrics Jim has produced a work with remarkable musical diversity. Chris Hattingh knew that once again Jim had a winner. "I know that Jim felt some pressure to top "Looking for a Place to Happen," but there is something for everyone on this CD."
Jim will direct his efforts to expanding his fan base and touring with the Big Bamboo Band. He will still make time to fish and will always be on the lookout for song material. "I don’t have much to show for my years except some great experiences, and that’s what I write about – the characters I’ve met and the places I’ve been. The thing that is both satisfying and alarming is that most of it is true."
Check out some of Jims Tracks below:
Find more music like this on Sojournstar Music Industry Network
Jim will also be perfoming in Richmond Virginia on August 22, 2009 with Sunny Jim for Stars On The Water. Time to be announced. The excerpts here are from Jims website Jim Morris Music! where you will also find full tour schedules and more.
Find more music like this on Sojournstar Music Industry Network
Jim will also be perfoming in Richmond Virginia on August 22, 2009 with Sunny Jim for Stars On The Water. Time to be announced. The excerpts here are from Jims website Jim Morris Music! where you will also find full tour schedules and more.
BEFORE THE MACHINE PICKS UP STEAM.
By Crystal Snyder
Far down West Broad Street 11:00pm is oddly quiet for a Friday night in Richmond, cars come and go, few people walk the street, but in their hurried rush to get to various clubs and bars they miss my destination, a small pool hall called The Triple.
Upon approaching this unlikely venue, I see several familiar faces, one in particular of the man who had me coming out here in the first place, Seth Nicholls (also of Red Clay Village). Seth was excited, I could tell that from down the street, and his voice belied his cool demeanor as we talked before entering the club. He told me about the bands that were playing that night, and about his new band, the one I came to see, Before the Machine.
I quickly took stock of my surroundings as we entered the bar, blood red walls, a cool tile floor, billiards in the back, and the familiar smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke encompassed my senses, as the first bands music assaulted my ears. I looked for the familiar faces I had seen outside, the other members of Before the Machine, Johnny Throckmorton, Jeb Mease, Chris Ratterree and Mike Lester. Knowing the superb talent they showed in other bands, I felt that this new project had a lot to live up to, I knew then this was going to make for an interesting night.
As the second band took the floor, I talked to some of the other patrons of the bar, all of them excited to see Before the Machine. This was their second show, and as the second band’s set drew to a close, the tension grew thicker, almost suffocating as the guys picked up the instruments that had been so patiently waiting in the corner.
Sound check and tuning commenced as people rose from their various perches like bones rising from the dead, waiting to pass judgment. Then it happened, the first note, the first chord , and Throckmorton took the mic. With a quick shout out of “What’s up RICHMOND?!?!?” Before the Machine had arrived, and even in the Intro it was apparent they were at no less than 110%.
As they slipped into “Blissful“, “Mikie’s Song” and “Eye if the World“, the crowd reaction went from swaying bodies and nodding heads to a full on mosh pit. Mease’s drumming was right on, never once skipping a beat, the phenomenal guitar work of Ratterree and Lester surpassed my expectations, and Nicholls’s bass work rounded out the whole outstanding package.
They ended the night with “Silent Movie” and “The New Song”. Even as the clock approached 2:00am all five members never lost the breakout energy of the Intro. Before the Machine is a ton of talent a mile outside of the box and a live show should not be missed, find out where you can catch them next near you on their MySpace Page!
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
Far down West Broad Street 11:00pm is oddly quiet for a Friday night in Richmond, cars come and go, few people walk the street, but in their hurried rush to get to various clubs and bars they miss my destination, a small pool hall called The Triple.
Upon approaching this unlikely venue, I see several familiar faces, one in particular of the man who had me coming out here in the first place, Seth Nicholls (also of Red Clay Village). Seth was excited, I could tell that from down the street, and his voice belied his cool demeanor as we talked before entering the club. He told me about the bands that were playing that night, and about his new band, the one I came to see, Before the Machine.
I quickly took stock of my surroundings as we entered the bar, blood red walls, a cool tile floor, billiards in the back, and the familiar smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke encompassed my senses, as the first bands music assaulted my ears. I looked for the familiar faces I had seen outside, the other members of Before the Machine, Johnny Throckmorton, Jeb Mease, Chris Ratterree and Mike Lester. Knowing the superb talent they showed in other bands, I felt that this new project had a lot to live up to, I knew then this was going to make for an interesting night.
As the second band took the floor, I talked to some of the other patrons of the bar, all of them excited to see Before the Machine. This was their second show, and as the second band’s set drew to a close, the tension grew thicker, almost suffocating as the guys picked up the instruments that had been so patiently waiting in the corner.
Sound check and tuning commenced as people rose from their various perches like bones rising from the dead, waiting to pass judgment. Then it happened, the first note, the first chord , and Throckmorton took the mic. With a quick shout out of “What’s up RICHMOND?!?!?” Before the Machine had arrived, and even in the Intro it was apparent they were at no less than 110%.
As they slipped into “Blissful“, “Mikie’s Song” and “Eye if the World“, the crowd reaction went from swaying bodies and nodding heads to a full on mosh pit. Mease’s drumming was right on, never once skipping a beat, the phenomenal guitar work of Ratterree and Lester surpassed my expectations, and Nicholls’s bass work rounded out the whole outstanding package.
They ended the night with “Silent Movie” and “The New Song”. Even as the clock approached 2:00am all five members never lost the breakout energy of the Intro. Before the Machine is a ton of talent a mile outside of the box and a live show should not be missed, find out where you can catch them next near you on their MySpace Page!
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
And Be sure to sign up for the new Sojournstar Music Network!
and if you want to make money while having fun and promoting your band, music or business, then you must
Join me at Weblo Virtual World for Fun & Profit!
Morrissey and Mia Riddle
Christy Sheppard
Richmond.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Scene + Heard Concert Review: Morrissey at the National and Mia Riddle at Poe's
Sometimes you look forward to a show for a long time and you end up disappointed. Sometimes you hear a band's recorded music and are bummed when you hear them live. Sometimes, though, reality exceeds your expectations.
I saw two shows last week that were excellent. I see a lot of shows. Shows about which I don't usually care enough to write.
These two shows I didn't want to let fade from my ever-waning memory without putting down in writing for all of you (and all of the world!) to see. Hey, I'm a giver.
First, I caught Mia Riddle and Her Band as they stopped through Richmond via Poe's Pub on their way to Austin's SXSW, promoting their album, Tumble and Drag.
I arrived around 8:15 (because I thought the show as supposed to start at 8) and around 10 o'clock all preparation was complete and Mia's band was ready to go.
I'd been listening to their myspace playlist for a few days prior to the event because I never like going to show completely in the blind, and Mia's band is new to me. She sounded just as great in person as she did in recording. She was pop and she was rock, and she was a little country ... a delightful mixture.
Mia's voice continually reminded me of Jenny Lewis'; a comparison most would welcome. Although she did sound a little raspy and admitted she was battling a cold, it didn't distract from her performance and her voice was strong and pleasant.
I don't know if you've ever seen a show at Poe's but the "stage" is rather small. On several occasions I felt like the band really wanted to rock out but were hindered by the size of the stage. Despite the space limitations, they made the most of the night, and our attention spans.
Everyone but Dave Wyss (bass) had a mic; geez, he must really be a bad singer, huh? I kid.
The rest of the band consisted of Amy Merrill (keys, back-up vocals), Dan Barry (guitar, back-up vocals) and Jeff Neuberger (drums, back-up vocals). Mia stuck to singing and the guitar although she also plays the glockenspiel and keys.
Amy and Mia harmonized well and sounded sweet together. At the risk of sounding creepy, Amy had these super delicate fingers that looked as if they were sculpted just for the keys or for rescuing objects that have fallen into really tight spaces (or for stealing food from the vending machine). She had a funny smirk on her face that lasted most of the set. Apparently we were all having a great time.
As a testament to their songwriting skills, I recognized "Grandchildren", "City Song" and "Open Wide" right away and (happily) was even able to sing along.
In red flats that matched Amy's keyboard, Mia stomped and played her way though the set. I'm compelled to liken her to actor-turned-singer Zooey Deschanel; but Mia has a stonger voice and she's cuter, too. Sorry, I'm only into She & Him sans the "She &" part.
This was the first stop on their tour, so naturally they had a few blips here and there but they easily laughed them off. I've seen bands make a big deal out of mistakes and, frankly, peeps, most of us won't notice unless you don't call attention to your screw-ups.
I kept thinking to myself that this little performance deserved more of an audience and perhaps a larger venue. I won't complain, though, I'm glad they stopped by and I'm hoping they'll return. Maybe one day soon, they'll have ample opportunity to show off their talent to larger crowds.
Check out their video for "Open Wide" on YouTube.
The next night, myself and a few friends ventured our way out to the National to see the legendary Morrissey.
I've said this before, but I've never been a really big fan of his or of the Smiths, the band he used to front. This only means I had no idea what to expect and that I was blown away by what I saw and heard.
The guy is pushing 50 and he ran that stage like it was his, umm ... let's just say he showed everyone who was boss. Looking like a mixture between Dr. Troy McNamara (Nip/Tuck) and Robin Williams (in looks and in stage presence, respectively) he commanded the attention of every face in the crowd.
The stage was set up so the Moz had plenty of space to stalk around, whipping the mic cord to and fro. Picture a bullfighter with his cape ... with imaginary bulls coming at him from every direction.
I recognized more songs than I'd expected to, and when that insane riff from "How Soon Is Now?" started, nearly everyone in the sold out crowd of 1,500 took to their feet.
As big a ham as Morrissey was, his band wasn't leaving without making its presence felt. Drummer Matt Walker rocked an impressive set of drums that included an 18-wheeler-tire-sized bass and even a gong. Chris Bopst said recently, "The larger the drum set, the more likely the band is going blow." Sorry, Chris, but in at least this instance, that argument fails. (read the article here)
Moz sang the line 'But then you open your eyes and you see someone that you physically despise' from "Let Me Kiss You" at the precise moment he decided to remove shirt number two of three for the evening (if the timing was unintentional I'll eat my chucks). He'd already briefly left the stage long enough to change from a blue and white checkered print into the black dress shirt he was currently removing.
When he took off said black dress shirt, it was just too much for one excited fan to handle. This super-fan squeezed his way through a team of scowling security guards and chased Morrissey off-stage, dragging annoyed staff-members along with him. In line with the theme of the night (Morrissey is touring in support of his latest album, Years of Refusal), this eager-beaver wasn't giving up without a fight.
An unphased Morrissey reappeared in less than 5; donning another button-down ... this one pink.
Everything about the show was huge: the sound, the production, the enthusiasm, the egos.
All week I'd been a little skeptical as to whether he'd even show up (many shows had been cancelled prior to this one). Luckily he didn't let us down. Maybe he showed because it was Friday the 13th, maybe not. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I was there.
Morrissey on myspace | Mia Riddle on myspace
NOTE: Christy Sheppard is an established writer with publications like Richmond.com and was kind enough to share this article with us. We look forward to many more of Christy Sheppards writing contributions. Keep watching.
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
Richmond.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Scene + Heard Concert Review: Morrissey at the National and Mia Riddle at Poe's
Sometimes you look forward to a show for a long time and you end up disappointed. Sometimes you hear a band's recorded music and are bummed when you hear them live. Sometimes, though, reality exceeds your expectations.
I saw two shows last week that were excellent. I see a lot of shows. Shows about which I don't usually care enough to write.
These two shows I didn't want to let fade from my ever-waning memory without putting down in writing for all of you (and all of the world!) to see. Hey, I'm a giver.
First, I caught Mia Riddle and Her Band as they stopped through Richmond via Poe's Pub on their way to Austin's SXSW, promoting their album, Tumble and Drag.
I arrived around 8:15 (because I thought the show as supposed to start at 8) and around 10 o'clock all preparation was complete and Mia's band was ready to go.
I'd been listening to their myspace playlist for a few days prior to the event because I never like going to show completely in the blind, and Mia's band is new to me. She sounded just as great in person as she did in recording. She was pop and she was rock, and she was a little country ... a delightful mixture.
Mia's voice continually reminded me of Jenny Lewis'; a comparison most would welcome. Although she did sound a little raspy and admitted she was battling a cold, it didn't distract from her performance and her voice was strong and pleasant.
I don't know if you've ever seen a show at Poe's but the "stage" is rather small. On several occasions I felt like the band really wanted to rock out but were hindered by the size of the stage. Despite the space limitations, they made the most of the night, and our attention spans.
Everyone but Dave Wyss (bass) had a mic; geez, he must really be a bad singer, huh? I kid.
The rest of the band consisted of Amy Merrill (keys, back-up vocals), Dan Barry (guitar, back-up vocals) and Jeff Neuberger (drums, back-up vocals). Mia stuck to singing and the guitar although she also plays the glockenspiel and keys.
Amy and Mia harmonized well and sounded sweet together. At the risk of sounding creepy, Amy had these super delicate fingers that looked as if they were sculpted just for the keys or for rescuing objects that have fallen into really tight spaces (or for stealing food from the vending machine). She had a funny smirk on her face that lasted most of the set. Apparently we were all having a great time.
As a testament to their songwriting skills, I recognized "Grandchildren", "City Song" and "Open Wide" right away and (happily) was even able to sing along.
In red flats that matched Amy's keyboard, Mia stomped and played her way though the set. I'm compelled to liken her to actor-turned-singer Zooey Deschanel; but Mia has a stonger voice and she's cuter, too. Sorry, I'm only into She & Him sans the "She &" part.
This was the first stop on their tour, so naturally they had a few blips here and there but they easily laughed them off. I've seen bands make a big deal out of mistakes and, frankly, peeps, most of us won't notice unless you don't call attention to your screw-ups.
I kept thinking to myself that this little performance deserved more of an audience and perhaps a larger venue. I won't complain, though, I'm glad they stopped by and I'm hoping they'll return. Maybe one day soon, they'll have ample opportunity to show off their talent to larger crowds.
Check out their video for "Open Wide" on YouTube.
The next night, myself and a few friends ventured our way out to the National to see the legendary Morrissey.
I've said this before, but I've never been a really big fan of his or of the Smiths, the band he used to front. This only means I had no idea what to expect and that I was blown away by what I saw and heard.
The guy is pushing 50 and he ran that stage like it was his, umm ... let's just say he showed everyone who was boss. Looking like a mixture between Dr. Troy McNamara (Nip/Tuck) and Robin Williams (in looks and in stage presence, respectively) he commanded the attention of every face in the crowd.
The stage was set up so the Moz had plenty of space to stalk around, whipping the mic cord to and fro. Picture a bullfighter with his cape ... with imaginary bulls coming at him from every direction.
I recognized more songs than I'd expected to, and when that insane riff from "How Soon Is Now?" started, nearly everyone in the sold out crowd of 1,500 took to their feet.
As big a ham as Morrissey was, his band wasn't leaving without making its presence felt. Drummer Matt Walker rocked an impressive set of drums that included an 18-wheeler-tire-sized bass and even a gong. Chris Bopst said recently, "The larger the drum set, the more likely the band is going blow." Sorry, Chris, but in at least this instance, that argument fails. (read the article here)
Moz sang the line 'But then you open your eyes and you see someone that you physically despise' from "Let Me Kiss You" at the precise moment he decided to remove shirt number two of three for the evening (if the timing was unintentional I'll eat my chucks). He'd already briefly left the stage long enough to change from a blue and white checkered print into the black dress shirt he was currently removing.
When he took off said black dress shirt, it was just too much for one excited fan to handle. This super-fan squeezed his way through a team of scowling security guards and chased Morrissey off-stage, dragging annoyed staff-members along with him. In line with the theme of the night (Morrissey is touring in support of his latest album, Years of Refusal), this eager-beaver wasn't giving up without a fight.
An unphased Morrissey reappeared in less than 5; donning another button-down ... this one pink.
Everything about the show was huge: the sound, the production, the enthusiasm, the egos.
All week I'd been a little skeptical as to whether he'd even show up (many shows had been cancelled prior to this one). Luckily he didn't let us down. Maybe he showed because it was Friday the 13th, maybe not. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I was there.
Morrissey on myspace | Mia Riddle on myspace
NOTE: Christy Sheppard is an established writer with publications like Richmond.com and was kind enough to share this article with us. We look forward to many more of Christy Sheppards writing contributions. Keep watching.
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
And Be sure to sign up for the new Sojournstar Music Network!
and if you want to make money while having fun and promoting your band, music or business, then you must
Join me at Weblo Virtual World for Fun & Profit!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
RUBE - Band Spotlight
Adam Kravitz of RVA bands such as Vulva Boy, and Krell,
recently settled back in Richmond after a while in Hollywood California, and a few years gigging with Krell, a longtime band from the Richmond Virginia area which has been in Los Angeles since 2001.
Together with Adam on guitar, there is longtime area musician Big John Bullen on bass, Pat Caine on drums, and Ryan Kent on vocals.
Recently the band has featured music you can download from iTunes, but you should really experience them live..
Upcoming Shows
Jul 10 2009
8:00P
Plaza Bowl
Richmond, Virginia
Jul 21 2009
8:00P
ruchee Express
Richmond, Virginia
Jul 31 2009
8:00P
Alley Katz w/ Windhand
Richmond, Virginia
Aug 22 2009
8:00P
Wonderland
Richmond, Virginia
Try and catch these shows, and be sure to check the Rube site for any updates!
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
recently settled back in Richmond after a while in Hollywood California, and a few years gigging with Krell, a longtime band from the Richmond Virginia area which has been in Los Angeles since 2001.
Together with Adam on guitar, there is longtime area musician Big John Bullen on bass, Pat Caine on drums, and Ryan Kent on vocals.
Recently the band has featured music you can download from iTunes, but you should really experience them live..
Upcoming Shows
Jul 10 2009
8:00P
Plaza Bowl
Richmond, Virginia
Jul 21 2009
8:00P
ruchee Express
Richmond, Virginia
Jul 31 2009
8:00P
Alley Katz w/ Windhand
Richmond, Virginia
Aug 22 2009
8:00P
Wonderland
Richmond, Virginia
Try and catch these shows, and be sure to check the Rube site for any updates!
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
And Be sure to sign up for the new Sojournstar Music Network!
and if you want to make money while having fun and promoting your band, music or business, then you must
Join me at Weblo Virtual World for Fun & Profit!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
MusicRVA Welcomes Back Our Senior Writer!!
MusicRVA Articles and Reviews Senior Writer is Back!!
After what seemed like a hiatus that took a lifetime, MusicRVA Crystal Snyder is back and ready to ROCK!!!
Crystal had been our best and most consistant writer up until some personal business caused her to take a long vacation from writing, but our girl is back and ready to tackle some new bands. Watch out Richmond, she is on fire!!!
You can also find Crystal on our social network here Crystal
so if you want a great writer to do a write up on your band or music, contact her and let her know.
Crystal, it is GREAT! to have you back!!
Check out her latest review here.
READ IT HERE
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
After what seemed like a hiatus that took a lifetime, MusicRVA Crystal Snyder is back and ready to ROCK!!!
Crystal had been our best and most consistant writer up until some personal business caused her to take a long vacation from writing, but our girl is back and ready to tackle some new bands. Watch out Richmond, she is on fire!!!
You can also find Crystal on our social network here Crystal
so if you want a great writer to do a write up on your band or music, contact her and let her know.
Crystal, it is GREAT! to have you back!!
Check out her latest review here.
READ IT HERE
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
And Be sure to sign up for the new Sojournstar Music Network!
and if you want to make money while having fun and promoting your band, music or business, then you must
Join me at Weblo Virtual World for Fun & Profit!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The State of Music in Richmond
When it comes to the business of music and nightlife, this city has been anything but Easy to Love.
by Don Harrison
A new promotional video commissioned by the Greater Richmond Partnership pays tribute to the city’s “live and vibrant music scene.” Venture Richmond’s Web site does the same: “Downtown Richmond has been attracting both local and national artists, performers and musicians for years and today a lot of Downtown’s vibe and energy comes from them.”
So what do you do with your downtown vibe? Naturally, if you are Richmond, you try to shut it off.
A few years ago, just as the National Theater and Toad’s Place were opening, the Wilder administration prepared a little housewarming gift. It proposed a series of laws that would have given the city the power to close down any club with little due process, and sought to actually penalize music venues for holding successful shows. Club owners were to “submit a plan for traffic and crowd control in and around the establishment to the police no later than seven days prior to the event” if they believed their show would be a success. Police then had to approve the concert.
Those loopy edicts — forcing club owners to be mind readers and to hope against last-minute ticket sales — were shelved. But City Hall is still determined to do something about all of this nightlife being championed in the tourist brochures.
A soon-to-be-proposed ordinance seeks to define nightclubs separately from restaurants and would require new music venues and promoters to file for a $1,100 conditional use permit in order to hold events — sorry Mr. Clapton — after midnight. Existing clubs would not have to adhere to this rule, and venues that feature disc jockeys and recorded music would be particularly affected.
There’s at least one common-sense notion in the proposed new rules: Clubs would have to file a management plan with the city that covers everything from noise to trash collection to security. It’s a reasonable idea, but why should clubs have to pay the city an exorbitant sum to file such a plan?
Judging from the concern, you would think that area nightclubs were out of control. They aren’t — this is just Richmond. Chesterfield County is enforcing a ban on dancing in its restaurants, but that’s old hat for us. An indie-rock club called Holy Chow was closed down in 2003 largely because it wasn’t zoned for — “Footloose” anyone? — music and dancing. Holy Chow sat next to the intersection of Laurel and Broad streets, near Virginia Commonwealth University, a neighborhood that’s housed decades of music clubs, from Club Russo and Palm Gardens to Rockitz. Why on earth wouldn’t this block, which holds so much Richmond music history, be a place for dancing?
Toad’s Place offers up another cautionary tale. While other factors — such as poor management — plagued the now-closed music venue on the Canal Walk, Toad’s endured all the pitfalls of doing business in River City. The venue couldn’t obtain a liquor license at first, it ran afoul of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People over discrimination issues, and was the scene of an incident during a private event in February that was first reported as a near riot, later downgraded to a minor scuffle with no injuries and one arrest. The latter is no big deal in most cities — Toad’s Place in New Haven, Conn., averages one such incident a month — but Richmond is not most cities. The fight caused Mayor Dwight Jones and Police Chief Bryan Norwood to hold an immediate and deadly serious news conference on the subject of public safety, an event that only hastened the closing of Toad’s.
Public safety is indeed a serious matter, but often the hubbub isn’t about public safety, but real estate. City police tried several times to close down Club 534, Manhattans and the Cotton Club, all owned by Charles Dance and reported to be “public nuisances.” But Style Weekly revealed that in 2006 the commonwealth’s attorney proposed a plea deal where the supposedly dangerous Cotton Club and Manhattans could forgo occupancy restrictions if the owner surrendered his liquor license at Club 534. People asked questions: Why would the commonwealth’s attorney relax the rules for two so-called violent clubs in order to shut down one? Was it just a coincidence that VCU was claiming Club 534’s property in its master plan?
City officials admit that these new nightlife ordinances have largely been fashioned to thwart their bête noire, Sam Moore. Not long after it was rumored that Moore would open a Hooters-type establishment across the street from the Children’s Museum, a myriad of enforcement agencies, including Richmond Police, raided his Shockoe Bottom club Velvet. In the investigation that followed, he was convicted of having sex with an underage female and served time in jail. One year after the raid, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was still filing charges against Velvet, and the city continues to duel with Moore over various zoning issues, including the displaying of a protest banner against the proposed new Shockoe Bottom ballpark. The end result of the city’s war has been to turn Moore — hardly a citizen of the year candidate — into a kind of local folk hero battling puritanical bureaucracy.
When nightspots aren’t riffing with the city, they have state alcohol officials to jam with. The local office of Alcoholic Beverage Control has shown itself to be both aggressive in its policing and slow in issuing licenses to qualified city applicants. The agency’s fines — for lights being too dim and corners being too dark — are often authoritarian, and the ABC board’s Prohibition-era alcohol laws that mandate 45 percent in food sales are a big reason many music venues go under. Clubs forced to serve food in R-Town also are hit with a hefty meals tax to go along with the city’s admissions tax.
It’s hardly the kind of atmosphere that helps to nurture a live and vibrant scene. In a study of young city residents by Smart City Consulting called “The Young and the Restless,” Richmond’s adversarial relationship with its downtown energy source was noted. “Entertainment options are limited. The city is perceived to be uptight, with too many rules,” the study concluded. “One participant suggested it should be called, ‘The City That Fun Forgot.’”
When it comes to music and nightlife this city has been anything but Easy to Love. And new burdensome fees and midnight curfews won’t help Fun remember who we are. S
Don Harrison is a Richmond-based writer and the co-founder of SaveRichmond.com
Originally posted on Style Weekly!
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
by Don Harrison
A new promotional video commissioned by the Greater Richmond Partnership pays tribute to the city’s “live and vibrant music scene.” Venture Richmond’s Web site does the same: “Downtown Richmond has been attracting both local and national artists, performers and musicians for years and today a lot of Downtown’s vibe and energy comes from them.”
So what do you do with your downtown vibe? Naturally, if you are Richmond, you try to shut it off.
A few years ago, just as the National Theater and Toad’s Place were opening, the Wilder administration prepared a little housewarming gift. It proposed a series of laws that would have given the city the power to close down any club with little due process, and sought to actually penalize music venues for holding successful shows. Club owners were to “submit a plan for traffic and crowd control in and around the establishment to the police no later than seven days prior to the event” if they believed their show would be a success. Police then had to approve the concert.
Those loopy edicts — forcing club owners to be mind readers and to hope against last-minute ticket sales — were shelved. But City Hall is still determined to do something about all of this nightlife being championed in the tourist brochures.
A soon-to-be-proposed ordinance seeks to define nightclubs separately from restaurants and would require new music venues and promoters to file for a $1,100 conditional use permit in order to hold events — sorry Mr. Clapton — after midnight. Existing clubs would not have to adhere to this rule, and venues that feature disc jockeys and recorded music would be particularly affected.
There’s at least one common-sense notion in the proposed new rules: Clubs would have to file a management plan with the city that covers everything from noise to trash collection to security. It’s a reasonable idea, but why should clubs have to pay the city an exorbitant sum to file such a plan?
Judging from the concern, you would think that area nightclubs were out of control. They aren’t — this is just Richmond. Chesterfield County is enforcing a ban on dancing in its restaurants, but that’s old hat for us. An indie-rock club called Holy Chow was closed down in 2003 largely because it wasn’t zoned for — “Footloose” anyone? — music and dancing. Holy Chow sat next to the intersection of Laurel and Broad streets, near Virginia Commonwealth University, a neighborhood that’s housed decades of music clubs, from Club Russo and Palm Gardens to Rockitz. Why on earth wouldn’t this block, which holds so much Richmond music history, be a place for dancing?
Toad’s Place offers up another cautionary tale. While other factors — such as poor management — plagued the now-closed music venue on the Canal Walk, Toad’s endured all the pitfalls of doing business in River City. The venue couldn’t obtain a liquor license at first, it ran afoul of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People over discrimination issues, and was the scene of an incident during a private event in February that was first reported as a near riot, later downgraded to a minor scuffle with no injuries and one arrest. The latter is no big deal in most cities — Toad’s Place in New Haven, Conn., averages one such incident a month — but Richmond is not most cities. The fight caused Mayor Dwight Jones and Police Chief Bryan Norwood to hold an immediate and deadly serious news conference on the subject of public safety, an event that only hastened the closing of Toad’s.
Public safety is indeed a serious matter, but often the hubbub isn’t about public safety, but real estate. City police tried several times to close down Club 534, Manhattans and the Cotton Club, all owned by Charles Dance and reported to be “public nuisances.” But Style Weekly revealed that in 2006 the commonwealth’s attorney proposed a plea deal where the supposedly dangerous Cotton Club and Manhattans could forgo occupancy restrictions if the owner surrendered his liquor license at Club 534. People asked questions: Why would the commonwealth’s attorney relax the rules for two so-called violent clubs in order to shut down one? Was it just a coincidence that VCU was claiming Club 534’s property in its master plan?
City officials admit that these new nightlife ordinances have largely been fashioned to thwart their bête noire, Sam Moore. Not long after it was rumored that Moore would open a Hooters-type establishment across the street from the Children’s Museum, a myriad of enforcement agencies, including Richmond Police, raided his Shockoe Bottom club Velvet. In the investigation that followed, he was convicted of having sex with an underage female and served time in jail. One year after the raid, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was still filing charges against Velvet, and the city continues to duel with Moore over various zoning issues, including the displaying of a protest banner against the proposed new Shockoe Bottom ballpark. The end result of the city’s war has been to turn Moore — hardly a citizen of the year candidate — into a kind of local folk hero battling puritanical bureaucracy.
When nightspots aren’t riffing with the city, they have state alcohol officials to jam with. The local office of Alcoholic Beverage Control has shown itself to be both aggressive in its policing and slow in issuing licenses to qualified city applicants. The agency’s fines — for lights being too dim and corners being too dark — are often authoritarian, and the ABC board’s Prohibition-era alcohol laws that mandate 45 percent in food sales are a big reason many music venues go under. Clubs forced to serve food in R-Town also are hit with a hefty meals tax to go along with the city’s admissions tax.
It’s hardly the kind of atmosphere that helps to nurture a live and vibrant scene. In a study of young city residents by Smart City Consulting called “The Young and the Restless,” Richmond’s adversarial relationship with its downtown energy source was noted. “Entertainment options are limited. The city is perceived to be uptight, with too many rules,” the study concluded. “One participant suggested it should be called, ‘The City That Fun Forgot.’”
When it comes to music and nightlife this city has been anything but Easy to Love. And new burdensome fees and midnight curfews won’t help Fun remember who we are. S
Don Harrison is a Richmond-based writer and the co-founder of SaveRichmond.com
Originally posted on Style Weekly!
***************************************
If your on the East Coast, be sure to sign up for
MusicRVA Social Network!
And Be sure to sign up for the new Sojournstar Music Network!
and if you want to make money while having fun and promoting your band, music or business, then you must
Join me at Weblo Virtual World for Fun & Profit!
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