Thursday night the Landmark Theater saw the big, brassy Richmond Pops Band stage its annual fall concert to a grateful crowd that continues to enjoy these moving musical performances at no charge. From Armenian folk dances to a Sinatra tribute to a rousing patriotic finale, this orchestra with no strings under the able direction of Joe Simpkins continues to fill the place three times a year and bring in soul-stirring choral groups from the military, including tonight’s U.S. Army Soldier’s Chorus. There were throat lumps and goose bumps. If you think you might want to take in the band’s festive Christmas concert with the Richmond Choral Society (and Santa) on December 21st, ask me me about free tickets. It’s the most tuneful deal in town!
Pretty cool marquee eh? But it’s off one day, since Brad Spivey and the Honky Tonk Experience is doing another beer-free performance at the beautifully restored Henrico Theater in Highland Springs Friday night (tonight). Also no charge. Problem is, it’s “sold out” so if you don’t make it in on standby, you’ll have to catch the monthly She
nanigans gig on Saturday. Too many options on this particular Friday the 19th including Railroad Earth (lead singer Todd Sheaffer right)at the National and the John Winntet with the home-again Daniel Clarke at Bogart’s. Daniel’s back from England and a tour with those comely Court Yard Hounds and is heading back out with k.d. lang first of the year so catch Danny C during this brief home game. With a little wanderlust you can catch the Dave Matthews Band in C’ville at JPJ or a little farther west, how about the Steep Canyon Rangers (sans Steve Martin) at Staunton’s Mockingbird Roots Music Hall. Did I say all that happens on the same dang night? Not fair.
On Sunday comes what promises to be an inspiring performance by an 18-year-old concert violinist named 
Jourdan Urbach who has recently won a special Nobel Prize for Global Child Advocacy. This passionate young man strongly believes that music has the power to heal and might well be the key to world peace. Hear what he has to say here. And get your tickets to the 4pm Byrd Theater appearance here. It benefits the Bon Secours Cancer Institute’s Cullather Quality of Life Center and it could be life-changing.
Down the road, we’ve got a fine Carolina-bred songsmith coming to In Your Ear Recording for our next JAMinc studio concert. If you like Justin Townes Earle or maybe Jakob Dylan, you’ll want to join us for an intimate evening with Jonathan Byrd on Thursday, December 2nd. This guy’s the real deal and Studio A only seats 80 so reserve your spot at our Website soon.
Those of you who have fond memories of venerable Richmond rockers the Good Humor Band (Mike McAdam just played In Your Ear in September). A couple dozen of our finest played in GHB at one time or another…including Gregg Wetzel, Joe McGlohon, Mike Lucas, Danny Gatton, Bruce Bouton and yes, Steve Bassett…see how many you recognize as they play a reunion show at the National on Friday, December 17th with the Skip Castro Band. Tix here. The good ol’ days are now.
Looking way ahead, the musical visionaries who bring us FloydFest every July up on the Blue Ridge have announced their 10th anniversary lineup and it’s a doozie. Start making plans for the eXperience…in 2011 more than ever.
And a lovely parting gift…this amazing video has been making the rounds this week but if you haven’t seen it, you should…it’ll get your holiday season off on the right foot.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours…TT
(Jourdan Urbach and Jonathan Byrd photos from their websites)
1 comment:
We were at the show last night as well. It was amazing and very moving. Thanks for all you do to support the local and regional music scene. We always look forward to the postings on your blog.
Bert, Lisa & Laura
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