|
 |
||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Boom times for local musicRichmond Scene swingsby Carrie BeltTHE HOT SPOTSIf you’re a boomer whose kids are now old enough for you to enjoy a night life again, it’s time to replace evenings at ball games and music lessons with a night out on the town. If you haven’t checked out the music scene in Richmond lately, it’s time to take a closer look. With the introduction of several new dedicated venues around town over the past year, Richmond music continues to be vibrant and varied. From country to classic rock, bluegrass to jazz, music lovers of all persuasions can enjoy an evening (or full day) being entertained by the region’s and country’s top artists. Popular boomer-friendly music venues around town include: TOAD’S PLACEOne of the most talked about new hot spots, Toad’s Place offers an eclectic mix of rock, country, oldies and more. The multi-level space is located along the Canal Walk in the restored Lady Byrd Hat Factory building and can accommodate about 1,500 people. After months of renovations, it opened early last summer with a full lineup of popular national acts (Boys II Men, Guster, George Clinton and Kelly Pickler). Ticket prices vary, depending on the act. If you’re going there for a show, plan on dinner at Highwater first. It’s located onsite and will get you early entry to the big shows. Or head down the Canal to the Southern Railway Deli. Parking is available in the Virginia Street deck, between Cary and Main Streets. THE CAMELAfter opening in mid-2007, The Camel quickly developed a broad following attracted by the cozy atmosphere and homegrown music, which leans towards alternative rock, world music and jazz. Boomers can enjoy Wednesday’s live three-hour “Jazz on Broad,” featuring notable local artists like Steve Kessler, Kip Williams, Bruce Nicholls and Matt Hall. Brooke Saunders, vicepresident of Rockitz LLC, says “the jazz evening [starting at 7 p.m.] draws a diverse crowd of all ages, including VCU students and faculty; alternative rock nights attract primarily younger folk.” Admission is $6. The Camel offers healthy Turkish and vegetarian menus, plus a full coffee bar, beer and wine. It often hosts events by non-profit organizations and private parties. Added bonus: the venue is smoke-free. THE NATIONALThe 85-year-old National Theater building on Broad Street has been reincarnated as Richmond’s newest music venue, accommodating 1,500 people in a palatial auditorium. Designed in 1923 by Claude K. Howell (the architect responsible for many Monument Avenue residences), this glorious space now welcomes celebrated international acts like Willie Nelson, the Neville Brothers, Flogging Molly, Pat Benatar and more. Ticket prices vary, depending on the performers. SUMMERTIME MUSIC UNDER THE STARSA snapshot of Richmond’s music scene would be incomplete without its outdoor venues. Popular arenas and concert series include Fridays at Sunset, The Dogwood Dell, Classic Amphitheater, Friday Cheers, and the multitude of Mayo and Brown’s Island summer festivals. Here’s a brief overview: INNSBROOK AFTER HOURSLocated at the West End’s Innsbrook Pavillion, Innsbrook After Hours remains the longestrunning mid-week concert series in the area, bringing in music acts Wednesdays during the summer. The 2008 season kicks off April 16th and showcases country artist Gretchen Wilson on May 10th. Past artists have included well-known national bands such as Nickel Creek, Indigo Girls, Charlie Daniels and Foreigner. Concertgoers can bring lawn chairs but not food or alcoholic beverages; these can be purchased on-site. Ticket prices vary, based on the act, ranging from $15 to $25, less for advance purchases. Children under 10 are welcome and admitted free. FRIDAY CHEERSFriday Cheers is the longestrunning free summer music series in the area. Put together by Venture Richmond, this outdoor concert series showcases the region’s top bands and hottest touring acts at weekly concerts on Brown’s Island in downtown Richmond. Friday Cheers begins on May 9 and runs through June 27. Concertgoers can bring lawn chairs or blankets, but must purchase alcoholic beverages and food on the island. FRIDAYS AT SUNSETThe Kanawha Plaza comes alive every
Friday during the summer for this Sunset
concert series, which runs from late May to
mid-August. Expect nationally acclaimed
R&B and soul talent, like Indie Arie, Erykah
Badu, The Roots and Ruben Studdard.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30,
with discounts for advance purchases. Other music venuesCapital Ale HouseHead downtown for “After Work Brews and Blues” at the Capital Ale House, free every Friday. The venue, which opened last May, has seated shows and accommodates about 300 people standing. Music acts of varying styles include Bio Ritmo, the popular local salsa group, New Riders of the Purple Sage and Good Natured Riot. Plus, adds Rachel Ryan, who is responsible for booking and public relations, the House has more than 300 beers in the bottle and 48 on tap. Ticket prices range from $5 to $20. Doors open 8 to 9 p.m. and shows begin an hour later. Legend Brewing CompanyAcross the river, in the Manchester District, enjoy more music and beer at Legend Brewing Company, known locally as “Legend’s.” The bar accommodates 150 indoors and an additional 200 on the deck, which overlooks the river and the Richmond skyline. Bluegrass lovers can enjoy a restful Sunday on the deck, listening to popular bands like Special Ed & The Short Bus, George Turman, Cook county Bluegrass and Slack Family. Dine to the music at sunset, as the skyline lights up. Admission is free, but enjoying a pint or two of the microbrew is customary. Last year, the microbrewery, which has been in business since 1994, brewed nearly 160,000 gallons of beer — enough to make it one of the most popular breweries in the area. Bonus: Free tours of the brewery Saturdays at 1 p.m. Café DiemMusic is alive just off the Boulevard in the Museum District at Café Diem, a relative secret shared among many of Richmond’s avid music lovers. The restaurant is cozy and features a menu of pizza, wings, burgers and beer. Throughout the week, count on live acts such as soulful DJ Williams Projekt, jazzy Chez Roue and The Atkinsons, who cover the territory between Americana Country swing and straight-up rock. Shows generally begin after 8 p.m. Sundays are “Open Mic” night. Handy websites:Café Diem - http://www.cafediemrva.com Carrie Belt is a Richmond-based writer. Her company, Carrie Belt & Associates, specializes in providing quality writing for print and digital media. |
|||||||||||||||||||
| © Boomer Life Magazine /Ross Publishing All Rights Reserved - Terms of Use | |||||||||||||||||||
