MARCH 26, 2011 ~ JACABONE * SCOTTSVILLE, VA

Jacabone blends Funk, New Orleans Groove, R&B and Blues into a mix designed to get everyone up and dancing.

Jacabone is an evolving conglomeration of experienced musicians from the Charlottesville area lead by Fritz Berry, (Lead Vocals and Harmonica) Fritz (lead Vocals and Harmonica) - Fritz has been playing blues harmonica for over 20 years. During the 80's and 90's, he was a member of Echoes Farm, a touring band that traveled the East Coast. Through their travels they shared the stage with a number of different bands including Little Feat, Phish, Bob Margolin and Taj Mahal. Prior to the inception of Jacabone, he had been playing in a number of different projects: Bues Farm, Indiscretion (with members of Indecision) and Swing Piggy (with members of Savoy Truffle and Echoes Farm). Other Members: J.D. (Bass, Vocals) - J.D. started playing in bar bands at 16. Since then, he's played guitar and bass with groups ranging from Texas folk to indie rawk. These days, he plays bass for a number of gigging local bands. Drex Weaver (Drums) - Drex has been performing profesionally since 1987 and plays a wide variety of styles. It is his versatility, energy and style that makes him an in demand performer. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Drex is a well rounded performer and composer. Throughout his career, Drex has played with world class musicians and strong, creative, powerful players. These include, internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, Hod O'Brien, Royce Campbell, John Dearth, Yasuhito Mori and Mike Hawkins. Rock and pop artists such as Dave Matthews, The Boyd Tinsley Band, LeRoi Moore, Matt Nathanson, All Mighty Senators, Geoff Tyson, Matt Fish and Clare Quilty have also employed him for his skills. On the international music scene in the US, Drex has worked in styles from Africa to Brazil with artist such as Mir Ali, Humberto and Madeline Sales, Darrell Rose and Baaba Seth. Brian Chenault (Guitar, Vocals) - Brian has shared stages with: REO Speedwagon, Edwin McCain, Jonathan Richman, Evan Dando, Butch Taylor of Dave Matthews Band, Darren Jesse of Ben Folds Five, Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Ingram Hill, Marcus Roberts, Chris Barron of Spin Doctors, Pat McGee Band, Ryan Montbleau, David Mead, Everything, Jupiter Coyote, Earth to Andy, Peter Searcy, Andrew Winn of Agents of Good Roots. "unique, towering guitar solos" - City Beat, Cincinnati, OH "Brian is no doubt a world class guitarist and his stratospheric solos are something to behold" - Matt Mayes of Jupiter Coyote Ian Lawler (Guitar, Vocals)- Ian has been playing guitar for 16 years. In that time, he has toured and recorded with several different groups and artists. He has shared stages with Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Joshua Redman, Dr. John, and Arrested Development, and appears on Arrested Development's Among the Trees album, as well as Grammy-winning artist Speech's Vagabond and Speech's Best. Since moving to Charlottesville 3 years ago, Ian has played with many local artists, including Robert Jospe, Bobby Read, Heather Maxwell, Mariana Bell, Matt Horn, The Pollocks, Sierra, Bootsie Daniels, and Matt Wilner. Ian recently won the 106.1 The Corner theme song contest with his song, Up on the Corner. I started & ended my evening with Jacabone in Scottsville, Va. A small town that after a long winding road to get there was quite pleasing once there. 330 Valley Street is a bar on one side with a restaurant on the other. I ventured into the restaurant first Jacabone was already playing as I could hear them thru the only thing between us was a wall. I quickly ordered a Pint accompanied with a very nice plating of Tuna. The Pint was perfect the tuna even better. The music I was hearing was calling my name Rolling Stones was in the background performed by Jacabone. I knew right then and there I had to get over there and quickly place myself up front so I could video. Jacabone spit out several favorites of which are but not limited to Bill Withers (Use me up), Shakey Ground, T for Texas (Skynrd), Allman Bros. (One way out), Bob Marley (I shot the sheriff), Steve Miller ( the joker), Superstition along with a host of others. I am feeling this band along with every one else in joint. I say joint but 330 Valley Street has just been redone and I must say I LOVED it. Chris my new fb friend & bartender is exceptionally friendly and he immediately made me feel right at home. Fritz Berry on harp is smooth like butta...his vocals remind me of Greg Allman with a touch of B.B king sprinkled with alittle Marley. I like. Ian Gilliam's vocals & guitar playing skills are just SIK... makes you stand up and pay attention.. I paid attention. :) Rounding out the sound was Drex on kit with JD bangin' & poppin dat bass to bring it on home. I love this band and will be back to show some more love & support... Keep me posted boys, I gots da love & do travel. ~ smile. Vids will follow as they upload. http://www.330valleystreet.com/ http://www.reverbnation.com/jacabone http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150126011119658&comments http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150126039589658 http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150126062119658&comments http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150126086574658&comments http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150126121439658&comments http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150126169049658&comments

MARCH 25, 2011 ~ WILD RUMPUS * BLVD. TAVERN (charleston, wv)

Hometown: Fayetteville, WV
Genres: Folk / Stompgrass / Punkgrass
Label: Mudbone Records
Members: Andrew Adkins,Mando,Vox
Allan Sizemore, Guitjo,Harmonica,Vox
Dr. Sneed, Guitar, Reso
Clint Lewis, Doghouse Bass
Mix the downhome lyrical stylings of Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, and Guy Clark, spice it up with some Uncle Tupelo and you've got The Wild Rumpus. Singer/songwriter, Andrew Adkins, tells his tales with deep-lunged gusto while backed by Charlie Garvin's pseudo-bluegrass guitar, Allan Sizemore's Carolina inspired banjo, and Dr. Sneed's resonator stylings and Clint Lewis holding the rock-solid foundation on bass. The whole album has a bouncy, almost live feel about it. The group's debut album consists of primarily upbeat rhythms tempered with haunting ballads like "Ghost Town" and "For Grandpa". The final two tracks "Lost & Found", and "Don't Mess Around (Mama Said)" have an entirely different feel to them. The former speaks of the hardships of the dust bowl era with a driving, downbeat rhythm and the latter is a percussive call-and-repeat accented by heavy foot stomping and a bluesy guitar and harmonica duel. The album manages to capture the raw sound of live acoustic instruments while at the same time providing a rugged vehicle for Adkins stories of, well, love, trains, and home.

I have heard Allens originals, Andrews originals, Jonathan crazy geetar skillz and last nite in Charleston at the Blvd. Tavern I met the 4th. Rump Clint Lewis. I couldn't have imagined with what little 'tid bit's' of flavor I've gotten so far what the main course was gonna taste like, until last nite. Boys let me tell you what.... it was soooo worth the wait! When I first walked into the Blvd. Tavern I immediately took notice to that beautiful stand up Bass on stage along w/ a Banjo and a custom Mandolin. Which by the way Andrew Adkins made himself with Oak wood and walnut smashed into that wood that produced a beautiful tiger stripe like finish along with alittle skull on the front. Which is Andrew's signature... I loved it and the story behind it. Rumpus started playing and right from the damn get go the floor was full with peeps diggin' it and getting their 'Stomp on'. I was curious as to what this Stompgrass sound was.. immediately I phuckin' got, immediately I phuckin' loved it! Wild Rumpus did some Dylan, alittle Blues, Rolling in my sweet babies arm, Allman Bros even threw in a love song. Between Andrews 'bouncy' personality & bare feet on stage (You have no idea what that does to me) ... Ouy! and interaction with the audience and his vocals to Allens 'Big Sexy' persence and mountain man voice to Sneeds amazing phuckin' guitar skills to Lewis bangin' & poppin of dat Big beautiful Bass the nite was full of wonderful music to this chica's ears... I am a FAN and I will come back fo sum mo! If you've never been to the Blvd. Tavern in Charleston, wv I suggest you go always a good time, friendly & efficient wait staff , good food and cold beer. Ya might even get the treat of hearin'  Dave play his famous Washboard. ~ smile.

p.s As I was leaving (and damn I so wish I could have stayed) I heard a Chica brag to someone beside her and I quote ~ " You know they're playing for MY wedding".. snicker, snicker. Dude beside her says..... WOW! ~ I had a HUGE smile on my face as I walked out the door. :)

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MARCH 12, 2011 ~ POLYCHROME * THE LOST PARROT

Genre	Rock/Pop/Acoustic
Members	Sean Bera- Vocal/Guitar Perry Mabry- Bass/Vocal Mark Lynch- Drums
Hometown	Roanoke, VA
Record Label	Independent
About	"Suggest to Friends" above. Feel free to do it!Thanks for voting and making us"BEST LOCAL BAND" for 2010 in The Roanoke Times AND Roanoke's City Magazine!For up-to-date information on ALL things POLYCHROME visit http://polychromelive.com/

Description

Everything you've always wanted and more

Biography

PolyChrome – definition: being of many or various colors. Created in 2009, this extremely experienced pop/rock trio lives up to their name. Not only have the members, Sean Bera - Vocals and Guitar, Mark Lynch - Drums, and Perry Mabry – Bass Guitar, come... from diverse and colorful musical backgrounds ranging from the Mountains of Virginia to the streets of Philadelphia & Baltimore, but they know how to produce a colorful array of sound on the stage as well. The crowd is taken on a musical journey from one song to the next as PolyChrome explores genres from the 60’s Beatles, to the 80’s Men at Work, to the present with Gavin DeGraw or even Ke$ha. Add some rejuvenated renditions of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” or Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and the PolyChrome effect becomes unmistakable. Recently voted "Best Local Band" by both Roanoke's City Magazine and The Roanoke Times Music Poll, PolyChrome is as in tune with their audience as a band can be. The members of the band take time to talk to the crowd between sets and listen to each thought, idea, and request, so that future events can be even better and more personalized to the listeners. PolyChrome has an original 14-song CD entitled "All County Champs" that is as diverse as the artists they cover onstage. The songs are a blend of everything the band has grown up around over the past two decades, which has allowed the members of PolyChrome to share the stage with such a wide range of artists as: Great White, Quiet Riot, and L.A. Guns, to Coal Chamber, to Sister Hazel and Bowling for Soup. A highly entertaining stage presence, complete with self-ridiculing humor, and both individual and crowd participation, will no doubt have you asking yourself, “Why haven’t I heard of these guys before?”. You may even wonder if your iPod was borrowed to create the set list for the night! From Roanoke, Va Beckley loves Polychrome, every time Polychrome come to town its a damn party! Sean, Perry & Mark bring the house down every single time! I could go on with a set list here but I won't I'll let the vids speak for themselves. We love you Polychrome and can not get enough! * Favorite quote from last nite ~ Were gonna make ya Sweat or get Wet! ~ Sean Bera. From the looks of the Chica's on the dance floor... ya did both! ~smile. Vids will follow~ Mike Snodgrass & Oz stepped up on stage w/ the Poly for a minute or three... http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150113832524658 http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150114001814658&comments

MARCH 12, 2011 ~ BIG DADDY & THE MUDKATZ * ELLIOTTS

Started my nite with alittle Big Daddy & sum Mudkatz which consist of
Jim Pino, Scott Workman, Rob Sizemore.
As soon as I walk into Elliotts the joint is packed at 9pm good sign. Big Daddy & Mudkatz were up on stage and ready to rock. Rock is exactly what they did right off the freakin' bat Workman started slingin' out some Blues with Pino on lead and Sizemore on kit. This band & the Blues go together like Bread & Butta'.....
Spit out some If it wouldn't be for bad luck id have no luck at all, Joe Walsh (Rocky mtn. high), Satisfied, ZZ top, Good Time, The Animals (bring it on home to me) just to name a few. This was just the first set, I can only imagine what the rest of the nite held. Unfortunately I did not get to stay as I had 3 more stops to make before this chica's nite was done. My routine has been One bar, One set, One beer this allows me to grab alittle taste throughout the nite. However some nites (like this one) I wish I'd stayed for the full entree. Next time Mudkatz...
What I did notice in this set is that Jim Pino is playin' like a wild man strokin' that Axe like he owned it. Which in fact he does... gave me a flashback when I first saw him play my thought then was WOW my thought last nite was Daayum! Made me smile.. big & wide. Scott Workman bangin' & poppin' dat Bass with Sizemore rounding it out on his kit was nothing short of SEXY music and made this Chica' squirm alittle in her seat. :) I love this band and suggest every one to check them out Once or just Once more.
Vids will follow~

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MARCH 11, 2011 ~ IHAJ * FOSTERS

 Incredible Handsome Army Of Jasons ~ is:

Genre	Melt Your Face Off
Members	Jason "The Impaler" Lockart - Guitar/Vocals Jason "The Colonel" Dawson - Guitar/Vocals Justincredible- Bass/Vocals Chuck Wiseman -Kit
Hometown	Beckley, WV
Record Label	Unsignable. We burn too bright!
About	SIDE EFFECTS: Chronic face melting and fist pumping. In rare cases, spontaneous combustion may occur. If these symptoms persist, please consult your bartender.

Biography	Pull out your floppy drive and load us up!

website:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ididn'tknowbandshadwebsitesanymore.com%2F&h=54e6b

I've seen this band many times before and they are a straight up IN YOUR FACE Rock band. I had gone to Fosters fairly early to grab a bite to eat and catch a set of IHAJ .... keeping with my (now) work schedule with limiting my hours out on Friday (due to work on sat. morn) . Any way got there round 9:50 (ish) and ordered (thanks Tilley for whipping me up something) even though the kitchen was close to shutting down. Spoke with both Jason(s) prior to set, we had all (after talkin' music for a bit) concured how beyond tired we were and had to work tomorrow. But even beyond 'Tired' the Jason(s) & myself came outta it the second they stepped on stage. Kicked off with some 3am, Let me slip away, Rehab (a fav), I really want to know, Weezer (hash pipe), along with a slew of other kick ass tuneage. I notice one thing about IHAJ is they have their own following. Dedicated loyal fans that are at ever single show (shout out to Miss Kelly Maddy). This made me smile (yet once again) for the talent & support our hills we call home bring. Way to go Beckley for supporting your Muse. ~smile
P.s Rare I have no vids to follow.... however I Do have pics. Granted not as good (as this is how it all began w/ me ~ pics) but VIDS capture the Now and I like the Now. :)

MARCH 5, 2011 ~ THREE CARD MONTE * MOOSE IN OAK HILL

Began my nite in Oak Hill, Wv at none other than the Moose Club to see Three Card Monte. Now I'm a member of the Beckley Moose myself (joined it for that big ass Jackpot) they have every thursday nite. Upon walking into the Moose I noticed dance floor was jammed packed not once but every single song. This makes me Smile big & wide as I love peeps showin' their love for music, not only do they love it they know all the freakin' words. Tells me just one thing... you are never to old to 'just dance'. Hell I believe I'm even lookin' at a former Laugh- In (remember that show) Go-go dancer up in here that is tearing that dance floor a new ass. I also notice another thing these Oak Hill men love their women you can see it in their eyes and feel it on the floor.

Three Card Monte ~ 3 piece band made up of Brian Hornsby * Jay Milam * Steve Sparks.

They have been entertaining the crowds for more than 15 years, sometimes together, and sometimes with other musicians. Together again, they are Three Card Monte. Began their set with Roll of the dice, Walk softly, China Grove, Take it easy, Guitars & Cadillacs, Mustang Sally, Nitty Gritty dirt band among a host of other covers that were spot the hell on! Brian Hornsby vocals are very nice, very soothing.. I like. I'm convinced that there is nothing this man can't sing or hasn't sung. I'm diggin' his vocals.. Brian you can sing for this chica' any ole' time you want. ;) Wish I could have stayed but had 2 more bands to go see/hear & film. Next time I promise I will stay longer than a set.
Vids will follow... stay tuned.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150107838974658&comments

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MARCH 5, 2011 ~ VERNS POT O CHILI * CANTRELLS

Second 1/2 of my nite ventured to Cantrells to give a listen to Verns pot o Chili.

7 piece band that are made up of:
Jim Allder * Brian Carr * Jason Johans * Ian Lutz * Neil Jones * Dan Freeman * Charles Hatcher.

Formed in 2001 in the great state of West Virginia, Vern’s Pot O’ Chili has since become one of the states leading live acts. The band has performed in every major city in the state and has also made appearances at several festivals and state wide events including the Snowshoe Home Grown Music Festival, Fire on the Mountain Chili Cook-off, Pete Dye Classic (PGA Amateur Tour event), Old Timers Reunion Party, Culturefest, Annual Ridge Stock Festival, Annual WVU Sierra Swing Fundraiser, Annual West Virginia Wiffleball Tournament, Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert (Lewisburg, WV), and the Woodstock Reunion Party. VPOC also regularly performs at several of West Virginia’s top music venues.

Vern’s Pot O’ Chili has an extremely unique mixture of sounds ranging from reggae to bluegrass to hip-hop and funk which has proven time and time again to entice a crowd for the duration of their performances. The band comprises its set lists of mostly original songs, but influences include the styles of Toots and the Maytals, Galactic, Rasta Rafiki, Parliament Funkadelic, The Roots, Bill Withers, and Johnny Cash.

I have heard of Verns for years now just had never actually caught them live and all's I have say about that is 'Where in the eff have I been?'  This band was a REAL treat! Right off the bat I thought Whoa... Big band  on stage had 3 horns, 1 harp, bass, rhythm, lead, kit & a Uke. I began to listen and automatically was in love with this Reggae vibe I was hearin' & feelin'. Big band with a full bodied sound. Verns spit out several ear candy tunes one in particular I loved was an original 'Check Mate' (Big River records). Holy Shiznit was I diggin' this band and by the looks of the dance floor so is every one else. Threw out alittle song by Bill Withers (Use me up) that was (as if I even doubted it by this point) SPOT ON. Just when I thought it could not have possibly gotten any better.... it did. Drummer & Rhthym switched places and kicked it up a notch or three. At this point I could not even get close enough to film but when I heard Dan Freeman's guitar solo... I thought fuck it I've got to get up there and so I did. Missed filming the solo (general disgust) but caught the end of it any who. Freeman said here's alittle something for the ladies... the ladies liked, they like alot!  Verns pot o chili is nothing short of Sensually pleasing to the ear. I actually wished I'd stayed in the ville last nite and finshed up w/ Verns cuz it was all I could do to pull myself away. But I had promised to give a listen to another band in Beckley... and I am a woman of my word. One word bout this band screams out to me... FESTY! I would love to see Verns outside in the sunshine & barefoot. Who knows maybe I'll get that chance this summer. Vern ya gotta another fan.. I'm diggin' the Shiznit outta ya. I will be back fo sho. ~smilin' still.
Vids will follow & will be posted into this Blog as they upload.. stay tuned.
P.s I will apologize now for some of these vids may be a bit "Shakey" as my feet got happy and I could not keep still... forgot the ole' tripod. :/

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