Monday, June 30
Burning Brides at Canal Club
You have to wonder about their name, as the bass player is the bride of the guitar player. That leaves the drummer as perpetual third wheel. They decided years ago to work outside the system, choosing independence over the insecurities of labels and their suits. They are touring behind their new record, full of rock and roll old school style, citing influences from Cheap Trick to Slayer. With Middle Class Rut, The Catalyst and Punch You in the Face Big! Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Showtime 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1
The Hottness at the Canal Club
The Canal Club is making a run for your hard rock dollar. The Hottness from North Kackalackee are equal parts metal, punk, and hard rock. At times they sound like Metallica, and other times like the Foo Fighters (from certain angles, and if you squint, the lead singer also bears an uncanny resemblance to Dave Grohl). Touring behind a brand new record. Letterbox Tragedy, Thru the Rear View and Red Clay Village open the show. Tickets $10, 7:30 showtime.
Wednesday, July 2
Gil Scott-Heron at Toad's Place
Heron is anecdotally called one of the godfather's of rap. His biting politics and social commentary are still without peer. This will either be a great show, or a grim reminder of Heron's long, sad decline. With Richmond's own Plunky and Oneness. This is an all ages show. General Admission tickets are $25. Show is at 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 3
The Grandsons at Ashland Coffee and Tea
American music in a blender with the lid off. They just celebrating 21 years of making music, and last year won a WAMMIE (the Grammy's of the DC area). 8 p.m.
Friday, July 4
The Slack Family at Shenanigans
Fireworks were invented by the Chinese. Bluegrass was invented by 'Mericans! Come show your love of freedom, stringed instruments and cold beer made in the US of A. 8:30 p.m.
Chuck Brown at Fridays at Sunset (at Kanawha Plaza)
Brown, the king of go-go, is more than seventy years old and won't slow-slow down until he shakes hands with the grim-grim reaper. Tickets are $20. Show starts at 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 5
Cephas and Wiggins at Ashland Coffee and Tea
Hands down Virginia's best practitioners of Piedmont blues (or blues of any variety for that matter). These guys have been playing together longer than most of you have been alive. $19 in advance, $24 day of show.
Denali Reunion Show at The National
Happy day in Fist City. Denali split-up before they became as big as everyone wanted them to be. So, here you go Richmond, you don't get many second chances in life. Opening are a bunch of Richmond bands you don't want to miss: Tulsa Drone, Prabir and the Substitutes and the Great White Jenkins. Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 6
Special Ed and the Shortbus at Legend
Richmond's best proponents of quirkgrass (copyright applied for). They play fast and hard and will most likely cast aspersions about your ancestors. Keep them away from the brewing room. 6:30 p.m. Free, free, free.