Thursday, June 6
Marisa Anderson with Tiara and Andrew and Justin Paciocco (of Villages) at the Richmond Music Hall
One of the most interesting and original guitarists out there, Marisa Anderson of Portland, Oregon is an artist who always seems to keep learning and following her own muse in innovative and often improvisational ways, whether her playing draws from country, drone, gospel, electronic, jazz, folk, blues, you name it (a personal favorite of hers is the cinematic “sci-fi Western” album “Into the Light”). Before this solo stop, she just released the hypnotic, improvised album, “Swallowtail,” in May with the brilliant Aussie drummer Jim White (Dirty Three), and has also played recently with the mesmerizing, Montreal-based, singer-songwriter Myriam Gendron. For her RVA solo show, she’ll be joined by the experimental pop of locals Tiara and Andrew and the singer-songwriter Americana vibes of Justin Paciocco (from Villages). Tickets are $15. Doors open at 7 p.m. show at 8 p.m. Tickets available here.
Dale Watson and his Lonestars plus Karen Jonas at the Get Tight Lounge
Willie Nelson loves him. That’s because he’s one of the best old school honky tonk performers in the U.S. of A and he’s playing a two-night stand at the intimate Get Tight Lounge (first night is on June 5, tickets still available as of press time). If you saw him at Richmond Folk Fest, you know he’s the real deal. 7:30 p.m. For prices, waiting list and more ticket information, visit here.
Friday, June 7
Friday Cheers presents Mdou Moctar w/Leon III
Friday Cheers is heating up, and not just because we’ve reached the Brown’s Island concert series’ June offerings. Headlining this week is Mdou Moctar, the Tuareg desert blues guitarist whose incendiary solos have earned him comparisons to Jimi Hendrix. But he’s not all sizzle when it comes to his recorded output. His songwriting has focused increasingly on the political plight of his native Niger, as he’s encouraged international audiences to look more closely at the resource colonialism unfolding back home. Such is the case with his latest album, “Funeral for Justice,” which landed in May and earned Pitchfork’s best new music designation. Kicking things off on Friday will be the psychedelic sounds of Leon III, which was formed by members of Richmond rock outfit Wrinkle Neck Mules. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and can be purchased at venturerichmond.com.—Davy Jones
Maymont Summer Kickoff starts Friday
This summer kickoff event starts on Friday with shows by Full Moon Fever (Tom Petty) and Three Sheets to the Wind (yacht rock) which all starts at 6 p.m. See the Saturday listing for a full day of events when the kickoff continues into the weekend.
Saturday, June 8
The Ardent 10th Anniversary Block Party
They’re taking over Leigh Street for the tenth anniversary of this big block party featuring live music, delicious Ardent beer, food trucks and a number of guest taps. The live music schedule goes as follows: Sidechick (2 p.m.), Gusher (3:20 p.m.), Mackenzie Roark and the Hotpants (4:40 p.m.) Samantha Reed Syndicate (6 p.m.). Friendly dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed. Rain or shine.
Maymont Summer Kickoff featuring Bio Ritmo and Justin Golden and Devil’s Coattails
This summer kickoff on Saturday has even more to choose from with Latin Ballet Fiesta del Sol (1 p.m.), the indie-soul of Shera Shi (2:30 p.m.), the funk and jazz fusion of RVA’s Weekend Plans (4:30 p.m.) and Richmond’s legends of modern salsa, Bio Ritmo performing (6:30 p.m.) and the last show features Justin Golden and the Devil’s Coattails (8:30 p.m.) There will be food trucks and guests may want to bring a small chair, blanket and/or umbrella (no coolers, dogs, or outside beverages). Takes place on the Carriage House Lawn is located at 1700 Hampton St. General admission tickets are $20. Children 3 to 16 are $10. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. For more, visit https://maymont.org/
Multicultural Festival: Imagine at Dogwood Dell Amphitheater
Presented by the city: Food, music, art, dances, crafts and whole lot more “highlighting various ethnic communities,” according to their event page. Free. 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Melt-Banana with Tomato Flower and Baby Baby_Explores at Broadberry
Tokyo, Japan’s noise rock luminaries, Melt-Banana, have amassed a loyal following stateside since splashing onto the scene with a slew of releases in the ’90s, including albums helmed by the late, great Steve Albini, and a particular mastery of the split-single format. The duo are on tour now to preview their 8th album, “3 + 5,” due later this summer. Expect their patented, high-intensity performance that sort of sounds like if a No Wave band and a Powerviolence band walked into a bar on a surrealist Saturday Morning Cartoon, but ultimately just sounds like Melt-Banana; that is, the sum of its parts in lead singer Yauko Onuki’s propulsive caterwaul and guitarist Ichiro Agata effects-driven alchemy. There’s an innate pop element at play, while totally debased. Baltimore’s Tomato Flower and Providence’s babybaby_explores are both younger groups, several decades removed from Melt-Banana’s conception, but dealing in a similar freedom of expression and experimental exuberance. Nice pairing, for a band that’s otherwise incomparable. Doors at 6:30 p.m. show at 7:30 p.m. —Tim Abbondelo
Monday, June 10
Drive-By Truckers present Southern Rock Opera Revisited at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
As part of the rejuvenated Groovin in the Garden series, the Drive-By Truckers return to their second hometown for a special show revisiting one of their most popular and critically acclaimed albums. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $39-$139.
