RVA Shows You Must See This Week: March 11 – March 17
FEATURED SHOW
Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15
Single Use presents Supfest
Saturday March 14, 7 PM
Strawberry Moon, Sara Schaefer & Fan Friction, Receiver, Heavy Friends, Girlspit, Alex Jonestown Massacre
Sunday, March 15, 6 PM
Destructo Disk, Pleco, Terror Cell, Three Brained Robot, BEEFCAKE, Rikki Rakki
@ The Camel – $15 per day, $25 2-day pass (order tickets HERE)
Sup babe? You heard about this festival taking place over two nights at The Camel this weekend? Me too — lotta really good Richmond bands playing that shit, right? We should definitely go — but before we do, let’s clarify the true mission of this two-day festival. It being called SUPfest is a reference to Single Use Podcast, a show that airs at 3 PM every other Tuesday on WRIR, on which activists and artists are interviewed. It’s essential listening for those who wish to be tapped into the Richmond musical underground, and the many below-the-surface efforts being undertaken in this town in order to make this a better place to live. There are a lot of issues to tackle, and the Single Use Podcast folks are using this weekend festival to tackle at least one of them — this 12-artist, two-day extravaganza will serve as a benefit for Richmond Community Bail Fund, which works to post bail for those who can’t afford it themselves, and don’t deserve to be locked up in jail for weeks or months before they’ve ever been convicted of a crime. Especially with the political situation in this country right now, none of us can be sure we won’t be put into the same position at some point before all is said and done, so this is always a good organization to offer help to when we ourselves are having good times.
The best part of this weekend is just how much amazing entertainment you get by donating to the RCBF in the form of your admission dollar. Each night features six amazing artists, and each is headlined by one of the best bands in town right now. For example, night one is headlined by Strawberry Moon, a raging power-pop/alt-rock quintet with some incredibly catchy songs, who just keep getting better and better as they go on. Case in point: 2025’s amazing Smoon EP, on which they blast through a clutch of effervescent tunes with tons of melody and a crunchy foundation, making it all hit like the most delicious candy bar you’ve ever tasted. Other excellent artists performing on Saturday night include local energetic post-hardcore combo Receiver, whose new EP is one of the best releases out of the city so far this year; Sara Schaefer and Fan Friction, a team of local improv/sketch comedy folks with strong bona fides in hilarity; Girlspit, a synth-punk trio with the radical feminist agenda of making you shake your booty; and Alex Jonestown Massacre, a catchy political punk powerhouse of fun riffs and killer tunes. AJM is actually playing their last show ever on night one, which should be even more reason to attend.
The fun continues on Sunday night, as rip-roaring alt-punk trio Destructo Disk — one of the most important RVA artists of the post-pandemic era, in my humble opinion — headline the night and bring the festivities to a close. Destructo Disk are a ton of fun to listen to, and that definitely comes through in their energetic live performances. Loud riffs, catchy tunes, and plenty of dancing — this is really what punk rock’s all about. That and taking a confrontational, iconoclastic attitude toward the institutions of our modern world; and no matter how much fun Destructo Disk are to listen to, they definitely do plenty of that. This bill will feature several other incredibly compelling acts as well, from the head-crushing metallic hardcore power of Terror Cell and the noise panic of Three-Brained Robot to the heartfelt indie twang of Rikki Rakki and the catchy alt-rock rumble of BEEFCAKE. Really, this whole weekend’s gonna be a blast of amazing sounds for a wonderful cause. Can’t imagine why you’d want to do anything else with your time.
Wednesday, March 11, 8 PM
Funk & Soul Party, feat. Therochelle & Sign ‘O’ The Times @ Reveler Experiences – $8 (order tickets HERE)
The slower nights early in the week can be a bit of a challenge at times. Fortunately, those nights also tend to catch the sorts of events that can be put on every week, and rely on an audience of curious music lovers who are looking for a fun way to stay occupied on a Wednesday night. Reveler Experiences’ weekly Fun & Soul Party perfectly fits the bill, combining a fun listening experience with an opportunity to jam out with seasoned funk and soul veterans. The whole thing is headed up by singer Therochelle Moore and her backing band, Sign ‘O’ The Times. If you know they’re named after a classic Prince double album, then you’ve come to the right place. Get ready for a night of booty-shaking hip-swaying fun.
The evening starts off with Therochelle and her band delivering a set of funk & soul classics that any fans of the genre are sure to know and love. But things get really interesting after that, when the musicians who’ve brought their instruments or their voices are split up into different ensembles that are each charged with recreating a classic tune by such legendary artists as James Brown, Prince, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. Tunes are pulled at random, and players of all different skill levels are teamed up in fun new configurations (even if they’ve already been in a dozen times before — because what fun would it be to have the same pickup bands over and over?). Instruments available include drums, bass and amp, guitar amps to plug into, piano, Hammond organ, and more. So whether you’re a player looking to challenge yourself with some classic tunes and talented new jam partners, or just a funk/soul broth– er, fan who wants to check out the deep grooves on display, this is the spot for you! Musicians get in free, so if you can play, save some cash by coming ready to throw down. You won’t regret it.
Thursday, March 12, 6 PM
The Spits, Snooper, The Barbed Wires @ The Canal Club – $23 in advance, $26 day of show (order tickets HERE)
Nothing wrong with keeping it simple. The Spits have been around for over 30 years now, and they’ve never really modified the formula that got them started: fast, grotty three-chord punk rock mayhem with a driving pulse and a blunt chanted vocal approach. It’s so straightforward it might appear to be a little stupid on the surface, but from the Ramones to the Chats, bands who’ve been able to carve out successful careers playing super-simple punk rock have all been really smart. You’d have to be, in order to crank out six full-lengths and counting of hard-driving, toe-tapping uptempo punk without ever getting too repetitive, too experimental, or too boring. The Spits take the unsung genius of the early Ramones at their most monomaniacal and feed it through the grotty-noise filter of artists like Teengenerate and The Reatards to come up with slab after slab of catchy punk that never gets old and always stays fun to listen and dance to.
So that’s what you’ll be doing this Thursday night when they hit the Canal Club, and you’ll be thanking your lucky stars for every minute you spend doing so, because it’ll be yet another minute you don’t have to spend thinking about the hellscape of our current society. This is the best part about blunt, straightforward old-school punk — it not only allows but encourages you to stop with all that pesky higher-order thinking and just act as a creature of pure instinct for a while. If you look up afterward and realize your calves are sore from pogoing all night, don’t worry — that’s just a sign that you had a great time! Nashville ensemble Snooper will be along for the ride on this one, and the unrelenting pulse of their synth-driven punk is often provided by a drum machine. However, you can’t deny the quality of the urgent, hyper-caffeinated tunes these folks blast out on their latest LP, Worldwide. Don’t sleep on this band; in 30 years they’ll be as cool as The Spits are. Opening things up will be local quartet The Barbed Wires, whose name I have somehow missed before now, despite the fact that this group includes members of Richmond legends like the Pink Razors, Cloak/Dagger, and Strike Anywhere. That said, they’re taking their sound in a new direction, bashing out some garage-rock-ish melodic punk that draws as much from the Flamin’ Grooves as it draws from more predictable influences like 7 Seconds or Hate Your Friends-era Lemonheads. These folks will start this evening off with a bang, and it’ll only get cooler from there. I suggest you show up on time.
Friday, March 13, 7 PM
Nuclear Tomb, Ninth Realm, Black Matter Device, Lichen @ Cobra Cabana – $15
I know this is an oft-debated topic in the world of metal, but where sound quality is concerned, I’m definitely the type of metalhead who prefers it raw and brutal over precise and technical. The recording, the playing, the general approach — if you’re trying to make me happy, keep it all a bit messy. Baltimore denizens Nuclear Tomb are definitely on my side of this question, as can be heard on their latest LP, Terror Labyrinthian. The songs are technical and complex — subtly, almost deceptively so — but they always keep the sound quality real, just like you’re standing in their practice space listening to them rehearse the album. This definitely speaks well for what we’ll get when these guys take the stage at Cobra Cabana; we really will be right there in the room with them, listening to them rage it out. It’ll hit every bit as hard as the album — maybe even harder, since not only can you not turn it down, there’s likely to be a mosh pit somewhere within very close range. After all, when this band dishes out its Voivod-meets-Morbid-Angel roaring madness, how can you possibly stand still? I know I won’t be able to.
Fellow Marylanders Ninth Realm will accompany Nuclear Tomb on their jaunt south of the Potomac, and they’re definitely coming from a similar metal mentality. While their music isn’t quite as rawly delivered as that of Nuclear Tomb, it definitely hits just as hard, bringing in the sort of dark, heavy thrash influence that’s sure to please fans of Power Trip and Gatecreeper. They delve into some of the high-fantasy swords n’ spells subject matter that’s long been associated with metal, but there aren’t any moments of power-metal silliness to dampen the powerful brutality of what Ninth Realm bring to the table. Where bands into alternate universes are concerned, these guys are closer to Bolt Thrower than Helloween any day of the week. Richmond’s own Black Matter Device will offer some heavy, chaotic support, bringing their brand of technical yet harsh-as-hell noise into the mix to throw everyone off to one side just a bit. The evening will begin with a set from Norfolk black metallers Lichen, whose harsh roars and high-speed blasting riffage mixes the raw brutality of the headliners with the chaotic nature of the locals to enrapture you in a whirlwind of metal force and power. This one will rule from beginning to end.
Saturday, March 14, 3 PM
Joshua Jenkins Quartet @ Reveler Experiences – $15 (order tickets HERE)
Back at Reveler once again — this time early in the afternoon, right after Saturday brunch lets out, for yet another excellent gig from the folks over at Secret Planet, who bring new sounds from all over the world to the stage right here in Richmond. This time around, they’re bringing us pianist Joshua Jenkins and his quartet, who play jazz with a Caribbean twist. Having come up in the classic traditions of American jazz, Joshua Jenkins grounds his music in the complex, swinging arrangements of hard bop, but then pulls in various African and Latin traditions, most prominently those drawn from the Caribbean. The most obvious way this comes out is in the lineup of his quartet; in addition to piano, bass, and drums, the quartet features a steel drum, the legendary sound of Caribbean folk music forms from Trinidad and Tobago. These pans were originally formed from 55-gallon oil drums, and players use two sticks in each hand in order to play as many notes as possible.
Jenkins, an active member of DC’s jazz scene and a Strathmore Artist In Residence in 2022-23, mixes his own jazz background with the music of places like Brazil, West Africa, and the French Caribbean, and during his performance at Reveler, he’s likely to move quickly from American jazz standards to Congolese soukous and Caribbean tunes. The combination of the variety of different sounds is almost certainly unlike anything you’ve ever heard before, and demonstrates the true musical range of an instrument — the steel drum — that a lot of people probably only associate with Paul Simon or Jimmy Buffett. Whether you’re a jazz head, an aficionado of international musical forms, or just someone who likes to hear new sounds, you’ll definitely get a lot out of stopping into Reveler on Saturday afternoon and checking out what’s going down. Make it happen.
Sunday, March 15, 7 PM
Gaza Benefit Show, feat. Nasma, Zuri, TV Battle Stations, Los San Patricios @ Bandito’s – $15 (order tickets HERE)
SUPfest is great, but it’s definitely not the only benefit taking place around town this Sunday night, so if you feel like maybe channeling your gig-going dollars in a bit of a different direction — or if you just feel like a musical change of pace — head on over to Bandito’s, where several artists are getting together for a benefit to help folks struggling to stay alive in Gaza. Specifically, the funds generated at this show will go to Distribute Aid, which is a humanitarian organization that distributes medicine, food, hygiene supplies and more to the affected areas of Palestine, including both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. (They also have an HRT Harm Reduction campaign helping out transgender people in need of injection supplies, so you know they’re a cool organization. Just sayin.) Distribute Aid has offered to match up to $3500 raised at this show, so everyone come out, buy zines, art, and merch from the folks tabling at the event (who will also be kicking in funds to the cause), and enjoy some killer tunes in pursuit of a better world.
The lineup of music on offer this Sunday night at Bandito’s features a variety of different styles, sounds, and genres, and it’s topped off by Palestinian hip hop artist, poet, and activist Nasma, whose moody, spooky rap tracks carry foreboding musical overtones and a truly intimidating flow. Nasma’s only got about half a dozen songs out so far, but based on the strong vibes coming from those tunes, we can expect things to just get better from here. Richmond rapper Zuri brings thick boom-bap beats with deep soul grooves laid overtop. Then she lays down a strong vocal presence that switches back and forth from sharp-tongued rapping to smoothly sung R&B choruses. It all adds up to an amazing sound that feels way bigger than just local hip hop. But hey, give her time. TV Battle Stations are a relatively new local group, having just released their debut LP, Precious, last month. However, they’re making a strong impression on the local scene, which makes sense given the members’ backgrounds with groups like Bucko and Catie Lausten’s backing band. But those allegiances don’t tell the whole story, as what this really comes down to is a twangy twist on grungy slowcore that should connect for folks who appreciate everything from Codiene to Hotspit to the Red House Painters. The bill is rounded out by Los San Patricios, and while I admit I know nothing about this group, I don’t ultimately think it matters. The other three artists on this bill are so strong, these folks could do pretty much anything they want — or nothing at all — and this show would still be outstanding. Give it a shot.
Monday, March 16, 7 PM
Doppler Radar & The Local News, Gleex, Gusher, Strawberry Moon @ Cobra Cabana – $10
Regardless of what your band sounds like, you’re always going to get a bit of extra attention if you name yourselves Doppler Radar & The Local News (DRLN for short), and that’s certainly what led me to check this band out when I first heard they were coming here. The fact that this Indianapolis quintet’s name emerged from an extended session in which people got high on psychedelic drugs really fits with the sound this band churns out — punk-inclined, it nonetheless features a variety of more unusual strains of rock music running through its DNA, which gives it the off-kilter yet riveting feel of past psychedelic hardcore weirdos like NASA Space Universe, or Meth and Goats. DRLN always keep the energy levels high, and are sure to present a riveting onstage performance at Cobra Cabana — more than enough to shake you out of the Monday doldrums.
DRLN are going to be a great headliner for this one, but they’re by no means the only reason to attend. Just as important is the fact that Richmond bands Gleex and Gusher are both on the lineup — and they’re there for a reason, which is to celebrate the release of their brand new split cassette! I’m not entirely sure what we’ll be getting from this one; I’m quite familiar with Gusher’s tense, anxious brand of postpunk, but this will be their first release since expanding to a quintet. As for Gleex, they’re quite a bit newer, and everything I’ve heard by them has been pretty raw in quality (though I wouldn’t be surprised if that were intentional). It’s clear that Gleex are in musical alignment with Gusher, in that both integrate synth sounds into a scrappy DIY spirit, so I expect them to combine their powers to create a great tape and an absolutely amazing show! Rounding out the bill, it’s none other than Strawberry Moon, living their best life in their garage-rock/power-pop peak era. There’s a reason these folks are a phenomenon here in Richmond — and if you don’t know what it is, you better show up to this one on time! You gotta hear this band. Really, every single one of these bands. Hop to it.
Tuesday, March 17, 7 PM
St. Patrick’s Day Smackdown, feat. Lacking, Green Forest, Green Tips, Gouge @ The Camel – $10 (order tickets HERE)
Ah, St. Patrick’s Day. The original “Blah blah blah, drink” holiday offers very little to me as the teetotalling great-granddaughter of Italian immigrants, but I do respect that it’s a big-time party holiday for a lot of people. With it taking place early in the week this year, a lot of places are going to be holding their celebrations prematurely over the weekend, but The Camel is keeping it real and keeping it properly festive by bringing you a heavy metal party full of loud, fast good times. And it’s so on-brand for the holiday, two of the four bands have the color green in their very names! Of the two green-named bands, I’m more familiar with Green Tips, who are a fixture on the local heavy music scene. These local boys will bring plenty of tough, angry riffs with a political consciousness and a street-punk swagger that should appeal equally to hardcore kids, punk rockers, and metalheads who like to mosh. Whether you’re down front in the pit during their set or hoisting a few green-dyed pints at the bar, this band will provide the perfect soundtrack.
Green Forest is from central Virginia, and have played Richmond before, but this is my first time encountering them. Having only heard one song by them thus far, I appreciate their sardonic sense of humor and vaguely melodic yet harsh and raspy take on hardcore punk. I look forward to hearing more from these folks, at this show and beyond. Lacking, another familiar name in the local grind/hardcore/metal scene, bring punishing powerviolence rage to the stage with their performance on this bill. Having that classic grindcore power trio lineup (vocalist/guitarist/drummer, no bass) gives them a no-frills, all-rage sound that is certainly emphasized in the live environment. Expect to get run over by this band, in the most glorious manner possible. Last but not least, Gouge will play one of their first shows ever; this Richmond-based screamo quartet are sure to bring a ton of youthful excitement to the stage as they kick off the night with a bang. Drink if you want to, don’t if you don’t — but make sure you pay close attention to these bands regardless.
Email me if you’ve got any tips for me about upcoming shows (that take place after the week this column covers -– this week’s column has obviously already been written): rvamustseeshows@gmail.com
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