Upcoming Local Shows That You Should Check Out

These are some shows that I plan on attending and reviewing and you should come out too so you can tell me what you think!

Wednesday, November 30-  Lewis McGehee  @  H2O (VA Beach)

Friday, December 2-  FM99 Christmas Wish Concert  @ The Jewish Mother (Hilltop)

Saturday, December 3- AltDaily presents:  The Fighting Jamesons @ The Jewish Mother (Norfolk)

Local Shows!

Okay guys, first off sorry I haven't been on in a while (I got real busy).  Second of all, I'm going to post some local shows that you should try to attend!  If you know about some that I don't have listed below, let me know and leave me a comment!

I Need Band Suggestions!

Hey everybody.  While I do my best to make sure I am knowledgeable and up-to-date on our local music scene, it is impossible to make sure I know every song by every band.  Suggestions are very helpful!  If there is a local band that you would like me to review (whether you are in the band or not) be sure to comment on this post or send me an email (link on my profile page) and include the band name, a favorite song, and style of music.  I can't do this alone guys!  All the best, Marc.

Band Showcase: Bison

I first heard this band on 96X and instantly became a fan.  They have a great folk rock sound and are finely tuned technical artists.  I immediately went home and looked them up after hearing them.  I have not seen them perform live but I definitely plan to and will review the show for you all.  They are playing at the Jewish Mother Backstage in Norfolk behind the NorVa on Friday, October 14 and I highly suggest that you come!

My favorite song by far by them is Switzerland.  It is the first song that I heard by them and still the best in my opinion.  It has a great folk rhythm and the songs conveys a great feeling to you.  Truly great work.  I will be following up more on Bison in the coming weeks, and I will be starting by giving you their show review next Friday.  You can find a link to their Facebook page here and you can listen to their music there as well!

Be sure to comment below and tell me what you think of Bison!

A New Look for the NorVa

I found an article a couple of days ago on AltDaily's music blog (it's great, go read it) that really peaked my interest.  One of my favorite venues is the NorVa and any time big news like this gets dropped, I make an effort to share it with people.  According to AltDaily, the NorVa is looking to switch up its look a little.  The NorVa is holding an audition of sorts for local visual street artists to paint murals on the walls (interior and exterior) of the NorVa.  Needless to say, this is a HUGE opportunity for local street artists.  Below is an excerpt from AltDaily's interview with Rick Mersel, who is the co-owner of the NorVa (which can be found here).

Band Showcase: The Aragona Project

I first heard this band this past weekend at the Neptune Festival.  My first impression of the band was that they were a decent band that probably played pop/punk and were either still in high school or recently graduated with a younger fan base.  Once you hear them you'll know right away, I seriously underestimated them.  They have a quality sound and a sophisticated style.  I was impressed not only by the style of music but by the flawlessness at which it was executed.  I definitely recommend you give this band some time.

Their songs 'White' and 'Oh Karma' are, in my opinion, the Aragona Project's strongest songs.  They are great leading samples of what they should base their album on.  They are a serious band that likes to have fun and I think that really shows through their music.  They have quickly become one of my new favorite local bands.


Check out their Facebook page here:  The Aragona Project


Make sure to comment below and tell me what you think of the Aragona Project!

Neptune Fest: Music Review

Saturday I attended the Neptune Festival, that I previously discussed, and was overall impressed.  Some of my favorite acts were Rich Whiskey Audition, the Joe Gosman Band, and The Aragona Project.

Rich Whiskey Audition

Neptune Fest

With the Neptune Festival down at the beach this upcoming weekend, I figured I should post the stage schedule of all the local music that will be performing.  I mean, what kind of local music blog would this be if I didn't let y'all know about this great opportunity to support some local music?  Here is the line-up.

Show Review: Jason Mraz @ Ntelos Wireless

While the focus of this blog is the music scene in the 757, I am going to review the Jason Mraz show that was at the Ntelos Wireless Pavilion in Portsmouth  on Sunday, September 25.  Jason Mraz is from Mechanicsville, Virginia and while that is not in the 757 area code, I think it is important to occasionally include bands and artists from the Richmond area since that is our "sister music scene."  This is why I'm considering Jason Mraz a local artist from the Richmond area.

Show Review: Jesse Chong @ H2O

A picture I took of Jesse Chong playing at H2O in Virginia Beach on September 24, 2011.

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Jesse Chong at H2O in Virginia Beach.  Like usual, he didn't disappoint.  I arrived there at around 9:15 and he was scheduled to go on at 10, and I think I arrived just in time.  My friends and I got one of the last tables in the place.  Needless to say, Jesse draws in a crowd.  From the moment he hit the stage the atmosphere changed to a calming yet exhilarating mood.  There were people sitting down on the sofas just relaxing and there were people right at the foot of the stage dancing the night away and Jesse knew how to appeal to everybody in the place.

Artist Spotlight: Jesse Chong

Jesse Chong is one of my absolute favorite local artists, by far.  The passion this guy has for music is insane.  He is a very down to earth guy with a great local following.  He has four original albums and each one is better than the last.  Not only is his original music great, this guy does the best cover of the Beatles' 'Come Together' that I have ever heard, including Joe Cocker...sorry Joe.  Every time I see Jesse perform I am blown away by how intimate and fun his shows are.  You feel as if he lets you into his private practice space at every performance.  The influence he has over the crowd is that of the most seasoned performers whether he is in a small hole-in-the-wall bar/club or on the boardwalk VA Beach.

Holly Would... opening for Bayside @ The NorVa

Here is a video of Holly Would... opening for Bayside at the NorVa in Norfolk.  This video is from their youtube channel and on their facebook page.  Video is loud in parts (and I think does not do them justice).  In my opinion they do better in smaller, more intimate venues.  Nonetheless, opening at the NorVa is pretty cool too!

First Band Showcase: Holly Would...

For my first band showcase I chose a band that I have followed for the past couple of years.  The band Holly Would... is a pop/punk band that is fun to listen to and a blast to see live.  For the past few years these guys have been gaining tremendous local popularity and now that they have a national tour under their belt, I expect that they will continue to rise in the music industry.

First Post: A little more info

So I figure my first post should give a little more info about my blog.  My main goal is to 1. give local artists a little spotlight and a place to showcase their talents and 2. inform the 757 about their music scene!  I will be reviewing artists, albums (or EPs, ya know, whatever), and shows. 

If you are a local artist and would like me to review your music please leave me a comment on here and tell me about yourself/ your band.  Also include any local shows that you may be doing!