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!