April’s RVA music shows

Winter is FINALLY over and Richmond is getting outdoors with a bunch of great live music.

April 17, 2014; 7:12 AM • by Andrew Cothern

Winter is FINALLY over and Richmond is getting outdoors with a bunch of great live music shows. While Weezer played the National on April 3rd, and the Temptations will visit Hopewell’s brand new Beacon Theatre on April 12th, both shows sold out. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of other great shows around RVA this month.

The following are just a few of the shows coming through town this month, so make sure to take a look at the RVANews calendar or RVA Playlist for other shows to check out.

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The Cheats Movement Presents: Underground at the Camel

The Camel • April 3rd

Marc “Cheats” Cheatham, creator of The Cheats Movement, has put together a very special night of hip hop and R&B music called “Underground at the Camel.” Cheats is known for bringing a positive light on the arts, culture, and community of Richmond. The night’s festivities will include live performances by Lela Bizz, Erikka J, Rodney The Soul Singer, Love Logic Band and Dewon with DJ Prolific playing throughout the night.

The Great Busk Competition

401 W. Broad Street • April 4th-5th

“Busking” refers to the art of street performing. You’ve seen musicians busking in Carytown and along the First Fridays Artwalk. Now, 20 buskers will take to the parking lot of VA Center for Latin American Arts to compete for the coveted Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Great Busk Award. Local artists Miramar, Lobo Marino, the Richmanian Ramblers, and Professor Bless and the Dancing Madwoman will headline the event.

Buckcherry

The National • April 8th

Known mainly for their hits “Lit Up” and “Check Your Head” from its 1999 debut album, hard rockers Buckcherry have steadily released fun rock albums through the years and put on one hell of a fun show. The group’s sixth album, Confessions, was released in 2013, so the band has plenty of new material to share plus some old favorites.

Wiz Khalifa

Siegel Center • April 10th

The man behind “Black and Yellow” will make an appearance at Richmond’s home to “Black and Gold.” The show is put on by VCU’s Activities Programming Board, but it’s open to everyone. Wiz plans to release his newest album, “Blacc Hollywood,” later this year, featuring songs with Miley Cyrus, Adele, and Juicy J. Those three will not be appearing at the Siegel Center, but there may be some other surprises.

Pissed Jeans

Strange Matter • April 11th

Pissed Jeans have everything you want and expect from a noise/hardcore punk band. They’re loud, they’re crazy, and they’re fun to listen to. Thanks to its 2013 album, Honeys, Pissed Jeans was named one of the must-see artists at SXSW, and now nobody can shut up about them. See them at Strange Matter before they get huge.

Amos Lee

Carpenter Theatre • April 15th

American singer-songwriter Amos Lee encompasses all the melodrama of folk and all the energy of rock and roll. He’s been compared to Bob Dylan, John Prine, and the Avett Brothers, and his new release, Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song has all the makings of a great folk blues album.

The Broadberry grand opening, Round One

The Broadberry • April 17th

Richmond newest and most mid-sized venue opens its doors for the first time and features some of RVA’s best and brightest: No BS!, Black Girls, and Goldrush. Tickets are just $10 and doors open at 8:00 PM.

Local H

Canal Club • April 18th

You’ll likely remember the late nineties hit “Bound for the Floor,” which was a staple of the post-grunge era of rock. It’s widely considered to be the band’s most popular single, and it still receives radio circulation to this day. They also have a ton of other hits from their 20+ year history, all of which are guaranteed to bring the place down.

The Broadberry grand opening, Round Two

The Broadberry • April 19th

The grand opening continues with a second round of bands to blow your mind and welcome The Broadberry to the neighborhood. Round Two features Former Champions, The Polychrons, and Silo Effect. Just like Roune One, ticket are just $10 and doors open at 8:00 PM.

XL102 Chili Cook Off

Richmond International Raceway • April 19th

Spend a day in the sun and sample some of the area’s best chili recipes as you listen to some of the biggest names in rock. XL102 brings The Orwells, Kongos, The Hold Steady, A Day to Remember, Panic at the Disco, and Seether to the stage to rock everyone’s faces off. And if a whole day isn’t enough rock, the Chili Cook Off After Party will take place later that evening at the Canal Club with Morning Parade, Semi Precious Weapons, and Skaters.

Indigo Girls

The National • April 23rd

Grammy-winning folk-rock duo the Indigo Girls have gained a rabid fan base during their more than two-decade history thanks to hit songs like “Closer to Fine” and “Shame on You.”¹ Both had constant radio airplay on adult-alternative and top-40 radio stations. The two singers placed themselves in the upper echelon of women’s rock with their involvement in women’s and gay causes as well as the late-90s Lilith Fair festival.

Photo by: Anthony Gattine

April 17, 2014 7:12 AM 0