Live Music in March: Catfish and the Bottlemen, The War on Drugs, and more

There’s a lot of great music to check out this month including the Lumineers’ Stelth Ulvang, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Mozart, The War on Drugs, SWANS, and more.

March 26, 2015; 4:06 PM • by Andrew Cothern

March is here. That means (hopefully) no more cold weather and lots more getting outside and drinking like a fish (I mean, responsibly) on St. Patrick’s Day. And there is a TON of great music coming to RVA this month. While our top picks are below, make sure to check out the RVANews events calendar or RVA Playlist to see all the great music going on in town.

SWANS

The Broadberry • March 26th, 8:00 PM

Why You Should Go: People lost their minds when this show was announced. It was the equivalent of grocery shopping before a snowstorm in the music world. And with good reason why–God, just listen to  The Seer. Phenomenal album. This experimental rock band is back on tour and blowing everyone’s minds –and eardrums. (Sold Out? Aw, dammit!)

United Blood Festival

The Canal Club • March 27th – 28th, 3:00 PM (Friday) / 12:00 PM (Saturday)

Why you should go: If you’re in the mood to get loud and chaotic with some of the hardest names in metal and hardcore music, the two-day United Blood Festival is where it’s at. Playing the event are (deep breath): Barge, Blistered, Bracewar, Broken Teeth, Break Away, Breakdown, Code Orange, Cold World, Criminal Instinct, Crown of Thornz, Down To Nothing, Forced Order, Freedom, GIVE, God’s Hate, Hard Stripes, Harm’s Way, Heavy Chains, Judge, Malice at the Palace, Malfunction, Mizery, Rotting Out, Snail’s Pace, Stick Together, and Terror. ($70 for a two-day pass)

The War on Drugs

The National • March 29th, 8:00 PM

Why you should go: These guys had the most loved album of 2014 by many, MANY music outlets (It just missed mine, but it’s still a good album). I don’t understand how this show has not sold out yet! With Hop Along scheduled to open, It’s going to be an amazing night. ($23.50 in advance)

Miles Tackett

Capital Ale House • March 30th, 8:00 PM

Why you should go: Miles Tackett is known best for the Breakestra, a funky soul-jazz project he founded in 1998. Tackett has been at the center of the underground funk scene in LA and around the world. Expect to dance at this show. ($2 – yes, $2! It’s part of the venue’s new $2 Burgers, $2 Bands series.)

— ∮∮∮ —

Previously

Mozart Festival

All over Carytown • March 1st, 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Classical Revolution RVA will celebrate the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by performing his music all over Carytown in various restaurants and shops. Activities include string quartets, arias, informal talks, a full orchestra, and opera singers appearing at Plan 9, Babe’s of Carytown, Sweet Frog, Can Can, 10 Italian Café, and more. The night ends with a “Rock Me Amadeus” after-party at Balliceaux (which is NOT in Carytown) with Goldrush. (Free!)

Stelth Ulvang (of the Lumineers)

Balliceaux • March 4th, 9:30 PM

Why you should go: Stelth Ulvang, the piano player from The Lumineers is on a solo tour with his four-piece solo project in support of his new full-length album And As Always; The Infinite Cosmos. Even one Lumineer is an incredible experience. ($5 at the door)

Catfish and the Bottlemen

The Camel • March 12th, 8:30 PM

Why you should go: This group has possibly one of the best albums of 2015. “Kathleen” from the group’s album The Balcony has been playing constantly on the radio, and the band is getting serious attention on the late night show circuit. This is an act you can’t afford to miss. Catfish and the Bottlemen are also performing an invite-only acoustic session at Capital Ale House earlier that day thanks to the good folks at XL102. Find out how to get tickets here. ($10 – $12, available in advance)

Brian Cruse presents B-Snaptet Album Release Party

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery • March 11th, 5:30 PM

Why you should go: Jazz musician Brian Cruse, a member of too many jazz bands to count, is releasing a new album with his group the B-Snap Quartet–Justin Smith is on guitar, C.J. Wolfe plays drums, and the saxophonist is Brendan Schnabel. The album, fittingly titled Brian Cruse Presents: B-Snaptet is full of deep grooves and soulful moves. (Free!)

Ben Sollee w/ Becca Stevens

The Tin Pan • March 16th, 8:00 PM

Why you should go: RVA’s newest music venue is finally here and hosting great live music in the West End. One of their biggest shows this month is Kentucky cello player Ben Sollee, a member of the Sparrow Quartet along with Abigail Washburn and Béla Fleck. He’ll be bringing special guest Becca Stevens with him. ($20 available in advance and with optional dinner reservation or $25 at the door)

The Fighting Jamesons

The National • March 17th, 8:00 PM

Why you should go: It’s St. Patrick’s Day, so why not catch real, traditional Celtic music with an aggressive and energetic edge? The Fighting Jamesons’ repertoire of songs is full of drunken good times ready-made for high-energy dancing. Just try not to spill beer on other people or get in a bar fight. ($12.50, available online)

March 26, 2015 4:06 PM 0