Anthrax in Richmond, VA on 1/28/18

The Killthrax Tour made its stop in Richmond, Va., where fans eagerly waited in the cold rain, lining up around the block to get the best spot in the venue to see Killswitch Engage and one of Metal’s big four legends, Anthrax, who were supported by Denver’s thrash metal band Havok. Havok took the stage first with an intense performance that set the bar for a night filled with intense guitar licks and head banging. Killswitch Engage came to the stage with a wall of flashing light and played a relentless 17-song setlist. They performed new material as well as the classics which had the fans almost overpowering the vocals when they ripped into “My Curse.” Constantly moving around the stage and with the crowd singing along to every word, they delivered an incredible live performance that left the venue buzzing with excited fans that were anxious for Anthrax to take the stage. Anthrax wrapped the night and showed why they are considered legends in the metal genre. While the band is older, the experience and energy they put into their performance was phenomenal. The Killthrax Tour will continue until the beginning of March so be sure to catch them on the remaining stops. Anthrax has also announced that they will be joining Slayer’s farewell tour, which starts May 10 and will undoubtedly be a special tour that fans will want to see.

Tedeschi Trucks Band at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA on 7/17/17

Just outside of our nation’s capital you will find a unique venue that may not be as well-known as some of the bigger pavilions in the country but Vienna, Virginia’s Wolf Trap is an incredible venue to see some of the top musicians of today.  The venue which is a national park, welcomed the Wheels of Soul tour featuring Hot Tuna, The Wood Brothers, and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

A summer rain storm wasn’t enough to damper the packed house of fans anxiously awaiting the sensational guitar playing of Derek Trucks and the phenomenal vocals/guitar of Susan Tedeschi. The blues/rock group has had a rough year with the loss of Derek Trucks uncle and founding member of The Allman Brother Band Butch Trucks in January, Colonel Bruce Hampton who passed away onstage at his 70th birthday concert with members of the Tedeschi Trucks Band onstage, Greg Allman, and the recent health issues of Kofi Burbridge who unfortunately missed the tour after suffering from a heart attack in June. All of these terrible events were still not enough to keep this band down. The Tedeschi Trucks Band delivered an unbelievably breathtaking performance that showcased the raw talent of the 12 piece band. The guitar playing of Derek Trucks is something you will want to see live if you haven’t yet. The emotion and passion of Trucks is clearly evident in his playing and that emotion extends to the audience.

It takes a lot to keep soaked fans in the lawn section entertained but the Tedeschi Trucks Band made it look like child’s play. It is still early in the tour so if you are lucky enough to be close to one of the cities below you will want to make it to this show.

Dead & Company at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA on 6/22/17

The experience of a Dead & Company concert doesn’t start within the venue when the band takes the stage but instead starts as soon as you pull into the parking lot. The band’s faithful followers pack into the parking lot first thing and you see an array of tie dyed shirts as people fly their Grateful Dead Flags and sell their variety of handmade goods and garments.

Once you get in the venue the fans line up to get the exclusive posters, pins, and shirts which have been a staple of their fandom for quite some time. The band took the stage for their first of two sets early in the night with a start time shortly after 7pm. Dead & Company’s bassist Oteil Burbridge made it back to the tour after an off night and receiving the news that his brother Kofi Burbridge of Tedeschi Trucks Band had just suffered from a heart attack. Kofi underwent surgery and is currently in recovery. The show is an incredible and unique experience that everyone should get to see at least once. Another beautiful thing about Dead & Company’s show is you will see people from every walk of life and Dead & Company has brought in a whole new younger generation which combines with the Grateful Dead’s longtime fans.

Bob Weir, John Mayer, and the rest of Dead & Company are delivering important music at a time where positive music and good vibes are needed more than ever.

Chance the Rapper at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA on 6/4/17

Chance the Rapper’s Be Encouraged Tour came to Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA on Sunday. The recent Grammy winner came speeding onto the stage via a mini bike and broke into his high energy performance while 16,000 plus fans cheered and huge pyrotechnics shot to the ceiling. The performance was something that you are not going to want to miss.

Chance kicked off the show with Blessings, and near the middle of his set performed a trio of Kanye West tracks. Kanye West’s “Waves,” “Father Stretch My Hands,” and “Ultralight Beam” were performed, and fireworks, confetti cannons, and LED visuals were all on display early and often. You can catch him on tour at the dates and cities below.

Setlist:
Mixtape
Blessings
Angels
Smoke Break
Waves (Kanye West cover)
Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 (Kanye West cover)
Ultralight Beam (Kanye West cover)
Sunday Candy (Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment cover)
D.R.A.M. Sings Special
I’m the One (DJ Khaled cover)
Favorite Song
Cocoa Butter Kisses
All We Got
Summer Friends
All Night
Juke Jam
Same Drugs
Blessings (Reprise)

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Jun 6, 2017 Baltimore, Maryland
Jun 7, 2017 Greensboro, North Carolina
Jun 8, 2017 Manchester, Tennessee
Jun 8, 2017 Charlotte, North Carolina
Jun 11, 2017 Atlanta, Georgia
Jun 13, 2017 Miami, Florida
Jun 14, 2017 Tampa, Florida
Jun 15, 2017 Dover, Delaware
Jul 2, 2017 New Orleans, Louisiana
Jul 21, 2017 Hartford, Connecticut
Aug 3, 2017 Chicago, Illinois
Aug 5, 2017 Chicago, Illinois
Oct 3, 2017 Los Angeles, California
Oct 4, 2017 Los Angeles, California
Oct 6, 2017 Austin, Texas

Matisyahu at The National in Richmond, VA on 3/28/17

Matisyahu’s tour made it’s stop in Richmond, VA this week at the National, and while his look may have change since he broke onto the music scene in 2004, he sure can still deliver a powerful performance.

Matisyahu’s conscious and insightful lyrics provide a narrative that makes the audience feel alive and ready to move. This mixed with the vibrant light show and interactions with the crowd to pick the set list makes for a show you don’t want to miss. His new full-length album is due to be released this coming spring and is said to be announcing some big news on Friday, March 31st”.

On this tour Matisyahu plays a wonderful mix of old and new tracks, as well as a few covers sprinkled in. From “King Without A Crown” and “Aish Tamid” to “No Woman, No Cry,” the show if full of wonderful, powerful joy. Few artists manage to remain as positive in their political dialogue as Matisyahu, which makes seeing him live an engaging, enlightening experience.

Matisyahu has a number of upcoming shows all across the U.S. Find dates and tickets here.