Monday, August 4
Try Richmond, just try to find some live music tonight. Best to go to Karaoke at Cary Street Café. Maybe I suggest that you and your significant other do that Meatloaf duet song?
Tuesday, August 5
Mike Gordon at Toad's Place
When the Grateful Dead passed into that Great Reefer Cloud in the sky, Phish moved in to fill their sandals. Caravans followed, and hope for extended jamming was renewed. Now Gordon, Phish's bass player, has a folky-phreaky new solo record. With The Bridge opening. Tickets $20 general admission. 8 p.m.
Oceano at Alley Katz
Oceano are some heavy dudes. They added an 'o' to the ocean. But they still found room in their hearts to write a song called "Empathy for Leviathan." That's funny because their vocals sometimes sound like the gassy end of a great white whale, and all the while Ahab keeps time with his wooden leg on the poopdeck. Like I said, heavy. With Once We Were Buried, The Yellow Sign and others. Tickets are $8. Showtime at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6
Dark Star Orchestra at Innsbrook
It's obvious by now that the Grateful Dead is really not dead. They are more like the undead. DSA has done more than most to awaken the zombie, which feeds on the blood of devoted hippies everywhere. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 7
Wheat Kings at The Pour House
The Wheat Kings are a Tragically Hip tribute band. Everyone has one nowadays. But with lyrics like these "all you hear are the rusty breezes pushing around the weather vane Jesus" they've earned theirs. With At the Stars, who might be a Galileo Galilei tribute band. 9:30 p.m.
Friday, August 8
The Whigs at the Canal Club
The Whigs are from Athens, Georgia, which is a good thing because everyone thought emo had over-run the entire town. In the punk rock scriptures, they harken back more to the Old Testament, than the New one. Hope Like Fire, Jubeus and Richmond collective Mermaid Skeletons open the show. Tickets are $10 in advance, $13 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Larry Keel at Capital Ale House
Keel can play a guitar like few people in bluegrass, or in any lawn oriented musical style for that matter. Come see for yourself, and drink really good beer at the same time. $10 in advance; $12 at the door. 10 p.m.
Saturday, August 9
Ernie Halter at Canal Club
Heartthrob Halter will be slaying the ladies with his soulful singing and piano playing. Touring with his buddy Josh Hoge. Tickets $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 10:30 p.m.
Last Train Home at Ashland Coffee and Tea
One of the only scandal-free things to come from Washington, DC; they don't play politics, they aren't partisan and they deliver for their fans. Roots music played the right way - from honk to punky-tonk (copyright pending). Tickets $16 in advance, $21 at the door. 8 p.m.
Sunday, August 10
Wayne Potter and Big Boss Combo at Legend Brewing Co.
Yet another installment of Sunday Night debauch at Richmond's favorite brewery. It's bluegrass, pure and simple. 6:30 p.m. Free.