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Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass


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Appalachian music prodigy Emi Sunshine coming to The Rives Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 6

If you haven’t heard of Emi Sunshine, you might be living in a cave. You certainly aren’t watching the Today show, the Grand Ole Opry or YouTube, because this girl is on fire.

If you live within the sound of my voice, you can catch the sensation that is this Appalachian prodigy at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at The Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Virginia.

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Tickets still available for Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots, Left Hip Pocket at Pop’s Farm on Friday, July 15

Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots will perform with Left Hip Pocket on Friday, July 15, at Pop’s Farm (home of Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival), 675 Hobson Road, Martinsville, Virginia, at an outdoor show presented by Memorial Hospital and The Rives Theatre. Tickets are $15 ($20 at gate) and are available at Woodall’s Music and Sound, Daily Grind Coffee House & Cafe – Martinsville and online. Music starts at 8 p.m.

“This will be one of the most entertaining shows of the year,” writes Bob Phillips on The Rives Theatre Facebook page. “It is an absolutely must see event.”

Serendipity Metro Deli & Coffee House will have a food truck set up at the concern and there will be  Oscar Blues Brewery beer on tap. Camping is not available, however, according to organizers so make sure you plan accordingly.

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Stop Light Observations to make Rives Theatre debut on Thursday, June 23

Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival attendees became instant fans of the Charleston-based rock band Stop Light Observations (SLO) when it performed on the Lake Stage at RW7 before Yonder Mountain String Band.

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Shooter Jennings and Waymore Outlaws bring spirit of Waylon to The Rives Theatre on Thursday, June 9

Shooter Jennings with Waymore’s Outlaws (Waylon Jennings original recording and touring band) and Billy Don Burns are coming to The Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Virgnina, at 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 9.

Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and $40 at the door. Sorry, season passes not accepted. Buy tickets here. Continue reading


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Welcome 2016 with music instead of overhyped NYE party

I ran across this meme the other day compliments of a friend, who shared it on social media:

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Admit it, we’ve all done it. This year, however, will be different. If you choose to go out, you’ll welcome the new year by listening to one of your favorite bands with like-minded fans — instead of attending some overpriced and ultimately disappointing party.

The Avett Brothers were trailblazers 10 years ago with a NYE show at Charlotte’s Neighborhood Theatre. Now, everyone seems to be getting in on the idea.

Following is just a smattering of the NYE concert options happening in the Southeast and beyond. If you know of a show worth noting I failed to mention, please add to the comments. Enjoy and be safe out there! This also ran on The Huffington Post here. Continue reading


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‘Live at the Rives Theatre Concert Series’ kicks off with Love Canon on Saturday, Jan. 30

The historic Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Virginia, will kick off its annual fundraiser “Live at the Rives Theatre Concert Series” 2016 season with Love Canon on Saturday, Jan. 30. Fans of Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival and FloydFest won’t want to miss this show to get a preview of one of the acts that will be featured at FloydFest 16 and hopefully at Rooster Walk 8. Continue reading


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Tickets still available for Donna the Buffalo with Peter Rowan at The Rives Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 21

Donna the Buffalo with Peter Rowan are coming to The Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Virginia, on Saturday, Nov. 21, in what is being billed as possibly the venue’s biggest show since it was re-opened five years ago. Continue reading


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Tickets on sale for first Brewster Walk featuring in Martinsville, Va., set for Oct. 10

Brewster Walk, a craft beer festival featuring live music is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, on East Church Street in front of the historic Rives Theatre in Uptown Martinsville,Virginia.

Brewster Walk will feature Parkway Brewery, among more than a dozen craft breweries, each of which will have multiple beers on tap at the festival, and musical performances from The Chris Duarte Group, Wild Ponies and JuntoContinue reading


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Jarekus Singleton, Devon Allman, Mandolin Orange, Donna the Buffalo and Peter Rowan among acts coming to Rives Theatre

Before heading to the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion on the Virginia/Tennessee border this weekend, Delta blues sensation  Jarekus Singleton is making a stop with his full band in uptown Martinsville, Virginia, to perform in the historic Rives Theatre.

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