musicreporterblog

Musings on folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and newgrass


Leave a comment

Wild Ponies ride full circle with hometown album release

Mark your calendar for May 13 because that’s when you can purchase your very own copy of Wild Ponies new album, “Radiant” out on No Evil Records. While I found the whole album to be brilliant, buy it for the single, “Love Is Not A Sin,” alone. Trust me on this one.

Here’s a snippet of a verse: “It doesn’t matter who you love, when two lovers find each other, I’d say it’s sanctioned from above …”

The tune was written long before North Carolina’s H.B.2 and similar legislation was recently enacted, but it addresses the issue head on in the Wild Ponies unique rootsy, rock and oh-so eloquent way.

 

Natives Doug and Telisha Williams came full circle on Saturday night for the album’s release party at The Rives Theatre in downtown Martinsville, Virginia. If you missed them, you can hear them perform at Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival set for May 26-29 in nearby Axton, Virginia. Continue reading


Leave a comment

Can’t wait for Rooster Walk 8? The Rives Theatre to host several acts in April to tide you over

If you haven’t seen a show at the historic Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Virginia, you’re missing out. This former movie house is celebrating its sixth year as a live music venue and community space dedicated to arts and education. Managed by the nonprofit Arts at the Rives Theatre (ART), the theater, which dates back to 1932, is run solely by volunteers.

Continue reading


Leave a comment

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:

184508_10153226908656674_9082557813925008837_n

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


1 Comment

The Rives Theatre offers two holiday shows you won’t want to miss

If you missed Mountain Heart’s Josh Shilling and Left Hip Pocket perform their Allman Brothers Tribute set at Rooster Walk 7, you won’t want to miss the Day After Christmas Party at The Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Virginia. Continue reading


Leave a comment

Mandolin Orange, Lizzy Ross to perform at The Rives Theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 4

If you were at Red Wings in July 2015 or MerleFest in April 2014, you may have caught the melodic stylings of Mandolin Orange. This North Carolina duo just released its third album, “Such Jubliee,” in three years in May. One of the new songs, “Jump Mountain Blues,” was featured on last week’s episode of ABC’s “Nashville.”

Continue reading


1 Comment

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.

Continue reading


Leave a comment

‘Live at the Rives Theatre Concert Series’ kicks off season with Asheville Country Music Revue, Junto and Kristin Diable on Saturday, Jan. 31

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — The historic Rives Theatre in uptown Martinsville, Va., will kick off its annual “Live at the Rives Theatre Concert Series” season on Saturday, Jan. 31, with Asheville Country Music Revue and Junto, featuring members of Sanctum Sully, as well as Kristin Diable. Continue reading


1 Comment

Southern rockers to permeate southwest Virginia the weekend of Sept. 25-27

If you like Southern rock, or “Southern Fried Rock” as the old K-Tel albums used to refer to it, there are a lot of chances for you to get your groove on to some classics as well as some new tunes this weekend beginning Thursday, Sept. 25, in southwest Virginia. Continue reading