
Both show are on Sunday.
Both are at 10 p.m.
Both shows are free.
Both shows feature amazing, phenomenal local bands.
Now choose. Or if you’re able to clone yourself or have access to time travel, do both.


Both show are on Sunday.
Both are at 10 p.m.
Both shows are free.
Both shows feature amazing, phenomenal local bands.
Now choose. Or if you’re able to clone yourself or have access to time travel, do both.

Earlier this year, The Cheats Movement (one of the best blogs in Richmond) presented multiple shows including Just Plain Sounds, Glows in the Dark and Photosynthesizers at his Richmond Comedy Coalition show and a hip hop showcase at the WRIR birthday party with Ohbliv, The New Juice Crew, and YFD.
Now, Cheats is making a contribution to the Live at Ipanema music series, which will feature The Low Branches and Sam Reed of Photosynthesziers and Beast Wellington.
I’m very proud of Cheats and can’t wait to see what else he’s got in store for RVA.
The Live at Ipanema presented by the Cheats Movement takes place on Sunday, April 13 at 10 p.m.

Next up for the Live at Ipanema series is Way, Shape or Form to show off its blend of live and electronic instruments. Way, Shape or Form is the brainchild of Troy Gatrell who I think plays in almost every band in Richmond. The group is working on some unique softer arrangements for the Ipanema show, so expect something awesome.
If you haven’t seen them in Richmond, this will be a good start to 2013. The show takes place on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 10pm. and it’s free.

After taking some time off from blogging to figure out something to motivate me, I ended a relaxing weekend seeing the Itchy Hearts play at Ipanema.
While I admit to not paying full attention to the set like some people were, I was having great conversations with friends about food blogs, your mom jokes, the state of our world’s intellect and various other topics while Andy Cobb’s voice rang throughout the restaurant.
There was a definite energy in Ipanema as everyone there was jamming along to the fun soul folk tunes (myself included. It was hard diverting my attention from the music to the conversations and back again.) But it was definitely a nice end to a fun weekend. Check out some tracks below.
Itchy Hearts – Brothers
Itchy Hearts – S.S.

My birthday is this weekend and I think the stars aligned perfectly in my favor regarding live music coming through Richmond.
Hot on the heels of Ted Leo & the Pharmacists playing at Strange Matter and Finger Eleven rocking the National, there are even more shows going on that I can’t keep up. It’s good to know that all these great bands are performing for my birthday. I really appreciate it.
Tonight, two of my favorite local bands, The Diamond Center and Marionette, are performing at Strange Matter and Balliceaux, respectively. The Diamond Center burst onto the scene not long ago (for me anyway) and captured everyone’s attention with their blend of amazing melodies. I’m always amazed every time I hear them. And Marionette is one of those local bands that are so under appreciated. I can’t say enough good things about how incredible this eclectic group of musicians are.
The Diamond Center – Dos Fridas
Marionette – Orchid
I will fully admit my love for folk group Jonathan Vassar & the Speckled Bird. They are hands down one of the best and hardest working music acts in Richmond today and I can’t wait to see the places this group goes. On Saturday, they’re releasing their first full length record “Signs and Wonders” with a party at the Camel with the Low Branches and Zac Hryciak & the Jungle Beat. They’ll be playing their new album, which I have been eagerly waiting to hear. And as a special offer that night, the $5 admission goes towards the purchase of either the new record, or a screen printed show poster for Speckled Bird’s email list.
I’ve heard the song “Fault Line Blues,” an outtake from the album and I’m in love with it. If THIS was not included, then you know the actual record will be nothing less than amazing.
Jonathan Vassar & the Speckled Bird – Fault Line Blues
Also that evening is the Ghost of Pop Festival. This annual music event is now in its sixth year and a bunch of great local bands get together and play pop songs as well as their own stuff. This year’s crew includes Young Adult Fiction, Orioles, Rocktopussy, The Trillions, Fuzzy Baby, Prabir/Goldrush and David Shultz & the Skyline. This show is always a fun time and it’s always nice to see a different collective of bands each year. Prabir/Goldrush even have a new song to debut at the Festival.
Prabir/Goldrush – It’s Too Late
Finally on Sunday, Kentucky natives Englishman hit the “Live at Ipanema” series with a show that will make you fall in love with their music. Plus, they will have their brand new album available to buy. This band is one of the best acts I’ve seen in a very long time. Spend a nice, quiet Sunday evening with them.
Englishman – Pet Cactus (Live on Daytrotter Session)


Just saying.
Lydia Ooghe and Lux Vacancy – Canary

Next up in the Live at Ipanema series is rock duo The Cinnamon Band, whose music packs such a punch, I would recommend not getting to close as they pound away. They do promise to try to keep their loud antics down.
If you haven’t heard these guys yet, do yourself a favor and head to Ipanema on Sunday. Show starts at 10 p.m.
The Cinnamon Band – Buena Vista


If you haven’t been listening to SEAS lately, you’re missing out on a wonderful new act full of eclectic sounds. Their album Now My Home Is A Beech Tree fills my ears with catchy melodies that relax yet excite me at the same time.
SEAS performed a live set at Ipanema last month and you can listen to it over at RVANews.
Listen to “Valley of the Fears” from Now My Home Is A Beech Tree (buy)

It’s Easter Sunday and if you’re not in church celebrating Jesus rising from the grave or still drunk from the Easter Parade, you should check out the next installment of the “Live at Ipanema” concert series.
This month features Long Arms, the project from ex-River City High member James Menefee along with Pedro Aida, Greg Butler and Alex Smith from Roslyn as well as Prabir Mehta, formerly of Prabir and the Substitutes and currently of Prabir/Goldrush. (When did he join? And how did I miss this?)
It takes place Sunday at 10 p.m. at Ipanema (917 W. Grace Street) It’s also the one-year anniversary of “Live at Ipanema” as well. It’ll be a fun evening of free music in a cozy basement bar.
Listen to “Waiting To Be Reborn”