metropolis | january 2008

It’s a new year, y’all, and I hope that somewhere on your well-intended—though often-guilt ridden—list of resolutions, you’ve saved some room for a little bit of fun. After all, trying to lose weight or reconnecting with estranged family members can take a toll on one’s state of mind. But not to worry, I’m looking out for you. Here’s a guide to four of your best opportunities to get the hell out of the house and do something worthwhile. Enjoy.

January 5th—Hillbilly Casino at Mix One 6
The Nashville Quartet returns to Roanoke and bring their signature brand of sweaty, tattooed punk-rockabilly to one of downtown’s best new nightspots, Mix One 6. Self-described as “Social Distortion recording in SUN Studios in the late ‘50’s,” Hillbilly Casino’s combination of energy, passion, and musicianship has earned them a reputation as one of the best live shows you’ll find. Their new album, Suckerpunched, is high-speed rockabilly that fans of Brian Setzer and Reverend Horton Heat will love. January 5th at Mix One 6—bring your dancin’ shoes and an appetite for Jack Daniels and PBR.

January 12th—New Roanoke Jug Band at Fork in the Alley
If you haven’t yet heard the New Roanoke Jug Band’s newest album, When My Time On Earth Is Done, then you’re missing out on the best local release of 2007. With a blend of originals that range from cleverly charming (see “Grandin Village”) to darkly gothic (see “Burnin’ Hell”), and inventive interpretations of gospel standards (see “Man of Constant Sorrows” and “I Shall Not Be Moved”), When My Time On Earth Is Done captures the spirit of Appalachian music in a beautifully honest way. A rock ‘n roll energy combined with a genuine, almost sacred respect for their genre has allowed NRJB to cross the border between the old and new. They would be equally at ease at an old time fiddle jam or an indie rock concert and the crowd would adore them at both. See it for yourself—and pick up the album—at Fork in the Alley on January 12th.

January 19th—Will Kimbrough at 202 Market
A musical jack-of-all-trades in the truest sense, Will Kimbrough is as bona fide as they come. His outstanding guitar playing has won him the American Music Association Instrumentalist of the Year and earned him the status as one of the most sought after sidemen in the country. Equally at home in the realms of pop and Americana, his versatility is evident on his impressive resume—playing for Jimmy Buffett (who recorded Kimbrough’s “Piece of Work” on his License to Chill CD), Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, Kim Richey, Josh Rouse, and many, many others both in the studio and onstage.

Will Kimbrough has garnished a reputation as one of the nation’s most innovative six-string bass players. He’s a Grammy-nominated producer. He’s also released several critically acclaimed solo albums. And he’s coming here. The native son of Mobile, Alabama brings his arsenal of talent to 202 Market on January 19th.

January 31st—Pop Rivets at Awful Arthur’s in Salem
What better way to round out this musical mixed-bag of a month than with one of Roanoke’s most eclectic bands? The Pop Rivets have been a mainstay on the local scene for years with their dynamic live show chock full of catchy original tunes and a bottomless supply of covers diverse enough to put any local jukebox to shame. They’re not afraid to wear their musical influences on their collective sleeve and whether it’s upbeat pop or soulful rock ‘n roll, the Rivets do it well. End your month with a bang at Awful Arthur’s Salem.

So there you have it. Four additions to your list of resolutions that you might just be able to keep. And what better way to heat up those cold winter nights than rocking out with a roomful of your closest friends? See you at the shows.

Get the scoop at:
www.thehillbillycasino.com
www.myspace.com/newroanokejugband
www.willkimbrough.com
www.thepoprivets.com

Written by Billy Wallace

Posted: January 1st, 2008 under Performing Arts.

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