Well, after the month of January, we're pretty sure we should change the name to Magazine33 Snow-cases. We had another successful showcase Thursday, January 21^st at Emilio's on Broad Street.

Blue Line Highway opened with a feel-good bluegrass jam right at 10 pm. As they belted out their resounding melodies, customers and Magazine33 staff poured into the bar and piled up at a table near the door.

Wylie of Richmond's reggae sensation Antero played an amazing acoustic set of soul and feeling. His songs were heartfelt and succinctly captured the mood of the night: a benefit for disaster-wracked Haiti. Emotional melodies coupled with his powerful voice reminded us all of why we were there and how lucky we were to be sitting in a warm bar.

Following this powerful act, Magazine33 veterans LarJar Trio took the stage and took the music toward a turn to the funky side. Check out my article from October for a more in-depth glance, but anyone there knows that this is a band you gotta move to. And move we did (myself included!)

Another solo acoustic act followed LarJar by Ryan Weaver, guitarist and vocalist from Richmond's Wake of the Flood (an acoustic Grateful Dead cover-band). With a phenomenal sense of humor on and off stage, Ryan Weaver is a terrific guitarist who continues to amaze his audience with his heart and versatility.

To wrap up a remarkable night of music, DJ Chenchilla (of Silo Effect) commanded the stage spinning records and closing the evening at high energy. It was the perfect way to end an evening dedicated to generosity and awareness. DJ Chenchilla spun until around 1:30 and kept Emilio's guests on their feet enjoying the some of the finest of Richmond's music.

By Author: Meredith Ripple

Meredith Ripple is a recent VCU graduate living in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom. She writes for a local marketing company during the week and frequents shows at local venues in the evenings and weekends (Cary St. Café and Emilio’s most often). Her dad introduced her to music from a very young age, ranging from the Beatles to David Benoit and she’s been hooked ever since. She’s lived in Detroit, eastern Pennsylvania and Williamsburg, VA before moving to Richmond four years ago. She’ll be covering Richmond’s active and energetic jam and folk scene for Magazine33, her first journalistic endeavor.

Comments(3):

1. January 9

   You are acting as if the January 9 show didn't happen? I don't understand.

   Tuesday, February 02, 2010 David

2. Hmm

   I think this article proves that cronyism is the only way to get any sort of recognition in this town. Just goes to show it's more about who you know, and not about how talented you actually are.

   Saturday, February 06, 2010 Sara

3. Howdy Folks

   David, January 9 was a wonderful Showcase. It was a snow date show, which is why it wasn't directly covered. We apologize if your band was not spotlighted properly and would like to continue this conversation - please contact me at hmullican@magazine33.com, and let's talk. Sara, This is an unusual reaction and I'd like to understand what you mean. We strive to be fair, and if there is a problem that you are seeing, I'd appreciate it if you would contact me at the above address. Thanks so much! --Heather Mullican, President, Magazine33

   Saturday, February 13, 2010 Heather