Welcome to Roanoke Doesn’t Suck!!
This is a community site. If you have a small business, band or event that you think everyone needs to know about…we want to know about it!
Please visit our Shining Stars page to see a lot of Local Businesses that DON’T SUCK! If you would like to be one of these businesses, and you think you don’t suck, get creative and send us a picture! We’ll post it up here on our site and everyone else can get to know you better.
Our Local Events That Don’t Suck page has some flyers for local events and we have added a new calendar to keep track of events so you can plan your life around us! Aren’t we nice? 
Stay Tuned for a Local Music Page and a Schnozzle V-Log page…he’s pretty funny just ask Heidi from A Little Bit Hippy or Pam from Glazed Bisque-It or Terry from B & D Comic Shop…they’ve all been insulted…er…interviewed by him.
Legal Mumbo Jumbo: In no event will Roanoke Doesn’t Suck be liable to any party for direct, indirect, special or consequential damages for any use of this site, or any other hyperlinked web site, including, without limitation, any lost profits, business interruption, loss of programs or other data on your information handling system or otherwise, even if Roanoke Doesn’t Suck is expressly advised of the possibility of such damages for events or promoting not directly sponsored by Roanoke Doesn’t Suck.
In other words, we are just the middle man. We attempt to screen out rude and lascivious vendors and events to keep our site relatively PG-13. However, from time to time, they may slip past us and/or at an event or business a person under the age of 18 may be exposed to something above a PG-13 level of suitability. We can’t be there to shelter your children, please ensure they are escorted by an adult if there is question to suitability.
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May18Cleghorn @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Saturday: 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
CLEGHORN is a Texas Celtic rock band that mixes original songwriting with traditional Celtic fiddle and bagpipe tunes. CLEGHORN features the father and son team of John Cleghorn (vocals, guitars) and Dylan Cleghorn (fiddle, bagpipes, didgeridoo) with the rock solid rhythm of Mike Griffin (bass) and Paul Muller (drums).
The Celtic Music News Blog reviewed CLEGHORN’s latest album, stating, “the robust and pristine sound of Dylan Cleghorn’s fiddle is wrapped in heavy pop rock rhythms that approach anthemic intensity. John Cleghorn, adding his original songwriting, screaming guitar riffs and golden vocal melodies, reveals himself as a man who truly knows Texas rock.”
CLEGHORN has performed for enthusiastic audiences and stirred up festivals all over the nation with their unique brand of Celtic rock. John and Dylan Cleghorn have been noted as a charismatic performers who even go as far as leaving the stage to play among the crowd during their concerts.
CLEGHORN promotes an upbeat family show and should not be missed
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May20Monday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
DMV mobile office will be in the parking lot of the South County Library. The handicapped-accessible* full service office-on-wheels is equipped to process all DMV transactions. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2543
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May20Monday: 6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Bring a friend and your favorite games to share or come prepared to learn new games. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2387
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May21Tuesday: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
We will be painting with watercolors, call 561-8024 to join the fun. Grades K-3. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2537
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May21Tuesday: 6:00 pm – 11:59 pm
Jack Reacher
stars Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Robert Duvall
Rated PG-13; 2012; 130 minutesA homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2542
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May22Wednesday: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon takes place in her Blue Room on April 4th, 1865. The audience is invited to reminisce with Mrs. Lincoln about her childhood, her days in Springfield and her children as she celebrates Tad’s 12th birthday and the end of the Civil War. Drawing from her own letters to friends, family and political figures of the era, Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon paints a picture of Mary Lincoln that is both sympathetic and truthful. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2541
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May22Spoon Fight at 202 Market in Roanoke @ 202 MarketWednesday: 9:30 pm – 1:00 am
Every Wednesday at 9:30 pm, guests at the 202 Market in downtown Roanoke can enjoy great live music by local musicians. On Wednesday, September 5th, 202 Market will feature a show by alternative rock trio Spoon Fight. Hailing from Floyd, VA, Spoon Fight is known for its blues-inspired originals, as well a diverse repertoire of cover tunes that span many decades.
The September 5th show is for ages 21 & up, and has no cover charge. 202 Market is located at 202 Market Square in downtown Roanoke. Please visit www.spoonfightband.com or www.202market.net for more details.
Categories: Feeds from Other Sites -
May24Friday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Join us for opening day at Splash Valley Water Park! http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2547
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May24Friday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Join us for opening day at Splash Valley Water Park! http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2548
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May24Betse Ellis and Sammy Suede & The Strays @ The H2O Heater, 813 5th Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24016Friday: 7:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Urban Barn Dance at The H2O Heater!!
Bad-ass fiddler and Ozark fireball Betse Ellis brings an edgy fire to every note she bows, strums, sings or shouts. After 15 years plying the highways and byways bringing the hillbilly riot sound of The Wilders (2009 IMA Best Alt. Country album -Someone’s Got to Pay) to unsuspecting audiences around the world, Betse has stepped out on her own with a new album and road adventure. Betse will be our tour guide on a an uplifting, intense and humorous musical journey through the sounds of American barn dances, dance halls, and road houses, with a bit of Velvet Underground and Led Zeppelin sensibilities filtering through. In Roanoke she is assembling a group of Southwest Virginia musician friends for a one time only performance.
Shape-shifting musician Sam Lunsford slips into his Gram Parson persona to guide Sammy Suede and the Strays in a rare appearance that we are coaxing out of them. They will transform the funky H2O space into the 1972 Armadillo World Headquarters with their Flying Burrito Brothers and Lost Planet Airman cosmic cowboy two-stepping twang. Don’t miss this rare performance of this mysterious ensemble.
Bring your dancing shoes as both these bands deliver solid two-stepping opportunities. And if we’re lucky – Betse will play some barn dance flat footing Virginia Reel-ready tunes she hammers down on with a fervor rarely seen.
Yee Haw!
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May24David Wax Museum @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Friday: 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
David Wax Museum is a folk and roots rock band blending traditional Mexican Son music with Americana in what they call “Mexo-Americana.”[1] David Wax and Suz Slezak are its core members, while Jordan Wax (David’s cousin), Greg Glassman, Mike Roberts, and Jiro Kokubu have played supporting roles. To date, all of the band’s albums have been self-released, supported by grassroots efforts and an active touring schedule.
David Wax became interested in rural Mexican folk music after attending Deep Springs College and Harvard University and focuses on different styles of son music. Wax, who hails from Columbia, Missouri, sings and primarily plays the jarana, a Mexican instrument similar to a guitar.[5]
Slezak is a fiddler and vocalist who in the Museum also plays quijada, a percussion instrument made from a donkey’s jawbone.[7]
New York Times writer James C. McKinley Jr. described the band’s style as “a lively and rustic cross-border mix: lonesome Appalachian harmonies over mariachi horn lines and rhythms you might hear at a rural dance in Veracruz or San Luis Potosí -
May24No Shame Theatre (Back at Mill Mountain Theatre!) @ Hollins University - Upstairs Studio Space, 7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019Friday: 11:00 pm – 12:00 am
No Shame is a place where anything can happen, and usually does. Writers, audience, and performers constantly change roles throughout the evening.
You can watch the show every Friday night at 11 PM on the Main Stage of Mill Mountain Theatre in the Center in the Square building. Admission is $5.
There are only three rules:
1. All pieces must be original
2. You can’t break anything (the stage, the audience, yourself, the law, etc.)
3. All pieces must be under 5 minutes -
May28Tuesday: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Come and build with our big bins of legos. Ages 7-12. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2533
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May28Tuesday: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2401
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May29Spoon Fight at 202 Market in Roanoke @ 202 MarketWednesday: 9:30 pm – 1:00 am
Every Wednesday at 9:30 pm, guests at the 202 Market in downtown Roanoke can enjoy great live music by local musicians. On Wednesday, September 5th, 202 Market will feature a show by alternative rock trio Spoon Fight. Hailing from Floyd, VA, Spoon Fight is known for its blues-inspired originals, as well a diverse repertoire of cover tunes that span many decades.
The September 5th show is for ages 21 & up, and has no cover charge. 202 Market is located at 202 Market Square in downtown Roanoke. Please visit www.spoonfightband.com or www.202market.net for more details.
Categories: Feeds from Other Sites -
May30Barefoot Movement @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Thursday: 7:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Barefoot Movement is an acoustic trio with members hailing from north-central North Carolina to middle Tennessee. The group draws from the styles of bluegrass, folk, Americana, and rock, creating a fresh, original sound, featuring interweaving harmonies, lively instrumentation, and accomplished songwriting. The resulting sound is sometimes soft and smooth, and other times it brings on a downright foot-stomping good time.
The name “The Barefoot Movement” has many different meanings for the group. “The initial reason the name dawned on me was because there was I time when I never wore shoes at performances”, says Noah. “But I would say that what it really means refers to the saying, ‘You can’t judge a man till you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.’ So, if you eliminate shoes, then you can’t judge anyone at all. Beyond that, there’s just something special about being barefoot in the summertime.”
The Barefoot Movement is taking folk music somewhere new without forgetting the old. They bring listeners something that is missing from the radio airwaves; something that people can relate to-something they can truly understand. Everyone who hears them agrees, and if you give them a listen, you will too, The Barefoot Movement is contagious.
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May31RIDE Solutions PRESENTS The Hackensaw Boys @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Friday: 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
With feet firmly planted in the old-time song tradition, hands soiled by the dirt of rock n’ roll and eyes fixed steadily on the future of real country music, the Hackensaw Boys are among the most exciting groups charting new territory in today’s diverse Americana music scene.
How does it work?
Everybody sings a bit of lead, everybody sings a bit of harmony and most members know when to shut up. Instrumentation includes banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, upright bass, charismo (a home-made tin can contraption) and the occasional trap kit.
Where do they come from?
In the beginning they all lived in Charlottesville, VA, but now the seven members are spread throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and California. For more than a decade, however, they’ve come together to tour the United States, Europe and the U.K. and to record several critically acclaimed albums
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May31No Shame Theatre (Back at Mill Mountain Theatre!) @ Hollins University - Upstairs Studio Space, 7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019Friday: 11:00 pm – 12:00 am
No Shame is a place where anything can happen, and usually does. Writers, audience, and performers constantly change roles throughout the evening.
You can watch the show every Friday night at 11 PM on the Main Stage of Mill Mountain Theatre in the Center in the Square building. Admission is $5.
There are only three rules:
1. All pieces must be original
2. You can’t break anything (the stage, the audience, yourself, the law, etc.)
3. All pieces must be under 5 minutes -
Jun1Saturday: 7:30 am – 11:00 am
The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy is dedicated to saving the forests, waterways and rural landscapes that make western Virginia a great place to live and visit. Help us raise funds to preserve land by participating in the race for open space! http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2468
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Jun1Saturday: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Celebrate the beginning of summer with your friends-waterpark style! Come out for an evening of fun at Splash Valley Waterpark. Hang out with your friends while a DJ spins your favorite tunes. Being a teen this night gives you reduced admission rate and a chance for door prizes! $5 at the gate or register in advance to reserve your spot. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2549
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Jun4Tuesday: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Roanoke County officials will perform a ceremonial ribbon cutting to open a new boardwalk trail through the wetland near the South County Library. Representatives from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, Roanoke County Public Schools, and other local leaders will be on hand for the event. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2580
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Jun5Wednesday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Visit any Wednesday during our regular season and pay only $5 per person all day long, regardless of residency. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2565
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Jun5American Aquarium with The Turnpike Troubadours @ Kirk Avenue Music Hall, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Wednesday: 7:30 pm – 7:30 pm
In the business of music, many are called and many may try, but few cross the threshold of being able to say they are truly committed for the long haul. With the upcoming release of their latest studio album, Burn.Flicker.Die. American Aquarium is proving that they have graduated to that class of professional musicians that have made an undeniable commitment to their music and their fans.
American Aquarium’s six years as a band have been a fast-moving blur of rubber on road, touring coast to coast through the states and Europe. Most nights of the year are spent far from their Raleigh homes, squinting out from bright stages at a growing legion of passionate fans who’ve followed them through the release of six albums that reflect a whirlwind of too many whiskey soaked nights, nameless women in smoky bars and fast living while your youth is in full bloom. But what happens when it all stops feeling good?
Burn.Flicker.Die. is what has emerged from that scenario for this group of hard working players. After two years of writing, they journeyed to the legendary recording hub which gave birth to some of the greatest blues, country and rock records of all time: Muscle Shoals/Sheffield, AL. Recorded in eight days under the precise hand of friend/tour buddy Jason Isbell, the record is an aptly named milestone for the band, and their most painstaking effort to date. As a long-time Southern rock artisan, Isbell provided a weathered know-how in producing the record American Aquarium is proudest of. Described as a “consequence record” by vocalist BJ Barham, the band spent that week pushing out everything that’s been haunting them: working for six years, watching buzz bands peak and die, and pining for their own payoff. -
Jun5Spoon Fight at 202 Market in Roanoke @ 202 MarketWednesday: 9:30 pm – 1:00 am
Every Wednesday at 9:30 pm, guests at the 202 Market in downtown Roanoke can enjoy great live music by local musicians. On Wednesday, September 5th, 202 Market will feature a show by alternative rock trio Spoon Fight. Hailing from Floyd, VA, Spoon Fight is known for its blues-inspired originals, as well a diverse repertoire of cover tunes that span many decades.
The September 5th show is for ages 21 & up, and has no cover charge. 202 Market is located at 202 Market Square in downtown Roanoke. Please visit www.spoonfightband.com or www.202market.net for more details.
Categories: Feeds from Other Sites -
Jun6The Dirty Guv’nahs @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Thursday: 7:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Dirty Guv’nahs’ live show is led by the soulful holler of frenetic front man James Trimble. Brothers Justin and Aaron Hoskins’ lay down a sturdy foundation of tight rhythms on bass and drums (respectively), while Chris Doody’s thick Hammond organ and bluesy piano along with Michael Jenkins’ and Cozmo Holloway’s tasty guitar stylings round out the group’s sound. The result is accurately described by a recent review in Music Connection Magazine: “The Dirty Guv’nahs don’t just play music; they capture the human experience through song.”
The Dirty Guv’nahs’ unlikely genesis took place when band members were introduced through a mutual friend, nicknamed “The Guv’nah”, who eventually became the band’s namesake. Their following grew quickly and after a string of sellout shows in their hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, they were offered their first performance slot at Bonnaroo. That concert led to a recording opportunity in December of 2009 at roots-rock mecca Levon Helm Studios, and the band hasn’t looked back since.
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Jun7Art by Night @ Downtown RoanokeFriday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
A monthly “gallery crawl” among art galleries in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia!
Art By Night is a unique cultural event showcasing Roanoke’s thriving arts community, featuring the diverse galleries in the downtown area. There are openings, demonstrations, refreshments, live music and as much talk about art as you can stand. Fun for the whole family.
Art By Night is a free event with plenty of free parking. Take the self-guided walking tour among the galleries. Check out the map on this web site or pick up a brochure at any gallery.
What a fun evening! Meet your friends downtown, cruise through the galleries, then have dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the area. Make it a monthly date!
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Jun7Scythian @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Friday: 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Rousing and raucous, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays kicked-up Celtic and world music with hints of Gypsy and Klezmer, all infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility. Take a trio of classically trained dueling fiddlers, toss in a rhythm guitar, a banjo and the occasional funky accordion, then power it with the driving rhythm of a world percussionist, and you’ve got the ingredients for a show you won’t soon forget. Scythian’s high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music is the result of their origins as street performers and has one goal in mind – to get people up on their feet and dancing.Their repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary Celtic and folk music to the alluring and dramatic strains of Gypsy and Eastern European tunes, and then crosses back over the border to pick up some good old-fashioned bluegrass licks.
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Jun7No Shame Theatre (Back at Mill Mountain Theatre!) @ Hollins University - Upstairs Studio Space, 7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019Friday: 11:00 pm – 12:00 am
No Shame is a place where anything can happen, and usually does. Writers, audience, and performers constantly change roles throughout the evening.
You can watch the show every Friday night at 11 PM on the Main Stage of Mill Mountain Theatre in the Center in the Square building. Admission is $5.
There are only three rules:
1. All pieces must be original
2. You can’t break anything (the stage, the audience, yourself, the law, etc.)
3. All pieces must be under 5 minutes -
Jun8Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
What are the laws for motorists and cyclists on public roads? How should cyclists and pedestrians be courteous on the greenways? Are you following the proper safety procedures? Find out at Roanoke County’s “Share The Road” event. Bike on over and talk with safety experts from the police department and other community organizations. We’ll have lots of folks on hand who are experts on bicycles and bike safety and know ALL the rules! Bring the kids for a bike rodeo, games and prizes. Plus, have your bike gear examined in a safety and helmet check. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2581
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Jun8Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Saturday: 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
“Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line are a traveling Carnival of acoustic Americana. The high energy, Nashville-based quintet perform Struthers’ original story-songs with tight, three-part harmonies, fiddle, claw-hammer banjo, acoustic guitar, bass, and drums.
Struthers was catapulted into the spotlight when she lead her band to a blue ribbon at the prestigious 2010 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition (previous winners include Nickel Creek and The Dixie Chicks) and now her group is touring heavily in support of their April 16 release, Carnival. Struthers’ songs are as steeped in American history, and as well crafted, as the beautiful vintage dresses she wears on stage.
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Jun10Monday: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Get a free snack with your paid admission to Splash Valley! http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2555
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Jun12Wednesday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Visit any Wednesday during our regular season and pay only $5 per person all day long, regardless of residency. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2566
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Jun12Spoon Fight at 202 Market in Roanoke @ 202 MarketWednesday: 9:30 pm – 1:00 am
Every Wednesday at 9:30 pm, guests at the 202 Market in downtown Roanoke can enjoy great live music by local musicians. On Wednesday, September 5th, 202 Market will feature a show by alternative rock trio Spoon Fight. Hailing from Floyd, VA, Spoon Fight is known for its blues-inspired originals, as well a diverse repertoire of cover tunes that span many decades.
The September 5th show is for ages 21 & up, and has no cover charge. 202 Market is located at 202 Market Square in downtown Roanoke. Please visit www.spoonfightband.com or www.202market.net for more details.
Categories: Feeds from Other Sites -
Jun14No Shame Theatre (Back at Mill Mountain Theatre!) @ Hollins University - Upstairs Studio Space, 7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019Friday: 11:00 pm – 12:00 am
No Shame is a place where anything can happen, and usually does. Writers, audience, and performers constantly change roles throughout the evening.
You can watch the show every Friday night at 11 PM on the Main Stage of Mill Mountain Theatre in the Center in the Square building. Admission is $5.
There are only three rules:
1. All pieces must be original
2. You can’t break anything (the stage, the audience, yourself, the law, etc.)
3. All pieces must be under 5 minutes -
Jun15Saturday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Celebrate the start of Father’s Day Weekend-Cookout Style! We will be grilling up hot dogs outside Green Ridge Recreation Center with all of the fixins’, from 10:30am to 11:30am. Head to Splash Valley afterward for more fun with the kids, all the way to 7:00pm! Admission to Splash Valley and cookout meal included in fee. Pre-registration is required. Deadline for registration: 6/11/13. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2554
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Jun17Monday: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Get a free snack with your paid admission to Splash Valley! http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2556
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Jun18Tuesday: 11:15 am – 12:00 pm
Tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the fourth year in a row to set a new Guinness World Record. The global record attempt for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), will take place at Splash Valley! http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2546
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Jun18Tuesday: 11:15 am – 12:00 pm
Tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the fourth year in a row to set a new Guinness World Record. The global record attempt for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), will take place in the indoor pool at Green Ridge Recreation Center. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2545
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Jun18John Fullbright @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Tuesday: 7:30 pm – 7:30 pm
“I have no doubt that in a short time, John Fullbright will be a household name in American music.” – Jimmy Webb
Oklahoma has proved fertile ground for songwriting over the years. From Albert Brumley and Woody Guthrie through Leon Russell and Jimmy Webb, Oklahoma has produced songwriters that pursued their singular vision and left the music world enriched, and often changed, by their contributions. Although it would be careless to suggest that an artist just releasing their debut album warrants a place in that group, John Fullbright’s From The Ground Up has some of the greats (see above) thinking that the 23-year-old might just have a place in that conversation someday soon.
John Fullbright was raised and still resides in Okemah, Oklahoma, a hometown he shares with Woody Guthrie (the photo on the album cover shows him on the front porch of the house that both he and his father grew up in). Music was a staple of the Fullbright household, mostly in the form of the family’s diverse and treasured album collection. “The most trouble I ever got in was when I had done something to one of my mother’s albums,” Fullbright recalls. The early pull of music was intense; he started playing piano at age 5, later picking up the guitar. His relative cultural isolation served him in that he had space to listen to his own developing voice, but when he was ready to make his way in the world, he benefitted greatly by being one hour from a great support system for singer-songwriters.
The Blue Door, the legendary venue, took him in and exposed him to some of the greatest songwriters in the country as they would pass through town in concert. The founder of The Blue Door, Greg Johnson, was so taken by Fullbright’s talent, that he began managing him in order to open the necessary doors for his career to take root. Fullbright and Johnson released a live album in 2009 that set sales records at Woodyfest, the annual folk festival honoring Woody Guthrie.
Fullbright, like the more famous Okemahite, displays a distrust in power, whether temporal or divine, that is evident as soon as one drops the needle on From The Ground Up. In “Gawd Above,” he looks at the world through God’s eyes, and it is the Old Testament Yahweh, with His jealousy and manipulation, that is speaking. He jokingly refers to this song as his “Sympathy for the Creator.” Fullbright also skewers power run amok in the worldly sense in “The Fat Man,” a song that was inspired by a poem from Oklahoma poet Bert Lockwood. Over a Kurt Weill-like musical bed, he paints a picture of wealth and power personified as a puppeteer who pulls the strings necessary to further enrich himself. Fullbright implores his listener to fight the power and hypocrisy with a wrathful vengeance (“Cut the strings from his fingers/Wrap them twice around his throat/Show him not your kind mercy/From the laws that he forgot he wrote”). And in the standout “Satan and St. Paul,” he gives voice to an anger that accompanies the dissolution of faith in orthodox religiosity.
Fullbright traverses an emotional and musical terrain that is extremely broad, showing equal acuity with tender ballads and songs that make you want to drive faster with your window rolled down.In “Me Wanting You,” he shows a Haggard-like smoldering directness, with lyrics so simple and unambiguous, that the intended target cannot escape from their impact. “Song For A Child,” is a moving testament to the lasting bond between parents and their children (“Little boys grow up to be their daddies/That makes mamas love them even more/And even though the world may treat you badly/You’ll be daddy’s child forevermore/You’ll remain a child forevermore”). In “Moving,” an unfolding sense of freedom brings the listener to a rocking, ecstatic state, while “Daydreamer” lays out a massive hook that juxtaposes nicely with the underlying nihilism of the lyric.
Fullbright co-produced the album with Wes Sharon (who also played bass on the album), the owner of 115 Studios in Norman, Oklahoma. Fullbright played many of the instruments on the album – all of piano and harmonica, almost all of the organ parts and much of the guitar work. Musicians from the legendary to the infamous lent their talents – Terry “Buffalo” Ware and Andrew Hardin added guitar, while Fats Kaplin played violin and steel guitar. Other musicians on the album are Giovanni Carnuccio III (drums), John Knudson (organ), Jess Klein (background vocals) and Ryan Engleman (guitar).
John Fullbright is a young man who finds love, beauty and pain in the here and now, but skepticism and disdain for those that would look past the world or take advantage of the dreams of those hoping for a better world. That he can articulate his worldview with an almost otherworldly precocity makes his debut studio album From The Ground Up worthy of attention. From the fertile ground of Oklahoma, another songwriting legend may be blooming.
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Jun19Wednesday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Visit any Wednesday during our regular season and pay only $5 per person all day long, regardless of residency. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2567
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Jun19Spoon Fight at 202 Market in Roanoke @ 202 MarketWednesday: 9:30 pm – 1:00 am
Every Wednesday at 9:30 pm, guests at the 202 Market in downtown Roanoke can enjoy great live music by local musicians. On Wednesday, September 5th, 202 Market will feature a show by alternative rock trio Spoon Fight. Hailing from Floyd, VA, Spoon Fight is known for its blues-inspired originals, as well a diverse repertoire of cover tunes that span many decades.
The September 5th show is for ages 21 & up, and has no cover charge. 202 Market is located at 202 Market Square in downtown Roanoke. Please visit www.spoonfightband.com or www.202market.net for more details.
Categories: Feeds from Other Sites -
Jun21Friday: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Come dressed up in your western gear and get ready for an evening of games and Country Music at Splash Valley. Rock out to your favorite tunes with a special guest emcee from Star Country, 94.9FM. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2576
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Jun21Robbin Thompson @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Friday: 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
His musical career spans over 40 years and still counting.
Following stints with the Tasmanians and Mercy Flight, Robbin was the lead singer in the Bruce Springsteen band Steel Mill. He has won the American Song Festival twice, and has recorded more than a dozen albums. Thompson, along with friend Steve Bassett, authored the song “Sweet Virginia Breeze,” which is considered by many to be the unofficial state song of Virginia. He has also written and recorded songs with Eagles bassist Timothy B. Schmit (who also sings harmonies on many of Robbin’s recordings).
Thompson has shared the stage with many recording artists, including Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Bruce Springsteen, and Bruce Hornsby.
His film scoring credits include the title song to the cult classic GLEAMING THE CUBE, starring CHRISTIAN SLATER . . . and Robbin was the co-writer and vocalist on the song “I WON’T QUIT” in the film THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS starring CUBA GOODING JR. and BEYONCE KNOWLES.
Due to Robbin’s involvement with Bruce Springsteen, he is proud to have a song on the EMI/CAPITOL release entitled ONE STEP UP/TWO STEPS BACK – The Songs of Bruce Springsteen. This two-cd set includes artists such as David Bowie, John Hiatt, Ritchie Havens, Ben E. King, The Smithereens, The Bodeans and others.Robbin Thompson has been a Richmond resident since 1969. He is the Vice President and co-founder of In Your Ear Music and Recording Corp . . . a company that composes and produces music for commercials and films.
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Jun21No Shame Theatre (Back at Mill Mountain Theatre!) @ Hollins University - Upstairs Studio Space, 7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019Friday: 11:00 pm – 12:00 am
No Shame is a place where anything can happen, and usually does. Writers, audience, and performers constantly change roles throughout the evening.
You can watch the show every Friday night at 11 PM on the Main Stage of Mill Mountain Theatre in the Center in the Square building. Admission is $5.
There are only three rules:
1. All pieces must be original
2. You can’t break anything (the stage, the audience, yourself, the law, etc.)
3. All pieces must be under 5 minutes -
Jun22Sol Driven Train @ Kirk Avenue, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24011Saturday: 8:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sol Driven Train’s music weaves through genres like images in a Tom Robbins paragraph. The band’s sonic schizophrenia absorbs songwriting influences like John Prine and Paul Simon, afrocaribbean rhythmic explorations, and funky New Orleans-style brass into earnest songs of life, love, loss, and long johns. The versatile 5-piece band, based in Charleston, SC, features rotating lead vocalists, and multi-instrumental talent spread across horns, strings, and percussion. Combining rich varieties of American pop and folk music into their own port-town sound, Sol Driven Train has carved out a unique musical identity within the burgeoning roots music scene.
During the spring of 2000, a close circle of friends and family began gathering in college apartments downtown Charleston to create sound and share in the joy of music. Through the course of over 12 years and over 1,000 live shows, this same spirit still guides Sol Driven Train through the rocky road of the music industry. The venues have grown from bedrooms to festival stages, the amps have gotten louder, the lineup has evolved, and the crowds have multiplied, but the sense of brotherhood, mutual support, and musical independence within the band has strengthened. Through hard work and a commitment to live performance, the band’s reputation and collective musical ability has grown with every season. Named 2011’s “Rock Band of the Year” by the Charleston City Paper, and “On the Verge” by Relix Magazine in January 2012, Sol Driven Train is an independent band breaking into the national spotlight. Nine independent releases including two critically-acclaimed albums for children, a live concert DVD, a live album, four full-length studio albums, and last summer’s popular “Watermelon” EP document the band’s winding musical development. The band’s loyal fans recently funded the release ofSol Driven Train’s upcoming full-length album, Underdog, due out in 2013.
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Jun24Monday: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Get a free snack with your paid admission to Splash Valley! http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2557
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Jun25Super Hold @ Daleville Music Pavilion, 90 Town Center Street, Daleville Va. 24083Tuesday: 6:00 pm – 6:00 pm
2013 Bike Virginia Tour
Event to attract hundreds of cyclists in showcase of area’s > best cycling routes and growing outdoor culture
ROANOKE, Va. (Nov. 15, 2012) – The Roanoke Region of Virginia today was selected to host the 2013 Bike Virginia Tour, an annual event in June showcasing the area’s best cycling routes.
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The tour, scheduled for June 24-26 in the Roanoke Region, is expected to attract 1,600 cyclists from around the nation, Europe and Japan. The second leg of the tour will be based at Botetourt County’s Greenfield Recreation Park, where cyclists can camp out, swap stories and revel in the region’s growing outdoor culture in between scenic rides.The Bike Virginia Tour will host 1,600 cyclists for six days of bicycle touring. Riders range in age from 6 to 88. The tour has operated for 26 years, providing participants with memorable riding experiences on more than 7,000 miles of rural Virginia roads since it began.
The tour will be headquartered in Rockbridge County for the first half of the tour and Botetourt County for the second half. Riders either camp at headquarters sites or stay in local hotels nearby in Lexington and Troutville. In the evening, they’ll enjoy music, exhibitors and other activities.
Participants will enjoy up to 450 miles of bike riding over the six-day tour, exploring historical sites and other points of interest. Multiple riding options are offered based on distance and level of challenge. Each route features snacks and lunch along the way.
Bike Virginia is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage active living and tourism by encouraging bicycling.
Registration opens Dec. 1 at www.bikevirginia.org. Registration prices vary. Tent camping is included in registration but for an additional fee riders can take advantage of hotel shuttles. Registrants receive a free riding jersey.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Daleville Town Center Pavilion
90 Town Center Street
Daleville Va. 24083
Gates: 6PM
Show 630-9PM
$10 advance
$12 Gate
Tickets and info at: kirkavenuemusic.com
GJPRODUCTIONS 540-589-0546 -
Jun26Wednesday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Visit any Wednesday during our regular season and pay only $5 per person all day long, regardless of residency. http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=2568
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Jun26Spoon Fight at 202 Market in Roanoke @ 202 MarketWednesday: 9:30 pm – 1:00 am
Every Wednesday at 9:30 pm, guests at the 202 Market in downtown Roanoke can enjoy great live music by local musicians. On Wednesday, September 5th, 202 Market will feature a show by alternative rock trio Spoon Fight. Hailing from Floyd, VA, Spoon Fight is known for its blues-inspired originals, as well a diverse repertoire of cover tunes that span many decades.
The September 5th show is for ages 21 & up, and has no cover charge. 202 Market is located at 202 Market Square in downtown Roanoke. Please visit www.spoonfightband.com or www.202market.net for more details.
Categories: Feeds from Other Sites -
Jun28No Shame Theatre (Back at Mill Mountain Theatre!) @ Hollins University - Upstairs Studio Space, 7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019Friday: 11:00 pm – 12:00 am
No Shame is a place where anything can happen, and usually does. Writers, audience, and performers constantly change roles throughout the evening.
You can watch the show every Friday night at 11 PM on the Main Stage of Mill Mountain Theatre in the Center in the Square building. Admission is $5.
There are only three rules:
1. All pieces must be original
2. You can’t break anything (the stage, the audience, yourself, the law, etc.)
3. All pieces must be under 5 minutes
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Hi Jason,
I just created a profile on wordpress for your unique site. Is there a contact # for you? I have some questions…
Thanks,
Jeff
Yes, our email is yourcity@roanokedoesntsuck.com. Ask away!
Dearest Brenda and Jason,
Thank you so much for supporting us by promoting our Medical Fund on your website. Your assistance will help out with the medical bills we are incurring and in turn helping the well being of our kids tremendously. It is very meaningful to me to see your love of helping others in need manifested through your generousity. Blessings to you and your family.
With my utmost appreciation,
NIck
Well, Nick – you have been with us from the very beginning and we just want to be there for you now. I hope this small gesture helps you out. Please let us know if we can be of assistance in some other way. Love and Health to you friend. Brenda & Jason
Thanks guys, I’d love to post my upcoming art show , as you suggested, but how do I attach a jpeg here?!
You can send it to us at yourcity@roanokedoesntsuck.com
When viewing photo page and below to the address area, there needs to be a line added that says what this store sells. Yes, some are obvious, but some are not. For us out of towners, please add a descriptive line for the business. Thanks. Coming in October, Rox
Thanks for the feedback Rox. We are always looking for ways to improve our website and that is an excellent idea. …and as soon as we learn how to do that…we are all over it! Ha Ha! Actually, we are learning…but I think I can handle that one. If we can help answer any questions in the meantime, feel free to ask. Also, some of the businesses have links to their facebook page or website. Thanks again!