Entertainment time is precious, and venue calendars are stacked with options. Music writer and on-air radio pro Samantha Federico says these bands are on their way up. You should see them live, and here’s why:
Shagwüf
Latest release: Trendy Weapon EP, 2020
Staunton’s Shagwüf will make you howl, just like the band’s singer and bassist, Sally Rose, who often starts howling into the microphone at a song’s conclusion. Rose makes up a third of the band, which also includes Pete Stallings on guitar, and Pablo Olivieri on drums.
Together since 2014, the trio commands whatever room it’s in with a dynamic combo of stoner pop, headbanging garage metal, and psychedelic glam rock, plus a hint of Latin flair. Shagwüf shows always bring love for the LGBTQ+ community, and fierce support of social justice issues. Rose, who identifies as trans, is a growing icon on the local music scene, and whenever Shagwüf has a show, it’s known as a safe space that welcomes all. The trio’s latest music video was recorded at the Chinchilla Café, where the group debuted new music that “will be released in this decade.” For upcoming show dates, go to shagwuf.com.
Ramona & the Holy Smokes
Latest Release: “I Honky Tonked Too Hard Last Night” single, 2023
Central Virginia has its share of bluegrass and Americana music, but an old-school, authentic country movement is gaining momentum, thanks to Ramona & the Holy Smokes. Fronted by Ramona Martinez with a lineup that includes Kyle Lawton Kilduff (electric guitar), Brooks Hefner (pedal steel), Jay Ouypron (bass), and Porter Bralley (drums), the band plays honky-tonk originals in the vibe of Patsy Cline and George Jones. Martinez’s songwriting spans a range of colorful topics, including a smoking habit, ex-boyfriends, and her cat. Piloted by Nashville songwriter Harlan Howard’s “three chords and the truth” ethos, Ramona & the Holy Smokes have turned country music sneerers into believers (I can attest). Catch the band at one of its frequent Dürty Nellys gigs, or at The Southern Café & Music Hall on Friday June 2.
Disco Risqué
Latest Release: Joke Squad, 2022
Can’t decide between a concert or a comedy show? Go see Disco Risqué for a whole lotta both. Ryan Calonder, Charlie Murchie, Andrew Hollifield, Robert Prescott, and Sean Hodge make up the Charlottesville band (formed by Murchie and Prescott in 2014). Fans know it as D.R., and newcomers will come to know the fivesome as passionate musicians who are always ready to crack a joke on stage. D.R.’s latest album, Joke Squad, is a passion project that clocks almost 50 minutes of rockin’ musical exploration. It rides hard rock into metal, and then into soft rock with trumpet, keyboard, and guitar solos. The trumpet, played by charismatic frontman Calonder, gives D.R. an edge that makes the band’s live shows a one-of-a-kind experience. Live show info at discorisque.com—Samantha Federico