Tag: ARTS Pick

Adventurous Strumming: Ross Martin knows guitar, and his deep knowledge of the instrument has led him on explorations of jazz, bluegrass, country, folk, experimental, and classical music. Over the course of his many tours and projects, he’s perfected both the entrancing acoustic duet and the invigorating electric duel, and taught guitar workshops all over the country. Local banjo player and fellow music educator Adam Larrabee has skills steeped in jazz that extend to bluegrass, and rock music. His resume includes performances with Bruce Hornsby, Josh Ritter, and Charlottesville’s own Love Canon.

Saturday 2/22. $12-15. 8pm, The Front Porch. 221 E. Water St. 806-7062.

Breakdown lane:  The Drive-By Truckers are unapologetically political on The Unraveling, their first album in three and a half years. “I’ve always said that all of our records are political but I’ve also said that politics is personal. With that in mind, this album is especially personal,” says band co-founder Patterson Hood. “… Watching so many things we care about being decimated and destroyed all around us informed the writing of this album to the core.” Making the record at Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis gave the group a vintage sound and perspective that’s resulted in a raw and honest look at the state of American dreams.

Wednesday 2/19. $25-28, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 245-4980.

Heartening beats: With over a thousand years of cultural tradition, 400-year-old instruments, and 25 years of performing globally, the 12-member drumming group Yamato brings a dazzling exhibition of showmanship to the stage. Japan’s traditional Wadaiko drums serve as the foundation for tamashy—translated as soul, spirit, and psyche—which channels the basic elements of life into a performance that’s felt both physically and spiritually.

Thursday 2/20. $24.75-54.75, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 979-1333.

You and me both: From Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s “Shallow,” stage magic is made when a duo has chemistry. After a nearly 10-year break (they both moved away), Richelle Claiborne and Ezra Hamilton reunite for Love Luxe, a rare performance sure to rekindle the artists’ memorable sets from the old Gravity Lounge days. Backed by Vic Brown, Eric Johnson, and Logan Seidler, the lifelong friends share an evening of sensuous duets as the audience swoons.

Friday 2/14 $18-20, 8pm. The Front Porch, 221 E. Water St. 806-7062.