Sick of rocking out indoors? Tired of snow ruining your road trips to your favorite shows? Well, if you think you have to make a trip to Washington, D.C. or Richmond to get your live music fix this winter, you must have your head stuck in the snow. Live music thrives in Charlottesville - you just have to know where to look.
The most popular - and pricey - venues, of course, are John Paul Jones Arena, The Paramount and the Charlottesville Pavilion. But don't dismiss them yet. When not hosting the dunks and slams of the fabulous basketball team, JPJ gets some extremely interesting national events. For example, country fans might be inclined to take in a monster truck show when chart-topping songwriters aren't in town. But for those jonesing for some music, artists like John Mayer, Taylor Swift and Paramore are all slated to perform at JPJ in the spring, securing the venue's reputation as the place to look for big-name acts. Artists who have performed there in the past include Metallica, Phish, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jay-Z.
On the other side of town, in the middle of the Downtown Mall, the Paramount - which initially seems to appeal to an older crowd (think string instruments and Joan Baez) - at times plays host to students. Hey, wasn't the UPC-hosted Iron and Wine show going to be there? And ... Is that Norah Jones on the calendar?
The Charlottesville Pavilion, at the far end of the Downtown Mall - don't worry, you really can't miss it - is the place for outdoor music in town. The venue has hosted some amazing shows during the past four years: The Decemberists, Drive-By Truckers and the Avett Brothers, Flaming Lips and Heart, to name only a few. Additionally, once the weather gets warm - say, from May through September - the Pavilion hosts Fridays After Five, which are free shows from a local or regional band. Fridays After Five has featured some of the area's best up-and-coming bands, including Sparky's Flaw (now Parachute), The Sometime Favorites, Tim Be Told and Sons of Bill. Need we say more?
And yes, we know that right now, the snow on the ground may deter any music fans from leaving their apartments. With the addition of two warm and cozy rock clubs, however, there should be no excuse not to get off your butt and see some live music. The newly revamped Jefferson Theater, also on the Downtown Mall, reopened its doors in late November and has been bringing in fantastic shows ever since then. Reminiscent of an old rock hall, the venue is large, with enough room to stand, swill gin and tonics at the bar or cozy up in two upstairs balconies. The hall produces one of the best sounds in town, making this the place to see any band live. We promise, they'll sound good.
Right up the block from the Jefferson is the Southern, a new incarnation of the fabled listening room, Gravity Lounge. Though similar in feel - but minus the random books and art that cluttered Gravity - the Southern provides both sweaty, dancing rock club and subtle, relaxing listening room vibes. From mid-level touring acts to big wigs on the local scene, the Southern is a stop most musicians love to make.
So, no excuses! Don't complain about the lack of live music, whether it's from the snow or your own laziness. Live music thrives in Charlottesville. Now you know where to find it.
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