Everyone knows of the great concerts which happen frequently in Charlottesville during the academic year. However, great concerts don’t stop coming once the school year ends. Here is a list of some of the great bands and artists coming to perform during this summer.
Hop Along
Date: July 28, 2018
Venue: The Southern Café & Music Hall
Philadelphia-based indie and emo rock band Hop Along is one of the most critically-acclaimed bands around — and for good reason. The band is touring their recently released album, “Bark Your Head Off, Dog” which has received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Hop Along’s musical style expertly fuses snappy percussion and jagged, punky guitar riffs which give their music a certain edge. However, the real star of Hop Along is lead singer Frances Quinlan. Quinlan has one of the most unique voices in all of music, which she uses exercise her incredible lyrical ability. If you enjoy eccentric, emotional and energetic rock music, Hop Along is the band for you.
Trey Anastasio Trio
Date: July 5, 2018
Venue: Sprint Pavilion
Trey Anastasio specializes in putting on a good show. He is a founding member of the beloved jam band Phish, who has developed a Dead-head-esque cult following due to their spectacular live performances. Anastasio is the architect of these shows, owing to his wizardry on the guitar. His ability to bend any riff into a prolonged jam is unparalleled to anyone working in music today. Anastasio's current tour sees him working with bassist Tony Markellis and drummer Russ Lawton. While this show may not be the mind-melting experience that is a Phish concert, it will most certainly be an incredible performance from one of rock’s most talented musicians.
Kurt Vile & The Violators
Date: July 10, 2018
Venue: The Jefferson Theater
If there is one thing Kurt Vile knows, it’s how to shred on the guitar. He is an especially great live guitarist, as he uses multitudes of effects pedals to create some of the most ethereal sounds ever to come out of a six-string. Sonically, Vile fuses many genres such as heartland rock ‘n roll, shoegaze and country to make his own specific type of rock music. If you are fan of guitar-based rock n’ roll, you have to see Kurt Vile.
Indigo Girls
Date: July 11, 2018
Venue: Sprint Pavilion
After over 30 years and 14 million albums sold, the Indigo Girls are still going strong. In 2011, the folk rock duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers made history as the only duo to chart an album in the top 40 of the Billboard Top 200 in the ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s and ‘10s. Indigo Girls have always been a political band, supporting causes like LGBTQ rights, the environment and Native American rights both in and outside of their music. They are passionate musicians, who care deeply for the topics of their songs. Fans of artists like Neil Young and Joan Baez should love the Indigo Girls, and their brand of politically-conscious folk music.
Jenny Lewis
Date: July 31, 2018
Location: The Jefferson Theater
There is a reason Jenny Lewis is one of the most beloved names in indie rock. She first made her name in the late ‘90s as the frontwoman for the band Rilo Kiley, who became highly regarded in the underground rock scene for their fusion the twang of alt-country with the emotion of pop punk. The reputation of Rilo Kiley stemmed in part from the abilities of Lewis. As a singer, she has incredible range, being able to go from her bottom register to the top of her voice at a moment’s notice. Eventually, her talents earned her the ability to work alongside landmark indie groups, such as Bright Eyes and Death Cab for Cutie. Jenny Lewis is one of the most talented female musicians of the last few decades and absolutely should not be missed if you are in Charlottesville over the summer.
Haley Heynderickx
Date: June 22, 2018
Location: The Southern Café & Music Hall
Haley Heynderickx is a rising star in the world of folk and Americana. Her debut album, released this year, entitled “I Need To Start A Garden” blew up on the Bandcamp platform, with fans and critics noting her quaint and folksy sound as well as her phenomenal lyrical ability. Heynderickx’s soft but passionate voice accompanied by sparse arrangements, usually consisting of guitar and piano will fit exceptionally well in the intimate atmosphere of The Southern.