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RICHMOND
VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL
Saturday,
July 29, 2006 featuring
GENE
PENDLETON TRIO, JUBEUS,
JACKIE
FROST ENSEMBLE, THE ATKINSONS & COPPER SAILS
RICHMOND
ROOTS REVIVAL STAGE in the Azalea Gardens in Bryan Park
12pm-7pm
www.veggiefest.org
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THE TATERS
 GENE
PENDLETON TRIO
In
1967 at the age of 12, guitarist Gene Pendleton received as a gift from his
cousin, Norman, a used steel string arch top guitar. Born in Staunton, a small
Virginia country town, the only available music to listen to or to see other
musicians play was traditional country, gospel, folk, and soul.
Raised by his mother who was a school teacher and a church pianist and choir
director, with a piano in the home, and a grandfather pianist and choir
director, learning to play music by hear became very natural. His first
recording as a guitarist was with the “Staunton Community Mass Choir” at the
age of sixteen. In addition, other music projects consisted of working as a
young guitarist in local hometown bands around Staunton to Charlottesville Va.,
and traveling as far as Raleigh North Carolina to perform.
After graduating high school and moving to Richmond Virginia to attend Virginia
Commonwealth University in the mid 1970’s, thus began the introduction to
jazz, gigging in local upscale clubs and a serious music quest. Bassist Nat
Reeves, guitarist Randy Johnson, (currently recording artist) and pianist Debo
Dabney became his one on one shed instructors. During this period artist such as
Miles Davis, Milt Jackson, Earl Klugh, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Grant Green,
Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Ron Carter, Herbbie Hancock, and others as well
as the “Jazz Fake Book”, Brazilian, and fusion artist became his teachers’
on vinyl and in print.
In 1977 and at the age of nineteen , a move to New York City would shape the
next three and a half years. During this period an appreciation of African,
Eastern Indian, and other jazz music was developed as well as a kinship for the
acoustic guitar and Indian Sitar while continuing to develop personal skills.
Shortly after returning to Richmond in the 1980’s, Pendleton co-found the
“Quiet Steps Band” (Chuck Near-Vibes, Mike Hoggard - Drums, Nat Griffis -
Bass, Mike Krumbein -Flute and Jose Williams - Soprano Sax). This music project,
which is also recorded, focused on original works including performances at
local clubs, art openings, and received radio play. Other performances include
Dogwood Dell, Friday Cheers, Hampton University, Saint Paul College, and
Fredericksburg.
Currently, Pendleton performs in a trio or ensemble groups in the Richmond jazz
community sharing the stage with local musician friends: Doc. Ralph Branch, Mike
Hoggard, Chuck Near, Jim Moore and Fred Oastro. When asked, “What has music
been in your life?” He responds, “I can not be who I am with out that
dimension. Music has been my quiet friend, instrumental in developing the other
aspects of my life, and I’m Thankful”.
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THE TATERS
 JUBEUS
Their
name hints at far away pleasures. Their sound is a mixture of worldly rhythms
and intriguing melodies. Their goal is simple... to move their listeners. They
are Jubeus.
The name Jubeus is derived from a nectar-bearing tree in South America, from
which an intoxicating spirit is prepared. This moniker seems ever so appropriate
after immersing yourself in the music from their debut album "Two Tone
Circles." Filled with lush harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and head-bobbing
grooves, the album marks an important point in the evolution of a young band.
With meager beginnings as a college band from Farmville, VA, Jubeus has worked
hard to become a sought-after act in the area.
Richmond now serves as their current home base, and Jubeus has performed at
venues such as Jammin Java, Alley Katz, and the Outback Lodge. Their loyal
following has begun to propel them into the spotlight, bringing many of their
songs like "Sunshine Lady" and "Green Island Paradise" to
the airwaves, courtesy of Richmond's 102.1 the X and other Virginia radio
stations.
With a raspy growl, Jason Masi provides the lead vocals and rhythm guitar for
the band. Luring listeners in with his emotional, on-stage authority, Masi
contributes to the band's distinctive stage charisma. Backed by the solid rhythm
section of Mike Jarvis on bass (and backing vocals) and Eric Jack on drums,
Jubeus could sufficiently satisfy most audiences as a trio, but the band is
flanked by an adept lead guitarist named Seth Thomas and Multi-instrumentalist
Brian Reed. Rounding out their sound, the quintet aptly utilizes each member's
strengths to showcase a band that is not only mesmerizing on stage, but also
articulate in the recording studio.
Produced primarily by Stewart Meyers (of Agents of Good Roots), "Two Tone
Circles" captures a band in its vital youth. With rockers like
"Burning Time" and "Sugary Sweetness" the band breathes a
young, fresh vibe into their music. Providing each song with a life and pulse,
Jubeus also demonstrate their diversity by changing gears with the up-tempo
Caribbean-themed instrumental song "Coconuts and Bikinis" or by subtly
calming the mood with mellow grooves like "Canoe" and "Everyone
Has a Ghost."
Jubeus is at the forefront of a song-driven, jam-friendly musical movement, and
their mark will certainly be left. The group's drive and determination has
already pulled them through hard times. With a growing web presence, Jubeus continually
packs clubs and satisfies crowds with their mix of roots-rock originals and
ever-pleasing covers. The nature of their music appeals to such a broad
audience, this a group that will be winning over crowds in the months and years
to come.
Website: www.jubeus.com
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THE TATERS
 JACKIE
FROST ENSEMBLE
The Jackie Frost "Trio" was formed in
the mid 90's. The founding members were Jackie Frost (lead vocal, acoustic
guitar), Danny Hughes (acoustic guitar, vocals), and Richard Ward (banjo,
vocals). For over ten years the "Trio" performed at coffee houses,
private parties, and local concert halls in the Richmond, VA area. They also
preformed on TV and radio, and with the Richmond Symphony. The band recorded
several projects over the years and developed a local fan base.
With the release of their latest project, Calliope, which includes all original
band material, came changes in the band structure. The "Trio" grew to
near baseball team proportions at times to play the larger venues associated
with a successful and well received project.
Jackie has played some of the best-known stages in the area, including Ashland
Coffee and Tea, The Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts, The Cultural Arts
Center at Glen Allen, St. Catherine's McVey Theater, The Virginia Commonwealth
University's Performing Arts Center, and the University of Richmond's Modlin
Center for the Performing Arts.
A natural result of all this excitement was the migration from the
"Trio" to the Jackie Frost "Ensemble". The core group now
consists of original members Jackie Frost and Danny Hughes, and new members
Malcolm Pulley (mandolin, banjo, vocals) and Rusty Farmer (Bass). Larger shows
may include additional musicians in the form of piano, fiddle, percussion, and
schoobie-do-whap singers.
We have had the pleasure performing with such notable area musicians as Billy
Lux (acoustic string bass and bass vocals), Daniel Clarke (piano and constant
musical inspiration), Robby Sinclair (drums), Curtis Frye (acoustic string
bass), Chris Fuller (mandolin), Brian Sulser (acoustic string bass), Jim
Skelding (fiddle), and Anthony Dowd (keys).
Fans of all ages seem to enjoy our music, which runs the gamut - from straight
ahead delta blues, to jazz influenced improvisational standards - from bluegrass
powered arrangements of easily recognizable covers, to original material that
can only be heard at a Jackie Frost Ensemble show.
Website: http://pulleytunes.com
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THE ATKINSONS
 THE
ATKINSONS
The Atkinsons formed in the fall of 2003 in
Richmond, VA. Their main focus was to write and perform their own brand of
original music, as well as incorporating select cover songs that complement
their Americana style. Rooted in rock, touched by country, and rich in
harmonies, The Atkinsons merge their signature sound with bittersweet tales of
woe and heartbreak. Their originals are written with a hardcore honesty that
chronicles Americas lost and lonely souls and their life struggles and turmoil.
Influences range from Whiskeytown, Old 97s and Son Volt - to Old Crow Medicine
Show, The Avett Brothers and Scott Miller - to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,
The Rolling Stones and Nirvana. The soulful lyrics and whiskey-stained vocals of
Dickie Wood are complemented with three-part harmonies offered up by Jamie Wood
and Kris Krull. Kris also gives the band a new edge on drums working with Ricky
Breland on bass to create a pounding rhythm section. Combine Mike Ferry's fiddle
with Jeff Williams mandolin, and you got a potent mix of rock and country
creating one kickass rockin' Americana band.
"American
Gothic” (self-released): "Dickie Wood has a lot of words floating
around in his head. That’s the thought that comes to mind listening to the
new release from this ubiquitous Richmond group. Serving the role as lead
singer and guitarist, Wood is accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Jeff
Williams, bassist Ricky Breland, fiddler Mike Ferry, drummer Kris Krull and
percussionist/ vocalist Jamie Wood. Throughout 10 tracks (and a bonus track),
they weave stories of loneliness, desertion, romance, boozing, traveling . . .
very much a cross-section of the American experience. Songs are written
more in the form of rhyming prose than as couplets, which helps bolster the
storytelling. Sonically, the group resembles alt-rock pioneers Uncle Tupelo or early
Ryan Adams. The idea behind the music is well-communicated, and the songs
are executed with precision. The Atkinsons have been performing on Richmond
stages for more than four years, and the time and experience are reflected in
the maturity of this recording."
- Style
Weekly, Local Bin by Josh Bearman June 2007
Website: www.theatkinsons.us
www.myspace.com/theatkinsons
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SCHNITZEL
 COPPER
SAILS
Those
new to Copper Sails will be excited by its energetic and powerful live shows;
the band leaves its audience with hooky melodies to savor a unique musical
experience. At any given Copper Sails' show, the audience will hear well-crafted
original material in addition to well-known covers. Copper Sails' shows flow
from original to cover in a seamless progression that leads the listener on a
musical journey.
The audience is treated to re-arranged classics
such as Run Like Hell and I Will Follow. Copper Sails regularly plays to
packed crowds in college towns such as Blacksburg and Charlottesville and has
traveled as far north as Dartmouth, New Hampshire, and as far south as
Jacksonville, Florida.
When listening to Copper Sails' music, fans will
be treated to well-blended harmony, unique melodic interplay, carefully
constructed instrumental passages, and introspective songwriting. The band's
lineup features Jim Courtney-drums, Jonathan Crawley-guitars, vocals, Kyle
Crosby-keyboards, and Boomer Muth-vocals, bass.
Formed in 1995, Copper Sails has played
festivals, fraternities, and clubs along the east coast sharing the stage with
such major label acts as Collective Soul, Sister Hazel, Train, Fighting Gravity,
Blue Oyster Cult, Molly Hatchet, War, Loverboy, the Wailers and Sixpence None
the Richer. Copper Sails has sold over 2000 copies of their three independent
releases, and the band's MP3's have been frequently downloaded from Napster and
MP3.com.
Fans can discover the infectious songs of Copper
Sails by picking up their self-titled debut CD or their August 2000 release Some
Strange Reason on Frozen Rope, produced by Brad Wells, and distributed by
Planetary.
Website:
www.coppersails.com
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RICHMOND ROOTS REVIVAL Concert Series
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