Hamaganza, Ghost of Pop, Battle of the Jams, Black Girls, Barstool Heroes, Former Champions

Lots of local bands this week doing charity shows for the season. You gotta appreciate that. These bands don't make a whole lot of $ for themselves but they still find the time to give back to their community.

The annual Hamaganza event is on Friday and Saturday of this weekend. Tonight they'll be at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and tomorrow at Lulu's in Shockoe Bottom. Both nights kick off at 8:30 and admission is a $10 donation or a ham (thus the name). Tonight's event will be hosted by Gene Cox from channel 8 news. This event is like a talent show on acid. You never know what you'll see: jugglers, whistlers, bands comedians, poetry but you know it'll be weird.

Friday night at The Canal Club, it's the "Camp Barefoot Music & Arts Festival Battle of the Jams" featuring James Brown tribute band The Big Payback, Silo Effect and People's Blues of Richmond. Doors open at 8 and it's $10 to get in. Here's People's Blues doing "Tighten Up" at the Jewish Mother in Norfolk in September:

Tonight at The Camel, Black Girls will perform with Herro Sugar and Motha' Goose and the Funky Ducks opening. Show starts at 10 PM and it's $6 to get in. This'll be Black Girls last show in Richmond for a while so they can work on getting a new album out.

Saturday, if you want some yummy beer, go to the Holdiay Cheer & Beer Classic out at Meadow Event Park in Doswell. It will be indoors (though the weather is supposed to be pretty nice but who knew?), it's free to get in and you can buy tasting tickets for $1 each. There will be live music, shopping and beers from 25 craft breweries including 15 from VA. It'll run from noon until 7 PM.

Saturday at Gallery 5, it's the Ghost of Pop 8 show. It's only $5 to get in and proceeds go to the organization Home Again who provide shelter and services for homeless folks. Performing will be Goldrush, Andrew Leahy & The Homestead, The Trillions, My Old Ways and Herro Sugar. Show starts at 8.

Outlaw country band Barstool Heroes will be at McCook's Grill in Lakeside on Saturday night at 8. Here's a little taste of the band from a recent show:


Tuesday night at Cary St. Cafe, jam band Former Champions will play. Show starts at 10 and there is no cover. Here's the band playing in Winston-Salem in September:



Have a great weekend!

Tony Jordan