Weekend Picks: First Aid Kit, Laura Stevenson, Allen Toussaint, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Brother Ali, White Laces, Pumpkin Fest, Hardywood 3rd Anniversary

Future tech (that's what they call their music) Richmond band The White Laces celebrate the release of their album, "Trance" at The Broadberry on Friday night. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 with The Diamond Center, Sundials, and Heavy Midgets to open the show and join the party. It's $7 to get in. Here's White Laces last year with "Invocation":

Scott's Addition Pumpkin Fest goes down Saturday on N Boulevard between Marshall and Moore from noon until 6 PM. It's free to get in. There will be lots of stuff for the kids. Food, drink and adult beverages will be served. Bands: Smile (noon to 1), Triad (1:30 - 3), Billy Joe Trio (3:30 - 4:30), and Everwilde (5 - 6). Here's Everwilde doing "Summer Night" at The National earlier this year:

Hardywood celebrates their 3rd Anniversary with a party at their place on Saturday starting at 2. They'll be tapping 3rd Anniversary Ale. At 5, the music starts with The Red Hot Lava Men, Goldrush & Black Girls. Here's Black Girls "Buyin' Time":



Albino Muslim underground political rapper Brother Ali will be at The Broadberry on Saturday night. Bambu and DJ Last Word will join him. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9. Tix are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Here's Brother Ali's "Work Everyday":



Bush League bring their new five man lineup to Poe's Pub Saturday. Show starts at 9 and it's $5 to get in. Here they are at Poe's about a year ago:



A group I love, First Aid Kit, will be at The National on Sunday night. They are a Swedish Americana sister duo with divine harmonies. Tix are $20 in advance, $23 at the door. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8. Samantha Crain opens. You can enter to win a pair of tix for the show HERE. This is their latest, "Heaven Knows":



Indie folk rocker Laura Stevenson and The Cans are at The Camel Monday. Helen Chambers and two other bands (TBA) will open the show. Doors open at 7 PM. $10 to get in. Here's Laura solo performing "The Hole":



Wednesday at Modlin Center for the Arts, New Orleans royalty come to town when Preservation Hall Jazz Band is joined by the great Allen Toussaint. The show starts at 7:30, tix range from $10 - $45 depending on your demographic. You may be able to win tickets for the show HERE. Here's the press  blurb about the show:

"When I meet someone like Allen Toussaint – that for me is like meeting the equivalent of the Dalai Lama, because he influenced the way I played the piano. He’s a historical part of rock-and-roll.” – Elton John

“Return to the roots of jazz, America's great indigenous art form, and don't miss an opportunity for a performance by the ‘best jazz band in the land.’” – San Francisco Examiner

From the heart of the French Quarter to the world’s stage, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has spread the joyful, timeless spirit of true New Orleans jazz since 1961. This American musical treasure recently released That’s It!, the PHJB’s first album of original material.

Allen Toussaint is part of New Orleans music royalty – a renowned songwriter, producer, arranger, and performer celebrated for his distinctive deft and funky feel on the piano that earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With a poet’s ear for lyrics and songwriting steeped in New Orleans street music, Toussaint’s hit-making R&B songs have been covered by countless artists in an array of style. In 2012, he was recognized by President Obama as a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and Humanities.

Together, these musical titans of New Orleans bring the life and heart of the Big Easy to Richmond for an evening of legendary music-making.

Here's Allen Touissant at the 2007 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest:



Have a great weekend!

Tony Jordan