I stopped at Taylor Books last Saturday, and was captivated by the acoustic musical style of Josh Buskirk. Buskirk, a Parkersburg native, is returning to Charleston Friday, March 30 to play at the Vandalia Lounge.

The Vandalia Lounge is located on 212 Hale St. Charleston, WV 25301.

Jessica Harrah

Acoustic artist Jeff Ellis and the X Fest All-Stars are set to jam at the Empty Glass March 24. Be sure to check out Ellis’ latest EP “All Masters Will Serve.”

The Empty Glass is located on 410 Elizabeth Street in Charleston.

–Jessica Harrah

The Cheap Beats joined Griffith (pictured) and played for a packed house at the Bluegrass Kitchen in Charleston on St. Patrick’s Day.

Alan Griffith and the Cheap Beats’ CD release party is scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at Hudson’s Bar and Grill. The dirty coal river band, Justin Moore, and other special guest will be playing. The party begins at 9 p.m. and there is no cover.

Hudson’s Bar and Grill is located on Rucker St. in Madison, WV.

– Jessica Harrah

Are you in the mood for some Americana medleys? Griffith will perform solo on St. Patrick’s Day at the Bluegrass Kitchen. Copies of his new “greatest hits” CD should be available in advance of the official release show in April.

The Bluegrass Kitchen is located on the corner of Elizabeth and Washington St. in Charleston, WV.

–Jessica Harrah

It’s show time, but first, let’s recap Friday’s events:
> Miami traffic is wretched.
> We got the 31-foot RV wedged into the hotel parking lot. It took an hour to get it out.

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Ever seen that movie “RV” with Robin Williams, where he has all that trouble with the RV? Yeah, all that crap is true.The morning was uneventful, except for a run in with someone from home — a Gallipolis, Ohio man who just happened to be the tour bus driver for the New York Nationals (who, until 1995, were better known as the Washington Generals — the longtime pin cushion of a basketball team that perpetually loses to the Harlem Globetrotters. There’s your history lesson for today, kids).

Driving from Savannah into the Miami area was pretty smooth. The roads down south are definitely better than some of the chewed-up Interstates we have in good ‘ol W.Va. Once we got close to Miami, I decided to give the wheel to Nik, who had been here before. This wasn’t a problem, as I-95 becomes a 7-lane parking lot about 35 miles outside of the city.

Now, yesterday we went over how large this vehicle is. Well, as one would figure, an RV just isn’t comfortable in stop-and-go big city driving. When you’re at the other end of the vehicle, there’s nothing like slamming on the breaks to send you flying toward the front seat. (more…)

Last weekend, the Gatecrasher crew crashed into the LaBelle Theatre in South Charleston — figuratively that is. I prepared a montage of the evening for your viewing pleasure.

Holden Caulfield (above) induced crowd surfing.

Mike, lead singer and guitarist for The Concept.

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FaceDown Records presents an all-ages show featuring Bloodlined Calligraphy (pictured), Cassius, This Moment, Of Hearts and Shadows, Lady Binn Hill, and Escaping August. The show is being held at the Glen Dale Fire Hall Saturday, March 9. The cost of admission is $7 and the doors open at 4:30 p.m. Glen Dale Fire Hall is located at 207 7th St. Glen Dale, WV 26038.

–Denoucment Photography

–Jessica Harrah

First things first. When you’re driving or riding in a 31-foot RV, there are some things you need to know:

It’s always Miller Time, even if you’re not drinking. The cabin shakes something fierce on the road, and when you try to walk, you look drunk. Using the restroom is like trying to use a Porta Potty during an earthquake. 7.1 miles per gallon would make even the staunchest Republican do a double take. U-Turns become 3-point turns, even in the face of oncoming traffic. If the RV is rented under your name, you don’t get to play any drinking games (because you’re driving). (more…)

The kid Problem Child is new to the WV rap scene. This fresh faced 14-year old kid writes his own rhymes and holds his own when he works the mic. Problem Child is one of several rappers on the Holla Boy Record label. He is featured on six of the 21 tracks on Holla Boys’ first release that is set to drop on Friday, March 9. If you are down with the hip hop scene you will be impressed with his lyrical flow. You can purchase the mix tape at Budget Tapes and Records and Reflectionz. Ask for the lastest Holla Boy release.

–Photo by Alasha

–Jessica Harrah