If you woke up this morning from a fitful sleep and found that the world seemed to be just a bit colder and darker, there is good reason. It is with great regret that I deliver this news. Charlottesville native, Charlottesville legend, and more importantly friend, Johnny G. passed away last night (October 22, 2009).  It doesn’t matter what you do or don’t believe in on days like this. Say a prayer, light a candle, or take a minute to think about how he touched your life and how much you will miss him.  If you’re reading this and you knew Johnny, I ask you to leave something here. A picture, a story, a kind word, it doesn’t really matter, just something to say that he’s on your mind.

Thank you for being you Johnny. You are already missed.  [Info]  [Photo Credits]

Update: The Johnny Gilmore Memorial Website is now up and running.

With the opening of The Southern, and the soon to arrive revamped Jefferson, how can your local music venues continue to attract talented musicians if attendance often times is so low?   Many locals have probably not heard of these bands, although they have received quite a bit of critical acclaim nationally, and since they are mostly unheard of, how can they find fans locally?  Back in the day, I discovered a band that I still consider one of my top 5 hip hop groups of all time by accident on a first date.  I saw a 5 man Ska/Funk/Reggae jam band that switched instruments with each other in the middle of a song without missing a beat.  I checked out the Southern on Sunday night, hoping that I’d have another story to tell about another amazing band that few have heard of. »Read More

This seems to be the week for new writers, as I’ve got the pleasure of introducing another new voice to the site.  Melvin will be providing another angle on music reviews, and also some great commentary about Charlottesville in general.  Also of note, writers hate writing intros.  I found this one pretty funny.  Thanks Melvin.

So here is my all important intro.  I don’t do to well when I’m asked to speak about myself directly, so here goes. Hi, how are you?  This is the part where I tell you that I was born and raised in this town, and that I am well qualified to review bands, and all things geek as well as write a rant or two from time to time. Well, I was born and raised in this town, blah blah blah.  Now that we’ve got that out of the way… WHAT’S GOOD CHARLOTTESVILLE?  I love this place.  This is my home, and I’m happy to be a part of something that was created for the purpose of improving the community. This isn’t our site, it’s yours, and I appreciate the chance to voice my opinions and hear your feedback.  If there’s something going on and you think I might not catch it, drop me a line (see what I did there).  Well that’s about all there is for now.  See you in the funny papers…or would that be in the web comics?