Five Bands to Check Out - Feb. 16, 2009

1. The Cinnamon Band - Rock from Virginia
Upcoming:
2/21 - Darjeeling Cafe, Staunton, Va.
2/27 - Clementine, Harrisonburg, Va.
Big, loud sound, clangy guitars, cool harmonies; I like 'em. Not aware of any albums, so go see 'em live if you get a shot.

2. Dillinger Four - A'Cappella/Nu-Jazz/Christian Rap from Minneapolis
Actually, they're a fine punk band, but according their MySpace profile...

Upcoming:
2/27 - Surf Club, St. Paul, Minn.
3/9 - Reggie's, Chicago, Ill.
3/10 - Skull Alley, Louisville, Ken.
3/11 - Mr. Small's, Pittsburgh, Penn.
3/12 - The Ottobar, Baltimore, Mary.
3/13 - The NorVa, Norfolk, Va.
3/14 - The Masquerade, Atlanta, Ga.
3/16 - The Social, Orlando, Fla.

Pretty highly regarded punkers from Minneapolis, a little angrier than most from that scene, but full of the trademark cleverness and beer. They've been around about 15 years and they're playing reflects that. Their 2002 album Situationist Comedy is probably their best, while their latest, Civil War (2008) and Versus God (2000) are also excellent.

3. Three For All - Richmond, Va.
Upcoming:
2/26 - The Tobacco Company Restaurant, Richmond, Va.
3/4 - The Tobacco Company Restaurant, Richmond, Va.
3/6 - Enzo's, Manakin-Sabot, Va.

Professional local bar band jazz trio featuring upright bass and piano. Check 'em out if you like Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, Patsy Cline, Dianna Krall, Natalie Cole, Peggy Lee, Nancy Sinatra, Wynonna or Toni Price.

4. Playground Semantics - Rock/Progressive from Richmond, Va.

I don't know much about these guys, but wanted to give a shout out because I like what I've heard.

5. Brad Moss And The New Age - Rock/Soul/Progressive from Richmond, Va.
Upcoming:
2/20 - Alley Katz, Richmond, Va.

Funky and energetic, this is a tight three-piece group of up and comers. Think Jimi Hendrix Experience, Prince and the Revolution and Miles Davis.