So last week was definitely a bit of a lull, because this week there’s something going on just about every night, so let’s jump right in.

Starting off with solid back to back nights at the NorVa downtown, Tuesday kicks things off with Matisyahu visiting the area for the fourth time. My first experience with Matisyahu was at the Jewish Mother several years ago, where the line to enter wrapped around the block. His popularity has only increased since then as he blends his religious background and beliefs in Hasidic Judaism lyrically with reggae, hip hop, and rock music. Heck, the kid even spits out some beat boxing at his shows. If you haven’t seen him before, it’s definitely a show worth checking out at least once.

The next night though holds the show I am most excited about this week. If you can only go one of the two nights, I’d head to the NorVa Wednesday for what is easily the hottest show going on this week, with nine time Grammy-nominated Nas and three time Grammy Award winner Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley! The two are currently touring together in support of their album, Distant Relatives, which was released earlier this year. They collaborated lyrically and musically to write songs based on the themes of Africa, poverty, their shared ancestry, and the struggles of humanity as a whole. Their music fuses both their respective genres of hip-hop and reggae, but the show will likely also highlight some of their individual hits as well. Damian, although the youngest, is my favorite of reggae legend Bob Marley’s sons, and in my opinion, the most likely to carry on his father’s legacy as he is pushing musical and lyrical boundaries. It’s not very often we get a show of this caliber at the NorVa, making this my show of the week.

As We Enter, Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

Thursday night, check out Atlanta based guitarist/banjoist and songwriter Bobby Lee Rodgers at Doc Taylors Seaside Lounge. Rodgers was a founding member of Col. Bruce Hampton and the Codetalkers, which had toured simply as The Codetalkers since Hampton’s departure in 2006, and finally dropped that name altogether in 2009. The strength of that band though, was Rodgers’ songwriting, which he has continued with his trio made up of Marcus Williams on drums and Ike Stubblefield on a Hammond B-3 organ. They promise to delve into jazz explorations and musical improvisation all the while being grounded by incredible original songwriting and straight ahead rock.

Come on out to the Jewish Mother Friday night for Charlottesville, VA’s Hackensaw Boys. These guys walk on stage and look like a traditional bluegrass outfit, but then attack the songs with such aggressiveness, you almost feel sorry for their instruments because they’re just getting abused! Some might call it old-timey Americana music with an attitude, but what you can’t deny is that it’s always a good show. Be prepared to walk into the night air drenched in sweat because you will be getting down at this throw down.

Hackensaw Boys | pic: myspace

Most larger touring bands only pass through Norfolk during the week in order to hit larger markets on the weekends, but I think there is quite an advantage to that. It leaves the weekends for us to build support for local and regional live music acts. This Saturday is a perfect example of that with at least 8 different bands playing around the area for you to go out and explore.  At 37th and Zen, the Pawn Shop Lifters bring their raucous, country, alcohol infused good times for your enjoyment. With Gina Dalmas and Shinerunner opening, this promises to be a good time. At Gosport Tavern in Portsmouth, you have Mink and Cheef’s Electric Band, started by Kevin Turner of Family Tree and Alec Poletsky of the Dayjob Quitters, amongst other projects. Both are solid musicians and at their best when let loose on a crowd with their musical chops and witty stage banter.

Finally, the local group I’m most interested in checking out this weekend is The Humble Beets playing at the County Grill in Yorktown. The Humble Beets was started by sultry-voiced Kari Velandria (The Human Fund) and guitarist Wes Forehand (String Theory). They initially played under the name Villa Road, and now perform with a mix of musicians from their previous bands blending originals that touch on rock, reggae, bluegrass, hip-hop, jazz, folk, and even electronica, mixed with a variety of covers from Marley to Outkast. If you’re willing to make the drive, I believe you’ll be rewarded with a great local show. All of these, or really any of the other local shows listed below, would make for a solid way to spend your Saturday evening.

Sunday head down to Virginia Beach for the last day of the East Coast Surfing Championship with live music on the 4th Street Stage starting at noon, lasting till 9:30. Highlighted are the following local groups: Newport News rock band Chasing Arrows (12-1:30), Norfolk reggae band Nature’s Child (2-4pm), and Virgina Beach ska group Jackmove (5-6:30pm). The surfing finals actually end a little earlier in the afternoon, so you can check that out too and some good local bands, taboot!

Concert Going Tip:
The Art of the Mix Tape. No real concert going tip this week, but I did want to take this opportunity to mention Dub Buddies. Some folks might have already heard of this if you follow AltDaily on Facebook, but Jesse Scaccia came up with this idea and honestly, I think it’s great. There is great pleasure in putting together mix tapes, from capturing a particular mood, or creating something completely eclectic, or telling someone a story through songs that have moved you. Currently, at Elliot’s Fairgrounds or A Latte Cafe and Creamery, you can find boxes labelled Dub Buddies where you can drop off a mix tape you’ve made and/or pick one up in exchange. Each disc, hopefully, is like a mini treasure hunt, where you might discover a new artist or song that speaks to you. So get involved, share music you love, and discover music you’ve never heard before, and do your part in making this community of ours just a little more hip! Oh, and check out this cool website!

(Got a band or show you want to tell me about? Make recommendations, suggestions, or simply share some witty music banter at music@altdaily.com)

Other Shows of Interest:

Monday August 23
William Walter & Co. @ C.P. Shuckers (Rock/Alternative/Jazz)

Tuesday August 24
Matisyahu @ NorVa (Reggae/Hip-Hop/Rock)
Train @ nTelos Pavilion (Roots Rock)

Wednesday August 25
Nas/Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley @ NorVa (Hi-Hop/Reggae)
Jackson Browne @ nTelos Pavilion (Classic Rock)
The Muckrakes @ Port Warwick (Americana/Roots Rock)
Troy Olson @ Jewish Mother (Country)

Thursday August 26
Bobby Lee Rodgers @ Doc Taylors Seaside Lounge (Jazz/Rock/Jamband)
Guitar Shorty @ Jewish Mother (Blues)
Jonas Sees in Color @ Chichos (Rock/Indie)
Boneski/Glass Pennies/ARM @ 37th and Zen
We Are the In Crowd @ Club Relevant (Pop/Rock)

Friday August 27
Hackensaw Boys @ Jewish Mother (Bluegrass)
Octopus @ Smackwater Jacks (Jamband)
Kiss/The Academy Is @ Virginia Beach Amphitheater (Hard Rock)
The Knocks/Samuel/DJ Equal @ 37th and Zen

Saturday August 28
Creed @ Virginia Beach Amphitheater (Rock)
Trey Songz/Monica @ nTelos Pavilion (R&B/Hip-Hop/Soul)
Pawn Shop Lifters @ 37th and Zen (Americana/Country/

Sunday August 29

Jonas Brothers @ Virginia Beach Amphitheater (Pop)
Darius Rucker @ Chesapeake City park (Country/Rock)
Jackmove/Natures Child/The Movement @ East Coast Surfing Championships