Dedicated to delivering top touring musical entertainment to residents of the New River Valley and beyond, it is also offering a chance for local musicians to compete in a "Battle of the Burg". The competition will take place on consecutive Monday nights beginning March 16th, with grand prizes ranging from studio time to coveted opening slots on national bills and the possibility of regular stage time at the Lantern, not to mention local bragging rights. The Lantern hopes to showcase similar sounds on each Monday's Battle Board, with the top two bands out of six moving on to a semi-final round of longer sets, with a finale in April to determine the best Blacksburg area band. Bands interested in entering the competition should contact Abby Schoenfeld at: aschoen@vt.edu. The deadline for entering the preliminary round of battle is Friday, March 6th.
Not limited to local acts, the Lantern brings into the area regional and nationally touring bands. Promoting itself as a place "featuring an eclectic menu of music and munchies to satisfy body and soul," the Lantern makes good on its promise in March. Beginning the month with Benyaro, a "soulful acoustic phenomenon" according to Roanoke Times music reviewer Amy Matzke, the schedule for the first four days includes a no-limit Texas Hold-Em Tournament, local DJ act Boogieburg and Holy Ghost Tent Revival-- a band from Greensboro playing a wild fusion of ragtime, bluegrass and big band. Only a venue dedicated to the unexpected would offer a reggae-funk band--Roots of Creation--as the headliner for St. Patrick's Day, jam-trance sensation Perpetual Groove, New Jersey bluegrass band Railroad Earth and Greensboro, retro-funk outfit Hot Politics thrown in for good measure at the end of the month.
The Lantern does have a soft spot for a traditional breakfast of bacon and eggs, though. They are proud to introduce a weekend post-show event called "Breakfast Clubbin" with area DJ's spinning music on Friday and Saturday night while their kitchen provides standard breakfast fare as well as regular Lantern menu items. "It gives people a chance to stay a little longer and enjoy themselves, maybe meet the bands and have a bite to eat all at the same time," says Dan Chastain, one of the owners of the downtown Blacksburg nightspot. "One of the best things about seeing music live instead of just downloading it is getting to interact with the musicians." The "Breakfast Clubbin" menu will also offer vegetarian substitutes for meat.
"The beauty of this venue is it gives everyone a place to go in Blacksburg to see great live music from places like New York; Athens, Georgia; Miami--without traveling to D.C. or Greensboro to see them," adds co-owner Brian Turner. "We've actually had Basshound from Maryland, holding a monthly residency since mid-December and they've been killing it." With plans to offer more opportunities for local musicians and DJ s, the sounds coming up the stairs of the Lantern will always be different, and something worth hearing.
Tickets are currently available for the following events at the In-Ticketing links provided below. As with all In-Ticketing on-line ticket sales, a tree will be planted for every ticket sold.
Perpetual Groove :: Thunder Construction Tour 2009
Special Guest: DJ Rhabee
Weds. March 18, 2009 at 9PM
Tickets: $15
On sale now here: http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=30688
Ages 18 and up welcome.
www.pgroove.com
An Evening with Railroad Earth
Special Guest: TBA
Fri. March 20th, 2009 at 9PM
Tickets: $17/$20
On sale now here: http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=31228
Ages 18 and up welcome
www.railroadearth.com
Toubab Krewe
Special Guest: TBA
Weds. April 1st, 2009 at 9PM
Tickets: TBA
Ticket On Sale Date: Monday February, 16th, 2009 at Noon
Pnuma Trio
Special Guest: Damn Right!
Weds. April 8th, 2009 at 9PM
Tickets: $10
On sale now here: http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=32194
Ages 18 and up welcome.
www.pnumatrio.com
World/Inferno Friendship Society
Featuring Brian V of the Dresden Dolls
Special Guest: TBA
Thurs. April 23rd, 2009 at 9PM
Tickets: $10
On sale now here: http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=32193
Ages 18 and up welcome.
www.worldinferno.com
www.getplugged-in.com
www.thelanternblacksburg.com
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For press or other inquiries please contact: Brian Zickafoose promo@getplugged-in.com
