Feist, The Fiery Furnaces, Of Montreal, Mogwai, Silver Jews, The Books -- the Satellite Ballroom's spring schedule announces to the public what numerous concert promoters already know -- that Charlottesville is the home to a burgeoning music scene. The venue's calendar, full of high-profile artists, is no fluke. With the re-opening of Paramount Theater, renovations to Charlottesville Pavilion and the continuing success of Starr Hill, it is easy to see why stopping in Charlottesville is a viable option.
According to Danny Shea, Satellite Ballroom's booking agent, it was a goal to be a crucial destination between Washington, D.C. and the Raleigh-Durham, N.C. area.
The Satellite Ballroom occupies a unique space in Charlottesville's eclectic music scene. Conveniently located on the Corner, the venue is a spacious room suited for big rock shows. Speaking of the Ballroom as an extension of the University, Shea said, "We have an obligation to the U.Va. student body."
Concerning atmosphere, it's easy to see why this hip hot spot has more appeal than the crowded Student Activities Building or the caverns of U-Hall.
For students looking to experience rock in its natural habitat, there are a number of exciting performances in the coming months. February sees the avant-garde sound of indie favorites The Fiery Furnaces, while March offers two of the most anticipated shows in the venue's short history.
A rarity for such a small market, Mogwai opens March with a bang -- of heavy distortion, that is. Notoriously loud enough that audience members require ear plugs, this post-rock band will showcase their unique brand of instrumental guitar music. Look for the band to debut material from their forthcoming album, Mr. Beast.
The highlight of March, however, will be Silver Jews, who will be embarking on their first tour ever. SJ got their start as Ectoslavia in 1989 when David Berman and friends -- guitarist Stephen Malkmus and drummer Bob Nastanovich -- studied together at the University. Malkmus famously went on to form the seminal rock band Pavement, while Berman released a handful of albums as Silver Jews. 2005 saw the release of the long-awaited Tanglewood Numbers, welcoming Malkmus back to the fold. Now, Charlottesville's indie kids are waiting with bated breath to see the band make an overdue homecoming.
In the meantime, the Satellite Ballroom's exciting spring schedule kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 7 with Feist and Jason Collett. Billed as the college boys' newest heartthrob, Feist is also known for lending her mesmerizing vocals to the surprisingly successful collective of musicians known as Broken Social Scene. While her current album, Let It Die, is more piano-oriented, the backing of a strong touring band ensures this will be a guitar-rockin' good time. Opener Jason Collett is no slouch either; he'll provide a subtle folksy introduction for this indie-pop show.
As for the future of the Satellite Ballroom (and Charlottesville's music scene), the sky is the limit. The DIY-minded venue has a definite niche among other local musical outlets. From the look of it, Satellite has set the bar sky-high. For a venue that hosted Caribou, Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Sam Prekop within the first six months of its opening, Satellite Ballroom is sure to have an electrifying concert season in store for University students.
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