The Radford-based musical duo Ball & Chain is putting a new emphasis on its music and is releasing a CD this week. The duo, consisting of the long-married couple Jon and Lucinda Piro, will hold a CD release party Saturday, Oct. 23, 7:30-midnight at Abella Cafe, in Blacksburg. Special guests The Shermans will be debuting as the opening band. Door prizes, CD’s and T-shirts for sale, and more festivities will be available. There is no cover charge. (more…)

It had been a snowy weekend. I had barely been out of the house. All the K-12 public schools in the area had already announced they would be closed on Monday, so I had assumed the Will Kimbrough show at Roanoke’s Kirk Avenue Music Hall Sunday, Jan. 31, had been canceled due to weather.

At almost 6 p.m., my wife (and New River Voice Managing Editor) Taryn Chase checked out the Facebook page for Kirk Ave. and saw that the show was still on. It was a long trip on a cold, Sunday night in which road conditions were less than ideal, but I had a Subaru and thought, “Why not?” (more…)

Each year during the holiday season, Christmas songs can be heard on radio stations, television shows, or perhaps from a jolly neighbor. There is no doubt that everyone has that one favorite Christmas song that they cannot get out of their head throughout the month of December, and we here at the New River Voice want to know your favorite! The following is a playlist of what some residents of the NRV like to hear most when Santa Claus is coming to town:

O Come, O Come Immanuel – “This is my favorite Christmas song because it is a classic. I don’t think many people are familiar with the song, but every time I listen to it, I know that my favorite holiday is not far away.” – Dayna Lester, Christiansburg

Frosty the Snow Man – “‘Frosty’ is really my daughter’s favorite Christmas song, but we listen to it so much that it has kind of grown on me. Everyone loves making snowmen, and I believe this is the one song that most every Christmas lover can sing along to.” – Kelly Shaver, Blacksburg

All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey – “Mariah’s voice is perfect for this song, and it’s great for when you are in love during Christmas. Whenever I get into my car, this song is always playing, and I never seem to get tired of listening to it.” – Ashley Cutts, Radford

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – “Who doesn’t love this song? My children enjoy it almost as much as I do! This should be at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to greatest Christmas songs of all time!” – Dr. Lisa Baker Webster, Radford University

Jingle-Bell Rock – “One of the best Christmas songs ever! I have no clue who sings it, but it sounds like someone from the Rat Pack is just wailing about the holidays. The song has that old-school vibe to it that I really enjoy, and it puts a smile on my face whenever I hear it.” – George Wohlford, Blacksburg

Feliz Navidad – “What really sets this song apart from every other boring old Christmas song is that it is Spanish. It also has a unique beat to it that I like. I believe diversity in music, especially songs about the holidays, should be encouraged and enjoyed by all.” – Molly Williams, Radford

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole – “This is the quintessential song of the Christmas season. I don’t know why it is my favorite, it just is. It plays on my radio in the kitchen constantly, and it immediately puts me in a good mood.” – Jordan Martin, Radford

The Chipmunk Song – “Those squeaky little voices get me every time! Alvin and the Chipmunks were always favorite characters of mine; that is why I love this song so much. I know some people who can’t stand to listen to it more than once, but I always replay it two or three times!” – Elicia Tate, Christiansburg

Here are some other popular favorites of NRV residents:

• A Holly Jolly Christmas
•  I’ll Be Home for Christmas
•  Jingle Bells
•  Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
•  O Holy Night
•  Silver Bells
•  Silent Night
•  Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer
•  Away in a Manger

Was your favorite Christmas song mentioned above? We want to know your favorite holiday song and why! Comment below and get into the holiday spirit!

Josh Nash is an intern for the New River Voice.

Connor Christian & Southern Gothic’s 90 Proof Lullabies is an eclectic mix of roots-rock and alt-country. It is a good balance of fun, fast-paced songs and slow, beautiful ballads, but the lyrics in each song make you think a little about life’s ups and downs.

The Atlanta-based band is Connor Christian on lead vocal, guitar, keys, and harmonica; Joe Abramson on bass and vocals; Shawn Thacker on drums and vocals; and Neil Edelstein on keys, guitar, and vocals.

Christian’s vocals is reminiscent of the Black Crowe’s Chris Robinson, but with a country twang. Two totally different genres of music mixed together in complete harmonization. His voice is fun and energetic, and he has a great range. This would be a great album on a summer road trip. (more…)

Another great episode of The Listening Room is available in the archive! Celtic musicians Beggars’ Circus stopped by to share their sounds and views with host Tim Jackson.

To catch new episodes of The Listening Room, tune into WVRU 89.9 FM at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays–or listen live online.

Another great episode of The Listening Room is available in the archive! Roanoke trio Triscale stopped in for an interview with host Tim Jackson.

You can also check out a video clip of them in the WVRU studio.

To catch new episodes of The Listening Room, tune into WVRU 89.9 FM at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays–or listen live online.