"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."-- Dr. Seuss
Well...all good things come to an end and for VRB, the time has come. I'm finding it hard to write these words tonight. VRB has been such a huge part of my life for almost the last decade and I can't believe how much time has passed!
The decision to say "goodbye" did not come lightly. I've agonized over it for a while now. With today's economy and just "life" in general, I have choosen to part ways with VRB.
I have met some amazing people thru the last 8 years and seen/heard some amazing music! I can't imagine my life without this adventure and even though this ride is coming to an end, I am starting a new adventure. I will be focusing on another passion of mine, photography. I have decided to continue supporting the local scene by taking photos for any bands that would need or like them. I've always had a camera in my hand since I was young and this just seems like a natural transition for me. The picture site is "Prey Pictures", www.myspace.com/preypictures Check it out and add it if you like. If there are any bands that come thru the hampton roads area that would like some live shots taken, I'm here! :)
There are way too many people to thank, but a select few deserve mentioning. Matt Mayle - current lead singer for Butter - You are the one I "blame" for getting me involved in this scene. I still remember the night we met, at a coverband's show and you telling me "if you put this much energy in a coverband, you need to come check out the other side, the original bands." That next week, I came out to my first Nitro Lounge show and was hooked. Thank you for pushing me in this direction. It will always be appreciated!
Jason Smith - Co-founder and partner in crime for VRB - Jason, I don't even remember how we decided to start this crazy adventure together. I guess a few good things came from working at Map Mobile and our friendship was one of them. You are still missed out in the scene (Anita says hi by the way!) and like you, my focus now is not so much on the bigger things, but the small things. Thank you for being just as excited about this scene as I am. You will always have a special place in my heart and I love you and your family!
Gil, Gil's Bar and Grill in Virginia Beach - We have worked together within this scene for many years and I'm so proud of you for turning your club around from some bar that has cover bands to a full venue, which touring bands and local bands alike play. No more cover bands, all original! Way to go! Thank you for your friendship and support over the years. I love you and the whole Gil's family and crew!
Shelley & FM99 Crew - You were the first mainstream rock station to put a spot light on the local scene and I am very thankful for that. "Homegrown" became a mainstay when it came to our local talent and because of it, we have had a lot more attention put on these hard working bands. Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into getting this done! You rock!
Rick Marcel & the Norva Crew - Since your doors opened, we have watched the Norva flourish into one of the best venues this area has ever seen. Thank you for giving the local scene a huge stage to play and for opening the doors for them when big names come to town. Rick, I still have your message that you left on my answering machine when you first started looking for local talent to play shows. I still, to this day, don't know how you got my home number, but I'm glad I could help!
To the countless others, friends and fans, out there that have supported VRB and what it stood for over the years - THANK YOU just isn't enough!
And finally - to the bands - You are all talented, and show us each time you take to the stage what devotion to your passion means. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears are put into you music and shows and I'm glad I could help, if only just a little, to support your talents! Without you, there would be no need for VRB or the countless "spawn off" promotions site that have sprouted up since we came on the scene. Please keep rockin our socks off...and I promise to keep supporting you!
So this is it...time to move on and pass the baton to a younger generation of music lovers. Keep rockin Virginia! Keep Rockin!
-Sheila Hodgin - VRB Owner & Co-Founder
SHELIA NEED YOUR VOTE HUN PLEASE Battle of the Bands? Voting is now underway to determine which three bands will battle it out and open up at Crue Fest 2. Vote for your favorite CATEGORY V @ www.fm99.com
Forget your typical boring Tuesday night and come rock out with these 3 amazing bands! It's a show you don't want to miss! Hope to see you there!!!! =]
This friday night Nov. 21st i will be hanging at Jaxx Nightclub in springfield Va with many many local musicians. We have decided to have a rockin & roll party at 8pm to help support Jay Nedrey's (Jaxx Owner) band The RoadDucks film a new DVD.
This is going to be a good fucking time! Jay has decided to drop the door charge to $5 for the night! I know every musician in Northern Va.
has there own opinion of Jay, lol, BUT, you have to remember the fact the Jay has supplied a major stepping stone & a great stage for us all to get our music heard from! AND don't forget the Evick boy's the following night nov.
22nd!!! Jaxx is in for a massive makeover after this weekend!! lol 2 nights of a musician filled room? lmfao, seriously? The last time we had a party like this i think i ended up in jail............... i think.......... don't remember much of it!!! Don't get pissed when they run out of alcohol, you can only be SO perpared for a party like this!!!!! lol repost this shit to everyone you know.
Lets blow this bitch out this weekend!!! Jeff Marshall Panek Productions
Hosted By: The Kind Eye Project When: Saturday Nov 22, 2008 at 1:00 PM Where Maybe? Bar and Grill 7114 Hull Street Road Richmond, Virginia|47 23235 United States Description: The Kind Eye Project
Hosted By: The Kind Eye Project When: Saturday Nov 22, 2008 at 1:00 PM Where Maybe? Bar and Grill 7114 Hull Street Road Richmond, Virginia|47 23235 United States Description: The Kind Eye Project
Fantasy supports local music in Hampton Roads, we have over 300 videos with mostly local shows on youtube. We are currently booking local bands who want to play an in store at Fantasy. We want to carry your CDs as well, and we also placed posters and fliers for local shows. Directions and info are on our web page, bands get in touch with us through our myspace page. Directions and store info is at www. fantasyva. com.
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