Looking back at live music in Hampton Roads in 2006, I'm struck by how much I missed. For instance, what on Earth could have prevented me from seeing Irish music legends the Chieftains play Newport News? Truth is, my job was changing in 2006.
To concentrate more effort on covering local musicians, I shifted time away from the big-name concert scene. As a result, my list of favorite shows reflects some offbeat choices. Mavis Staples - The American Theatre, Hampton, March 17.
A gospel-soul singer with a heart of gold, Staples showed off the poise and pipes that made her famous. While her show in Hampton was too short, it was an honor to be in the same room with that voice. Her set featured Staple Singers hits such as "Respect Yourself" along with "The Weight" from The Band.
Let's hope she stays healthy and comes back soon. The Roots with Common - The NorVa, Norfolk, May 8. I'd seen The Roots before, but only on outdoor amphitheater stages.
The NorVa turned out to be the perfect environment to see the hip-hop pioneers from Philly. Playing new songs as well as back-catalog classics such as 1995's "Proceed," the band romped and stomped with supreme confidence. When gifted MC Common stepped on stage with the group, a jolt of electricity shot through the crowd.
This show reminded me of the power of great hip-hop. Amy Rigby with Marti Jones - North Shore Point House Concert Series, Norfolk, June 3. This pair of cynical girls make a great sweet-and-sour combination.
Jones uses a pure, folkish singing voice to sing beautiful, mellow songs, some of which were penned by her husband, Don Dixon. Rigby, on the other hand, has a pleasingly prickly style. Her wit and talent for truth-telling comes with a rocker's spirit.
A highlight: the duo's cover of The Roches' "The Married Men." Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars - Granby Theater, Norfolk. June 27.
African music seldom finds its way to Hampton Roads. This night was a memorable exception. Bouncing between solid Afro-reggae and all-acoustic traditional songs, the band made music that was both infectious and poignant.
Eventually, some of the dancers down front started throwing money at the stage. Made sense to me. I hated to see this show end.
Eagles of Death Metal - The NorVa, July 26. Opening for naughty girl Peaches, the Eagles of Death Metal got down and dirty in a different way. Relying on drive, snarling guitars and sweat, the band made dance music with plenty of muscle.
Don't be fooled by the band's name. The group's sound is all about love and lust, not death and destruction. This was my favorite hard-rock moment of 2006.
Delbert McClinton - Bay Days festival, Hampton, Sept. 8. Whose idea was it to book Delbert for Bay Days?
I want to give him or her a hug and a kiss. Delbert's rockin' blues sound set the right mood for an outdoor party in Hampton. His own raspy singing and his band's unsinkable groove has never sounded better.
I don't care if he is from Texas. I say we crown him King of Crabtown. Permanently.
Mike Cross - The Circle Restaurant, Portsmouth, Oct. 11. Growing up in North Carolina, I knew the music of Mike Cross even though we had never crossed paths.
His acoustic, folk-tinged songs were everywhere in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Seeing Cross perform for the first time was a revelation. Yes, he's fine Irish-style fiddler and a first-rate Leadbelly-like blues player.
But his high-energy delivery and wacky sense of humor are what make his shows a joy. Dr. Dog - University Center, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Oct.
27. Philadelphia rockers Dr. Dog sound like nobody else.
The band's mix of 1960s melodic rock and gonzo Frank-Zappa-like eccentricity might not be commercial, but it's tons of fun. Returning to our part of Virginia after opening for the Raconteurs at The NorVa, Dr. Dog poured on the quirky charm.
Props go to openers Pabir and the Substitutes, who were also excellent. Avett Brothers - Attucks Theatre, Norfolk, Oct. 28.
This show was a mind-bending experience, and one I'm glad I didn't miss. North Carolina's Avett Brothers play old-time music with dangerous modern-day edge. Chaos and destruction have now entered the string-band vocabulary, folks.
Broken pieces of instruments flew and band members lunged or fell flat on their backs. Meanwhile, the audience was having a rowdy good time. Death Cab for Cutie - The NorVa, Nov.
11. It's exciting to see an original, artful rock band find success. Death Cab for Cutie came to Norfolk this year at a commercial peak.
OK, at times the music was precious. But those moments were counter-balanced by a few joyful, cathartic blasts. "I need you so much closer," Ben Gibbard crooned, and the crowd sang right back at him.
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