Who Shot John is a Harrisonburg-based band that embraces the country and blues side of rock & roll. They have spent the last decade performing in small towns throughout Virginia and North Carolina, though they mostly play in towns throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

Shady Trace is a band local to Harrisonburg, VA, with members who were previous students at James Madison University. Jonathan Lee is on lead vocals and guitar, Noah Pease is on lead guitar and vocals, Brandon Carroll is on drums, and Oliver Hite is on bass. Right now, they have four songs released on Spotify: “We’re Changing With Time,” “Zoning Out (Demo),” and “Burnout (Demo),” and most recently “Looking Out For You.” 

When I think of songs created within the valleys of the Appalachian Mountains, strumming guitars beside rivers, and tapping feet on dry mud, In Lieu of Youth captures that essence. But Lilac War brings in that modern feel of indie-folk singer-songwriters that has been popularized by artists like Noah Kahan or Sufjan Stevens. In Lieu of Youth is Lilac War’s third EP consisting of five songs: “Hibernating,” “Appalachian Great,” “I’m Sorry You’re Upset,” “Over the Telephone,” and “Winchester (Revisited).”

Highland Reverie is a folk duo, made up of Luke and Madison Morris, native to the Shenandoah Valley. And Highland Reverie lives up to their name with their debut album, which was self-titled after their band – evoking a classic folk-americana style, their music creates a dreamlike state that leaves you wishing you were still caught up in their songs.

Low lights, dinner crowd chatter, the smell of bar food filling the air – the sensational experience of Clementine surrounded me as Anmara took the stage at the back of the intimate restaurant. A fruit-centered creative cocktail sat in front of me at the bar and I sat back to take the music in as the folksy inspired synth-pop started to fill the air around me.

There is never a bad time to listen to live music. But my favorite time is when the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky, and I get to attend an outdoor event. A high of 62ºF is perfect, so the heat of the crowd is bearable, but it is not so cold that my joints are frozen, so I can dance without hearing my knees and ankles crack.

Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Leesburg, Tally Ho Theater beckons both seasoned music aficionados and curious newcomers with its art-deco charm and a promise of memorable live performances. Having undergone a recent renovation, this circa 1932 landmark has evolved into a cultural hub, seamlessly blending its vintage aesthetics with a modern flair.