Why wade through countless smoke-filled bars when you can park it in one spot and hear the BEST Richmond has to offer? SOUND OF MUSIC Recording Studios is hosting the most butt-kickin' showcase of the Route One South Music Festival, featuring bands that have recently recorded at its popular (and New!) downtown digs.

Co-owned by members of Richmond's hometown faves Cracker, SOUND OF MUSIC has become nationally renowned for its inspired projects with a diverse roster of clients, including September 67, Sparklehorse, The Seymores, Lauren Hoffman, and Germany's FSK, to name but a few. Saturday night will bring the festival to a roaring finale with the appearance of six bands that each lend their unique spice to the bubbling musical stew that is the Richmond scene.

First up at 9:40 is MR PINK, a band that spits in the face of the angst-ridden gen-x attitude with a saucy blend of punk, rock, grunge and salsa that forces a smile from even the most jaded listener! Don't miss the furious wails of the willowy Leona, the table jumpin' antics of conga/bass player Kevin, the relentless skin-poundings of Mr. Wolfgang, or Penny and Scot's dual guitar assault! Start off your evening with a bang!

Melodic power pop with harmonies galore, THE WAKING HOURS take the stage at 10:20. Bolstered by the enduring star quality of local hero Ricky Tubb, the Richards brothers and tumbler/drummer Rob Clark, this band's frenetic live shows usually result in some flying equipment. Be sure to duck while you dance! 11:00 will showcase the eclectic songwriting mastery of Richmond's most dynamic duo, Lewis and Mitchell of BUCKET. Riding high with the release of their debut CD "Cut," Bucket makes a pit stop at Route One in the midst oftheir spring tour. Catch 'em while you can!

The only band in the showcase that doesn't hail from Richmond, STICKY, who will take the stage at 11:40, has found a second home at SOUND OF MUSIC!

From Boone, NC, these noisy popsters with a southern accent will soon be releasing their second full-length and debut on David Lowery's Pitch-A-Tent label. Check out their standout cut, "Weird Way," on the SOUND OF MUSIC sampler. Another raucous set that's a must-see!

12:20 a.m. brings back the babes with Richmond's punk-pop gods and goddesses, BURST INTO FLAMES. Still high on the sugar buzz of 1995's CD, "Sweet Kind of Treat," BIF's debut on Planetary Records, "Get Me Now" will be coming out this summer to quench your thirst for cool! Featuring SOUND OF MUSIC'S own John Morand on drums, Chuck Nills on guitars, the oh-so-lovely vocals and guitar of Teri-Kay Lindsey and Richmond's number 1 Rock Chick, Sheri Blanks on bass.

A baby's softness begins with Luvs, not LOG. Three individuals whose mammies never loved them, Log is Richmond's punk powerhouse. Bringing the night to a blazing end at 1:00 a.m., these volume merchants of in-your-face noise fame crank it up with a growling fervor. More Marshall amps than a Loudness concert; wear your ear protection!

The Mecca of organic recording, SOUND OF MUSIC studio sponsors the biggest throw-down in the city at TradeMarks in Richmond's notorious Shockoe Bottom.

Sound of Music Showcase of Stars!
Route One South Music Festival
TradeMarks 1707 E. Franklin St.
Saturday, May 31 1997
Featuring Mr Pink, The Waking Hours, Bucket, Sticky, Burst Into Flames and Log

Written by Lezlie Snyder

Article provided by Kevin Knudsen of Mr Pink