Get your blubber buttocks ready as the Fat Ass 5K Race for Charity makes a triumphant return downtown on Friday night and all-day Saturday. Before you laugh at the name (it's OK, that's the plan) just remember this "race" has no recorded times and considers any form of forward movement acceptable ambulatory actions, and it also includes concessions of corn dogs, ice cream, doughnuts and beer, plus live music along the race route. The Fat Ass has raised over $1.5 million for local charities since its inception. That's some serious money done in fun, and it's all happening again around the Celtic Mist Pub, where organizers first came up with the idea in 2008 during the St. Pat's parade.
All the skinny is at the Fat Ass website, which is well-done and easy to navigate. On Friday evening, Off the Wall kicks in at 5, After Sunset sails on at 7:15 and the Shenanigans play at 9:30. Saturday after the race, Captain Geech gets the street party going from noon to 3 p.m. Good to see the Fat Ass back.
Live music finds its way back to Lincoln Memorial Garden at their Fall Market Festival this weekend. Music is presented at the event on the quite excellent and definitely bucolic outdoor stage across the road from the LMG main entrance on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Saturday features Joel Gragg, Kraig Kenning and Cactus Ranch, while Sunday has River Ramblers, Tom and Owen Irwin (yes, that's us) and The Deep Hollow, with each act doing about an hour-and-a-half performance. There's lots more stuff to do out at the Garden, but hey, this is a column about live music, so ya know, you're on your own to discover the other.
In another neat-o and nifty outdoor event, this Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m., West of Wise Winery near Petersburg hosts their annual Foddershock Festival with libations, food, and of course, live music. You're encouraged to bring your preferred form of mobile outdoor seating, make yourself at home near the lovely sycamores and enjoy the music of The Lovedahls at 1 p.m. and Stuart Smith at 3 p.m.
The Keg, a well-known and longtime local bar located on the corner of Ash and Eleventh streets is now under new ownership and management. Fortunately for us, they intend to host live music most every weekend, get an open mic going and generally be a part of our scene starting soon. This Saturday marks the grand opening with stuff happening all day and into the night, including live music from 6 to 9 p.m. hosted by me, Tim Harte and Bruce Williams, and whatever other wayward musicians drift in to play.
Take your beautiful self on down to Bar None this Sunday when rockabilly rockers Delta Bombers, Hillbilly Casino and Volk hit the corner stage and hit it hard. Check out the FB invite page for tickets and info.
As usual, there are many more activities involving music happening this week, and I sure hope you check out our listings to see what tickles your fancy.