I’ve always loved the sound of an acoustic guitar – its echo and hollow drum-like reverberations along with a voice, clearly presented, and lyrics containing substance and soul. MTV and VHI, back in the day when they showcased music, used to present “MTV Unplugged” and “Storytellers” respectively and I always looked forward to seeing these artists in their barest form producing sounds which stay with you forever. Cinema Café (“Cinema”) on Independence Boulevard in Virginia Beach, Virginia has been reaching out for that very ambience….on Monday nights.
The genesis of this format was crafted by Cinema Manager Kevin Gibson and Roanna Budd, a bass guitarist in a local band whose drummer had been involved in a serious car accident which prompted Budd to approach Gibson about using one of the movie theaters for a fundraising event. They raised over $1200 that night in April 2010 and it was such a success that Gibson offered to have Budd’s band perform every Monday. Shortly thereafter, the band broke up but Budd’s friends and other local artists were clamoring for music and she began organizing a weekly event from 9:00-11:00 pm featuring local bands.
“These rooms have great acoustics,” says Gibson “and it’s a great venue for local artists to be heard.” On this particular evening, one of the locals was wrapping up his 15-20 minute set with two Dashboard Confessional covers and mused to the supportive crowd, “This song is called ‘Better Days’ – it’s my only song with actual good lyrics”.
Budd says that there are usually 60-80 spectators and has been pleasantly surprised by the support and turnout since much of the buzz was created mostly via word of mouth and social media sites. She was the closing performer as she has transitioned to her own nascent vocal work while also serving as promoter, organizer and generally do-it-all go-to person for these happenings.
The format consists of anywhere from full bands to solo artists and there are usually 3-4 acts. They are pre-selected by Budd and announced the week before on their Facebook site, “Cinema Café Music Mondays”.
For more information contact Budd via https://www.facebook.com/#!/cinemacafemusicmondays. Cinema Café is located at 758 Independence Blvd in Virginia Beach and admission (for now) is FREE. The next show will be September 12 and the featured artists are Dustin Furlow, Brandy Lindsey and Theresa Korsness.
Special thanks to Kevin Gibson and Roanna Budd for their assistance in producing this piece.
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