As I was unloading the van and setting up the Magazine33 tent, the heat welcomed me with a punch to the forehead!  As I bled sweat and raced against the clock, the only thing I could think of was, man it’s hot!!

There were a few musicians on stage setting up and running through a sound check, but I paid no mind, as I was making trip after trip, unloading, sweating and anticipating the Veggie Fest’s infamous fresh squeezed iced cold lemonade.  To my surprise, the timing was perfect, as I finished setting everything up, grabbed my tasty beverage and sat down to absorb an afternoon of great food and music, the first band took the stage to perform.  Despite everything else going on around me, it didn’t take long for Haze and the Transients to capture my full attention.  With a unique blend of folk, pop and Americana, the band has successfully established a sound of their own.  Led by the melodic and soulful vocals of Kirsten “Haze” Hazler, this bands works together on a level of love and respect for one another as well as their music.  With Jolie Harrison also on vocals and completing a harmonious balance, the band is made up of a stand up bass, guitar and an interesting drummer who plays with only a bass drum and a snare creating a skiffle backbeat that could not work any better.  The band brought an hour of diverse story telling, groove punch jam that left me asking when their next show was. I was impressed with the musicianship and loved every song performed.  After their set, they came over to the tent and introduced themselves, only to reassure me that who they really are is a reflection of the music they play.  Haze and the Transients are a great live band and I am looking forward to catching them again on August 6th at Legend Brewing Company.  Visit them online at:
HazeShadeProductions.com
MySpace.com/HazeandtheTransients

As the next band was setting up, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  They were introduced as a reggae band called Unity Sound and though I do love reggae music, I am always a little skeptical of the outcome.  Reggae is one of the most universal sounds that everyone feels and behind it is the combination of song and dance bringing peace and love.  It really takes the right type of collective energy to channel this.  I love it and had high expectations of Unity.  As I watched this short bald headed guy with a gotee grab the mic, my first thought was, "this can’t be the singer."  I mean, when most people think of reggae, they think of Bob Marley, dreads and big hats.  Stereotypical, not to mention judgmental, I was put in my place to say the least!  Unity Sound brought the vibe!  Their sound check was a brilliantly done cover of Lynyrd Skynard’s Simple Man and the lead singer was incredible.  As they continued their set, I was more impressed with each song.  It didn’t take long for people in the crowd to start dancing and there was a beautiful exchange of energy between everyone and the band.  I really enjoyed this band and even though I didn’t get a chance to meet them after their performance, I witnessed them going around hugging and talking to people.  These guys are genuine with their love for reggae music and I would definitely go see them again.  You can see them live July 9th at Red, White and Brew 17th Street Farmers Market and their new CD Do Something is available at the website:
UnitySoundReggaeBand.com  - also visit them online at
MySpace.com/UnitySoundReggae 

By now, I had had my third cup of lemonade and my ears were feeling pretty good. The next band up was called Cha-Cha’s Cadillac and by the title I had no idea what to expect.  As they took the stage, I saw this short guy in blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt, hair like a 50’s greaser holding this huge electric guitar and was thinking to myself, this is interesting.  Beside him was a tall blonde haired lady in a red and white polka dotted dress, sunglasses and a tambourine.  Accompanied by a drummer and a bass player they went right into their first song and BANG!!!  I was taken back to 1959 in style.  They started their set with a great cover of Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues.  With a marvelous blend of rockabilly, country, attitude and fun, Cha-Cha’s Cadillac does a great job of preserving the origins of classic Rock-n-Roll in an explosive manner.  Jennifer Putze (The lady in the polka dot dress) kept the crowd on their feet dancing and bopping around, while Sean Contreras, the lead singer/guitar player, amazed me with his showmanship and playing.  Backed up by a solid driving rhythm section, Pat Spillane on bass and Randy Jett on drums, this band was full of energy, life and musicianship.  Just when I thought I had figured them out, they broke into Eddie Cochran’s "C’mon Baby" and I was sold!  It’s not everyday you hear this classic hit, let alone hear it done with such excitement.  Overall, Cha-Cha’s Cadillac are one of the most original, unique and fun bands I have seen.  They’re next live show is July 10th at Big Al’s and July 17th at Bogarts.  You can visit them online at:
MySpace.com/ChaChasCadillac
[Editor's note:  Cha-Cha's cadillac was actually one of the first bands covered by Magazine33 back in our very first issue.]

The next band to take the stage were a group of young musicians who seemed to get right to it.  From the very first song, there was an obvious strong chemistry amongst them.  Julia Stancampiano's vocals are pure and honest with a respectable range.  With confidence and passion for music, she seemed to communicate well with the audience both musically and personally.  The band were equally impressive with their humble style and everyone’s ability to create together.  The songs themselves were well composed, combined with a sense of spiritual overtone and heart-felt lessons of life.  Any band that can go from an acoustic style county ballad to an 8 minute driving funk jam while still maintaining an original identity, well that’s a band I’d go see anytime.  Riverside Drive sounded like a band that have been playing and touring together for years and I believe this band will continue to grow a fan base to large numbers in years to come. You can visit them online at:
MySpace.com/RiversideDriverVa

Last to take the stage was The Michael Hurley Band.  These guys were bringing a show and backing it with a stage of well seasoned players.  Michael Hurley delivers a punch of strong and emotional vocals while rocking both guitar and keyboards.  Opening with a song I refer to as a “shredfest overture” the guitar player lit the stage on fire with his solo and song after song this band never let up. Even the beautiful ballad, where Hurley plays piano and sings to a mysterious friend, both guitar players take turns in a conversation that only exists in bending notes and screaming riffs.  I couldn’t help to feel like these guys were driving towards the big time.  The songs were great.  The stage show was great.  The band was great.  Due to the heat outside and the time of day, the festival crowd had slightly diminished, however it didn’t seem to matter to this band.  They played their hearts out as if they were in front of 20,000 people.  I recommend you go see The Michael Hurley Band if you get the chance.  I imagine in a bar setting, this band would pack the dance floor.  You can visit hem online at:
MichaelHurleyBand.com

Overall, I’d have to say that this year’s music lineup  was a perfect blend of great bands. I enjoyed all of them and the Veggie Festival itself is always a learning experience packed with great food and fun. See ya next year……………

By Director, Founding Partner and CEO: Chris Mullican

Chris is a Founding Partner of Magazine33 and is a visionary force that largely conceptualized the seed of what is now known as Magazine33.  He grew up in the small town of Reedville, Virginia.  Soon thereafter he spread his wings and traveled across the country, finding a guitar, friends that became family, and spiritual guidance along the way.  Since returning to Virginia, his life continues to be full of love, music, personal revelations, and success.  Look out world, Chris and VPs Ben and Helen have an expansion compulsion - so look for Magazine33 all around the country and the globe soon!!!