Discover Virginia Musicians
Browse through our list of music artists based in Virginia!
All Featured Artists
Scythian
Ukrainian-Appalachian, Americana
Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling songwriting, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience. Nashville’s Music City Roots says Scythian is ‘what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling’, and the Washington Post claims “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.”
Stella Haile
Acoustic, Pop
Stella Haile is a singer-songwriter based in Newport News, VA. Known for her deeply relatable lyrics and soul-stirring performances, Stella’s music draws listeners into her world, with a voice that’s impossible to forget.
CAN-D
Alternative, Indie Rock
CAN-D delivers a unique blend of classic and contemporary hits, ensuring that audiences of all ages have an unforgettable experience. Our repertoire spans decades, including timeless tracks from legendary artists and modern chart-toppers, making us an ideal choice for diverse and vibrant events.
Isabel March
Indie Folk
Isabel is a Shenandoah Valley-based musician who loves folk, jazz, and boleros and sings in both English and Spanish. She is releasing singles from her upcoming debut album.
The River's Edge
Folk Rock
Wade into the warmth of indie folk alt rock, from The River’s Edge. Setting the tone of a summer’s afternoon on the water, the hometown trio of the talented singer/songwriter Matt Chellini, harmonizing queen Deb Taylor, multi-instrumentalist Chris Godbee, and supported by the incisive licks of Carl Hughey on lead guitar, and hired gun Don Scott on the drums, will have your eyes smiling, your heart singing, and your feet stomping to the pulse of their driving beats.
Massanutten Brass Band
Americana Roots Rock, Blues
The Massanutten Brass Band, from Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, was formed in September of 2001 and has developed a loyal and enthusiastic following of brass band enthusiasts. Now celebrating their 20th season, the ensemble is comprised of outstanding musicians from Northern Virginia, Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Valley. The band’s personnel include school band directors, music professors, university music students, and serious amateur musicians. The ensemble performs throughout the central Shenandoah Valley region and has performed as the featured ensemble at the Virginia Music Educators Conference. The Massanutten Brass Band was awarded first prize in the 2nd Section (2007) and third prize in the 1st Section (2009, 2010) and, most recently, second prize in the 2nd Section (2023) at the NABBA Championships. In the Spring of 2011, the band collaborated with the Shenandoah Valley Choral Society in presenting the U.S. premiere of the brass band version of Karl Jenkin’s The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.
Karl Stoll
Americana Roots Rock, Blues
Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone is an award winning, butt-rockin’, electrifyin’, houserockin’ roots rock & blues band from Northern Virginia.
The Danger Zone’s most recent album, The Workhouse, was nominated for three Wammie awards in 2022, and was selected by DC Blues Society as Best Self-Produced CD for 2022. The title track received Honorable Mention by the Songwriter’s Association of Washington.
This band is rockin’!
For more than 20 years, The Danger Zone has been playing a unique mix of danceable Americana roots rock featuring the sounds of Chicago, New Orleans, Memphis, Texas and DC, plus a collection of original songs being played on radio stations across the country.
The band has appeared on NPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor” to an audience of 15 million listeners!
Jason Mendelson
Pop, Rock
Jason Mendelson is a Strasburg, VA composer and multi-instrumentalist best known for his MetroSongs project in the D.C. region in the 2010’s, infusing the history of each station location with a musical flavor all its own. He prefers to play electric 12-string guitar and sing, but he can often be found on various instruments supporting acts like Jess Estienne, Jonny Grave, Selling Fairfax by the Pound, Alex Parez & the Hell Rojos, and has performed on stages all over the area, like Front Porch Friday at Strasburg Square, Bright Box, Black Cat, 9:30 Club, and the Kennedy Center. Jason’s studio, An Undisclosed Location, has been a part of several projects from bands like Fellowcraft, The Lucky So & So’s and more. Jason is excited to start a new chapter in the Shenandoah Valley, partnering with other local residents to enhance the local music ecosystem with Streetwise Studios. Jason is working on a whole new show for 2024 called “Mendelson Plays McGuinn” to pay tribute to his guitar hero Roger McGuinn of the Byrds and solo fame.
Ben Brown
Country, Americana
I’m a country/Americana artist out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. I write about the ups and downs of life.
Paul Wolfe
Americana, Folk
Paul Wolfe is an acoustic singer-songwriter who’s lived here in Northern Virginia for nearly 30 years, with stops in Charlottesville, Philadelphia, and London along the way—though deep down his native Pittsburgh still feels like home. Years ago Paul’s children were taking music lessons, and he figured their old man could too. So guitar lessons began, and before long guitar lessons turned into songwriting, and before long songwriting turned into performing…and here we are! Paul’s songs survey a wide sweep of life and love, truth and trial, experience and imagination. He has received numerous recognitions from the Songwriters’ Association of Washington, and he relishes opportunities to connect live with listeners who bring experiences and aspirations of their own.
David Nemetz
Roots Rock, Americana
Dave Nemetz is a seasoned solo acoustic guitarist renowned for his soulful renditions of roots rock classics spanning from the 1960s to contemporary hits. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty, Dave infuses his performances with a timeless charm that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Jo & Ray
Indie Pop, Americana
Jo & Ray are an indie pop guitar duo from Virginia. Their eclectic musical blends are influenced by the local folk/Americana sounds of the Shenandoah Valley, as well as their roots in the Baltimore and New England indie music scenes. Drawing inspiration from Virginia’s diverse landscapes and their shared love for timeless pop hooks, Jo & Ray craft songs that resonate with listeners and leave a lasting impression.
Dogwood Brothers
Americana, Country
A Richmond based band with Shenandoah Valley roots, Dogwood Brothers craft Americana songs rich with Virginia themes and imagery. Formed in 2019 and built on a passion for the classics, their sets include covers of Bluegrass, Honky-tonk, and Western Swing favorites.
Meisha Herron
Traditional Blues/Soul, Original Songs-Multi Genre
Meisha Herron Is a seasoned musician (Guitar, bass, vocals) from Chicago. She started performing in jazz, soul and blues bands in Chicago in her teens and opened up for Buddy Guy as a solo acoustic artist at his South loop nightclub, “Legends” where he does a residency every January. Upon visiting the Shenandoah Valley eight years ago, she fell in love with the scene and found the music scene inviting and vibrant, so decided to remain and has been performing throughout the region for the past seven years. Meisha is known for curtailing her set list for different audiences and has one of the widest repertoires around. spanning songs from the 1920’s to the present. Look for Meisha at a venue near you and you won’t be disappointed!
Jeremy Rodgers and the Helltown Riffraff
Gothic Folk, Indie
The Helltown Riffraff began in Linden VA in late 2017 as the backing band for Jeremy Rodgers’ solo material. They are quickly gaining a following in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond for their gothic blues and rock with a country twang. Led by Jeremy’s growling baritone and sinister songwriting, supported by Lani’s warm harmonies and solid backbeat, driven forward by Charlie’s funky and melodic bass grooves, and rounded out by Marie Andrews on glowing vocals, colorful ukes, soulful flutes, and other odd instruments, the Helltown Riffraff will have you nodding your head and smirking along all night.
Melanie Pearl
Popular Hits Throughout the Decades
Melanie Pearl is a solo act who has performed across the Shenandoah Valley for the past 10 years with her keyboard, ukulele, and mic in tow. With a deep passion for music and a penchant for connecting with others, Melanie has curated a large repertoire of music curtailing each set to different audiences and their requests.
Most describe her style as “popular hits throughout the decades” as she performs many of the great hit songs from artists like Janis Joplin, Dolly Parton, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and several others.
You can find Melanie playing at venues like Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery, The Half Note Lounge, Bear Chase Brewing Co., Briede Family Vineyards, and other establishments across the northern Virginia area.
Dave Goodrich
Rock, Soul
Virginia based singer/songwriter/producer/educator Dave Goodrich performs extensively and has more than 15 commercial releases as a solo artist. His December 2, 2023, single release Calculating Bar Bee Doll is a tribute to empowered women influencers.
A handful of the intelligently-crafted songs penned by Goodrich have woven their waves across six continents into more than 100 television shows—including shows hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Martha Stewart—and have been licensed by companies such as Red Bull Media House. His recordings have received radio airplay on commercial, college, and internet stations.
Dave has shared bills with other gifted artists such as Jewel, Angie Aparo, and Howie Day. He has also performed his songs on television and as part of The No Rules Show, a theatrical talk show.
A San Francisco State University music alumnus, he hosts the podcasts 15 Minutes with Dave Goodrich and Ask Dave How to Music. Dave Goodrich maintains an active online teaching and producing schedule.
Chris Jacobson
Americana
2022 VEER Magazine “Best Americana” Winner Ramblin’ Jake writes songs and performs roots country/rock mashup with Ray Bruce & 5-piece band Thru w/ Therapy. Recently opening for Tony Jackson, he was nominated 2022 “Best Country Band” by New Music Weekly.
Jillian Matundan
Indie, Folk
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter who returned to music in 2018 after a fifteen year break and has been winning awards and audiences with her unique guitar style and warm vocals. in 2020, she released her debut EP, “Hangin’ On” and is releasing her first full-length, fully-crowdfunded album in 2024.
Sam C. Jones
Classic, Alt-Country
Sam C. Jones is an actor, singer, musician and bandleader based in Washington, D.C. Virginia-born and raised on a steady diet of hard rock and show-tunes, Sam graduated from Christopher Newport University with a degree in Musical Theatre & Dance and immediately moved to California to pursue his dream of performing for a living. Since then, Sam has performed in regional theatres across the country. Some of his favorites include: Sacramento Theatre Company, Bucks County Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, Hippodrome State Theatre and Opera House Arts. He is best known for his work in the hit show Million Dollar Quartet, playing the iconic roles of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins multiple times over. He is a a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.
Outside of his life in theatre, Sam is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and bandleader. He has jumped head-first into the classic and alt-country genres, releasing songs such as “Pour Me Another”, a reflective and sorrowful homage to Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, and “I Don’t Want to Be An American Anymore,” a Woody Guthrie style protest song in reaction to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection in Washington DC. The song went viral online and Sam has become an unlikely troubadour, drawing comparisons to Woody Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie, Yusuf / Cat Stevens and Phil Ochs, with fans begging for more protest songs reminiscent of these great songwriters.
As a performer in the DC music scene, Sam has earned a reputation for his energetic live performances, singing and guitar chops and ease with which he commands the stage. Sam’s debut LP, Overdue Confession II, is a deep dive into Sam’s love for Rock N’ Roll and Americana, and earned over 15k streams on Spotify during the first weekend since releasing on December 3, 2021. It showcases his versatility as a band leader, songwriter, and vocalist. For fans of Johnny Cash, The Black Keys and Jason Isbell, Sam is DC’s latest Americana artist who’s rise you don’t want to miss.
Joshua Luongo
Folk, Americana
Joshua Luongo is a Virginia Based Folk/Americana songwriter and performer. Joshua’s music combines hopeful, upbeat melodies with contemplative and thoughtful lyrics. Joshua and his band have been building momentum throughout central Virginia with intimate live performances and a growing repertoire of original songs.
Summer & Eric
Americana, Acoustic Rock
Summer and Eric have been involved in music their whole lives. Theater productions, marching band, children’s’ performer, national touring shows, local solo gigs….they had already had a full life of music before meeting. By chance, Summer transferred to Eric’s school and he taught her daughter the first year they came. A few years later they taught on the same team next door to each other, perfect for singing in the hallway in between classes. They would stay after school singing Jason Mraz and Ingrid Michaelson and Dave Matthews tunes, led a few holiday sing-a-longs and eventually Summer convinced Eric to go to an impromptu open mic. That led to their first gig and years later, they sing almost 100 shows a year all over Virginia, Maryland and DC. Like so many others they started out singing cover songs but have started writing and recording their own originals. They’ve been voted in local newspapers as local favorites and are often told “your voices sound so good together”. They have honed their sound over the years and are reminiscent of The Lumineers, The Civil Wars and The Strumbellas. They perform as a duo yet often are told they sound more like a trio with their driving percussion from Summer and lively guitar from Eric all the while sharing their tight vocal harmonies. Come and see them soon and find out why they’re less about singing songs and more about sharing the love of music they’ve had in their hearts since they were as old as the children they used to teach.
The signatures of Summer & Eric are their powerful, tight, and syncopated harmonies and full-band sound, despite being a duo. Chandler strums guitar and sings while Drake takes on singing and percussion—including the stomp pedal, tambourine, and cajon. They compare their music’s rhythmic, acoustic quality to one of their biggest influences, The Lumineers.
Shae Parker
Americana, Roots
Whether he’s writing songs along the banks of the Shenandoah River at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, recording next to the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee or performing somewhere in between Shae’s music invokes roots, rock, folk, country and blues and is pure Americana from a genuine source.
Rebecca Porter
Americana, Country
Rebecca Porter embodies the soulful, lonesome sound of the Shenandoah Valley. After a decade of honing her craft as the frontwoman of local cover bands, she transformed pandemic loneliness into two EPs – “Prime Rainbow Conditions” and “Queen of the Local”, the latter of which was successfully crowdfunded in March 2023. With completely independent legwork, Porter’s music is making rounds nationally and internationally. Audiences react wonderfully to Porter’s fusion of honky tonk and singer-songwriter sounds performed solo or with her band, The Rhinestone Roses. Most recently, Porter was inducted into Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country Class of 2024.
Jacob Paul Allen
Country, Americana
“Appalachian Red Dirt,” that’s how Jacob Paul Allen describes his style of Country Music. It’s a style and sound that he has crafted on stages large and small from coast to coast for the past 15 years. Jacob captures the audience with an infectious stage presence and reels them into the stories that he tells, both in his songs and his stage banter. He has released six songs which can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services. You can also find Jacob just about every weekend performing throughout the region as a solo artist or with his full band., Jacob Paul Allen & The Flood
River Mason
Outlaw County, Neo-traditional Country
With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, River Mason (aka River Mason Music) is devoted to delivering high-quality musical experiences. Specializing in a diverse range of genres including classic country hits, 90s/2000s country, outlaw country, southern/classic rock, and pop-turned-country, River Mason is a versatile and talented artist.
Known for mesmerizing renditions of beloved hits and an extensive repertoire of original music, River Mason showcases exceptional songwriting skills. Upcoming releases like “Bullseye,” “If Livin’ Was Easy,” and “This Far” highlight River’s remarkable abilities.
From Licking County, Ohio, River has performed professionally in renowned music hubs like Nashville, Fort Wayne, Phoenix, Seattle, Columbus, southern Ohio, and recently in the vibrant Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia.
Discover what sets River Mason apart as you experience his unmatched talent and captivating performances in enchanting locales such as Woodstock, Winchester, and Harrisonburg. Stay updated on upcoming concerts, tickets, and booking availability by following River Mason on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Reddit.
Ron Hamrick
Rock, Pop
Ron Hamrick is an internationally acclaimed Virginia-based songwriter and performer. He has delighted thousands of audiences over the years across the U.S. and Europe playing a mix of well-known rock, pop, folk, and country songs as well as some of his own Billboard hits. These days, Ron most often performs at venues across Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Planet Singer Magazine stated, “When you listen to Ron, you understand there is still quality music around.” His songs are available on major streaming services around the world, and he recently received an award for surpassing 1 million streams.
Troy Breslow
Country, Folk
Troy Breslow is a Country Music Artist from Hampton Roads, Virginia. Breslow’s music depicts a young man forging a name for himself in Country Music while maintaining his Jewish Identity. In 2018, he was recognized Country Artist of The Year by the Veer Music Awards.
Rob Cheatham and Co.
Americana, Rock
Rob is a singer/ songwriter from Charlottesville, VA and has had the privilege of playing in hard working bands for many years; such as, The Nice Jenkins, Gunchux, and The Borrowed Beams of Light.
Rob was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and began playing in rock bands in high school. From Battle of the Bands at St. Edwards School to the stage at CBGBs and The Kennedy Center Rob has been sharing original music for most of his life. The newest offering, “Painting Self Portraits” is an honest look inside the artist.
Brent Funkhouser
Americana
Brent Funkhouser began writing songs to quell his adolescent boredom, and quickly fell head-first into a life-long obsession. Growing up in a small town on the edge of Appalachia meant entertainment options were limited, and music provided a creative remedy. Not quite fitting the mold of country despite his Shenandoah drawl, Brent half-jokingly describes his music as y’alternative (or as a friend once said, “not redneck, but redneck adjacent”).
Today, Brent is a dyed-in-the-wool troubadour with hundreds of shows under his belt. Live performance has taken him from the hills of western North Carolina to the coastal communities of Rhode Island, winning over attentive audiences and opening for legends like Judy Collins and Phil Vassar along the way.
Brent’s achingly uplifting lyricism is punctuated by his storytelling prowess. His 2021 debut full-length The Next Karaoke Star was propelled by a fan-powered vinyl campaign and received attention from Whiskey Riff and Adobe & Teardrops. Brent’s upcoming releases showcase his writing at its sharpest, embodying sympathetic characters and accented by a poetic flare.