Random Notes

(Prisoners photo from MySpace)

A few things to consider, ponder, mull and ruminate on as we slither, slide and slouch closer to the weekend:

1. Paul Shugrue once again proved his coolness by inviting The Prisoners -- a Peninsula based reggae band -- to lay down the roots and the eerie dub landscapes on his show "Out of the Box" last night. Paul devoted the first segment of his show to a live performance by the group. Today, you can hear it today by going here and hitting the "Out of the Box - On Demand" button. The Prisoners play an outdoor show Sunday at Peninsula Fine Arts Center. The festival lasts 1-5 p.m. The Prisoners play at 2 p.m.

2. Saturday night's show by The Villains at Steppin' Out in Virginia Beach will be a memorial concert for Matt Odietus, guitarist for The Candy Snatchers, who died recently. Also on the bill are The Needles, Freedom Hawk, Fujiwara and, according to a bulletin from The Villains "special guests." Cover is $10. Watch out for updates here.

3. Speaking of memorial shows, a Saturday afternoon benefit is happening at Gloucester Courthouse over on the Middle Peninsula. James King and a bunch of regional bluegrass bands are getting together to pay tribute to Eugene Crabtree Jr., who died back in April of a massive heart attack. He was 42. Crabtree had played banjo in James King's band. Here is where to find details about the event, which will raise money for Crabtree's family.

4. Finally, I'd just like to remind you about two other musical events happening Saturday. Mas Y Mas, The Cinnamon Band and The Bastards of Fate are playing The Boot. This is a triple bill sure to soothe your soul, bend your mind and rock your ass. If you're in a more mellow mood, consider heading down to The Virginia Beach Library to hear Skye Zentz play what may be her final performance in the area for quite some time.