Carl Anderson at Mockingbird Roots Music Hall

For local singer-songwriter Carl Anderson, 2012 has already proven itself to be a tremendous year.  With the release of his first full-length record, Wolftown, last December, Carl set the standard for local independent music with his seamless fusion of blues, country, folk, and rock elements, honest and heartfelt vocal delivery, and profound songwriting ability.  Just a few weeks later, Carl proved his appeal to a broader audience when Wolftown’s opening track, “Don’t Stop Trying” was included in the January singer-songwriter indie spotlight on iTunes.  Also in January, Carl entered the $1000 Open Mic Competition at the Mockingbird in Staunton,VA and took home first place, earning himself the funds to pursue future recording projects as well as the opportunity to headline a show at the venue.

Carl Anderson at the Southern Cafe and Music Hall, December 2011

Tonight Carl will cash in on the latter part of his recent winnings, playing a headlining set at the Mockingbird Roots Music Hall in Historic Downtown Staunton.  Most of his gigs in the area are solo ones, a true testament to his captivating stage presence, but this will be one of a rare few appearances backed by a full band.  Carl’s band will consist of Wade Warfield on drums, James Gammon on keyboard and backing vocals, Adam Long on guitar and lap steel, and Matt Chick on bass.  Audiences can expect to hear tracks from the new record as well as songs from his first EP, Twenty Something Blues.  In his most recent newsletter, Carl indicated he would be releasing a new EP this spring (to be titled Risk of Loss), so you will likely catch a few newer songs as well.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance of the show for $10 or at the door for $12.  The show is set to begin at 8:00 pm, but get there early to grab some food in the Mockingbird’s Restaurant, which offers a rotating seasonal menu of vibrant local flavors, including handmade pastas, regionally caught seafood, and locally-sourced meats.

For a preview of what you can expect, check out part of Carl’s winning performance from the Mockingbird Open Mic Competition below:

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Tagged: Charlottesville, Cville Niche, Cville, carl anderson, cville niche buzz, 20-something blues, staunton, adam long, Mockingbird, Mockingbird Roots Music Hall, historic downtown Staunton, James Gammon, Wade Warfield, Matt Chick, Wolftown, $1000 Open Mic Competition, Don't Stop Trying, Risk of Loss

Posted in: music, The Buzz