This Saturday, October 30th, Lava Presents brings their annual “Halloween Extravaganza” to Toast for what’s always proven to be one of the most fun events of fall. It’s a time to dress up in your best costume, catch up with friends, and enjoy a batch of one-off cover band performances from some of the area’s best musicians. Behind the mind and drive of Norfolk’s own Josh Coplon, Lava has quickly grown into one of the most successful promoting brands in the region. To date, it’s thrown events featuring artists like Guided By Voices, Charles Bradley, Dan Deacon, and Minus The Bear, in addition to the recurring Lava MiniFest series at Toast. Here’s a rundown on all the performances for this year’s “Extravaganza.”

Paper Aliens, known for their cosmic blend of psychedelic funk, soul, and R & B, will be putting their spin on a set of classic Earth Wind & Fire songs. Having heard lead singer Jarvis Griffin’s compelling voice on more than one occasion, this should be nothing short of top-notch. I can only expect stunning renditions of trademark tracks like “Shining Star,” “That’s The Way Of The World” and “September.”

Dreamy pop outfit BERRIES, led by local Chris Ledbury, has won over audiences in Hampton Roads and beyond for nearly ten years. Their latest EP, “Outgrowth,” was released this past spring and could be their most robust material. BERRIES will be paying tribute to long-running indie darlings YEAH YEAH YEAHS, so look for things to be high energy and intense from beginning to end. 

Elliott Malvas of long-running local indie pop/shoegaze unit You’re Jovian has accomplished a lot in his young career. In addition to a string of albums, singles, and EPs, Malvas has toured and collaborated with Boston shoegaze legends The Swirlies. At this event, he will be leading a local indie supergroup through a set of B-52s songs. The band also features Aaron Lachman, Shannon Jay, James Robert Smith (of LADADA/BAMM BAMM), Ana Velez (Community Witch), and Kyle Craig. B-52’s came up in the Athens, Georgia college rock scene and are known for their cult hits “Rock Lobster” and “Private Idaho.” B-52’s have often been described as having a “thrift shop aesthetic,” This ensemble cast should have no problem following in that fold.

Evan Hannah, Michael Castillo, Khalid Langston, Tim Kreider, and Thomas Simmons will come together to embrace the music of alt-rock/pop-punk band Paramore. At the same time, Adam Hanson, Jimmy Held, Chuck Abadam, and Charlie Hinsch will harness the spirits of 90’s pop sensations, The Backstreet Boys. Rounding out the line-up will be Virginia Beach-based hip hop/electro-pop trio Nerdlucks, blasting through a set of Beastie Boys songs.

Overall, this will be a pre-Hallows Eve fest not to miss. Doors are at 5 PM, with music starting at 5:30. All Ages are welcome, and full proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 

Dave Allison

Virginia Beach

Dave Allison runs the record label and website Custom Made Music and is part of the bands The Quintz and Last Remaining Pinnacle. He also makes his own solo recordings and has worked in the music biz for over 30 years. His first-ever performance was playing "Shout At The Devil" at the age of 10 at his Catholic Elementary School. He's regularly out in Norfolk watching bands and vending at various events around the area.

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