LAVA MiniFest Brings Eight Acts To Toast This Weekend

November 18, 2021

Hot off the heels of last month’s highly successful Halloween Extravaganza, Lava Presents brings another edition of their Lava MiniFest to Toast this coming Saturday night with a stacked bill featuring some of the best musicians the region has to offer.

Headliners The Last Bison will showcase their brand of “mountain-top chamber music” that’s been delighting audiences all across the USA and beyond for more than a decade. Ben Hardesty’s rich vocals and stellar guitar work always bring a sense of comfort and honesty to each performance, while Amos Housworth accompanies him in fine form on cello and bass guitar.

Richmond-based band Deau Eyes offer a hypnotic blend of feel-good rhythms and soulful melodies led by the highly talented Ali Thibodeau on vocals and guitar. Their captivating new single “When” just dropped last week and is already making waves on Bandcamp and YouTube. DJ Harrison rounds out the group’s atmospheric sound on drums and synthesizers, with Scott Lane contributing bass, synths, and additional guitars to the mix. 

Dariel Clark has been making quite an impact on the local music scene as of late with stunning performances at both The Taphouse and Norfolk’s Neon Fest. His latest EP, “The In-Between Times,” offers a uniqueness that draws you in and keeps you wanting more with every song. The sounds channel energy and attitude that are enlightening, uplifting, and bold.

Since 2017, singer-songwriter Abby Huston has released a string of impressive singles and EPs that have provided a steady build-up to her debut album “AH HA.” Hailing from Richmond, Huston’s songs showcase her ability to tell charming and relatable stories while creating compelling soundscapes over top delicate pop hooks. The vinyl version of the “AH HA” LP has already sold out, and many predict Huston could become a formidable breakout artist in 2022.

Norfolk powerhouse J. Flax & The Heart Attacks bring their brand of garage, surf, rock n roll fury to the bill. Their sound harks back to raw 60s garage/proto-punk units like The Sonics, The Seeds, and The Remains but with a more refined contemporary pop undertone that comes out from time to time. Their latest single, “Letter By Wire,” might be best described as Buddy Holly on speed, and what fun-loving rock ‘n’ roller wouldn’t love that?

Richmond dance-pop project Benet released a high-energy EP called “Game Over!” this past summer and dropped an accompanying batch of remixes last week. Their sound is infectious and fun and sure to get you moving. The crowd should look forward to hearing stand-out tracks like “Ready” and “Are You Real.”

The event also features performances from Norfolk soul artist Jovi and Philly-based country crooners Dominy. With a palate of sounds that stretch across the musical spectrum, this edition of Lava MiniFest indeed has something for everybody. Doors are at 5, with music beginning at 5:30. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

Deau Eyes “When” Video

Abby Huston “L Train” Video

The Last Bison Audiotree Session

Dariel Clark “Unvanquished” Video

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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