The Spaceheaters are a psychedelic jam band from Richmond, Virginia. They have been rockin' Richmond and the mid-atlantic region since 1997. Before they started playing out live, the band experimented with music and sounds in a garage using many space heaters to keep them warm. This is how they got their name.

With influences drawn from country, blues, metal, rock, jazz and techno, this band is sure to please all kinds of music fans. Go to their ReverbNation page

The Lost Vagabonds are an experienced rock/blues outfit. Having played many of the bigger stages in the Richmond area, The National; Alley Katz, the band looks to continue their rich tradition in staying true to the music, by playing fan favorites, originals, as well as deep tracks that those real music enthusiasts can respect. The Vagabonds, as the fans tend to refer to them, like to keep the people moving, as well as the music flowing. Expect a great musical experience when you come to see these guys.   See their Facebook page

The Santamaria Brothers make their second appearance at Sharps Sessions.  This band rocked the hell out last year, and brought the tree dwellers out of the woods to dance in the field.   Their unique blend of rock, reggae and funk with a latin twist will have you groovin' into the night.   See their MySpace page

She Bites Dogs is a live rock act who gives the audience an awesome night to remember.  

They have been classified in many different genres: Alternative rock, popular punk, and even blues / R&B. Visit their Website

Fast Heart Mart was voted Albuquerque's best singer/songwriter in both 2009 and 2010, and has been featured in the prestigious New Mexico Music Showcase.  He made his Sharps Sessions debut last year and treated a Sunday crowd to some of the most amazing banjo playing we've ever heard. He was described as "the Stevie Ray Vaughn of the banjo."

Fast Heart Mart's three piece acoustic combo is intimate, yet dinky; quiet, yet rockin'. They have often been compared to Violent Femmes, White Stripes, Bob Dylan and Primus. They travel the US in a VW van that runs on waste vegetable oil. See his Website Photo Credit: PhotosByAlex.com

The Bassic Needs are a high school band from Fredericksburg, VA. Their music combines indie rock with occasional funk, ska, and blues rock influences. You may have seen The Bassic Needs perform at Fredericksburg All Ages, the local all-ages venue. Other bands that they have played with include Maps and Atlases, Poor But Sexy, and Elby Brass. See their Facebook page

Laura Shepherd’s songwriting combines a down to earth spirit with an international worldview. Born in Paris, she‘s traveled the world from diplomatic circles in Geneva, to the dirt roads of South America. With her hands in the earth, she has worked 20 years in Fredericksburg Va. founding an organic non-profit. She’ll tell you “When a root brakes it makes a certain sound.” She listens. It shows. In Laura’s videos, like “Hard Times” filmed in New Zealand, her persona is as captivating as her message. Soundcloud page

The wife and husband duo of Laurie Rose Griffith and Peter Mealy present elegant and stylish interpretations of their own music as well as songs of lesser known songwriters. They have been nominated for the Governers Award For Artistic Acheivement in Virginia, and their first CD, Tocoi Light, was voted Album of the Year by the Washington Area Music Association.  See their Website

Alex Culbreth & Friends 
(folk / alt. country)

Facebook page

Elisium (metal)

Elisium is a hard-working metal band from Fredericksburg, VA. Having spent the early part of the year in the studio, the band is now focused on traveling as much as possible, building a solid fan base along the East Coast. The mix of hard-hitting drums, ground-shaking bass, emotionally charged lyricism, and face-melting guitar tone makes this a live show that is not to be missed. With combined influences ranging from Parkway Drive to Pink Floyd, the music cannot accurately be described in words. This will be their second appearance at Sharps Sessions. See their website    Photo Credit: "S. Surface"

Phatigued, a Phish cover band, formed during the snowy winter of 2009 from members' mutual respect for the band Phish. Phatigued played sharps in 2010 and has expanded since, adding a keyboard player. The band is excited to make their second appearance at Sharps.

Behind the Madness (Metal)

"From the ghastly depths of modern metal this Woodbridge, VA based band has risen through the perils and plights faced by most all musicians. The reward, a new style of metal music sure to bless the ears of all who can swallow their shredding guitars, massive drums, destructive bass, and crushing vocals. Joey Mennella, J.J. Mahoney, Hons "Karl" Vakner, Nathan Rhoades, and recently exiled Kenny Gordon are guaranteed to bring the audience of Sharps Sessions a performance to remember. Be There! \m/ (~_~) \m/"

BANDS: If you're on this list, we need your photos and bios! Please send them to alex@sharpssessions ASAP.

The Idiomatics (indie/alt rock) Website

Orange Dirt (classic and Southern rock)

Sunsett Syndicatte (rock/jam)

The Little black Clouds (alt/funk)
The Little Black Clouds are a textural alternative-folk band based in Virginia.  Website

Sons of Solomon (reggae) Myspace page

ANU (metal)

Cartoon Bomb (electronica/techno) Facebook page