When the Embassy Theatre announced this year’s Down the Line event, it was something much needed for us folks craving live music and some sort of normalcy. 

Down the Line 15 is slated for 7 p.m. Saturday, March 6, and features a highly talented local lineup paying respect to the iconic soul artists who inspire them. 

Embracing the historic stage will be Ty Causey capturing the essence of Stevie Wonder, Todd Harrold paying tribute to soul legend Bill Withers, Fatima Washington covering the darlings of Motown, The Supremes, and Institute of the Musically Insane celebrating the legacy of Isaac Hayes

To accommodate board of health guidelines and COVID-19 protocols, tickets will have a timed entry (there is no VIP early option this year), seats will be assigned, there is no dance floor, and bar service will be managed to allow for social distancing and to reduce exposure to COVID-19. 

Tickets are $20 and available at the Embassy box office or via Ticketmaster.com. 

Out of the woods

Moser Woods are also in line to perform at the Embassy 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. However, you will have to watch from the comfort of your home. 

The livestream is an effort to support both live music and the Embassy, one of our oldest standing concert venues. 

“Moser Woods is excited to get out of the rehearsal space and share some music with our fans,” drummer Rick Kinney said. “We thought it was cool that they invited us to play on their stage and be a part of something positive when so many things in the world seem to be dark.” 

When asked what folks can expect from their 45-minute set, Kinney said, “We happen to have a song called ‘Teasing the Ghost’ that we’re going to play considering we’ll be in the Embassy at night with no audience.”

Tickets are only $10 with proceeds going to the Embassy Theatre Foundation. This virtual performance is one of many that the Embassy has on tap the next few weeks, the others being Namen Namen on Jan. 23, Night to Remember on Feb. 6, Mason Dixon Line on Feb. 13, and Sankofa on Feb. 20. Help support the Embassy!

Dig this new group

Shovelhead is a new local cover band that slipped under the radar during the pandemic. Rob Warnell (vocals), Shane Brown (guitar), Chuck Goodpaster (bass), and Scott Schwan (drums) are veterans of the local scene. 

Together, they play everything from CCR to Metallica, Motley Crue to Bob Seger, and Volbeat to Drowning Pool. They want you to come out and dance and make the cool dude chillin’ in the back of the club happy as well. 

Hit them up on Facebook, where you can see the band covering Dio’s “Holy Diver.” As of press time, Shovelhead has no gigs booked, but Whatzup will keep you posted as soon as something arises.