Listen: Virginia Coalition
As we trek to Alexandria, VA, we meet the next generation of Ben Folds Five followers. Vocals sift through your soul, never letting you go, as they drift from a stage of three bar stool musicians. Who’s the culprit? Virginia Coalition, a three-piece of suits and folk accoutrement that mesh well with the abundance of foliage and coffee shops in its home commonwealth. 
Formed around 2004, this trio comprised of Andy Poliakoff, Paul Ottinger, and Jarrett Nicolay brings us fat and healthy jazz-folk trinkets reminiscent of the above honorable mention. Coincidentally, VA is right above ol’ Ben’s home state of NC so it should be no question of inspirations. There’s passion (albeit formulaic) in its lyrics, put together gingerly with gift-wrap, scotch tape, and glued to your heart with warm tea and sugar.The biggest question is why these fellows are not on the local radios as of late. Taking a close listen to the happy road song “Home This Year”, the culled-from-Cullum group therapy cessation “Sing Along”, and the adult contemporary jazz gloss of “Voyager II”, it’s a wonder how they’re not East coast folk rock heroes.
Currently, Virginia Coalition has a website dedicated to selling t-shirts and a copy of its full length album, Home This Year. They are also on tour with Kate Voegele and whether they visit your New York bar, Jersey rock ashore, or plant a stake in Salisbury, MD - we all warmly welcome Virginia Coalition, and we East-side boys and girls will be happy to take in the show.
In case you are curious and really like the sound, snag the group’s CD for $12 and then go check out fellow VA celtic rock gurus Carbon Leaf while they record their newest album.
Check Out:
“Lean On Me” (Bill Weathers)
Tour Dates:
9/14 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Martini Ranch
9/16 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
9/18 - St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
9/19 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Music Mill
9/20 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theater
9/21 - Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot
9/24 - Rochester, NY @ The Club
9/25 - New York, NY @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
9/26 - Somerville, MA @ Somerville Theatre
9/27 - New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place
9/28 - Hackensack, NJ @ School of Rock
9/30 - Baltimore, MA @ 8×10
10/1 - Washington, DC @ The State Theatre
10/5 - Salisbury, MA @ Salisbury University
i have been a fan of virginia coalition for a long time. their music is timeless and guarantees to leave a smile on your face. you’ve got a fan for life in this one.