Rock the Blocks Music Booking & Event Production

08/01/2025

Eve here. Alex and I made the difficult decision not to do Steppin' Out this year as we welcomed our first kiddo, knowing he would need our full attention. This is the first time since 2016 that Rock the Blocks hasn’t booked bands and production managed for Steppin’ Out, and the first time since 2010 that we haven't produced a festival (Rock the Blocks, Fever to Sing, Cosmic Campout, Portamae...the list goes on).

It will be weird not running around downtown Blacksburg this weekend greeting artists and crew, building stages, checking on schedules, dancing in the crowd during free moments, paying out bands and breaking things down at the end of the weekend. We love and appreciate everyone in the community that has supported and welcomed us back year after year.

Wishing all of you a very happy (and hopefully dry, haha) Steppin' Out weekend!

💙 Eve & Alex

P.S. We couldn't resist starting a new business closer to home. Follow us on IG if you want to know more!

08/18/2024

07/31/2024

Steppin’ Out Acoustic Stage Spotlight:
Friday, August 2nd 5:15 - 6:15 PM

Ramona Martinez is a h***y tonker based in Charlottesville, Virginia, whose music recalls classic country from the 1950s and 60s. A prolific singer-songwriter, her sincere and heartfelt music has been described as "incredibly relatable" and "earnest." She also pulls from her tejana roots to perform and compose traditional Mariachi music in a Country Western style. Martinez was listed as one of the "15 Latino Artists Shaping Country Music" by Wide Open Country. Martinez currently fronts the up-and-coming h***y tonk band, Ramona and the Holy Smokes.

***ytonk

07/31/2024

Steppin’ Out Acoustic Stage Spotlight: Lillian Hackett Music
Saturday, Aug 3rd 6-7 PM

Lillian Hackett is an emerging singer-songwriter from Lovettsville, VA. You may recognize her from American Idol.

With a natural inclination toward New Americana music, she skillfully weaves a soulful and authentic musical experience, blending covers and originals.

She is inspired by iconic artists like Patsy Cline, Gillian Welch, and Bob Dylan.

07/30/2024

Steppin’ Out Main Stage Spotlight: Ripejive
Friday Aug 2nd 2:15-3:15 PM

Ripejive brings the heat with original, instrumental funk along with choice covers to move your body and soul. From retro grooves to fusion jams, this New River Valley-based five-piece band always brings a party.

More info about Steppin' Out at www.BlacksburgSteppinOut.com

07/30/2024

Steppin’ Out Main Stage Spotlight: .biz

Saturday, Aug 3rd 3:40-4:40 PM

(Synth-pop, Hypnagogic-pop, Contemplative Dance Music)
Pleasure Business is a melancholic and energetic synth pop group from Virginia. Lately, they’ve been listening to a lot of yacht rock. Do with that information what you will. RIYL: palm trees, martinis, sincerity, irony.

All the socialz: https://linktr.ee/pleasurebiz

More info about Steppin' Out at www.BlacksburgSteppinOut.com

07/29/2024

Steppin’ Out Main Stage Spotlight: Jordan Harman & The Humble Brags
Friday, Aug 2nd 5:45 - 6:45 PM

Jordan Harman infuses soul into the pop realm, eschewing the sugar-sweet, mass-produced, auto-tuned, musical McProduct. Creating music that speaks to something sincere while retaining an exceptional pop sensibility, he achieves an increasingly rare musical feat. Driving rhythm guitar and smooth, smoky vocals lay the foundation for his memorable sonic landscape.
Raised in a musical household, Harman grew up listening to equal parts Jackson 5, Al Green, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Sly and the Family Stone, Bill Withers, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. These artists continue to shape Harman’s unique brand of genuine soul.

Harman has toured extensively with blues legend Tommy Castro and has shared the stage with The California Honeydrops, Tea Leaf Green, Tab Benoit, Taj Mahal, War, and many more.

07/03/2024

Steppin’ Out Acoustic Stage Spotlight: Rebecca Porter
Saturday, Aug 3rd 6-7 PM

Rebecca Porter infuses her music with raw authenticity, showcasing a honey-smooth voice and sharp, irreverent songwriting. Her lyrics fearlessly delve into personal themes such as trauma, discrimination as a Pacific Islander woman in rural Virginia, and the complexities of motherhood. Recently, Porter joined Rissi Palmer's esteemed Color Me Country Class of 2024 and made her debut on NPR's Mountain Stage. Her music also caught the attention of Ed Helms, editor of Good Country, who selected her for his curated playlist, 'Ed's Pick'. These achievements highlight Porter's artistic evolution and the wide appeal of her music, resonating with listeners far beyond her local origins. In essence, Porter's musical journey embodies unwavering determination, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling through music.

More info about Steppin' Out at www.BlacksburgSteppinOut.com

06/20/2024

Steppin’ Out Acoustic Stage Spotlight: Hot Mamas

Headlining Friday, August 2nd 6:45-8 PM

This all-female singer-songwriter multi-instrumentalist collective writes songs that range from jazzy to pop, sea chanties to murder ballads, soulful blues to drinkin’-when-you’re-sad country tunes. Infusing their fabulous harmonies into every tune The Hot Mamas are quirky and fun, profound and sincere and not to be missed!

06/19/2024

Steppin’ Out Main Stage Spotlight:
Isaac Hadden

Direct Support Saturday, August 3rd 7-8 PM

Isaac Hadden is a young, genre-smashing guitarist,
vocalist, and bandleader from Southwest, VA, currently
based in Asheville, NC. His cutting-edge playing style
and animated stage presence, combined with his
passion and talent, have helped him build a supportive
fanbase in the United States and abroad. His primary
touring unit, is a heavy-hitting funk-rock quartet quickly
gaining notoriety on the music festival circuit and the
east-coast jam-band scene for high-energy
performances and tight, dynamic improvisation.
Additionally, he can be seen performing with the Isaac
Hadden Organ Trio, which features Grammy-nominated
LA drummer Iajhi Hampden and Grammy-nominated
NC-Based Organ/Keyboardist Bill Stevens. The
unconventional organ trio carves out a unique sound in
the world of funk, jazz, rock, and R&B.

In addition to his projects, Isaac’s work ethic and
versatility make him a frequent call among musicians
and festivals across the country who seek the unique
brand of sensitive, yet virtuosic guitar playing that
Hadden brings to every stage. From a young age, Isaac
has had the privilege of performing alongside some of
the hottest acts on the national circuit, including Ron
Holloway, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Roosevelt Collier,
Jeff Sipe, Big Something, Kanika Moore, Dogs in a
Pile, Big Daddy Love, Larry Keel Experience, Susto,
Melissa Reaves, Neighbor, Kendall Street Company,
and numerous others.

Voted 2022’s Best of the Blue Ridge in the
Artists/Musicians category, Isaac’s musicianship,
dedication, and high-energy performances routinely
bend brainwaves and keep listeners coming back for
more.

Learn more at ihotness.com

BlacksburgSteppinOut.com

06/12/2024

Steppin’ Out Main Stage Spotlight: The Jared Stout Band

Headlining Friday, Aug 2nd 9:30-11 PM

An electrifying alt-country band with a musical style that's as diverse as the Appalachian landscape they call home. Runner-ups for the coveted "On-The-Rise" award at FloydFest 22, The Jared Stout Band has quickly solidified their presence in the music scene. Their dynamic sound seamlessly weaves Appalachian rhythms with bluesy undertones, creating a tapestry of emotion and energy that resonates with audiences far and wide.

Fronted by the soulful and relatable songwriting of Jared Stout himself, their performances are a journey through life's ups and downs, sung with an authenticity that draws listeners in. Backed by a group of remarkably talented and emotionally-charged musicians, every note they play carries an unparalleled intensity that leaves a lasting impression. From the moment they step onto the stage, The Jared Stout Band commands attention. Their music lingers in the air, a fusion of heart and soul that captivates audiences and holds them spellbound. With each show, they prove that music is more than just notes; it's a shared experience that leaves an indelible mark on the heart.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q2J44ZI8GpSksgCP3V4lC?si=HlAi04gpRzC8wdekztXMMw

More info about Steppin' Out at www.BlacksburgSteppinOut.com

06/11/2024

Steppin’ Out Main Stage Spotlight:

Direct Support Friday, Aug 2nd 7:30-8:45 PM

There’s a sound the Shenandoah River makes as it rumbles over old stones in the shallows. It sings songs the way they used to be – plain and honest. No frills, buckle that belt before you head to the hills and hollers. It’s there under a Virginia moon that you’ll find the Low Water Bridge Band.

Forged by firelight picking, the band’s romping, stomping, country-grass Americana ain’t for the faint of heart. Since their founding in 2020, they’ve gone from barnstorming the Shenandoah Valley to festival stages along the East Coast. Venues from the Carolinas to Kentucky and, yes, Nashville, Tennessee ring with their sound and are asking for more.

From the first time you see them, your boots will be worn from kicking up dust. By the time a second chorus comes around you’ll be hooting and hollering their memorable originals alongside their die-hard fans. You’ll join a crowd who travels far and wide, bringing the party to your town. If you’re a fan of good music done right, be sure to keep a lookout for this fast-rising outfit from Clarke County, Virginia. Chances are, they’ll be blowing through your way one of these days soon.

www.lwbbmusic.com

More info about Steppin’ Out at www.BlacksburgSteppinOut.com