Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

The sun is shining, the planets are aligning, and the daffodils are blossoming. By George, I believe that means spring is in the air. Accordingly, my recent search history is full of upcoming music festivals, Renaissance fairs, and any other opportunities to get out and enjoy some time with my little family.

One thing that helps me welcome the season is music. And while I’ve been on a bluegrass kick for the past couple of years, my taste is, well, rather eclectic. Last weekend, my speakers blared hits by My Chemical Romance, Underoath, and Wage War; the weekend prior popped with Poor Man’s Poison, Trampled by Turtles, and Taylor Swift. Throw in Adam Lambert and Brandon Lake, and we’ve got a party. 

Below, I’ve rounded up some of the sounds of the season, featuring artists from Virginia (or who moved here decades ago—looking at you, Dave Matthews). I hope you enjoy jamming along to the playlist—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Here’s what you need to know: Virginia’s rich musical history blossoms at the very whisper of springtime. From feel-good anthems to the nostalgic melodies, discover the top tracks that capture the essence of the season, all from the heart of the commonwealth.

Our top picks: 

• Missy Elliott, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”—You know what they say about spring showers! They bring… deep space dance music?! In 2024, the Portsmouth-born singer made universal history when her “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” single became the first hip hop song ever broadcast into deep space. 

• Dave Matthews Band, “Singing From the Windows”—Originally from South Africa, singer-songwriter Dave Matthews moved to Charlottesville in 1986. Inviting listeners into a mellow, idealized future, “Singing From the Windows” encapsulates a utopian future of days gone by.
• Carter Family, “Keep on the Sunny Side”—Talk about the good old days—the times when a fresh apple pie wafted from the open window sill, and records played on the victrola. Songs by the Carter Family from Maces Springs transport you right back in an instant, just like “Keep on the Sunny Side.”

Ready to refresh your playlist? Let Virginia’s finest artists lead the way.

Question of the Week: Who’s your favorite musical artist from Virginia—and if you could suggest one song by them for me to listen to, what would it be? Let me know at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Two far-right Virginia Republicans are making moves to challenge Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears to be the Republican nominee for governor this fall. 

Amanda Chase, a former Virginia state senator, and Dave LaRock, a former Virginia state delegate, are gathering signatures to get on the ballot in time for a June 17 primary. 

Both candidates appear to be trying to tap into dissatisfaction with Earle-Sears’ candidacy by touting their loyalty to and support for the Trump administration. 

Democrat Abigail Spanberger led Earle-Sears by 15 points in a poll released Feb. 25 by Roanoke College. A January poll had shown a much tighter race that was basically split. 

• Federal workers, labor leaders, and US representatives rallied in protest of Elon Musk’s access to federal data and moves to cut federal programs in Washington. Hear more from people who are fired up and ready to fight the Trump Administration (WATCH HERE).

• The cancellation of 2025’s Something in the Water was a huge loss for the music culture in Virginia. But fear not! There are a ton of music festivals to fill the SITW-shaped hole in Virginians’ hearts (WATCH HERE).

• Protestors in Winchester recently rallied to demand their US House representative hold a town hall to hear more about their frustrations with the Trump administration’s cuts to the federal government (WATCH HERE).

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