(funk•sion) to celebrate new disc at NorVa

(funk•sion) will officially release its impressive, new modern-rock CD, "Selling Fiction," tonight at The NorVa.

The Chesapeake-based band - Josh Asble (vocals), James Cartwright (drums), Eddie Johnson (bass) and Travis Phelps (guitar) - recorded nine of the 10 songs on the album at Sniper Studios in Moyock, N.C. Those were produced by Vince Burke. The final track, an acoustic number, was recorded at Peace Studios in Virginia Beach and produced by BJ Leiderman of NPR theme-song fame.

While most of the tracks have potential for radio play, guitarist Phelps has been receiving an earful of suggestions from local fans.

"We think, from the feedback we have been getting, that 'The Makeup Counter' and 'Bluest of Skies' would be the best fit for radio play," he said. " 'The Makeup Counter' has a unique rhythm to it that people have really dug, and 'Bluest of Skies' has that poppy kind of feel to it. It is definitely our most bright, upbeat song of the album, with a heavenly break in the middle."

(funk•sion) hopes local radio stations Max FM and FM99 will air these songs on their local-music programs. The group is also working on 96X to spin them.

(funk•sion) will hit the road to perform these songs live.

"We plan on vigorously touring up and down the East Coast. We are working on Richmond and Raleigh to start and going elsewhere from there. We are hooking up with Richmond-based band Caesura and doing a few dates in North Carolina with them in the fall."

Showtime at The NorVa, 317 Monticello Ave., Norfolk, is 7 p.m.

For the kids

Ty Marquis Smith will launch his Tried and True Perseverance Tour at the Chrysler Museum of Art's Kaufman Theatre on Saturday. Smith, who is known for his eclectic mix of jazz, R&B and hip-hop, will perform material from "The 5th Seal" (2004) and "Unbossed and Unbought" (2007).

The museum event will include a fashion show.

In addition to giving a portion of proceeds to at-risk youths, Smith is inviting some to attend at no charge.

"We have set aside 25 tickets for local gifted teenagers from low-income families," said Smith. "It is our sincere hope that these talented kids get to see and hear a positive image and show that reflects their dreams."

To Italy with opera

Joseph Walsh, associate conductor with Virginia Opera, will travel to Italy to conduct Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi" at the Amalfi Coast Music Festival, to be held Wednesday through next Friday. It's his third time as a guest conductor at the festival.

Impressive debut

Lamb of God's "Walk With Me in Hell" debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Video Music Chart last week and is

No. 4 this week. The Richmond-based extreme metal band includes former Williamsburg area guitarist Mark Morton and singer Randy Blythe, who lived in Chesapeake and attended the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk.

Local musicians

On Saturday, Alpha Music will provide a free bass clinic featuring Adam Nitti, who is considered a cutting-edge musician in the realm of instrumental jazz. His credentials include performing with Scott Henderson and Jimmy Herring, writing a regular column in Bass Player Magazine and serving as an instructor at Victor Wooten's bass and nature camps. The Alpha clinic, at 3234 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, is at 3:30 p.m. Call (757) 486-2001 for more details.

Jeff Maisey, (757) 222-3934, jmaisey@pilotonline.com