CALL IT GOSPEL rap, not Christian hip-hop, asks Norfolk-based recording artist Legin, also known as Nigel Anderson. He believes one of the best ways to bring the Gospel to young people is through the music of today's pop culture. "This is a new way to bring the message and inspiration of Christ to a new generation - as long as the message of God is not tainted."

Virginia Beach pop-rock band The Influence was the big winner in Thursday night's Port Folio Weekly Music Awards. The Influence's critically acclaimed "Pig Radio" won album-of-the-year honors, and the group was crowned best pop-rock band.

By Jeff Maisey Correspondent Piano Man notes

Two of Hampton Roads' music superstars are developing new acts who are gaining buzz and, in some cases, set to release music this year.

Well, I'll be... if that ain't a surprise.
Dave Parker, a weatherman on WTKR-TV and sidekick to WNIS-AM morning talk show host Tony Macrini, will be riding high in the airwaves saddle during the midday shift on upstart country music radio station WUSH-FM US 106.

  Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard will be honored this weekend at the Jazz Legends Gala Weekend. The gala, in its second year, includes two main events. A concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach will feature keyboardist Alex Bugnon and vibraphonist Roy Ayers. Tickets for this show are $35-$55.

The Attucks Theatre's Discovery Music and Blues Series kicks off its fourth season in two weeks. The series, which started in October 2006, is offering eight performances: - Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, blues-rock, Feb. 15. - Lori McKenna, folk-country, Feb. 22. - Bettye LaVette, soul, Feb. 29. - Pinetop Perkins with Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, blues, March 1.

That kid can play! It's the typical reaction to Norfolk child prodigy Grant Austin Taylor when he's performed at such venues as the Waterside Festival Marketplace and when he's joined top-notch acts like Better Than Ezra onstage at Town Point Park.

  Extreme metal for the holidays, anyone? Sekshun 8, a fiery quartet from Portsmouth, has released "Toymaker" just in time for the gift-buying season. Its cover art suggests a very un-Santa-like workshop where a sinister creator turns a toy soldier and stuffed bear into misfit toys with fangs and sharp claws.

By Jeff Maisey
Correspondent
Will Rowe, general manager of The NorVa, works an average of 14 to 17 hours a day when concerts are scheduled.
That might not be so bad if the venue did two or three shows a week, but this fall season has been anything but slow.