Astronomers & Dangerous Ponies at the Galaxy Hut September 14, 2009

Astronomers (indie-dance-rock) is one of the best bands out of Charlottesville (and I say "one of" just to avoid making enemies), VA in a long time. They blend incredibly spot-on, vibrant songwriting with more dance than you and your mother can handle. Kind of like a blend between Radiohead and Franz Ferdinand, with just as much confidence and promise. (www.myspace,com/weareastronomers)

Joining them is the beloved Dangerous Ponies from Philly, promoting their new album Dr. Ponie Medicine Ponie. They are a lively group of new-wave musicians who infuse gorgeous orchestration into peppy rock. They sound like an insistently modern band with roots from 1950s rock'n'roll. (www.myspace.com/dangerousponies)

This is going to be one of the best nights in a while... Astronomers have been killing shows in Charlottesville and on tour, so check them out while it's still cheap.