Collegiate Times

A five-hour energy shot for your ears will be served up at Gillie’s Late Night tonight, where the Stereofidelics will take the stage at 10 p.m.  

Performing approximately 180 shows during its full-time tour, the Asheville, N.C., pair, Chris Padgett and Melissa McGinley, make Blacksburg a frequent stop, with this being the band’s fifth visit.

The Stereofidelics bring a retro-flavored alternative-rock sound to Late Night, along with an eclectic repertoire of songs. According to Padgett, they are best known for their intense live shows and musical diversity.

The duo, which has been together for three years, are known for having a full and varied sound. Both play a total of seven instruments, ranging from electric keyboard to violin.

According to Tess Smedley, a Gillie’s employee, bands like the Stereofidelics draw a crowd.

Late Night was started two years ago by Anita Bevins, who runs a nonprofit booking company for local music venues. The shows have become a regular favorite for Virginia Tech students and local residents.

“(Bevins) started contacting bands to get them to come,” Smedley said, “and now she gets more bands who want to play than there is space or time for.”

Gillie’s typically hosts Late Night Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The vegetarian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of drinks, desserts and appetizers during shows, but the kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m.

The show is sponsored in part by WUVT, the student-run radio station owned by Educational Media Company at Tech, the Collegiate Times’ parent company. The station has a “mutual relationship” with Gillies, according to Rosalie Wind, the station’s Woove magazine editor-in-chief.

“Gillie’s has done underwriting for us and we contract bands there sometimes,” Wind said.

Tonight’s show has a $5 door charge for those under 21 and $3 for those of age.

A version of this article appeared in the Sep 2 issue of the Collegiate Times.