Dropping Julia owns the room at Rapture.
Both Bazz and Old Hank were out of town this past weekend. But as usual, The Mysterious Jon stepped in and baled our asses out (this time not literally, like out at county or anything) by covering this must-see show by Jules and her guys. Not just a captain of industry, the man is a true show warrior. Thanks, T. M. Jon, take it away…
THERE’S something about seeing a band where they belong. Not just on a stage—but home. That’s exactly what last Saturday Night felt like at Rapture when Dropping Julia dropped the new album and turned the whole place into their living room, if their living room had some pool shooting college kids in the back and Fireball & tequila shots at the ready with a crowd ready to dance their hearts out.
If you’re from Charlottesville and haven’t seen Dropping Julia live yet, I don’t know what you're doing with your weekends. Their sound is this wild blend of soul, funk, and alt-pop with lyrics that cut right into your ribs. They’re the kind of band that makes you feel seen, then makes you move.
Jules (Emily Julia Kresky, lead vocals and occasional tambourine) had the room in the palm of her hand from the moment they opened with Can’t Leave. Can’t Stay, one of their classics. This was a release party so they went right into the six songs in order from their latest EP—Biggest Fan. You could tell right away, this wasn’t just another gig. It was a homecoming. The energy was warm, messy, and totally electric.
Between songs, Jules looked out over the crowd and beamed, “Rapture is our favorite place to play in Charlottesville.”
And honestly, it shows. Every note felt like it belonged in that space—like the walls were built for that exact voice, that groove, that pulse. The crowd knew it, too. You could feel it. From the old fans mouthing every lyric to the first-timers standing frozen, just taking it all in.
Personal standouts for me:
The title track Biggest Fan – dedicated to the saxaphonist’s son who attended and danced through much of the set.
Blind Together brought Matt Horn from the opening act (more on them later) back out with his intense trombone.
Stranger, about a creepy older guy when she was just a 17 year old (sadly, what young woman hasn’t experienced this?)*
Major shoutout to the band that has Jules’ back in every way: Alex is so silkiy on the 5 string bass doing double duty with the opening band, Musical Suspects. Sebastian kept everything locked in with smooth, hypnotic basslines—he plays keys too, while Bobby’s sax playing was perfectly timed to pull in some chill vibes for dancers and Sean’s drums kept things moving like he was scoring a movie in real-time.
Just a few words about Musical Suspects. They’ve been around a long time and I’ve somehow missed them. Given their style of funk, jazz, soul and rock, I’m guessing it’s because they mostly play late nights in smoky clubs. Matt spoke to having met Jules while working with her at La Taza many years ago and that he encouraged her journey of live performance as she’s rotated through different band configurations.
Matt’s full immersion as a singer and trombonist required the heavy use of a dry, thirsty towel and stripping down to a muscle tee by the end. His energy was contagious and on display during my favorite song of their set Too Young to be a Dirty Old Man** punctuated by grabbing a cane and walking unsteadily through the dancers.
This wasn’t just a performance—it was a night. One of those local shows you’ll talk about all summer.
So yeah. Dropping Julia + Rapture = magic.
If you weren’t there, you missed something real. Don’t make that mistake twice.
—T. M. Jon
Follow Dropping Julia on Instagram @droppingjulia for more shows, music drops, and behind-the-scenes life on the road. And if you’re lucky enough to catch them at Rapture next time, get there early. Trust me. 🎶
Musical Suspects can be followed on Facebook but since MJ was banned, I cannot verify the content. 😊
*This is no way is a reference to Old Hank.
** Again, we believe this song is in no way a reference to Old Hank.
