11 May 2026: Deathreefer, Decide Today, and White Beast @ Sage Bird in Harrisonburg, VA
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
On a Monday night in early to mid-May, you might typically find JMU students looking to celebrate the closing of another year, or potential the achievement of another degree, like many places across the US. However, Harrisonburg, VA maintains ties to not just education, but to an insanely unique music scene. On May 11th, 2026, I got the first-hand experience of that yet again. Tucked away in the north wing of Sage Bird Ciderworks, Death Reefer, Decide Today, and White Beast put on an intimate and absolutely crushing performance.
Deathreefer
A 5-piece sludge band hailing from Harrisonburg, VA themselves, Deathreefer started off the night's festivities. And you could tell they felt right at home. Immediately after their soundcheck, these guys got straight to work. With vocals that you can feel in a guttural part of yourself, drums and bass that made the small venue feel like a stadium, and guitar licks that were worth kneeling down and lending praise to (trust me, I did right in front of the amp) this band knew EXACTLY what we all came to see. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, their lead singer Josh asked if anyone in the crowed happened to be a King Von enjoyed...this was followed by "Stoned & Dangerous", which I must admit made me feel exactly like the title describes. Closing their set with "Bare-ass Naked On Salami", the band let us know exactly how to feel about their least favorite, sub-par lunchmeat. Without a doubt, this was one of the most entertaining bands I've seen recently, even if our little mosh pit got shut down 2 songs in.
Decide Today
Following Deathreefer was a one-man show, but if you just heard Decide Today from outside the venue, you'd be surprised by the "one-man" aspect of that statement. Robert Inhuman, the man behind the sound, makes music that could never and almost certainly never will fit into one category. Aptly self-described as "Anarchist Noize", one thing was extremely apparent - Decide Today is not just the name of a project, but also a clear message. If you see something around you that you don't like, decide today to change it. That message was clearly heard, regardless of if you were in the same four walls as the rest of us.
White Beast
White Beast - the band that got me in the door for this show. I have now seen White Beast twice, and that count is expected to sharply increase over the next year. I'll admit, the first time I saw them I became an instant fanboy. With Jeff running the bass and Margaret crushing the drums, this duo noise band from Richmond, VA is not something anyone should miss - and that's exactly what I told my new friends in Death Reefer. This was the last night of their tour, and they absolutely decimated everyone present with their sound, and I mean that in the most positive way. When I tell you that this band is the next big thing from the Richmond scene, I mean that. While songs like "Shame" immediately rip into your core and make you want to move, don't discount their songs "In Heaven" or "Prayer" - these lure you in with an opening that seem gentle at first, but will put tingles up your spine and make you want to shed a few tears while moving in the pit. Check out their new EP "Die Hard"!
Shutting Down H-Burg in Style
Getting to see these three acts share a small space with a lot of heart is the exact kind of show that I drove to see knowing damn well I had to be at work in the morning. These acts are not to be missed and are absolutely worth the drive in my opinion. At the end of the night, most of us stuck around to chat with the bands and with each other, buy some merch, and just be in collective awe and excitement about what we just got to experience. I want to also shout out to Sage Bird Ciderworks for hosting and everyone who played a part in crew work. The place really felt like home last night, and I'm glad I made the drive. Check out the socials of all those responsible for putting of a great show down below, and seriously...don't miss the next one!
Deathreefer -
Instagram: @deathreeferva
Spotify: Deathreefer
Decide Today -
Instagram: @realicide
White Beast -
Instagram: @whitebeastband
Spotify: White Beast
Sage Bird Ciderworks -
Instagram: @sagebirdciderworks
Website: sagebirdva.com
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