Rosie Soul and the Rock and Roll Cowboys

rosiesoulrocks.com

Second Place: Black Girls

Third Place: People's Blues of Richmond

This one is sure to get jaws wagging, but never underestimate the power of a band with a strong social-media pull and serious fans. In a town with plenty of original rock acts, a band known mostly for covers — and some originals — has taken the top rock band mantle again. The ever-popular Black Girls have made a regional name for their poppy, danceable rock, but are never at a loss to draw crowds locally. Blues-infused rockers Peoples Blues of Richmond, or PBR, have no discernible genetically modified ingredients in their hard-hitting trio. Its members have been logging heavy touring miles as well as entertaining local festival crowds, with a memorable headlining turn at the inaugural Boulevard Pumpkin Fest.