Richmond, VA – There are times when one needs to slow things down a bit, to get mellow, and to experience something new. On August 29, 2026, Richmond, VA patrons of the Canal Club had the opportunity to delve into music coming from the heart of Texas… twice. First in the form of the supporting band, Tele Novella, followed by the headliner, Solya.
Tele Novella, founded by Natalie Gordon (Ribbons) and Jason Chronis, took the stage promptly at 8 PM and sang a tale of being “Young and Free“. From the very start the audience got into their performance. It was clear the ‘medieval-western‘ duo connected with those looking on! I have to admit as I watched the night progress, Tele Novella was clearly the optimal support band for Solya’s performance.
Tele Novella Gallery
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Tele Novella Setlist
Young and Free
Broomhorse
Wishing Shrine
Ring of Stones
Never
Poets Tooth
Eggs in One Basket
Funeral
Crystal Witch
Paper Crown
After a short break, the lights went down and the stage lit up. In came Solya, donning Texas boots and her white dress. The audience cheered loudly as she kicked off with “Tell Me It’s Over“. After a quick, “Hello Richmond”, she went into “19” before exposing us to some “Roadkill” on the way to “Heaven“.
As she quietly said the next song is, “about a swan” the audience let out a loud yell as she sang “Silver Swan” before “Iris“.
At one point she paused and talked about her (guitar) picks being taken from the stage in North Carolina the night before. She politely asked, somewhere in the mix of “Butterfly“, “Born Wicked“, and “Movie Star“, that this audience not do the same, she did not have all that many picks!
Her music was calming and mellow… and based on the reaction from her fans, uplifting!! In one comical exchange, right after she performed, “We Say Goodbye“, Solya said she was glad she was not bald headed. That got a laugh from all. This prompted an exchange between her and a woman close to the stage who proudly announced she would gladly got see Solya… even IF she was bald. I am going to say that was quite the unexpected conversation, but it seemed to make Solya’s night!
After “Tear Me Apart” she got a a huge reaction as the Queen of Texas sang her newest single of the same name, “Queen of Texas” We were in the presence of Texas royalty!
The night finished with another recent single, “Is This Love??“. Judging from the reaction of the audience, there was a lot of love for the Texas music of the night.
Solya Gallery
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Before closing out this review, there was more than just the music. Solya did have her band with her, consisting of Danny Reisch on drums and Jason Chronis on guitar. Both we also part of Tele Novella’s performance. Both Solya and Tele Novella’s performance we tight. It was obvious both bands were well connected… from Texas! The night showed the bond, not just between the bands, but between the audience and the band. The crowd reaction to Tele Novella was one of the best I have seen for a support band in a long time which could only mean the love would continue to flow the rest of the night. While Solya was mostly focused on her music (switching between strings and keys throughout), she did tell a few stories and had some fun with us. This is the power of music!!
Check out the video for “Born Wicked”
Solya Setlist
Tell Me It’s Over
19
Roadkill
Heaven
Silver Swan
Iris
Butterfly
Born Wicked
Movie Star
And I’ll Ask
Every Road I Know
We Say Goodbye
Aim to Kill
Tear Me Apart
Queen of Texas
Is This Love??
Show Date: August 29, 2026
