Right Around the River Blog

Rocketts Landing Residents Rock Conch Republic

Post Date: 07-24-2011

At Rocketts Landing, we are endlessly fascinated by the variety of interests our residents pursue. So, when we hear a unique story about someone engaged in their passions, whether professionally or personally, we can't help but spread the word!

Such is the case for residents Marna Bales and Jody Boyd: By day, the couple co-own 9WG Studios, a state-of-the-art audio and video production facility located in downtown Richmond. By night, they are two-thirds of Sky Run Band, a trio playing acoustic rock, classic rock, contemporary country, pop and originals -- and they are quickly becoming a community staple, performing regularly at Conch Republic Rocketts.

Marna and Jody moved to Rocketts Landing this past February, after many years living in Chesterfield County. After endless commutes back and forth to their studios downtown — some trips taking as long as an hour — the couple decided they needed to move closer to the city. Upon seeing the easier commute Rocketts Landing could provide them, coupled with our amenities, restaurants and riverfront lifestyle, they knew they found the home they wanted.

As musicians, Marna and Jody first got their start with a band they formed in the late 1980s. They’ve since played in a variety of musical acts, but lately focused their full-time gigs on running their studio, as well as making music for commercials, movies and videos regionally and nationwide. Last year, however, they began seeking a new musical outlet to challenge them professionally, and in November 2010, they partnered up with their friend Chris Stanley — and Sky Run Band was born.

Marna is the group’s lead singer and also plays hand drums (her first role as a percussionist), Jody contributes vocals and lead guitar (he’s normally a drummer) and Chris offers vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar (he’s usually a lead singer). The result? A rockin’ band full of flavor and fun that also provides new inspirations for each musician. While they play regularly at Conch Republic, they also stay busy at other venues across the region — and their band is quickly growing from a trio to include many other musicians.

Sky Run Band plays their next gig at Conch Republic Rocketts this Wednesday, July 27, at 7:00 p.m. If you’ve not heard them yet, we highly encourage you to check out the band! We’re thrilled to have Marna and Jody in our community, and look forward to many more musical days ahead.