There are certain defining moments in a band’s development that validate the hours and the work spent chasing a dream. On Friday November 14, Farm Vegas will headline The National, Richmond’s premier music venue.

The members of Farm Vegas met as students at Hampden-Sydney College, and their guitarist Philip Agee is a graduate of PHS.

“The National is obviously huge for us,” said bassist Brian Hill. “It’s big exposure for the band and it’s definitely a bullet point for our resume.”

“The national is sort of the nicest place you can play in Richmond, so as far as this market goes we feel pretty good about where we’ve positioned ourselves,” said keyboardist Justin Paciocco. “Now it’s a matter of trying to do that in 8 or 9 different cities.”

But it’s also a big night for Powhatan’s Buff Shaggy, the group that will open for Farm Vegas’ 7 p.m. show, and there were early indications that both bands anticipate a big Powhatan presence in Richmond Friday.

“At least we hope so,” laughed Paciocco.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time through The National’s web site for $10 or at the door for $13. For more information visit http://www.thenationalva.com