More What’s Booming RVA: Jan. 4 to 11
A week of events, a road trip, announcements, and a link to future fun
More of What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, from January 4 to 11. It’s a quiet week as we recover from the holidays, but nearly a dozen book events enable you to curl up on your couch, enrobed in a blanket, book in hand, and favorite beverage by your side. Plus music, history, mead, and more.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA, browse the week ahead below, or go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
January 4 to 11
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, January 4
Pat O’Brien at WayGone Brewery. A long-time Richmond favorite plays his first show at this new Richmond brewery. January 4, 6 p.m., at WayGone Brewery, Henrico.
Women’s Rights are Human Rights. Webinar examining posters that speak to the role women play in protecting and promoting human rights. The ideas challenge norms and argue for eliminating discrimination and empowering women and girls. Online, sponsored by The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, Richmond. January 4, 6 p.m., on Zoom.
The Revolutionary War in Richmond: Benedict Arnold’s Raid on Richmond See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Used Book Sale at the VMHC. Restock your library and support VMHC Education initiatives. Through Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Funktastic Meads’ 2nd Anniversary. Bottle release, flight specials, food, and special activities to celebrate two years of delicious and creative honey wines. January 4 to 7 at Funktastic Meads, Midlothian.
Friday, January 5
Bird Feeding Bouquet. Celebrate National Bird Day, make a snack bouquet for the birds, and then plant it in your yard. All ages. Jan. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Deep Run Rec Center, Henrico.
Arnold’s Raid on Richmond at Clarke-Palmore. In advance of Benedict Arnold’s Raid on the City of Richmond, meet and experience members of The Virginia Line. Examining the brief battle in Richmond and the role the Henrico County Militia played in the fighting in 1781. The clothing, gear, and muskets will be demonstrated and how or why the militia’s training and weapons were not a match for Arnold’s veterans. All ages. Jan. 5, noon to 5 p.m., at Clarke-Palmore House Museum, Henrico.
First Fridays at VMHC. A family-friendly event with free museum admission, café specials, and activities. Jan. 5, 5 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“The Legend of the Poinsettia.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, January 6
At least 10 book-related events this week: used book sale, book swap, author talks and signings, and more. Can you find them all?
Book Fair with Authors. Mini book fair set up with Fountain Bookstore presents a variety of book genres available for purchase, plus meet ’n’ greet and book signings with local authors Emily Thiede & Sharon Padjka. Jan. 6, noon to 4 p.m., at Hatch Local Food Hall, Richmond.
Wassail + Live Music. Join to sing and wake the sleeping tree spirits, bless the trees for a fruitful harvest, and get loud to frighten away evil spirits. Oh, and enjoy Wassail hot cider, other ciders, and food. Jan. 6, wassail at 2 p.m., music from 3 to 6 p.m., cidery open noon to 7 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood in “Asking for Trouble.” Sidesplitting laughter from two stars of TV’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway.” Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
From China to Appalachia. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Sunday, January 7
Friendship Circle of Virginia Disability Expo. Dozens of exhibitors provide services, products, resources, or technology designed for individuals with disabilities from birth to seniors. Jan. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.
High Tea & Treachery. Immerse yourself in a Révéler escape puzzle experience, with magical missions, puzzles, food, and drinks. Jan. 7, 3:30 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond.
Books & Brews! Talk about books – whichever book you would like to share – and grab a beer. Like a book show and tell. Jan. 7, 4 to 6 p.m., at Intermission Beer, Glen Allen.
GardenFest of Lights ends today! Advanced tickets only. Through Jan. 7, 4 to 10 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Gerald Albright. The multi-instrumentalist brings his music of deep funk, jazz, R&B, and simmering sensuality from “Slam Dunk,” highlighting his saxophone plus flute and bass guitar. Jan. 7, 2 and 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, January 8
Find Your Voice: Writing the Authentic Self. Learn how to tell your life story in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. Writers of all levels welcome. Six Monday workshops, from Jan. 8 to Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, at Quarry, Richmond.
Tuesday, January 9
Genealogical Virtual Event. More DNA Resolution – Collaboration. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Jan. 9, 7 p.m., online.
Launch Party for Rachel McRady’s “Sun Seekers.” The Emmy Award-winning writer presents her debut novel, of a broken family uniting in the face of a terrifying crisis, as a young girl “rescues” her grandfather from his memory care home. Jan. 9, 7 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Wednesday, January 10
Sunrise Science: “AI in Our Lives Today.” Dr. Prem Natarajan gives a brief history of AI, how far we’ve come, trends, and possibilities. FREE. Jan. 10, 8 to 9 a.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Book Swap. Bring your gently used books and grab new books. Jan. 10, 5 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond.
Bringing Settings to Life. Two “thrilling” authors discuss how a novel’s setting shapes the story, adds suspense, and becomes its own character. Jan. 10, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, and as Crowdcast simulcast.
Thursday, January 11
“Soldier of Destiny: Slavery, Secession, and the Redemption of Ulysses S. Grant.” Captain Ulysses S. Grant, an obscure army officer who resigned his commission in 1854, rose to become general-in-chief of the United States Army in 1864. What accounts for this astonishing turn-around? Author John Reeves shares his insights based on research into Grant’s life. Jan. 11, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond, and streamed live on YouTube and Facebook.
VA Author Night. Rachel McRady & Sara Read are available to chat and sign their books, “Sun Seekers” and “Principles of (E)motion,” respectively. Jan. 11, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
News worth knowing
LLI Spring Session Catalog Release. The Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield presents its course calendar, online and on-site, beginning on Jan. 4 for the spring session, Jan. 16 to May 3. Classes at the Lifelong Learning Institute, Midlothian.
East Coast Premiere of “Born with Teeth.” Richmond Shakespeare debuts Liz Duffy Adams’ vision of William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe discussing politics and theatre in a tavern. Jan. 25 to Feb. 11, at Dominion Energy Center’s Gottwald Playhouse, Richmond.
“Peter and the Wolf.” The beloved musical competition from Sergei Prokofiev (1936) blends an exciting tale of a country boy, Peter, and symphonic music. Each character is represented by a different instrument, for an exciting story that simultaneously introduces young listeners to a love for classical music. Performed by the Richmond Symphony, narrated by Really Inventive Stuff’s Michael Boudewyns. March 2, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Road trip
HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest. Massanutten Resort presents a diverse schedule of events for a variety of ages and interests, from wine tastings, live music, games, food, and more. In partnership with Unlocking RVA, Hmble Hstle Clothing, Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, and Virginia is for Lovers. Jan. 4 to 8 at Massanutten Resort, Massanutten.
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