What’s Booming RVA: Seeking Truth in Art & Music
Boomer’s top 5 picks for the week
The arts have been used to distort truth and to influence positive change. Experience both in the sculptures of Edward Valentine, the music of Max Roach, and the photography of Dawoud Bey. Plus celebrations of legendary musicians Earl Scruggs and Simon & Garfunkel (and even more memorable musicians in Boomer’s list of events for the week!). All in “What’s Booming RVA: Seeking Truth in Art & Music.”
“Sculpting History”
Exhibition opens to the public on Jan. 26, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Valentine, Richmond
The new exhibition from the Valentine shows how those who created the Lost Cause narrative used cultural and social centers of power to make it successful: education, media, politics, money, religion, and violence. Visitors see how sculptor Edward Valentine, Richmond leaders, and others around the country reframed the war. The exhibition uncovers the Lost Cause, its legacy, and those who resisted.
Honoring Max Roach
Max Roach was among the first musicians addressing racial, political, and social issues through his music. Modlin Center for the Arts at the University of Richmond honors Roach with a lecture and concert.
Lecture: Exploring the Genius of Max Roach
Jan. 25, 6 p.m., at Alice Jepson Theatre at the University of Richmond.
Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, Max Roach Centennial
Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond
“Picturing the Black Racial Imaginary”
Inspired by the exhibition “Dawoud Bey: Elegy,” the two-day symposium explores the complexities of the Black experience in the United States and draw parallels between past and present histories. Presenters include Clint Smith, Ph.D., Imani Perry, Ph.D., Claudine Rankin, and many more. Both days are sold out for in-person attendance, but livestream option registration is open.
“How the Word Is Passed: Reckoning with Our Past to Build a Better World,” keynote by Clint Smith.
Jan. 26, 6 p.m., on Zoom
Symposium, Day Two
Jan. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tony Trischka’s “EarlJam” Tribute to Earl Scruggs
Jan. 28, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond
Tony Trischka and his banjo have inspired a generation of bluegrass and acoustic musicians, from Béla Fleck to Steve Martin. He’s recently transcribed recordings of never-recorded Earl Scruggs jams and used them for a show and a recording tracing the legendary musician’s life.
“The Simon & Garfunkel Story”
Jan 30, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., Dominion Energy Center, Richmond
Using huge projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing hits such as “Mrs. Robinson”, “Cecilia”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and more. The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the journey of the folk-rock duo, from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ’60’s and their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981.
Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.
More to do in Richmond besides seeking truth
More to fill your plate
Boomer’s preview of the Valentine exhibition:
Sculpting History: Can the past illuminate the present?
