More What’s Booming RVA: Feb. 8 to 15
A week of events to keep you entertained and inspired
Be funky with Plunky: celebrate music, art, Black history, Tết Nguyên Đán, chocolate, beer – and chocolate beer – with yacht rock, Beatlemania, and Steampunk. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, February 8 to 15, 2024.
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.
February 8 to 15
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, February 8
Racial Reconciliation in Modern Richmond. Richmond was a national leader in racial reconciliation efforts after the civil rights movement of the 1960s. This lecture with Dr. Marvin T. Chiles is based on his first book, “The Struggle for Change.” Virtual (FREE for YouTube and Facebook) and in-person on February 8, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“I Am Not Your Negro.” Screening of the 2017 documentary working from the text of James Baldwin’s unfinished novel for a meditation on what it means to be Black in America. February 8, 7 p.m., at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Friday, February 9
Taste of Art: Moms Night Out. Mingle with other moms and enjoy drink specials and Table Talk conversation-starter cards, and take a guided tour of the exhibition Willie Anne Wright: Artist and Alchemist, a retrospective that celebrates the beloved Richmond-based photographer, painter, and mother. FREE. Feb. 9, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Soundings: Collaborations with Dawoud Bey. Exhibition curator Valerie Cassel Oliver leads a discussion highlighting photographer and film installation artist Dawoud Bey’s collaborations with composer and vocalist Imani Uzuri and dance scholar Dr. Gaynell Sherrod. Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Plunky and Oneness. Lovers of jazz and funk can get their groove on with these local legends. Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Janet Martin. Revel in blues and rock ’n’ roll with this Richmond native and prolific songwriter and performer, highlighting her acoustic guitar, slide guitar, and vocals. Feb. 9, 8 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond.
“Sanctuary Road.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Memories of Overdevelopment.” Some plays are a quiet revolution about loud things. Some plays are about the stories we carry in our bones. Inspired by true stories, this documentary shares what people remember about dictatorships where they grew up, how they survived, and why they left. Through Feb. 25 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Saturday, February 10
Richmond Reptile Expo. Reptiles, feeders, supplies, and lots of oohs and ahhs and eeks! Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Richmond International Raceway, Richmond.
A Conversation on Racial Healing. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Valentine Market with Artisan Events. Local artisan vendors offering jewelry, art, home décor, and more. Includes author appearance for the new book, “100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die.” Feb. 10, noon to 4 p.m., at Hatch Local Manchester, Richmond.
Tết Celebration. Tết Nguyên Đán is a national holiday in Vietnam that celebrates the beginning of a new year and the coming of spring. Tết coincides with the Lunar New Year when millions of people across Vietnam reunite with families, honor their ancestors, and pray for luck, prosperity, and health in the new year. Feb. 10, noon, at The Answer Brewpub, Richmond.
Friends of the James River Park Fundraiser. Raffles and beers to benefit Richmond’s river gem. Feb. 10, 1 to 5 p.m., at Väsen Brewing, Richmond.
Chocolate Fest. Choose from eight different chocolate beers while shopping for your Valentine from vendors featuring chocolates, sweets, candles, greeting cards, and jewelry. Feb. 10, 1 to 5 p.m., at Center of the Universe Brewing, Ashland.
Lieutenant James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hell Fighters. The syncopated melodies of conductor James Europe and his 369th U.S. Infantry Band, the Harlem Hell Fighters, enthralled cultural elites in the shadow of the first World War, only to have the music silenced by murder. Feb. 10, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm, Glen Allen.
History Notes. The Richmond Symphony and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture collaborate for an evening of music and history: a brief history talk highlighting rare items from the VMHC collections followed by music from a chamber ensemble, followed by a dessert and champagne reception. Feb. 10, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Art After Hours: Trilogy. The museum-wide event features art, culture, music, dancing, food, and cocktails, hosted by Kelli Lemon with music by DJ Lonnie B. Event tickets include admission to Dawoud Bey: Elegy. Feb. 10, 7 to 11 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Three Sheets to the Wind 13th Annual Love Boat Luau. Rock with America’s tribute to Yacht Rock classics from the 1970s and ’80s. Feb. 10, 7 p.m., at The Broadberry, Richmond.
Galentine’s Day – Ladies Night Comedy Show. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Abbey Road: The Ultimate Rock and Roll Party Band. Celebrate The Beatles first appearance in the U.S., on the Ed Sullivan Show on Feb. 9, 1964, seen by 73 million viewers and the launch of American Beatlemania. Feb. 10, 8 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Discover Steampunk. New touring exhibition looks at the movement inspired by Victorian ideals of industry and steam power. It blends science, art, and history, showing how thinkers and writers of the late 1800s envisioned the future. More than 20 interactive exhibits highlight electricity and Mary Shelley, deep ocean exploration with Jules Verne, time travel with H.G. Wells, and more. Opening Feb. 10 at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Sunday, February 11
RRRC Sweetheart 8k. Richmond Road Runners Club presents its annual Valentine-themed race for runners and walkers, through the Grove and Walton Park neighborhoods and historic Mid-lothian Coal Mine Park. Virtual run options available, too. Dec. 11, 8:30 a.m., at Urban Farmhouse in The Millworks, Midlothian.
Thomas Jefferson & the Declaration of Independence. In 1776, few people outside of the Continental Congress were aware of Jefferson’s role in writing the historic document. Hear Thomas Jefferson tell his side of the story of how the Declaration of Independence came about and his part in its writing. Feb. 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Ballet Virginia. Ballet Virginia’s winter performances bring a mix of contemporary and classical works with a focus on celebrating diversity. The program features audience favorite “FIVE,” which tells the moving story of the Central Park Five. All ages. Feb. 11, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Virginia State University, Anderson-Turner Auditorium, Petersburg.
Monday, February 12
“Hidden Figures.” See the biographical drama based on the female Black mathematicians who worked at NASA during the space race. Feb. 12, 10 a.m., at Twin Hickory Area Library, Glen Allen.
“Rope.” Ashland Theatre’s 1948 Film Series presents a film starring Jimmy Stewart, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, as part of its 75th anniversary. Feb. 12, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, February 13
“Steel Drivin’ Man.” The Blast from the Past Book Club presents a book and a visit to a Henrico County historic site, including discussion of the book and how it ties in to the historic site. Meadow Farm. Feb. 13, 1 to 3 p.m., at RF&P Park, Glen Allen.
Movie Mythbusting: “Marshall.” The movie tells the story of Thurgood Marshall, the crusading lawyer who would become the first African American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases. Watch the film on your own, then log into an interactive Zoom presentation talking about what’s true, what’s not, and make connections to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture collections. FREE, registration required. Feb. 13, 7 p.m., online.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Caroline Scruggs: Mini-Concert at The Branch. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Eve’s Bayou.” What did little Eve see, and how will it haunt her? Husband, father, and womanizer Louis Batiste is the head of an affluent family, but the women rule this world of secrets, lies, and mystic forces. Feb. 14, 6 p.m., at Fairfield Area Library, Henrico.
“The Personal Librarian.” Discussion of the NYT bestseller about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation. Feb. 14, 7 p.m., at Sandston Branch Library, Sandston.
“Torch Song.” On this odyssey to find happiness in New York, all Arnold wants is a husband, a child, and a pair of bunny slippers, but a visit from his overbearing mother reminds him that he needs one thing more: respect. The show explores love and relationships, families we’re born into and those we choose, and above all, the struggle to find ourselves. Feb. 14 to March 9 at Richmond Triangle Players, Richmond.
Thursday, February 15
Pocahontas State Park, Group Camp 7. Discover more about the once-segregated portion of what is now Pocahontas State Park. Called Group Camp 7, the camp had a dining hall, several group cabins, and a small lake with a swim beach. Today, all that remains is the lake, a brick retaining wall and some building foundations. Learn more about the history of the camp and its ties to local churches. FREE. Feb. 15, 1 to 2 p.m., at Bensley Recreation Center, North Chesterfield.
2024 RVA Community Makers Public Art Unveiling. VMFA’s art installation brings together local artists and the community. Inspired by VMFA’s photography exhibition “Dawoud Bey: Elegy,” RVA Community Makers 2024 addresses hidden histories and imaginative storytelling by honoring members of the community who strive to uncover and share stories of African American life. FREE. Feb. 15, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
“Get Out.” A young African American visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a fearful realization. Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m., at Twin Hickory Area Library, Glen Allen.
Art: A Platform for Change. Moderator Donzell ‘Ackshun’ Jackson and panelists Chris Visions, Hamilton Glass, Silly Genius and Keena Carson talk about ways to support and promote Black artists in Richmond, plus art as a platform for social justice, an engine of economic development, and a source of beauty and meaning in urban spaces. FREE. Feb. 15, 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Engaging Perspectives – Speaking About Speech: Dialogue, Difference & Civil Discourse. The University of Richmond presents a three-part series to explore speech as a tool for understanding and navigating differences in a democratic society: why civil discourse is important, why it is sometimes difficult, and what democracies and university communities stand to gain from embracing a shared commitment to free expression. The first evening is presented by Robert P. George, legal scholar, political philosopher, and public intellectual. Feb. 15, 5 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Forgotten Patriots: Virginia’s Black Continental Army Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolution. In 1781, citizens of Chesterfield County witnessed the American Revolution come right through their community. Black Virginia men camped, marched, and fought side by side with their white neighbors in pursuit of liberty and independence from King George III and English rule. Their roles are still often overlooked but undoubtedly helped the ideas of the Revolution to take root. Feb. 15, 6 to 7 p.m., at LaPrade Library, Chesterfield.
News worth knowing
Get your kicks
Richmond Kickers Single Match Tickets Now Available. The season starts March 13, Kickers vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC. Be ready! At City Stadium, Richmond.
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