More What’s Booming RVA: Feb. 15 to 22
A week of events to keep you entertained and inspired
Count the birds, savor beer, brunch, whiskey, wine and chocolate, soak in an array of tunes, find Black History Month inspiration, salute Geo. Washington, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, February 15 to 22, 2024.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA here, browse the week ahead below, and go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
February 15 to 22
Thursday, February 15
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. February 15, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
“Get Out.” In this 2017 film, a young African American visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend, where his uneasiness about their reception of him reveals disturbing truths. February 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. February 15, 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 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. February 15, 6 to 7 p.m., at LaPrade Library, Chesterfield.
Friday, February 16
A Seat for Miss Rosa. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her defiance helped spark nationwide efforts to end racial segregation of public facilities. All ages. Feb. 16, 10:30 a.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
An Evening of Love with Desirée Roots. Enjoy the sounds of this Richmond favorite and her band. Feb. 16, 7 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Historians on Tap: Bad Romance. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Layle Chaker and Sarafand with Kian Azmeh. Traditional Lebanese and Syrian music infused with a modern sensibility. Featuring Chaker on violin and Syrian-based Azmeh on clarinet. Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
The Legwarmers. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
The Impending Crisis 2024 Symposium. Scholars discuss mid-19th century America on the verge of civil war and feature a preview of the museum’s newest exhibition of the same name. Feb. 16 to 17 at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
Great Backyard Bird Count Events. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, February 17
Black History Month Vendor Fair. Shop a variety of Black-owned businesses, see fitness demonstrations, enjoy live music and art. FREE. Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Beulah Recreation Center, North Chesterfield.
Beer Fest 2024. Join Stone Brewing Richmond to welcome 10 Virginia breweries. Tickets include 12 3-ounce tastes in a souvenir glass. Feb. 17, noon to 4 p.m., at Stone Brewing, Richmond.
“The Life and Legacy of Enslaved Virginian Emily Winfree.” Theresa Gee, local storyteller and actor, portrays a woman who after the Civil War ended was left destitute by the death of David Winfree, her former master and father of her children. She weathered many hardships and worked menial jobs to keep her family together. FREE, reservations required. Feb. 17, noon, at Magnolia Grange House Museum, Chesterfield.
Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Honey Dewdrops. Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish perform Americana music, balancing their roots in the Appalachian Mountains and their home in urban Baltimore, Maryland. Featuring harmony-soaked songs, acoustic tones, and lyrics reflecting today’s hard realities. Feb. 17, 8 p.m., at Shady Grove Coffeehouse at Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.
Legendary Dance Night for Ages 50+. Dance the night away honoring music legends such as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Prince, and more. Music by DJ Bishop. Advanced registration required. Feb. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Rec Center, Henrico.
Sunday, February 18
Brunch Pop-Up. Head to the country for a from-the-farm brunch, with delicious options like Orchard Bowl (pimento cheese baked grits, home-style potatoes, egg, sausage gravy), Brioche Breakfast Strata (like French toast in a casserole), Baked Grits with bacon and shrimp gravy, and more. Paired with natural cider, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails. Feb. 18, noon to 5 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.
Classical Incarnations. Classical Revolution RVA plays their classical variety show. FREE. Feb. 18, 7 p.m., at Brambly Park Winery, Richmond.
Steve Forbert & Freedy Johnston. An Americana pioneer with a storytelling bent and a songwriter with lyrics of unique characters and memorable melodies. Feb. 18, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, February 19
President’s Day Citizenship Ceremony. Seventy-five candidates will be sworn in as naturalized citizens during an official ceremony, followed by activities and prizes. Feb. 19, 11 a.m., at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Tuesday, February 20
Small Jazz Ensemble Performance. Celebrate Black History month with a performance from the VCU Small Jazz Ensemble. Jazz originated in the African American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries from blues and ragtime. Learn about the history of this genre and enjoy jazz music. Feb. 20, 1 to 2 p.m., at Chesterfield Baptist Church, Moseley.
Hands-on History: Happy Birthday George Washington. A family-friendly activity honoring our first president’s 292nd birthday with activities and information. Feb. 20, 1 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Wednesday, February 21
Guest Speaker Phillip Brashear. The subject of the Hollywood movie “Men of Honor,” Carl Brashear and his son Phillip have given 73 years of military service to this country. Resiliency and self-sacrifice helped them prevail over many obstacles. Thursday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Stonebridge Recreation Center, North Chesterfield.
George Washington Tea. Celebrate the birth of this Virginian, founding father, and first president. Part of the Chesterfield County celebration of its 275th anniversary. Feb. 21, 1 p.m., at Magnolia Grange House, Chesterfield.
Thursday, February 22
African American Read In. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Virginia Roots Music Series. Suggesting Rhythm Does The Grateful Dead. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery presents a new year-long music series of shows featuring a Virginia band covering an iconic musical artist, paired with a pre-release of a Hardywood Virginia Roots beer, highlighting a Virginia ingredient. This first show is paired with Peach Tripel. Feb. 22, 6 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.
VA Author Night. Rachel McRady and Sara Read are available to chat and sign their books, “Sun Seekers” and “Principles of (E)motion,” respectively. Feb. 22, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Artist Talk & Conversation. Featuring photographer William Wylie and his works on the forest in the Thuringia area of Germany, followed by German wine tasting. Feb. 22, 5 to 7 p.m., at Page Bond Gallery, Richmond.
Collections Connections Live! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Valentine’s new storage and access spaces. This month’s tour features the photography collection. Feb. 22, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Valentine, Richmond.
“Anon(ymous)” by Naomi Iizuka. Anon, a young refugee from a faraway land, travels across the U.S. searching for some semblance of home and memories of the mother from whom he was separated long ago. Anon’s experiences are both brutal and beautiful. A powerful modern take on Homer’s “Odyssey,” “Anon(ymous)” explores the enduring themes of identity, coming-of-age, and the shifting nature of home in the face of displacement. Feb. 22 to 25 at W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Richmond.
News worth knowing
Library of Virginia Announces the 2024 Carole Weinstein Author Series. Respected authors address topics focusing on history, literature, and the experiences of Virginians. Each event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Library of Virginia Lecture Hall, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond.
- Two Authors Explore the Richmond Theater Fire, with Rachel Beanland & Meredith Henne Baker. How two experts in their field compare and contrast separate efforts to tell the tragic tale of the 19th-century Richmond Theater fire. March 16.
- “Walk, Ride, Paddle: A Life Outside,” with Tim Kaine. A memoir from the Virginia U.S. senator that blends Virginia’s outdoor adventure with reflection and insight. April 18.
- “Centennial Anniversary Anthology of Poems by Member Poets,” with the Poetry Society of Virginia. A commemoration of 100 years of the Poetry Society of Virginia with readings and discussions from some of its distinguished members. May 15.
- “Boardinghouse Women: How Southern Keepers, Cooks, Nurses, Widows, and Runaways Shaped Modern America,” with Elizabeth S. D. Engelhardt. A look at the significant impact of Southern boardinghouse women in shaping modern America. Sept. 12.
- “Dirt Don’t Burn: A Black Community’s Struggle for Educational Equality Under Segregation,” with Larry Roeder & Barry Harrelson. The history of a Black community’s struggle for educational equality under segregation in Loudoun County. Nov. 14.
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