More What’s Booming RVA: Feb. 22 to 29
A week of performances, music, and more – plus announcements, too
A week of music, from classical to roots, plus adult beverages, pets, authors, antiques, announcements, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, February 22 to 29, 2024.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA, browse the week ahead below, and go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
February 22 to 29, 2024
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, February 22
African American Read In. See and hear notable figures from the Richmond community as they read prose and poetry throughout the galleries, pairing works by African American artists and authors. FREE. Feb. 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 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.
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.
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, 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.
“Race in Richmond.” An art exhibit exploring race and identity through photography, storytelling, and interactive experiences. FREE. Including a community night on Feb. 27, 5 to 8 p.m., and a closing reception on March 11, 6 to 9 p.m. Through March 11 at Main Street Station, Richmond.
Friday, February 23
2 Amazing Years at Three Leg Run. The local craft brewery, winery, and meadery hosts a day party to celebrate their second anniversary, with special releases and live music. Feb. 23, noon to 9 p.m., at Three Leg Run, Chester.
Craft n’ Culture: A Night Market. Highlighting a diverse collection of local vendors known for creative contributions to the community, the environment, and beer. Includes a live podcast recording of “Craft Consciousness” with guest Dr. J. Jackson-Beckham. Filming begins at 6:30 p.m. Music presented by DJ @nomycee. A portion of the proceeds benefit the National Black Brewers Association. Co-hosted by CapSoul Brewing Collective. Feb. 23, 5 p.m., at Triple Crossing Beer, Fulton
Exhibition Openings at Artspace. New exhibitions include paintings, photographs, sculpture, and lithography. Exhibitions run from Feb. 23 to March 16. Opening reception on Feb. 23, 6 to 9 p.m., and artist talks on Feb. 24, 2 p.m., at Artspace, Richmond.
“Current: A Descendant’s Journey for Truth.” See “What’s Booming RVA: Drink Wine, Explore Truth.”
Tequilabamba. Explore craft tequila and mezcal at a curated tasting party featuring dozens of premium blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo sipping tequilas, top-shelf mezcals, premium wine, and tequila-based cocktails. All paired with tacos and Mexican small plates featuring freshly milled corn masa from Chef Danny Mena. Feb. 23, 6:30 to 9:45 p.m., at Conejo Cocina, Richmond.
76th Annual Antiques Forum. An exploration of domestic objects, architecture, and interiors. Presented virtually and in-person, examining public and private collections, new research, and revitalized spaces from London to Nova Scotia and across the U.S. Feb. 23 to 27 in Colonial Williamsburg.
Virginia Wine Expo. See “What’s Booming RVA: Drink Wine, Explore Truth.”
Saturday, February 24
Pet Expo to Benefit the Henrico Humane Society. Family fun, pet contests, pet parade, puppy and Corgi races, silent auction and 50/50 raffle, more than 50 vendors, kids’ area, adoptable dogs, and more. Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
Lunar New Year Asian Street Food Festival. See “What’s Booming RVA: Drink Wine, Explore Truth.”
“Barry the Banana.” Support young authors and illustrators Audrey and David Doyle, twin third graders. Find out more about their work, their inspirations, and pick up a copy for you and young book lovers in your life. Feb. 24, 1 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
The Art & Lives of Leslie Bolling and George H. Ben Johnson. Learn about two black Virginians who expressed themselves through art. Despite gaining acclaim in the early- to mid-20th century art world and having pieces in prestigious institutions and collections internationally, they remain relatively obscure in their hometown. Their works reflected the daily life of African Americans in the Jim Crow South and challenged the system that was pitted against them. Feb. 24, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
The Blues is Alright Tour. Showcasing a star-studded lineup of world-class Blues artists, such as Tucka, Pokey Bear, J-Wonn, King George, Lenny Williams, and West Love. Feb. 24, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Kadencia LIVE. Afro-Puerto Rican bomba, plena, and salsa music will have you moving and grooving. Pay what you can. Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Legends on Grace: DJ Harrison. The Grammy-nominated Richmond-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer chats about his new album, “Shades of Yesterday,” and about working and producing music in RVA. Feb. 24, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Tchaikovsky’s First Concerto. “Worthless,” declared the composer’s friends. “Impossible to play.” But the work became history’s most popular piano concerto. Plus, Ravel’s seductive suite from Daphnis et Chloé and a new work by Richmond’s own Zachary Wadsworth. From the Richmond Symphony and the Richmond Symphony Chorus. Feb. 24, 8 p.m., and Feb. 25, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Sunday, February 25
Elizabeth Morgan Piano Concert. Presenting works by American women composers from the 19th century to today, with discussion of the composers’ lives and aesthetics and considerations of gender and classical music programming. Composers include Latina, Black, Asian American, and Native American women, and many living composers. FREE. Feb. 25, 3 p.m., at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
Bear Creek 10 Mile Trail Run. Richmond Road Runners Club presents a 10-mile race through woods of the Piedmont hills of Central Virginia. Walkers welcome. No race day registration. Feb. 25, 8:30 a.m., at Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland.
E Pluribus Unum – GreenSpring Youth Harp Ensemble Free Concert. Experience the versatility of the harp through solo and harp ensemble performances, on the theme “From Many, One.” FREE, free-will offering collected. Feb. 25, 3 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richmond.
Monday, February 26
“What Is Latin Jazz?” Celebrate the diverse rhythms of Latin music with Arturo O’Farrill, pianist, composer, and Professor of Global Jazz Studies at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, and Dr. Mike Davison, Professor of Music at University of Richmond. They will discuss the influences and roots of Latin Jazz and the integration between jazz music and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, with live performance. FREE. Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
Tuesday, February 27
Writing for Younger Audiences. The James River Writer presents this month’s writing show online. Three authors share ideas for connecting with these readers. Feb. 27, 6 to 8 p.m., via Zoom.
“To Kill a Mockingbird.” See “What’s Booming RVA: Drink Wine, Explore Truth.”
Wednesday, February 28
Zuill Bailey. One of the world’s premiere cellists and a Grammy Award winner plays his cello, accompanied on the piano by Natasha Paremski. Feb. 28, 8 p.m., at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
“Fires in the Mirror.” In August 1991, simmering tensions in the racially polarized neighborhood of Crown Heights erupted into riots after a Black child was killed by a car in the Chabad-Lubavitcher Rebbe’s motorcade and a white Jewish scholar was slain in retaliation. This documentary play uses verbatim testimony from individuals from the community. Feb. 28 to March 9 at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.
Thursday, February 29
HAPPY LEAP YEAR!
Flash Fiction Competition: Leap Year Edition. Young writers have an hour to create a work of fiction, with elements assigned the night of the competition. Submissions will be judged, with chances to win. Presented by PodiumRVA. Viewers welcome, too. Feb. 29, 6 to 9 p.m., on Zoom.
Fiercely You: Finding Your Voice Through The Poetry of Sharon Olds. An immersive three-week online journey into the world of this fearless, boundary-pushing writer, culminating in a chance to create your own work. The class is designed for anyone curious about the power of words. Thursday evenings, Feb 29, March 7, and March 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., on Zoom.
News worth knowing
Yardbirds, Women’s Soccer, Friday Cheers, LVA Book Group
The Yardbirds Playing Richmond. The Yardbirds’ co-founder Jim McCarty continues to lead the seminal British Invasion Rock band that provides the link between the Blues, British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzztone, feedback, and distortion. Since 1963 to its 1992 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Yardbirds have been revered for the legendary guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. March 14, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Pre-professional women’s soccer returns to Richmond after 14 years: W League RVA. USL W League and W League RVA have announced the full 2024 match schedule. The 2024 season will be the inaugural season for W League RVA and features 12 regular season matches, six at home and six away. The season begins on May 11 at City Stadium against the Virginia Marauders FC and extends through June 28. May 11, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Friday Cheers Announces 2024 Concert Series Lineup. For 39 years of Friday Cheers, Richmond’s longest-running concert series and the city’s largest event of its kind, on Brown’s Island along the James River.
- May 3 – Bella White (8:00 p.m.) with Colby T. Helms & the Virginia Creepers (6:30 p.m.)
- May 10 – Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country (8 p.m.) with Mackenzie Roark (6:30 p.m.)
- May 24 – RVA Music Night: The Legendary Ingramettes (8:20 p.m.), Woody Woodworth & the Piners (7:15 p.m.) and Knifing Around (6:15 p.m.)
- May 31 – Sir Chloe (8:15 p.m.) with Deux Visages (7:15 p.m.) and Prabir Trio (6:15 p.m.)
- June 7 – Mdou Moctar (8 p.m.) with Leon III (6:30 p.m.)
- June 14 – Ritchy Mitch & the Coalminers (8 p.m.) with Deau Eyes (6:30 p.m.)
- June 21 – Digable Planets (8 p.m.) with Tre. Charles (6:30 p.m.)
- June 28 – Sam Barber (8:15 p.m.) with Jake Kohn (7:15 p.m.) and Villages (6:15 p.m.)
Literary Virginia Book Group. Richmond-based historian Margaret Edds joins the online book group to discuss “What the Eyes Can’t See: Ralph Northam, Black Resolve, and a Racial Reckoning in Virginia.” Presented by the Library of Virginia. FREE, registration required. March 13, 6 p.m., on Zoom.
Road trip
Elegance, Taste, and Style: The Mary D. Doering Fashion Collection. The inaugural exhibition in the Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg’s first dedicated gallery to historic dress will display more than 150 objects from one of the greatest private collections of early textiles, accessories, and historic dress assembled in America. Think wedding gowns, jackets, waistcoats, shoes, and more. Opens Feb. 22 at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg.
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