More What’s Booming RVA: April 4 to 11
A week of events to keep you entertained and inspired
The moon won’t eclipse all of the enjoyable things going on in RVA this week: music, dance, lectures, historic commemorations, book signings, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, April 4 to 11, 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.
April 4 to 11, 2024
Thursday, April 4
NWBA Adult & Junior Wheelchair Basketball National Championships. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Like the Dust Settles in Layers, So Does the Story” Exhibition. Reconsider stereotypes in physical and mental state of environments, race and racial identities, economics, and one’s place in society. As we navigate troubling times, the pieces reflect self-reflection, strength, and beauty of resilience. Wednesdays to Saturdays at The Black History Museum, Richmond.
Inaugural Chesterfield Restaurant Week. An abundance of local independent restaurants present dining specials and menus to showcase the county’s culinary diversity. Experience Chesterfield’s dynamic food and dining scene, sample dishes from some of its best restaurants, and help support Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center. Through April 7 around Chesterfield County.
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” This uplifting comeback story tells the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers, won 12 Grammy Awards, and became the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this Broadway in Richmond performance will entertain and inspire. Through April 7 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Friday, April 5
RVA First Fridays. Stroll the art galleries along and around Broad Street, plus restaurants, shops, and other organizations. Presenting live music, special events, tastings, and more. April 5, beginning at 5 p.m. – times vary at the many venues around downtown Richmond.
First Fridays for the Whole Family. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, and café specials. This week, take in a showing of Disney’s movie “Ratatouille” as part of the celebration of the Julia Child exhibition. April 5, 5 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Virginia Comedy Showcase – 804LIFE! Presented in partnership with Pearl St Comedy, for audiences aged 18 and up (with language and themes that may offend, invoke thought, or entertain – not necessarily in that order). April 5, 8:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Yes! Dance Festival. A contemporary dance and theatre celebration brings in dancers from Wisconsin, Florida, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Richmond’s K Dance and Eric Rivera. April 5 and 6, 7:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
2024 Riverfront Canal Cruises Launch. The 24th season of 40-minute, historically narrated boat tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal begins on April 5. Departing from the Canal’s Turning Basin, Richmond.
Saturday, April 6
Spring into the Arts Festival. A family-focused event highlighting the musical “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience,” with interactive workshops, an artisan market, food trucks, kids’ activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and more. April 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Virginia Repertory Center for Arts and Education, Richmond.
Civil War & Emancipation Day. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Let’s Go Orienteering. Part of the Let’s Go Adventure Series at Virginia State Parks, an educational experience to help visitors learn orienteering. April 6, 2 to 4 p.m., at Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland.
Pups at the Pitch: The Richmond Kickers vs. Central Valley Fuego. Special dog seating area at this extra-dog-friendly soccer night. April 6, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
The Tredegar Society’s “Loose Cannons X.” The Tredegar Society of the American Civil War Museum is a group of young professionals dedicated to supporting the museum by introducing Civil War history to younger audiences. Learn more about the organization and upcoming events at the ACWM while enjoying food trucks, music by Soul Providers, and libations. April 6, 6 to 10 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
Pure Prairie League. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Good Shot Judy. Big band jazz, with classic swing, crooner classics, and more. April 6, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
“An American in Paris.” Gershwin’s jazzy musical postcard highlights this program of the Americas. From South America, works by Revueltas, Ginastera, and Moncayo. From the states, Leonard Bernstein’s dances from “On the Town,” plus Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.” April 6, 8 p.m., and April 7, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Sunday, April 7
Kite Day. Enter a kite-flying zone for an afternoon of fun decorating and flying kites, which will be provided. Plus a DJ, inflatables, food from vendors, and more. April 7, 1 to 4 p.m., at Glover Park, Glen Allen.
“By Royal Appointment.” GreenSpring International Academy of Music and GreenSpring Foundation present Claire Jones, former Royal Harpist to HRH King Charles, and GreenSpring’s American Youth Harp Ensemble in concert for the U.S. launch of their album recorded in Abbey Road Studios, London. Tunes from film, classical, Broadway, and traditional folk music. April 7, 2 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richmond.
“Walk Ride Paddle” Book Launch with Senator Tim Kaine. Meet and greet the author and senator and have him sign your copy of his new book. The book describes his journey across hundreds of miles of Virginia wilderness, providing a glimpse into the Commonwealth, public life and events, and his inner thoughts. April 7, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Quirk Hotel, Richmond.
Monday, April 8
Brain Health and You. A conference for older adults with strategies and community resources to help keep your brain healthy and active. FREE, registration required. April 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
UR Wind Ensemble. Invitation to the Dance presents an evening of music inspired by the movements of dance featuring the Washington Saxophone Quartet. FREE, registration required. April 8, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue. The four sassy seniors with a gay twist, 2024 style. Sophia is out on bail, Blanche and Rose have founded a sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her younger, sex-crazed love interest. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends. April 8 and 9 at Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Tuesday, April 9
“Understanding Your Grief.” Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a nationally known author, speaker, and expert on grieving, hope, and healing, presents a compassionate approach to grief education and support for mourners and caregivers. Presented by Bliley’s Funeral Home. FREE. April 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond.
Richmond Flying Squirrels 14th Season Opener. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Genealogical Virtual Event: Take Stock of Your DNA Matches. You’ve identified many of your DNA matches, now what do you do with them? Learn different ideas for organizing, charting, and documenting your DNA matches. Going through this process often leads to more discoveries and identifying new areas to research. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. April 9, 7 p.m., online.
Stephane Wrembel. The respected guitarist, who specialized in the style of Django Reinhardt, performs with his world-class band: Josh Kaye on guitar, Ari Folman-Cohen on bass, and Nick Anderson on drums. April 9, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Wednesday, April 10
Writers Wednesday Poetry Spotlight. An informal online discussion with small breakout rooms, with special guests sharing their poetry at the top of the program. Presented by James River Writers. April 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., online.
Literary Virginia Book Group: “All the Ruined Men: Stories” by Bill Glose. The author, civil engineer, combat veteran, and former paratrooper has written a collection of short stories featuring veterans, their families, and others who grapple with long-lasting injuries caused by war. Join others in discussing the book. Presented by the Library of Virginia. FREE, registration required. April 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m., online.
Leadership in America Speaker Series. Adam S. Lee, former FBI agent handling counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence, and cyber operations, addresses “Security Threats: Government and the Private Sector.” April 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
An Evening with David Sedaris. The renowned humorist and author returns to Richmond, offering all-new readings and recollections, a Q&A session, and a book signing. April 10, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
“Airswimming.” Based on the true story of two women who were incarcerated in a hospital for the “criminally insane” for having borne illegitimate children. Both funny and moving. Presented by Richmond Triangle Players, April 10 to May 4, at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
Thursday, April 11
Bubbles & Blooms. Food, drinks, and strolls through the gardens on the banks of the James River and the first floor of the museum. Beverages from Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery, dinner from River City Wood Fire, and ice cream from DLites Desserts available for purchase, music from guitarist Kevin Harding. April 11, 5 to 8 p.m., at Agecroft Hall and Gardens, Richmond.
The Other Tea Parties. Learn about the roughly 17 other tea parties, including one here in Virginia, and how the tea protests fit into the growing conflict with England and set the colonies on the course for independence. April 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Jazz and Contemporary Combos. Featuring jazz combos performing rock, blues, swing, and more. FREE, registration required. April 11, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
John Ford Coley. The American singer, guitarist, classically trained pianist, actor, and author is most known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo with England Dan. April 11, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Curious Intentions. Starr Foster Dance, an award-winning contemporary dance company based in Richmond, presents emotionally resonant works that embrace the human spirit. April 11 to 14 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
Follow What’s Booming on Boomer, updated every Thursday.
And sign up at the bottom of our website for our twice-weekly newsletter.
