More What’s Booming RVA: August 8 to 15
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus a road trip and news
Watermelon, jazz, music for ALS and classic musicians, sports, art, humor, cerebral pursuits, news from the Richmond Folk Festival, and more. In today’s What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, August 8 to 15, 2024.
Also check out:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- Browse the week ahead below, and
- Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
August 8 to 15
Thursday, August 8
“Inhabit.” A new exhibition by Sarah Boyts Yoder and Abby Kasonik opens, including a reception with the artists. August 8, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Bon Millen Gallery, Richmond.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Hartford Yard Goats. Go Nutz and have Funn with professional baseball, giveaways, and fireworks on featured nights. See below for your chance to score a pair of free tickets. Through August 11 at The Diamond, Richmond.
1774, The Year of Resolves: Preparing for War. The year 1774, 250 years ago, saw Henrico County and Virginia move quickly toward war with England. How did we go from peaceful protests to violence and threats? Within six months the Revolution was underway. Learn how people in Virginia and Henrico County moved toward preparing for war. August 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
International Senior Softball Association World Championships. More than 130 teams compete in multiple age divisions. FREE to watch. Through August 11 at fields throughout the Richmond Region.
Friday, August 9
Mingus Awareness Project: Brian Jones Trio. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Robert Earl Keen with Logan Vath. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Richmond Jazz and Music Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Comedy: PhD Dual Dissertation Presentation. A new improvisational comedy form presents long-form improv, Small World After Hall. Aug. 8, 13, and 16, 7:30 p.m. each night, at Coalition Theater, Richmond.
Saturday, August 10
National S’mores Day. Make and eat the ooey-gooey chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker delight while learning a bit of s’mores history trivia. Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to noon, at Dorey Park, Henrico.
The Richmond Kickers vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC. Aug. 10, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Fred Armisen: Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome. The comedian, writer, producer, and musician is recognized as the co-creator and co-star of “Portlandia,” Uncle Fester in “Wednesday,” and more. Aug. 10, 8 p.m., at The National, Richmond.
Harvest Festivals. Take a hayride, nibble on roasted sweet corn, take home fresh sunflowers and sweet corn. Aug. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Chesterfield Berry Farm, Chesterfield.
JamPacked Craft Beer & Music Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“City to City.” Art exhibit by Josh George and Steven Walker. Opening reception on Aug. 10, 6 to 9 p.m., exhibition through Sept. 1, at GLAVEKOCEN @Gramophone, Richmond.
Oddities & Curiosities Expo. Vendors, dealers, artists, and small businesses present all things odd and curious. Aug. 10 to 11 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond.
Sunday, August 11
The 42nd Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival. Presenting the favorite annual RVA festival, with 80 musicians on multiple stages, over 100 exhibitors, kids’ area, food from local vendors, shopping, and tons of watermelon. Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in Carytown, Richmond.
Hot Club of Cowtown. The Austin-based string trio blends traditional Western swing of the 1940s American southwest with European hot jazz of the same era. Aug. 11, 7 to 9 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, August 12
Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The Louisiana-born songsmith has long been known for his guitar proficiency, highlighting classic blues with his own modern twist. Aug. 5, doors at 6:30 p.m., at the Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Ashland Theatre’s 1948 Film Series: “The Pirate.” The small-town theater celebrates its 75th anniversary with 1948 films and 75-cent tickets. “The Pirate” stars Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. Aug. 12, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, August 13
Front Lawn Fun. Classic toys like jacks, Jacob’s ladders, and yo-yos in hands-on play with colonial-era replicas, plus slinky races, giant checkers, and more. All ages welcome, but recommended for elementary to middle school. Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
Steven Page. After working as co-founder, vocalist, and songwriter for Barenaked Ladies, Page left the band in 2009 and embarked on a solo career, sometimes with other supporting musicians. Aug. 13, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Suicide Awareness Training. Hanover County Behavioral Health and Wellness is offering two suicide-awareness skills training classes for Hanover County residents aged 18 and older. Learn how to identify and support someone with thoughts of suicide. FREE. Aug. 13, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Martha Ann Fields Building, 7515 Library Dr. (sign up by Aug. 11) and Aug. 27, 5 to 8:30 p.m., in the Department of Social Services Conference Room, 12304 Washington Highway (sign up by Aug. 25).
Wednesday, August 14
John Featherston Band. Summer Nights at the Perk presents music, drinks, art activities, and food trucks. FREE – back-to-school item donations welcome. Aug. 14, 6 to 8 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Adam Ezra Group. An evening of Americana, including fiddle, bass, and percussion. Aug. 14, 8 to 10 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, August 15
Online – Tenth Army Commander: General Simon B. Buckner Jr. When he was killed on June 18, 1945, General Buckner was the most senior American general to die by enemy fire in World War II and in the 20th Century. Tune in for an overview of Buckner’s life, with emphasis on his World War II commands in Alaska and Okinawa. FREE, registration required. Aug. 15, 2 to 3 p.m., online.
Julia Child’s Birthday and Presidential Dinners. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Westchester Concert Series: Soul Expression Band. Live music on the field, chairs and blankets encouraged, and food and drink available. Aug. 15, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Westchester Concert Field, Midlothian.
Suzy Bogguss. The popular country musician has also made albums of modern swing and jazz. Aug. 15, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“Seth’s Big Fat Broadway Show!” As part of its 2024-2025 Spotlight Cabaret Series, Richmond Triangle Players presents Seth Rudetsky in the first of four cabaret performances for the season. Aug. 15 to 16 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
Road Trip
Virginia Beach Bites
Virginia Beach Street Food Festival. Presenting top area restaurants and food trucks – food items priced at $5 or less for guests to sample as many vendors as possible. Plus plenty of fun between bites: live entertainment, vendors, cornhole tournament, axe throwing trailer, giant beer garden, breakdancing show, art expo, eating challenges, and more. Aug. 10 and 11, Virginia Beach.
News & Announcements
RFF news and Jim Messina OTW
Richmond Folk Festival Announces Second Group of Artists. The Richmond Folk Festival announced 11 additional artists, honoring and celebrating the traditions of diverse cultures and communities. As the event’s 20th anniversary, the festival will feature favorites from past years as well as new artists. Click here for artist bios and audio and video samples. The 2024 Richmond Folk Festival is on Sept. 27 to 29.
- Albert Lee (rockabilly), Malibu, California
- Bombino (Tuareg guitar), Agadez, Niger
- Cora Harvey Armstrong (gospel), Richmond, Virginia
- Eddie Cotton, Jr. (soul blues), Clinton, Mississippi
- LOS RICOS featuring Sonia & Ismael (flamenco), New York, New York
- Sheryl Cormier & Cajun Sounds (Cajun), Carencro, Louisiana
- Stepping Back (step team competition), Central Virginia
- Supaman (Native American hip hop), Crow Reservation, near Billings, Montana
- Tremé Brass Band (New Orleans brass band), New Orleans, Louisiana
- Ustad Noor Bakhsh (benju master), Pasni, Balochistan, Pakistan
- Wayne Henderson & Friends (Appalachian finger-picked guitar), Rugby, Virginia
“The Sounds of Culture: 20 Years of the Richmond Folk Festival.” VPM, Venture Richmond, and the Richmond Folk Festival have produced a TV documentary for the 20th anniversary of the Richmond Folk Festival, with footage of the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival and interviews with staff, artists, volunteers, and more. Premieres on Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. on VPM PBS Richmond, VPM PBS Charlottesville, VPM PBS Harrisonburg, and live streamed on the PBS app.
Jim Messina. The musician’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career, and scores of producing and engineering credits. Think Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins & Messina. Oct. 24, 8 to 10 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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