More What’s Booming RVA: September 5 to 12
A week of entertaining and inspiring events
It’s a blast of fall events! Your challenge? Choosing! Join a chorus, take in art and concerts, theater and film, controversies and activism, fishing and fun. With food sprinkled liberally throughout. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, September 5 to 12, 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.
September 5 to 12
Thursday, September 5
Educator Night in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Free refreshments and news on exciting titles for elementary and middle grade readers in honor of Hispanic Heritage (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) as Book People welcomes special guests Meg Medina, Sara Hudson, and Angela Dominguez. September 5, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Westchester Concert Series: Kozy Cats. Live music on the field, chairs and blankets encouraged, and food and drink available. September 5, 5:30 to 8:30, at Westchester Concert Field, Midlothian.
“Floral Fields” Opening Reception. Reception with the artist Raven Smith for the new solo exhibition, a collection of paper-crafted floral environments reflecting a connection to natural landscapes. September 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., artist remarks at 6:30 p.m., at Bond Millen Gallery, Richmond.
“Becoming Baba Yaga.” Richmond author Kris Spisak presents her newest book: an in-depth look at the Baba Yaga mythos and history through Slavic folklore, filled with historical and cultural context, analyses, and stories. Meet and greet, buy books, socialize. Presented by Fountain Bookstore. FREE, registration required. September 5, 6 p.m., at Sam Miller’s Restaurant, Richmond.
“Gaza Is Our Home.” Film screening and filmmaker Q&A. The documentary provides a behind-the-headlines look into the devastation in Gaza, including the suffering of the filmmaker’s family, trapped in the Gaza Strip. September 5, 6 p.m., at Gallery5, Richmond.
Capturing Richmond – Style Weekly Photographer Panel. Photographers Scott Elmquist, Kent Eanes, and Stephen Salpukas captured the faces and stories of Richmond over the decades for local news outlet. They discuss stories behind images featured in Portraits: The “Style Weekly” Photograph Archive and their process documenting the life and culture of our region. September 5, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
60th Anniversary of the Desegregation of Brunswick High School. Panel discussion on a pivotal moment in the Commonwealth’s civil rights history, when 15 African American students, now known as the Brunswick 15, forcibly desegregated Brunswick High School in Lawrenceville. Eight of the surviving former students will participate in the discussion. FREE, registration required. September 5, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Jake Shimabukuro. The ukulele virtuoso and composer from Hawaii is known for fast, complex finger work. He showcases the mastery of the instrument through music from diverse genres, including elements of jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass, classical, folk, and flamenco. September 5, doors at 6:30, at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Civil War in Cinema. Dr. Brian Steel Wills explores the early and controversial “The Birth of a Nation” and decades of other Civil War-related films, including “Major Dundee” starring Charlton Heston and modern releases like “Gods and Generals” and “Cold Mountain.” September 5, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Historically Speaking: The Battle of New Market Heights. The Sept. 29, 1864 battle is noted for the bravery of 14 Black soldiers, who became recipients of the United States’ highest award for military valor in action: the Medal of Honor. Learn more about the history surrounding these events. September 5, 7 to 8 p.m., at Henrico Library, Libbie Mill, Richmond.
Walter Trout: Broken Tour 2024. All of us are broken. But no one is beyond repair. That’s a philosophy that Walter Trout has lived by during seven volatile decades at the heart of America’s society and blues-rock scene. September 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Friday, September 6
First Friday at the Cidery. Tapas and drink pairing event, live music, and book signing for “Culterra: Farmhouse Kitchen” recipe book by cidermaker and chef Eric Cioffi. Sept. 6, 4 to 7:30 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Richmond.
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. Sept. 6 – times vary at the many venues around downtown Richmond.
Take Me to Your Garden: An Exhibition of Art by the Middle East Diasporas.Works by artists of Middle Eastern heritage, regional music, and a block party with vendors and performances. Sept. 6, 5 to 11 p.m., at Gallery5, Richmond.
First Fridays at the VMHC. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, live music by Weldon Hill, food trucks, and antique cars. FREE. Sept. 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
First Friday at the LVA – Stories: Underground Art. A subculture of art, underground art includes artistic expression beyond conventional boundaries, such as graffiti or street art, tattoo art, comic strips, and zines. View related items from our collections and explore the theme by creating your own zine. Visit the Virginia Shop for books and gifts. Sept. 6, 5 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Pocahontas Premieres: The English Channel. Music under the stars, with British hits of the mid 1960s and 1970s, true to history and memories. Sept. 6, 7 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
Treason Trial of Aaron Burr Court End Tour. The 1807 Burr trial placed Richmond in the national spotlight as Chief Justice John Marshall was tasked with determining the fate of former Vice President Aaron Burr. Tour Preservation Virginia’s John Marshall House and the Valentine’s Wickham House as you hear about the alleged Burr conspiracy, the political stakes of the trial, and the big personalities in Richmond’s legal landscape. Sept. 6 and 7 in Court End, Richmond.
49 Winchester and Maggie Antone. Virginia-based 49 Winchester is breaking onto the national scene with its unique brand of tear-in-your-beer alt-country, sticky barroom floor rock-n-roll, and high-octane Appalachian folk. Originally from Richmond, Maggie Antone has been hailed as a bold new voice on the rise in alt country. Sept. 6, 8 p.m., at The National, Richmond.
The Capitol Fools. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Grandparents’ Day Special at CMOR. The Children’s Museum of Richmond is offering a discount on Grandparent Memberships – a year of unlimited admission for two grands and all grandchildren and more. The code “GRAND” at checkout gives $20 off. Discount valid Sept. 6 to 8, for the Children’s Museum, Richmond.
Maymont Estate Walking Tours. On this one-hour tour, explore the gardens, outbuildings, and other estate features that made Maymont a showplace without equal in Gilded Age Richmond. Learn about the design of the Italian garden, rare specimen trees imported in the 1890s, and the uses of the outbuildings. Fridays in September, 1 to 4 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
“John & Jen.” Composer Andrew Lippa (“The Wild Party,” “The Addams Family,” “Big Fish”) and Tom Greenwald have written a soaring musical that celebrates family and freedom, telling the story of Jen – a sister and mother – and John – a brother and son – through three decades of their lives. A beautiful story, beautifully told. Sept. 6 to 28 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
Saturday, September 7
Conrad M. Hall History Symposium for Virginia History. Historians, practitioners, enthusiasts, and the public experience a day of presentations that highlight groundbreaking research into Virginia history around the theme of “Creation” in 16 panels of more than 40 experts. Presenters cover varied topics such as Virginia’s contributions to World War I, African American spirituals, podcasting to tell stories about the past, Virginia’s Rosenwald Schools, Virginia’s highway marker program, and more. Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Special Focus Garden Walk Tour with Virginia Voice. The guided garden tour includes a live audio description for the visually impaired, highlighting Agecroft Hall’s 20th-century formal gardens and seasonal blooms. Accessible tour on multiple surfaces, including grass and gravel. Sept. 7, 11 to 11:45 a.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
James River EcoFest. Learn about the James River watershed, local ecology, and sustainable practices that make a difference in our community. Tree giveaways, educational activities, fun, volunteer opportunities, and a raffle. Sept. 7, 1 to 6 p.m., at the River Education Center, Richmond.
Soul Vegan Block Party. All things vegan, showcasing mouthwatering plant-based cuisine, vibrant music, and inspiring speakers, all while championing social and environmental justice. Sept. 7, 1 to 7 p.m., at Abner Clay Park, Richmond.
“Holy City” with Henry Wise. The author discusses his debut novel, about a deputy sheriff who works with an unpredictable private detective after he finds himself on the outs from his sheriff’s department over his unwillingness to look the other way when an innocent man is arrested for murder. Sept. 7, 4 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
An Evening of Prince: A Tribute featuring Anthony Cosby. The Festival of Arts presents the unforgettable hits, moves, and Purple Rain vibes. Sept. 7, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Queer Weekend: LGBTQ+ VA Pride Month Kickoff Block Party. Basic City Beer and Legend Brewing help host a block party of queer makers, live music, performances, food trucks, drink specials, and more. Sept. 7 and 8, at 6th Street and Perry Street, Richmond.
Phoenix Bass Fishing League. Pit your fishing skills against others, up and down the James River. Sept. 7 to 8 at Osborne Landing, Henrico.
Sunday, September 8
15th Anniversary Community Open House. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone. Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone is a multi-talented entertainer, who has been delighting audiences nearly all his life. At the age of 15, he achieved international fame as “Herman,” lead singer of the legendary pop band Herman’s Hermits. Sept. 8, 2 and 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Celebrate Grandparents’ Day. Decorate a craft, take a photo, and enjoy refreshments. Sept. 8, 3 to 4 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Forest Hill Music in the Park. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Band Geek Date Night. Richmond Symphony celebrates the spirit of Drum Corps International. From the comical antics of fictional composer P.D.Q. Bach to the fiery rhythms of Latin America and the heart-wrenching beauty of classical masterpieces, capturing the essence of the marching band and the timeless beauty of orchestral music. Sept. 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Monday, September 9
Richmond Choral Society Open Rehearsal. Think you might like to sing with a chorus with a rich history, wonderful repertoire, and great camaraderie? The Richmond Choral Society open rehearsal begins at 7 p.m., followed by time to chat with members over light refreshments. Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, Henrico.
“The American Revolution Experience.” Chesterfield County hosts a temporary exhibition, a collaborative project of the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), that highlights the experiences of ordinary Americans and the choices they made leading up to and including the Revolutionary War. Opening activities on Sept. 9, 1 p.m., with patriotic music, ceremony, historic reenactors, and children’s crafts. Runs through Sept. 21, at Chesterfield Central Library, Chesterfield.
Tuesday, September 10
Genealogical Virtual Event. Questions You Should Try to Answer with Every DNA Match. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Sept. 10, 7 p.m., online.
Tyrone Vaughan with Hot Texas Sun. The son of Jimmie Vaughan, the founder and guitar player of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and nephew of legendary blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan performs Texas blues. Sept. 10, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Wednesday, September 11
Commonwealth’s Patriot Day Ceremony. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Patton’s Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory, in World War II.” As part of the “Leadership in America” lecture series, author Alex Kershaw discusses the story of General George Patton’s finest hours during the Battle of the Bulge. Sept. 11, 6 p.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
“5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.” Richmond Triangle Players, the longest-operating LGBTQ+ theatre in the mid-Atlantic region, presents this smart, sharp, and hysterically funny performance. Sept. 11 to Oct. 5, at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
Thursday, September 12
Salsa at Sunset. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of group instruction, food trucks, and dancing on the parking lot. Bring a chair, water bottle, and dancing feet. Sept. 12, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Deep Run Park, Henrico.
Opera in the Garden. The Virginia Opera Emerging Artists perform in the courtyard garden. FREE, cash bar. Sept. 12, 6 to 7 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
“Boardinghouse Women: How Southern Keepers, Cooks, Nurses, Widows, and Runaways Shaped Modern America.” Author Elizabeth S. D. Engelhardt looks at the significant impact of Southern boardinghouse women in shaping modern America. Sept. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia Lecture Hall, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond.
Strad Fest. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
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