More What’s Booming RVA: Jan. 9 to 16

It may be cold outside, but Richmond events are heating back up after the post-holiday lull. Find events worth leaving your warm home for in “What’s Booming in RVA, January 9 to 16, 2025.”

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.

January 9 to 16

Thursday, January 9

Conversation | Portraiture and Identity in the South. Join artists Jill Frank, Tommy Kha, and José Ibarra Rizo in conversation about portraiture and identity in Southern photography. January 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Yes! You Can Do It – Tiling. Learn the basics of tiling, including materials, tools, and supplies. Ages 18+. January 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

Last Train Home. For more than a quarter century, the band has blended rock and country and bluegrass with swing and sambas, Tin Pan Alley and indie, lush pop and barrelhouse blues. January 9, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Friday, January 10

Friday for the Arts and PAAL Member’s Exhibition Opening. Petersburg Area Art League presents works by artists from the Tri-cities region. Other downtown shops, restaurants, and galleries host openings and events as part of the monthly Friday for the Arts. Exhibit runs through Feb. 12. Jan. 10, 5 to 8 p.m., at Petersburg Area Art League, Petersburg.

James River Short Film Showcase. Finalist screenings from a slate of international entries plus awards. Guest judge Jerry Williams presents prizes to winners. Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Tom Segura. With five Netflix specials and a bestselling book, “I’d Like to Play Alone, Please,” Segura presents humorous anecdotes and relatable stories. Jan. 10, 7 and 9:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Jon B. A consummate artist, accomplished musician and noted songwriter and producer with a love for all things soul and with gold and platinum records under his belt. Jan. 10, 8 p.m., and Jan. 11, 3 and 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival. Anglers learn about the sport in a beginner-friendly environment, combining fine wine tasting, craft beer, and everything you ever wanted to know about fly fishing but were afraid to ask. Jan. 10 to 11 at Meadow Event Park, Doswell.

“Legend of the Poinsettia.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Saturday, January 11

Author Event with William Matthew Ruberry. The author presents “Harmony in Black and White”: In solving the mystery of why the former Capital of the Confederacy has the nation’s highest murder rate, a music-loving rookie newspaper reporter uncovers the truth about himself. Jan. 11, 2 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

The Icy Death of the USS Jeannette. For centuries, the lure of adventure has driven Arctic explorers to push the boundaries of human endurance. Learn about the dangerous journey of Virginian Dr. James M. Ambler and his crew members’ deadly struggle to find a route to North Pole via the Pacific Ocean. Jan. 11, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.

Mountainfilm on Tour. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

The Richmond Forum: NASA’s Search for Cosmic History. Journey back into the intergalactic dark ages with NASA astrophysicist Dr. Amber Straughn and the James Webb Space Telescope. Jan. 11 – online subscriptions to the Forum still available.

Bill Evans’ Banjo in America with Babi Evans. Shady Grove Coffeehouse folk music concert series presents banjo virtuoso and Virginia native Bill Evans and his wife, Babi, in his first Richmond-area appearance. He is the 2022 recipient of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize and a member of the American Banjo Music Hall of Fame. Jan. 11, 8 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.

Sunday, January 12

Friendship Circle of Virginia’s 2nd Annual Disability Expo. Featuring non-profit organizations and businesses that provide services and resources for individuals across the lifespan from infants through senior citizens and their families. Over 40 exhibitors, including Down’s Syndrome Association, Sportable, Sheltering Arms, Mobility Works, and the Autism Society. FREE. Jan. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.

London Pleasants: From Enslaved to Redcoat. Ages 10+. Join us as we follow the life of London Pleasants from enslavement to self-emancipation in Henrico County. Learn about his time as a Black Loyalist and his fate after the American Revolution. Jan. 12, 2 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

MLK Community Celebration & Drum Major Awards. Keynote speaker, a tribute in song and prose by Desirée Roots, Arthur Roots, and Michelle Lightfoot, plus more inspirational music, dance, and spoken word selections. Jan. 12, 3 to 5 p.m., at 5th Street Baptist Church, Richmond.

Knit at Night with “What’s Up, Doc?” Center of the Yarniverse presents a night at the theater – house lights lit so viewers can knit while watching the Barbra Steisand classic. Jan. 12, 6 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

Monday, January 13

“Adam’s Rib.” Inspired by the rousing response to its 75th anniversary presentation of 1948 films, Ashland Theatre presents a series of films from 1949. This month, “Adam’s Rib,” starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Jan. 13, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

Tuesday, January 14

Edgar Allan Poe in the Military: Livestream. Edgar Allan Poe’s name evokes images of ravens, tell-tale hearts, and all things eerie; but before he became the master of the macabre, he was a private in the U. S. Army and a West Point cadet. In this talk, the Poe Museum’s curator, Chris Semtner, will explore Poe’s brief military career and the ways it inspired some of his classic tales and poems. Presented by the Virginia War Memorial. Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m., online.

Genealogical Virtual Event. Our Wacky and Wonderful Families. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in genealogy, so different tools and approaches solve different problems. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Jan. 14, 7 p.m., online.

Albert Lee. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Controversy/History – Too Damn High! The Price of Foregoing the Traditional 9 to 5. Diving into historical context, quantitative data, and solution-oriented thinking, with Hamilton Glass, artist and founder of Mending Walls; Melody Short, co-founder of the Richmond Night Market; and Susan and Jeff Laine, owners of Europa Crust. FREE. Jan. 14, 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.

Greater Richmond Rockstar Connect Networking Event. Network and nurture relationships for career building. FREE. Jan. 14, 5 to 7 p.m., at River City Roll.

Wednesday, January 15

“Who’s Your Founding Father?: One Man’s Epic Quest to Uncover the First, True Declaration of Independence.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Profs and Pints Richmond: “Encountering Cryptids.” The cultural, historical, and psychological significance of beings that may exist only in lore, with Joshua Barton, lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University and scholar of horror. Jan. 15, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing-Fulton, Richmond.

Kindred The Family Soul. Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler are “neosoul” artists, songwriters, lovers, and family. Jan. 15 and 16, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Thursday, January 16

Bingo & Games. Ages 16+. An hour of bingo and card games. Win prizes and meet new friends. Jan. 16, 10 a.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

Life, Liberty and Happiness with Jeffrey Rosen. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

The Battle of the Bulge: Eighty Years Later. Join Virginia War Memorial Director of Education Jim Triesler as he discusses the Battle of the Bulge and reflects on the experiences of those who served in Belgium and Luxembourg during the bitter winter of 1944-1945. Presented by the Virginia War Memorial. Jan. 16, 2 p.m., online.

Teacher Program: The Art of Argument. Educators learn to use objects from VMFA’s collection to design learning experiences for students that inspire, enhance, and hone their argumentative skills. FREE, registration required. Jan. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Four New Exhibits Open. Meet the artists and view their works: “Weight of My Faith” from Ben Stellmacher; “How We Escape Reality: The Paintings of Michael & Daniel Goodman,” presenting off-beat humor and well-attired animals; “Energy Garden” from Julian Desta; and “Adorn Me” with handcrafted jewelry from multiple artists. Wine and beer cash bar benefits ArtReach. Jan. 16, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

MLK Week 2025 at VCU. Inspiring and educational events designed to foster dialogue, celebrate community, and reflect on Dr. King’s enduring impact. Jan. 16 to 24 at various venues around town.

• “The Dream … We Almost Never Heard.” Presentation by Arthur T. Broady. Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.
• Fatherhood Mix & Mingle: “Engage, Educate, Empower.” A transformative event celebrating fatherhood. Jan. 17, 6 to 8 p.m.
• MLK Day of Service, Jan. 20: Events including – Celebrate! RVA: Birthday Kit Assembly, for local children, at Celebrate RVA. Beloved Community Walk, reading messages of love and hope around the VCU campus. And MLK Vigil and Walk, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity presents a reflective vigil and walk honoring King’s legacy.
• Family Night at the OAK Avenue. Complete with Artist Justice Dwight. Fun, relaxation, and connection. Jan. 21.
• MLK Student Fireside Chat Celebration. Jan. 22.
• MLK Keynote Celebration. Powerful speakers, a fireside chat, and moving performances. Explore how we can strengthen and sustain thriving communities through collective action Jan. 23, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Institute for Contemporary Art, Richmond.
• EMSW Community Conversation. Connecting the ongoing East Marshall Street Well Project with the legacy of MLK. Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m., at VCU Health Hub, Richmond.
• VCU Health System Walk. Jan. 25, 4 to 6 p.m., starting at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Program at Kontos Medical Science Building, Richmond.
• 7 City Shoe Drive for Winter’s Place. Ongoing initiative collecting shoes for grades K-12 and families.
• MLK Essay Contest. Ongoing initiative encouraging youth to honor King’s legacy by reflecting on his vision and its relevance today.

Road Trip

Chow down in Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week. Savor the flavors of winter in coastal Virginia. Enjoy delicious deals from 30 participating restaurants offering price-fixed, multi-course dinners for $35 or $45, and lunch or brunch for $15. Reservations recommended. Jan. 13 to 19 in Norfolk.

News to Know

Acting classes, COTU songs, amphitheater, films, laughter, wine

New Adult Acting Classes Announced. Cadence acting classes for 2025 include monologues, practical acting, directing, and more. Starting Jan. 14 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

“Songs from the Center of the Universe” Streaming and Album Release. The 2024 Ashland song competition is available for streaming on major platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. The songs celebrate the rich history and vibrant community spirit of Ashland. The official album release party will be held on Jan. 24, 5 to 6 p.m., at COTU Brewing, Ashland.

Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. Richmond’s new open-air amphitheater near Brown’s Island will open in June, with a variety of big names already lined up to play. Tickets are on sale now.

• June 21: Dwight Yoakam
• June 26: Parker McCollum – What Kinda Man Tour 2025
• July 19: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
• Aug. 6: Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder the Brotherhood of Rock Tour
• Aug. 23: Bailey Zimmerman – New to Country Summer Tour
• Aug. 29: Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas
• Sept. 22: “Weird Al” Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour

“Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” Live: Presale. The weekly radio show and podcast stops once more in Richmond. Use code ‘ALT24’ to access presale now through Jan. 10, 9:59 a.m. Public tickets on sale Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. Show on Feb. 13 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival Tickets. Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay presents its annual film festival, including its own short film, “Surf & Turf: A Chesapeake Bay Watershed Story.” Virtual showing, March 4 to 8. March 6, 6 to 8 p.m., at Studio Two Three, Richmond.

Virginia Wine Expo. An expanded schedule for 2025, with new culinary and fine beverage events. Feb. 28 to March 9, 2025, in Richmond and beyond.