More What’s Booming RVA: Jan. 30 to Feb. 6
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus upcoming event news
Learn and find inspiration in a multitude of Black History Month events throughout Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Enjoy a variety of music, including time-traveling tribute bands, drink beer with a purpose, create wearable art, read with others, and more. All in “What’s Booming in RVA, January 30 to February 6, 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 30 to February 6
Thursday, January 30
A Night at the Vine: Grand Opening Celebration. Guided tours, raffles, refreshments, special offers, and gifts. January 30, 5 to 7 p.m., at Sage & Vine, Mechanicsville.
“Kidnapped At Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White.” Author Andrew Sillen tells of David Henry White, a free Black teenage sailor from Lewes, Delaware, who was kidnapped by Captain Semmes of the Confederate raider Alabama in October 1862. He remained captive for over 600 days, until he drowned during the Battle of Cherbourg in June 1864. Presented by the American Civil War Museum. FREE. January 30, 6:30 p.m., online.
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Since 2004, The DMTB is the only nationally touring tribute to the Dave Matthews Band. This 5-piece ensemble strives to pay homage to their famous counterparts by matching the excitement, energy, and intimacy of a DMB live show. January 30, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“The Father: A Tragic Farce.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Friday, January 31
Talk | An Evening with Smarthistory. Go behind the scenes with the creators of Smarthistory, a hub for public art history with thousands of free videos and essays. Conversation and reception, with recognition for educators. On-site and livestream. Jan. 31, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Richmond Symphony: Goodyear, Perry, & Mendelssohn. Artist in Residence Stewart Goodyear presents his Serenade for Strings, a complement to the Prelude for Strings of Julia Perry’s 1946 meditation and First Symphony by the 15-year-old Felix Mendelssohn. Jan. 31, pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
On the Border. The Ultimate Eagles Tribute covers the big hits, from “Desperado” and “Lyin’ Eyes” to “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Heartache Tonight.” Each band member was selected to emulate a member of the Eagles. Jan. 31, doors at 6:30, at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Damn the Torpedoes – A Tom Petty Concert Experience. The signature riffs, harmonies and underlying parts of the music are all there, along with some fresh twists that are often inspired in the moment. Featuring Rich Kubicz as Petty. Jan. 31, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Saturday, February 1
GLOW. Illuminating the fun in STEM with hands-on activities, live demos, and laser shows – glow-in-the-dark, luminescent, phosphorescent, black light, and more. Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
The Piedmont Blues with Justin Golden. In this featured Black History Month event, musician Justin Golden performs and discusses the characteristics of Piedmont Blues style guitar. FREE. Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to noon, at Fairfield Area Library, Henrico.
Working Over Fire: African American Foodways in the 19th Century. African Americans transformed basic ingredients into flavorful dishes that influenced 19th-century cuisine and beyond. Presented by Wisteria Perry, associate curator at the Mariners Museum in Newport News. FREE, registration requested. Feb. 1, noon to 1 p.m., at Magnolia Grange, Chesterfield.
Chesterfield County Black History Month Kick Off Celebration. Music from DJ Reggie Mac, line dancing with Break It Down RVA, and local vendors. Registration requested. Feb. 1, noon to 3 p.m., at Gateway Dining and Event Center, Virginia State University.
AuroraFest. Celebrate sustainable practices and green systems while enjoying craft beers. The event highlights breweries and cideries, nonprofits and makers, that are helping the environment. Feb. 1, noon to 5 p.m., DJ’d afterparty from 6 to 9 p.m., at Väsen Brewing, Richmond.
Bierstacheln. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Elegba Folklore Society Presents: The Talking Drum. This Black History Month event delivers a music and spoken word concert of African and African American folktales and narratives engaging participants in a rhythmic journey over continents and through time. FREE. Feb. 1, 2 to 3 p.m., at Fairfield Area Library, Henrico.
Goodyear’s Serenade for Strings. Artist in Residence Stewart Goodyear presents his Serenade for Strings, a complement to the Prelude for Strings of Julia Perry’s 1946 meditation and First Symphony by then 15-year-old Felix Mendelssohn. Feb. 1, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., at St. Christopher’s School, Richmond.
Manual Cinema: Frankenstein. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
The Honey Dewdrops. The folk music concert series presents the renowned folk duo, who balance Appalachian Mountain roots with their contemporary realities in urban Baltimore. Feb. 1, 8 p.m., at the Shady Grove Coffeehouse at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.
“Towers of Tomorrow with LEGOⓇ Bricks.” Celebrating architecture and design, this hands-on exhibition showcases 20 of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers from North America, Asia, and Australia, plus LEGO bricks for guests to build their own creations. Feb. 1 to Aug. 24 at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Sunday, February 2
Ashland Museum History Talks. Jean Folly and Kate Tweedy Chenery will discuss the work at Hickory Hill African-American Cemetery and The Meadow. FREE. Feb. 2, 3 to 4:15 p.m., at Brock Commons Truist Theater at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.
Monday, February 3
Soul of a Community: African Americans in Richmond. Explore how Black Richmonders have redefined the River City and inspired a region and nation. This Valentine Museum presentation will focus on local connections to Black History Month. FREE. Feb. 4, 7 to 8 p.m., at Tuckahoe Area Library, Henrico.
Tuesday, February 4
3 in 30 | The Sensory Experience of African Art. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Virtual Meet the Artist, Emile L. Gossiaux, and Exhibition. The artist lost her vision in 2010, so she accesses the outdoors through audio recordings and time outside, in the company of London, her guide dog and companion. Her works are guided by tactile sensation. Exhibition open by appointment from Jan. 31 through the beginning of March. Lunch and virtual conversation, Feb. 4, noon to 1, at 3North, Richmond.
Rosa Parks’ Inspirational Life. Storyteller Theresa G. delivers historically accurate depictions of African American women in history, bringing to life Rosa Parks and her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began the desegregation of bus systems across the U.S. FREE, registration requested. For ages 50+. Feb. 4, 1 to 2 p.m., at Chesterfield Baptist Church, Moseley.
Senior Making: Wooden Ring. Tools, workshop space, and instructions provided as you discover how to make a wooden ring. Age 60+. FREE, advance registration required. Feb. 4, 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
“A Love Letter to Amaza Lee Meredith.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Genealogical Virtual Event. Marriage records, presented by German SIG. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Feb. 4, 7 p.m., online.
“Dirty Dancing” in Concert. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Wednesday, February 5
Midweek Movie Matinee – Black History Month, “Respect.” Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a young child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom. “Respect” is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice and become the Queen of Soul. Feb. 5, 2 to 5 p.m., at West End Branch Library, Richmond.
Black History Month Film Festival. Iconic ballerina Misty Copeland made history when she became the first African-American woman to be named principal dancer of the legendary American Ballet Theater. “A Ballerina’s Tale” tells how she overcame a tumultuous upbringing and near career-ending injuries to become one of the most revered dancers of her generation. Feb. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Twin Hickory Area Library, Glen Allen.
Thursday, February 6
Coretta Scott King’s Story. Storyteller Theresa G. makes the pages of history come to life in this thought-provoking, heartfelt representation of Coretta Scott King. FREE, registration requested. Feb. 6, 10 to 11 a.m., at Beulah Recreation Center, North Chesterfield.
“A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution.” Norfolk, Virginia, was the site of a series of events as important to spurring the American Revolution as those in New England. Scottish Lord Dunmore threated to free and arm enslaved Africans to fight for the crown. Enraged rebels burned Norfolk and hastened the break from Britain. Author Andrew Lawler explains. Feb. 6, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
In the Driver’s Seat: How One Family Transported Black Students in 1930s Hanover. In the early 1930s, Hanover County did not fund school transportation for Black students, who were expected to walk up to five miles away to attend school. Tired of this inequity, local farmer Lucian Hunter purchased a school bus for $50 and enlisted his three sons as drivers, helping Black students more easily gain education access. Patricia Hunter-Jordan, Lucian’s granddaughter and president of the Hanover NAACP, discusses her family’s legacy. Feb. 6, 7 to 8 p.m., at Libbie Mill Area Library, Henrico.
Yellowjackets. The group has been entertaining listeners for more than 35 years, now one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups. Feb. 6, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
20th Annual ChinaFest. Now in its 20th year, ChinaFest offers discussion, film, and other cultural resources to promote better understanding between the peoples of China and the United States. The University of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) partner with The Rose Group for Cross-Cultural Understanding. Feb. 6 to 9, at Ukrop Auditorium, Robins School of Business, University of Richmond.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Henrico Theatre Company presents the classic play based on the Charles Schulz comic strip, showing life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. Musical numbers include “My Blanket and Me,” “Suppertime,” and “Happiness.” Feb. 6 to 9 at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
News to Know
Reading event, Chesterfield news, calls for entries, soul food, run
Citywide Book Read for Black History Month. Challenging the citizens of Richmond to read “White Too Long,” which examines the legacy of white supremacy among Southern Baptists and other Christian denominations. Five weeks to read, then a panel discussion in March with Q&A. Feb. 1 to 28; panel on March 10, 7 to 9 p.m., at First Baptist Church, Richmond.
All Henrico Reads Presents “The Paris Novel.” Book events, including one with the author: Ruth Reichl, a James Beard award-winning author, food editor, and restaurant critic. In the story, a young woman navigates Paris in the 1980s, finding a city that is a feast for the senses, with food, fashion, and art. Book available on loan from Henrico libraries or the Libby digital app. Discussion groups at various Henrico County libraries, with the capstone event with the author on March 27, 7 p.m., at the Henrico Sports and Events Center, Glen Allen.
Experience Chesterfield History. While Richmond gets the most attention for historic events, Chesterfield County is filled with important history, too. The county has launched the History Happened Here campaign, highlighting these events. Start with the overview video, check out the blog, and stay tuned to social media and events sites for events commemorating the region’s history.
Call for Entries at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond. Accepted Feb. 1 to 16:
- March 2025 Gallery Member Exhibition: Spring Has Sprung. See website for details.
- March All-Media Show: “All That Jazz.” See website for details.
Call for entries – Bodies of Labor: Hands that Built a Nation, on April 2, 2025.The exhibition will consist of works created by artists with connections to Virginia and their interpretation of Black labor. An open call for artists to submit digital images will begin Feb. 1, with the submission deadline of Feb. 15, 2025. For details about submissions, artists can contact Mary Lauderdale at mclauderdale@blackhistorymuseum.org.
Mobile Soul Sunday and VBRE. A presentation of the Virginia Black Restaurant Experience. Mobile Soul Sunday on March 9, noon to 5 p.m., at Monroe Park, and Stick a Fork in It Block Party, March 16. March 9 to 16 and Sept. 14 to 21, noon to 5 p.m., throughout Richmond.
Wood River Run. An annual 5k run or walk in memory of Christian Wood, a talented young kayaker who lost his life while paddling on the James River in 2018. Proceeds used to fund the work of Friends of the James River Park, the Christian Wood Scholarship Fund to send underprivileged kids to Passages Adventure Camp, and the programming of the JRPS Education Department. April 26, 9 a.m., at Pony Pasture Park, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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