More What’s Booming RVA: Feb. 6 to 13

Thursday, February 6

“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 threatened 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.

“A Wonderful Career in Crime.” Dr. Frank Garmon Jr. discusses the criminal career of Charles Cowlam, who was a convict, spy, detective, congressional candidate, adventurer, and con artist. He operated during the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Gilded Age and touched many of the most prominent figures of the era. Part of the Petersburg Civil War Roundtable. Feb. 6, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.

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.

The 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.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Friday, February 7

Friday at the Museum – Virginia Randolph Museum. Tour Henrico County museums to learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped the county. Feb. 7, noon to 4 p.m., at Virginia Randolph Museum, Glen Allen.

RVA First Friday Highlights: including nature and abstraction, a benefit for LA fire victims, burl art, Black joy and resilience, music, and more. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Scott Miller. The fiery roots-rock singer and songwriter returned to his native Virginia to tend the family farm while continuing to release and perform new music informed by that rural area, history, and Appalachia. The Staunton native first made a name for himself in the ’90s as guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with the V-Roys before establishing himself as a solo artist. Feb. 7, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“Streets of Osage: Musical Storyteller Tour.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.  

“As You Liked It.” Richmond Shakespeare and University of Richmond present an eco-focused version of a William Shakespeare classic, using waste materials as visual metaphors. FREE. Feb. 7, 7 p.m., and Feb. 8, 2 p.m., at The Current in Tyler Haynes Common, University of Richmond.

Saturday, February 8

The Practice of Oral Histories and Veteran Writing Projects. Katy Clune, Virginia Humanities director of the Virginia Folklife Program, and Michael Lund, veteran and author, discuss techniques and tips for oral histories and reflective storytelling. Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Richmond Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.    

The Ragged Road of Reconstruction: Education. Teachers have always been unsung heroes. Learn about historic teachers like Virginia Randolph, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Janie Porter Barrett, who faced major obstacles in the segregated South after the Civil War. Feb. 8, 2 to 3 p.m., at the Virginia Randolph Museum, Glen Allen.

Art Show & Open House. Presenting original works by therapists at The Center for Creative Healing and therapy community partners, inspired by the healing process and therapeutic journey. FREE, registration available. Feb. 8, 2 to 4 p.m., at The Center for Creative Healing, Richmond.

Chocolate Fest. Choose from eight chocolate beers (or get a flight!) and shop vendors – greeting cards, crepes, and sweets, with hints of Valentine’s Day and chocolate. Feb. 8, 2 to 6 p.m., at Center of the Universe Brewing, Ashland.

The Belvedere Series – La Vie En Rose. An evening of French song and instrumental music à la Proustian salon. Be transported to la belle époque with a lush program of mélodies by Francis Poulenc, Gabriel Fauré, Henri Duparc, Reynaldo Hahn, Edith Piaf, and César Franck. Feb. 8, 7 p.m., and Feb. 9, 3:30 p.m., at Marburg House, Richmond.

Sunday, February 9

Galentine’s Day Market. Shop women-owned businesses and pick up local treasures. Feb. 9, noon to 5 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.

Riedel Glass Pop-Up. Does it matter what glass you use for drinking wine? See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Quasi-Freedom: Henrico’s Register of Free Blacks. In the first three decades after the Revolutionary War, Virginia ranked first with the largest free Black population. To monitor this population, Virginia law required each free Black person to register in their locality. Much of Henrico’s register survives and reveals the little-known history of this group of people. Join us as we explore these surviving documents and discover more about the free individuals living in an enslaved society. Feb. 9, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

Anti-Super Game Party. Play yard games, drink, beer, and celebrate anything else but football. Game fans can watch in the upstairs mezzanine, but the rest of the taproom will be devoted to anything else. Feb. 9 at Richbrau Brewing, Richmond.

Monday, February 10

“Hidden Figures.” As the U.S. raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African American female mathematicians. Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Twin Hickory Area Library, Glen Allen.

Richmond Urban Renewal Conversation. Discuss the effects of urban renewal on modern-day Richmond with an expert and explore displays of these forgotten spaces. Feb. 10, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., at Main Library, Richmond.

“The First Ladies.” Book discussion on the story of two different but both formidable, passionate, and committed women, Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, who helped establish the modern civil rights movement. Feb. 10, 7 p.m., at Gayton Branch Library, Henrico.

“They Live by Night.” Continuing its classic film series, Ashland Theatre presents another 1949 film. Feb. 10, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

Tuesday, February 11

“Amazing Grace.” Featuring the film that documents Aretha Franklin and the concert and album that became her personal bestseller. Part of the Black History Month Film Festival. Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Twin Hickory Area Library, Glen Allen

“Black Cake.” Byron and Benny are left a puzzling inheritance: a black cake recipe with a long history and a voice recording by their mother. Discuss the book by Charmaine Wilkerson. Feb. 11, 7 to 8 p.m., at Glen Allen Branch Library, Glen Allen.

The Pressure of Childcare in the First Five Years. The Valentine’s Controversy/History Series invites Richmonders to ask: why is the cost of thriving in Richmond so high? A panel of experts dive into historical context, quantitative data, and solution-oriented thinking. FREE, registration requested. Feb. 11, 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., at the Valentine, Richmond.

Wednesday, February 12

“When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond.” Book talk and signing with author Linwood Norman. Norman, a former press secretary to the mayor, recounts the turmoil of Richmond’s transition to the “strong mayor” model of local government in 2005 during what was a memorable chapter in the city’s rich political history. (See Boomer’s coverage of the book here.) FREE, registration required. Feb. 12, noon to 1 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

“Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement” Online Book Discussion. Presented by the Library of Virginia. The author will attend the discussion of her firsthand look at disability – as an amputee and bioethicist. Her book considers mobility devices, medical infrastructure, and neurodivergence. It considers changing how we think about disability technologies and suggests that we learn to envision disabilities not as liabilities, but as skillsets enabling us to navigate a challenging world. FREE, registration required. Feb. 12, 6 p.m., online.

Thursday, February 13

Julius Rosenwald – Investing in People. Stephanie Deutsch, author of “You Need a Schoolhouse: Booker T. Washington, Julius Rosenwald, and the Building of Schools for the Segregated South,” discusses the ongoing impact of Rosenwald’s innovative philanthropy. Streaming online (FREE) and presenting in-person. Feb. 13, noon to 1 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

RVA Community Makers 2025 Unveiling. Revealing a sculpted art project dedicated to this year’s honorees of RVA Community Makers. FREE. Feb. 13, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“’Round Midnight.” In the 1950s New York jazz scene, Dexter Gordon stars as an aging saxman who turns to the bottle to numb the pain of racism, family troubles, and other hardships. A gig in Paris earns him respect and new friendships, but will he take a new lease on life? Herbie Hancock won an Oscar for the score. Part of the Black History Month Film Festival. Feb. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Twin Hickory Area Library, Glen Allen.

Appalachian Road Show. The acoustic ensemble brings new-generation interpretations of traditional Americana, bluegrass, and folk songs alongside innovative original music, all with a common thread through the heart of Appalachia. Feb. 13, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” The weekly radio show and podcast presents a panel of comedians, writers, listener contestants, and celebrity guests as they take us through a rollicking review of the week’s news. Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

News to Know

Adventure series, fight pediatric cancer, Henrico Restaurant Week

Virginia State Parks Adventure Series 2025. The multi-sport race series kicks off on March 8, featuring 20 races, including triathlons, mountain biking races, adventure races, and more, at 11 parks across the state. This year features a broader range of race difficulties and distances for all levels of adventure and one new race option. Highlights near the Richmond region include:

Adventure: 

• March 8: Frozen Foot at Pocahontas State Park

Bike: 

• March 15: Tour de Pocahontas at Pocahontas State Park
• May 18: High Bridge Time Trial at High Bridge State Park
• June 14: Poca Go! at Pocahontas State Park
• Aug. 3: Guts, Gravel, Glory at Pocahontas State Park

Running:  

• April 12: James River Trail Runs at James River State Park
• June 14: Night Train Ultra Marathon at High Bridge Trail State Park
• Sept. 20: Paw Paw 5- and 10-Miler at Powhatan State Park
• Oct. 4: High Bridge Half Marathon and 5k at High Bridge Trail State Park
• Oct. 5: Pocahontas Trail Festival at Pocahontas State Park

CureSearch Richmond Walk. Join the Richmond community in raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer. Food trucks, yard games, and other family friendly activities to rally the community around an important cause. April 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Byrd Park, Richmond.

Henrico Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants offer special fixed-price three-course dinners and/or two-course lunches, donating $1 from each HRW lunch and $3 from each HRW dinner to Safe Harbor, which supports survivors of sexual and domestic violence and human trafficking. Hosted by the Henrico Citizen. April 28 to May 4 at various locations around Henrico.

Road Trips

Black History Month in MD and concerts up I-95

Honor Black History Month in Maryland. Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are home to exhibits, events, memorials, murals, museums, and more that honor the contributions of Black Marylanders. As a sampling:

• Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum. The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, named for Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman, is dedicated to preserving Maryland’s African American heritage and serves as the state’s official repository of African American material culture. Also presenting “Sacred Spaces” featuring Jabari Jefferson, an exhibition honoring African American heritage and sustainability. Feb. 8 to Dec. 30 at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum.
• The State of Black Annapolis Speaker Series. Local experts and historians on topics that relate to African American culture and life in Maryland’s state capital, highlighting aspects of history that are not always well-known. FREE. Feb. 11, 18, and 25, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., at the Annapolis Area Library.

Tribute to Prince. Celebrating the 40th anniversity of “1999” and “Kiss,” singer and guitar player Cymone Lovett and his 10-piece band, including backing vocalist Brigette Johnson & iNDIGO, revive the music and memories of Prince. Feb. 7, 7 p.m., at The Groove Music Hall at Dominion Raceway, Woodford.

The Deloreans with Guest Suburban Key Party. The showband covers the most memorable artists and nostalgic songs of the ’80s, garbed in ’80s costumes. Feb. 8, 7 p.m., at The Groove Music Hall at Dominion Raceway, Woodford.