More What’s Booming RVA: Feb. 20 to 27

Strings, percussion, brass, and more – you’ll find a diversity of music in Richmond, Virginia, plus art, plays, pets, and a wind-down of Black History Month. In What’s Booming, February 20 to 27, 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.

February 20 to 27

Thursday, February 20

Check before going in case of weather-related cancellations.

African American Read-In. Notable figures from the greater Richmond community deliver readings in the galleries. The storytelling pairs evocative and powerful works by African American artists and authors. FREE. Feb. 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

RVA Green Drinks February Gathering. Mary Rafferty, Executive Director of the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) speaks of environmental and conservation bills that survived crossover and how to advocate with delegates and senators. FREE, registration requested. Feb. 20, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at The Answer Brewpub, Richmond.

Succulent Container Garden Workshop. Create a beautiful container garden with guidance from Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Take your own gloves; all other materials provided. 21+, alcohol available. Feb. 20, 6 to 8 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

“The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, and Dispossession in America,” by Andrew Kahrl: Author Talk. From Reconstruction to today, structural features of the country’s tax system have stripped African American landowners of assets and diverted wealth from Black households. Feb. 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Libbie Mill Area Library, Henrico.

Fret Brothers WSG Erin Flynn on Cello. These three Richmond players have been making music since the mid-’60s, absorbing influences from Buddy Holly to Merle Haggard, from Dylan to Elvis and the British Invasion. Feb. 20, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Art Exhibition Opening: Frank Hobbs & Clay Johnson, “Vergence.” Exploring a juxtaposition between the two artists’ approaches to painting and the ideas of landscape and composition. Reception on Feb. 20, 5 to 7 p.m.; exhibition runs Feb. 20 to March 22 at Bond Millen Gallery, Richmond.

Friday, February 21

Historical Society Winter Lecture – Charlotte Banks Wood. Stories of life in the tumultuous era of segregation. The lecture will be accompanied by a special exhibit curated by the African American History Committee of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia. Feb. 21, 6 to 8 p.m., at Stonebridge Recreation Center, North Chesterfield.

“Murmurs in Time.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.    

The Hot Sardines. Fueled by the belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul, The Hot Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again and prove that joyful music can bring people together in a disconnected world. Feb. 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Cabaret Nights: Dear Durron, Love, Grey. Featuring Durron Marquis Tyre and Grey Garrett. Feb. 21 and 22 at Swift Creek Mill, Colonial Heights.

“Crimes of the Heart.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Saturday, February 22

“On the Battlefield” 2025 Symposium. Includes a program on significant battlefield artifacts from the ACWM collection, a reception with symposium speakers, scholars’ lectures on the course of the Civil War as part of the ACWM initiative ‘The Civil War & Remaking America,’ and a panel discussion. Feb. 22 at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

Black History Month Vendor Fair. Nearly 40 vendors selling a variety of arts, crafts, food, apothecary, and more. Plus live music, live art, and a kids’ hangout. Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, at Beulah Recreation Center, North Chesterfield.

Pet Expo. People and pets are welcome at this indoor event. Over 50 exhibitors will offer a variety of goods and services. Demos and activities throughout the day, many of which involve pet participation. Benefits Henrico Humane Society and helps homeless animals in the community. Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.

Empowerment Through Enterprise: Unlocking Small Business Potential for African Americans. Learn about doing business in Chesterfield County and meet organizations that can help. Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, at Meadowdale Library, Ampthill.

A Conversation with Ona Judge. Historical interpreter Sheila Arnold portrays the 18th-century Free woman and past personal maidservant to Martha Washington. A Black History Month event. Feb. 22, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Clover Hill Library, Midlothian.

Alan Smale’s “Radiant Sky.” The author discusses his newest book, set in an alternate 1983 as the Cold War turns hot in space. Feb. 22, 1 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

Amaza Lee Meredith. A look at the life of a little-known regional architect, artist, and educator. Despite discrimination due to her race and sex in the Jim Crow-era South, Meredith created works in her field that still inspire. Feb. 22, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm, Glen Allen.

East Marshall Street Well Project. Learn about the community-led process to ensure the appropriate study, memorialization, and burial of over 50 human remains uncovered on VCU’s campus in 1994. Join the VCU Health Humanities Lab in reflecting on this history, the role of racism in medicine, and the future of the well. Feb. 22, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Westover Hills Meeting Room, Richmond.

Golden Fest. The Richmond music community is rallying to benefit Justin Golden, a local musician recently diagnosed with cancer. The first show features Mackenzie Roark & The Hot Pants, Tyler Meacham, Sun V Set, Moosetrap, and Jonathan Paige Brown Jr. Other benefit shows will be held on March 2 at Final Gravity; March 14 at The Camel; March 16 at Gallery5; and April 10 for Earth Folk. Feb. 22, 7 p.m., at Gallery5, Richmond.

Kadencia! With their unique brand of Afro-Puerto Rican bomba, plena, and salsa music, you’ll find it impossible to sit still. Pay what you can. Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

’80s R&B Queens: A Tribute to Teena Marie & Stephanie Mills. Vocalists Brigette Johnson pays tribute to Teena Marie, and Felece Tillman to Mills. Feb. 22, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Brass Glory. Featuring Michael Sachs, one of classical’s foremost trumpet masters performing in three diverse works. Feb. 22, 8 p.m., and Feb. 23, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.

Sunday, February 23

Abraham Lincoln at Home in the Kitchen. As a young lawyer with a growing family in Illinois, Lincoln often helped when his wife was in need. What did he prepare? We’ll explore the simple cookbooks in his era, presenting dishes such as jumble cookies, rhubarb tonic, and slow-cooked barbecue. Feb. 23, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm, Glen Allen.

The GreenSpring Harp Ensemble Presents E Pluribus Unum. The youth harp ensemble presents solo and ensemble performances, drawing inspiration from the theme “From Many, One.” FREE. Feb. 23, 3 to 4 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richmond.

Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.  

Saxman Adrian Crutchfield’s Tribute to Kenny G. Crutchfield performs music in a variety of genres such as jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, and more. He received his first saxophone during a concert in Roanoke from jazz artist Kenny G, who noticed his interest, invited him to the stage, and gave him a sax. Crutchfield has performed and recorded with many other talented stars. Feb. 23, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Monday, February 24

Estate Focus Tour: Black History Month. Walking tour focusing on the work of the African American domestic staff that lived and worked at Maymont: the gardens, outbuildings, and other estate features that made Maymont a showplace. Feb. 24, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., meeting at Stone Barn Welcome Center, Maymont, Richmond.

“Heavy” Book Discussion. In this beautifully vulnerable memoir, Kiese Laymon explores the themes of family, weight, and identity within American culture. Part of Black History Month commemoration. Feb. 24, 7 to 8 p.m., at North Park Branch Library, Henrico.

Tuesday, February 25

Pride in Black Voices: A Loving Community. Virginia Opera blends powerful storytelling with music from the Civil Rights-era of the 1950s and 1960s in excerpts from the upcoming opera, “Loving v. Virginia,” performed by Virginia Opera Emerging Artists. Q&A to follow. Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Chesterfield Baptist Church, Moseley.

Desertion in the Military: A Look Back. Virginia War Memorial Director Clay Mountcastle looks at an issue that has existed as long as our military and in every war in which Americans fought: desertion. Mountcastle will examine examples of desertion and methods the US military has used to deal with it. Virtual. Feb. 25, 2 p.m., online.

Virginia Author Celebration for Black History Month. A book fair featuring Black-owned bookstores, publishers, and authors of color, plus author tables, speakers, presentations, panel discussions, and prizes. Feb. 25, 3 to 7 p.m., at Hull Street Branch Library, Richmond.

“I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams.” The Armstrong Leadership Program presents its documentary on students’ two-week summer trip through the Deep South, where they explored and reflected on the struggles and triumphs of African American history focused on the African American experience. Panel discussion and reception to follow. Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m., at the Richmond Hill Chapel, Richmond.

“Love & Solidarity”: James Lawson and Nonviolence in the Search for Workers’ Rights. Explore the life and teachings of the Reverend Lawson and discuss highlights from the documentary, “Love & Solidarity.” Black History Month program. Feb. 25, 6 to 7 p.m., at Central Library, Chesterfield.

Wednesday, February 26

The Constitution and Loving v. Virginia. A legal panel discussion explores the origins, challenges, and significance of the 1967 Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court ruling that struck down state laws banning marriage between individuals of different races. FREE, registration required. Feb. 26, 6 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Tap into Virginia Opera. Live performances and drink tickets as part of Virginia Opera’s 50th anniversary season. Feb. 26, 6 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.

“GENERATIONS: African Americans and Legacies of Military Service.” A panel discussion featuring African American military veterans from throughout the Commonwealth. FREE. Feb. 26: light reception at 5:30; presentation at 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

Black History Month Film Festival: “The League.” Learn about the Negro League’s triumphs and challenges through the first half of the 20th century. The film uses previously unearthed archival footage and never-before-seen interviews to examine Black baseball as an economic and social pillar of Black communities and a stage for great athletes, while also examining the unintended consequences of integration. Feb. 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Twin Hickory Area Library, Glen Allen.

FEATURED PHOTO CAPTION (TOP): Newark Eagles in the dugout, 1936, from The League, a Magnolia Pictures release; ©Yale University Art Gallery. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

Kurt Crandall & True Story. Kurt Crandall mixes Windy City blues, West Coast swing, jazz, and more. Feb. 26, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Thursday, February 27

Book Swap for Black History Month. Swap books by and about African Americans and people of color, for readers of all ages. Bring one, take one. Feb. 27, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Hull Street Branch Library, Richmond.

1890s Winter Warmer Grown-Up Field Trip. 1890s-themed drinks and activities in honor of the closing week for the exhibit “Turning Points: Richmond in the 1890s.” Historic cocktail recipe to sample, light snacks, period crafts to make and take, and a curator-led tour of the exhibition. Feb. 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.

Pride in Black Voices: A Loving Community. Virginia Opera blends powerful storytelling with music from the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s in excerpts from the upcoming opera, “Loving v. Virginia,” performed by Virginia Opera Emerging Artists. Q&A to follow. Feb. 27, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“The Cost of Fear” with Meg Stone. The author discusses how most safety advice is sexist and how to reduce gender-based violence. Feb. 27, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

VMFA’s History-Making Art Loan to Lusanga, Democratic Republic of Congo.Last year, VMFA became the first major US art museum to lend a work from its permanent collection to a sub-Saharan African institution. This talk details the collaboration between the museum and the Congolese Plantation Workers Art League in the remote village. Feb. 27, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Historically Speaking: Black Revolutionary Soldiers. Historian John Pagano of Henricus Historical Park focuses on the role played by Black Virginians who camped, marched, and fought side by side with their neighbors in pursuit of liberty and independence from English rule. Ages 10+. Feb. 27, 7 to 8 p.m., at Libbie Mill Library, Henrico.

Brad Upton. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.  

Love Canon. Sprouting from the musical foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville, the Virginia group brings its own raucous blend of bluegrass to the masses, funky bluegrass tunes with traditional instruments such as mandolin and fiddles. Feb. 27, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“Rhinoceros.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

News to Know

Lung disease support group and Barter Theatre season

Better Breathers Club Launches in Richmond. The American Lung Association present the first local meeting for those living with a chronic lung disease. The bi-monthly group, led by a trained facilitator, aims to help individuals learn better ways to cope with their diagnosis and live a better life. Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to noon, a Discovery Village at the West End, Richmond.

Barter Theatre Announces Its Spring Season. Take a road trip to Abingdon for live theater – and a whole lot more while you’re there. The country’s longest-running professional theater, Barter has been a fixture of Southwest Virginia’s arts scene for over 90 years. This season’s lineup includes:

• The Book Club Play (March 8 to 30, Gilliam Stage) – A clever and fast-paced comedy about friendship, secrets and the chaos of being caught on camera.
• Hamlet (March 25 to April 23, Smith Theatre) – A fresh take on Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, brought to life by Barter’s acclaimed resident company.
• Million Dollar Quartet (April 11 to May 11, Gilliam Stage) – A rollicking musical that tells the true story of an unforgettable night with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

Road Trips

Books & trail runs

Williamsburg Book Festival. More than 50 authors, poets, and publishers will be sharing their works, meeting readers, and selling and signing books. The festival also features speaker sessions and a poet laureate panel. FREE. Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Williamsburg Community Building, Williamsburg.

Bear Creek 10 Mile Trail Run. The loop course passes through the piedmont hills of Cumberland State Forest and Bear Creek Lake State Park. No race day registration. Virtual option available. Feb. 23, 7:30 a.m., at Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland.

Anticipation … !

Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

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