More What’s Booming RVA: Feb. 23 to March 2
Plus announcements and a link to more calendar fun
More of What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, beginning February 23: music from Latin America to Europe, popular to classic, plus wine, lectures, laughter, art, and books.
One week of RVA events, plus go to our updated events page for Down the Road events and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
February 23 to March 2
Thursday, February 23
Women in the Wickham House Tour. Behind-the-scenes look at the women who occupied the Valentine historic home in the 19th and 20th centuries, those who lived there and the enslaved women who worked there. FREE. February 23, 6 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
The First Civil Rights: Black Political Activism After Claiming Freedom. Panel discussion noting the completion of a project to document the lives and achievements of Virginia’s first Black legislators, 92 African American men who served in the General Assembly from 1869 to 1890. Feb. 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
The Oscars at the Ashland: “Till.” Two weeks of Oscar-nominated films continues. February 23, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Friday, Feb. 24
Book Signing for “A Different Kind of Courage: One Man’s Story of Triumph Over Paralysis.” Author Paula C. Squires hosts. Feb. 24, noon to 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
The Oscars at the Ashland. Two weeks of Oscar-nominated films continues. “Women Talking” on Feb. 24, 2 p.m., and “The Whale” on Feb. 24, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
JAZZ: February/March All Media Juried Exhibition Opening. See Our Top 5 Picks
Pop Up Premieres Presents: “An American Landscape” Script-in-Hand Workshop. Two introverts find connection when they least expect it, and two beings from another dimension get an object lesson in what it means to be human. Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body Exhibition. New works by the artist, writer, and thinker meditate on the visual experience of the body within a physical and metaphorical world of light and shadow. In addition to two-dimensional artworks that give an illusion of illumination, the exhibition includes three-dimensional works in other media with the same aesthetic results. Feb. 24 to Aug. 20 at Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk.
Saturday, Feb. 25
Central Virginia Coin Club Show. U.S., foreign, and ancient coins and currency to buy, sell, and trade. Free parking, admission, and appraisals. Family friendly event. Raffle prizes all day. ANACS onsite accepting submissions for grading. Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ivey Memorial Church, South Chesterfield.
Pet Expo to Benefit the Henrico Humane Society. See Our Top 5 Picks
Will Smith as “King Richard.” The story of how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams. FREE. Feb. 25, 11 a.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
The Calm Before the Storm: The Story of the 1800 Slave Rebellion. See Our Top 5 Picks
“A Great Moral & Social Force: The History of Black Banks.” Join the author talk and book signing with Tim Todd, executive writer and historian for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The 2022 book explores the dynamic histories of Black-owned banks in five American cities, including Richmond, highlighting their roles as promoters of public service and catalysts for social justice. FREE to attend and FREE books. Feb. 25, 3 to 5 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.
Between the Lines: Historic Fiction Writing Workshop. Author and professor Margaret Marangione discusses her work researching and writing historic fiction and offers writing exercises to participants. Feb. 25, 5 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
The Oscars at the Ashland: “Living.” Two weeks of Oscar-nominated films continues. Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Loose Cannons IX. The Tredegar Society’s annual fundraising party benefits the American Civil War Museum. Feb. 25, 6 to 10 p.m., at The Foundry, Richmond.
Anything Goes Gala. Celebrating “A Beautiful Friendship,” the event to support the Virginia Repertory Theatre gives a nod to its upcoming show “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” Cocktails, a seated dinner, selections from the musical, and a silent and live auction. The theatre will also honor the 40th anniversary of “Hugs and Kisses,” a child sexual abuse prevention and early intervention touring musical. Feb. 25, 6 p.m., at The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond.
The Rush Experience. The classic rocks band says “Live It All Again.” Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival. Browse and buy books, experience live entertainment, and meet independent authors. Feb. 25 to 26 at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, Richmond.
Kadencia. The 13-piece Richmond-based orchestra conserving and promoting Afro-Puerto Rican music, educating audiences on the island’s native musical expressions. PAY WHAT YOU CAN. Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Virginia Arts Festival Presents Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by Wynton Marsalis, with top ensembles from the HBCU Jazz Residency. Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk.
Virginia Wine Expo. The 9-day educational wine, spirits, and food experience highlights Virginia wine, plus wine from guest regions – Napa Valley and Argentina – and local cuisine. Feb. 25 to March 5, 2023.
Sunday, Feb. 26
The Oscars at the Ashland: “All Quiet on the Western Front.” Two weeks of Oscar-nominated films continues. Feb. 26, noon, at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
“In the Heat of the Night.” The 1967 Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger film. Feb. 26, 2 p.m., at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Dreamers Theater: “And You Thought It Wouldn’t Hurt.” A world premiere musical about bullying, presented by a group of young adults with disabilities such as Asperger’s Syndrome and other high-functioning differences. Feb. 26, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Monday, Feb. 27
Great Figures of American History: Rosa Parks. Theresa Gee presents Rosa Parks, and Shonda’s Sweets, Treats and More presents cake samplings. FREE. Register online. Feb. 27, 1-2:30 p.m., Bensley Recreation Center, North Chesterfield.
Tuesday, Feb. 28
Switching It Up: Writing in Multiple Genres. James River Writers presents its monthly writing show, this month online, with experienced panelists. REGISTER BY MIDNIGHT ON FEB. 27. Feb. 28, 6 to 8 p.m., via Zoom.
Virginia During the Massive Resistance. How politicians acted to keep Virginia schools segregated and how educators and students fought back. Feb. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Central Library, Chesterfield.
Two Steppin’ Tuesdays w/ The Shootouts. See Our Top 5 Picks
Wednesday, March 1
Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening. Author Douglas Brinkley discusses his newest book, in person and online. Tickets required for in-person admission. FREE on YouTube and Facebook. March 1, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Night of 1,000 Laughs. Comedy three ways: stand-up, sketch, and improv. March 1, 7:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Thursday, March 2
LMR Nonprofit Board Governance Workshop Series: Purpose Driven Board Leadership with Claire Gastañaga. LMR ensures community leaders have the tools and insights they need to be effective and impactful nonprofit board members. Of four workshop sessions, the first is on March 2, 9 to 11 a.m., at The Collaboratory of Virginia at U-Turn, Richmond.
Submit your event for What’s Booming!
New and Newsworthy
Music, Laughters, and Ahh’s
Little Feat in Richmond: Announcing Show Date and Tickets. Little Feat’s Boogie Your Summer Away Tour comes to Richmond on Aug. 18, 2023. Tickets release to the public on Friday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. Use code WILLIN online to access tickets before that time (online only). Altria Theater, Richmond.
Second Show Announced for Nate Gargatze. The Be Funny Tour plays in Richmond May 14, 2 and 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert. Accompanied by a live symphony orchestra performing Patrick Doyle’s score. Tickets go on sale on Feb. 24, 10 a.m. Performance on June 10, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater.
Last Chance!
“How Black Mothers Say I Love You.” A buried past, family ghosts, and a burning desire for unconditional love complicate hard-working Daphne’s life and health crisis. Through Feb. 25 at Richmond Triangle Players, Richmond.
Bonsai Take Flight: Ancient Traditions Come Alive. View specimens from private collections and fine nurseries from around the world, including trees that have been under cultivation for more than 30 years – including some over 100 years. Specimens change weekly. Through Feb. 26 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
“I have this day committed to jail”: Records of Free & Enslaved Citizens from the City of Richmond Hustings Court. The Library of Virginia presents a display of historic records from the City of Richmond Hustings Court that document the complex dynamics between white, free Black, and enslaved people in Virginia’s capital city. Monday–Saturday, Feb. 1 to 28, 9 a.m. to p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
“Ebony Patterson: … three kings weep …” A large-scale video installation created by Jamaican-born artist Ebony Patterson. FREE. Through Feb. 28 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Follow What’s Booming on Boomer, updated every Thursday, and sign up at the bottom of our website for our twice-weekly newsletter.
