More What’s Booming RVA: January 19 +

More of what’s happening in Richmond, Virginia, beginning January 12: have fun with the macabre, laugh with Jim Gaffigan, and get pensive with visual and performing arts.

See below for a week of RVA events, including ongoing exhibitions and performances, or go to our updated events page for Down the Road events.

January 19 to 26

Thursday, January 19

Lecture: The Byrd Machine in Virginia. Author and journalist Michael Lee Pope traces the history of Harry Byrd’s conservative political organization, which ran Virginia politics for more than half a century. In person and livestreamed FREE on Facebook and YouTube. Jan. 19, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.

Dancin’ Cat Line Dancing. Fun and quick to learn, FREE to participate. Jan. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hardywood Park West Creek, Goochland.

“Three Amigos!” A hilarious trio of unemployed silent film actors (Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short) are mistaken for real heroes by a small Mexican village in search of someone to stop a malevolent bandit. Jan. 19, 7 p.m., at the Byrd Theatre, Richmond.

All About the Wildlife Center of Virginia. This virtual program from the Audubon Society Northern Virginia explores this respected Commonwealth gem. Jan. 19, 7 to 8 p.m. online.

“GHOST QUARTET” by Dave Malloy. The internationally known NY-based composer, playwright, and performance-maker presents the Mid-Atlantic premiere of a song cycle about love, death, and whiskey. Jan. 19 to Feb. 4 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

14th Annual Israeli & Jewish Film Festival. Seven films dedicated to fostering an understanding of Israeli and Jewish culture as well as introducing viewers to Israel’s young but thriving film industry. Includes two virtual showings. Jan. 19 to 29 at Weinstein JCC, Richmond, and other locations – see website for details.

Friday, January 20

January Open House + Artist Reception. Explore new exhibitions, including January All-Media Show Juried and Celebrating Black History Month Through Art. Exhibitions run Jan. 20 to March 5. Jan. 20, 5 to 8 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.

Curator’s Talk: Decoding Lessons of the Hour. A discussion of Isaac Julien’s work, “Lesson of the Hour – Frederick Douglass,” examining the symbolism of this 10-screen film installation. Jan. 20 at 6:30 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Jim Gaffigan: Dark Pale Tour. This popular comedian offers relatable humor from his observations on life. So hilariously funny that you will forget he’s so clean! Jan. 20, 7 p.m. at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Metro Series: Suites for Strings. Richmond Symphony presents three nights with works from our time plus music of Bartok. Valentina Peleggi, conductor, and Schuyler Slack, cello. Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., at Jimmy Dean Theater, Perkinson Center, Chester. Plus Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. at St. Christopher’s School, Richmond. And Jan. 22, pre-concert talk at 2 p.m. and performance at 3 p.m. at Blackwell Auditorium and Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

Saturday, January 21 

Parlor Games & Jigsaw Puzzles. An interactive family program focusing on leisure activities of everyday Victorian families – before radios, TV, and electronics. Jan. 21, noon, at Magnolia Grange, Chesterfield.

The Waller Jewelry Company Legacy. Discussion of “Our Shining Legacy, The Waller-Dungee Family Story, 1900-2020,” which chronicles the fascinating story of this renowned African American family of Richmond. FREE, registration required. Jan. 21, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.

Through their Eyes – Still-Life Gallery. Presenting stories collected by victims and survivors of traumatic issues, highlighting achievements, trials, and tribulations, told through live theatrical performers and artwork from graphic designers. Writer Raymond Goode is an activist and cultural organizer encouraging empathy and interracial, intercultural understanding. Jan. 21, 6 and 8 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.

Saturday Under the Stars. Join astronomers from the Richmond Astronomical Society to learn about constellations, stars, and planets. Jan. 21, 6 to 8 p.m., at Powhatan State Park, Powhatan.

Poe Museum Birthday Bash 2023. Happy 214th Birthday, Edgar Allan Poe! Join the Poe Museum for three days of festivities, Jan. 21 to 23, marking the end of its 100-year anniversary, with live music, readings, food trucks, beer, wine, entertainment, programs, and more. Plus a celebration featuring Goosebumps’ R.L. Stine and Black Panther’s Nnedi Okorafor. This is a party to die for! Jan. 21 to 23, virtually and in-person at the Poe Museum and Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Castleburg Brewery’s 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off. Enter your best chili to win cash prizes and bragging rights for a whole year until the next annual Cook-Off. Or pay $10 to be a judge, tasting as many bites as you need to place your vote! Portion of proceeds benefit Richmond Animal League. Plus live music and beer. Jan. 21, beginning at 3 p.m., at Castleburg Brewery, Richmond.

Rachel Leyco. The local acoustic musician performs, joined by Sara Tandy, in support of the local nonprofit, He She Ze and We. Jan. 21, 6 p.m., at Starr Hill Richmond Beer Hall & Rooftop, Richmond.

Kronos Quartet, At War with Ourselves – 400 Years of You. The string quartet joins with chorus and narrator to explore race relations, social justice, and civil rights in contemporary America. Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music, University of Richmond.

Metro Series: Suites for Strings. Richmond Symphony presents three nights with works from our time plus music of Bartok. Valentina Peleggi, conductor, and Schuyler Slack, cello. Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. at St. Christopher’s School, Richmond.

Scott Miller. The native of Staunton, Virginia, plays fiery roots-rock music, as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. Jan. 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Sunday, January 22

Fundraiser for Luca. Final Gravity Brewing and River City Wood Fire Pizza Truck combine to contribute $1 per beer and pizza sales to Richmond Animal Care and Control to support Luca, a dog who was shot recently. Jan. 22, noon to 6, at Final Gravity Brewing, Richmond.

Metro Series: Suites for Strings. Richmond Symphony presents three nights with works from our time plus music of Bartok. Valentina Peleggi, conductor, and Schuyler Slack, cello. Jan. 22, pre-concert talk at 2 p.m. and performance at 3 p.m., at Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show. Yeah, you can get some. Jan. 22, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Monday, January 23

Dinner with Royal Pig. Pair Cambodian cuisine with tasty, buzzy beverages from Garden Grove. Jan. 23, 6 to 9 p.m., at Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery, Richmond.

Poe Museum Centennial Celebration. Honor the 100th anniversary of the Poe Museum as writers R.L. Stine (Goosebumps) and Nnedi Okorafor (Who Fears Death, Black Panther) honor the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, the “master of the macabre,” and hear how Poe’s strange and groundbreaking works still influence our world today. Jan. 23, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Tuesday, January 24

“Hairspray.” The award-winning nostalgic musical returns to Richmond. Jan. 24 to 29 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

200 Years, 200 Stories. The Library of Virginia marks its bicentennial with a free exhibition and multimedia experience celebrating 200 Virginians whose narratives reflect the stories of Virginia: heroes and villains, famous and infamous, powerful and powerless. Jan. 24 to Oct. 28 at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

200th Anniversary Lecture: The Origins of the Library of Virginia’s Book Collections. Books and official records at the state library date back to the early colonial period. Learn about the origins of the library’s collections in this kick-off lecture to the anniversary exhibition. Jan. 24, noon, at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Plants, Cuisine and Culture: Native American Cuisine. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden presents Sioux chef Sean Sherman discussing the links between Native American food traditions and cultural identities. Jan. 24, 7 to 8 p.m., on Zoom.

Wednesday, January 25

Silver Screen Movies: “The Bucket List.” Take in the classic story of two terminally ill men, played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, as they head out to check off their list of must-do’s. All tickets and concessions are a dollar. Jan. 25, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

Thursday, January 26

Nils – The Cool Shades Tour and CD Release party. The L.A.-based smooth jazz guitarist comes to Richmond. He began his career in fusion but was influenced by George Benson, Jeff Golub, Jeff Beck, and Larry Carlton to transition into smooth. He currently has the #1 album on SmoothJazz.com. Jan. 26, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Submit your event for What’s Booming!

Flash Sale & Announcements 

“Hairspray” Flash Sale Alert. Use code ‘AMBER’ at online checkout to buy $30 tickets to select performances of “Hairspray” at Altria Theater. Offer expires at 11:59PM EST on Jan. 20.

Garth Newel Music Center Announces Its Winter Chill Season. Delicious music, cuisine, and a thoughtful document come together this February on the 114-acre campus in the Virginia mountains. Concerts on Feb. 4, Feb. 11, and Feb. 25; cooking workshop on Feb. 9; and a showing of a documentary on caregiving for terminal illnesses on Feb. 18. At Garth Newel Music Center, Warm Springs.

MerleFest Celebrates 35 Years of Music, Moments, and Memories. This year’s festival will honor Doc Watson’s 100th birthday and 35 years of fundraising through music. Bringing musicians from across genres, fans from across the world, Acoustic Kids, and one-of-a-kind artist collaborations to the Blue Ridge Mountains. April 27-30 at Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, NC.

Ongoing

VIEWFIND 11. A collection of traditional and conceptual themes in photographs from 12 women photographers. Page Bond Gallery, Richmond.

“Cheers, Virginia!” Learn about how everyday people and crafters have used their skills and ingenuity to make and improve beer, cider, spirits, and wine for their home tables and to consumers – from early settlers to today’s craft beverages. Through Feb. 9 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“Storied Strings.” A new exhibition premiering at the VMFA explores the guitar’s symbolism in American art and its story, through a variety of artistic and musical media. Through March 19 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Forging Freedom, Justice and Equality. An exhibition covering important themes of Black history across Virginia, from commerce to military, education, sports, entertainment, and more. Through April 29 at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

“A Powerful Influence: Early Photographs of African Americans from the Collection of Dennis O. Williams.” View 25 portraits of Black Americans, enslaved and free, to explore the complicated histories of identity, family, citizenship, and race. The installation includes daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, and early works on paper made from the 1840s through the 1880s. It complements the upcoming exhibition, “Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour – Frederick Douglass.” Through May 8 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour – Frederick Douglass.” The poignant 10-screen film installation collapses time and space to bridge persistent historical and contemporary challenges, honoring the great 19th-century abolitionist. FREE. Through July 9 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

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