More What’s Booming RVA: Jan. 25 to Feb. 1
A week of events plus announcements, and a link to future fun
It must be the week for legendary musicians – salutes to Blood, Sweat and Tears, Mary J. Blige, Burt Bacharach, Max Roach, Vivaldi, Earl Scruggs, Simon & Garfunkel, and Tina and Frankie (in person) and the Dead OTW. With Vegan Restaurant Challenge 2024 presenting food even carnivores can dig in to – like the jackfruit pizza from Bar Solita, above. And lots more in What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, January 25 to February 1, 2024.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA, browse the week ahead below, or go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
January 25 to February 1
Thursday, January 25
Intersecting History: Community Conversation. Join female leaders in discussing how women are engaged and leading the way in confronting complex histories. FREE. January 25, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Blood, Sweat, and Years. A tribute to – you guessed it – Blood, Sweat and Tears. January 25, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
A Salute to Burt Bacharach. Henrico Theatre Company presents song and dance paying tribute to the iconic American composer, songwriter, producer, and pianist, presenting hundreds of pop songs beginning in the 1950s. January 25 to 28 at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
East Coast Premiere of “Born with Teeth.” Richmond Shakespeare debuts Liz Duffy Adams’ vision of William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe discussing politics and theatre in a tavern. January 25 to February 11, at Dominion Energy Center’s Gottwald Playhouse, Richmond.
“Sculpting History” at the Valentine. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
The Genius of Max Roach: Lecture and Concert. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Vegan Restaurant Challenge. Vegans and carnivores alike can sink their teeth into delicious vegan food at a wide array of local restaurants – all while supporting Matchbox Mutual Aid, an umbrella organization aiding two area organizations who work to deter food insecurity. Through Jan. 28, throughout Richmond.
Friday, January 26
Artspace Opening Reception. The gallery opens its 2024 season with new exhibitions from Jan. 26 to Feb. 17: Belgian-born artist Dymph De Wild’s digital photographs, Richmonder Aimee Joyaux’s printmaking exhibition “Truth to Power,” Bridgette Newberry’s fiber art, and a group exhibition by Artspace members. Reception Jan. 26, 6 to 9 p.m., at Artspace, Richmond.
Richmond Symphony: “The Four Seasons.” Soak in the sounds of classic Vivaldi – “Summer” and “Autumn” – and Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” – “Winter” and “Spring.” Pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Paint and Sip at Eastern. Painting, sparkling juice, and fun. Supplies provided. Jan. 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
“Picturing the Black Racial Imaginary” livestreamed two-day symposium See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, January 27
Writers Roundup. Authors and readers meet to discuss writing and books. FREE. Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Powhatan County Public Library, Powhatan Courthouse.
Winter Horrorland Film Festival. Victims and Villains lead screenings of short and long movies, including “The Blair Witch Project,” plus discussions and panel talks about favorite horror movies and mental health in media. Jan. 27, noon, at Richmond Public Library, Richmond.
“Paris Boutique.” Part of the Weinstein JCC Israeli and Jewish Film Festival, this romantic comedy was nominated for six Israeli Academy Awards. Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.
The Four Seasons. Fusing the glory of baroque and the seduction of the tango, the performance features Vivaldi’s “Summer” and “Autumn” and Piazzolla’s “Winter” and “Spring.” Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., at St. Christopher’s School, Richmond.
Just Fine – The Ultimate Mary J. Blige Tribute. Transport your soul to the days of the go-go’s with this seven-piece band’s groove and feel-good vibes. Jan. 27, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“BKLYN The Musical.“ A troupe of homeless street performers (The City Weeds) set up their stage under the Brooklyn Bridge and use whatever they find to create sets and costumes. Soaring vocals and a pop/rhythm & blues score propel this story of a young Parisian girl’s search for the father she never knew. Jan. 27 to Feb. 17 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
Sunday, January 28
Intersecting History Museum Crawl. Based on the theme “Yes She Can!” seven museums partner to engage residents and promote hope and healing. Attend participating museums FREE of charge and get FREE bus transportation to all participating museums. Jan. 28, noon to 5 p.m., Richmond.
Wellspring Community Writes. Come write, surrounded by other writers writing. FREE, registration requested. Jan. 28 (and ongoing on Sundays), from noon to 4 p.m., at Quarry, 2707 W. Cary St., Richmond.
“Exodus 91.” Part of the Weinstein JCC Israeli and Jewish Film Festival, this hybrid docudrama follows an Israeli diplomat working to bring 15,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. Jan. 28, 2 p.m., at Jepson Alumni Center, University of Richmond.
Meet George Washington. Interpreter Steve Hawkins portrays Washington, from his boyhood to challenges faced during the fight for independence and as a new nation. Jan. 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
The Four Seasons. Fusing the glory of baroque and the seduction of the tango, the performance features Vivaldi’s “Summer” and “Autumn” and Piazzolla’s “Winter” and “Spring.” Jan. 28, 3 p.m., at Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.
“Blood from a Turnip.” A puppet salon celebrating the diversity of puppet expression and those who tell stories through objects. Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Tony Trischka’s “EarlJam” Tribute to Earl Scruggs. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Tuesday, January 30
Celebrate the 275th anniversary of Chesterfield County in 2024. This presentation will highlight significant accomplishments from the past and share the vision of the future in anticipation of the signature celebratory event in May. Discover some of the unique accomplishments of 1999 for the then-250th anniversary and what special events are planned for the upcoming year. Jan. 30, 6 to 7 p.m., at Central Library, Chesterfield.
Virginia: The Birthplace of Barbecue. Move over, North Carolina! Get the truth behind American barbecue’s birthplace. Discover how Native Americans, Europeans, and enslaved African Americans in Virginia contributed to this Southern staple. Presented by Debra Freeman, food anthropologist, podcaster, and writer. Jan. 30, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., at North Courthouse Road Library, Chesterfield.
“The Simon & Garfunkel Story.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Kandencia Orchestra on Shockoe Sessions Live! The Puerto Rican musicians relocated to Chesterfield County, where they continue to promote Afro-Puerto Rican music. Jan. 30, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., at In Your Ear Studios in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond.
Thursday, February 1
“Cotton.” Virginia Opera presents Damien Geter’s powerful song cycle, a fusion of music and poetry inspired by the photography of John Dowell’s exploration of African American life and ancestral journey through the lens of the cotton industry. Dowell’s photographs inspired renowned African American poets, whose poems became the basis of the music. FREE, reservations required. In Richmond for two performances: Feb. 1, 7 p.m., at Concert Hall at VCU, and Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m., at Richmond Public Library main branch.
Petersburg Civil War Roundtable: The Tale of Two Brothers. Historian and NPS park ranger Emmanuel Dabney shares the story of brothers James and Robert Roantree and their Civil War experiences. Feb. 1, 7 to 8 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Nils. The contemporary jazz musician brings his smooth, exhilarating music to the stage. Feb. 1, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road trip
Charlottesville Indigenous Art Takeover 2024 at Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection and The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia. The extensive exhibition extends to five venues, seven exhibitions, eight public events, and Indigenous artists traveling all the way from their homelands in Australia to engage with the public. Opening reception on Jan. 30, 5 to 7 p.m., at Kluge-Ruhe, with a variety of other events during the weekend of Feb. 2 and 3, Charlottesville.
News worth knowing
Tina tickets, Frankie, Roots, and park adventures
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” Tickets go on sale Jan. 29 for the April 2 to 7 performances of the North American tour. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BroadwayInRichmond.com, Altria Theater Box Office (M-F 10am-2pm) and by phone at 1.800.514.3849 (ETIX).
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: The Last Encores. Coming to Richmond. Use code ‘SPOTLIGHT’ to access presale today only (Jan. 25) till 10 p.m. June 28 at Altria Theater.
Virginia Roots Music Series. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery presents a new music series. Four shows in 2024 feature a Virginia band covering an iconic musical artist, paired with a pre-release of a Hardywood Virginia Roots beer, highlighting a Virginia ingredient. The first concert is scheduled for Feb. 22, Suggesting Rhythm Does The Grateful Dead, paired with the Peach Tripel. Other concerts will be on May 23, Aug. 16, and Dec. 19.
Virginia State Parks Adventure Series Returns. The multi-sport race series kicks off on Feb. 18. The series consists of 24 races, including triathlons, mountain biking races, adventure races, and more, at 13 different parks across the state. Many events return this year, including the Tour de Pocahontas, Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon, and New River Trail Challenge, plus four new challenges: the DMV Adventure Race, Arbor Day 15k Run, Shenandoah River Aquablaze, and Fall Foliage Adventure Race. Events near Richmond include:
Adventure:
- April 27: Spring Bloom Adventure Race at Lake Anna State Park
- Oct. 19: Fall Foliage Adventure Race at Mason Neck State Park
Bike:
- Feb. 18: Monster Cross at Pocahontas State Park
- March 16: Tour de Pocahontas at Pocahontas State Park
- June 9: High Bridge Trail Time Trial at High Bridge Trail State Park
- June 15: Poca Go! at Pocahontas State Park
- Aug. 4: Guts, Gravel, Glory at Pocahontas State Park
Running:
- March 23: Dogwood Ultra Marathon at Twin Lakes State Park
- April 13: James River Trail Runs at James River State Park
- April 28: Arbor Day 15k at York River State Park
- June 2: Taskinas Creek Half Marathon at York River State Park
- June 22: Night Train Ultra Marathon at High Bridge Trail State Park
- Sept. 21: Powhatan 10 Miler at Powhatan State Park
- Oct. 5: High Bridge Half Marathon and 5k at High Bridge Trail State Park
- Oct. 6: Pocahontas Trail Festival at Pocahontas State Park
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