More What’s Booming RVA: Nov. 14 to 21

Lots of lights, a campy Christmas, cheese pairing, art, music galore, and more. In today’s What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, November 14 to 21, 2024.

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.

November 14 to 21

Thursday, November 14

Weinstein Author Talk: “Dirt Don’t Burn: A Black Community’s Struggle for Educational Equality Under Segregation.” Authors Larry Roeder and Barry Harrelson discuss their new book, describing how Loudoun County, Virginia, which once denied educational opportunity to Black Americans, gradually increased the equality of education. November 14, 6 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Opening Minds through Art: Exhibit Grand Opening. New exhibits open, with many of the artists and a cash bar. Opening Minds creates art opportunities for people with dementia. Other exhibits by Robert J. Schuler, Chief Babs, and LEGO brick work. FREE. November 14, 6 to 8 p.m., at Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

Annual Paul Mellon Lecture: At Home with Pierre (and Marthe) Bonnard. Whether at their house in Normandy or their Côte d’Azur property, Pierre and Marthe Bonnard made themselves very much at home. Their landscapes and the rooms within provided the painter with the principal subjects for his brush. The author of “Bonnard’s Worlds” looks at these places. Livestream available. November 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“Twelfth Night.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

A Campy Christmas. Featuring two hilarious plays. “With Bells On” features a mild-mannered accountant with persistent bad luck who heads out for his first night of adventure after a nasty divorce. “Who’s Holiday” adults-only comedy tells the story of Cindy Lou Who meeting the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life took afterwards. Through Dec. 22 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.

Friday, November 15

November Open House & Artist Reception. Extensive galleries with new exhibits, including the Metropolitan Richmond Artists Association “McMasterpieces” to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Richmond and the Juried All Media show themed “Feast.” Plus drinks, food, and music. Nov. 15, 5 to 8 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.

Black Architecture: A Panel Discussion. Experts from the field discuss the legacy and future of Black architecture. Nov. 15, 6 to 9 p.m., at Institute for Contemporary Art, Richmond.

Full Circle’s Fall Fest. The community celebration supports work of providing comprehensive, professional bereavement support to children and adults. The event features dinner, live music, silent auction, raffle drawing, remembrance activities, and more. Nov. 15, 6:30 to 10 p.m., at Triple Crossing – Fulton, Richmond.

The Dancing Queen: Court Dance in the Age of Elizabeth. The Richmond Renaissance Dancers present a multimedia program showcasing the majesty and elegance of court dancing from the perspective of Queen Elizabeth I and her courtiers. Nov. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Agecroft Hall & Gardens, Richmond.

Third Practice Festival. Three different concerts of the newest of new music for piano, cello, flute, synthesizers, cassette recorders, video, and electronics in 8-channel surround sound. FREE. Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.

Mozart, Schubert & Gruber. Three concerts, each presenting Mozart’s overture to “The Marriage of Figaro,” three H.K. Gruber pieces for trumpet and small orchestra, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5.

• Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education, Chester. 
• Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., at St. Christopher’s School, Richmond. 
• Nov. 17, 3 p.m., at Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

Family Night Hike. Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont’s nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations through experiments, games, and a hike. Ages 4 and over. Nov. 15, April 4, May 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

Virginia Cider Week. The weeklong celebration features festivals, tastings, pairing dinners, workshops, and open houses throughout the state. Richmond events include:

• Buskey Bourbon Aged Old Fashioned Cider Release. Evoking comfort and an Old Fashioned cocktail, the cider was crafted with cherries, orange zest, and heritage apples, double bourbon-barrel aged for a year. Nov. 15, noon to 10 p.m., at Buskey Cider, Richmond.
• Cheese & Cider Pairing Workshop with Truckle Cheesemongers.Discover the art of pairing and how different flavors complement each other. Expand your palate with new flavor combinations in a relaxed atmosphere with fellow cider and cheese enthusiasts. Gain insights into the production and selection of cider and cheese. Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., at Blue Bee Cider, Richmond.
• Cider Making Workshop. Join the cidermaker for a hands-on experience. Learn about evaluating juice, making additions before fermentation, monitoring progress, and customizing ciders. Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., at Blue Bee Cider, Richmond.

Local Artisan Pop-Up Holiday Market. RVA Galleries presents a curated collection of unique artwork and handmade gifts. Find gifts from photographer Bill Draper (known especially for his James River photos), Raku ceramics artist Tom Hayes, Palmer K Designs wearable art and home décor, oil paint artist Linda Shaw, and more. Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., then open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec. 24, at Willow Lawn.

Saturday, November 16

RICHMOND MARATHON DAY! Be part of the cheering throng for the full marathon, half marathon, or 8k – or just avoid the road closures.

“The Grays of Truth” with Sharon Virts. The bestselling historical true crime author presents her newest book, set in Reconstruction-era Baltimore, as members of the city’s elite keep turning up dead. Nov. 16, 1 to 3 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.

One Voice Chorus Fall 2024 Concerts. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Chabibi – Dynamic Fusions, World Rhythms, Ancient Melodies. An evening of world music with the Richmond-based quintet, presenting ancient melodies blended with jazz improvisation. Nov. 16, 7:30, at Congregation Or Ami, Richmond.

Erin & The Wildfire w/ Ms. Jaylin Brown & Friends. The group Erin & The Wildfire celebrates the release of the new single, “Shapes in the Cloud,” presenting a heartfelt message in a danceable atmosphere. The lyrics underscore the band’s commitment to inclusivity and safety, their support for all who feel distanced or vulnerable. Nov. 16, 8 p.m., at The Camel, Richmond.

The Belvedere Series – Midnight Twilight. Bass and double bass artists perform works of composers of Latvian, Russian, and Nordic heritage, who share artistic and geographical landscapes that experience daylight at a time when the night normally reigns. Nov. 16 and 17 at Marburg House, Richmond.

Pawpaw Beer Release. Celebrate America’s largest native fruit. Fine Creek has plucked the fruits from its very own property and used them in a in a mixed culture beer, a blend of saison and Belgian tripel, with Brettanomyces in conditioning. Nov. 16 and 17 at Fine Creek Brewing, Powhatan.

Sunday, November 17

Richmond T. Rex Run. Don your inflatable dinosaur costume and amble around the lake at Dorey Park. Nov. 17, 2 p.m., at Dorey Park, Richmond.

Music Feeds RVA: Benefit Concert. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Alison Brown. Billboard Magazine wrote, “Like James Taylor’s voice or B.B. King’s guitar, Alison Brown’s banjo is an instrument possessed of a unique sonic signature and an inescapable beauty … [she is] an artist who never ceases to delight.” Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Monday, November 18

Watercolor Bookmarks. Ages 18+, making one using washi tap and one using acetate. Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to noon, at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

Ashland 1949 Film Series. “I was a Male War Bride,” starring Cary Grant. Inspired by the rousing response to its 75th anniversary presentation of 1948 films, Ashland Theatre presents a series of films from 1949. Nov. 18, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Tuesday, November 19

The Writing Show: Writing Unlikeable Characters. James River Writers presents panelists discussing fiction characterization, particularly anti-heroes and unpleasant character traits. Nov. 19, 6 to 8 p.m., on Zoom.

Milk, Honey, & Malt. Celebrate some of the world’s oldest craft foods: a curated pairing of cheeses from Truckle Cheesemongers, meads from Black Heath, and beers from Brainstorm Brewhouse. Nov. 19, 6 p.m., at Black Heath Meadery, Richmond.

Rex Richardson Jazz Concert. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Jimmy Webb. One of our culture’s most important songwriters: “Wichita Lineman,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Galveston,” and many more. Nov. 19, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Wednesday, November 20

Bluegrass Jam. The weekly open jam session focuses on bluegrass music of all styles, vocal and instrumental. Musicians within the circle are expected to participate. All experience levels welcome, including beginners. On the first Wednesday of each month, there will be a jam etiquette lesson at 5:30. Nov. 20 and 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at Twin Hickory Recreation Center, Glen Allen.

Bill Frisell Trio ft: Thomas Morgan & Rudy Royston. Bill Frisell’s career as a guitarist and composer has spanned more than 40 years and many celebrated recordings, whose catalog has been cited by Downbeat as “the best recorded output of the decade.” Nov. 20, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Thursday, November 21

Tredegar Tree Lighting. Lighting the 20-foot tree, decorated with handcrafted 19th century-style ornaments, live music, cheer from Virago Spirits. Toys for Tots collections, too. FREE. Nov. 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

Vanessa Collier. The master musician and multi-instrumentalist weaves funk, soul, rock, and blues. She presents soulful vocals, searing sax, and witty songwriting. Nov. 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“The House That Will Not Stand.” A gripping examination of the intersecting captivities of enslaved and free women of color in 1830s New Orleans and a haunting tale of family drama told with humor and love. A widowed mother determined to provide a future of independence for her daughters is ensnared by social customs. Nov. 21 to 24 at Alice Jepson Theatre, University of Richmond.

Road Trips

History comes to life

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. The tour commemorating the French commander’s tour of the U.S. as “Guest of the Nation” swings by the Charlottesville area.

• Nov. 14 at the James Madison Museum, Orange.
• Nov. 15 at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
• Nov. 16 at James Madison’s Montpelier, Stanardsville.
• Nov. 17 at Monticello, Troy.

Jamestown Settlement’s Director’s Series, Fall 2024: Dr. Edward L. Ayers.Executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Christy S. Coleman dialogues with Ayers. They examine how digital history helps people to fully understand and visualize the past. Nov. 20, 7 p.m., in Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater, Jamestown.

News & Announcements

Call for entries, performances OTW, tickets for “Moulin Rouge”

January 2025 Call For Entries at Crossroads Art Center. Submissions accepted Nov. 18 to Dec. 15.

• All Media Juried Exhibit: Mediums can include almost anything … photography, pencil, paint or inks, sculpting materials, fabric, glass, wood, and more. Accepted work will be shown at Crossroads Art Center, as well as on the website. This is a juried exhibition, with awards.
• January Gallery Member Exhibition: LOVE. Explore the many faces of love – romantic, platonic, familial, and self-love. Each piece is to reflect the powerful emotions that love evokes.

The Music of Paul Williams. Spend an evening with the Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe, Hall of Fame award-winning songwriter, actor, and author. The evening includes stories and songs, holiday cheer, Muppet songs, pop culture hits, and more. Dec. 14, 3 and 7 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

Ken Ludwig’s “Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure.” An investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, and intrigue. With world peace at stake, Holmes and Dr. Watson join forces with an American actress to take down the cunning criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty. Five actors play over 40 roles in this brand new adventure of danger and laughter. Dec. 18 to Jan. 26, 2025, at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.

Tickets for “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” Based on the 20th Century Studios motion picture, the theatrical performance celebrates over 160 years of music – from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. The stage musical features many of the iconic songs from the movie plus hits released since the movie premiered 21 years ago. Individual tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. at www.BroadwayInRichmond.com, the Altria Theater box office, or 1-800-514-3849(ETIX). Runs March 4 to 16, 2025, at Altria Theater, Richmond.

CAPTION, FEATURE IMAGE (TOP): Conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden lit up for Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. Image by Tom Hennessy

Anticipation … !

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