More What’s Booming RVA: Oct. 10 to 17

Get on your Gershwin and Gilda, cabarets and movie tunes, classic and country, symphonic and video game music, Mozart and Zeppelin … and that’s just the prelude. Plus history, nature walks, a glowing garden, and authors galore! In RVA, October 10 to 17, 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.

October 10 to 17

Thursday, October 10

89th Birthday Party with 89-cent Hot Dogs. Celebrate the iconic Virginia dive restaurant, founded in Roanoke, with its newest location in RVA. October 10, through 9 p.m., at Texas Inn, Richmond.

“Trans Kids, Our Kids” Panel. “Trans Kids, Our Kids: Stories and Resources from the Frontlines of the Movement for Transgender Youth” takes readers inside the movement, told through narratives that will open your eyes, break your heart, and give you hope. FREE. October 10, 6 p.m., at Fountain Books, Richmond.

Cooking in Colonial Virginia. Food historian Leni Sorensen explores the way Mary Randolph’s cookbook bridged the gap between British colonial cooking and the development of distinct American foodways. October 10, 6 p.m., at Wilton House Museum, Richmond.

Center of the Universe Brewing Company JMU Football Watch Party. Meet the Brewer features Center of the Universe (COTU) brews. Founder and brewer Chris Ray answers questions and shares brewing insights (6 to 7:30 p.m.), followed by the James Madison University vs. Coastal Carolina football game. FREE. October 10, 6 p.m., at Henrico Sports & Events Center, Glen Allen.

Gabriel Gathering: “Reclaiming Black Cemeteries – Reclaiming Resistance.” Honor Richmond’s historic Black cemeteries and unveil a second state historic marker in the historic spot, “Richmond’s First Municipal African Cemetery.” October 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground, Richmond.

Circa, Duck Pond. See Boomer’s Top Picks.

Rebecca Frazier. High-energy, female-led bluegrass and beyond show that features award-winning musicianship and songwriting with her band Hit & Run. October 10, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Friday, October 11

VCU Symphony Presents “Rhapsody in Blue.” See Boomer’s Top Picks.

“Live from New York, It’s Saturday Night!” See Boomer’s Top Picks.

Adult 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. Owls, bats, frogs, and other creatures of the dark help shed light on their mysterious ways. 21+ with adult beverages available for purchase. Oct. 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

Tom Chapin. The Hudson Valley troubadour has worked as recording artist, concert performer, storyteller, and activist, on Broadway, TV, radio, and film. His latest project is the 2023 Earth Day re-release of “This Pretty Planet,” the Grammy-nominated collection of environmental songs originally released in 2000 and still relevant today. Oct. 11, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Black Dog RVA Led Zeppelin Tribute. The female-led Richmond Zeppelin tribute band presents a return to 1973. Oct. 11, 8 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond.

The Wild, Wacky and Truly Wonderful Women Go to the Movies. Many favorite songs from favorite movies by six local performers. Expect “Footloose,” “The Candy Man,” “Part of Your World,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and more. Oct. 11 to 13, 18 to 20, at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

Saturday, October 12

“Moving Day” for Parkinson’s Disease. See Boomer’s Top Picks.

Autumn Garden Walk. On these two special focus tours, learn about the legacy of the formal gardens, Henry VIII’s gardening passion, Renaissance gardens, historic harvest festivals, and 20th century “Virginia Garden” design. Oct. 12, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.

2024 Antiques Evaluation. Have treasures verbally appraised on site ($15 for first item, $5 each item after) in an array of categories. Also a celebration of Chesterfield’s 275th birthday and fundraising for CHSV and BAHS. Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Chesterfield County Fairground Exhibit Hall, Chesterfield.

Hog on the Hill. Barbecue, dawgs, and craft salsa served with beers and cider and live music. Oct. 12, noon to 6 p.m., at Libby Hill Park, Richmond.

Hardywood 13th Anniversary Celebration. A birthday bash full of music, food, and plenty of beer. Happy birthday! Oct. 12, noon to 10 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery – West Creek, Henrico.

Bug Bizarre. Everybody loves bugs, right? The community festival from Henrico Extension celebrates entomology. Live insects and other insect-related displays, including hissing cockroaches, tarantulas, and a “bug zoo”; experts share information on bug-related subjects, including pollinators, garden insects, forest pests, and public health. FREE. Oct. 12, 1 to 4 p.m., at Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico.

RVA Oyster Festival. Raw, fried, steamed on the half shell, po’ boys, and non-bivalve foods, plus beer, seltzers, artisan vendors, and live music. Oct. 12, 1 to 6 p.m., at Main Line Brewery, Richmond.

Bamboo Café Birthday Block Party. Celebrate 50 years of this Richmond-favorite restaurant with live music, food trucks, drink trucks, and raffles for RACC. Oct. 12, 1 to 6 p.m., at Bamboo Café, Richmond.

Free Concert: A Richmond Cabaret. Cabaret songs, including commissions by Virginia composers, with four songs about Richmond. FREE. Oct. 12, 2 p.m., at Richmond Main Library, Richmond.

Slate River Band Outdoor Concert. Classic and contemporary country music. Lawn chairs and dancing boots encouraged. Oct. 12, 3 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” Orchestra World Tour. A new concert based entirely on the game, with symphonic arrangements of the game’s music performed by the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus. Accompanied by high-definition video scenes created exclusively for the production. Oct. 12, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

“Sweet Memories,” A Tribute to Phyllis Hyman, feat: Vivian Taylor. A musical tribute to the American singer, songwriter, and actress whose musical career spanned the late 1970s through the early 1990s. Oct. 12, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Lana Puckett and Kim Person with George Turman at the Shady Grove Coffeehouse. The female duo of Lana and Kim are American singer-songwriters known for their vocal styles, guitar skills, and vocal harmonies. Turman, a native Richmonder, is an important part of the local folk music scene. Oct. 12, 8 p.m., at The Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.

“Don Giovanni” from Virginia Opera. Mozart’s masterpiece tells the story of a handsome playboy, Don Giovanni, as he blazes a path to his own destruction in a single day. He’s loved by women as much as he loves them, but his disregard for decency catches up with him. In the end, supernatural forces exact the final punishment and, for the first time, the Don cannot outwit fate. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 13, 2:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Sunday, October 13

Read Up Richmond. Dolen Perkins-Valdez, author of “Take My Hand,” in conversation with Linda Janet Holmes. “Take My Hand” is inspired by true events of a Black nurse in post-segregation Alabama who blows the whistle on a terrible wrong done to her patients. FREE. Oct. 13, 2 p.m., at Richmond Main Library, Richmond.

“Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse.” Author Robin Hutton shares the inspiring story of Sgt. Reckless. The little Mongolian mare worked in the deadly minefields of the Korean War, earning the title of U.S. Marine and national war hero. Oct. 13, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Montpelier Center for Arts and Education, Montpelier.

Sarah McQuaid. Her lush, chocolatey voice combines with an engaging personality, “subtle mastery onstage” (Huffington Post) and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, piano, and occasionally drum to create an immersive experience. Oct. 13, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Monday, October 14

Bingo at Belmont. B-I-N-G-O fun for all ages, with prizes. Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to noon, at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

Swept Away! The freedom and joy of 1930s Germany cabaret culture was swept away by the winds of fascism and war. Travel back to this unique period in musical history and experience irreverent cabaret songs and beautiful instrumental works from Jewish composers of the time. Set simultaneously in the present and past. Presented by the Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia. Oct. 14, 7 p.m., at First Unitarian Universalist Church, Richmond.

Tuesday, October 15

Book Launch for Pamela K. Kinney’s “Demon Memories.” The author presents her newest young adult novel. Oct. 15, 5 to 7 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

Mike Farris. The Grammy, Americana, and Dove music award winner has multiple solo recordings, including his last full-length release, “Silver and Stone.” His iconic personal appearances include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert honoring Aretha Franklin. Oct. 15, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Controversy/History: Too Damn High! Rising Rents & Richmond’s Affordable Housing Crisis. Explore the challenges facing the Richmond community with a deep dive into historical context, quantitative data, and solution-oriented thinking. Oct. 15, 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.

“Easy Weeknight Dinners” with NYT Cooking Editor Emily Weinstein. See Boomer’s Top Picks.

Fall Jazz Nights. Live performances from renowned local musician, Charles Owens, paired with Martini Trees, up-to-five-drink offerings perfect for gathering, which feature fall-inspired martinis. Tuesdays in fall at Gather & Hem, Richmond.

Wednesday, October 16

Garden Glow. See Boomer’s Top Picks.

“The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts.” Author Louis Bayard, in conversation about his book, an empathetic story of Oscar Wilde’s wife Constance and their two sons in the aftermath of the famous playwright’s imprisonment for homosexuality, told against the backdrop of Victorian England and World War I. Oct. 16, 7 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Stephen Kellogg. The wordsmith, TEDx speaker, stand-up comic, author, and musician leaves audiences inspired and restored. Oct. 16, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Thursday, October 17 

Health & Fitness Expo. Learn how to improve your emotional, physical, and mental health. Vendors, demos, and useful information. Ages 50 and over. Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to noon, at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

Lincoln Prize Lecture. Featured speakers are recipients of the 2024 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize, Dr. Frances M. Clarke and Dr. Rebecca Jo Plant, for their book “Of Age: Boy Soldiers and Military Power in the Civil War Era.” They examine military, legal, political, and cultural perspectives on the service of underage boys in both the Confederate Army and the U.S. Army. Oct. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at The American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

“Opacities.” Author Sofia Samatar speaks with Kris Spisak about Samatar’s book on writing, publishing, and friendship. Oct. 17, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Jamie McLean Band. A musical gumbo of New Orleans soul, middle Americana roots, Delta blues, and New York City swagger. Oct. 17, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“H*tler’s Tasters.” 5th Wall Theatre presents a dark comedy about the young German women who were Adolf Hitler’s food tasters. Based on true events, the story explores the way girls navigate sexuality, patriotism, and poison against the backdrop of war. Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 at Theatre Gym.

“Lord of the Flies.” This dark look at human nature kicks off Richmond Shakespeare’s 26th Season. A group of young boys find themselves stranded and battling for survival. Two very different leaders vie for control, and gradually the frightened youngsters slip from civilized behavior into savagery. Oct. 17 to Nov. 10 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

News & Announcements

Stomp: the beat and the grapes

“STOMP” Returns to Richmond. A combination of percussion, movement, and visual comedy, STOMP uses household and industrial objects as musical instruments. It’s a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday, and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum. The international percussion sensation will offer three performances, March 28 and 29, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond. TICKETS GO ON SALE Oct. 11, 10 a.m., at www.BroadwayInRichmond.com, the box offices at Dominion Energy Center and Altria Theater, or by calling 1-800-514-3849 (ETIX).

Virginia Wine Expo Schedule Is Live! See what you have to look forward to from Feb. 28 to March 9, 2025, in Richmond and beyond!

Road Trip

Head to the hills

Massanutten Fall Festival. Activities, arts and crafts vendors, live music, food and drink vendors, kids’ activities, and scenic chairlift rides to Massanutten Peak, just in time for early leaf peeping. Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Massanutten Resort, Massanutten.

Anticipation … !

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

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