More What’s Booming RVA: Sept. 19 to 26

Thursday, September 19

“War on Record: The Archive and the Afterlife of the Civil War.” In-person book talk with author Dr. Yael Sternhell looks at the Civil War’s archive and how what we consider as factual knowledge about the war was shaped by an intricate web of ideological currents and political struggles during the postbellum era. September 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

Face Value – A Tribute to Phil Collins. Through five decades and 150 million albums sold, Collins has been one of the world’s best-selling artists. The tribute brings his hits to the forefront. September 19, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“The Sunshine Boys.” River City Community Players present a Neil Simon classic. Through Sept. 21 at Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church, Henrico.

“A Prescription for Change.” See Boomer’s Top Picks.

Friday, September 20

National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Remember and honor the sacrifices of American service members who suffered as Prisoners of War (POWs) or who remain missing in action (MIAs) as their remains were never recovered. The Virginia War Memorial will commemorate POW/MIA Recognition Day, add gold stars to the wall for Virginia MIAs, and offer special exhibits and film presentations. Recognition Day with adding of stars: Sept. 20, 10 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

September Open House & Artist Reception. Showcasing the online Gallery Member exhibition, an exhibit by Robin Caspari, an exhibit by Tsvetelina Sowers, and our ever popular Juried All Media show. Savor drinks, food, and music. Also on exhibit, “Where Art Meets Style: A Collaboration Between Crossroads Art Center and LaDIFF: Modern Living.” Sept. 20, 5 to 8 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.

Movie in the Park. A family-friendly movie at sunset. Take lawn chair or blanket and a flashlight. Sept. 20, 7 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.

“Through a Sonic Prism.” Innovative interpretations of bossa nova and samba masterpieces from the Doug Richards Orchestra, plus virtuoso Laura Ann Singh. Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., at the Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Richmond.

Sounds Funny Band. As part of the Festival of Arts, Micah Bam Bamm White II offers an evening of laughing, singing, and dancing. Sept. 20, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.

Run Richmond 16.19 Weekend. Events “Celebrating Unity in Diversity.”

• Time to Heal. A guided meditation practice & libation ceremony reflects on the intergenerational trauma of the African American community and imagines a path toward collective healing. FREE, registration required. Sept. 20, 5 to 8 p.m., at Main Street Station, Richmond.
• Run Richmond 16.19. The cultural run-or-walk event offers two courses (6.19k/3.85 miles and 16.19k/10.06 miles) highlighting 400 years of Black history. Plus finisher swag and post-race festival. Sept. 21, 7 to 11:15 a.m., starting and ending at Kanawha Plaza, Richmond.
• Africa Reconnect Post-Race Festival. Drum circle, electric slide dancing, live concert, Black history pop-up exhibit, vendor village, food and drinks. FREE. Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Kanawha Plaza, Richmond.

Jim Gaffigan’s Barely Alive Tour. Deliciously clean and wickedly funny, the Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, and author shares relatable humor of observations on life. Sept. 20, 7 p.m., and Sept. 21, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

“South Africa in the 21st Century”: UR African Film Weekend. The annual celebration of African culture and cinema showcases films to enlarge the audience’s understanding of the social, economic, and cultural issues facing the African continent and the diaspora. Sept. 20 to 21 at the Ukrop Auditorium, University of Richmond.

Treasures of the Earth. The fall gem, mineral, and jewelry show presents vendors of loose stones and beading supplies, sterling silver, estate jewelry, minerals and fossils, crystals, and more. Sept. 20 to 22 at the Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.

“True West” by Sam Shepard. An exploration of the tumultuous California landscape, as two brothers clash over a film script. Sept. 20 to Oct. 5 at The Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

Saturday, September 21

John Adam Wasowicz as Author in Residence. The Book People favorite returns with his newest book in The Old Town mystery series, “Spite House.” He will be at the bookstore all day. Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

Pawpaw Festival. See Boomer’s Top Picks.  

RVA East End Festival. Celebrating music and arts in support of Richmond Public Schools. FREE. Performances by local professionals including Chamber Ensembles of the Richmond Symphony, the Celebration Male Chorus, the Dap Mallory Band, and headliners Victor Haskins and James “Saxsmo” Gates, along with RPS students. Plus music, food vendors, and more. Sept. 21, noon to 9 p.m., at Chimborazo Park, Richmond.

Richmond Kickers and Fiesta de Herencia Hispana. Pre-game and halftime performances, courtesy of Salsa Guy Richmond and Tradición Dance Company, photo opportunities with Hispanic folk characters, and soccer vs. Lexington SC. Gates 4:45 at City Stadium, Richmond.

The Richmond Symphony at Pocahontas Premieres. Music under the stars and surrounded by nature. Sept. 21, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Heritage Amphitheater, Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.

“Triads of Soul” Tribute to Otis Redding, Sam Cooke & David Ruffin. Featuring Rodney Stith, African American soul singer, songwriter, and producer from Petersburg, with powerful urban retro soul to bring back the sound of the classic R&B. With seasoned performer Ned Harris, who was influenced by the Motown music of his parents and is sticking to the foundations. Sept. 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Bier-Garden. See Boomer’s Top Picks.    

Iron Blossom Music Festival. Hitting a diverse cross section of musical genres, the boutique music festival offers two days of music, food, drinks, and more. Sept. 21 and 22 at The Training Center on Leigh, Richmond.

The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show. The interactive crime mystery dinner show gives participants a chance to tackle a challenging crime while feasting on dinner – while the criminal lurks somewhere in the room, ready to frame you for the crime. Sept. 21, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Nov. 30; 6 to 9 p.m. each night, at The Hidden Spot RVA Event Center, Richmond.

Sunday, September 22

A Cozy Mystery Showcase. A “Cozy Con” of six cozy mystery authors – Culinary Killers and Serious Sleuths. Sept. 22, noon, at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

The House of Handel. The Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia celebrates the music of George Frideric Handel and presents the world premiere of “…like a shepherd” by Richmond’s Zachary Wadsworth. Sept. 22, 4 to 5:45 p.m., at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Richmond.

Richmond Concert Band Plays Broadway. See Boomer’s Top Picks.  

Monday, September 23

Sierra Hull. A two-time Grammy Nominated artist and songwriter, recognized for both her most recent projects, 25 Trips (2020) and Weighted Mind (2016), Hull is also the 4x recipient of IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year, the first woman to ever receive this distinction. Sept. 23, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Tuesday, September 24

Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic. When George Washington retired in 1797, the nation wondered if the presidency would work for anyone else. Presented by Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library. In-person and streaming. Sept. 24, noon to 1 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond.” Author Linwood Norman discusses his new book. Norman served as press secretary and communications director for Wilder, the former Virginia governor who returned to public service in 2005 as the city’s first “strong mayor.” Norman skillfully recounts the turmoil and transition, a memorable chapter in Richmond’s political history. Reception and book signing after. Sept. 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Richmond Public Library, Downtown Branch, Richmond.

Tor Horror Panel. Start the spooky season with a panel of horror authors. FREE. Sept. 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Craig Scott – Researching Your Civil War Ancestor. Genealogical Virtual Event hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than 38 years, Scott specializes in records of the National Archives, especially those that relate to the military. FREE, registration required. Sept. 24, 7 p.m., online.

RIFF 2024. See Boomer’s Top Picks.  

Wednesday, September 25

Silver Screen Movie: “Judy.” Tickets and concessions just $1. Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to noon, at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

Phillip Phillips. Best known for his five-times platinum hit “Home,” Phillip Phillips has always been interested in making music that allows people to reflect on their lives. Sept. 25, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Thursday, September 26

Painting in the Park. Draw your inspiration from the beautiful landscape of the park. Canvas and paints provided. Sept. 26, 9 to 11 a.m., at Deep Run Park, Henrico.

The Poe Down Unhappy Hour. Have a miserable time with some rootin’ tootin’ tunes from Richmond’s own Rachel Dunway & Friends and the Crooked Creek Misfits. 1115 Mobile Kitchen dishes out traditional and plant-based Southern cuisine while The Veil Brewing pours the brews. Sept. 26, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.

Becoming Citizens: FREE Citizenship Preparation Class. This 7–session course prepares students to successfully complete the U.S. citizenship test. In addition to civics and history lessons, the museum offers opportunities to personally interact with original historical objects, maps, books, and documents and engage with experts in the history of this state and nation. Beginning Sept. 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“What Belongs to You.” An operatic story of an unnamed narrator’s obsession with a hustler and the start of a “long, unstable, and ultimately destructive affair,” says composer David T. Little, “the search for self and the desire to belong amidst loneliness and enduring heartbreak.” Q&A on Sept. 27, in the Alice Jepson Theatre, performances Sept. 26 and 28, at the Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.

News & Announcements

Lifelong learning

Shepherd’s Center Open University Fall Session. The center for lifelong learning for older adults has announced its fall lineup of courses in a variety of topics – history, science, literature, language, arts, current events, exercise, and more. Sept. 23 to Nov. 15, at various venues around Richmond.

Road Trip

Oktoberfest

Middleburg Oktoberfest. Two biergartens, traditional German food, a stein-holding contest, live music, interactive activities for children, arts and craft vendors, and more. Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Town of Middleburg.