December’s holiday music shows

Richmond gets into the season with holiday shows full of goodwill and cheer. Many have booze.

December 18, 2014; 8:40 AM • by Andrew Cothern

Original — December 05, 2014

The holidays are upon us, and while I’m sure everyone is looking forward to battling mall traffic, the never-ending Christmas songs on the radio, eating way too many sweets, and spending an excessive amount of time with family, Richmond’s music scene gets into the spirit of the season with numerous holiday shows full of goodwill and cheer. Many have booze.

And, if holiday music is not your thing, check out the RVANews events calendar or RVA Playlist to see all the great non-Christmas related music going on around town.

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Miracle on Broad Street

The National • December 17th & 19th

Every year, the good folks at XL102 spread some holiday cheer in the best way possible–by bringing in some kickass bands for a big show. This year’s Miracle on Broad Street spans over two separate nights at the National. Bleachers and Walk The Moon grace the stage on Night #1 and two nights later, Big Data headlines with special guests X Ambassadors, Bear Hands, Joywave, and RDGLDGRN.

Kenny Rogers

Altria Theater • December 17th

Kenny Rogers has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums during his 50+ years in show business. The country icon has received hundreds of awards for his music but it’s his Christmas albums that hold a special place in many hearts–and yes, I own two of those albums.

Samson Trinh and the Upper East Side Big Band Christmas Extravaganza

Ashland Coffee & Tea • December 19th

Samson Trinh and the Upper East Side Big Band, which consists of some of the finest musicians in Richmond, will perform their own arrangements of holiday music. Trinh and company will be officially releasing their brand new Christmas album thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign earlier this year. Get ready to dance at this one.

Skalidays

The Camel • December 20th

For 15 years, Richmond’s ska and punk community has marked the holiday season with Happy Skalidays, a celebration of local music and holiday charity. Murphy’s Kids hosts the evening along with music from 30 Day Warranty, 6 Track Amateur, Toxic Moxie, and Signal Fire. Proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in honor of a local Richmond family who have a child affected by the disorder.

A Tater/Grandsons Christmas

Ashland Coffee & Tea • December 20th

An Ashland Coffee & Tea holiday tradition! The Taters will play an eclectic mix of roots rock, pop, country, and Americana, while the Grandsons will play a mix of New Orleans R&B, rockabilly, swing, and country two-step. Together, it’s going to be a great night of holiday rock music.

The Congress Christmas with special guests The Southern Belles

The Camel • December 23rd

Denver quartet the Congress is returning to Richmond to deliver a night of holiday cheer with its reggae-infused rock music. Richmond’s own The Southern Belles will also be playing.

Sleepwalkers Presents: The Day After Christmas Show

The Broadberry • December 26th

The holiday may officially be over, but that’s not stopping Richmond indie rockers Sleepwalkers from keeping the spirit going. Once you’re done playing with your new toys and full from eating Christmas dinner, head over to the Broadberry for some more holiday treats.

Previously

Michael W. Smith: The Spirit of Christmas

Altria Theater • December 6th

Michael W. Smith has sold more than 15 million albums and is considered a cornerstone of Christian music. Smith says he’s always had a special relationship with Christmas, and his three previous holiday collections are among the best-selling projects during his career.

Let It Snow

Richmond CenterStage • December 6th – 7th

Enjoy the Richmond Symphony and the Richmond Symphony Chorus’ annual tradition of timeless favorites and holiday surprises for the entire family.

Handel’s Messiah

Richmond CenterStage • December 13th

Every season, Richmonders are entertained by the holiday classic Messiah by George Frideric Handel. It’s one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in music, and the Richmond Symphony Chorus puts its own spin on the song.

A Richmond Big Band Christmas

VCU’s Singleton Center for the Performing Arts • December 14th

Bringing together 14 of Richmond’s best jazz musicians, A Richmond Big Band Christmas will feature holiday classics like “Go Tell It On the Mountain” and “Joy to the World,” redone in energetic, modern arrangements. Proceeds from this family-friendly show will benefit CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, Virginia’s largest free healthcare clinic which provides quality healthcare to the uninsured in the greater Richmond Metropolitan area.

Mannheim Steamroller

Altria Theater • December 14th

Over the past 30 years, Mannheim Steamroller has become a staple of the holidays with its signature classical-meets-modern-rock Yuletide favorites. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the group’s annual tour, so expect even more holiday pyrotechnics than ever.

Christmas with the Richmond Pops

Altria Theater • December 16th

The Richmond Pops Band, a non-profit organization made up of volunteer musicians who are committed to bringing cultural entertainment to the community, will host a free Christmas concert, which will include a live performance by the Richmond Pops Band and special guest performance by the Richmond Choral Society.

Photo by: Brandi Watkins

December 18, 2014 8:40 AM 1