5 Things

The weather has taken a rather chilly and rainy turn the last couple of days. Thankfully, there are many events going on that take place INDOORS. The weekend boils down to this: music, mummies, tattoos, and a kick-ass craft show. Let’s get to it.

November 17, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

Unless a spot has opened up on the lawn next door to Mayor Jones’s home, it seems that most of us are going to be on our own to come up with weekend plans. As it so happens we have a folk legend that will be in town, some mummy paraphernalia, a tattoo convention, and a…Johnny Cash look-alike?

1. Joan Baez

Did you know that Joan Baez dated Bob Dylan and Steve Jobs—AT THE SAME TIME??? I’m kidding (j/k, j/k). As you know, there is much more to Ms. Baez than her past beaus. She began her recording career in the 1960‘s when she became a folk star, lending her fame to civil rights and various social causes. One of America’s best writers, Joan Didion, wrote an article about Baez back titled “Where the Kissing Never Stops” (it’s quite interesting). She may not look it, but Baez is 70 years-old, and she’s STILL touring. She’ll be in town this Friday.

Fri., Nov. 18 • 7:30pm
Carpenter Theater at Richmond Center Stage, University of Richmond
$10 – $50

2. Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb

Over 100 objects are coming to town from the renowned Egyptian collection of the British Museum. And they’re all related to DEATH and BURIAL in Ancient Egypt! The exhibition opens with a 3-D film, narrated by Patrick Stewart, which shows the virtual unwrapping of Nesperennub’s mummy using the most advanced scanning technology currently available. Bitchin’. The exhibition kicks off this Saturday and will be in town until March.

Nov. 19 – Mar. 11 • Regular museum hours
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard
Free for VMFA members, $12 – $15 for everyone else

3. 47th Annual Richmond Craft and Design Show

Christmas is fast approaching, and I doubt that most of you have finished shopping (if even started). If you’re looking to give one-of-a-kind gifts, then I recommend the Craft and Design Show. There will be 60 preeminent artists represented in a variety of media: clay, wood, jewelry, metal, glass, mixed media, fiber, and wearable art. Not only will you find gifts for loved ones, but you even might find something for yourself while you’re at it. Ticket proceeds go to help the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.

Sat., Nov. 19 – Sun., Nov. 20 •
Science Museum of Virginia
$12 – $15, or $20 for a weekend pass

4. Richmond Tattoo Arts Festival

Did you know that Richmond is the third most tattooed city in the country? It’s true. Take the number of tattoo shops in the city and divide that against Richmond’s population, and BAM, Richmond is a tattoo hotspot. Being that Richmond is known throughout the country as a tattoo town, the tattoo festival this weekend will bring out some of the best artists around. Even if you’re not tattooed, you can see some great artists, spectate tattoo contests, and hangout with some cool people.

Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20 • 6pm
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd Street
$20 for a day pass, $40 for a weekend pass, children under 12 are FREE

5. The Legend of Johnny Cash

Since 1985, Philip Bauer has been recreating the music and live performance of Johnny Cash. His show includes top hits “Get Rhythm,” “Man in Black,” “I Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire,” and many others. If you’re a die-hard Cash fan, then I think I know what you’re doing this Saturday evening.

Here’s a clip of Bauer doing his thing: