5 Things

This weekend is committed to destroying your post-Olympics blues. It’s a perfect 10, if you ask me.

August 9, 2012; 6:39 AM • by Susan Howson

This weekend is committed to destroying your post-Olympics blues. Olympics! Who needs that daily dose of excitement? We’ve got gold-medal, worldwide entertainment right here! Canadian circuses, Filipino music, and jazz from all over the world! Perfect 10, if you ask me.

1. Cirque du Soleil: Dralion

One time at Busch Gardens, I excitedly planned my coastering around the advertised performance of Cirque du Olay (I can’t remember their actual name, but it was something like that). Citizens! All circuses with French names are not equal. These tired folks hauled their way up ropes and did some cartwheels while listlessly waving ribbons around. If you know anything about Cirque du Soleil, you know that not only are they the Real Deal, they are absolutely not to be missed. Look for our review of their new touring show “Dralion” later this week–I’m pretty sure we won’t be saying that we spent the whole time wishing we were on Alpengeist instead.

• Nightly through Sunday, Aug. 12, with Sat/Sun matinees • see site for times
• Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.
• $35 – $145

2. Richmond Filipino Festival

The Filipino Festival knows that you can’t just island hop in the Pacific anytime you want. The Filipino Festival knows you are busy. The Filipino Festival also knows that you want something fun to do with your out-of-town guests, your kids, or your special someone this weekend. The Filipino Festival delivers, with tons of music, dancing, and cuisine that brings the Philippines right to your doorstep. Er, well, not RIGHT to your doorstep, but give the Filipino Festival a break.

• Fri. Aug. 10 • 5:00 – 10:00 PM & Sat. Aug. 11 • 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Our Lady of Lourdes, 8200 Woodman Rd.
• Free!

3. Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont

Do you like jazz, man? Do you know some cool cat who does? If jazz fans don’t really talk like that, don’t bother letting me know. I enjoy my dreams unspoilt. Anyway, go ahead and plan your weekend around the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont (excepting the opening acts on Friday night at the Hippodrome). The acts are local, national, INTERnational, and it’s all sponsored by Altria, fervent patron of the arts. Oh, and that’s not all. It’s so far from all. There will also be wine tastings and chef demonstrations, so that every cool cat is fed, watered, and lulled into bliss with some sweet jazz tunes.

• Fri. Aug. 10 – Sun. Aug. 12 • see site for specific showtimes
• Maymont, 1700 Hampton St.
• $20-$50 for specific days, $90 for a weekend pass

4. “Taste of Carytown” Restaurant Week

Soon, every week in the calendar will be a restaurant week somewhere in town, and, look, there’s not a whole lot wrong with that. Participating restaurants in Carytown (like Mezzanine and BlowToad, among others) offer prix-fixe menus for lunch AND dinner, sending 10% of every meal’s price to the Richmond Public Education Foundation. Check the site for menus, check your calendar for available times, and check your attitude at the door (just good policy for any restaurant dining experience).

• Mon. Aug. 6 – Sun. Aug. 12 • the time of the reservation you’re about to make
• Carytown!
• $16 for lunch, $25 for dinner (prices do not include tip)

5. Negro Leagues Baseball Event at VHS

Several baseball enthusiasts (Squirrels, Urban League of Greater Richmond, and VHS) welcome some actual players from the original Negro Leagues. And you can be there to welcome the legends who helped integrate baseball too! Take advantage of this opportunity to get some autographs, warm handshakes, hellos, and silent auctions and entertainment and stuff. And don’t forget to wear your favorite team’s gear.

• Sat. Aug. 11 • 12:30 PM
• Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard
• $35

August 9, 2012 6:39 AM 0