5 Things

Can you feel it in the air? Things to do! There so many haps this weekend that it was hard for us to choose just five. YET CHOOSE WE DID.

September 13, 2012; 6:48 AM • by Susan Howson

Can you feel it in the air? Things to do! There so many haps this weekend that it was hard for us to choose just five. YET CHOOSE WE DID.

1. RCC & Hit Play present LIVE COMEDY DOUBLE FEATURE w/ Ben Kronberg

One is fun, but two is a real do. That’s the theory behind Richmond Comedy Coalition and Hit Play Production’s LIVE COMEDY DOUBLE FEATURE w/ Ben Kronberg that promises to be an ALL-CAPS GOOD TIME w/ Some Drinks Probably. First improv groups come up with on-the-spot hilarity, followed by DARE DUSTIN (these guys seriously love some caps). Then, THEN MY FRIENDS, you’ll see Ben Kronberg all the way from NYC. Ben’s a recent Comedy Central star, and he’ll be appearing alongside RVA favorites Jesse Jarvis and The Checkout Girl. So laugh it up at the RCC/Hit Play Live Comedy Double Feature w/ Ben Kronberg THIS FRIDAY NIGHT. Oh crap, I screwed that one up, didn’t I.

Thurs. Sep. 13 • 8:00 PM
Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St.
$7-$10 per show or $12 for both

2. Women ETC

Our very own Wren Lanier has been ruffling feathers with her opinions about this new “women in technology” conference. But, ladies and gents (and especially ladies) (and actually especially gents, too), that’s what these things are FOR. Educating each other on what’s acceptable and what’s not, and how we can bring our cause to the forefront while ruffling as many feathers as possible. Ruffles, in addition to having ridges, bring change, and everyone would do well to listen to each other and think seriously about whether or not they have the right to tell someone not to be offended. Feminism is for everyone who believes in gender equality. Men and women in tech should all consider signing up for this hot-topic conference. And that’s all I have to say about that. JK I have plenty more to say, but the next thing is way more adorable. No seriously, keep movin’.

Fri. Sep. 14 • 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 402 N. 3rd St.
See site for registration fees

3. 7th Annual Touch A Truck

Remember when you were a kid and more than anything you just wanted to put one of your chubby fingers on an actual truck? OK, you don’t remember. But trust me, I know some kids. And those kids want to touch some trucks. Well, the Junior League is about to make their day with the annual Touch a Truck event. Give those kids a thrill by letting them get up close and tiny-personal with tractor trailers, ambulances, and even–hold onto your Legos–helicopters. Not only that, but they get to meet the actual real-life men and women who drive these vehicles (oh, and no big deal, save lives and build houses and navigate the treacherous landscape of I-95). And if for some reason those kids won’t go with you, I will. Helicopters, man!

Sat. Sep. 15 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Richmond International Raceway, Main Gate Entrance, 600 E. Laburnum Ave.
$5 (group options available)

4. The Virginia Hops & Harvest Festival

Suddenly Richmond has more beer-centric events than Carytown has Thai restaurants. Continue your hoppy education and take this reasonably priced opportunity to plumb the depths of a pint glass filled with Virginia craft beer. There are tons of bands to listen to while you drink, like The Yardbirds and ZOSO, the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll have successfully taken shelter in the arms of a stately old tree after Foreigner played the same park the night before, and you won’t have to go home and change or do any of that stuff. Who needs clean clothes when there is delicious, local beer to drink and a crowd of people around you that keeps getting better-looking the longer you stay?

Sat. Sep. 15 • 12:00 PM
Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd.
$12.50 in advance, $15 at the gate, $5 parking

5. The Philip Glass Festival at the Modlin Center for the Arts

Here’s a challenge: find me a person cooler than Philip Glass. Then try to convince that person to come do a bunch of awesome things at a comfortably intimate performing arts center near you. NO NEED, my friend! UR’s Modlin Center for the Arts has you covered with an entire festival dedicated to (and culminating in two appearances by) the man himself. Start at the beginning with films he’s scored and documentaries about his life and work. Then work yourself into a frenzy with a live Q&A and a performance you will tell your grandkids about.