RVANews

5 Things: Olympics, magic, and enough meat to make you forget about bikini season

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 13:40:48 +0000

1. Michael Carbonaro Live

Pulling a rabbit out of a hat? Uh, that's so 19th Century. Cutting a woman in half? Uh, that's so Vegas. Jumping into a pool of water after chaining up your entire body? Uh, that's so Houdini. Magic with a twist of comedy and "How the heck did that just happen??" Uh, that's totally Michael Carbonaro. And hey! Susan Howson actually got to talk to him!

Friday, June 10th • 7:30 PM
Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace Street
$39.50

2. Special Olympics Virginia's Summer Games

The Special Olympics are here! Support them! Love them! Volunteer to cheer for them!

Friday, June 10th-Saturday, June 11th see event guide for times (PDF)
University of Richmond Robins Stadium
Free

3. Field Day RVA

It's exactly like the Field Day event from elementary school, except instead of Capri Sun, there's beer. And instead of being at a public school, it's benefitting public schools. And instead of a dress code reinforced by teachers, there's a uniform contest judged by a giant flying squirrel named Nutzy.

Saturday, June 11th • 11:00 AM
Bon Secours Redskins Training Center, 2401 W. Leigh Street
$40

4. Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival

This festival will highlight the finest local wines, vodkas, and salad selection that Richmond has to offer. No, just kidding, although that sounds like it would be a pleasant festival too.

Saturday, June 11th • 12:00-6:00 PM
Richmond International Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
$39

5. Bacon Festival

Bacon cures all things. Hunger, hangovers, depression, fights. If only the Bacon Festival had been around during the Civil War, we might never have had this North vs. South disagreement. I bet even Jefferson Davis would have given in for a bacon-wrapped hot dog.

Sunday, June 12th • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
17th Street Farmers' Market, 100 N. 17th Street
Free!

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5 Things: Eat heartily, listen classically, and snack juicily

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 17:09:54 +0000

Photo by: Dimacius

1. Greek Festival

Is it too outdated to make a "My Big Fat Greek Festival" joke? Probably. Either way, grab yourself some spanakopita (or, like, an entire tray), some stuffed grape leaves (or, perhaps, an entire bucket), some Greek wine (or, you know, an entire bottle), and enjoy one of the oldest and most delicious festivals in town. Wait, isn't My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 out? Okay, reference is relevant again.

Thursday, June 2nd - Sunday, June 5th • see site for times
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Avenue
Free to attend!

2. A Taste of Tuscany

Allow the gentle strum and twang of violins, violas, and cellos take you overseas to that quaint country of Italy. Italian food and wine provided to accompany the illusion, no passport required.

Thursday, June 2nd • 7:00 PM
Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad Street
$25 at the door, $18 in advance, $12 with student ID

3. RVA Tonight

Yes, Richmond has its very own talk show. Yes, it's been running for two years. Yes, it highlights Richmond celebrities and events. Yes, it's hilariously entertaining. And yes, it's showing this Friday at the Byrd Theatre.

Friday, June 3rd • 8:00 PM
Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary Street
$15

4. Ashland Strawberry Faire

What's the best part about summer? No, not the warm weather. No, not the beach. No, not the vacations. It's the fact that strawberries are now in season, of course. Celebrate with live music, hundreds of vendors, something called a "Strawberry Pageant," and the fruit itself, red finger stains guaranteed.

Saturday, June 4th • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Randolph-Macon College, 204 Henry Street, Ashland
Free!

5. Broad Appétit

Richmond has a huge ongoing problem. I am of course referring to the overwhelming selection of restaurants that we are all dying to try, but don't have the time, funds, or stomach capacity. Fortunately for us, Broad Appétit has taken it upon themselves to put some of the best local restaurants in one condensed spot, loaded them up with their signature dishes, and portioned everything into tapas-sized servings for just $3 per plate.

Sunday, June 5th • 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
W. Broad Street, between Henry and Adams
Free to attend! Just $3 per plate!

Bonus Thing: Chalk Up the Town

Remember in May when you tearfully crossed this event off your calendar because of that stupid rain that wouldn't leave us alone? Well put it back on your weekend to do list, because Chalk Up the Town 2016 is really happening this time, to brighten up your spirits and the sidewalks of Carytown.

Saturday, June 4th • 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Carytown
Free!

5 Things: Music, art, beer, strawberries, and partying like it’s 2001

Susan Howson — Thu, 26 May 2016 13:43:26 +0000

Photo by: praetoriansentry

1. Friday Cheers

Friday Cheers is still going strong, and this week, our very own, very talented Natalie Prass is headlining. Remember how she lives here, our very town of Richmond? And remember how she's extremely gifted and like candy to your ears? And remember how Susan Howson got to interview her?

Friday, May 27th • 6:00-9:30 PM
Brown's Island
$5

2. Hot in Herre: 2000's Dance Party

The Cha Cha Slide. The Dougie. The 1, 2 Step. Bring back all of your favorite dance moves from the early 2000's this weekend, for one night only. Or, as many nights as you want, really. There are no "Anti-2000's-Dance-Moves" police. But if there were, they would definitely be off duty on Friday.

Friday, May 27th • 8:00 PM
The National, 708 E. Broad Street
$10

3. Strawberry Fields Festival

Pick them! Step on them! Put them on a shortcake! Make a jam! Smear them on your face like war paint! Throw them at your friends! These are all things you can do with strawberries at a strawberry festival. Oh, and eat them. Definitely do that.

Saturday, May 28th - Monday, May 30th • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Gallmeyer Farms, 3622 Darbytown Court
Free to attend!

4. Castleburg Brewery Opening

Wha...what? A new brewery?

Saturday, May 28th • 11:00 AM
Castleburg Brewery, 1626 Ownby Lane
Free to attend!

5. Spring Y'Art Sale at Hardywood

The Spring Y'Art Sale...like a yard sale but with art! Fill up your home with some local art! Even bring your own art to sell or trade! And hey, drink some local beer while you're at it! Let's be honest, the only thing better than an art sale at Hardywood is an art sale at Hardywood with a punny title.

Sunday, May 29th • 1:00-5:00 PM
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
Free to attend!

5 Things: Sports, beer, music, chalk, and blue men entertaining the crap out of you

Rachel Marsh — Fri, 20 May 2016 15:24:44 +0000

Photo by: CaliforniaMusicalTheatre

Update #1 -- May 20, 2016; 11:23 AM

Chalk up the Town has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 4th. Here's hoping we no longer live in Rain Town by then.

— ∮∮∮ —

Original -- May 19, 2016

1. Dominion Riverrock

People kayaking, people running in mud, people doing crazy things with bikes, people slacklining, and people, that aren't people but are in fact dogs, diving into the water at astounding lengths. Here are our recommendations.

Friday, May 20th-Sunday, May 22nd • see schedule for times
Brown's Island
Free!

2. American Craft Beer Week

It's surely looking to be a wet weekend. I'm a little bit referring to the never-ending rain, and a lot referring to American Craft Beer week which is taking over our country, and of course our booze-loving town. There are events happening all over the place, so this weekend give craft beer some attention for once.

Through Sunday, May 22nd
See sites for events!
Free! Unless you buy beer!

3. Celebrate Jackson Ward

Hey, Jackson Ward is way more than just a pretty face and great restaurants. It has a history, you know. And stories. And feelings. This outdoor "Big Tent" festival features the Symphony as well as a jillion other local acts.

Friday, May 20th-Sunday, May 22nd • see site for times
Abner Clay Park, on the corner of Brook Road and W. Clay Street
Free!

4. Chalk Up the Town

Those sidewalks in Carytown always just look so...cementy. Roll up your sleeves, grab a piece of chalk, and brighten up Richmond's favorite street for a few days! (Or until the next time it rains.)

Saturday, May 21st • 1:00-4:00 PM
Carytown
Free!

5. Blue Man Group

As a sensitive culture, I feel like we should just call these guys "The Man Group," because frankly no one should be defined by their skin color. Or maybe "The Group," because no one should be defined by their gender either. Or maybe just "The," because there's nothing wrong with being single. But if you want to call them "The Blue Man Group" so people know you're talking about that drum-banging, paint-slinging, joy-inducing group, go right ahead.

Sunday, May 22nd • 6:00 PM
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$38

5 Things: Lebanese food, theater, wine, pickles, and bikes

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 12 May 2016 12:26:18 +0000

Photo by: CabooseSpiceCo

1. Lebanese Food Festival

Everyone says Thanksgiving is the one day a year you can eat all you want without feeling guilty. But I think that food festival season also counts. Basically what I'm saying is, fill up on tabouli and kebabs and this thing called zalabia. Then watch some football and take a nap.

Friday, May 13th - Sunday, May 15th • Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM-10:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Saint Anthony Maronite Church, 4611 Sadler Road
Free to attend!

2. 11th Annual Cap2Cap

This Capital Trail is a big deal because it connects Richmond to Williamsburg. Which means, yes, us Richmonders can now safely and comfortably ride our bikes to our favorite first Virginia capital. And what better way to celebrate this newly completed trail than biking on it?! Or at least part of it!? They've got a 100-mile circuit for you zealous bikers, all the way down to a leisurely 15-miler.

Saturday, May 14th • 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
Charles City County Courthouse, 10760 Courthouse Road
Prices vary based on selected trail. See site for details

3. Central VA Wine Festival

A wine festival...what is there to say? Unlimited samples of local wine. Unlimited tannins. Unlimited swirly things you do with your glass. Unlimited fun.

Saturday, May 14th • 12:00-6:00 PM
Innsbrook Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Drive
$17 in advance or $25 at the gate

4. Pickled Fermented Festival

Pregnant people, rejoice, there's an entire festival dedicated to pickles and to other pickled and fermented products. Wash it all down with some ice cream for the most satisfying afternoon you'll have for nine months. Non-pregnant people, wash it down with some fermented hop water brewed just a few feet away.

Saturday, May 14th • 1:00 PM
Center of the Universe Brewing, 11293 Air Park Road
Free!

5. Summer and Smoke

So maybe you missed The Lion King and you're lamenting the lack of theater in your life lately. Well, Summer & Smoke is a great way to get back on track, even though it's a little bit less about lions ruling Africa and a little bit more about a young lady's evolving sexuality in the Victorian era. It's just the circle of life, you know?

Through May 15th
Virginia Repertory Theater, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road
Tickets starting at $30

5 Things: A music festival, a music festival, and a music festival that’s centered around pork

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 05 May 2016 15:47:37 +0000

1. Friday Cheers

It's back, y'all! Friday Cheers is here till the end of June to finish all of your weeks with great live music and start all of your weekends with maybe a little bit of a hangover. We'll be doing our normal thing, which is previewing each performance the day of. Stay tuned for tomorrow's big reveal of the Soul Rebels and Mighty Joshua and the Zion #5.

Friday, May 6th • 6:00 PM
Brown's Island
$5

2. RVA East End Festival

Music programs in schools are pretty great. Music in the park is pretty great. Music in the park benefitting music programs in schools...well, you know where I'm going with this. Heads up, the schedule has changed, and now the Symphony will be playing their full program on Saturday at 8:30 PM, not Friday as originally planned. View the full schedule here.

Friday, May 6th - Sunday, May 8th • see schedule for times
Chimborazo Park, 3200 E. Broad Street
Free!

3. Acca Shriners Pork and Music Festival

The flyer for this event has a picture of a pig holding guitar, but don't confuse this for the "Pork Playing Music" festival, as you might be very disappointed when all of the musical guests are humans and the pigs are crispy and barbecued and purely for consumption. However, if this doesn't sound like something that would disappoint you, then it might be worth buying tickets.

Saturday, May 7th • 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Acca Shrine Center, 1712 Bellevue Avenue
$25 in advance, or $35 at the gate

4. Science on Tap

A beer festival at the Science Museum itself! Complete with brewers and science nerds alike to answer all of your beer-related chemistry questions, like "How long does fermentation take?" "What's the deal with yeast?" and "How do they get all of those bubbles in there?"

Saturday, May 7th • 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
$10

5. Mothers Day!

Guys, don't forget about the most important woman in your life this weekend. And her love of food. Plus her love of booze.

BONUS THING: Comedy Duets

Laurel & Hardy. Abbott & Costello. Cheech & Chong. Ren & Stimpy. Throughout history, the best comedy has always come in twos. Watch three comedy duos do their comedy duo thang, which will likely result in your extreme enjoyment, applause, and laughter.

Monday, May 9th • 7:30 PM
Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall Street
$5 in advance, $8 at the door

5 Things: French food, soccer, art, theater, and a good old-fashioned beard ‘n ‘stache competition

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:10:44 +0000

Photo by: Richard Allaway

1. French Food Festival

I'm supposed to be convincing you why these festivals are worth checking out, but I just...I just can't understand why anyone would need convincing. It's French food, guys. That means baguettes. Croissants. Fancy cheese. Red wine. Puffy pastries that dissolve into airy bliss the second they touch your tongue. If you're still on the fence, just look at the menu page.

Friday, April 29th • 4:30 - 7:30 PM and Saturday, April 30th • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Little Sisters of the Poor, 1503 Michaels Road
Free to attend!

2. Disney's The Lion King

The Broadway version of The Lion King is HERE! It's just like that movie that we all know and love. Unfortunately unlike the movie, you can't rewind to rewatch all the good parts (Simba and Nala falling in love!) or fast forward through the bad parts (Scar, don't!). But I think the fact that it's a Tony Award-winning musical with incredible costumes and extraordinary songs and outstanding performers will probably make up for it.

Through May 8th • see site for times
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
Starting at $28

3. Bike RVA Fest

Your poor neglected bike has been enviously watching your car take you places all winter. But spring has sprung, and the weather is finally bike-friendly. Dust off the cobwebs and give your bicycle the attention it's been longing for. This Saturday, the Richmond Kickers is offering discounted tickets to everyone who rides their bike to the soccer game. Plus, free bike valet! And free tune-ups! And bike safety vendors! Oh, and beer! Pedal down to City Stadium and let your car do the envying for a change.

Saturday, April 30th • kickoff starts at 7:00 PM
City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Avenue
$8 for bikers!

4. Mid-Atlantic Beard and 'Stache Championships 5

This whole time you thought all those hipsters were growing out their facial hair for fun! But in fact, it's to compete with each other over who has the longest beard or best sideburns or curliest mustache. And of course to raise money for a good cause.

Saturday, April 30th • 6:00 -ready 11:00 PM
The Canal Club, 1545 E. Canal Street
$15 in advance, $20 at the door

5. Arts in the Park

If this were Christmastime, I would tout this as a great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done. But it's nowhere near Christmas, so you can go and just buy some jewelry, paintings, and other art-related indulgences for yourself without feeling guilty. Plus you'll be supporting local artists, and double plus, it's free.

Saturday, April 30th - Sunday, May 1st • 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday and 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
The Carillon in Byrd Park
Free to attend!

5 Things: Earth Day, art, Earth Day, Shakespeare, Earth Day, dancing, Earth Day, restaurants, and Earth Day

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:31:55 +0000

Photo by: aViaTioNuT

1. Earth Day Stuff!

1a. Earth Day Festival

You Earth lover, you. You like kayaking, don't you? You like mountain biking, correct? You like craft beer, craft activities, and juggling, eh? Okay, maybe some of that is unrelated to the earth, but you still like it, right? And you still are definitely going to go to the Earth Day Festival right?

Saturday, April 23rd • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Great Shiplock Park in Shockoe Bottom
Free to attend!

1b. RVA Earth Day

If you think one Earth Day festival isn't enough, drive your festival-crazed, Earth-loving self across the river to another just-as-earthy, just-as-fun, just-as-festival-y festival in Manchester.

Saturday, April 23rd • 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Manchester
Free to attend!

1c. 5K Race without a Trace

If you want to celebrate the earth by running around on it, sign up for the annual Earth Day 5K. Soak up the beauty of our planet, and then go hang out at one of the millions of festivals happening that day.

Saturday, April 23rd • 10:30 AM
Great Shiplock Park in Shockoe Bottom
$30

1d. Earth Day Benefit for Bridge Park

Turns out, lululemon athletica isn't just all about fashionable, high quality workout clothes. All day on Earth Day, they'll be donating a portion of their sales to support BridgePark Foundation, a projected new park spanning the length of the James River. Go out to Short Pump and buy some great athletic attire...get a new park.

Friday, April 22nd • 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
lululemon athletica Richmond, 11800 W. Broad Street
The price of some yoga pants!

2. RVA Street Art Festival

Someone once asked me my favorite street art in Richmond. If someone asked you the same question, do you know how you would respond? Wouldn't it be cool to be able to respond with, "Uh, the one I watched happen, duh." RVA Street Art Festival. Mic drop.

Thursday, April 21st - Sunday, April 24th
Southern States Silos & Manchester, South of the Mayo Bridge
Free to attend!

3. Richmond Dance Festival

So many diverse dancers from all over the country, representing dances from all over the world. Lots of art, lots of culture, lots of dancing, and lots of wishing you had stuck with those ballet classes you took in preschool.

Friday, April 22nd - Saturday, May 7th • Friday & Saturday shows 8:00 PM
Dogtown Dance Theatre, 109 W. 15th Street
$15

4. The Bard's Birthday: A Celebration of Shakespeare

This year, Shakespeare turns 452. And what better way to celebrate your 452nd birthday than with songs, games, and sonnets, surrounded by hundreds of your closest friends? And Shakespeare himself will be there, of course, because it's his birthday; but please be aware that he's a little sensitive about the age thing, so just compliment his work and don't say anything about his graying hair.

Saturday, April 23rd • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Agecroft Hall, 4305 Sulgrave Road
Free to attend!

5. Restaurant Week

Sometimes the Richmond restaurant scene can be a little overwhelming, with hundreds of restaurants to choose from in one single city. But Restaurant Week helps to ease that stress, with dozens of local spots offering a prix fixe menu for $29.16 per person all week. Indulge in goat cheese pate, confit chicken, poached snails, and creole beef ragout, without the financial guilt. In fact you'll feel the opposite of guilt, since FeedMore is receiving $4.16 from each meal! A full belly and a full heart!? Oh, Richmond.

Through Sunday, April 24th
See site for participating restaurants!
$29.16

5 Things: Mozart, art festivals, theater, theater, and theater

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:54:31 +0000

Photo by: macstre

1. Mozart Festival

I kind of assumed this festival would be a day full of elegant live classical music performed by talented musicians, with a guy dressed up like Mozart complaining that they don't make music like they used to. While I haven't heard any mention of a Mozart impersonator, I do know that there will be copious amounts of elegant classical music, interlaced with food trucks, crafts, comedy, craft beer, and burlesque.

Saturday, April 16th • 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Various locations around Jackson Ward
Free to attend!

2. Art Festivals

2a. Spring Bada Bing

I would recommend shopping before getting beer, or else you might end up with an unnecessary amount of handmade scarves and locally produced candles. Which, now that I think about it, sounds kind of great. So...grab a beer! Or a few beers! Then shop!

Saturday, April 16th • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
Free to attend!

2b. Fool for Art

Let's be clear, they're not calling you a fool if you come to this art festival. In fact, this is a really cool crafty event, so you're the opposite of a fool if you go. So really they should call it "Only not-fools come to this festival, so come if you don't want to be a fool." But that sounds weird, and doesn't fit as well on a flyer. And is exhausting to type out. Anyway, I forgot what I was saying. Just don't be a fool and go immerse yourself in arts and crafts.

Saturday, April 16th • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
John Tyler Community College, 800 Charter Colony Parkway
Free to attend!

3. Richmond Ballet's Studio Three: The Rite of Spring

If you're looking to attend the theater this weekend (adjusts monocle), there are plenty of options for everyone. Particularly if you're a sucker for the graceful twirl-and-spin type of theater. Richmond Ballet is showing Studio Three: The Rite of Spring, a compelling, stimulating, hundred-year-old performance guaranteed to astound even the stiffest of audiences.

Through April 17th • see link for times
Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre, 407 E. Canal Street
$66-$101

4. The Flying Dutchman

If you've got a hot date this weekend and want to opera and chill, check out The Flying Dutchman. A beautiful baritone and a smooth soprano team up for a dark love story set in Norway. German lyrics, English subtitles, international approval.

Friday, April 15th & Sunday, April 17th
Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
$20-$100

5. Maple & Vine

This is a humorous play about the alleged simplicity of "back in the day." But why am I telling you about it when Susan Howson saw it with her very own eyes? And then wrote a summary about it with her very own hands?

Through May 8th • see site for times
Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad Street
$35

Bonus Thing: Celebrating Beer!

A crazy thing is happening in Richmond this weekend...and yes, it's beer related. Our very newest brewery, The Veil Brewing Co., is having their grand opening ON THE SAME DAY that our very oldest brewery, Legend Brewery, commemorates its 22nd anniversary. Don't miss out on the events, because what better way to celebrate craft beer festivities than with craft beer?

Saturday, April 16th • see sites for times
See sites for locations!
Free to attend!

5 Things: Some motivation, some masquerades, and some monumental running.

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:34:17 +0000

1. TEDxRVA

"I am so mentally motivated and have a lot of important things to think and talk about now," is what everyone has on their minds for weeks after dousing themselves with live TED Talks.

Friday, April 8th • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
$50

2. Monument 10K

On this day every year, Richmonders are all divided into categories. There are the 10K runners in it for the medals, there are the 10K runners in it for the fun, there are the 10K runners dressed up in costume, there are the 10K walkers, there are the 10K motivators on the sidelines, and there are the 10K haters driving through the city and cursing at every required detour. Whether your goal is to finish the race in a record amount of time or get out of the city in a normal amount of time, best of luck to all of you this Saturday.

Saturday, April 9th • 8:30 AM
Monument Avenue (or just follow the energetic people wearing race bibs)
$30 - $50

3. Celebration of the Vine

This is a great time to bring out that wine Koozie necklace with the rhinestones that you bought on impulse years ago. No judgment here, especially when you're not spilling wine everywhere.

Saturday, April 9th • 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The Millworks at the Green, 13872 Coalfield Parkway
$25

4. Carnevale Ball

If 4-year-old me got invited to this event, my limited knowledge of the world would assume that the word "Ball" entails many large gowns, all of the townspeople, and a very appealing eligible bachelor-prince looking for a wife. This event may be nothing like a Disney movie, but proceeds will be going towards Commonwealth Catholic Charities, an insanely good cause that helps insanely deserving people every day. What I'm saying is, I can't guarantee a magical evening; but just in case, wear your best pair of glass slippers and leave one on the steps as you depart.

Saturday, April 9th • 6:00 - 11:00 PM
The Westin Richmond, 6631 W. Broad Street
$110

5. Oyster Festival

I know that winter is over because my calendar told me so. And because I turned the heat off in my apartment, and because I wore shorts to work last week. But I officially know that winter is over because there's a festival dedicated to oysters in the very near future. That just makes me very excited; the part about devoting a day to oysters while drinking craft beer and wine and listening to bluegrass. But also the part about winter being over.

Sunday, April 10th • 2:30 - 6:00 PM
Historic Tredegar, 500 Tredegar Street
$60

5 Things: Fast cars, food trucks, French film, and flowery festivals.

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 12:11:04 +0000

1. French Film Festival

I thought it would be so clever to write this description in French, but here's the thing, I don't know any French. Luckily for me, and all you other people who don't speak French, every one of these films will still be very enlightening, edifying, and enjoyable because, English subtitles, obviously!

Wednesday, March 31st - Sunday, April 3rd • see site
for times
The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary Street
$15 or VIP
Passes

2. Opening Day at Southside Speedway

It's back! Southside Speedway is kicking off their season this weekend. They'll have all of the drivers you know and love, all of those whooshing cars you know know and love, and all of that exhilarating speed you wish you could implement on your daily commute home.

Friday, April 1st • 6:00 PM
Southside Speedway, 12800 Genito Road
$15

3. Quirk Gallery Trunk Show

This Friday is the monthly First Friday art walk, which can only mean one thing. Well, it means a lot of things, but one of those things is the Studio Two Three Trunk Show at Quirk Gallery. And that means handmade art pieces by really talented artists. Swing by Quirk while enjoying all of the local culture on Broad Street, and maybe buy a thing or two. And hey, they'll be around on Saturday too!

Friday, April 1st from 5:00 - 9:00 PM • Saturday, April 2nd from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Quirk Gallery 207 W. Broad Street
Free!

4. Central VA Food Truck Rodeo

This is exactly like a real rodeo, except instead of bulls, there's food trucks, and instead of lassos, there's handcrafted popsicles, and instead of being in a stadium, it's in the parking lot of a mall. But other than that, it's just like a real rodeo. A really delicious rodeo.

Sunday, April 3rd • 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Chesterfield Towne Center, 11500 Midlothian Turnpike
Free!

5. Second Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

In the Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are often celebrated as symbols of hope, rebirth, and humility (beauty too, most likely, because man are they pretty). The Japanese Student Association at VCU is bringing us an entire festival associated with this incredible flower; included will be music, entertainment, and that gooey feeling you get when you know it's officially spring.

Sunday, April 3rd • 12:30 - 4:30 PM
Virginia Commonwealth University, 907 Floyd Avenue
Free!

5 Things: Soccer, marriage, Bowie, wrestling, and dogs wearing hats

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:49:55 +0000

Photo by: Steve Corey

1. Richmond Kickers Home Opener

While we're all bummed we won't be able to watch our Rams play basketball anymore this season (RIP my overly-optimistic bracket), let's not forget about our local soccer team! Richmond Kickers will start...will begin...will kick off (I'M SORRY IT SLIPPED) their season this weekend. Score yourself a seat (I JUST CAN'T STOP) to the first game of the year! No puns included.

Saturday, March 26th • doors at 3:30 PM
Richmond City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Avenue
$12 - 20

2. I Do! I Do!

Being married for 50 years is bound to include a lot of difficulties. And it's bound to have a lot of merriment. It's also bound to have a bit of monotony in the romance department. In I Do! I Do!, this couple works to rekindle the sparks that appeared when they first married half a century ago. Entertainment, hilarity, and warm fuzzy emotions guaranteed. Oh and here's something interesting...the actors are played by an actual married couple! I don't know why that fascinates me so much but it does!

Through April 10th • see site for times
Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road
$40

3. WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania

Forget spending your Saturday night watching WWE in your living room and yelling at the pro-wrestlers through your TV...you can do all of that LIVE at the Richmond Coliseum this weekend! They'll have everything you'd hope for, from headlocks to backflips to that thing where the wrestlers bounce off the ropes into the middle of the ring.

Saturday, March 26th • 7:30 PM
The Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh Street
$15

4. Martian Spring Beer Release & Life on Mars

Richmond's own band, Life on Mars: A Tribute to David Bowie, is playing this weekend at Strangeways Brewery in memory and recognition to the late, great singer himself. And incidentally, it's the same day that Strangeways is releasing their Martian Spring Biere de Mars. Well-timed planning on the part of the brewers, or crazy coincidence commanded by the spirit of David Bowie himself?

Saturday, March 26th • 7:00 PM
Strangeways Brewing, 2277A Dabney Road
$10

5. Easter On Parade

They should just call this "Richmond is just so dang excited about spring that they shut down part of a major street for an entire afternoon" Parade. Or "Let's see how many silly clothes we can put on our dogs" Parade. Or "This is really more of a festival than a parade" Parade. But no one asked me, so "Easter On" Parade it is.

Sunday, March 27th • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monument Avenue between Allen and Davis Avenues
Free!

5 Things: Ballet, more ballet, running, more running, and one last festival for the Irish

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 15:01:01 +0000

1. Church Hill Irish Festival

The Church Hill Irish Festival is more than 30 years old, which I guess means it needs to start settling down and having children. Maybe that's why there's a kid-friendly section? But there's also a lot of beer and shenanigans for the part of it that doesn't want to grow up just yet.

Saturday, March 19th - Sunday, March 20th • (Sat.) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, (Sun.) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Church Hill, 25th and Broad Streets
$5

2. Running for fun!

2a. Westchester Shamrock 5K

Oh, Richmond and your love for organized races! Now that the weather is warm, we've wasted no time putting together a run. And as with most Richmond races, there will be fun stuff happening afterwards. Plus there's a good cause attached.

Saturday, March 19th • 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Westchester Commons, 15786 WC Main Street, Midlothian
$35 for Shamrock 5K, $15 for Kids 1K Fun Run

2b. Run for the Hills 5K

If you know how to be in two places at once...well, first call me and tell me how you do it. But then, good news, you can register for both this 5K and the Westchester Shamrock 5K. If you don't know how to be in two places at once, I'm afraid you're going to have to choose one since they're happening at the exact same time.

Saturday, March 19th • 9:00 AM
Stone House at Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Avenue
$25

3. Rebuilding a Ruined City: Richmond Women After the War

After the Civil War, all we hear about is what those men did in the aftermath. Ever wonder how the women handled post-Civil War? What about the ones here in our own city? The rich ones, the middle class ones, the slaves? We Richmonders come from a long line of badass women, and this Saturday we can learn about what they did to rebuild after the war. I believe it was Susan B. Anthony who said it best, "Who run the world? Girls."

Saturday, March 19th • 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard
$10 for members, $17 for nonmembers

4. Richmond Bluegrass Jam

30 bluegrass bands are coming together this weekend for 12 straight hours of bluegrass action. If you're thinking, "Whew, that is a whole lot of bluegrass," you are correct. But here's an added bonus for all of you bluegrass-lovers-slash-musicians: bring your instruments, because there's going to be ample open mic time where you can show off your musical talents. And here's another added bonus for all of you bluegrass-lovers-slash-goodhearted-people: proceeds from the event will go to help support the Richmond Fisher House.

Saturday, March 19th • 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road
Donation requested

5. Ballet

5a. Studio Two

There are so many opportunities to watch ballet this weekend, so I don't want to hear anyone complaining otherwise. Watch as these performers interpret a story through dance and exhibit more flexibility than I would know what to do with.

Through Sunday, March 20th • see site for times
Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre, 407 E. Canal Street
$66

5b. Latin Ballet Poemas

I knew that Edgar Allan Poe inspired a lot of things, like modern day literature, detective stories, and tales about hearts beating underneath floorboards. Turns out, he's also inspired a ballet. That you can see! This weekend!

Thursday, March 17th - Sunday, March 20th • see site for times
Locations vary, see site for more information
$20

5 Things: Biking, crafting, learning, eating, and honoring St. Patrick

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 13:04:15 +0000

Photo by: Jenn and Tony Bot

1. St. Patrick's Day

1a. Shamrock the Block

This festival was created to celebrate and honor the history of Ireland and the bishop St. Patrick himself. No, guys, I'm totally joking, unless St. Patrick was the "Apostle of copious amounts of Irish car bombs and funny four-leaf-clover hats."

Saturday, March 12th • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Boulevard between Leigh and Broad Streets
Free!

1b. St. Paddy's Palooza at Innsbrook

This event is great for kids, as it includes moon bounces, face painting, pony rides, and more. Adults can probably participate in all of these activities as well, but don't quote me on that. If they tell you you're too old, you can drown your grief and embarrassment in green-colored booze. Or shave your head so no one recognizes you. It's for a good cause!

Saturday, March 12th • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Innsbrook Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Drive
Free!

2. Craftmen's Classic

For some reason, when I think of crafts, I think of popsicle stick houses. I have no idea why. Luckily, when these guys think of crafts, they think of ornate sculptures, wood carvings, pottery, and other impressive handiwork not made out of cheap wooden ice cream bar holders.

Friday, March 11th - Sunday, March 13th • see site for times
Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
$8 for adults, $1 for children

3. Cultural Festivals

3a. 14th Annual North Indian Festival

Take a break from celebrating Ireland this month, and give India a little attention too. There's exotic food which is probably delicious, dazzling clothing which are probably more impressive in person, and a Bhangra competition. Don't worry, I had to look it up too.

Saturday, March 12th • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
6641 Ironbridge Parkway
Free!

3b. Taste of Ghana Food Expo

Cool! Culture and history and stuff of Ghana! But more importantly...cool! Taste and cuisine and stuff of Ghana! Because, let's be honest, the best part of all festivals is the food.

Saturday, March 12th - Sunday, March 13th • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Free!

4. 5th Annual GroundForce IT Snowflake Ride

WAIT! KEEP READING! YES, THIS IS CALLED "SNOWFLAKE RIDE" BUT THIS HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH SNOW! I PROMISE! Richmond Cycling Corps and GroundForce IT is putting together their fifth annual bike race to support Richmond Cycling Corps. If you're crazy, you could sign up for the 18-mile Half Flake. If you're really crazy, you could sign up for the 34-mile Flake. If you're extra insanely crazy, you could sign up for the 42.5-mile Super Flake. And if you're normal, you can hang out following the race for the after party filled with live music and free, yes free, beer.

Sunday, March 13th • 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Richmond Bicycle Studio, 1717 Summit Avenue
$30

5. Schools and Jails in the Long Shadow of Slavery

Slavery is a large part of our Richmond history, but fortunately when it ended, it ended immediately and we've had no lingering consequences. Right? Weeellll...maybe not exactly. This Tuesday, listen to a panel of super intelligent people discuss the effects of slavery on our current school systems and jails. You can even pick their brains afterwards. And hey, you might learn a thing or two.

Tuesday, March 15th • 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Visual Arts Center, 1812 W. Main Street
Free!

Bonus Thing: Time Travelers: A Free Weekend of Richmond History

This weekend, 14 museums around town are saying "You don't exist!!" to their entrance fees and letting guests in for free. All you have to do is flash this fancy passport (PDF) at them, either printed or from your phone, and you'll have free access to 14 historic museums all over Richmond. For all of you museum nerds out there, it's like a super belated Christmas gift! Or a really, really early one.

Saturday, March 12th - Sunday, March 13th • Museum times vary
All these museums here
Free! Which is the point!

5 Things: Films, basketball, improv, yoga, and rodents participating in water sports

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 16:27:54 +0000

1. Richmond International Film Festival

This time of year, I'm always complaining that there's nothing good out in movie theaters. Well, if you're one of those people too, this is a be-careful-what-you-wish-for kind of event, because for one weekend Richmond is bursting with great films. Don't miss it, because those summer flicks are a long ways away. Oh, and it's all put together by Heather Waters, who was one of our 2016 Fascinating People.

Thursday, March 3rd - Sunday, March 6th • see site for schedule
The Byrd Theater, 2908 W. Cary Street and Movieland, 1320 N. Boulevard
$10 for general admission, per film

2. First Fridays Art Walk

All those spaces on Broad Street that look empty and confusing and deserted come alive every month during the First Friday Art Walk. See some open galleries, buy some art, and maybe catch a couple of shows while you're at it. One time I even got a free ice cream sandwich. Guys, anything is possible.

Friday, March 4th • 5:00 - 9:00 PM
A chunk of downtown Broad Street
Free!

3. High There! Season Finale

The Richmond Comedy Coalition does some pretty amazing and out-of-the-box things, a marijuana-themed sitcom being one of them. This weekend is the season finale of "High There!," so don't miss the show's wrap-up. It's also completely improvised, so even the performers don't know what they're going to say! Oh the suspense!

Friday, March 4th • 8:00 PM
Richmond Comedy Coalition, 8 W. Broad Street
$10

4. Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel

Man, these squirrels in my backyard are so boring! All they do is run up and down trees and eat bird seed and chase each other. Do something spontaneous, squirrels! Don't any of you have a bucket list? Don't you want to try snorkeling or scuba diving or snowboarding? Can't you be more like Twiggy, who hopped on a pair of waterskis in 1979 and has been entertaining America in her tiny life jacket ever since?

Friday, March 4th - Sunday, March 6th • various times throughout the weekend
Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
$8 for adults, free for kids 16 and under

5. Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Tournament

For the third year running, the Atlantic 10 women's teams come the Coliseum to face off. These teams (there are 14, it's confusing, don't think about it) include the Rams and Spiders! It started yesterday and goes through Sunday, and with any luck VCU and/or University of Richmond will do well! Richmond won yesterday, and they play VCU today at 2:00 PM! Augh!

Through Sunday, March 6th • see Atlantic 10 site for scheduling details
Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh Street
$20

BONUS THING: Laughter Yoga

Flexibility, strength, meditation, relaxation, inner peace, and...belly laughs. There's no comedy, or really anything funny at all here, but they will definitely have you giggling. I don't know how either! The mysteries of yoga, you know!?

Monday, March 7th • 6:00 PM
Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 8 N. Laurel Street
Free!

5 Things: Classical music, classic musicals, basketball, freezing cold water, and nuns doing nunnish things

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 17:14:00 +0000

Photo by: murilocardoso

1. Harlem Globetrotters 2016 World Tour

You know when you're at a basketball game and you're like, "I really wish the players would start doing funny tricks instead of just dribbling and shooting and running around." Well if you go see the Harlem Globetrotters, you'll be like, "I really am enjoying these funny tricks! I am so amused!"

Thursday, February 25th • 7:00 PM
Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh Street
$24

2. Beethoven at the Broadberry

Wait...isn't the Broadberry a concert venue usually for loud rock bands? And isn't Beethoven for stuffy, boring people? No!! Get those thoughts out of your head now! Classical Revolution RVA is bringing classical music into the mainstream around town, and this weekend is no exception. Bring your music-loving self to the Broadberry to hear some good ol' Beethoven. It's a different kind of classical concert than you're used to, but stuffy, boring people can still come (if they must).

Thursday, February 25th • 8:00 PM
The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad Street
$10

3. Late Nite Catechism

Take yourself back to your childhood days in Catholic school (or what would have been your childhood days in Catholic school if you hadn't gone to regular old public school). In this comical portrayal of a Catholic school classroom, the fanatical Sisters will whip the audience--I mean, students--into shape. They'll give out rewards for good participation and behavior, but don't talk out of turn or pass notes or throw spitballs, because you could find yourself banished to the corner of the room. Or with a ruler on your knuckles. Oh, nuns!

Friday, February 26th - Sunday, February 28th • Various times
Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
$39

4. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

It's your standard boy-gets-a-colorful-coat-then-gets-sold-into-slavery-by-his-brothers story. Complete with catchy Broadway tunes and a happy ending. Plus, on the website, the guy playing Joseph looks wildly handsome...even if that guy stood on the stage for two hours not doing anything, I would still go.

Friday, February 26th (8:00 PM) and Saturday, February 27th (2:00 PM & 8:00 PM)
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$35-$70

5. Polar Plunge

Do you miss summer so much that you just want to jump into a pool even though it's below freezing outside? At least, that's what I can figure is the only reason for this insanity. Well, it's also raising money for Special Olympics Virginia so I guess that makes sense too.

Saturday, February 27th • 12:00 - 4:00 PM
The Shops at Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive
Free to attend!

5 Things: Wine, video games, burlesque, fake political debates, and trucks crushing stuff

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 16:19:24 +0000

Photo by: aFrozenMoment

1. Wine!

1a. Virginia Wine Expo

Why commit to a whole glass of wine when you can get a pour of a bunch of wines? Enter: Virginia Wine Expo. Try a whole assortment of wines, plus snacks and meals. And a little craft beer will even manage to sneak itself in somehow. It always does.

Wednesday, February 17th - Sunday, February 21st • see site for schedule
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd Street
Various events, various prices!

1b. Winter Wine Festival

If you're not too wined-out from the Virginia Wine Expo (ha! Just kidding! As if!), take a stroll up to Staunton to see what they have to offer. I'll give you a hint, it's wine.

Saturday, February 20 • 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center, 24 S. Market Street, Staunton
$20 in advance/$25 at the door

2. Monster Jam 2016

I've never really been a big fan of monster trucks, but after reading more about it (and perhaps spending an entire afternoon watching YouTube clips) I HAVE NO IDEA WHY I DIDN'T GET INTO IT SOONER. Massive trucks going off ramps and crushing tiny cars and running into things...I would highly recommend taking the rest of the day off work to look at monster truck videos. And then go see it live!

Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th • 7:30 PM
Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh Street
$20 - $30

3. Blacklist Burlesque Presents: The Lovers, the Dreamers, and Me

Jim Henson has done so much for us; he's enhanced imaginations, created unforgettable characters, and been a staple to childhoods all around the world. It's about time that someone paid tribute to him and his accomplishments. And who better to do so than a group of saucy, hardly-clothed burlesque dancers?

Saturday, February 20th • 8:00 PM & 10:30 PM
Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
$12

4. Richmond Symphony Presents: Video Games Live

For everyone who spent the big snowstorm trapped inside and disappointed that they couldn't go to Richmond Symphony's Video Games Live event, I have good news. For everyone who didn't even know about the Video Games Live event but loves the idea of listening to classical versions of popular video games, I have good news. Video Games Live has been postponed to this weekend! So grab your tickets for this no-snow-included concert put on by the Richmond Symphony, featuring music from some of the best video games ever.

Saturday, February 20th • 8:00 PM
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$20-$70

5. Trump vs. Bernie

Forget South Carolina; this weekend, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump are coming to Richmond for a live political debate. Okay, maybe it's not really Bernie and Trump (sorry, it's comedians), and maybe it's not an actual political debate (it's funny on purpose). But it is almost completely improvised and way more entertaining than any politics you see on TV. So come on, Let's make America great again, people. (That was my attempted impression of Donald Trump. It's way better in person ¹).

Sunday, February 21st • 7:00 PM
The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad Street
$15 in advance, $20 at the door

No it's not. ↩

5 Things: Chinese films, stand-up comedy, classical music…and oh yeah, Valentine’s Day

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 16:37:17 +0000

Photo by: KnitSpirit

1. ChinaFest

This month, good ol' University of Richmond is helping to bridge the cultural gap between us and China. For four days, they're bringing us discussions, films, and arts-related events about the culture of China. Perfect if you have a strong interest in China; even more perfect if you don't actually know that much about it, but want to learn.

Thursday, February 11th - Sunday, February 14th • see site for schedule
Various spots on the University of Richmond campus • see site for schedule
Free!

2. The Ultimate 80's Experience: The Legwarmers

Calling all material girls! Small town girls! City boys! People named Jack and Diane! Kick off your Sunday shoes and check out the Legwarmers, the greatest '80s cover band to come to Richmond. They'll be playing all of your favorite throwbacks, WHILE wearing headbands, studded belts, and leopard print pants; there's just nothing like a man in tiny cutoff jorts encouraging you to whip it, whip it good. Anyway, I'm out of '80s song references, so dust off your hair crimper (don't be ashamed, I still have mine too) and go back in time to the boppiest era of music ever.

Friday, February 12th • 8:00 PM
The National, 708 E. Broad Street
$16

3. Classical Revolution RVA Presents: Immortal Beloved

When you hear "classical music," does anyone else think it's reserved for stuffy concerts and traditional musicians? Guys, it's totally not like that. Classical Revolution RVA is, well, revolutionizing classical music in RVA. They're removing all stereotypes and integrating classical music into local galleries, cafes, and even bars. This weekend, they're presenting Immortal Beloved at the Byrd, a movie about Beethoven and his lover. A mysterious lover, in fact! Great for a Valentine's Day date, or for a not Valentine's Day date. Just a great thing to see for any reason.

Sunday, February 14th • 7:00 PM
The Byrd Theater, 2908 W. Cary Street
$5

4. Bill Engvall

If you enjoy fishing, beer, and deer hunting, you will like Bill Engvall. If you enjoy hearing jokes about fishing, beer, and deer hunting, you will love Bill Engvall. One of the members of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, he's coming to town to bring some hilarity-with-a-splash-of-southern-twang to Richmond.

Sunday, February 14th • 6:00 PM
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$40-$60

5. Lovey Dovey Stuff!

'Tis the weekend of romance. But the good news is, you can totally do all of these things with your friends instead. Or by yourself! It's 2016, after all!

5a. Richmond Ballet: Romeo & Juliet

What says "romance" like true love divided by feuding families? Romeo & Juliet, the most romantic love story of all, obviously! Romeo & Juliet will be showing all weekend to get your emotions all a-flutter; and it's presented by the Richmond Ballet, so you know it'll be good. Here's our interview with Stoner Winslett, who will tell you just why it's so dang important and good.

Friday, February 12th - February 14th • various times
Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
$20-$125

5b. Strangeways Brews & Burlesque Valentine

If Shakespearian ballet isn't really your thing, but dancing ladies are, go to Strangeways for their Valentine's version of burlesque.

Friday, February 12th • 9:00 PM
Strangeways Brewing, 2277A Dabney Road
$9

5c. Or just do the go out to dinner thing.

5 Things: Oysters, films, music, and pretending we’re in New Orleans

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:06:36 +0000

Photo by: EEPaul

1. Richmond Environmental Film Festival

When you're done spreading your compost and sorting your recyclables, hop in your hybrid car and check out these movies about this planet we all live on. Just kidding by the way, you can even come in your SUV. Or Hummer! No judgment. This event is free and open to the public.

Monday, February 1st - Sunday, February 7th • see site for schedule
See site for venues
Free!

2. Isley Brewery Oyster Fest

Beer and oysters...wow, it really does feel like summer. This Friday, in addition to delightful beer, Isley Brewery is selling oysters (FROM THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER) for just $1 each! And don't be weirded out when they ask you to save the shells; they're using them to brew their next oyster stout. Gross? But cool!? You should be saving them anyway!

Friday, February 5th, 6:00 PM
Isley Brewery, 1715 Summit Avenue
Free to attend! Just buy some beer. And oysters.

3. Susan Greenbaum: An Evening of Love Songs

This woman is an amazing musician, and I keep forgetting she's from Richmond! Spend your Friday night listening to Susan Greenbaum sing and strum about love and sappiness and romance and stuff. It is the month of mushy love songs, after all. It's also the month of great singer/songwriters, probably, so go check her out!

Friday, February 5th, 7:00 PM
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road
$15

4. WRIR 11th Annual Party for the Rest of Us

You know how you love supporting local music? And you love supporting WRIR, the radio station that supports local music? Well. WRIR is hosting an event for a ton of local musicians (and comedians!) that you can actually attend, and not just listen to in your car. Plus you can dress up! And drink booze!

Friday, February 5th, 7:00 PM
The Renaissance, 107 W. Broad Street
$15 donation

5. Mardi Gras RVA

Beads! Bands! Babies inside cakes! There's no celebration quite like Mardi Gras. Watch the parade, listen to music, eat some crawfish (I think I made that part up but isn't that something people do in New Orleans?) Party like you're about to give up something for 40 days!

Saturday, February 6th • parade starts at 3:00 PM, main event starts at 4:00 PM
Dogtown Dance Theatre, 109 W. 15th Street
$75 for a float spot in the parade, free to attend. Tickets to Dogtown show are $15.

5 Things: Comedy, classical music, skating, film, and some crazy people jumping into the James

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:31:38 +0000

Photo by: Sean Mckinnon

1. Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships

Hosted by the Richmond Figure Skating Club, which is totally a thing, thousands of synchronized skaters are coming to Richmond from all over the East Coast to show off their ability not only to do some crazy impressive things on ice, but to do some crazy impressive things on ice AT THE SAME TIME. Plus! Shiny outfits!

Thursday, January 28th, 3:00 PM through January 30th
Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh Street
$16 - $46.50

2. Shiver in the River

Apparently 150 crazy people jumped in the James in January and 400 people participated in cleanups during the first year of this fund-raising event for Keep Virginia Beautifu. This year, they're back for a second go-round, with cleanups, that icy plunge, a festival, and a 5K to benefit litter prevention, community outreach, education, recycling, and beautification. You can also express interest in volunteering as general event help or for the green team to monitor "eco-stations" and make sure that recycling, trash, and composting are done right. Crazy people, sign up here.

Saturday, January 30th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Historic Tredegar, 500 Tredegar Street
Jump for free, run for $30 ($25 for kids), and raise a minimum of $75

3. Comedy!

3a. Jay Pharoah

If you like Saturday Night Live or, actually, anything funny, you'll like Jay Pharoah. He's now on his sixth season of SNL, and guys, he is hilarious. Especially his impression of Denzel Washington. And Barack Obama. Or this one bit...actually, I won't ruin it for you. Just go see him live! And laugh a bunch!

Friday, January 29th, 7:30 PM
The National, 708 E. Broad Street
$20/$25

3b. Wanda Sykes

Man, Richmond has got some jokes this weekend. After you check out Jay Pharoah's impression of Obama, check out Wanda Sykes, who has spoken for Obama. She's sassy, witty, and will have you laughing so hard it'll feel like you just did a ton of crunches.

Saturday, January 30th, 8:00 PM
Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
$39.50/$65

4. Untold Tales of the Soviet Union: The Russian Woodpecker Red Star Tales

What are your two favorite Carytown businesses? Wait, let me finish! I mean when it comes to watching movies and buying used books? AH! The Byrd and Chop Suey are mine too! This weekend, they're combining forces to bring you an enlightening-documentary-slash-book-signing combo. The Russian Woodpecker, a documentary about the Soviet Cold War-era, won a bunch of awards, including one at the Sundance Film Festival. After the movie, head across the street to Chop Suey for a book signing with Yvonne Howell and Noah Scalin, a couple of people who wrote a couple of books related to the same topic.

Saturday, January 30th, 2:00 PM
The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary Street
$5

5. Music Unites

You've been snowed in for days on end and have exposed your brain to more Netflix than it knows what to do with. Now that the roads are clear and life is moving forward, give your brain a little TLC (not the TV channel!) and relax with the easy sound of classical music. The Symphony Musicians of Richmond are partnering with United Way to bring you a night of Beethoven that your brain will thank you for. And hey, it's free! Bring your friends! Bring your kids! Bring your friend's kids! But don't forget to RSVP!

Monday, February 1st, 7:00 PM
St. Michael Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Road
Free!

5 Things: Pop stars, acrobats, video game soundtracks, films, and jokes

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:32:59 +0000

Photo by: Brenderous

Update #1 -- January 21, 2016; 1:32 PM

Video Games Live has been rescheduled!

— ∮∮∮ —

Original -- January 21, 2016

1. An Evening with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

From "Thrift Shop" to "Can't Hold Us," there are at least five Macklemore & Ryan Lewis songs that everyone knows all of the words to, whether they want to or not. And now this famous pop duo is back on tour! And coming to Richmond! Check it out for a guaranteed night of fun, and a guaranteed week of their "Downtown" song stuck in your head. And hey, if you're one of those people that likes to donate to charity, one dollar from every ticket sold will go to Youth Speaks, Equal Justice Initiative, and the 30/30 Project.

Friday, January 22nd, 8:00 PM
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$39.50 - $69.50

2. Ricochet, A Circus of Two, Smoke and Mirrors

This insanely talented duo from New Mexico travels all over the world doing trapeze-artisty things. Their act combines acrobatics, dance, and a whole bunch of things in the air that I can't even do on the ground. It's kind of like a circus performance, but without the terrifying clowns. And it's all very poetic, so while it may make you feel out of shape, you'll at least feel cultured.

Friday, January 22nd & 23rd, 7:30 PM
Modlin Center for the Arts, 28 Westhampton Way
$16 - $32

3. Video Games Live

- RESCHEDULED TO FEBRUARY 20TH

To be completely honest, at first I thought this meant participating in a live video game. Then I thought about the implications of having to avoid fireballs and banana peels. Then I thought I should start playing more modern video games, because these references are all really outdated. Then I thought, wait, this actually has nothing to do with participating in live video games, but instead is a concert put on by the Richmond Symphony featuring music from some of the most popular video games ever. Which sounds much safer.

Originally scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd, now February 20th at 8:00 PM
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$20 - $70

4. Afrikana Film Festival's Evening with an Icon: Sonia Sanchez

This weekend, the Afrikana Film Festival brings you the RVA premiere of BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez, a documentary about the groundbreaking educator and poet. They also bring you Sonia Sanchez herself, for a Q&A and meet-and-greet after the film! What! Neat!

Saturday, January 23rd, 7:00 PM
Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace Street
$15 ($25 for 2) in advance, $20 at the door

5. A Comedy Show with Cameron Esposito, Rhea Butler, and Mary Jane French

Richmond loves comedy, and luckily for us, comedians love Richmond. Next Wednesday, comedian Cameron Esposito is coming to entertain Richmonders with an iconic personality and great jokes. If you're not sure about her credibility, she's been a guest star in late night talk shows hosted by really famous funny people, a guest star in podcasts hosted by really famous funny people, and is in fact a really famous funny person herself. She'll also be joined by Rhea Butler, a contestant on Last Comic Standing, AND our very own local-and-just-as-hilarious comedian, Mary Jane French. Get tickets here. Or if tickets are sold out, I know a guy.

Wednesday, January 27th, 9:00 PM
Strange Matter, 929 W. Grace Street
$15

5 Things: Beer, more beer, basketball, and giving back to the community

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 17:01:34 +0000

Drumline competition from Freedom Classic 2013.

1. "The 9" Songwriter's Series

What happens when you put nine musicians full of stories in a room together with an open floor and no agenda? I have NO idea either! But gosh, I would love to find out!! "The 9" Songwriter's Series travels across the country, and are performing in Richmond for one night. Nine solo singer/songwriters come together to play songs, tell stories, and make up music on the spot. Basically what I'm saying is, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so don't disappoint the FOMO in you.

Thursday, January 14th, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Road
$10

2. Richmond Jewish Food Festival

Find your traditional Jewish and Israeli foods here, like latkes and kugel and a bunch of things I don't think I can pronounce. The Richmond Jewish Food Festival has a delicious variety for everyone, including vegan and gluten free options. And when you're done eating but aren't ready to leave, there's still live music, plus handmade wares and grocery items available for sale. Here's our cabbage-filled guide!

Sunday, January 17th through Monday, January 18th, 11:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Weinstein Jewish Community Center, 5403 Monument Avenue
Free, pay only for your food.

3. Freedom Classic Festival

The annual matchup between Virginia's two historically Black colleges comes with a days-long festival celebrating MLK and all the good stuff he did. It's focused on mentoring, volunteering, stuff like that, but it is also a whole lot of fun, with drumline competitions, a gospel showcase, fine art sale, and, of course, the VUU vs. VSU basketball game.

Basketball game: Sunday, January 17th • 7:00 PM, see site for rest of schedule
Basketball game: Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh Street
$20 - $25 for the game

4. Beer Stuff!

4a. Strange Brew Sports Bar

Hardywood, eh? Movies, eh? Canadian stereotypes, eh? This Friday, Hardywood is showing Strange Brew, your favorite Canadians-start-working-at-a-brewery-with-inevitably-hilarious-plot-twists film, with proceeds going to Video Fan Forever. Following the movie will be local musicians, Sports Bar. Drinking great beer for a great cause is almost as good as hockey covered in maple syrup, eh?

Friday, January 15th, 9:00 PM
Hardywood Park Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
$5

4b. Brews & Burlesque

Stouts go well with chocolate cake, IPAs taste great next to pizza, and Strangeways beer pairs nicely with scantily clad ladies. Grab a beer and check out these suave and alluring burlesque performers at Strangeways Brewery on Friday...I find that it really brings out the malt flavors.

Friday, January 15th, 9:00 PM
Strangeways Brewery, 2277A Dabney Road
$9 in advance, $12 at the door

5. MLK Day of Service

Make it a day on, not a day off. I wish I had made that up, because catchy! The Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday on Monday, January 18th is also a national day of service. There are nine community projects where you can sign up to volunteer and one DIY you can do at home, all coordinated by HandsOn Greater Richmond. A movie screening and discussion of Selma at the Byrd, is presented by HandsOn, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and the University of Richmond's Bonner Center for Civic Engagement for free at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 17th (no advance registration required).

Monday, January 18th, anytime you want!
Various places!
The cost of your time!

5 Things: Films, plays, musicals, cover bands, and flowers

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:50:52 +0000

Photo by Joan Marcus, 2014.

1. Sixth Annual Israeli Film Festival

Oh, you love films? And you love festivals? And you love learning more about the history and culture of Israel? Well! Have I got good news for you! This weekend, the Weinstein JCC is hosting their annual Israeli Film Festival. They're showing four films throughout the weekend, some of them featuring war, some of them featuring marriage, some of them featuring mystery, all of them featuring great stories.

Thursday, January 7th and Sunday, January 10th • film times vary
Weinstein Jewish Community Center, 5403 Monument Avenue
$12

2. Motown the Musical

Just hearing the word "Motown" makes me want to groove, and I don't think that's even something I know how to do. This musical is filled with all of those oldies that you privately jam out to in your car, like "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," and "My Girl." And they're all delivered by energetic, talented, and heavily bell-bottomed singers that look like they've never needed sleep in their entire lives. Here's our official review.

Warning: Side effects of this musical may include the uncontrollable urge to purchase platform shoes, or try to figure out how to comb your hair into an afro.

Through Sunday, January 10th • see site for times
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$38 - $88

3. Quill Theatre Presents Stupid F**king Bird

I mean, WHAT is worse when you're at the beach and those darn seagulls won't leave you and your snacks alone?! Pretty much nothing. The good news is, this play has nothing to do with seagulls, but is more of a satirical and emotional look on artists and their place in the world. Plus the word "metatheatrical" is in the play's website description, so, I'm already intrigued.

Through Saturday, January 30th • 8:00 PM
Richmond Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont Avenue
$20 - $30

4. Music!

4a. Saved by the 90s: a Party w/ Bayside Tigers

Remember those songs you used to listen to on your portable tape player? While playing with a Bop-It and staring at your lava lamp? Well, this weekend, Bayside Tigers is bringing you those 90s hits that we all know and love, live in concert. Think Alanis, Britney, the Boys: both Backstreet and Beastie, Blink182, Spice Girls, and many, many, many more. So throw on some parachute pants or a skort, grab a scrunchie, and relive the great music originally played by those bands whose posters you used to hang over your lip-shaped telephone.

Saturday, January 9th • 8:00 PM
The National, 708 E. Broad Street
$12.50, or $15 at the door

4b. Tribute to The Band--Featuring The THE BAND Band

The THE BAND Band is, as you can probably guess from their name, a tribute to the late and great 60's group, THE BAND. If their musical performance is as meta as their band name, it could be a very interesting show.

Saturday, January 9th • 8:00 PM
The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Road
$25

5. Legend of the Poinsettia

Have you always wondered why poinsettias are such a staple to the Christmas season? OK, neither have I. But now that I've posed the question, aren't you wondering now?? The Latin Ballet of Virginia is putting on a ballet about the legend that surrounds this notorious holiday flower. Spoiler alert, it's something about how a little girl was able to turn weeds into poinsettias. Which is perhaps just a legend, but isn't that probably way more interesting than the real story?

Saturday, January 9th • 7:30 PM
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road
$15, or $20 at the door

5 Things: Christmas stuff, Kwanzaa stuff, Boxing Day stuff, theatre stuff, fruitcake stuff

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 16:45:41 +0000

Photo by soulchristmas.

1. Capital City Kwanzaa Festival

Reggae music! Films! People singing! People dancing! People singing while dancing! People lighting candles! Vendors selling clothes! Activities for children! Activities for adults! Culture! Never celebrated Kwanzaa but always wondered what it was all about? Or do you always celebrate Kwanzaa and love what it's all about? Check out the traditional Kwanzaa merriment this year at the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival.

Saturday, December 26th, 1:00 - 9:00 PM
Altria Theatre, 6 N. Laurel Street
$6 online, $8 at the door

2. Monument Avenue After Dark Walking Tour

If you're among those that believe Christmas isn't over after Christmas Day, and you want to savor the last bit of holiday spirit that the world has to offer, take a stroll down Monument Avenue. Learn about the history and traditions of the houses on one of our most momentous streets in Richmond, while looking at all the sparkly, shiny, glittery things.

December 26th and 27th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Robert E. Lee Monument, 1701 Monument Avenue
$15, or $5 for members of the Valentine Museum

3. Theatre

3a. The Fourth Wall

If you didn't see too much Nutcracker and you're not sick of plays yet, you just might enjoy The Fourth Wall. Having nothing to do with a young girl who falls in love with a wooden doll and everything to do with a woman who's so convinced the CIA is watching her that she rearranges her living room furniture, The Fourth Wall is an entertaining and comical poke at theatrical stereotypes.

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through January 31st
Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad Street
$35 general admission

3b. This Wonderful Life

Whoa, It's a Wonderful Life is now a play?! Alright that's probably old news. But whoa--It's a Wonderful Life is now a play performed by one man?! New news to me. In this Christmas classic adaptation, Scott Wichmann not only adapts It's a Wonderful Life into a play, but encompasses each character himself. No special effects here, just pure talent and enviable multitasking skills.

Through January 10th
Virginia Repertory Theatre
$38, subscribers $28

4. Fruitcake Science

Haven't you always wondered what it looks like when a fruitcake is instantly frozen? Or burned? Or when it's catapulted through the air? SO HAVE I. And we're in luck. This weekend, the Science Museum of Virginia is dedicating its powers of chemistry to satisfy these lifelong curiosities of America's favorite gift to regift.

December 26th - 30th, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
$11

5. Manchester United Soccer Game

Your living room is littered with wrapping paper, your leftover cookies are still sitting out, and those green and red decorations are starting to expire. So what better time to leave your house and watch a soccer game?! Penny Lane Pub, the Liverpool oasis of Richmond, is opening early on Boxing Day to show the Manchester United soccer game, plus a bunch of others.

Saturday, December 26th, 10:00 AM
Penny Lane Pub, 421 E. Franklin Street
Free! But you should probably buy some food or beer or something.

5 Things: Shopping, lights, plays, space pirates, and space wars

Rachel Marsh — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 16:52:51 +0000

Photo by: Stéfan

1. Christmas Shopping

For those of you who still need to finish up your shopping (or if you're like me and haven't gotten started yet), there are plenty of options this weekend that don't involve wading through the Short Pump Mall traffic or soccer moms.

1a. 2nd Annual Atlas Holiday Market at Art180

This month, Art180 is turning its studio into a holiday market. For sale will be crafty crafts created by local artists. That you can't find anywhere else! Totally unique! Check it out!

Monday - Friday through December 18th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (or until 8:00 PM on December 18th)
Art180, 114 W. Marshall Street

1b. Best Ever Trunk Show at Quirk Gallery

Find exclusive jewelry, apparel, crafts, and other great things that you will only find at a trunk show that's the best ever.

December 19th, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Quirk Gallery, 207 W. Broad Street

1c. Drift/Riot Mother Daughter Trunk Show at Quirk Gallery

If you missed the Quirk Gallery trunk show the day before, or loved it so much you just can't get enough trunk show in your weekend, don't fret. Another batch of handmade crafts and creations await your viewing and purchasing pleasure at Quirk Gallery.

December 20th, 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Quirk Gallery, 207 W. Broad Street

So go get some Christmas gifts! Or non-holiday related gifts! Or just buy something and don't give it to anybody! That's allowed too!

2. Dominion GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Everyone knows Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has beautiful plants and trees and flowers and stuff. But wait a second...they've covered everything in lights! Of all different types and colors!! Even the pictures are stunning; just looking at the website made me say "wow." Involuntarily. It's that amazing.

Daily through January 11th, 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave
$12 adults, $11 seniors, $8 kids, $7 Garden members

3. Third Annual There's No Winter in Space Non-Denominational Holiday Special

Hosted by the League of Space Pirates (do I even need to continue?), this non-denominational show will include a balanced blend of belly-dancers, comedians, rappers, masters of quirky pop, and a dance party pioneer (who sounds like a person I want to get to know). Pirate and/or robot attire not mandatory but recommended.

December 20th, 8:00 PM
Richmond Comedy Coalition, 8 W. Broad Street
$10

4. Star Wars

"Star Wars, a movie you want to go see," is my best Yoda impression. "Luke...I am your movie you should see," is my best Darth Vader impression. "Guys, if you like good movies, go see this one," is my best myself impression. I don't think much description is needed for this...just go see Star Wars. Tickets are still available but please be aware! Of costume restrictions!! Creative yet safe costume wear is encouraged. See link above.

Movie theater showings are ample and abundant. Find the next available one!

5. Theatre

See a Christmas-themed play! Or a non-Christmas-themed play! Or both! For the heart-warming holiday cheer sap in you, check out Drifty and the Chocolate Factory. For the Christmas traditionalist in you, check out Holiday Memories. For the I-love-plays-but-I-would-rather-see-one-about-baseball-instead-of-Christmas in you, check out Damn Yankees.

Click the links for dates and times
Swift Creek Mill Theatre, Grace Street Theater, and Weinstein JCC (respectively)
Various prices

5 Things: Learnings, beers, crafts, bulleted lists

Ross Catrow — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 16:07:54 +0000

1. Go to a public meeting

Is there a better way to spend your Thursday night than shuttling back and forth between public meetings? If there is, I certainly cannot think of it. Tonight you can learn about the plans for both the Lumpkin's Jail Site and high-speed rail from Richmond to DC. The past and the future! All in one night!

DC2RVA (high-speed rail)

Thursday, December 10th • 5:00 - 7:30 PM
DMV • 2300 W. Broad Street
Free!

Richmond Speaks (Lumpkin's Jail Site)

Thursday, December 10th • 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Jepson Alumni Center • 49 Crenshaw Way
Free!

2. The Nutcracker

Don't tell anyone in my family or office this, but: I've never seen The Nutcracker. How many times have I nodded knowingly about the Sugar Plum Prince and his ferret army? I've feigned so much interest in the giant crystal goose that rolls about granting wishes. I couldn't even tell you whether the eponymous nutcrackers prefer pecans or walnuts! This is my secret shame.

One million different times beginning December 11th at 7:00 PM and lasting through December 23rd at 2:00 PM
Carpenter Theatre • 600 E. Grace Street
$20 - $125

3. Beer Craft Market & Rum Dark Rye release

A chance to buy locally-made, beer-centric crafts and locally-made, beer-centric beer? It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Before you blow all your cash on beer, make sure you stop by and check out our very own Richard Hayes's sweet beer openers. This one in particular would look very nice next to my keggerator.

Saturday, December 12th • 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Ardent Craft Ales • 3200 W. Leigh Street
Free! But bring some bucks to buy some stuff.

4. The 2nd Annual Books & Beer Holiday Brew Ho-Ho

Take home bags filled with the works of 30 local authors and growlers filled with the works of however many brewers Hardywood employs. The event page ends with this charge: "GET LIT!", which is reason enough to go, in my opinion.

Sunday, December 13th • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery • 2408 Ownby Lane
Free but stuff costs money, etc.

5. Do a holiday thing

OK, OK, we are so deep into the holiday season that it's hard to see a way out. You might as well just accept that each of your next three weekends will contain an allotment of holiday cheer. You can temper this with egg nog, I've got a great recipe. Rather than pick just one holiday-themed way to spend your time, here's a in-no-way-comprehensive bulleted list:

Christmas on MacArthur • December 12th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
James River Parade of Lights • December 12th, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
CarMax Tacky Light Run • December 12th, 6:00 PM (walk up registration only)
Fan District Holiday House Tour • December 12th & 13th, 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Church Hill Holiday House Tour • December 13th, 12:00 - 5:00 PM

5 Things: Featuring no holidays whatsoever

Susan Howson — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 17:38:40 +0000

Photo by: duane.schoon

1. UR Symphony Orchestra presents selections from the Rach 2 and Beethoven's First

I have it on very good authority that tonight's performance of the first movements of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 1 will scorch your brain. Scorching one's brain is a good thing, right? What I mean is, 2015 Concerto/Aria competition winner Solomon Quinn is, by all accounts, a fantastic pianist. Come experience a free concert, featuring extreme talent playing some of the most beautiful (and challenging) music ever written.

Thursday, December 3rd • 7:30 PM
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond, 28 Westhampton Way
Free!

2. Punchlines and Pasties

You may not realize that what the world needs is for the lines between stand-up comedy and burlesque to be blurred. Think about it. Now stop thinking about it, and get some work done. Hosted by Ray Bullock and featuring Blacklist Burlesque (the ones who did that Game of Thrones show that you kind of wish you'd gone to).

Saturday, December 5th • 9:00 PM
Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad Street
$12 in advance, $15 on day of performance

3. Bolshoi Ballet: Jewels

Modlin is killing it on the "bringing us things to do that don't involve jingle bells" front. You can only see Balanchine's Jewels if the Bolshoi Ballet does it--they're the only company authorized by the Balanchine Trust. And you're probably not taking a trip to Russia anytime soon, so seeing this live recording of Balanchine's first abstract ballet (set to the music of Fauré, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky) is the next best thing.

Sunday, December 6th • 12:55 PM
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond, 28 Westhampton Way
$14, $11 for subscribers, $13 for seniors, $7 for children 12 and under

4. Dressing Downton

See the British fashions from 1912 to the early 1920s via costumes from Downton Abbey, and learn more about why they were what they were. Surely, they had some sort of life elixir woven into the cloth, which is the only thing to explain why Lady Mary and Lady Edith haven't aged in the last decade or so of their lives.

Daily through January 10th, 2016 • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard
$20, free for members (and you'll need to register online)

5. Rodin: Evolution of a Genius

If you're not convinced that you should spend an hour or so checking out the various stages of Rodin's work, you should probably read David Shultz's exploration.

Through March 13th • select your date and time
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard
$15, $12 for seniors, $10 for students, $10 for youth aged 7 - 17, free for members and children 6 and under

Bonus Thing: RVA Tonight with Beau Cribbs

OK, this one is sort of a holiday one, in that it's RVA Tonight's Christmas Spectacular, but I didn't promise you SIX things that weren't holiday-related, only five. So I feel like my covenant with you is still unbroken? Richmond's own live late-night talk show expands to the Byrd Theatre. Beau Cribbs will do is Beau thing (which involves a monologue and a lot of other fun stuff), and he'll be interviewing Sherry Petersik from Young House Love. Guys, she is a delight.

Friday, December 4th • 8:00 PM
The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary Street
$15 OR...win two tickets by filling out the below form!

Did you catch that?

Enter to win two tickets to RVA Tonight with Beau Cribbs!

We'll draw them tomorrow morning, and you'll need to be able to come by our office in the Fan to get 'em! Best of luck to you!

Fill out my online form.

5 Things: Movies, plays, moms, trains, and aliens

Susan Howson — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 14:25:53 +0000

Original -- November 25, 2015

Photo by: windy_sydney

1. Go see a movie

It's an age-old tradition! Not sure what to talk to your in-laws about? Go see a movie! You've got plenty of decent options right now. There's the trials and tribulations of the women of Suffragette, without whose efforts we would certainly not have Hunger Games (its final chapter is out right now, too). Don't worry, haters, there's still plenty of dude-bro-ness to go around with The Night Before, Spectre, and Creed, which is not about the Worst Band of All and instead stars Michael B. Jordan of Friday Night Lights fame. MBJ! How we have missed you.

A showing that works for you (not against you)
Your favorite movie theater
Whatever astronomical price movie tickets are. And add in the price of some Junior Mints and a babysitter, and etc. etc. Am I right? #yuppiecomplaints

2. Gypsy

This, we can vouch for.

Through January 10th
Virginia Rep's November Theatre, 114 W. Broad Street
$36 - $60

3. Toruk--First Flight

This, we can't, but only because it is currently In the Future. At the point at which it relocates to In the Past, we will tell you how it was!

Friday, November 27th - Sunday, November 29th • various times
The Coliseum, 601 E. Leight Street
$30 - $112

4. 38th Annual Model Railroad Show

We've been talking about this yearly event for what seems like more than a year, which doesn't really make sense. At any rate, we love transportation-related things, even when it's too tiny as to be practical. And Valerie Catrow's piece about this show just wet our whistles even further. WHISTLES! I just made a train joke without realizing it!

Friday, November 27th - Sunday, November 29th • see site for times
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
$11

5. Holiday Festival of Music

Oh my, people are really dedicating themselves to getting in the swing of things. It's a Christmas concert sing-a-long, with traditional carols and whatnot. VCU Commonwealth Singers and Richmond Symphony are getting in on the action.

Monday, November 30th • 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 800 S. Cathedral Place
$40

5 Things: Plays, operas, moonshine, and the 1980s

Susan Howson — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 16:55:02 +0000

1. Luminous One: An Evening with Ethel Barrymore

The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is killing it lately with programming in their beautiful space. And teaming up with Quill Theatre, who is ALWAYS killing it, is probably a great idea! Were you aware that legendary actress Ethel Barrymore paid various visits to Richmond? Come hear Melissa Johnston Price do a staged historical reading that will transport you back to Richmond in 1943! Plus, afterwards you'll get to ask questions with the director, the actor, and a panel of scholars! Neat.

Thursday, November 19th • 7:00 PM
Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Avenue
$15

2. La Bohème

Those Bohemians! They're so artsy and cool, and their story sure worked well when it was recycled into incredibly successful Broadway musical, Rent. WCVE 88.9 informed me about so many fascinating things about this opera, including the concept of a bohemian grisette. Seeing Puccini's opera might be a great way to think hard about all the important history in Paris's past, considering recent events!

Friday, November 20th (8:00 PM) and Sunday, November 22nd (2:30 PM)
Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace Street
$19 - $114

3. A ton of plays

We saw some really, really good plays during the last couple of weeks. Definitely check out Equus at Virginia Rep's Theatre Gym, take your parents (or just yourselves) to Plaid Tidings at Swift Creek Mill, or prepare yourself for many emotions at Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill at the Basement.

See sites for dates and times
See sites for locations
You get the idea, see site for prices

4. Virginia Moonshine Festival

What exactly IS moonshine? Well, if you read the Wikipedia article, you will learn that it's technically "high-proof distilled spirits that are generally produced illicitly." Nowadays, commercial moonshine is just kinda "the liquor that tastes a lot like the ones people made illegally." It's better this way--illegally produced alcohol can actually kill you, so let's stay away from that. Also...one nickname for illicitly-produced moonshine was "mountain dew"?????? How x-treme! Do the dew this weekend at the Virginia Moonshine Festival, which "celebrates the fuel that began in the mountains and worked its way into history." Featuring: Belle Isle (of course), Moon Pie MoonShine, Bird Dog, Ole Smoky, and a bunch of other ones. For the love of Pete, please get home safely!

Saturday, November 21st • 2:00 - 7:00 PM (you can purchase an early shiner pass and get there as early as 12:00 PM so you'll be nice and hammered by the time everyone else gets there)
Richmond International Raceway Complex, Old Dominion Barn, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
$49 for early shiners pass, $39 for advance regular ticket, $45 for day-of regular ticket, $10 for designated drivers, $0 for kids 12 and under, but you're discouraged from bringing them by both the event coordinators and myself

5. Ultimate '80s Bash to Benefit Connor's Heroes

When I think of the ultimate 1980s, I always think of the look and feel of Trivia Adventure, a board game my siblings and I were into playing back then. The Ultimate '80s Bash totally (and finally!) captures this vibe!! At the Science Museum, where I spent a lot of time in the '80s! (That weird crystal room, anyone?) Come party to the Breakfast Club, a solid '80s cover band, eat dinner, and enjoy an open bar. All to benefit Connor's Heroes, an organization that helps out families who are struggling with cancer in their midst.

Saturday, November 21st • 7:00 PM
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
$80

5 Things: A graze, a crawl, a dance, a mall (sort of)

Susan Howson — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 19:00:55 +0000

1. Newsies

We have many thoughts about this film-turned-show, whether we've seen it or not. And then we did see it. And we recommend it. And we can't stop shouting lyrics at each other. Next week, I think, is when we will stop talking about it, so be excited for that.

Through Sunday, November 7th • see site for performance times
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$38 - $78

2. Museum Stores of Richmond Holiday Shoppers' Fair

I know, I know, it's too early for the holidays. But hear me out, you will do all sorts of contortions to try to kiss yourself if you get your holiday shopping done early. It frees you up to do so much other fun stuff during the Season with a Reason (for me, the reason is "fun parties," but maybe for you the reason is "decorations" or "church"). Whatever you reason, the 21st iteration of this event will feature the best of the Museum Gift Shops, which is really a special and unique kind of shop! Featured: LGBG, Science Museum of Virginia, Agecroft Hall, Cultural Center of Glen Allen, Preservation Virginia, VMFA, Virginia Historical Society, and the Valentine Museum.

Friday, November 6th • 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue
Free!

3. The Big LeBYRDski Bathrobe Crawl

Center of the Universe celebrates the return of "The Big LeBYRDski" (a Byrd Theatre fundraiser at which The Big Lebowski will abide) with its annual release of "El Duderino White Russian Milk Stout." Only those 21 and older may participate in what will certainly be the world's most entertaining thing to watch...a Bathrobe Crawl. Yes! A bunch of people (including you, hopefully) will cruise down Carytown's sidewalks being ultra-relaxed. You get a little Dude passport (aka "your business papers") in which you will collect stickers from participating restaurants, then redeem the passport for a special koozie? It's all so perfect! Participating restaurants: Don't Look Back, Mellow Mushroom, New York Deli, Portrait House, Weezies.

Friday, November 6th • 5:30 PM (Business Papers pickup in front of Byrd), 6:00 - 8:00 PM (crawl), 8:00 PM (Byrd doors beer), 8:30 PM (movie)
Carytown & the Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary Street
$10 in advance, $15 at the door (each ticket includes one beer and can be purchased online

4. Richmond Ballet presents Windows and The Four Temperaments

We are very excited to grab the rare opportunity to see both Balanchine's The Four Temperaments and Richmond Ballet's founder Stoner Winslett's own Windows, a four-part series that expanded from three parts in 1999. Both are very different and very cool, and both involve using dance to explore four different intangible concepts.

Saturday, November 7th - Sunday, November 8th • see site for times
Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace Street
$20 - $125

5. GRAZE on Grace

Slow Food RVA brings you a bunch of food and a traffic-free Grace Street! Twenty-plus restaurants and providers, but ZERO craft beer. Guys, I am totally joking. Nobody would ever do that to you. Tasting dishes are $3 and then you can either drive, Uber, GRTC, or roll your way home. More about what you'll find here.

Sunday, November 8th • 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Grace Street from 4th to 7th Streets
$3 per sample