5 Things

Did you notice that the weather got hot as soon as Lady Gaga’s new album dropped? I’m not saying that there’s a direct correlation, but I’m not saying that there isn’t, either. Now that all of you Little Monsters have gotten a chance to dissect Gaga’s latest record, it’s time to go out and do stuff!

May 26, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

Did you notice that the weather got hot as soon as Lady Gaga’s new album dropped? I’m not saying that there’s a direct correlation, but I’m not saying that there isn’t, either. Now that all of you Little Monsters have gotten a chance to dissect Gaga’s latest record, it’s time to go out and do stuff! Luckily, this is a great weekend to once again walk amongst the living. We’ve got live music, improv comedy, Leonardo DiCaprio swooning space, a proper tribute for those serving in the armed forces, and good tips to make sure that your Memorial Day BBQ goes off without a hitch.

1. Three Sheets to the Wind

So, whuddya doing this Friday? Getting three sheets to the wind? Didn’t you do that last Friday? Don’t be so banal, bro! Instead of you getting three sheets to the wind, come out to Friday Cheers: RVA Music Night to see Three Sheets to the Wind instead! You’ll also see NO BS! Brass Band and Long Arms perform! (let’s see how many times I can use an exclamation mark!) Save the $5 you’ll spend on some beer that you’ve never heard of and end up not enjoying, and put it toward seeing some really cool music! Do it!

• Fri. May 27, 6:30pm
• Brown’s Island
• $5

2. Richmond Famous: Live Improv Comedy (feat: The Taint and RCC)

Hate to laugh? Me, too! But something that psychologists keep saying over and over is that laughter is important for us to maintain our mental health. Us curmudgeons need some comedy in our lives, and what better way than to shake away the blues of this past week than to have local talent make us giggle like over-caffeinated school girls (OK, maybe that’s just me). The Richmond Comedy Coalition is teaming up with local personalities to present their all-improvised monthly show series. It’s live and totally unscripted comedy created on the spot based on true stories from RVA’s most interesting people. The improvisers will be hearing their guests’ stories for the first time onstage. What unfolds afterwards is as much a mystery to them as it is to you.

• Fri. May 27, 8:30pm
• Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St.
• $7 ($5 for students)

3. IMAX Hubble Documentary Opens

Two words: space and Leonardo DiCaprio. ‘Nuff said. The IMAX Hubble documentary, narrated by a reanimated Jack from Titanic, chronicles the amazing saga of one of science’s most amazing telescopes. Movie-goers will journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. The film will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves. Like I said, space and Leonardo DiCaprio.

• Opens Sat. May 28, various showtimes
• Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street
• $9 (film only) ($5 for members)

Oh hey, interested in some free tickets to this business? Your wish is our command! Sign up below and we’ll draw a winner in the next couple of days.

4. Virginia War Memorial – Memorial Day Ceremony

Let’s be honest. Most of use Memorial Day as an excuse to not go to school or work. There’s nothing wrong with that, but let’s not forget why we get that day off: to remember and commemorate men and women have more guts than we ever will. Before you tend to your weekend BBQ, go by the Virginia War Memorial for their Memorial Day ceremony, co-hosted by the American Legion, 11th District. The ceremony will honor all veterans. Buglars, guest speaker, flags, rifle volley and wreath laying will take place.

• Mon. May 30, 10am to 11am
• Virginia War Memorial – 621 South Belvidere Street
• Free

5. Memorial Day BBQ

So after you commemorate those who have served, and still serve, in our country’s armed forces, then it’s time to throw down with an American tradition: the Memorial Day BBQ! Whether you host your own, or do what I do and barge into some random person’s shindig (just act like you’re supposed to be there; no one says anything), forecasts predict that it will be sunny and hot, perfect conditions for a BBQ! Check out our RVA Deals before you head to the grocery store to save some bones.

• Mon. May 30, all day
• Your place (or someone else’s)
• $30 cover (kidding!)

May 26, 2011 6:00 AM 3