The Thompson and Grace Balcony Concert Series

June 10, 2008; 2:05 AM • by Dean Christesen

The West of the Boulevard neighborhood is in for a treat on select Saturdays this summer. The Thompson and Grace Balcony Concert Series, created by Richmond musicians Reggie Pace and Larri Branch, will feature local bands on Saturday afternoons playing on a house’s balcony on the corner of the two streets. The events are free and open to the public. Says the series’ creators, “We’re trying to cultivate a party environment. We want everyone to come out and have a good time. Hopefully people in the neighborhood will see what’s going on and want to get involved.” And if live music doesn’t catch the attention of passersby, the lemonade stand sure will.

Glows in the Dark will be the first band to take to the balcony, bringing the corner of Thompson Street and Grace Street to life on June 14. With a brand new album pressed, this gig is being labeled its CD Release Event. (Check out RVAjazz’s advance review of the disc on All About Jazz) The party starts at 2 pm, with music scheduled to begin at 2:30 and continuing until 4:00.

Richmond experimental trio Coald Toast will provide the entertainment at the July 5th party.

Although the concert series is only booked two weeks deep right now, Pace and Branch plan on adding bands throughout the summer, striving for a diverse bill. No BS! Brass Band is a potential group to hit the balcony this summer. Keep up to date on RVAjazz and on The Thompson and Grace Balcony Concert Series’ information page. For more information, contact rvabalconyconcerts@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Thompson and Grace Balcony Concert Series
feat. Glows in the Dark
CD Release Party
2:00-4:00, music starts at 2:30
Free, all ages
[where: 3426 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23221]