5 Things

Nate will be slinging tacos again? Wikipedia was down for 24 hours? AUGHH!!! This week has had too much throttle and deceleration for the nervous system to properly handle. Take a moment to catch your breath…OK good. Now, onto the weekend! As always, we have the weekend sustenance that is 5 Things

January 19, 2012; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

This week’s been topsy-turvy thus far. First we found out that Nate’s tacos are coming to Carytown, and then we had to deal with Wikipedia shutting down for a full twenty-four hours (I had to wait an entire day to find out the origins of the word Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious…the horror!!). Anyway, now that things seem to have rocked back onto an even keel, it’s time to brainstorm plans for the weekend. From basketball, to metal, to even a bit of opera, this weekend looks to be eclectic and electric. Here are 5 Things worth keeping in mind…

1. VCU Rams Basketball

The Rams have won two straight games (rather impressively, too) and are looking to continue their winning ways. They have not one, but TWO, upcoming games against CAA rivals–later tonight and then on Saturday. Taking a look at the CAA standings, it looks as though the Rams SHOULD win against William & Mary tonight. The big test, however, will come on Saturday against Old Dominion. If the Rams can win against the ODU squad, it will be a HUGE confidence boost and will show the CAA that VCU is still a powerhouse team, despite fielding a younger squad compared to last year’s Cinderella team.

The Siegel Center is sill selling out like crazy, so your best bet is to watch the games on television. Oh, and here you can find all of our Rams coverage, and be sure to follow @rvaRAMnews on Twitter to stay up to date during the games!

Thur., Jan. 19 & Sat., Jan. 21 • Both games begin at 8pm
Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St.
Thursday’s game will air on ESPNU; Saturday’s game will be on Comcast Sports Net

2. Lamb of God

Perhaps the most popular band to come out of Richmond, Lamb of God is touring to support their new album, Resolution, which will be released on January 24th. This Sunday, they’ll be back in town to play the National. Speaking of lambs, I can only hope that they will cover this childhood classic. Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?

You can listen to a new track from Resolution here:

Sun., Jan. 22 • 7pm
The National, 708 E. Broad Street
$20 advance / $25 door

3. Vaudeville Galore

Burlesque? check. Circus acts? check. Comedy? check. Are you kidding me??? ALL OF THESE THINGS are awesome! If they don’t float your boat, you’re probably an Italian boat captain named Francesco Schettino (ah, snap!!!). Now, if you like all of the things mentioned above, then you’ll want to come out to Gallery5 to take in the debut of Vaudeville Galore. This new monthly event will feature a rotating cast of delightful characters to showcase what a powerhouse Richmond is at the cabaret arts. Definitely worth checking out.

Sat., Jan. 21 • Doors at 8pm, shows start at 9pm
Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall Street
$8 – $15

4. “The King and I”

If Vaudeville isn’t quite your thing, and you prefer to dabble in classical forms of entertainment, then perhaps a new operatic production of the novel written by Margaret Landon, Anna and the King of Siam. The operatic form conveys…certain preconceptions, as this absolutely hilarious Billy Connolly bit showcases (NSFW). Doing away with the “syrupy, artificial operetta aura” that people typically think of when they think of operas, this production looks to be a modern, yet tasteful, vision. You have the chance to see two shows, one of Friday night, and the other on Sunday afternoon.

And, as it so happens, RVANews is giving away tickets to BOTH performances! Enter to win here.

Fri., Jan. 20 & Sun., Jan. 22 • 8pm & 2pm showtimes, respectively
Landmark Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
$42 – $87

5. Black Girls

Our friend Chris Bopst, host of the weekly Bopst Show, keeps going on about a local band called Black Girls. Turns out, Black Girls will be playing a late set at Balliceaux on Friday, and being that they seem like a lot of fun, might be a good way to spend a Friday evening.

Fri., Jan. 20 • 10:30pm
Balliceaux, 203 N. Lombardy
$5

6. RVANews Beer Dinner

What’s this, you ask? I thought this was 5 Things??? Well, were so excited about this year’s annual beer dinner being held at the Roosevelt, we felt like we had to add a very special 6th thing!

Join us later this month for a four-course meal with a beer specifically paired with each course. Sounds good, right? Well what if I told you that it was only $45 to attend? Whoa dang, ya’ll. There’s only room for 45 people, so make sure you buy your tickets ASAP!