5 Things

Just because people are clamoring about the Super Bowl, it doesn’t mean that the entire weekend is a wash. There’s some great basketball, a film festival, and two awesome benefits for two great alty Richmond staples. Oh, and who’s up for watching the big game on a 15×20-foot screen? Anybody???

February 2, 2012; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

While many of us are still in a coma of outright shock because of the recent weather, it’s time to rub our eyes clear of the sunshine and t-shirt temperatures. Why? Because the weather is going to get a bit colder (and rainy) over the next several days. Before you fret, there are a bunch of things going on that are very indoor-friendly. We’ve got a smoking-hot VCU basketball team, a cool film festival, and parties to help two organizations that help make Richmond stand out. Oh, yeah, and a whole slew of commercials will air this Sunday (with some football thrown in as filler)…5 Things!

1. VCU vs. Northeastern

Honestly, I don’t know much about basketball, but what I do know is that VCU is on a great run. They’ve won their last seven games and are tied in the CAA for second place. This Saturday they take on Northeastern Huskies, who are 11-10 on the year. It looks like the Rams will continue their record-holding sell-out of the Siegel Center, so your best bet is to watch the game on ESPN3. Don’t forget to read our on-going coverage, and make sure to follow @rvaRAMnews on Twitter to stay in the know.

• Sat., Feb. 4th • 7pm
• Siegel Center, 1111 W. Broad Street
• Sold out, but will be broadcast on the Comcast Network

2. RVA Environmental Film Festival

Now, before you smirk and call this event a “hippie fest,” just consider a few of the films that are showing at this year’s festival. There’s a documentary on the Earth Liberation Front that Variety said “has to be seen to be believed,” one on how pollution is affecting the night sky, a retrospective of West Virginian town that Newsweek called a “devastating expose,” plus many others. Spanning two days, the festival kicks off with the original cartoon production of The Lorax, which is perfect for the wee ones. Don’t sleep on this festival, folks.

• Sat., Feb. 4th – Sun., Feb. 5th • various showtimes
• Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary Street
• $15 festival pass, individual programs are $5

3. WRIR’s 7th “Party for the Rest of Us” Birthday

WRIR touts that the independent radio station is “radio for the rest of us.” So why not throw down with a party for the rest of us too??? The independent radio station, an audio hub for news insight, music, and NPR broadcasts, will take over the Renaissance Conference Center and offer three rooms filled with DJ’s, comedy, spoken word, hors d’oeuvres, and birthday cake! Money raised will benefit the indie station.

• Fri., Feb. 3rd • 7pm
• Renaissance Conference Center, 107 W. Broad Street
• $10 suggested donation, benefits WRIR

4. River City Rollergirls – Dance Your Cookies Off!

The River City Rollergirls are an WFTDA-sanctioned flat track roller derby league (here’s some footage). Started in 2006, the league features two teams: Poe’s Punishers and The Uncivil Warriors. I went to a match a while back thinking it was going to be ‘meh’ at best. It was AWESOME. This Saturday they’re putting on their first ever fundraiser. Think it’s some hoity-toity affair? Think again! There will be dancing, a raffle to win River City apparel, a cookie bake sale, and costume contest. The event is all ages and there will be drinks provided, so bring your ID. Our roller derby league is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so every little bit helps.

• Sat., Feb. 4th • 8:30pm
• Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall Street
• $5 cover

5. Superbowl at the National

I’m sure you already have plans for the Super Bowl, but if they include merely staying at home to nurse a beer (or seven) and eat pizza, maybe you should treat yourself a little? The National is opening its doors–free to the public. Watch the game on a 15’ x 20’ (that’s feet people, not inches!) with a $300,000 sound system! Bitchin. There are also HD televisions scattered throughout the venue, and the venue will offer food and drink specials to boot.

• Sun, Feb. 5th • 5pm
• The National, 708 E. Broad Street
• FREE

 

photo by Fionnuala Bradley

February 2, 2012 6:00 AM 0