5 Things

With all the hubbub about some recently proposed legislation, a lot of Richmond is in a tizzy about what the General Assembly will put forth next. If the legislature is getting you down, don’t fret. Here are 5 Things to raise your spirits and get you excited about the coming weekend.

February 23, 2012; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

Not only have Richmonders been keeping an eye on the legislation coming from the General Assembly, but it seems that the national media has as well. Proposed bills have been the subject of lampooning by Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. If the idea of these laws passing makes you reach for the Pepto, then maybe a few pleasant distractions are in order. We have a great basketball game, a weekend-long wine drinking affair, and some…squash!?! These, plus more, constitute this week’s installment of 5 Things.

1. VCU vs. George Mason

On Valentine’s Day, VCU lost a proverbial heartbreaker against George Mason. A buzzer beater shot ruined the Rams’ eleven-game win streak, and severely botched an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. While the Rams can still make it in, they are going to have to prove their mettle in the rematch against a very talented George Mason squad. Being that these two teams are rivals (and two of the CAA’s best) ESPN2 will carry the game should you not be able to make it to the Siegel Center.

Sat., Feb. 25 • 6pm
Siegel Center, 1111 W. Broad Street
Tickets are around $25, and the game will be on ESPN2

2. Virginia Wine Expo

While late February is typically a big cold mess of coldy coldness, temperatures near the sixties are far more autumn-like than the frigid farts of Old Man Winter. And what’s one of the best things about autumn? Wine tastings! As it so happens, the Virginia Wine Expo is kicking off this Friday. Lasting through Sunday, the expo will feature wine from over 70 of Virginia’s wineries. There will be an array of choices, from Sangiovese, Chianti, to Muscat (just don’t expect this guy to have any f*#cking merlot). It’s a great way to learn more about wine, to learn more about the people who make the wine, and (most importantly) to learn these things while drinking the wine.

Fri., Feb. 24 – Sun., Feb. 26 • all day
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 23rd Street
Tickets vary between $15 – $65

3. Squash Tournament

Squash! Is it a thing??? Turns out it is! It also turns out the Davenport North American Open is one of the featured events in the Professional Squash Association World Series. I’m not going to lie and say I know a lot about squash. Because I don’t. However, I will direct your attention to the clip below that has an AMAZING rally between to players, followed by a John McEnroe-esque meltdown:

http://youtu.be/-GqU0gjv4Zc

Thru Sat., Feb. 25 • various times
The Westwood Club, 6200 West Club Lane
Tickets are $20 – $1,000

4. Eddie Griffin

Did you know that comedian Eddie Griffin has appeared in over 47 films AND performed on Dr. Dre’s classic, The Chronic? Yeah, no joke. In 2004, Comedy Central named him one of the Top 100 greatest standup comedians of all time. He’s going to be in town this Friday and Saturday performing four times. Tickets are still available, but you’ll probably have to move fast to see him. Here’s a taste (NSFW).

Fri., Feb. 24 – Sat., Feb. 25 • each day with an early and late evening show
Richmond Funny Bone, 11800 W. Broad Street
$30

5. Black Girls/No BS! Brass Band

One of Richmond’s best local bands, Black Girls, is having a release show for their latest album, Hell Dragon. Not only are they playing, but local favorite No BS! Brass Band will also be joining the bill, along with White Laces, and the Trillions. If you’re looking to get a pulse of what Richmond music can be (or you just want to have a good time), then this show is tailored for you.