5 Things

This weekend is kind of all over the place, but it’s endearing. No one wants a boring dud of a weekend!

June 21, 2012; 7:02 AM • by Susan Howson

This weekend is kind of all over the place, but it’s endearing. No one wants a boring dud of a weekend. In fact, the rest of you days-of-the-week should view this whole thing as a lesson in morale.

1. Spring Awakening

Even if you don’t plan on seeing this musical, go on Wikipedia and read a little bit of the synopsis. I know, right? These ticketholders are in for some intense moments–intense moments set to MUSIC, even better. Tony award-winning Spring Awakening is about puberty, basically, and how we’re all really confused during that tender time. The radio commercial is a bewildering mixture of vague phrases about desire and harmless sounding bits of songs punctuated by some Duncan Sheik namedropping. But it turns out that the flesh of this newly ripened fruit is more succulent than its skin would have you believe. I just grossed myself out soooo much.

• Thurs. Jun. 20 – Fri. Jun. 21 • 8:00 PM
• November Theatre, 114 W. Broad St.
• $24 – $44

2. The Two Man Gentlemen Band

These dapper gents are a mixture of hilarious and musically gifted, sporting suspenders and straw hats and handing out kazoos like it’s no big deal. I had the good fortune to see a show of theirs a couple of years ago, and man, were my socks charmed the heck off. Who knows where those socks even are anymore!? Fans of quirky, clever, Americana should head on down to ol’ Balliceaux, quaff some fancy dranks, and have an experience you won’t soon forget.

• Thurs. Jun. 20 • 9:00 PM
• Balliceaux, 203 N. Lombardy St.
• $5

3. Cultsha Xpo

Cultsha Xpo! It’s just plain fun to say. However! Maybe it’s time to stop saying and start doing. Presented by Richmond CultureWorks Cultsha Xpo gathers together RVA’s nonprofit arts and culture organizations for the benefit of us, potential cultsha members. It’s free to become a member (although they do and will continue to encourage you to support the arts financially if possible), and you’ll be treated to wicked cool performances by local greats like the Latin Ballet of Virginia, Virginia Opera, Firehouse Theatre, and Richmond Ballet. And, of course, you’ll be at the Science Museum, so you can revisit your childhood by stepping inside that crystal thing that talks to you about atoms and molecules. Memories.

• Sat. Jun. 23 • 10:00 AM
• Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St.
• Free!

4. The Richmond Vegetarian Festival

Doin’ good things for good people…I guess it’s contagious this weekend. This year’s Richmond Vegetarian Festival benefits Tricycle Gardens (look at their wishlist and try not to have feelings about those tiny spades). Chow down on favorites like Sticky to Go Go, Nile Ethiopian, and India K’Raja, and discover new restaurants who understand about healthiness. You can also feast your ears on some musical talent and feast your wallets on some animal-friendly goods. Plus, Bryan Park is purty and dogs are welcome and Tricycle Gardens needs 20 pairs of little gardening gloves.

• Sat. Jun. 23 • 12:00 – 6:00 PM
• Azalea Gardens at Bryan Park, 4300 Hermitage Rd.
• Free admission! Food’ll cost a little!

5. Richmond Bride’s 8th Annual Artful Wedding

There are people who think wedding planning is fun, and there are people who get out of the first people’s way. If you’re engaged and you haven’t figured out yet that eloping is the best idea ever, go to the Artful Wedding expo and get your fix. With your admission you get to drink champagne, enjoy some snacks, and get to learn about a ton of very eager, very interested vendors. Also, I made you a card to stick in your pocket, so that when you start to get a little overwhelmed, you can take it out and read it aloud, “Weddings are just one night.”

• Sun. Jun 24 • 4:00 PM
• VMFA, 200 N. Boulevard
• $20+

June 21, 2012 7:02 AM 0