5 Things

I’ve got it all planned out for you this weekend: you’re going to start off physically exerting yourself, then you’re going to watch other people do that while you’re eating doughnuts. Then, you’ll take in some shows and finally decide that it’s time for a drink. I’m for it!

May 16, 2013; 6:59 AM • by Susan Howson

For those of you who want to dig a little deeper into the world of family-oriented Things, head over to our new 5 Things for Families. But then head back. I’ll get lonely.

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1. Dominion Riverrock

RIVERROCK! Honestly, the intense energy of the whole thing freaks me out a little bit. There’s a bunch of running, scrambling, mud-sloshing, kayaking, and bicycling events, then there’s (free) concerts by a line-up of solid acts. That’s a lot of adrenaline, and Riverrock weekend always has a hum about it as if, let’s say, a gazillion cicadas are about to burst forth from the earth and ride bikes by the river. I’m indoorsy, but you should definitely go see the spectacle of muddy thrill-seekers. Or maybe even become one of them? Either way, it’s a famously fun way to spend a weekend and celebrate the ol’ James.

• Friday, May 17th – Sunday, May 19th • see site for times
• Brown’s Island, 500 Tredegar Street
• Concerts are free, individual sporting events cost various amounts

2. Spring Ladies’ Arm Wrestling Fundraiser

I know. I KNOW. So many amazing things in one afternoon: Dixie Donuts, supporting young writers, and LADY ARM WRESTLING. Man, if you want to get lost in a super amusing rabbit hole for an hour or so, read more about the LAW phenomenon. Plus, young writers need scholarships like you wouldn’t believe. Not sure if you knew or not, but writing isn’t exactly easy money. For some, anyway. I’m writing this from my crystal helicopter en route to a private hideaway in Fiji, but my young brothers and sisters could use your help.

• Saturday, May 18th • 1:00 – 4:00 PM
• Dixie Donuts, 2901 W. Cary Street
• Place your bets!

3. NT Live: This House

Get into simulcasts! They’re my new favorite thing. You get to be live in the audience, watching something great that you wouldn’t have a chance to normally, as (and I know this is hard to hear) we are not one of the world’s major centers for artistic achievement. WHAT? WHO SAID THAT. NOT ME. Anyway, London, New York, Paris…these places exist, seething with creative output, and you can’t just fly there on a whim, you know. I don’t just lend out my crystal helicopter willy-nilly. But you can spend less money on really feeling like you’re there. Oh, and this play is supposed to be really good, too. So there’s that.

• Thursday, May 16th and Sunday, May 19th • see site for times
• Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond, 28 Westhampton Way
• $7 – $10

4. Pixar in Concert

Versatile enough to star in the family version of this column as well, Pixar in Concert is going to be really, really neat. I say that with confidence because I had a great interview this week with a fellow from Disney who walked me through just how much work goes into creating a concert like this, not to mention the Richmond Symphony’s practice time. Bring your kids, if you got ‘em, or just come for yourself. You remember that music, I promise, and there’s a rad visual aspect to it all that will remind you just how cool digital animation can be.

• Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th • see site for times
• Carpenter Theatre, CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
• $26.50 – $56.50

5. No BS! Brass Band Record Release Parties

You read it correctly! That’s partIES, plural. No BS! is so popular that they need two release fiestas for their forthcoming album RVA All Day. Guys, even SPIN talks about it, so you best be at either Balliceaux or The Camel on either Friday or Saturday night, wearing either black tie or weekend casual, dancing or nodding, drinking beer or drinking cocktails, preferring the trumpet or preferring the trombone. Really, you’ve got so many options, there’s no excuse to get out and see just how much fun these dudes are when they play live.

• Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th • 10:00 PM
• Balliceaux, 203 N. Lombardy Street and The Camel, 1621 W. Broad Street
• $5 and $10, respectively

Future Things

• Daughtry, Everclear, B. B. King and more at Innsbrook – see schedule
• Friday Cheers continues – see schedule
• Arts and Culture Xpo – June 29th
• David Sedaris tickets now on sale – October 19th

Photo by: billyhunt

May 16, 2013 6:59 AM 1