5 things

It’s already Thursday, which means it’s almost Friday, which means HELLO THERE, WEEKEND. Take a look at what’s going on. And, believe it or not, we’ve got another giveaway for you. Because we’re, uh, givers. Read on…

September 10, 2009; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

It’s already Thursday, which means it’s almost Friday, which means HELLO THERE, WEEKEND. Take a look at what’s going on. And, believe it or not, we’ve got another giveaway for you. Because we’re, uh, givers. Read on…

1. Liza Kate (and others) at The Camel

Ever since Liza Kate played at the first installment of Live at Ipanema, we have been *mildly* obsessed with her. And I mean that in the least creepy way possible. Her voice is just so haunting (yes, I said haunting, SHUT UP) and beautiful, she’s hard not to love. Ms. Kate will be joined by the likes of Cole Sullivan, Clifton Gibbons, and Englishman, performances that are also definitely worth your time. Thursday, September 10th, 8pm, 1621 W. Broad Street, $5.

2. Twestival 2009 at The Camel

Wow, that’s weird that our first two events are at The Camel. I swear, they didn’t pay us to do that. Anyway, if you’re not familiar with a “twestival,” it’s pretty simple: people who use Twitter get together for some sometimes-awkward-but-always-entertaining hang outs, some food, a little drinky-drink, and a bit of charitable giving. Richmond’s Twestival 2009 will involve an auction benefiting the Tricycle Gardens, one of the strongest forces behind the community garden cause here in Richmond. Prizes up for bid include a family membership to Lewis Ginter AND an ice cream party for eight from Coldstone. And just an FYI, if anyone goes and happens to win the ice cream party, the RVANews team will gladly help you round out your numbers, should you need us. Because we are chubby, hungry monsters. Friday, September 11th, 5:30 to 8:30, 1621 W. Broad Street, $20. See their website for details and pricing packages.

3. NASCAR, NASCAR, NASCAR!

NASCAR isn’t just about mullets and drunk guys in all-over print T-shirts. Dudes, soccer moms are into it now. I personally haven’t been bitten by the NASCAR bug yet, but I will volunteer that my son has a complete Tony Stewart outfit… it’s only a matter of time. Should you be interested in exploring what’s quickly becoming one of America’s favorite pastimes, this weekend is your chance. RIR‘s got two big races going on, neither of which will require you to sell any major organs to get in: the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 and the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Friday, September 11th and Saturday, September 12th, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue, tickets start in the $35 to $40 range. See their website for race schedules and ticket options.

4. Benny-Fit for Hospice at The Playing Field

Although Benny’s (once located just south of Monroe Park on W. Main Street) was only around briefly in the early 80s, it made a huge impact on the punk scene in Richmond. When the club closed down and his mother died of cancer, former owner Benny Waldbauer decided to become a nurse. A hospice nurse, specifically. After being badgered for years (you know how those punk rock types are, after all) to have a reunion blowout, Waldbauer put together benefit show with a line-up including White Cross, The Ortho-Tonics, Beex, The Good Guys, The Diversions, and Dirty Secrets. Proceeds from tickets sales (as well as an art and music memorabilia auction) will go to help build a community hospice center in Richmond. And, our very own Chris Bopst is helping MC the event. Good times, for sure. Saturday, September 12th, 7pm, 7801 W. Broad Street, $10. Purchase tickets at Plan 9 or online here.

5. Introduction to Burlesque Workshop at Gallery 5

I know, it seems like all we can talk about is burlesque around here. But it’s not just us! Richmond is ga-ga over these sassy and delectable ladies who shake what their mamas gave them. If you’re interested in learning how to shake what your mama gave you, you’re in luck. RunAround Sue (of Sugar Shack Burlesque) will be conducting a one-day workshop for those (well, ladies only) who are curious about the art of tease. And it just so happens that Ms. Sue has graciously agree to comp one spot in the workshop for an RVANews reader. So! If you’re ready to come out of that shell a little bit, enter to win the spot here. You have until 10pm tonight to enter. Sunday, September 13th, 12pm to 2pm, 200 W. Marshall Street, $50. If you end up not winning the free spot but still want to take part, email sugarshackburlesque@gmail.com to register. No dance experience required. Again, ladies only.

None of these up your alley? See what else is going on around town this weekend.

Did we miss anything? Leave it in the comments.

(If you have an event coming up that you want help promoting, let us know. We’ll add it to the calendar AND it just might end up making this list!)

Editor’s note: I’m on vacation next week, so the lovely Susan Howson will be standing in as your bringer of 5 things. Be sure to show her a little love.

September 10, 2009 6:00 AM 4