5 Things

If you live in Richmond (and we know that you do because we can see you through your computer screen–get your finger outta that orifice, guy!) then you’re in luck! Our 5 Things will have you out of the house and out doing something totally fun.

June 9, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

If I hear just one more person say, “It’s not the heat, guy, it’s the humidity!” I’m going to flick them hard in their respective baby-makin’ organs. Wait. What am I saying? I never get this angry. I’m not surprised that there’s a correlation between street fighting and ice cream sales. The heat’s put us on edge, bros! We need a weekend to chill ‘til the next episode, like Ice Cube and his six pack of Coors Light (my how the mighty have fallen *shakes head*). If you live in Richmond (and we know that you do because we can see you through your computer screen–get your finger outta that orifice, guy!) then you’re in luck! Our 5 Things will have you out of the house and out doing something way more fun than picking fights and licking ice cream cones.

1. Moonlight Magic

Everything is better under the stars, so why would sampling beer, tasting wine, and listening to live music be any different? Not only that, but there will also be gourmet food and desserts, along with a silent auction featuring a Caribbean escape, a head-to-toe makeover, and a crash course in tending bar at Balliceaux. Thinking of getting your drink on? No worries. Complimentary transportation will be provided by the To the Bottom and Back bus from City Limit, which will run every 30 minutes beginning at 6pm and ending at 10pm. Best of all, all proceeds go to benefit the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

• Fri., June 10 • 6:30pm
• James River Cellars Winery, 11008 Washington Highway, Glen Allen
• Tickets are $40

2. Xterra

Stephen Hawking once said to me, “Nathan, the most important knowledge of our universe lay in this simple fact: any word that contains the letter ‘X’ makes it, ipso facto, EXTREME!!!! Who are we to argue with that!?! Ergo, the Xterra race is going to involve some extremely rugged and remarkable runners tackle either a 10 or 21K outdoor course on Brown’s Island. Whether you are looking for the motivation to run (or motivation to avoid running) Xterra is the event to attend!

• Sat., June 11 • races begin at 8am
• Brown’s Island
• $75 for individuals, $95 for teams

3. Special Olympics: Summer Games

The first shindig known as the Olympic games were thrown in 776 BCE in a stadium honoring some dude named Zeus (never heard of him). In 1896 the first modern Olympic games were held in Athens (although Sarah Palin probably thinks they were established by Thomas Jefferson ringing bells on Mount Rushmore after the Battle of Gettysburg during our war for independence). The Special Olympics: Summer Games is the largest state-wide competition. Virginia athletes will compete in swimming, powerlifting, softball, track & field, bowling, and tennis. Public cheering opportunities are available Friday between 3-6 and 8-9:30 p.m.; Saturday cheering opportunities run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here is all the information on the event that you need to know.

• Fri., June 10 • 7am – 9:30pm – Sat., June 11 • 6am – 9:30pm
• Events will be at various locations
• FREE

4. Sesame Street Live

C’mon. Really? Are you being serious? For reals? You need me to write a blurb about why seeing the likes of Big Bird and Elmo would be fun? What are you, al-Qaeda!?! Alright. Fine. If you say so…

Their “1-2-3 Imagine!” show will have Ernie navigating the high seas, Bert meeting an octopus who has the blues, and Elmo dancing to the rhythm of the African rain forests. There. You happy now? Even if you don’t have kids, this show still sounds awesome.

• Sat., June 11 • Shows at 10:30am & 2pm
• Carpenter Theatre, 400 E. Grace St.
• Tickets are $22 – $28

5. Drive-By Truckers

This band is one the biggest bands playing Friday Cheers this season. Their distinct amalgam of rock, blues, and country have made them one of the best and most popular bands in the country. For realsies. Last time they were in town they played for close to three hours. Dang!

• Fri., June 10 • 6:30pm
• Brown’s Island
• $10

June 9, 2011 6:00 AM 0