Halloween Jazz Guide

Along with costumes, candy, and spooks, Halloween in Richmond sees great music and parties put on by some of the scene’s finest. We have your extended weekend itinerary for the best excuses to dress up and get down.

October 28, 2009; 8:00 AM • by Dean Christesen

Last Halloween brought some spine-tingling music to those looking for a spooky musical time, like Fight the Big Bull’s Thriller at Cous Cous, Glows in the Dark’s music of John Carpenter (which is still available for listening on GITD’s blog), and No BS! Brass’s Halloween bash team-up with Supa Fly Floosies. Richmond’s jazz and funk (and beyond) musicians have a lot in store this weekend for your enjoyment. Some might say it’s scary how much is going on.

Thursday

J3 Project starts the weekend off early with a Pre-Halloween Boogie on Thursday at Emilio’s. Funk inflected jam band music à la Medeski Martin & Wood. View event details.

Friday

RVAJazz presents Glenn Wilson Quartet at The Camel on Friday. Not a Halloween-related event per se, but going places in costumes always makes thing more interesting. View event details.

Halloween

No BS! Brass’s Halloween Parade returns for its fourth year, starting in Monroe Park and winding into Oregon Hill. The parade is put on by All the Saints Theater Company and led by the brass band. All are welcomed to join in for this family-friendly march that features very large puppets. View event details.

No BS! ends up at Gallery5’s Carnival of 5 Fires later that night. The Carnival goes on all weekend from Friday to Sunday with different bands and/or burlesque shows happening each night. View event details.

James Brown tribute band The Big Payback will provide a funky good time at their Halloween Special, taking place at The Camel on Saturday night. The night is complete with a costume contest and prizes. View event details.

Beast Wellington will also do its best to quench your insatiable desire for Halloween funk at Bogart’s. View event details.

Sunday

Cool down with some post-Halloween treats, like solo bass clarinetist Jason Stein’s performance at Ghost Print Gallery. Local trombonist Bryan Hooten opens with a solo set. View event details.

Miles Davis-inspired band Petit Machins performs their renditions of Miles classics at The Camel. Use The Vastness opens. View event details.

Photo by D’Arcy Norman