The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen

Located only a quick drive away from downtown Richmond, The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen provides opportunities to enjoy a vast array of performing arts.

January 28, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Dean Christesen

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen is a sponsor of RVAJazzfest. For more information, visit artsglenallen.com.

Located only a quick drive away from downtown Richmond, The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen (CACGA) provides opportunities to enjoy a vast array of performing arts. Currently halfway through their 2009-2010 season, the Center prides itself on booking a diverse list of performers. In the coming months alone, performances include a magic show, gospel choir, rock music for kids, modern dance, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

In June 2009, two years after the CACGA’s first Center Season, the 2nd Stage was created to compliment the Center Season’s program of international, national, regional, and local acts by focusing more on regional and local performers in a caberet-style venue. ComedySportz Improv Theatre was the first group to perform there, and the venue has also played host to bluegrass and acoustic rock bands. Upcoming events include bluegrass, Celtic music, a Cinco de Mayo concert, and An Evening of Jazz featuring Rhythmasters and Beast Wellington on February 5. All 2nd Stage tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

Richard Koch, the Performing Arts Manager at CACGA, told me a little about the Center via email.

As the Performing Arts Manager, what exactly are your duties at the center?

My duties here at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen include the finding and booking of acts and performers for our Center Season and 2nd Stage series. I also handle our Arts renters, a variety of local arts organizations: some who have their “homes” here and some who use the space only when needed for classes or performances.

How long have you been with The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen?

I have been with the Center since June of 2007, coinciding with the debut of The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen’s Center Season. The 2007-2008 Center Season was our first season of expanded offerings that included Music, Dance, Theatre and Family Fun performances. I am now in the booking stages of our fourth Center Season for 2010-2011. In June of 2009 we created our 2nd Stage series where we could highlight local and regional performers in a cabaret style environment.

This upcoming season really has something for everyone. How are the events chosen and season programmed, and is diversity something that the center strives for in a season?

I do my best to research, review and find entertainment that is international, national, regional and local. I work with artists and agents to find quality performances that are familiar and even perhaps unfamiliar to our greater Richmond audience. Yes, diversity is important and we do strive to provide entertainment that can reach many and hopefully inspire creativity and stimulate the senses.

What do you think makes The Cultural Arts Center special?

The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen is the only place in the area where you can find quality performances, art galleries, art classes, professional arts rental space, community rental space and a first rate gift shop all in one place. Our facility is beautiful and our staff is dedicated to giving our patrons a wonderful experience. It is truly a Center full of Cultural Arts and more.

What’s on your iPod / in your CD player / on your car radio at the moment?

Right now I am listening to a genre mix that plays a variety of musicians with styles similar to Vivaldi, Ralph Stanley, Django Reinhardt, The Beatles, Jackie Gleason and Alternative Pop/Rock.

For more information, visit The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen online at www.artsglenallen.com