Thursday, July 24
Lamb of God, Gwar and Hatebreed at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Two of the most famous metal bands in the country, who also happen to have emerged from the dark bowels of Richmond (the city with the worst drivers on the East Coast) join forces with Connecticut hardcore band Hatebreed. Anyone else expecting a Sabbath cover with respect to the passing of the mighty Oz? Lamb of God had the honor of playing at Sabbath’s final gig on July 5 in Birmingham, what some are calling one of the most important days in metal history, and they performed the Sabbath classic “Children of the Grave.” We imagine the emotion of that day will still be with them this Thursday. Here’s also hoping Gwar leaves enough of a smoking crater to add additional parking for locals at Allianz. Rain or shine. Doors at 5:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.
“Ruined and Refined” at the Branch Museum of Design
Ever wanted to sit on the motorcycle built for Daryl Dixon on “The Walking Dead”? Here’s your chance. Curated by John Ryland of Richmond-based Classified Moto, “Ruined” showcases the raw creativity and industrial edge that have made the shop a cult favorite around the world. In John’s view, being told he’s ‘ruined’ a perfectly good bike is a badge of honor—it means he’s taken a run-of-the-mill machine and turned it into something unexpected, personal, and unforgettable.” According to the website: “The exhibition features some of Classified Moto’s most recognized builds, including the motorcycle designed in 2014 for AMC’s The Walking Dead, built for the character Dixon (played by Norman Reedus). This one-of-a-kind bike became an instant icon, appearing in AMC’s promotional campaigns and displayed at events like San Diego Comic-Con.” Opens July 24.
Rumors: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show at Innsbrook Pavilion
This one is pretty self-explanatory and likely to be a surefire crowd pleaser in Short Pump for After Hours Concerts; also Mac fans should be in a good mood considering the recent rumors of a reunion among the actual living members, who amazingly are still living after doing so much blow in the ’70s and ’80s that their singer’s butt allegedly became her new nose. Doors at 5 p.m. Show at 6 p.m.
Prabir Trio with Shagwüf and Sweet Touch at Broadberry
Rock out to a catchy Wet Hot Virginian Summer featuring one of Richmond’s most familiar faces, Prabir Trio, joining Shagwüf, who Spin once reportedly called “arguably the best band ever to come out of Charlottesville” and now earns accolades, including best rock band at RVA Mag’s readers’ poll, in Richmond. Also on the bill, Sweet Tooth from West Virginia, which has a melodic ‘90s alt.rock vibe. Doors at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 25
Afro-Zen Allstars at Reveler Experiences
It’s pretty much never a bad time for Afrobeat, especially in this funky little club. Also, if you really want to see the band stretch out, consider buying tickets to Style Weekly Best Fest coming up in August. 8 p.m.
Spooky Cool, Raavi and DuctTape Jesus at The Camel
Maybe you’ve heard how nothing in life is certain except death and taxes? That chestnut holds true when it comes to stuff to do, too. Now consider the addition of falling off your bike to the list of looming doom. Originally this eclectic bill was spurred when local math rock outfit, Fight Cloud, enlisted proggy-pop compatriots Spooky Cool for a hometown gig. Serendipity struck when New York-based pop singer Raavi was heading out on the road, then again when Richmond hip-hop talent, DuctTape Jesus, signed up. The good news: Fight Cloud’s Mitch Clem is alive and appears to be in fine standing with the IRS as owner of Go West Recording Studio, however, time for the bad news: He had a serious mountain biking accident, and though okay, Fight Cloud can no longer play this one. I mention all of this as encouragement to not miss this show. Nobody knows what the future holds, or exactly when Spooky Cool’s next infectious single will drop, so enjoy the ride. Doors are at 8:30 p.m. and cost $10 (plus $2.99 tax and fees) in advance and $15 at the door.—Tim Abbondelo
Triads of Soul Tribute to Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and David Ruffin at The Tin Pan
Performed by Petersburg’s Rodney “The Soul Stinger” Stith and Ned Harris. 8 p.m. Visit the website for more details.
Saturday, July 26
Latino Farmers Market at Rockwood Park (Midlothian)
The Latino Farmers Market is a Chesterfield Farmers Market, founded and organized by America DeLoach and Chesterfield County in 2024, that is running every Saturday until Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3401 Courthouse Rd. A cultural hub, they are officially approved for SNAP/EBT, making fresh local food more accessible to the community. For more info, visit https://www.latinofarmersmarketva.com.
Silly Bus at The Broadberry
Looking for a place to take the kids somewhere around Boulevard and Broad on Saturday morning? Silly Bus inspires children of all ages to laugh and learn with fresh takes on classic kids’ songs. Doors at 10 a.m. show at 10:30 a.m.
Triple Crossing fifth annual Kolschfest at Fulton
Take a trip to Cologne – well, Hatcher Street – for Triple Crossing’s fifth annual Kolschfest. Guests can expect classic Kranz (a “wreath” used to hold beer glasses) service and Stange (traditional tall, thin glasses) glass pours that keep coming when your glass empties. In a press release, brewery co-founder Jeremy Wirtes said that Triple Crossing went through a “ridiculous amount of effort” to secure the proper gravity cask faucets used to pour the beer, “because the way Kolsch is poured matters. It’s not just beer. It’s history, and we want to honor that.” The Kolsch service will take place outside with the main taproom offering food options all day. There will also be live music from The Sauerkrauts from 1-4 p.m. and onsite flower crown and bouquet making stations from Flowers by MJ. Noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 online and $12 at the door. 5203 Hatcher St.—Mary Scott Hardaway
Sunday, July 27
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band at The Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts
The legendary Texas songwriter and actor brings his LARGE group of 30 or so folks back to RVA. Check out our interview with him by Don Harrison to learn more.
Chesapeake Crab Feast at Get Tight Lounge
Summers are for people who like to get crabby in the heat. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $59.59.
Sunday Soundtracks featuring Opin, Chaka Benson and J&R’s Music World at Révéler Experiences
Just two days after the release of “All Night Repeating,” the first single from Opin’s anticipated new album, “Embrace the Gift” — which was recorded by the band, mixed by Jeff Zeigler (The War on Drugs, Mary Lattimore) and mastered to tape by Fred Kevorkian (Iggy Pop and Sun Ra) — the band is embarking on a series of local and unconventional shows throughout the rest of summer. Band member Landis Wine tells us they wanted to tackle new territory with these performances: Two of which will occur outside during daylight hours (more on those in the weeks ahead) and all are being presented as free to the public, in favor of donations. This Sunday afternoon, the band will perform an off-the-cuff set in Carytown with Chaka Benson, a modular synth artist who recently moved here from Philadelphia, and Sunday Soundtracks’ impresarios Johnathan Rickman and Robert Salsbury a.k.a. J&R’s Music World. “It’s an exciting prospect to be able to show up and do what we do at practice,” Wine says. There’s also the added bonus of Révéler’s food and drink programs in reach, and at the risk of burying the lead, you’ll be able to find Opin’s new album for sale at their merch table, before its official street date of Aug. 8. Doors are at 3 p.m. with music from 4 to 6 p.m. Pay what you can.—T.A.
Monday, July 28
Kristina Murray at Get Tight Lounge
Georgia-bred and Nashville based artist Kristina Murray plays Americana and old school country music rooted in gritty storytelling. Check out her latest album, “Little Blue,” which grapples with “loneliness, desperation and existential crises through a series of cinematic snapshots of small-town burnouts and last-call lovers.” Admission: $12.89. 8 p.m.
Rahsaan Cruse Jr. Quartet at Révéler Experiences
Powerhouse jazz vocals by Mr. Cruse Jr. backed by a familiar local jazz players Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, Michael Hawkins on bass, and Keith Willingham on drums. Michael $12.50. Doors at 6 p.m. and music at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 29
Sumac, Chepang and Patrick Shiroishi at Gallery5
According to Gallery5’s event listing, the heavy music of powerhouse trio Sumac “is by no means a salve or anodyne, but neither is it nihilistic. Rather, its forceful approach and challenging timbres are like a confrontation, a baptism by fire, a therapeutic razing.” 7 to 11 p.m. $20 in advance, $22 day of show.
Maddy Curtis Quartet at Révéler Experiences
If an evening of “enthralling jazz and captivating ukelele pop” sounds like your jam, then don’t miss this singer and her quartet. None other than Simon Cowell called her “soulful beyond her years” on the ninth season of “American Idol.” Dreamy originals backed by piano/trumpet, bass and drums. $10. Doors at 6 p.m. and music at 7 p.m.
