Thursday, April 9
Inaugural week for Richmond Flying Squirrels vrs. Altoona Curve at CarMax Park
After a long, typically befuddled RVA drama, minor league baseball is moving on up, sort of. This week, the Flying Squirrels started playing in their brand-spanking new CarMax Park, which along with fancy new surroundings should mean lots of new pricing for stuff, from various ticket levels to lush amenities like rental chairs (fans can purchase standing room-only tickets for $10 plus fees).We haven’t checked it out yet in person, so we can’t praise or complain about much yet, though we saw in the RTD that if you had problems walking up those old steps, you should like this place better – oh and the bathrooms got an A grade [the rest of the grades were kind of average]. But we’ve enjoyed games there when it was Parker Field, when it was The Diamond (hey, we even saw Dylan and Willie there) and at some point, we’ll be there for the CarMax. Richmond’s beloved Flying Squirrels will be playing the Altoona Curve at 7:05 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a Sunday game at 2:05 p.m. Weather looks purtay good.
James Erb Tribute at the Capitol Bell Tower
The Richmond Symphony Chorus celebrates the centenary of its founder James Erb with a free performance of his beautiful choral arrangement of “Shenandoah” at the Capitol Bell Tower. Erb organized the all-volunteer group in 1971 and led the group until his retirement in 2007. The award-winning, 150-member group is one of RVA’s cultural treasures. This is a rare chance to catch them literally in the wild, joining voices to sing Erb’s arrangement of an iconic Virginia song in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson’s capitol building. Members of other choral groups are invited to join virtually. 6 p.m. at the bell tower at 101 North 9th Street. Free.—Peter McElhinney
Secret Planet presents Maurice Luca: Fera and Zgomot at Reveler
Experimental music from Cairo, Egypt – which trust us from firsthand experience, is about as far from Richmond, Va. as one can imagine. Organizers note that leader Maurice Louca (guitar/electronics) performs “genre-defying music” that “bridges psychedelic Egyptian shaabi, cosmic jazz and improvisation,” and that for his latest project, Fera, “hypnotic polyrhythms take the forefront for a trance-inducing experience.” Interestingly, Louca also plays in The Dwarfs of East Agouza with legendary avant-punk Alan Bishop (Sun City Girls) and experimental composer Sam Shalabi. Also in this group: Ayman Asfour on violin, Dylan Greene on drums and percussion and Luke Stewart on double bass. Offering support for this show is Zgomot (Romanian for “noise”), a Richmond-based “avant-rock band fueled by Ukrainian and Romanian absurdist poetry.” Founded in Richmond and returning after an eight-year hiatus, the band features the great Pippin Barnett on drums, Stevie Ray Williams on bass, and Vlad Cuiujuclu on guitar and vocals. You want something different, you got it. 8 p.m. show. Admission is $17.50. Pre-show specials from 5-6:30 p.m.
Willie Watson with Tess Fisher at The Broadberry
A founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show, Watson is recording artist for Acony Records, the indie label run by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, which is a pretty good recommendation right there. Also on the bill, the great local singer-songwriter, Tess Fisher (@country_smut) who just took six months off from playing and is roaring to be back onstage; we last saw her open for Ty Segall, and you don’t want to miss her set. Doors at 7 p.m.
Studio Ghibli Fest at The Byrd Theatre
Into anime? Than you might enjoy some of these movies by acclaimed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki playing through Sunday. Everything from “The Tale of Princesss Kaguya” to “The Cat Returns” and “The Boy and the Heron.” Cost is $10.43, check the site for full listing of films and times.
Friday, April 10
Fourth annual Richmond Poetry Fest at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond (through April 12)
April is National Poetry month, and personally, we can always use more of the good stuff that helps distill the human experience. At Richmond Poetry Fest, you’ll get pay-what-you-will workshops for writers of all experience levels and abilities. Just sign up for a workshop online or at VisArts, and check out the entire schedule here. There will also be performances by Remica Bingham-Risher, Martheaus Perkins, Joanna Lee, Monica Prince, Devon Walker-Figueroa, Roscoe Burnems, Fairouz Bsharat, Dreia Burton, Benji Wilson and others. Props to the Carole Weinstein Endowment for Creative Writing, which made these workshops — which normally would cost $50 per person — completely free. Learn to use your words, and consider donating if you attend. 1812 W. Main St. Visit the website for more.
The Richmond Fringe Festival at various locations (April 10-13)
“Richmond Fringe celebrates its fifth edition starting this weekend at various venues around the city using the provocation DONT. STAY. QUIET. Programming includes immersive theatrical events, an art market, games and shadow puppets, adventures and playtesting, cabarets and late-night parties, workshops and a public Fringe Funeral for collective grief and resilience.” Read the rest of our preview here. Richmond Fringe will be held April 10-13 at various locations. Tickets and info @ https://www.richmondfringe.com.
The Bizarre Bazaar’s Spring Market at Richmond Raceway Complex (April 10-12)
A Richmond tradition for years now, this 34th spring market will feature two exhibition buildings full of unique gifts, gourmet foods, boutiques, fine artists and crafters, as well as decorative accessories for home and garden. All tickets valid for one day only. Go here for tickets. Visit the website for more information.
Moses + Tennishu
Richmond native saxophonist Dexter Moses is off to a great start. He gained a lot of praise with his debut “New Perspective.” The album was released at roughly the same time that he graduated from North Carolina Central University, where he studied under Branford Marsalis (who invited Moses to take the UR Modlin Center stage at his quartet in 2019.) Moses even has an inspiration book written about him by his mother, author Gwyn Moses. Playing with Tennishu, aka Marcus Tenney, is an inspired idea. Tenney started on trumpet, added saxophone, and has proven to be an excellent rapper with RVA’s jazz/hip-hop/neo soul breakout artists Butcher Brown. There are any number of directions this teaming could go. The band is powered by the all-star rhythm section of pianist Garen Dorsey, bassist Cameron Ralston and drummer Kofi Shepsu. 8 p.m. $22.50 (reserved seating).—P.M.
The Sam Reed Syndicate, The Hurricane Party and Frankie Mona at The Camel
Stacked bill featuring soulful local singer extraordinaire, Sam Reed, leading her band, as well as Frankie Mona’s alternative R&B from Charlottesville and RVA’s own funk rock of The Hurricane Party. $12 in advance or $15 at the door. 9 p.m.
Anders Osborne with Chris Leggett Duo at The Broadberry
Known for his work in the North Mississippi Allstars, the Sweden-born Osborne has been stacking jam band fans of his gritty blues guitar playing for years. (Last year, he played on a single by Tedeschi Trucks Band). On this show, you’ll also get some sweet local Americana from the Chris Leggett Duo. Doors at 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 11
Ginter Park Garden Club Spring Market
There’s a new venue this year for your indoor and outdoor shopping pleasure. Featuring all things garden, local artisans and vendors, with an emphasis on curated handmade/artisinal products as well as garden-related items from local vendors. There will be a bake sale. $2 of admission supports local causes. 10 a.m to 3 p.m. at 3602 Hawthorne Ave.
also Ginter in Bloom: Home and Garden Tour: Rain or shine. Tickets and tour details and preview available here. Noon to 5 p.m.
Amminal – The Lonely Octopus Puppet Show at Reveler Experiences
This “all ages/free for kids under 12” event may or may not have anything to do with the giant stuffed octopus that replaced the mermaid in the bathtub of Reveler’s front room. Amminal is an art-rock band led by guitarist-songwriter Philip Murphy. Their songs tend toward the gentle, human-scale psychedelia of early Pink Floyd, before that band left “The Wind in the Willows” for stadium tours. The lineup includes vocalist Laura Ann Singh along with drummer Pippin Barnett, bassist Adam Hopkins, guitarist Steven Williams, and multi-instrumentalist Bryan Hoffa. The hour-long event features handmade puppets and an original suite of songs centered on [spoiler alert] a lonely octopus. 2:30 p.m. $15.—P.M.
The Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center
Sponsored by the Elegba Folklore Society, the Black Book Expo has been an annual Richmond tradition since 2013, presenting book vendors, independent authors, children’s programs and a neighborhood vibe. The weekend event is hosted at Elegba’s Cultural Center with a sidewalk marketplace of booksellers and nearby Black-owned businesses. “It’s an opportunity for independent authors across genres to highlight their works,” says Elegba’s Imani Bell. The festival will showcase topics including Black history, social justice, science, health, African Diasporic culture, African spirituality, personal development, novels and children’s books. Free to attend. Takes place 3 to 7 p.m. both days. 101 E. Broad St. —Don Harrison
“The Far Way” table read at VCU’s Grace Street Theater
Accomplished documentary filmmaker and Richmond-based educator, Bill Badgley is readying his first narrative feature film with a talented local cast and crew. Join them for a read-through of this original script that teases ‘buddy picture’ and ‘road movie’ vibes with a Lynchian touch and the current housing crisis in its crosshairs. This is a literal ‘behind-the-scenes’ cinematic experience that is free and open to the public. “If you want a chance to experience live the spirit of this production before the world gets a hold of it, this is it,” Badgley says. “Closest thing to being on set there is.” You can also learn more about his production company Molasses Manifesto and how you can help support this exciting new film project. The action starts at 4 p.m. at 934 W. Grace St.—Tim Abbondelo
Plunky and the Oneness of Juju at Reveler Experiences
It’s been barely a month since the big funky, optimistic sound of Afro-jazz fusion legend James “Plunky” Branch had a crowd of hundreds dancing and singing along at the National Theater. That energy scales down undiminished into the jewel box confines of Reveler in Carytown. The innovative Branch is one of the artists who has elevated Richmond to the world stage with a career spanning six decades and a life story with enough adventure for a dozen movies. Backed by a band whose tight interplay is honed by long familiarity, his high-energy performances convey a message of positivity and community with sincere joy. If you haven’t seen him play, this is a great chance. If you have, see you there. Shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $35 (reserved seating).—Peter McElhinney
Full Moon Fever at Broadberry
Richmond’s premiere Tom Petty tribute band won’t back down. You can stand them up at the gates of Broadberry, but they’ll stand their ground. No they won’t back down. Doors at 7 p.m.
The Embalmers at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Local surf rock band with a vibe inspired by classic horror movies and the old midnight Ghost Host Theater shows. 6 to 9 p.m.
Barstool Rodeo: The Music of Widespread Panic at Richmond Music Hall
Richmond loves its Panic (as well as actually panicking, just ask a grocer before a storm), especially considering WP bassist Dave Schools is from here. This tribute band recreates classic Panic shows from the ‘90s and celebrates the music of Michael Houser. Doors at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 12
“The Headless Woman” screening at Richmond Main Public Library
This screening is part of a free series, sponsored by Hard Light Cinema, honoring Spanish director Lucrecia Martel, one of the world’s great art cinema auteurs. Co-produced by Pedro Almodóvar, the slow-boling 2008 feature, lauded for its cinematography, made the BBC’s list of the 100 greatest films of the 21st century, and is considered one of the director’s finest works. 2 p.m. Admission is free and there will be refreshments.—D.H.
A 90th birthday party celebration at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Stop by and celebrate our big local fine arts museum with some line dancing (featuring line dance king Kemel Patton) or experience VSU’s marching band as well as live music plus activities and food trucks from 1 to 4 p.m.
Monday, April 13
Motherfuckers JMB & Co. with Hard Copy and Cold Toast at Gallery5
Weeknights are kryptonite for concerts, so when a show lands on a Monday, sometimes it’s more worthy of your attention, because why else would those involved even bother? Such is the case with this supergroup, unfortunately named for polite society, featuring Marc Minsker on bass, guitar and harmonium (one at a time); drummer Jim Thomson (also known as Hans Sphincter and later Hans Orifice in an early version of GWAR, as well as a founding member of Bio Ritmo and SST’s Alter-Natives); and Brian Weitz (aka Geologist from Animal Collective) on hurdy-gurdy. If that last instrument doesn’t ring a bell, it’s because: 1) It’s stringed, and 2) Somebody isn’t as up on their medieval folk music — most prevalent in the Aragonese, Asturian, Cajun French, Cantabrian, Galician, Hungarian and Slavic traditions — as they could be. It’s easy to mistake a hurdy-gurdy for an organ grinder from the appearance and mechanics of its crank. The former produces a hypnotic drone reminiscent of a tanpura in Indian music, and is one of several principal engines of the Washington, DC-based instrumental trios’ debut album, “Music Excitement Action Beauty.” That title is an apt summation of the propulsive and soaring psychedelic sounds improvised for the record, and tonight promises to be an awesome performance, despite its case of the Mondays. Doors are at 7 p.m. and cost $15.—T.A.
Wednesday, April 15
Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman “Performing Solo and Together” with Brennan Wedl at Altria Theater
Katie Crutchfield and Jake Lenderman are frequent collaborators and champions of each other’s work, perhaps most felt on Waxahatchee’s breakthrough sixth studio album, “Tigers Blood,” followed by their surprise “don’t-call-it-a-side-project” Snocaps last year. That band also features Allison Crutchfield (Katie’s sister who signed Lendderman to Anti- Records for his own breakout album, “Manning Fireworks.”) If all that wasn’t enough fodder for the creative cannon, both singers contributed background vocals to legendary gospel singer Mavis Staple’s covers album “Sad and Beautiful World” named for the Sparklehorse song (shoutout, Richmond) last year. [Originally “It’s a sad and beautiful world” is attributed to Italian actor Roberto Benigni from filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s “Down by Law,” who reportedly misspoke the original dialogue “That’s sad and beautiful music.”].
Even if this tour pairs down the larger production values fans might be accustomed to from these popular recording artists, the lowkey approach feels appropriate and hard-earned. Look for creative sparks to fly. Nashville-based “Grungetry” bandleader, Brennan Wedl, whose cover of Kathleen Edwards’s “Six O’clock News” features Waxahatchee, opens up this chosen family affair. Doors are at 7:30 and cost $57 at press time.—T.A.
