Thursday, Dec. 18
Citric Dummies with Rubber Dagger and Gleex at Fuzzy Cactus
Minneapolis miscreants on tour promoting their fourth album “Split with Turnstyle” — and second for Richmond-born juggernaut Feel It Records — carry that city’s torch, tucked in their Flying V guitar cases with enough finesse to warrant a key to the Twin/Tone Records’ vault. To that end, anyone who marveled at Hüsker Dü’s “1985: The Miracle Year” live archival boxset released earlier this year by Numero Group, won’t want to miss the preservation of that combustible aural folk tradition 40 years later in Brookland Park. Take this heads up to get to know Citric Dummies’ catalogue to be comfortably in on the self-deprecating gags sure to fly in a set with such loathsome chestnuts as “I Don’t Like Anything,” “I Can’t Relate” and “I Can’t Stand the Weekend.”
Both local groups on the bill are new-ish and in that exciting gestation period that occurs between a band’s first demo and debut album. Rubber Dagger play scrappy garage punk and it’s possible they consider “Spaghetti Dinner” an album rather than a demo, but at 10 songs in 20 minutes of live, single takes with drop-ceiling fidelity, these lads are on an upward trajectory. Gleex rise from the ashes of Shawnis and the Shimmers and share members with Ultra Bleach and Power Pants. A pair of singles surfaced this year that showcase the band’s dialed-in eggpunk aplomb, meanwhile we wait for a full-dozen more. Entry is 21+ at 9 p.m. and costs $10.—Tim Abbondelo
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at Byrd Theatre
Candlelight glow and Christmas carols, a multi-sensory experience. 8:45 to 9:45 p.m. Cost is $30. Doors open 45 minutes before showtime, but don’t be late, late arrivals will not be permitted.
Friday, Dec. 19
4 Tha Culture Holiday Hoops Classic at the Henrico Sports and Events Center (Friday-Sunday)
Women’s basketball is going gangbusters lately at the pro level, if they can only work out the players’ pay. Come check out the next generation of great players in this tournament which brings together top teams such as Richmond Spiders, Georgia Bulldogs, VCU, Penn State and more. Tickets only $25. For the schedule and more info, go here: 4thaculturehoops.com
Movie Mythbusting Live: “National Treasure” at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
As a plot-twisty action movie involving a secret map printed on the back of the Declaration of Independence, 2004’s “National Treasure” is a breezy entertainment that dispenses a lot of expositional “facts.” As a piece of historical fiction, though, the popular Nicolas Cage film, which spurred on two sequels and a TV show, is pretty much hogwash. Let the knowledgeable staff at VMHC help you separate truth from fiction at this annotated “Mythbusting” screening of the movie — think “Mystery Science Theater 3000” with a bunch of know-it-all historians instead of wisecracking spacebound robots. 6 p.m. $12 (members $10).—Don Harrison
Corey Fonville, Justin Kauflin, Andrew Randazzo at Révéler Experiences
Like the fictitious, once-a-century village of Brigadoon, seasonal music spreads its existence over decades. It has a fuzzy beginning of ubiquity sometime after Halloween, and a sharp ending at midnight on Dec. 25. Only “Auld Lang Syne” – ubiquitous for about five minutes a year – has a shorter annual lifespan. In that brief season, there are returning performances (the Richmond Symphony’s “Let it Snow” concert, Taylor Barnett’s Big Band show, and the R4nd4zzo Big Band’s Charlie Brown Christmas concert, which is Sunday at Ember). The trio playing Révéler on Friday is not one of those institutions, at least not yet. But given it includes three great local/semi-local players, it should be a special night. Corey Fonville and Andrew Randazzo are two-thirds of the rhythm section of Butcher Brown, RVA’s world-touring, post-jazz powerhouse. Virginia Beach’s Justin Kauflin has been a phenomenon since the age of six, a protégé/collaborator with Quincy Jones, and the subject of a documentary about his friendship with jazz legend Clark Terry. Blinded but not sightless – in an interview with Style Weekly several years ago he said his world remained full of color and light; his rich harmonic and melodic approach is guided by synesthesia, seeing sounds as hues. Hearing them find new facets of familiar holiday music amid the multicolored lights of Révéler should be a great start to the final weekend before the start of the year’s grand finale. Shows at 7 and 9:30. $25.—Peter McElhinney
Doreen, Drug Country, Jake the Dog (solo) and Russell Lacy at Black Iris Social Club
Virginia drifters Doreen and Drug Country are hitting the road together this weekend with a pair of area stops along the I-64 corridor. It’s an inspired pairing for any fan of left-of-center country, or the rougher tape-hiss edges of lo-fi and meandering bedroom pop tunes. Both are steered by solo artists who don’t limit themselves to singer-songwriter structures, and seem to relish getting lost in the sauce of chasing their muse. Doreen doesn’t have any music online at the moment, but has been compared to Merce Lemon, Bedhead and The Feelies. Drug Country’s most recent single, “Truck Stop Cemetery,” sounds like a lollipop you dropped on the floor and plop right back in your mouth: the sweetness wins, but contends with a layer of barely discernible debris. A solo set from Jake, the Dog after 2024’s power pop clinic “Substance” is an intriguing proposition, yet here’s to hoping Russell Lacy brings his band who were absolutely in the zone and cookin’ for Piranha Rama’s record release show last month. Entry is all ages at 8 p.m. and costs $10.—T.A.
49 Winchester w/the Vegabonds and Sela Campbell at The National
The alt. country band from Castlewood, Virginia returns. They also play on Saturday night at the same venue, but the second night is with Maggie Antone. Both nights, doors are at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Santa Visiting Tredegar at American Civil War Museum
Kids still itching for some Santa time? Celebrate the season ith cheerful festivities, start by meeting Santa in Tredegar’s lobby, then head inside for holiday activities for the kids and mimosas for parents. Tickets are $5. Takes place 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 480 Tredegar St. Find more information here.
Richmond Moon Market at Stone Brewing (also on Sunday, Dec. 21)
Still shopping? Browse through vendors’ collections of wellness products, candles, crystals and more. Enjoy live music and treats from food vendors. Takes place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21 from noon to 5 p.m at 4300 Williamsburg Ave. Find more info here.
Justin Golden with Devil’s Coattails and Hubby Jenkins (of the Carolina Chocolate Drops) at The Camel
A special matinee birthday performance by a recent Top 40 under 40 winner and one of the RVA scene’s most beloved singer-songwriters, Justin Golden, joined by some very special guests. Doors are at 2 p.m. and show at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of show.
Miramar at Révéler Experiences
Miramar’s holiday show is something of a Richmond tradition, dating back almost a decade to when it was an intimate house party in the Fan. The core trio of singers Rei Alvarez and Laura Ann Singh and pianist Marlysse Simmons has created bittersweet magic for well over a decade, becoming one of the treasures of the local scene and beyond. The boleros they perform are full of lovely melodies, close harmonies, and poetic lyrics that convey deep emotion even if you do not understand Spanish. The sadness-tinged songs are a perfect match for the holiday season as well. Many of the best Christmas songs (“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Joni Mitchell’s “River”) are touched with sorrow. At the very least, it is a soulful break from the commercialized cheer and synchronized spending going on outside. (Note: Tip your bartenders; it is not charity.) Even in the short, dark days of a Virginia winter, there is a lot to be thankful for, including this little gem of a breakout passion project. Shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Costs $15-$25.—P.M.
The 7th annual Holiday Pageant (Mr, Miss or Mx) at Starr Hill Brewery
Join merry emcee, Michelle Livigne, and the reigning Miss Holiday, Wette Midler, for a night of dazzling drag and the crowning of the next Ms/Mr/Mx Holiday. This show will benefit Nationz Foundation, who will be collecting non-perishable food items. You can buy tickets here. Doors are at 5 p.m. and show at 6 p.m.
Jack Stepanian with the Sugar Hollows and the Jared Stout Band at The Broadberry
Read our interview with Stepanian in this week’s That One Song. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. The Sugar Hollows and the Jared Stout Band will also perform. Tickets are $22.26 and can be purchased at thebroadberry.com. To hear “Reckless Love,” visit jackstepanian.com.
Sunday, Dec. 21
R4ND4ZZO BIGB4ND Holiday Special at Ember Music Hall
Is there any better holiday music than that of Mr. Vince Guaraldi, whose music was used in the Peanuts cartoons? Maybe, but not for us. This big band tribute to Guaraldi featuring original arrangements by Andrew Randazzo is always worth it, they do a wonderful job. This show is also all ages. Two shows, one night, with sets at 6 and 8 p.m. This is a family friendly event and all kids under age 10 are free. Tickets range from $20.35 for general admission to $39.55 for VIP. Get your tickets here at etix.
Hardywood RVA’s Christmas Market
Local artists and makers selling handmade home décor located in Hardywood’s Barrel Room. Noon to 5 p.m.
Michael Hurley Tribute at The Camel feat. Onions, Ditch Tea Steepers, Joey Testani, Drew Barnocky, Will Harrison and Carter Burton
Michael Hurley, the man known as Doc Snock who lived in Richmond in the 1990s, is one of the all-time great American folkies, though he probably wouldn’t like that term; his musical well runs much deeper (check out his classic 1971 album “Armchair Boogie,” for starters). Sadly, he passed away this year, not long after seeing a widespread, newfound appreciation of his music with national features in places like The New York Times, Democracy Now! and elsewhere. This tribute show will feature some great local players who know how to have a good time in the same warm, homespun way that Snock did. Should be a hoot. On tap: Onions, Ditch Tea Steepers, Joey Testani, Drew Barnocky, Will Harrison and Carter Burton. 7 p.m. $10. All ages. Read our preview story by Don Harrison.
Profs and Pints Richmond presents “A Night of Christmas Frights” at Triple Crossing
Get to know Krampus and other scary figures who prowl the darkness of December with Joshua Barton, lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University and scholar of horror. Advance tickets are $13.50, at the doors they are $17 or $15 with student ID. 4 p.m.
Monday, Dec.22
Piranha Rama, Jake the Dog, Corey Axt at The Camel
Local rockers extraordinaire. Always a good time. Doors at 7:30 p.m. and show at 8:30 p.m. All ages. Go here for tickets.
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Deau Eyes Holiday Party at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Deau Eyes celebrates five years slaying with an unparalleled holiday hootenanny that showcases holiday classics, as well as original tunes new and old you love to groove out to throughout the year. In the past, the room transforms into an IRL sno-globe and there’s usually an appearance by the man himself, Santa. Deck yourself out in sparkly, spangly gay apparel and sip on seasonal Hardywood brews (non-alcoholic ones too). Capture all the holiday cheer at a prop-stocked photo booth, festive crafting and take a look into your 2026 with tarot card reading. A bounty of donated items will be raffled off to benefit local nonprofit Earthkin Nature School, a Southside-based nature preschool program for children ages 3-5. That said, the event is family-friendly and starts at 6 p.m. Now that’s a gift in and of itself. 6 to 9 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 day of show. For tickets and more info, check out Hardywood Brewery – Richmond.—Hilary Langford
Fear of Music with Kenneka Cook at The Broadberry
The local Talking Heads tribute band with the mostest; they always have your dance needs covered, especially around the winter holidays. 7 p.m. doors. Tickets here.
