Thursday, Feb.12
Laser show: Prince at the Science Museum of Virginia
Dearly beloved, if you’re looking for a way to kick off Valentine’s Day weekend, maybe a purple light show of Prince and lasers works for you. There will be two performances in The Dome at 6:30 and 8:15 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 for the 6:30 p.m. show, and at 7:30 for the 8:15 p.m. show. Science Museum members may purchase tickets for $12.50. Tickets for non-members are $15. Tickets are on sale now here.
Steve Kessler and Universal Mind at Révéler Experiences
Kessler is one of the unsung originals in jazz piano. Largely self-taught, his musical language is cohesive as a whole and utterly unpredictable in parts. Colors blaze and change, moment to moment, out of a prismatic melodic imagination. He is impatient with repetition, always seeking fresh ideas within the harmonic confines of a song. A longtime-sometime fixture of the RVA scene for half a century, he has declined multiple opportunities — including offers from Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews, and a brief stint on the mainstream NYC jazz scene — to break through to a wider audience. He sees his talent as an unbidden bit of practical magic that fame might dispel. For the past few years. he has been playing in the western part of the state, with rare returns to the area. That may change now that he is moving back. But any chance to see him is worthwhile. His band, Universal Mind, included RVA drummer Emri Katari, Tidewater bassist Chris Bridge, and Angelica X trumpeter Will Evans. 8 p.m. $17.50.—Peter McElhinney
Hot Lava, The Falsies and Crack Fox at Capitol District
Should be a good one: Crack Fox starts off the evening “with a sultry blend of avant trashcan song,” then Charlottesville’s own The Falsies, then one of the best Richmond indie rock bands, Hot Lava, brings it home. 7 p.m.
Smooch with your pet at the kissing booth at Richmond SPCA
Looking to capture a photo of your real Valentine? Your dog? Swing by Richmond SPCA and Brittany Rose Petography will take a photo of you and your pet; plus there will be blackberry mocktails from Lone Mutt Hydrating Mocktails, warm drinks from Espresso A Go Go and more. $10 suggested donation. To learn more, visit their website.
Friday, Feb. 13
Artist Ward Saunders at Eric Schindler Gallery
New mixed media works, “Liminal Space” by Ward Saunders is a body of work that the artist says “begins with contour-line figure drawings made from life and remains intentionally unresolved.” There will be an opening reception from 7-9 p.m. The show runs through March 14. 2305 E. Broad St.
Mdou Moctar Solo w/Brookhouse (duo) at Richmond Music Hall
You’ve seen him on Brown’s Island, now the prolific Tuareg guitarist and singer-songwriter from rural Niger returns to Richmond for a special solo show on a winter run of East Coast dates. Hypnotic shredding aplenty to be had. Doors are at 7 p.m.
Honky Tonky Valentine’s Dance feat. Ramona and the Holy Smokes and Dogwood Brothers at Gallery5
Back by popular demand, it’s a night of two hours of genuine local honky tonk and dancin’. There will be two-step and waltz instruction provided at the beginning of the night by Charlie Davis (of Charlie and the 45s). Doors open at 7pm and the dance lesson begins at 8 pm. No previous experience necessary. $12 advance and $15 day of show.
Nicholas Payton at Révéler Experiences
New Orleans-born, multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Payton has been an A-list player since the ‘90s. He is notable both for his virtuosity on the trumpet — he started performing as a 9-year-old prodigy — and for his pugilistic advocacy of Black American Music (BAM), a term which goes well beyond jazz to celebrate the essential contribution of African American artists to the universe of popular music. Fittingly, his own recorded work is on over 200 recordings and he’s won two Grammys and been nominated for three more. Most of his work has been in first-tier jazz, but he has ranged far beyond to collaborations with artists as varied as soul powerhouse Jill Scott, blues legend Clarence ‘Gatemouth” Brown, and jam band giant Trey Anastasio of Phish. Payton has also played with RVA’s breakout post-jazz band Butcher Brown; they were his backing band on 2014’s “Numbers,” recorded at DJ Harrison’s Jellowstone Studios. Payton is also featured on their latest release, “Letters from the Atlantic” (Concord). Butcher Brown’s rhythm section of drummer Corey Fonville and bassist Andrew Jay Randazzo will back Payton’s keyboards and trumpet for this Révéler gig. Having a player of his stature is yet another example of the growing reputation of this quirky jewel box club, which is hosting prominent national players, in addition to the best of Richmond, with increasing frequency. Note: guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, John Zorn) is playing the club on March 24. Tickets for Payton’s 7 p.m. show are currently sold out. There are some for the 9:30, and always some SRO/lounge seats held back until the night of the show. 7 and 9:30, $30.—Peter McElhinney
Richmond Ballet’s “Giselle” with Richmond Symphony at Dominion Energy Center (Feb. 13-15)
Considered one of the world’s great ballets. Choreography after Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa, with additional choreography by Ma Cong. Music by Adolphe Adam For more, read our preview by David Timberline. Friday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m.
Receiver EP Release Show with Tentative Decisions, Shagg Carpet and Kitty Corner at the Camel
Post-punk upstarts, Receiver, have only been drumming up attention in Richmond for the last year, after singer-guitarist Jamie Vandenheede and bassist Liam Keough moved here from Charlottesville. From the sound of its Revolution Summer-inflected cacophony, you could mistake the band for hailing from Washington D.C. or Richmond’s emo underbelly. But in their short time here, the band has ingratiated itself within the local scene and made its particular sonic blasts sound right at home, rooted in the here and now. On Friday, Receiver releases its debut EP; at five songs in around 25 minutes, it’s longer than your average punk album. You can check out their lead single, “Souvenir” now.
Contributions from the opening bands go beyond the bill for this show: Shagg Carpet’s Brett Harris produced, recorded and mixed “I’ll Try Violence” and singer Thomas Jordan is responsible for the EP’s promo video. In similar fashion, Tentative Decisions’ Amanda McVey worked with Receiver to create a cohesive visual style for the band’s EP. And the band, including members Vandenheede and Sasha Kennedy, who are trans women, cite Kitty Corner as a source of inspiration for creating a space for trans femmes. “It’s a great feeling to have friends who make fantastic music,” Keough tells Style, “We wanted our EP release show to not only be a celebration of our hard work but also to be a reflection on the growing scene as a whole.” This all ages shows starts at 9:30 p.m. and costs $10.—Tim Abbondelo
The 14th annual Love Boat Luau feat. Three Sheets to the Wind at The Broadberry
If you and your honey are looking to party to some yacht rock, then come on down, they’re expecting you. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Doors at 7 p.m.
Galentines Day with Prabir, Villages, Ionna at Bandito’s Burrito Lounge
Three local bands get busy at Bandito’s in honor of the holiday that started on “Parks and Recreation.” Doors at 8 p.m. Show from 9 to 11 p.m. $15
Saturday, Feb. 14
John Waters’ “Polyester” in Odorama at Studio Two Three (UPDATE: SOLD OUT)
The signature bad taste and brilliant satire of iconic cult filmmaker John Waters has made him a household name in the world of cinema. His 1981 film “Polyester,” which sees suburban homemaker Francine Fishpaw (played by Divine) navigate her family’s outrageous adult antics to hilarious results, also introduced a new sensory experience for viewing with “Odorama” scratch-and-sniff cards. Inspired by gimmicks like Smell-O-Vision, Waters cued precise moments in the film for when viewers would scratch and sniff each of the 10 numbered scents. And in true John Waters fashion, the smells varied from fresh-smelling roses to horrible flatulence and dirty shoes. This Valentine’s Day, film pop-up groups Nowhere Cinema and Good For Her Films recreate that aromatic experience with a special screening of “Polyester” with authentic Odorama scratch-and-sniff cards on Saturday at Studio Two Three with doors at 7 p.m.—Andrew Cothern
University of Richmond Spiders men’s basketball hosts Virginia Commonwealth University Rams at the Robins Center
There’s no question which team is hotter right now, with the VCU Rams in second place in the A10 having won eight straight; but this matchup got more interesting given that the Spiders (10th place) just had a big, convincing win over the 21-3 George Mason Patriots at home last Tuesday, snapping their own losing streak and showing the defensive intensity needed to win games in the A10.
Last time these two teams met at VCU on Jan. 27, the Rams walked away with a 77-69 win but the game was closer than it appeared, and Richmond was without their much improved backup center, Jonathan Beagle, who should be available for this Saturday’s game. No matter what, this crosstown rivalry rarely fails to generate some thrills and a hard-fought contest; expect the Robins Center to be rocking. (Why is this game was on Valentine’s Day eve though? C’mon man, people have places to be). 6 p.m.
My Funny Valentine: An evening with Scott Wichmann at Dominion Energy Center’s Bob and Sally Mooney Hall
Looking for a date night that evokes the magic of the great crooners of yesteryear? Well-known local actor Wichmann returns to blend the best of the Great American Songbook with modern classics and novelty tunes (think Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Mel Torme and more). He’ll be backed by a tight trio led by musical director Ryan Corbitt. 8 p.m. showtime. Tickets are available here but were running low at press time.
Sunday, Feb.15
Fifth annual Galentine’s Day Artisan Market at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Come out to celebrate women-owned businesses and pick up something local. There will be local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more! Indoor Event, located inside of Hardywood’s Barrel Room. Noon to 5 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 16
Julianna Riolino with Kassi Valazza at The Camel
Toronto alt.country artist Julianna Riolino brings her Echo in the Dust North American tour to Richmond. Doors at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m.
