Thursday, Nov. 21
Tony Martucci at Reveler Experiences
It is not that rare to see drummer Tony Martucci in other RVA players’ bands, notably his long-term association with trumpeter Victor Haskins. He is a local institution while always actually living elsewhere; in Washington, DC during the years he played regular gigs with Glenn Wilson’s Jazzmaniacs in the old Bogart’s Back Room, and in the Pittsburgh area now that he is an adjunct professor at VCU. In his life outside of the 804 area, he has played with a who’s who of great jazz musicians: John Abercrombie, Joe Henderson, the list is long enough to fill a page. He also released fine recordings as a leader. Last month, he did a solo gig at ArtSpace, where his skills were stripped down to mesmerizing essentials. It will be a treat to see him on Thursday night at Reveler with a top group of local players like Daniel Clarke, Toby Whitaker, Randal Pharr, and J.C. Kuhl. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.50.—Peter McElhinney
Miguel Zenon and Luis Perdomo “El Arte del Bolero” @ Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond
Saxophonist Miguel Zenón and pianist Luis Perdomo join forces to pay tribute to bolero, a genre originating in Cuba known as the quintessential Latin American romantic song (we have our own local practitioners known as Miramar). $20 to $60. There will be a pre-concert artist talk at 6:30 p.m. with VPM Music jazz host Annie Parnell.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis starring Gregory Williams Welsch @ Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse (Nov. 21-24)
Learn about how much author C.S. Lewis changed after meeting author J.R.R. Tolkein. In this show, Gregory Williams Welsch plays Lewis hosting a group of visiting Americans at his home near Oxford, around Christmastime, who get to hear about his jolly journey from Atheism to Christianity. Tickets start at $34.50 plus fees. For more information and all showtimes and tickets, go here.
Friday, Nov. 22
The 60th annual VisArts craft and design at Main Street Station (Nov. 22-24)
Into crafts? Then you probably know about this long-running contemporary craft show that showcases “museum-quality craft.” Shoppers will be out in force the entire weekend browsing work from over 160 artists from around the country; with awards presented in ceramics, precious metals, glass, wood and recycled materials, contemporary design, innovative use of traditional craft materials and fiber. There will also be craft beer and food trucks. Ticket prices vary but a weekend pass is $95.58 (two-day general admission on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. is $27.30). But there are a lot of options, visit the website for more information. https://craftanddesignrva.com.
The eighth annual Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival at VMFA and VMHC
Does everyone know that Richmond is hosting the eighth year of the largest and best festival for Native American film on the East Coast? If not, read our preview feature here, which will tell you more about the movies playing this weekend. The festival worthy of your support runs Nov. 22-24 at VMFA and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Tickets available at pocahontasreframed.com.
Tim Barry Nov. Fest 2024 features Tim Barry, Roger Harvey, Sally Rose, Lela Jane Barry, Andrew Ali and Josh Small @ the Camel
One of the most widely beloved musicians from Richmond, Tim Barry (Avail) brings his collaborative fest to the Camel, where artists play their own sets and join each other as guests. Day one features Tim with Roger Harvey and Lela Jane Barry on Friday at 7 p.m.; day two features Tim with Andrew Ali, Josh Small and Sally Rose at 7 p.m. and Sunday is an interactive “family show.” The weekend will also include: “a river clean-up at the James River Park System, trail work with the James River Park Trail Crew, a food drive for Feed More, our local food bank and a diaper drive for Little Hands who will distribute them to families in need.” Tickets were running low at press time, so doublecheck. Friday and Saturday night cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Sunday is $20 in advance or $10 for kids under 13.
Afro-Zen Allstars at Reveler Experiences
There is something about the exotic, extremely danceable Ethiopian melodies and that bring out a swarm of local fans to an Afro-Zen Allstars performance. Their music is grounded in a brief creative golden age in Addas Adiba, a doomed creative scene whose “decadent” fiery invention was blown into diaspora after a takeover by dour communists. Under the leadership of George M. Lowe, the band’s book has geographically expanded, notably into Afrobeat, but always stayed true to its Ethiopian roots. The group’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. On Nov. 29 they were honored by the people who know that music best by being invited to headline the retirement party for [the legendary Ethiopian singer] Mahmoud Ahmed. For half a century, Ahmed has been arguably the greatest and certainly one of the most popular exponents of golden age Ethiopian azz. It is a testament both to Afro Zen and, indirectly, the Richmond world music scene that preserves a vital genre that could have disappeared decades ago. 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.50.—P.M.
Blood Incantation with Midwife at The Canal Club
It’s not every day that musical descriptors like ambient, new age and krautrock are bandied about in discussion of a death metal album. But all these elements are in play on Blood Incantation’s expansive fourth album, “Absolute Elsewhere”, which takes its name from the 1970s UK sci-fi/prog-rock collective featuring members of King Crimson, and once signed by Beatles publicist and Apple Records manager, MD Derek. Released last month, it’s the band’s furthest sonic exploration to date. Split into a pair of sprawling songs, which consist of three tracks apiece, the new material remains tightly wound and cohesive despite itself. It’s hard to imagine what new territory remains ahead for the Denver outfit, be it more Morbid Angel worship or symphonic scores. Take this opportunity now to see their new landmark album, performed front to back, as it was made to be. Doors are at 7 p.m. and cost $23 in advance (plus service charges) or $25 at the door. All ages.—Tim Abbondelo
Virginia Opera’s “Carmen” at Dominion Energy Center
Georges Bizet’s classic, sung in French with English subtitles. Read our preview by Rich Griset here. Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23
The Pedal Steel Show @ The Get Tight Lounge
Pedal steels are expensive and damn hard to learn to play, but boy do they sound sweet when somebody gets it down. For years out in Portland, players like Barry Walker Jr. have been redefining the psychedelic power of the instrument, building off legends such as Pete Drake and Speedy West. Tonight’s Virginia showcase features artists the Wayward Leaves, Ramona and the Holy Smokes and Rebecca Porter and the Rhinestone Roses, who are on a three-city tour of Virginia, just ridin’ and glidin’ that cool lonesome sound. 7:30 – 11 p.m.
Richmond Forum presents Baratunde Thurston “Artificial Intelligence: What is Real?” @ the Altria Theater
The Richmond Forum, whose thought leaders this year include former Coach K from Duke and Martha Stewart from that recent documentary on Netflix, kicks off its 39th no-individual-tickets-sold season with Los Angeles-based writer, producer and comedian Baratunde Thurston. He’s going to explore our collective “obsession” with new technologies like Artificial Intelligence that we’re constantly told will soon be taking over and improving everyone’s lives, just like social media and the Internet before it (but we have to survive until the robot takeover first). “A.I. will be like a performance enhancing drug, and we have to decide if we’re OK using it and under what conditions,” says Thurston. “There will always be a niche community of resistant old-schoolers and landliners and vinyl fans, but the vast majority go where the momentum is,” says Thurston. You hear that, vinyl fans? You’re being lumped in with “landliners.” Get with the program! Go where the momentum is – just try to avoid cliffs. Programs begin sharply at 8 p.m. with the national anthem, and if you get there late, you’re fresh out of luck.
Truetone Honeys Album release party at Gallery5
The Hampton Roads-based group celebrates century-old jazz vocal harmony, “obsessed with harmonic stylings of original New Orleans jazz vocal groups, especially the Boswell Sisters, the Dinning Sisters and the more famous Andrews Sisters.” Doors 7:30pm, Music at 8pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of Presale tickets cut off at 4 p.m. on Nov. 23. Remaining tickets will be available at the door.
Bill Frisell Trio @ The Tin Pan
The legendary jazz guitarist returns to an intimate local venue/restaurant. Read our interview with him by Davy Jones here. Bill Frisell Trio featuring Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston will perform on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at the Tin Pan. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $57.50 and can be purchased at tinpanrva.com.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Benefit for the musicians of Asheville, North Carolina at Sound of Music Studios
Scott’s Addition and Sound of Music Studios present this benefit featuring Dogwood Brothers at 4 p.m., amminal at 5 p.m. and Scott’s Addiction at 6 p.m. (and that last one is a CD release party). $10 donation. 1511 Brook Road, entrance in the back, through the alley.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Fear of Music Thanksgiving Eve with Wes Parker @ The Broadberry
It’s an annual tradition in this town that, before you stuff yourself with stuffing and all that other goodness (vegans, too), you need to stop making sense the night before. Yes, that means dance your butts off before the big feast to Richmond’s own Talking Heads tribute band, Fear of Music. Always fun. Always a dance party. Also on the bill, up-and-coming local solo artist Wes Parker (who you may know from Camp Howard). Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $15.
