More What’s Booming RVA: May 23 to 30

Enjoy a three-day weekend with a day to honor military heroes and more time to play. Top recommendations include Shakespeare comedy, James River-themed bike tour, Brainstorm Brewhouse preview, food festivals, Richmond women’s soccer game #2, new Chili Peppers baseball, and learning opportunities. Plus announcements and a road trip! So much to do in Richmond, Virginia, May 23 to 30, 2024.

Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA here, browse the week ahead below, and go to our

updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

May 23 to 30

Thursday, May 23

UnHappy Hour. Tiara & Andrew and The Great Beforetimes entertain and Stone Brewing presents beverages for this evening of folly. May 23, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.

Richmond Ivy vs. Charlottesville Blues. Cheer on Richmond’s new women’s soccer in the 64 Derby. May 23, gates at 6 p.m., kickoff at 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.

Virginia Roots Music Series: The Big Payback. As part of this new music series, a Virginia band covers an iconic musical artist, paired with the pre-release of a “Virginia Roots” beer, highlighting a Virginia ingredient. This month, The Big Payback covers James Brown, toasted by Hardywood Virginia Blackberry Belgian-style white ale. May 23, 7 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.

Tri-City Chili Peppers vs. Greenville Yard Gnomes. The region’s “hot” new baseball team, part of the Coastal Plain League, opens its season of baseball and fun. May 23, 7 p.m., at Shepherd Stadium, Colonial Heights.

“Much Ado About Nothing” Kicks Off the Richmond Shakespeare Festival. In William Shakespeare’s delightful comedy, masquerades play hide and seek, including the beguiling comedic couple Beatrice and Benedick. Wielding words as both weapon and armor (with a charming, effervescent glint), their banter harbors longing, loathing, and love. Tote your picnic or shop the food and beverage trucks. May 23 to June 23, Thursday through Sunday evenings, at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.

Friday, May 24

Glass Artist Market. Local glass artists present their works, using many processes, styles, techniques, and approaches. May 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Glass Ceiling, Richmond.

RVA Music Night at Friday Cheers. The Legendary Ingramettes (8:20 p.m.), Woody Woodworth & the Piners (7:15 p.m.) and Knifing Around (6:15 p.m.) perform at Richmond’s longest-running concert series on the James. May 24, 6:15, on Brown’s Island, Richmond.

Ashland First Friday. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Mark & Maggie O’Connor. Two Grammy award-winning violin virtuosos present Americana music. Seven-time CMA Award winner Mark O’Connor is known for his work on fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. Maggie O’Connor won a GRAMMY for playing and singing bluegrass in the O’Connor Band. May 24, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Brainstorm Brewhouse Beer Preview. Richmond’s newest brewery presents three of its beers on tap, for a taste of what’s to come: Chocolate Lager, Honey Lager, and DIPA with Citra. May 24 to 26 at Black Heath Meadery, Richmond.

New Exhibitions and Opening Reception at Artspace. Presenting Anna Freeman, “At the Water’s Edge,” ceramics; Jennifer L. Hand, “Habitation,” drawings and mixed media fiber; Yen Ha and Anna Rubin, “A Storm Event,” drawing and electronic music composition. Also opening, “UNMASK,” in support of National Alliance on Mental Illness of Central Virginia. Opening reception, May 24, 6 to 9 p.m.; artist talks, May 25, 2 p.m.; exhibitions from May 24 to June 22, at Artspace Gallery, Richmond.

Dogwood Dell 67th Festival of the Arts. Continues through September with musicians, festivals, music, comedy, and theatrical performances. Opens on May 24 with Cody Christian and the Congregation – country, blues, rock. Continues until Sept. 21 at Byrd Park’s Dogwood Dell, Richmond.

Saturday, May 25

Summer Challenge Kick-Off & Pop Up Rest Stop. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Indian & Sri Lankan Food Festival. Enjoy a variety of dishes including biryani, kothu roti, samosas, and kathi rolls. May 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at TPC, Sri Lankan & Indian Church, Glen Allen.

Legends on Grace: River City Spotlight. Deau Eyes and Cassidy Snider, two local music legends, deliver an intimate performance of their original works in addition to diving into their songwriting processes. May 25, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

An Evening of Soul: A Tribute to Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight. Singers Carla Jackson and J.M. Shabazz use their talents to present the songs of these two icons of soul music. May 25, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

“BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Monday, May 27

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Memorial Day Tributes Around the Region. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

A Taste of Richmond Bike Tour. As part of RVA Bike Month, join tour guides to pedal past some Richmond highlights with a James River focus, featured in the local guidebook, “100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die.” Books available to purchase, with 20% of all proceeds supporting local biking advocacy. FREE. May 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning and ending at Triple Crossing Fulton, Richmond.

Sandston Memorial Day Parade and Block Party. Parade, live music, activities, and exhibitor booths. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Williamsburg Road and Beulah Road, heads west and disbands at North Confederate Avenue. Block party, 2 to 4 p.m., at Sandston Recreation Area on JB Finley Street. May 27, 1 to 4 p.m., Sandston.

Tuesday, May 28

Revolutionary War Records in Virginia and Lineage Societies. Genealogical Virtual Event. Featured speaker, genealogist Brendon S. Burns, looks at what constitutes a “patriot” during the Revolutionary War with a focus on Virginia residents and resources. Includes resources for researching patriots of color. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. May 28, 7 p.m., online.

Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Erie SeaWolves. Go Nutz and have Funn with professional baseball, giveaways, and fireworks on featured nights. For your chance to score a pair of free tickets, follow our Tuesday Boomer newsletter or Facebook. May 28 to June 2 at The Diamond, Richmond.

Wednesday, May 29

Silver Screen Movies: “Asteroid City.” The morning movie series presents all tickets and concessions for just one dollar. May 29, 10 a.m. to noon, at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.

ONLINE – The Life and Legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Examining the life and legacy of the 35th President of the United States on the 107th anniversary of his birth. Presented by the Virginia War Memorial. May 29, 10 to 11 a.m., online.

Thursday, May 30

Lecture: Lee’s Army in Maryland: A New Perspective on the September 1862 Campaign. Dr. Alexander Rossino examines how distortions in historical reporting can be corrected, for a new understanding of what Lee hoped to accomplish. Presented live with tickets; also streamed live on YouTube and Facebook. May 30, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“The Grand Old Man of the Army: General Winfield Scott’s Unionism and the Secession Crisis.” Dr. Barton A. Myers examines the crucial role Scott played in the American government for two decades before the Civil War and how his stances on slavery, abolition, and unionism influenced his decisions. To explore his personal loyalty, Myers analyzes his relationships with notable figures like James Buchanan, John B. Floyd, Abraham Lincoln, and Robert E. Lee. May 30, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

Carbon Leaf at Groovin’ in the Garden. Featuring the long-time Richmond band, known for alt-country, Celtic, and folk-infused indie rock. May 30, 7 p.m., in Cochrane Rose Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.

Richmond Greek Festival. The long-time favorite RVA food festival dishes up delicious, authentic Greek food, cultural items including music and dance, and more. May 30 to June 2, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Richmond.

Road Trip

C’ville Arts

Charlottesville Arts Festival. More than 50 fine artists and artisans display their creativity and diversity, accompanied by live music, immersive art experiences, workshops, and demos. May 25 to 26 at Ix Art Park, Charlottesville.

News & Announcements

804, RTP, Gaffigan, & Final Fantasy

804 Day Announces Music Lineup. Three stages feature 15+ diverse performances for Richmond’s Biggest Block Party. Headliner is Richmond hip-hop artist Nickelus F. More than 15 other bands cover genres such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, and country. Plus 40 local vendors, artists, nonprofits, and a kids’ zone, as well as a ticketed VIP area. FREE. Aug. 2 in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond.

• Ant The Symbol (Pop) – @antthesymbol
• Dead Billionaires (Punk) – @deadbillionaires
• Erin and the Wildfire (Pop) – @erinandthewildfire (photo above)
• Flight Club (Rock) – @flightclubrva
• Høly River (Folk) – @holyrivermusic
• Kadencia (Latin) – @kadenciapr
• Knifing Around (Punk Dance) – @knifingaroundband
• Los Hermanos Alacranes (Rock/Latin) – @lhalacranes
• Nickelus F (Rap) @nickelusf
• Niiasii (R&B) – @niiasii
• Palmyra (Bluegrass) – @palmyratheband
• Rein (Rock) – @rein.radio
• Sugar Hollows (Country) – @thesugarhollows
• Vexine (Rock) – @vexinerva
• Weekend Plans (R&B) – @weekendplansmusic
• Weldon Hill (Jazz) – @w.weldonhill

Casting Complete for “The Best of Times: A Celebration of Richmond Triangle Players.” The brand-new retrospective honors RTP’s vibrant production legacy, featuring performances that illuminate its most beloved productions from the past 30+ years, from “Kiss of the Spider Woman” to “Cabaret” to “La Cage aux Folles” to “Grey Gardens,” incorporating cherished songs, scenes and memories. June 12 to July 13 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.

RTP Announces Its 2024-2025 Season. Four plays, including a new production of one of RTP’s biggest hits, will take the stage at Richmond Triangle Players, as the company celebrates its 32nd year, the longest-operating LGBTQ+ theatre in the mid-Atlantic region. At Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.

Mainstage Subscription Series

• “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche” by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood. Smart, sharp, and hysterically funny. Sept. 11 to Oct. 5.
• A Campy Christmas Featuring “With Bells On” and “Who’s Holiday!” by Darrin Hagan and Matthew Lombardo. A very campy Christmas celebration to make your spirits bright. Nov. 13 to Dec. 22.
• “Which Way to the Stage” by Ana Nogueira. What happens when dreams fall just out of reach, in a playful yet profound comedy of friendship and ambition. April 23 to May 17, 2025.
• “A Strange Loop,” book, music, and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson. Winner of every best musical award in New York for the story of Usher, a young, gay, Black writer in a loop of a hilarious ensemble play. June 25 to Aug. 2, 2025.

The Spotlight Cabaret Series

• Seth Rudetsky: Seth’s Big Fat Broadway Show! Aug. 15 to 16.
• August Hundley: Li’l Guy in a Big Ol’ World. Oct. 18 to 19.
• Georgia Rogers Farmer: Perfect Pair. March 27 to 29, 2025.
• Nationally Renowned Act – To Be Announced. May 30 to 31, 2025.

Second Show Announced for Jim Gaffigan’s Barely Alive Tour. Deliciously clean and wickedly funny, the Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, and author shares relatable humor of observations on life. Sept. 20, 7 p.m., and Sept. 21, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” Orchestra World Tour. A new concert based entirely on the game, with symphonic arrangements of the game’s music performed by the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus. Accompanied by high-definition video scenes created exclusively for the production. Oct. 12, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Anticipation … !

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