What’s Booming RVA: Music Heritage in VA

Learn about vibrant Virginian Black music heritage, hear Billy Prine on his brother, John, and hear Greek music while noshing on Greek fare. Plus Pride Month dining spots and “Beetlejuice” in Richmond. All in “What’s Booming RVA: Music Heritage in Virginia.”

Richmond Greek Festival

May 30 to June 2, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Richmond

The long-time favorite RVA food festival dishes up delicious, authentic Greek food, cultural items including music and dance, and more.

Billy Prine Presents: Songs & Stories of John Prine SWG Scarlett Egan

May 31, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond

Billy Prine is a natural-born storyteller just like his late brother, John Prine, was a natural-born songwriter. During these concerts celebrating John’s life in song, orator Billy will tell stories about or surrounding some of John’s most beloved songs before leading his band through his version of John’s timeless masterpieces.

Virginia is for Music Lovers: A History of Virginia’s Black Excellence in Music

June 1 to July 27 (Wednesdays through Saturdays) at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Richmond

Interactive pop-up exhibition showcases the heritage of Black music in Virginia: artists, musicians, DJs, and historians and their contributions to the soulful rhythms and narratives of the African American experience. QR codes unlock curated playlists of Black music to complement the visual art and thematic narratives. Visitors can also listen through headphones for a multisensory experience.

Dine Out for Pride

June 3 to 9, through the Richmond Region

With each signature item sold at any of nearly 30 participating restaurants, $1 will be donated in equal parts to OutRVA and Diversity Richmond. From Asian to American, BBQ to burgers, tacos to treats.

“Beetlejuice”

June 4 to 9 at Altria Theater, Richmond

The last show of the Broadway in Richmond 2023-2024 season is the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy, based on Tim Burton’s beloved film. The humorous musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. It’s a surprisingly touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! (Richmonders, look for actor Kris Roberts as Maxine Dean or Juno, a fellow Richmonder!)

Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.

More of What’s Booming in Richmond besides music heritage

Food and more fun to fill your plate

Boomer’s featured flavor of the week:

Two top RVA restaurants from “100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die” and on the Dine Out for Pride list