More What’s Booming RVA: July 11 to 18

Revolutionary events are getting in gear, alongside the annual Hanover Tomato Festival, AcroCats, outdoor concerts, informative talks, a new “Style Weekly” exhibit, and more. In today’s What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, July 11 to 18, 2024.

• Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
• Browse the week ahead below, and
• Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

July 11 to 18, 2024

Thursday, July 11

“Broiler” with Eli Cranor. The author discusses his newest book in conversation with SA Cosby. The troubles of two desperate families, one white, one Mexican American, converge in the ruthless underworld of an Arkansas chicken processing plant in this new thriller. FREE, registration required. July 11, 6 p.m., at Fountain Books, Richmond.

“Samurai: From War to Peace.” Dr. Constantine Vaporis discusses the transformation of Japan from its era of warring states to its era of peace, exploring three historical samurai figures from different regions. Vaporis connects the national transformation to the samurai and their martial garments and practices. July 11, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Amazing Acrocats. A cat circus from Rock Cats Rescue, presenting formerly abandoned rescue and stray cats that have been trained to do tricks, like riding skateboards, going through hoops, and playing instruments. Through July 14 at Gottwald Playhouse, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond.

Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Harrisburg Senators. 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. Through July 14 at The Diamond, Richmond.

Two-Week Celebration of Maggie L. Walker’s Birthday Continues. July 2024 marks the 160th birthday of Richmond’s pioneering Black banker, community leader, and woman of faith, hope, and courage. Honoring her life through art, community events, volunteer service, special tours, and presentations.

• Oral History House Tours. Including historical audio recordings of Maggie Walker’s grandchildren describing what it was like to grow up in her home. Through July 20, at Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, Richmond.
• Volunteer Community Service Day. Service projects in the Jackson Ward neighborhood. July 13, volunteers assemble at 8 a.m. in the courtyard of Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, Richmond.
• Lecture by Elvatrice Belsches: “A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Mrs. Maggie Lena Walker: A Woman for All Seasons.” July 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch, Richmond.
• Youth-oriented financial literacy workshops and a market pop-up. July 13, noon to 4 p.m., at Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church, Richmond.

Opening Day at Colonial Downs. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Portraits: The “Style Weekly” Photograph Archive. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Friday, July 12

Volunteers Needed to Remove Flags. The grounds of the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond have been awash in red, white, and blue to honor Virginia men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our nation. The flags need to be removed, to be stored till next year. July 12, 8 to 11 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

Friday at the Museum. Learn about Henrico County’s people, places, and events through tours and hands-on activities at historic museums and homes. July 12, noon to 4 p.m., at Virginia Randolph Museum, Glen Allen.

Paint and Sip. Painting, lemonade, and fun. No experience needed – directions given. July 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Deep Run Park & Recreation Center, Henrico.

Hanover Tomato Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

“The Roommate.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Saturday, July 13

Richmond Ballet’s Nutcracker in July. Join Nutcracker characters to celebrate a beloved holiday tradition. Audience members, prospective students, and parents get a behind-the-scenes look at the Ballet’s Canal Street home and can purchase first choice of seats to “The Nutcracker,” take free classes (ages 4 to 13), and more. FREE. July 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre, Richmond.

RVA Square Dance. No experience necessary, and all are welcome. July 13, lesson at 1:15 p.m., dancing from 2 to 4 p.m., at Studio Two Three, Richmond.

John Mitchell, Jr.: The Rise and Fall of the Fighting Editor. Born into slavery in Henrico County, Mitchell would become editor of the Richmond Planet newspaper, confronting the violence and injustices of the Jim Crow South. Through the organizing of boycotts, the endless crusading against lynching laws, and public appearances to allow his persecutors to do their worst, Mitchell would not back down. Learn more about his life. July 13, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.

What They Wore to the American Revolution. The 18th-century styles in men’s and women’s clothing were also considered revolutionary. Discover the glorious, the frugal, and the tantalizing creations of an era in fashion that made an impact that was heard around the world. July 13, 2 to 3 p.m., at Deep Run Park & Recreation Center, Henrico.

“1774 Chesterfield Resolves” Performance. As part of the county’s celebration of the coming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia holds a performance marking local burgesses and citizens who approved supporting Massachusetts in their struggle against British rule, laying the groundwork for the American Revolution. Attendees can decide if they would join the rebels. FREE, registration required. July 13, 2 p.m., at the Historic 1917 Courthouse, Chesterfield.

Artists Talk: Tracing Limits featuring Michael Dika & Eugene Ofori Agyei. Delve into the complexities of identity and themes of boundaries and limitations. Artists Michael Dela Dika and Eugene Ofori Agyei use the rich history of the material clay to trace the cultural evolution of Africa and better understand the relationship between boundaries (Ghana and the U.S.). FREE, registration required. July 13, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Art After Hours: Samurai Soul. An evening of cross-cultural discovery features art, music, dancing, karaoke, and more. Guests get exclusive access to the entire museum, including “Samurai Armor.” July 13, 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“Sounds Funny Band with Micah ‘Bam-Bamm’ White.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Sunday, July 14

Free Admission to Celebrate New Exhibition – Portraits: The “Style Weekly” Photograph Archive. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Forgotten Patriots: Virginia’s Black Revolutionary Soldiers. In 1781, citizens of Henrico and the counties surrounding Richmond witnessed the American Revolution in the community. Black Virginia men camped, marched, and fought beside their white neighbors in pursuit of liberty and independence from English rule. Historian John Pagano discusses the overlooked roles of Black Patriots and how their contributions helped the ideas of the Revolution take root. July 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

In the Footsteps of Maggie Walker. Ẹlẹgba Folklore Society shares Walker’s evolution from her birthplace in Church Hill to her elevation in Historic Jackson Ward. Consider Black excellence and community building in early-20th-century Richmond in light of its significance today. July 14, 2 to 4 p.m., at Elegba Folklore Society, Richmond.

Sierra Green and The Giants. Emerging as a vibrant musical force from the bustling streets of New Orleans, Sierra Green embodies a fusion of timeless soul with an irresistible contemporary allure, evoking the depth and grit of the genre’s raw essence. Revered as the “Queen of Frenchmen Street,” Sierra’s roots delve into the rich musical soil of the city’s 7th Ward. July 14, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Monday, July 15

Fentanyl Conversation. Experts talk about the fentanyl crisis in an urgent and compassionate conversation that could save a life. Fentanyl is a deadly drug capable of killing two-thirds of the U.S. population. Sponsored by the BBB. July 15, 8:30 to 10 a.m., at 100 East Shore Dr., Glen Allen.

Ashland Theatre’s 1948 Film Series. The small-town theater celebrates its 75th anniversary with 1948 films. Up this month, “Bicycle Thieves,” starring Lamberto Maggiorani and Enzo Staiola. July 15, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

Tuesday, July 16

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Since its formation in the early ’90s in California, the band has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music. The band was at the forefront of the swing revival, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and Dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. July 16, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Wednesday, July 17

“The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces and the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers.” Military historian and author Patrick K. O’Donnell explores the story of Lincoln’s special forces, the Jessie Scouts, in a little-known chronicle of the shadow war that raged between the North and the South away from the major battlefields. July 17, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Thursday, July 18

Patriotic Sing-Along. Learn about Joyful Voices, a chorus for people in the early to mid-stages of memory loss and their caregivers. No musical experience necessary. Have snacks and socialize, then sing some favorite songs. July 18, 10 to 11:30, at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.

Lunchtime Lecture: “The Time Left Between Us.” Author Alicia DeFonzo discusses her book, a blend of memoir, history, travel, adventure, and oral storytelling that bridges the gap between the generation who fought – including DeFonzo’s grandfather – and the generation who has forgotten. BYO lunch. FREE. July 18, noon, at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

The Oasis: A High Noon Summer Concert. Relax in the courtyard of The Valentine with live music and free admission to the museum. This week featuring Buttafly Vazquez. FREE. July 18, noon to 1 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.

Artist Talk: Michelle Galiano. The artist discusses her evolving art practice and environmentalism and shows the natural materials she uses in her non-toxic paints. July 18, 5:30 p.m., at Page Bond Gallery – Cary Street Gallery, Richmond.

“This Fierce People” with Alan Pell Crawford. Local author discusses his newest look at the Revolutionary War, the overlooked story of the critical aspect of America’s Revolutionary War that was fought in the South. FREE, registration required. July 18, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Road Trip

History and outdoors, in one unique package

The Power of Place: Conservation, Kayaking and Culture Festival. Race your kayak or just enjoy the festival on the beautiful waters on Cat Point Creek in Virginia’s Northern Neck. Kayaking, hiking, pontoon excursions, live music, food, informative film, and guided tours of Menokin, a National Historic Landmark. July 13, kayak racing from 8 to 11 a.m., festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Menokin, Warsaw.

News & Announcements

Crafty classes, original opera and OG comedy

VisArts Class Registration Opens for Fall 2024. More than 300 classes available in multiple creative media and for all ages and skill levels! Registration opens to the public on July 17. Visual Arts Center, Richmond.

World Premiere of Opera Based on Garth Greenwell Novel. The chamber opera “What Belongs to You” was commissioned by the Modlin Center and the instrumental ensemble Alarm Will Sound. The opera tells the story of an unnamed narrator’s obsession with a hustler and the start of a “long, unstable, and ultimately destructive affair,” says composer David T. Little. “The experience Greenwell describes is universal: the search for self and the desire to belong amidst loneliness and enduring heartbreak.” Q&A on Sept. 27, in the Alice Jepson Theatre, performances Sept. 26 and 28, at the Modlin Center, Richmond.

The Second City 65th Anniversary Show. The legendary Chicago-based comedy legend presents favorite songs, sketches, and characters written for them by some of their illustrious alumni, including Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Amber Ruffin, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Joan Rivers, Eugene Levy, and more, with material handpicked from the iconic comedy archive and brought to life by an all-star ensemble. Two shows: Oct. 4, 6:30 and 9:45 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Anticipation … !

Follow What’s Booming on Boomer, updated every Thursday.

And sign up at the bottom of our website for our twice-weekly newsletter.

Submit your event here.