For more than two decades Richmond has been operating (loosely) a social experiment: If you were ever left deserted on an island, what must-have music would you bring with you? Now conducted on the control base of Brown's Island, where the likelihood of madness and inevitable cannibalism is far less probable (but not impossible), the city's free summer concert series Friday Cheers begins its 25th season with a performance by Melvin Seals and JGB with openers the Spaceheaters on Friday, May 8, 6-9:30 p.m. Continuing every Friday through June 26, future performances include Rusted Root, Zac Brown Band, Jesse Chong, David Shultz and the Skyline, Farm Vegas, the DJ Williams Projekt, the Atkinsons, the No BS Brass Band and Toubab Krewe (pictured). Call 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com. — Mike Hilleary