Thursday, April 11
The 30th annual James River Film Festival
It’s Richmond’s version of the little film festival that could, one that has been bringing interesting films and exciting guest artists for three decades now. You can read our full preview feature by Don Harrison here. The festival runs April 11-13 and on April 20 at various venues. Also visit the James River Film Society for more info on screen times and tickets: https://www.jamesriverfilm.org/.
A still from Richmond filmmaker Michele Poulos’ documentary, “Wild Creation: Mardi Gras Women.”
Saturday, April 13
The Third Annual African American Book Festival at Diversity Thrift
An annual event that celebrates African American contributions to “literature, books, literacy and the literary culture,” according to press for the event. There will be award-winning writers on hand signing books as well as giveaways and workshops. Free and open to the public. Runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get tickets here. 1407 Sherwood Ave.
Earth Day at the Science Museum
An activity-packed, environmental science-focused festival with 35 community partners and plenty of family-friendly, hands-on activities. The Earth Day activities are included with Science Museum admission, which is only $10 on April 13 (members, Virginia educators, military personnel and children 2 and under get in free). Runs from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are available here.
Jeffrey Osborne at the Greater Richmond Convention Center
How much is a woo-woo worth? For most of his career, R&B singer Jeffery Osbourne, known for the hits “On the Wings of Love” and “Don’t Your Get So Mad About it,” has steered clear of public drama. Even his split from ‘70s funk band, LTD, was a relatively quiet separation, free from outward acrimony. Now, at 76, Osbourne’s got a problem. He’s being sued for more than $2 million by two fans who said he humiliated them at recent concert in Los Angeles. Their complaint stems from a part of his act that been a staple for years – and something he might try when he comes to Greater Richmond Convention Center on April 13. During his shows, Osbourne often asks for audience participation to help him with his 1986 hit, “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song).” The two women suing him allege that after being handed a microphone, Osbourne saw their faces on a video screen and asked his team to find “a white person” instead. Maybe he was trying to recreate this moment with the late Madeline Kahn? Fame can be fleeting and some folks only get one shot – and losing it can be disappointing. So if the microphone comes your way at this show and things don’t work out, don’t get so mad about it – no one came to hear woo. Bak N Da Day and jazz singer Lindsey Webster open the show. 7 p.m. Tickets are $94.50. jsaffair.com – Craig Belcher
“The Fall of Richmond” at St. John’s Church
Past and present musically merge with the second performance of composer Curt Sydnor’s “The Fall of Richmond.” The chamber symphony evokes April 3rd, 1865, when the United States Army entered the smoldering ruins of Richmond and ended the city’s brief heyday as the capitol of an evanescent insurrectionary government. The blaze, set by retreating Confederates, erased the antebellum city from the river to the foot of the Capitol hill. While a tragedy for the powerful in the city, it was a deliverance for the nearly 12,000 enslaved people, roughly one-third of the population. Sydnor’s piece captures the devastation and hope of the city’s crucial day. The Petersburg Symphony and University of Richmond Music Director Naima Burr, who debuted the piece last April at Gallery5, will conduct again at Historic St. John’s Episcopal Church (where Sydnor is minister of music. Note: the event will also feature the premiere of a song cycle “Three Scenes from the Life of Elizabeth van Lew” performed by Sydnor and soprano, Gia Sweitzer. Doors at 5:45 p.m. Takes place from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Admission is free, but $15 suggested donations are welcome. 2401 E. Broad St. —Peter McElhinney
Shovels and Rope and Al Olender at the Broadberry
The popular Americana folk duo from Charleston, South Carolina returns to Richmond with singer-songwriter Al Olender from upstate New York. Doors at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale here: https://bit.ly/ShoRo4-13
Sunday, April 14
The Richmond Fringe Festival (April 13-15)
Read our preview feature about this festival celebrating “deeply weird” art. Ticket prices vary based on the events, which are held at different locations. Learn more or get tickets here: https://www.richmondfringe.com/
Swans with special guest Kristof Hahn at the Broadberry
The legendary experimental noise band formed in New York City in 1982 returns to RVA to lay down the ominous thunder of their group, whose name was reportedly chosen because of swans’ beauty and their ugly temperaments. 7 p.m.
