Friday, Aug. 23
Afro-Zen Allstars at Révéler
There are multiple good choices this penultimate weekend of the summer. Calvin Brown’s Calvin Presents is holding down the monthly Friday jazz night on the newly rebuilt stage at Gallery5. Violinist Ellen Cockerham Riccio is closing out her August Sunday night Church Hill concerts with the Rosette Quartet and vocalist Laura Ann Singh. (Their last, brilliant performance filled Artspace to capacity as soon as the doors opened.) But no venue has come as far as fast this summer as Cary Street’s Révéler, and it is a perfect place to hear the mostly Ethiopian jazz of RVA’s Afro-Zen Allstars. The band’s eclectic two guitars, two percussion players, three horns, and driving bass sound is a perfect match for the colorful, retro-futurist, gilded skeleton vibe of one of the area’s most unique performance spaces. The music is both melodic and hypnotic, unwinding in polyrhythmic modal melodies that are at once alien and familiar. In the ‘60s, Addis Adaba, the Ethiopian capital, was the African equivalent of San Francisco during the same era. There is something similar in the improvisational, communal energy of this music and the trance-like vibe of Grateful Dead and their jam band descendants. It is a world unto itself, in a space that also seems to exist in a gently parallel universe. And, unquestionably, you can dance to it. 8 p.m. Tickets are still available at $15 but likely to sell out.—Peter McElhinney
Deau Eyes, Villages and the Sugar Hollows at Richmond Music Hall
Some local faves play downtown on what’s looking like a pleasant Friday eve. $9 in advance at Plan 9 Records only. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show.
Saturday, Aug. 24
The Fifth Annual Crabs, Beer and Spirits by the James at Kanawha Plaza
Calling all Homer Simpsons seeking seafood buffets. This is one of those events that seems pretty self-explanatory. Argh, matey, ‘tis all-you-remorseless-eatin’-machines-can-eat. Plus live music and DJs. Argh. Noon to 8 p.m. Tickets run from $25 to $109.99.
Dean Hurley, Amminal and Second Dinner at Gallery5
Did you know legendary filmmaker David Lynch’s former righthand man, Dean Hurley, now lives in Bon Air? Neither did we. If you’re into the audio extremes, or just love that good ‘ole “Twin Peaks” twist, you’ve got a rare chance to see Hurley perform live this weekend on the brand new stage at Gallery5. Also on the bill are Amminal, a four-piece ensemble that plays “spacey, pastoral folk and pscyh rock songs about witches, moths, sleep and human nature” and Second Dinner, an experimental improv quartet from Charlottesville. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of show. Read our feature story interview with Dean Hurley to learn more.
A Pop Dance Night feat. Music of Chappell Roan at Broadberry
Chappell Roan seems like she’s riding a golden rocket to Taylor Swift’s tax bracket. Whatever she’s doing, people love it. So much so that they want to pay money to get together and dance to her music when she’s not even there. 18 and up Doors at 8 p.m. and starts at 8:30 p.m.
Shangri-Lords final show, with RumbleTrio at Fuzzy Cactus
You say you like to party? And you like classic girl-group rock? Then c’mon out and join the leaders of the pack and do the jitterbug-hop-cha-cha. It’s your last chance to make out on a sticky dance floor to locals, The Shangri-Lords. See our preview by Tim Abbondelo.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Chesapeake Crab Fest at Get Tight Lounge
This Sunday, get right at the Get Tight as they steam local blue crabs with corn, grilled sausages, and watermelon. Tickets are limited and each is good for 1 all-you-can-eat-voucher. $54.56 each. 1 to 5 p.m. Go here for more.
Wednesday, Aug. 28
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard with Geese at Brown’s Island
Australia’s workaholics of rock (rockaholics?) King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard just released their 26th album, “Flight b741,” a mere three weeks ahead of their hotly anticipated Richmond appearance. In the midst of a world tour, no less, and on the heels of two albums released the previous year that had the band flip-flopping between heavy metal and electronic rock workouts; there’s no questioning the band’s productivity. The new album is a return to boogie blues strut (see video) optimal for our premiere downtown island destination. Be sure to stop by the nearby art show, “Nonagon Infinity,” inspired by the band’s oeuvre, that’s running until the end of the month at Black Iris Gallery, for an epic multidisciplinary night on the town. –Tim Abbondelo
Doors are at 6 p.m. and tickets run $53 not including convenience or handling fees.
