Thursday, Aug. 28
Del McCoury Band at the Beacon Theatre (Hopewell)
Del McCoury is bluegrass royalty. The 86-year-old Grammy winner and National Heritage fellow sang with Bill Monroe’s band in the ’60s, honed his reputation as a versatile songwriter and vocalist in the ’70s with bands like the Dixie Pals, and started performing with his sons, mandolinist Ronnie McCoury and banjo player Rob McCoury, in the 1980s. They’ve left a resounding mark on Americana music that can make almost anything sound “high lonesome,” from Richard Thompson’s “1952 Black Lightning” to spirituals such as “I’m Bound for the Land of Canaan.” Del’s latest album, “Songs of Love and Life” shows the master still operating at peak form. Don’t miss him and his ace players in a cozy venue.—Don Harrison
Ravagers with Mel Machete and Hagstone at Fuzzy Cactus
While the clip of first-rate underground punk and rock — also punk rock — acts coming through this Brookland Park family restaurant and bar has slowed in recent months, here are two not-to-be-missed weeknight bangers (the second show is listed under Sept. 3). First up, razor-sharp and tour-tight Baltimore rockers, Ravagers, return with their new Tuk Smith and Dan Dixon-produced album,“On the Loose.” There couldn’t be a more simpatico support act in Richmond’s equivalent for this brand of high-octane, riff-ready rockers than Mel Machete. Seventies stoner rock torchbearers, Hagstone, add spice to the proceedings with the best crop of bonehead crunchers the city has to offer. More weed than speed, they may be the odd birds of the bill, but it’s all sonically kindred in spirited riffs and leather to spare. 9 p.m. $12.
Dave Davidson at Révéler Experiences
While billed under a single name, this is really a supergroup quartet. Davidson built his reputation playing smart, extreme metal guitar with his band Revocation. With a cum laude degree from Boston’s Berklee School of Music, there is a lot more beneath the surface of his solos than mere power chords. Since John McLaughlin, there have been guitarists known for sophisticated jazz forms who have ventured into at least the outskirts of metal (Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell), Davidson is just coming at it from the other direction. He is joined on guitar by Ryan Clackner of Nashville-based, experimental country sludge metal band StumpTail. Drummer Kenny Grohowski is a veteran of a wide variety of genre-transgressive bands, including some great John Zorn sessions; (IYKYK) Revocation bandmate Alex Weber is along on bass. According to the venue, the fact that this gig is happening at all is a happy accident. The same lineup is playing the following night at New York City’s famed The Bitter End. Based on all available evidence, it is a safe bet that this is going to feature astonishing technique at significant volume. Fortunately, Révéler has a jar of free ear protection at the door. Admission: $17.50 with doors at 7 p.m. and music from 8-10:30 p.m.—Peter McElhinney
Friday, Aug. 29
Alison Krauss and Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas at Allianz Amphitheater
A living legend in the bluegrass-country world, Krauss has won something like 27 Grammys and been nominated nearly 50 times. She may not have Robert Plant in tow, but this time she has her own excellent band, Union Station, for the first time in a decade, and it will be featuring one of the country’s greatest dobro and lap steel players, Jerry Douglas, on this upcoming stop for her Arcadia Tour 2025. 7:30 p.m.
“Jaws” and “Tremors” at Goochland Drive-in (through Aug. 31)
Anyone up for a double feature of drive-in-ready movies featuring horrible things that come from below? When it first shattered box office records in 1975, putting Steven Spielberg on the directorial map, “Jaws” was classified as a horror movie, but over the years it’s gained its bonafides as a visceral, often hilarious examination of the fragile male ego (Bruce the shark has his moments, but Robert Shaw’s revenge seeking Captain Quint remains the scariest character).”Tremors,” from 1990, is a more irreverent take on the same trope, except the monsters come not from the sea — which you can avoid — but from below the earth, which is much trickier. Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Reba McEntire and sequel franchise figurehead Michael Gross lead a lively cast of small town would-be morsels in a series of unnerving set pieces featuring ingenious practical effects that still stand up beautifully. Best ad tagline not used: “This valley is just one long smorgasbord.” Gates open 6:15 p.m., showtime 8:20 p.m.—D.H.
Martin Lawrence at Altria Theater
The famous comedian, TV/movie star, former boxer (he played both Big Momma and Captain Wack from “The Beach Bum”) brings his Y’All Still Know What Time It Is Tour to the former Mosque. 8 p.m.
Lily Cox Richard: “Disquiet in the Sand” at the ICA at VCU
From the overview: Artist Lily Cox-Richard’s solo exhibition “presents a newly commissioned body of work that examines how land serves as both a witness and a guide amid our current global crises … At the heart of [the exhibit] is the artist’s expansive use of material as medium, as they explore glass as both a material and a conduit. The exhibition features a series of multicolored scrying mirrors, creating a vibrant and immersive constellation within the ICA’s True Farr Luck Gallery. These glassworks act as lenses, reflecting and refracting light while inviting viewers to look deeper.” Runs through Feb. 22.
Weekend Plans at Révéler Experiences
Weekend Plans is the Swiss Army Knife of RVA music, capable of unfolding into a variety of funky configurations. With eight members, including capable vocals, head-over –heels flow, a strong horn section, keyboards, and a blazing lead guitarist, the band’s music can fold out something soulfully or funkily useful in every song. The performance this Friday celebrates the release of their new album, “After Hours.” At once serious and playful, the band has been evolving for a decade. Wherever you think a song is heading, there is a fresh new turn ahead. The energetic, charismatic, unpredictable (and just married) Deau Eyes opens. Both artists understand that performance is more than just hitting the melodic marks. Expect a full-on show. The seats are sold out, but there are always lounge tickets at the door. Admission: $20.00; doors at 7 p.m. and music at 8–11 p.m. –P.M.
Saturday, Aug. 30
“101 Dalmatians”(1961) live at The Byrd Theatre
The Disney animation classic that will have you sloppily singing that song “Cruella Deville” like The Replacements used to do it. 10 a.m. $5.
The 22nd annual Happily Natural Day Festival and Urban Farm Expo feat. Talib Kweli at the Fifth District Mini Farm
Bringing communities together, this Afrikan summer festival is dedicated to “holistic health, cultural awareness and social change.” Vendors and exhibitors, networking opportunities, and a performance by rapper Talib Kweli. 11 a.m. For more information on this and other events, visit the Happily Natural website.
It’s All About the Hair: My Decade with Diana H.R.H. The Princess of Wales Meet and Greet Book Signing at Bob and Sally Mooney Hall, Dominion Energy Center
Yes, Richmond has its share of Anglofile fans who love everything about the People’s Princess. Now the truly dedicated ones can show up for a royal afternoon of dishing with Princess Diana’s former personal hairdresser, stylist Richard Dalton, along with Renae Plant, founder of the Princess Diana Museum and the Princess and the Platypus Foundation. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, check out Lady Di’s legendary Falcon dress designed by Catherine Walker on display, and there will be a book signing afterward. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and event starts at 1 p.m. Go here for more info.
The 18th Annual Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival at Midtown Green
Get ready for a day of sizzling salsa, Latin beats, and mouthwatering food: With Edwin Ortiz Y La Mafia Del Guanguanco featuring Vivian Mojica, Carlos Xavier, Kevin Davis, Friday Love. Free event and parking. 1 to 8 p.m. Go here to learn more.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Rebecca Porter and the “Roll with the Punches” listening party and Q&A at Reveler Experiences
Catch her now before she’s too big to play small rooms; Harrisonburg’s Rebecca Porter has been earning raves from around the country, picking up fans in Texas and the Pacific Northwest for her strong, commanding voice and powerful Americana songs that feel equally born from her loves of Etta James and Dolly Parton. As No Depression raved: “Porter’s art transforms the challenges she voices into shimmering tableaus. She makes a stand – implicitly and overtly – for those treated unfairly, those wrongly marginalized. And though [her album] ‘Roll With The Punches’ is occasionally bitter (as it should be) Porter’s sound is sweeter than strawberry wine.” Check out the interview we ran with her last May. Doors for this special event are at 3:30 and music is from 4 to 5:45 p.m.
“Eddington” at the Byrd Theatre
The recent neo-Western black comedy from director Ari Aster got mixed reviews, but its one of mainstream cinema’s first explorations of the COVID period, starring Joaquin Phoenix as a small-town sheriff at odds with a flashy mayor played by Pedro Pascal. $9 at 7 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1
James Taylor and his All-Star Band at Allianz Amphitheater
The six-time Grammy winner, Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame member, and first non-British signee to The Beatles’ Apple Records brings his laid back, Martha’s Vineyard vibes to RVA’s riverfront. Known for radio staple classics such as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and others. Show features support from Boston band Tiny Habits. 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
RuPaul’s Drag Race World Tour at Altria Theater
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World tour “is taking you behind the velvet ropes of the most exclusive awards show in herstory. Get ready to walk the red carpet hosted by Jimbo as Joan Rivers, plus sickening performances by Daya Betty as Lady Gaga, Jaida Essence Hall as Beyoncé, Jorgeous as Ariana Grande, Kim Chi as Celine Dion, and Vanessa Vanjie as Rihanna on the most important night of the year for the art of Drag. Presented by Voss Events in collaboration with World of Wonder and MTV. Line-up subject to change.” 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Pyrex with Beer, Gleex, Power Pants and Stuck Down at Fuzzy Cactus
Less than a week after the previously mentioned show, tour routes align to bring together New York powerhouse punk trio, Pyrex, along with the most refreshing egg punk act from here to Charleston, SC, Beer. Local up-and-comers Gleex, Power Pants and Stuck Down clinch the bang for your buck with this barnburner. 9 p.m. $10. Only 21 and up admitted.—Tim Abbondelo
