Nightlife

Alley Katz 10 Walnut Alley, 643-2816. Thurs: Orange Sky, Red Clay Village, 9 p.m., $7. Fri: Fat Benetar, 10 p.m., $5. Sat: Saint Diablo, Madrone, Kamura, Malthus, Unheard Concept, Culdera, 6 p.m., $8-$10.

Andy's Restaurant 412 England St. in Ashland, 798-9751.

Ashland Coffee and Tea 100 N. Railroad Ave., 789-1702. Thurs: Stephen Bennet, 8 p.m., $15-$20. Fri: Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, 8 p.m., $16-$21. Sat: Robin and Linda Williams, 8 p.m., $20-$25.

Baja Bean 1520 W. Main St. 257-5445. Sat: Blue Haven (rock/funk/reggae), 10:30 p.m., free.

Bleu Bistro 8982 Quioccasin Road, 750-1120. Wed: Chicago Cy, 7 p.m.

Bottoms Up Pizza 1700 Dock St. 644-4400. Thurs: Buttercup, 8 p.m., free.

CafAc Diem 600 N. Sheppard St., 353-2500. Thurs: Chez Roue, 9 p.m., free. Fri: the Recliners, 9 p.m., free. Sat: the Atkinsons, 9 p.m., free. Tues: DJ Williams Projekt, 9:30 p.m., free.

The Camel CafAc 1621 W. Broad St., 353-4901. Thurs: AM Astronaut, Alex Enggist, Cole Sullivan and Mike Howard, 8 p.m. Sat: Parachute Musical, the Half Jeffersons, the Noises 10, 7 p.m. Sun: Hot Chicken, My Friend Kyle, American Tourist, Mild Winter, 8 p.m.

The Canal Club 17th and Dock streets, 643-CLUB. Thurs: the DJ Williams Projekt, the Jamie McLean Band, 8 p.m., $5-$7. Fri: Manchester Orchestra, Kevin Devine, Dead Confederate, All Get Out, 8 p.m., $11-$13. Sun: Threat of Scarlett, Say Your Prayers, Takin Forever, Slay the Silence, 5 p.m., $8-$10.

Capital Ale House 623 E. Main St. 780-ALES. Sat: Hamaganza, 9 p.m., $10 donation (or canned ham).

Cary Street CafAc 2631 W. Cary St. 353.7445. Thurs: Whiskey Rebellion (newgrass), 10 p.m., $5. Fri: Sloth Loves Chunk (rock), 10 p.m., $5. Sat: Rolling Green (rock), 10 p.m., $5.

Commercial Taphouse 111 N. Robinson St. 359-6544. Sun: Near Earth Objects, 9 p.m.

Common Groundz CafAc 734 W. Broad St. 344-8580. Sun: Stewart Lewis, Tom Goss, Jake Walden, 7-10 p.m., $7.

Curry House 4032 Cox Road. 762-4411. Thurs: Carol Covell with the Dave Pillsbury Toot Sweet Jazz Ensemble, 7 p.m., $5.

Dixie Diner 250 N. Sycamore St. in Petersburg, 732-7425. Fri: No Worries, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Gallery 5 200 W. Marshall St. 644-0005. Fri: Orioles, Hot Lava, the Awesome Few, Prabir and the Substitutes, Palominos, David Shultz and the Skyline, 7 p.m.

Globehopper Coffeehouse and Lounge 2100 E. Main St. Thurs: Jason Jenkins Trio, 8 p.m., free.

Grandpa Eddie's Alabama Ribs and BBQ 11129 Three Chopt Road, 270-RIBS. Fri: Nat King Kong (classic rock), 8:30 p.m., free. Sat: Sister Sweet (indie rock), 8:30 p.m., free.

The Grapevine II 11055 Three Chopt Road. 440-9100. Tues: Big Pop and the Doo-Wops, 7-10 p.m., free.

Iron Horse Restaurant 100 S. Railroad Ave. 752-6410. Fri: Blue Line Highway (acoustic rock), 6:30-9:30 p.m., free. Sat: the God Fearin' Snake Handlers (alt. bluegrass), 9 p.m., free.

Legend Brewery 321 W. Seventh St. 232-3446. Tues: Blue Line Highway (acoustic rock), 6:30-9:30 p.m., free.

LeMaire 101 W. Franklin St. 649-4644. Fri: Carol Covell with Skip Gailes, 7:30 p.m., free. Sat: Carol Covell with Skip Gailes, 7:30 p.m., free.

The National 708 E. Broad St., 612-1900. Wed: Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Copper Sails, 6 p.m., $13-$15. Sat: Jackass Flats, Slack Family, Tobacco Row Exchange, 6:30 p.m., $10-$13.

Poe's Pub 2706 E. Main St. 648-2120. Fri: Hamaganza, 9 p.m., $10 donation (or canned ham). Sat: Cheenon (funk rock), 9:30 p.m., $5.

Pour House 3438 Pump Road, 364-9083. Sat: At the Stars, Citified, 9 p.m. $3.

Richbrau's Tap House Grill 1212 E. Cary St. 644-3018. Sat: Russ Hanchin, Joe Sarver Duo, 7:30-10:30 p.m., free.

Shenanigans Eatery and Pub 4017 MacArthur Ave., 264-5010. Wed: Amy Henderson, 7:30 p.m. Fri: MoDebree, 8:30 p.m. Sat: Brad Spivey and the Honky Tonk Experience, 8:30 p.m. Sun: Billy Ray Hatley and the Show Dogs, Page Wilson with Reckless Abandon, the Janet Martin Band, Hazy Davie and the Mission Band, Big City, 4-10 p.m., free.

SinAc Irish Pub 1327 E. Cary St., 649-7767. Fri: US, 9 p.m., free. Fri: William Walter and Company, 9 p.m. Sat: Dave Pollard, 9 p.m.

SJ's Lakeside Tavern 5406 Lakeside Ave., 264-3288. Sat: Union Pacific Band (rock/soul), 7:45 p.m., $3.

Toad's Place 140 Virginia St., 648-8623. Thurs: Mills Family Band, David Shultz and the Skyline, 8 p.m., $10. Mon: Saving Abel, Anberlin, Safetysuit, Against Grace, 7 p.m., $15-$20.

Tobacco Company 1201 E. Cary St. 782-9555. Wed: John Fetherston Band, 8 p.m., free. Thurs: the Rythmasters, 8 p.m., free. Fri: Marna and Macy, 9:30 p.m., free. Sat: Marna and Macy, 9:30 p.m., free.

The Triple 3306 W. Broad St. 359-7777. Thurs: Frank Hoier, the Weber Brothers, Spies, Clint Maul, 10 p.m. Fri: Hotdamns, Dean Lee and the Unwelcome Guest, American Aquarium, 8 p.m. Sat: the Points, Cloak and Dagger, the Ladies, 10 p.m.

Visual Art Studio 208 W. Broad St. 644-1368. Fri: My Son the Doctor (gypsy/klezmer music), 6 p.m., free.

Wonderland 1727 E. Main St. 643-9233. Sat: Push Button Reaction, Straight Punch to the Crotch, 10 p.m., $5.

WEDNESDAY 10

events

MCV Campus Authors' Tea The Virginia Commonwealth University libraries celebrates the contributions of the Medical College of Virginia campus authors from 4-6 p.m. in the Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences Special Collections and Archives reading room. 509 N. 12th St. 828-4640.

galleries

Coffee Talk Artist Lois Shipley discusses her work from 7 p.m. at Visual Art Studio. 208 W. Broad St. 644-1368.

music

Wind Ensemble Holiday Concert The European Wind Ensemble plays its annual holiday concert starting at 7 p.m. at St. John's Christian Church. Free. 503 Stuart Circle. 727-9879.

words

Book Signing History professor Elizabeth Varon discusses and signs copies, “Disunion!: The Coming of the American Civil War, 1789-1859,” from noon-1 p.m. at the Library of Virginia. 800 E. Broad St. 692-3500.

THURSDAY 11

events

Canine CafAc Happy Hour Enjoy some pet-friendly holiday shopping and coffee on the second floor of the Robins-Starr Humane Center from 6-9 p.m. $8-$12. 2519 Hermitage Road. 521-1318.

Classics by Candlelight Wilton House museum presents tours of the festively-decorated plantation home, followed by a special holiday concert starting at 6 p.m., with a repeat of the experience on Dec. 13. $50. 215 S. Wilton Road. 519-2098.

Holiday Tea and Tour at Virginia House Virginia House hosts an evening of refreshments and a special presentation of past holiday traditions from 3-5 p.m. Reservations are required. 4301 Sulgrave Road. 353-4251.

Rare Olde Times This pub in the far West End hosts a benefit concert to raise money for Freedom House beginning at 8:30 p.m., featuring Irish American pub band Uisce Beatha. For information call 726-5302.

galleries

Coffee Talk “How to Paint a Still Life,” featuring artist Cathyann L. Burgess, from 6-8 p.m. at Visual Art Studio. 208 W. Broad St. 644-1368.

stage

“A Christmas Carol for Two Actors” Richmond Shakespeare presents a two-man production of Charles Dickens' classic novel, with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through Dec. 21. $13-$26. Second Presbyterian Church, 5 N. Fifth St. 866-BARD-TIX.

words

Book of Hoaxes Author Matthew Goodman signs copies of his work, “The Sun and the Moon: The Remarkable True Account of Hoaxers, Showmen, Dueling Journalists, and Lunar-Man Bats in Nineteenth Century New York,” starting at 6:30 p.m. at Fountain Bookstore. 1312 E. Cary. 788-1594.

Book Signing Author Brian Weakland signs copies of his work, “Tonight in the River of Pittsburgh” from 7-9 p.m. at the Short Pump Barnes and Noble. 11640 W. Broad St. 360-0103.

Cookbook Signing Jan Carlton, editor of “Apron Strings II,” is signing copies of her new work and offering food tasting from 5-7 p.m. at Book People. 536 Granite Ave. 288-4346.

FRIDAY 12

events

Church Hill Vespers and Candlelight Walk St. John's Episcopal Church holds a night of carols and a candlelit walk through the streets of historic Church Hill starting at 7 p.m. 814-1066.

Court End Christmas The Valentine Richmond History Center, John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, and Monumental Church celebrate the season with 19th-century re-enactments, children's activites, refreshments, carriage rides and music. Free shuttle service provided from 12:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m. For information call 649-0711, ext. 322 or visit www.richmondhistorycenter.com/courtendchristmas.htm.

Horse and Carriage Rides Horse-drawn carriages will offer rides from Tenth and East Cary streets through Dec. 13 from 6-10 p.m. with each 15-minute ride scheduled on the half-hour. $12. 769-4010.

James River Parade of Lights With several viewing locations at Libby Hill Park and the Intermediate Terminal Dock, spectators from around the regain can gather along the riverfront to catch the floating parade starting at 6 p.m. 717-6681.

galleries

Artemis Gallery “Cultural Transformations: Art History in Ceramics,” featuring works by Noi Volkov and Genna Gervich. Opening at 5 p.m. and on display through Dec. 19. 1601 W. Main St. 254-1755.

Petersburg Area Art League Gallery “Holiday Show,” featuring seasonal art and the annual “Trees of Christmas,” exhibit. Opening at 6 p.m. and on display through Dec. 18. 7 E. Old St. 862-4611.

Petersburg Regional Art Center “All Media Show,” featuring works by Wade Hampton Goodwin III. Opening at 7 p.m. in the main gallery and on display through Jan. 5. 132 N. Sycamore St. 733-8200.

Red Door Gallery “Recent Works,” featuring new art by Lenny Campello. “Iterations,” featuring new work by Harold Edwards. Both opening at 6 p.m. and on display through Jan 17. 1607 W. Main St. 358-0211.

Coffee Talk Artist Denise Bell shows off her precious metal and gem pieces from 6-8 p.m. at Visual Art Studio. 208 W. Broad St. 644-1368.

stage

“The Nutcracker” The Concert Ballet of Virginia performs this Tchaikovsky classic at 7:30 p.m. at Monacan High School, with encore shows taking place Dec. 13 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m. $20-$24. 11501 Smoketree Drive.

“The Nutcracker” The Richmond Ballet conducts multiple performances of this fanciful Christmas tale through Dec. 23 at the Landmark Theater. $29-$110. 6 N. Laurel St. 646-4213.

words

Book Signing Comedy duo Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen, the first black and white comedy team in the history of show business, sign copies of memoir and cultural commentary, “Tim and Tom: American Comedy in Black and White,” at the Minerva Book Store at 8 p.m. 233 Bartow Alley in Petersburg.

Book Signing Authors Earle Dunford and George Bryson sign copies of their work, “Under the Clock: The Story of Miller and Rhoads,” at 12:30 p.m. at Fountain Bookstore. 1312 E. Cary St. 788-1594.

SATURDAY 13

events

Art for Autism Plaza Bowls hosts a night of art and live music from 7-11 p.m. to help the Faison School for Autism. 521 E. Southside Plaza.

Holiday Craft Bazaar The William Byrd Community House features numerous arts-and-craft vendors from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Idlewood Avenue and Linden Street. 643-2717.

Holiday Open House The Gay Community Center of Richmond gallery is holding an open house from 5-9 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 1-4 p.m. 1407 Sherwood Ave. 901-1500.

Holidays of Yesteryear Ball The annual Church Hill holiday ball takes place from 8 p.m.-midnight at Main Street Station, featuring music by NRG Krysys. Black tie or period attire. $50-$60.1500 E. Main St. 646-2041.

Wright Brothers Celebration The Virginia Aviation Museum hosts a special hands-on exhibit featuring the history of Wilbur and Orville's struggle to fly with reproductions of their gliders and the famous 1903 flyer from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-$6. 5701 Huntsman Road. 236-3622.

galleries

Ada Gallery “Salon Selective III,” featuring works by Naomi McCavitt, Able Brown, James Davis, Ginna Triplett, Richie Pope, Todd White, Cliff Hengst, Rob Lee, Tate Pray, Scott Hewicker, Natalie Estrellita and Bonnie Staley. Opening at 7 p.m. and on display through Jan 14. 228 W. Broad St. 644-0100.

Artist in Residence Holiday Show Affordable holiday art and craft items produced by local artists in the Woodland Heights neighborhood go on sale from 1-3 p.m. at Stone House in Forest Hill Park. 41st and Forest Hill avenues. 230-0561.

Back Alley Art Show Featuring the work of various local artists, this outdoor art and gift show takes places from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. behind 17 S. Shephard St. between Cary and Ellwood. For information call 359-9521.

Handmade Holiday Craft Show The Richmond Craft Mafia presents more than 40 local artists and designers selling their work from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center. 1812 W. Main St. 353-0094.

Coffee Talk and Sidewalk Sale Artist Denise Bell, Cindy Walker, and Katherine Benner display and sell their art from noon-4 p.m. at Visual Art Studio. 208 W. Broad St. 644-1368.

music

Open House The Crossroads Art Center features various vendors of painting, photography and jewelry from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with Christmas jazz music played by the Jason Jenkins Trio from noon-3 p.m. 2016 Staples Mill Road. 278-8950.

Holiday Spectacular Concert The Central Virginia Wind Symphony, conducted by Mike Goldberg, presents its annual holiday concert, with performances at 7 p.m. at the Chesterfield Towne Center, and Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Virginia Center Commons.

James River Ringers Holiday Concert Richmond's musical handbell ensemble presents a special Christmas concert at 7 p.m. at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. $8-$10. 11220 Nuckols Road. 357-9810.

London Preview Concert The American Youth Harp Ensemble presents a special selection of jazz and holiday music, as well as a Beatles medley at 2 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church. $5-$10. 4200 Dover Road. 353-7001.

Rock the Halls Lead singers of Foreigner, Lou Gramm, T-Rex, Cutting and the James Boyd Band perform at 7 p.m. at the Richmond Coliseum. $30-$45. 601 E. Leigh St. 262-8100.

words

Books on Wheels Chop Suey Tuey hosts in annual bike sale and book give away in the parking lot of the Clothes Rack from noon-4 p.m. 2618 W. Cary St. 422-8066.

Book Signing Author Carol Lemons and illustrator Holly Smith sign copies of their latest work, “Matisse and the Boy Who Loved to Draw,” from 2-4 p.m. at Book People. 536 Granite Ave. 288-4346.

Lecture Astrologer and trends analyst Jeanne Mozier presents a look at the coming year with “Balance at the End of the Tunnel 2009: You and the Stars,” starting at 2 p.m. at the Weinstein Jewish Community Center. $10. 5403 Monument Ave. Guests requested to preregister by Dec. 11. 740-1133.

Poetry Slam SlamRichmond Poetry Show takes places at ArtSpace Gallery starting at 8 p.m. $5. 0 E. Fourth St. 232-6464.

SUNDAY 14

events

Christmas at Agecroft Agecroft Hall is invites guests to a special open house from 12:30-5 p.m., featuring characters and entertainment from different time periods in the manor's past, from Elizabethan England to World War II. 4305 Sulgrave Road.

Christmas Parade With its Up on the Housetop theme, the annual Chester Kiwanis Christmas parade begins at 2 p.m., traveling from the Chester YMCA to Chester Village Green.

Church Hill House Tour Take a tour of 14 houses and historic buildings decorated for the holidays from noon-5 p.m., featuring free carriage rides and roving carolers throughout the neighborhood. $15-$20. 200-8020.

Court End Christmas The Valentine Richmond History Center hosts an evening of live music, refreshments, children's activities, re-enactments and Church Hill holiday open house from noon-5 p.m. 1015 E. Clay St. 649-0711.

music

Choir Concert The Richmond Boys Choir perform a selection of traditional and nontraditional holiday songs and carols to benefit the choir and St. John's Episcopal Church outreach programs starting at 4 p.m. at the church. 2401 E. Broad St. 788-6404.

In Due Season Together with Jake Holmes this gospel and jazz ensemble performs a free concert starting at 5 p.m. at the Fifth Baptist Church. 1415 W. Cary St. 651-6846.

Chancel Choir Concert The River Road Chancel Choir presents the Advent and Christmas sections of Messiah by George Frederic Handel at 7:30 p.m. at River Road Baptist Church. 8000 River Road. 288-1131.

Richmond Concert Band A holiday performance by the Richmond Concert Band takes place in the Fan at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 4 p.m. 1925 Grove Ave. 737-3767.

MONDAY 15

music

Christmas Concert The 45-piece Chesterfield Community band performs a selection of holiday tunes starting at 7 p.m. at the Immanuel Baptist Church. 620 Lafayette Ave.

stage

Midsummer in December A staged reading of Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” featuring Scott Wichmann, Jennifer Meharg and Harry Kollatz takes place at 7 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, with proceeds benefiting the Richmond Shakespeare annual fund. $10-$15. 5 North Fifth St. For tickets call 866-BARDTIX or visit www.richmondshakespeare.com.

TUESDAY 16

music

Hanover Christmas Concert The Hanover Concert Band, an all-volunteer ensemble, performs a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. 798-2728.