Thursday, Dec. 19
The R4nd4zzo Big Band annual holiday concert feat. music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Ember Music Hall
The R4nd4zzo Big Band’s annual holiday concert featuring Vince Guaraldi’s music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is something of a musical feast. This is the second year at Ember Music Hall, less intimate than the crowded confines of the first edition at the Rabbit Hole, but way warmer than the year it was on the outside stage at the Get Tight Lounge. Wherever it is, it is a treat. In addition to being the bassist for breakout local jazz/funk band Butcher Brown, Andrew Jay Randazzo played with almost every significant musician in town and has always been able to put together a first-rate ensemble. The music, arranged by Randazzo, is a mix of yule favorites (“O Tannenbaum,” “The Christmas Song”) and tunes written for the 1965 TV cartoon (“Skating,” “Christmastime is Here.”) The event is early enough in the evening for children, and there are always surprises in the mix. It seems like the musicians enjoy the sets as much as the audience, which is a firm foundation on which to build an RVA tradition. Doors are at 6 p.m. General admission is $15. Reserved seats are $30. —Peter McElhinney
Second Annual French Dip Night at Jardin
Owner Donnie Glass’ name teases at his destiny to one day open this popular wine joint from birth. With such a calling comes great responsibility, and Chef Glass continuously rises to the occasion beyond the day-to-day operation of his three restaurants, whether it’s launching an approachable wine club or hosting tantalizing one-off food and wine celebrations like so. For a new Jardin tradition, the French Dip — a seemingly straightforward sandwich of meat and cheese, served on sliced bread with sauce — takes center stage, supported by a cast of hearty reds and full-bodied whites served by the bottle or glass. Of course, the star of the show, and where the sandwich gets its name, is the act of dipping that savory French bread sammy into a side of jus – that’s French for ‘juice’, or what I like to call ‘the meat sauce.’ Fans of birria taco’s recent proliferation, or anyone who dunks their cookies in milk take note. Pre sales are history, but they’ve reserved some availability for walk-ins, so get there when they open at 5 p.m. Dine-in only. No mods. Jardin is located at 1520 W Main St. Basement.—Tim Abbondelo
Rodney Stith the Soul Singer @ Reveler Experiences
Petersburg’s Stith is a soul singer, writer and producer with a proven vintage style who has performed at the Richmond Folk Fest, which you can check out below. Doors at 7 p.m. and music at 8 p.m. $15.
Friday, Dec. 20
DJ Williams Band and Special Guests @ Anytime Beer Company
The Denver, Colorado-based guitarist known for her solo work and playing in Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, returns home for the holidays.
J Roddy Walston @ The Canal Club
A fiery rocker and veteran stage presence, Walston is known for his Xmas to the Bone shows (this is the fourth holiday tour) which are sure to get your tinsel in a tangle. 8 p.m. doors. $25 advance tickets. All ages.
Saturday, Dec.21
Divas on Stage: Drag Brunch at Capital Alehouse
Bring your friends and family to this popular brunch fit for a queen, hosted by Sweet Pickles and featuring Veronica May Monroe, Zukini Lèsagna, Stacy Max. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the show starts at noon. 18 and up. Tickets range from $20 to $80 (tickets $10 sold by the table only). Cheers!
Miramar trio: Afternoon boleros @ Reveler Experiences
One of Richmond’s most poetic and beautiful sounding groups, Miramar has been featured on NPR programs such as Tiny Desk and All Songs Considered and played prestigious venues like The Kennedy Center. Feel lucky that the core trio – singers Rei Alvarez and Laura Ann Singh and pianist/arranger Marlysse Simmons-Argandona – will be playing a free noon show during the holiday hustle-bustle of Carytown’s busiest season. Note: Seats are selected on arrival and cannot be reserved ahead of time. Music from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. All ages. 3108 W. Cary St.
Mele Kalikimaka: A Holiday Tiki Pop-Up at Get Tight Lounge
I’ve never heard more people talking about wanting to go to holiday bars than this year. Hey people, why not make bars festive more often? Leave the sparkly lights going, we’re going to need them.This special all-day event features holiday tiki drinks, smoked pulled pork with all the fixins, and basically holiday cheer served up Hawaiin style. 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
University of Richmond men’s basketball team at home vrs. VMI (Robins Center)
The Spiders are still trying to hone that magical winning formula, and they’ll get a chance this evening when the Cadets come a-marchin into the Robins Center, home of the Princeton offense. 6 p.m.
Prabir Trio, Tiny Lights, Danger Birds and Iona at Anytime Beer Company
Prabir’s had a big year of multi-faceted rocking highlighted by the release of his trio’s second album, “Long After the Empire,” which our critic Peter McElhinney said “sweeps by in headlong rock-and-roll, kept fresh by an admixture of South Asian melodic touches.” Last time we saw him, he was turning out the 50th Bamboo anniversary block party. Now he’s back at Anytime Beer Co. which is located at 704 Dawn St. Namaste. Tickets are $12 in advance.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Hardywood RVA Christmas Market
Give a breather to our postal people, just think of the nightmare that December is for them. Go shop local with artisan makers at Hardywood Richmond’s Barrel Room. Runs from noon to 5 p.m. If you don’t find anything, you’ll still have found beer.
Midnight Ukulele Society’s Christmas Show at Main Line Brewery
Who doesn’t love the sound of a bunch of ukes coming together? Here’s another free show for your holiday pleasure from a local Richmond group. It lifts our spirits when we play our little Kona, so we’re expecting this to be a fun, uplifting show. 2 to 4 p.m. Sing along and help ‘em put some build-up in their buttercups.
VCU Men’s Basketball plays at home vrs. William & Mary (at the Siegel Center)
The Tribe take a short highway trip to the Danger Zone, where VCU Ram Ball happens. The A10 is no joke this year. 2 p.m. On TV (MASN)
Susan Greenbaum Band Holiday Show at the Tin Pan
Veteran local singer-songwriter performs her annual band holiday show at the Tin Pan. 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 23
Fear of Music: A Christmas Tradition at the Broadberry
First it was a Thanksgiving tradition, now it’s a Christmas tradition; our great local Talking Heads tribute act is there for your dancing needs around these two major holidays. Come out and see your old friends. Work off those candy canes and (white Peeps?) on the dance floor. Doors at 7 p.m. $15.
