Thursday, Dec. 5
The Bizarre Bazaar 49th Christmas Collection @ Richmond Raceway Complex (Dec.5-8)
Why not get that holiday shopping done early? Should be all kinds of stuff at this massive bazaar featuring 475 juried exhibitors from all over the country. General admission is $11 for adults, children 2 to 12 are $2.50. Early bird hours Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. ($16).
Friday, Dec. 6
RVA Illuminates @ Kanawha Plaza
It’s a thing, y’all. The kiddos love it. Countdown with ABC8 for the annual tree lighting and illumination of the downtown Richmond skyline at 5:58 p.m. Light up the night. The whole thing takes place rain or shine from 4 to 7 p.m. at 701 E. Canal St. Learn more here.
“Without Fear or Favor: New paintings by Kelly Queener” @ Eric Schindler Gallery
“With these paintings, I wanted to convey the power and strangeness of the natural world through abstraction,” says artist Kelly Queener, originally from Indiana before moving to Virginia to attend Hollins University, in her artist statement. “I am seeking not to mimic the forms of that world, but the encounter: the strange, totemic, seductive, and mysterious. These paintings can partly be read as odes, but mostly they are a practice—of putting on the mantle, shifting my point of view with each painting, a ritual found in changing from enraptured observer to willing participant.” In 2015, Queener was awarded the VMFA Professional Artist’s Fellowship and she’s shown at VMFA, VMOCA, as well as several regional galleries. A musician, she also runs a vintage clothing and decor business called Future of What Vintage. An opening reception runs from 7 to 9 p.m. 2305 E. Broad St.
Cécile McLorin Salvant @ the University of Richmond’s Camp Concert Hall
There are few awards Cécile McLorin Salvant has not received. She has won three Grammys out of six nominations, came in first place at the Thelonious Monk competition, and has been critically praised for virtually everything she has ever done. Over the years her career has grown from a mix of artfully chosen covers, often deep cuts from as early as the 19th century, and originals – the most recent “Mélusine” [Nonesuch] is an adventurous retelling of a folk tale about a shapeshifting, half-woman/half-snake. The lyrics are equally polymorphous, segueing from French to English to Haitian creole. The style ranges far beyond jazz but always within reach of her immense talent. There is a reason she has become arguably the preeminent improvisational vocalist of her generation. Seeing her onstage in a theater setting here is a rare local opportunity. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 ($10 for students).—Peter McElhinney
Punks for Presents @ Wonderland (and @Fuzzy Cactus on Dec. 7)
Ever since 2005, a bunch of Christmas-themed punk and metal parody bands – think Beastie Toys and Alice in Candy Canes – have put on December shows with proceeds going to charity. This year there are four shows, one each at Wonderland, Fuzzy Cactus, The Camel, and Hardywood and each with different bands. So, whether you’re dying to hear Sleighs the Day or Faith Sno More, it’s the most philanthropic headbanging of the season and it starts this weekend on Dec. 6 at 9 p.m. at Wonderland, 1727 E. Main St. and continues Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at Fuzzy Cactus, 221 W. Brookland Park Blvd.—Karen Newton
Samara Joy feat. The McClendon Family @ Altria Theater
With her rich and velvety vocals, the young Bronx native and Grammy winner Samara Joy has emerged as one of Gen Z’s most prominent rising jazz stars. 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec.7
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade on East Broad Street
This annual tradition begins at the Science Museum and travels along East Broad Street to 7th Street. Check out an array of creative balloons and floats, marching bands, or favorite holiday characters. And hopefully, nobody gets deflated on a pole. Free & family-friendly. Starts at 10 a.m.
Shelf Life Books Presents BrewHoHo! ‘24 @ Afterglow Coffee Cooperative
The time to rev our collective holiday gift procurement engines is upon us. This annual event brings together two local businesses and an impressive gathering of Richmond-based authors for a unique, refreshingly pleasant and personable consumer experience. Take it as an opportunity to support all parties involved, while leaving the remnants of a shopping list in your dust. There’s truly something for everyone among new and recent titles in just about every make and model of fiction, nonfiction, photography, poetry, mystery, crime, speculative fiction, self-help and young adult (YA). As a bonus, that lucky someone will know you were actually thinking of them with a personalized inscription from their soon-to-be favorite author. Notable and award-winning participants this year include: Ashley Calkins, John Copenhaver, Andrew Cothern, S. Preston Duncan, Josh Epperson, Fiona Fenn, Josh Galarza, Kristina Hamlett, Alix Harrow, Ward Howarth, Rachel McCrady, Laura Chow Reeve, Jon Sealy, Kris Spisak and Dorinda Wegner. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and is free to the public.—Tim Abbondelo
Crisis at Red Onion Supermax and “Up on the Ridge” documentary screening @Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
This event is being hosted by the statewide quarterly progressive newspaper, The Virginia Defender, which ran an article in its fall issue describing harsh conditions at the Red Onion supermax prison in rural Western Virginia, claiming that a number of prisoners had been setting themselves on fire in order to leave. The Defenders are calling for an independent outside investigation and this meeting is to bring more public attention; but they’ll start by screening a 2008 documentary, “Up on the Ridge,” about Virginia’s other supermax prison, Wallens Ridge at 2 p.m. The meeting begins at 3 p.m. and will include first-hand accounts from prisoners. To learn more, go here. 1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike. 2 to 4:30 p.m.
The 12th annual RVA Krampus Walk @ Carytown
Here in good ‘ole RVA, we love getting dressed up, especially with a pair of horns or any other Satanic duds. This legendary Krampy stroll starts at 5:30 p.m. when a group of foul looking folks will meet at Aquarian Bookshop at 12 S. Thompson St. in Carytown for a costume contest, then the walk continues down to the Byrd Theatre and back, followed by a beastly post-mingle and of course, food trucks. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Free. Don’t forget an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive.
Tom Waits 75th Birthday Party Tribute show feat. Roger Carroll @ Gallery5
Tom Waits’ songs have been covered by everyone from Bruce Springsteen and the Eagles to entire albums by Scarlett Johansson and others [he even collaborated with departed Virginian Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse on the nasty “Dog Door”]. But there is probably no one within 100 miles with a better command of the ragged vocal sincerity of Waits’ original delivery than Roger Carroll. Waits’ lyrics [which are often written with his wife Kathleen Brennan] are a unique blend of gritty, street level poetry with surreal imagery and surprisingly deep emotion. The songs work well with conventional vocals but hearing them with something close to their raspy original promises to be a memorable night. A stalwart saxophone presence on the RVA scene, Carroll is an adept and charming entertainer, and there are new arrangements by the incredibly well-connected bassist Adam Hopkins [who has presented Waits’ music in Baltimore before with the band White Lodge]. This is likely to be one of the most memorable nights of the closing year. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Presale tickets sold out but a few remaining tickets will be available at the door for $15.—P.M.
Nate Smith and Butcher Brown, Charlie Hunter, Bilal and DJ Scratch @ The National
Chesapeake native Nate Smith is one of the most successful artists to come through VCU’s jazz studies program during the years it was, like Berklee in Boston, as much professional finishing school as degree program. Over the past 20 years, he has established a solid reputation as sideman and leader, playing in different genres with everyone from jazz legends to Paul Simon and Childish Gambino. Every once in a while, Smith slips into town, but full-on performances are vanishingly rare. This National appearance celebrates his 50th birthday, leading a band featuring hybrid guitarist Charlie Hunter, pianist Kiefer, bassist CARRTOONS, and special guests DJ Scratch and vocalist Bilal. If this were not enough, RVA’s own jazz funk masters Butcher Brown, just back from a wide-ranging European tour, is co-billed. There is crossover potential in the lineup: Hunter has played with Butcher Brown a number of times, and Smith, Hunter, and Butcher Brown members Devonne Harris and Corey Fonville have all played in vocalist Kurt Elling’s “SuperBlue” quartet. This is one of those nights when, musically, anything may happen. 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $28.50 plus fees.—P.M.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Winter Wander: Court End @ the Valentine
Hot beverages, family crafts, games, live music plus you can take a self-guided tour of the historic Court End neighborhood or hop on a shuttle to visit nearby museums. Perfect for that out-of-towner dying to move here. Free event. Noon to 4 p.m. Find more information here: https://thevalentine.org/event/winter-wander/
Flag on the Moon 9 @The Broadberry
It’s the last big local hip-hop extravaganza of the year featuring respected names such as Nickelus F (pictured), Michael Millions and Radio B, as well as a live mixtape segment with performances by Noah O and Big No, Cane, TRIG, Easalio, O-Z, Illa Styles, Kaay Taurus, Dyfferant, 10k Zuri, Ducttape Jesus; as well as opening performances from RVA Rap Elite’s B.D.M. and Tre St. Fauntleroy. Music by Hiphop Henry and Melodic and hosted by A.W.O.L. and Lady Savage. All ages show. Doors at 6 p.m. Tickets $30. Stay tuned for Style Weekly show coverage.
