Thursday, Feb. 27
Dr. Ndubuisi C. Ezeluomba talk on “VMFA’s History-Making Loan to Lusanga, Democratic Republic of Congo” at VMFA’s Leslie Cheek Theater
Initially trained as an artist, Dr. Ndubuisi C. Ezeluomba, curator of African Art at VMFA, is an authority on the issue of the restitution of African art [if you never read one of the national news stories on this subject, many works were looted or stolen in the colonial era and sold to museums in the U.S.]. Tonight, Ezeluomba will explain how and why VMFA became the first major U.S. art museum to lend a work from its permanent collection to a sub-Saharan African institution, detailing “the collaboration between the museum and the Congolese Plantation Workers Art League art collective located in the remote village of Lusanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo that led to this loan.” 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Pride in Black Voices: A Loving Community at Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Presented by Virginia Opera, A Loving Community features excerpts from the new opera, “Loving v. Virginia” which premieres in April/May 2024 as a co-commission with the Richmond Symphony. This hour-long program will be performed by Virginia Opera’s talented Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists and the Richmond Symphony principal quartet. It concludes with a brief Q&A. Free but registration is required. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Visit Virginia Opera here.
Friday, Feb. 28
Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project Benefit with Black Button, Canary, Thieves of Shiloh, Ultra Bleach & Visiting Hour at Studio Two Three
An awesome and eclectic bill assembled to raise funds and awareness for RRFP and its continued exemplary efforts in championing reproductive justice for Virginians. Newcomers Visiting Hour are reminiscent of Slint—that seminal Midwest post-rock band from the ‘80s that, for a time, many bit—on debut single “Summary of Fields / Rust”, which gives them the distinction, for as long as I can remember, of being the only local band reminiscent of Slint! Ultra Bleach kicks up a more primordial nostalgia with its primitive punk din and frantic energy. Long running, Richmond auditory force, Thieves of Shiloh, is set to fill Studio Two Three’s gymnasium space with an expansive and visceral soundscape to vibe with. Dig shoegaze? Canaries kick up a storm of the stuff with whirling melodies to spare. Black Button’s hardcore punk finesse caps off the evening with an equivalent of sonic rubble. Meanwhile, everyone in the community is fortunate to have Studio Two Three’s vibrant space and programming to enjoy. $10 benefit for RRFP. Doors are at 7 p.m. All ages.—Tim Abbondelo
Sarah Hanahan with the Mike Hawkins Trio at Révéler Experiences
Saxophonist Sarah Hanahan may be on the verge of something big. Her 2024 debut album, “Among Giants” (Blue Engine Records) received high-profile, five-star reviews. NPR’s “Jazz Night in America” singled her out as an “up-and-coming jazz genius who [is] revolutionizing their genre.” Listening to the record, it’s easy to hear why. Her sound is big and open, controlled enough to leave space in her compositions, and confident enough to roar. This seems like one of those rare opportunities to see an artist on the verge of something big. Musical success is too random to say whether this is like seeing Pat Metheny with a tiny crowd at the Pass in the late ‘70s, or Mary Halvorson at the Camel. But it is a chance to see a young musician reaching the peak of her powers, playing with Mike Hawkins’ great rhythm section in the lovely/quirky confines of one of Richmond’s most unique venues. 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.—Peter McElhinney
Virginia Opera presents “Così Fan Tutte” at the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
A comedic battle of the sexes featuring the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, sung in Italian with English subtitles. Tickets start at $22.91. Takes place Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 2 at 2:30 p.m. Read our preview by Rich Griset.
“Diasporic Crossing: Group Art Exhibition” at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery
It’s the last weekend to check out this exhibition exploring “cultural expansion, return, homage, exchange, and connectivity through diverse works spanning multiple media. Curated by Ra-Twoine “Rosetta” Fields, with curatorial assistance from Nigel S. Richardson, “Diasporic Crossing” brings together a diverse roster of artists from across the African diaspora, while navigating “complex themes of exploration, identity, reverse acculturation (Sankofa), religion, survival, spirituality, and narrative storytelling, placing these themes in conversation with one another.” 1309 Hull St.
Richmond Wine Expo (Runs through March 9)
Billed as “a curated Virginia wine, spirits and food event with an international accent.” There are a lot of events scheduled. Go to the website to learn more.
Saturday, March 1
World Wildlife Day at Maymont
Maymont invites everyone to come celebrate World Wildlife Day with its animal ambassadors plus a schedule packed with animal keeper talks, presentations, film screenings and hands-on crafts. Get a bonus sneak peek of enhancements on Maymont’s own Virginia Wildlife Trail. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free but most activities take place in The Robins Nature Center and at Maymont Farm, so advance registration is suggested.
UnScene at Varina Area Library plus So Hot Right Now March Series dates
“UnScene” is the reverse of the usual musical event, where listeners face the players. The audience sits on a descending tier of stepped levels, looking through a three-story glass wall at the outside landscape of trees and grass. After everyone is seated, a small chamber ensemble sets up behind, invisible to the audience, on a landing near the top. It is an unexpectedly revealing way to experience live music. The setting encourages contemplation, and the timelessness of nature mixes well with the classical chamber compositions; plus the playing is excellent. The first edition featured the Rosette Quartet, which was not the biggest surprise given that the program’s mastermind, Ellen Cockerham Riccio, plays violin in the all-woman group. This time, she says, the lineup, while not yet announced, will be different. 10 a.m. at the Varina Area Library. 1875 New Market Road. Admission is free and this is open to the public. —P.M.
Even if they are unseen at “UnScene,” there will be plenty of opportunities to catch the Rosette Quartet this month at its So Hot Right Now series, where, over multiple performances, the group plays the music of a living composer. Going once is an introduction to the music, going several times allows it to become familiar. The focus this time is Anna Clyne, whose extensive body of work ranges from conventional to electro-acoustic instrumentation. The central piece of the program is “Breathing Statues,” a work inspired by Beethoven’s late string quartets. Rosette violinist Treesa Gold posted: “It takes brilliance from a past master and makes it fresh and unique and still passionate and expansive.”
There are six opportunities to hear this work and another, “Woman Holding a Balance,” in various locations Tuesday, March 4. Some are free. Some are not. (Seeing them in a private home is both the most expensive and the ideal way to see this music.)
- March 4 at St. John’s Parish Hall on Church Hill (Free)
- March 12 at Artspace ($18 advance, $20 at the door)
- March 14, BYOB at Spacebomb Studios ($12 advance, $15 at the door)
- March 19, at Gramophone Wine (Free)
- March 23, House Party in the Museum District ($50, address provided with ticket)
- March 25, at the Candela Gallery (Free)
Virginia Orchid Society presents A Taste for Orchids at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The big annual weekend show and sale at Lewis Ginter features international and local vendors selling beautiful orchids in the LGBG Education Building. Artists from around Virginia will participate in a juried art exhibit and have artworks on display. Virginia Orchid Society members will be on hand to provide lectures, tips and demos about growing orchids. Runs all weekend, but Saturday is the most packed day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more go here.
Strawberry Moon’s release show w/ Shagwüf, Wrong Worshippers and Slot at Gallery5
A celebration of Strawberry Moon’s anthemic new EP, “Smoon,” which was recorded last year by Ricky Olsen at Spacebomb Studios, and features an expanded five-piece lineup. Strawberry Moon has assembled Charlottesville mainstays Shagwüf and a pair of duos, Wrong Worshippers (from here) and Slot—industrial belters from Baltimore—in the opening spot to get the party started. “We are over the moon about the momentum we’ve been able to gain the last two years after joining Sockhead Records and touring along the East Coast,” Strawberry Moon’s lead singer Katie tells us. “Very thankful for the space our community gives us to do what we love.” Cheers to that! Doors are at 7 p.m. $10 presale tickets cut off at 4 p.m. on Mar. 1. Tickets are $15 at the door.—T.A.
BeauSoleil ave Michael Doucet at The Tin Pan
“For the past 50 years, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucet’s spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals.” 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Visit the Tin Pan for more about tickets and any other information.
Sunday, March 2
GoldenFest: A Benefit for Justin Golden at Final Gravity Brewing
The benefits continue for Justin Golden, a beloved member of Richmond’s music community, who is facing a sudden battle with stage 4 cancer at age 34. This time the lineup includes The Hot Seats, Jonathan Brown Jr., Brady Heck, John Bradberry and Dalton Dash. Tickets are $20 with a $5 raffle. Doors at 6:30 and music at 7 p.m.
Monday, March 3
Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy and friends perform R.E.M.’s “Fables of the Reconstruction” with special guest Dave Hill at The National
The Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon (“The Shape of Water” “Loving,” “Bug” many more) comes to town in the role of R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe, singing the band’s third album, “Fables of the Reconstruction,” joined by his longtime friend, veteran indie rocker Jason Narducy and a full band, as well as comedian/musician/podcaster Dave Hill, who opens. Read our preview interview with Narducy here.
Tuesday, March 4
Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Altria Theater (Through March 16)
Broadway in Richmond presents this major Tony winner: Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage in a new musical mash-up. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers with a book Tony Award winner John Logan, musical supervision by Tony winner Justin Levine, and choreography by Tony winner Sonya Tayeh. With this many Tonys, we kind of feel bummed that Tony Danza is not involved somehow. Visit the website to learn more about dates and tickets. 7:30 p.m.
