Thursday, Jan. 2
Gallery5 Community Care Night: Poe and the Evolution of Foster Care
An in-depth historical and theological presentation by Joshua S. Lewis. Free registration. 6 to 8 p.m.
B.A.D. Thursday @ Révéler Experiences
B.A.D. Thursdays is a live entertainment experience which provides an open-mic component interwoven with classic pop, R&B, and hip-hop hits by a five-piece house band. Features Micah Bam-Bamm White, Amber Hughes and Douglas Mosby. 8 p.m. show. Admission is $17.
Friday, Jan. 3
RVA Winter Puppetfest featuring Uncle Ty-rone @ Artspace
“Experience the ‘vocal magic’ of Uncle Ty-Rone as you meet Raggz the K- 9 Superstar hound, a Baby T-Rex, a bright orange orangutan named Jelly Bean, and other hip-hop-happening friends.” 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Best for ages 4 and up. Run time is 50 minutes. Go here for more information.
First Friday Reception: A Midnight Dreary @ Gallery5
An exhibition inspired by the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe in partnership with The Poe Museum. Celebrate the kickoff to a month of Poe with this First Fridays opening reception featuring live music, Poe readings, merchants and work from 15 artists including: Abigail Larson, Chris Semtner, Morgan Colonna, Brit Austin, Brad Girard, Daniel Martinez Fernandez, Rosa Lee Fry, Jen Poteet, Shannon Bredemeier, Jeff Osgood, Ashley Egan, Shannon Rae, Cosima Storz, Jen Cook-Asaro, Ruth Smith and Annie Brown. The Poe readings will be by Dean Knight and the live music is by Velvet Ruin, Eli Owens and Every Eye. 5 to 11 p.m. Free.
Erin and the Wildfire w/Free Union @ The Camel
One of the city’s rising singer-songwriters and her band kick off a new residency on First Fridays with soulful friends from Charlottesville, Free Union. Tickets are $12 to $15. Doors at 9 p.m. and show at 9:30 p.m.
John Winntet and Adam Larabee at Révéler Experiences
John Winn is one of RVA’s most versatile musicians. He is an accomplished saxophonist who has played with a who’s who of famed musicians. He doubles on woodwinds, including multiple varieties of clarinet. His polished singing is reminiscent of mid-20th century jazz, while his repertoire can come from any decade. And he knows how to put together an entertaining night of music. His Winntet set for Friday’s performance at Révéler is a collection of prime players: Adam Larrabee, a frequent collaborator, is a phenomenal guitarist who ranges effortlessly from the ’80s hits filtered through bluegrass of Love Cannon to complex polyrhythmic improvisations. The ace local rhythm section features bassist Randall Pharr and drummer Brian Caputo. The band last played the venue back in November, with two sets that were humorous and surprising. As the year dives into the post-holiday zone, this is an excellent chance to start 2025 off with an undiminished bit of brilliance. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. General admission is $15.–Peter McElhinney
Saturday, Jan. 4
RVA Winter Puppetfest featuring New Squid on the Block by Barefoot Puppet Theatre at Artspace
From the website: “It can be hard to make friends. Especially if you have tentacles. Journey to Antarctica as a curious squid seeks connection in the most unlikely of places. Penguins, orcas, and jellyfish abound in an icy landscape for this heartwarming tale of friendship. Beautifully handcrafted puppets, an original score by Ned Haskins, and a good dose of silliness, combine to create a comedic, wordless performance that celebrates our ability to create connections, despite our differences.” Shows at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. all ages welcome, best for 4 and up. Go here for more information.
Justin Golden and the Devil’s Coattails with Lilian Hackett @ Reveler Experiences
They’ve been called an electrifying mix of “acoustic blues and soulful indie Americana.” Doors at 7 p.m. and show is at 8 p.m. Admission is $15. General admission, seats are selected on arrival and cannot be reserved in advance.
Camo Face, Wagging, Reverse Yr Curse and Oh Devil at the Camel
This de facto release show for Camo Face’s “Four-Leaf Clover” EP (which you can read more about in our interview feature out later today) is a promising start to the new year for Richmond’s newest hit makers, flanked by a pair of similarly bright, new locals and a touring act, all very much at home on this lively, off-kilter pop bill. Reverse Yr Curse and Oh Devil both released debuts in ‘24, and are poised to turn heads with their jaunty, jangly tunes in the year ahead. Asheville’s Wagging are a wistful power trio dealing in close harmonies and primitive propulsion. All together it’s a lineup that’ll appeal to fans in every corner of schmindie rock and garage punk’s poppier detours. Doors are at 7 p.m. and cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door.–Tim Abondello
The Waking Hours with The Big Guys @ Northside Grille
Northside Grille had some great local music shows in ’24 and they’re going to keep right on chugging. The Waking Hours perform in its 2004 incarnation featuring Richard Christopher Tubb on drums, Lisa Mychols on bass and Tom Richards on guitar; they’ll be playing with friends The Big Guys. Free show. 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Kaay Taurus on Shockoe Sessions Live! at In Your Ear Studios
Get to know singer, songwriter, producer and engineer Kaay Taurus, whose “healing music infuses smooth R&B vocals, sweet gospel harmonies, and raspy tones” for uplifting music that inspires. Her “platform stands for mental health awareness, healing, body positivity, single mothers making moves, while also emphasizing the importance of female creatives and entrepreneurs” according to the show listing. Her recent release, “Tolls,” builds off the nostalgic vibes of ’90s R&B. Under 18 allowed with legal parent or guardian. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $15. 1813 E. Broad St.
Wednesday, Jan. 8
X-Cops with Belushi Speed Ball and U.S. Bastards at Richmond Music Hall
You have the right to remain on your knees (and hide your weed): The metal project featuring members of Gwar, Rigor Mortis and Darkest Hour is kicking off a hardcore tour right here in Richmondia with Louisville thrashers Belushi Speed Ball and the ripping punk rock of Richmond’s U.S. Bastards. $20. 7 p.m.
