**Editor’s note: There’s another winter advisory for this weekend, so please double-check with the organizers of any event. Cancellations and reschedulings are fluid. **
Thursday, Jan. 29
Ari Shapiro: Thank You for Listening at The Tin Pan
Imagine if trusted ol’ Walter Cronkite had also been a jazz crooner, or if Woodward and Bernstein had themselves a side-gig as a folk duo? That’s the approximate analog of this celebrated “All Things Considered” talk host and former NPR White House correspondent going on a cabaret solo tour where he sings and tells stories. But here’s the thing: The North Dakota native can actually sing, and he’s bound to have some above-average stage patter as he incorporates lively excerpts from his best-selling memoir, “The Best Strangers In The World.” Read our interview with him here. 8 p.m. $74.57.—Don Harrison
Screening of “The Book of Numbers” at Studio Two Three [Note: check with organizers, this event is postponed to a later date still being decided.]
A tribute to the late, Richmond-born author and Virginia Union alumnus, Robert Deane Pharr, whose 1969 novel “The Book of Numbers” chronicled the numbers racket in Jackson Ward during The Great Depression. It remains the author’s most known work, with a film adaptation in 1973 that was written and directed by Raymond St. Jacques, who also stars. You won’t see Pharr’s depiction of Richmond’s vibrant neighborhood on the screen, though; the movie was reset in El Dorado, Arkansas for its Hollywood treatment, likely due to Jacques’ mainstream recognition from his role in the western series “Rawhide.” But, that’s showbiz, as they say. Audiences can expect many familiar ingredients of the action found in Blacksploitation films of the era: organized crime — be it the mob, Ku Klux Klan or corrupt law enforcement — shootouts and car chases, not without pointed social criticism that still resonates. As an added bonus, this screening will serve as an opportunity to learn more about Pharr, expanding the meaning behind this relic of ‘70s celluloid. Proceeds benefit the historic Woodland Cemetery where Pharr is buried. Beverages and popcorn available for purchase. Running time is 7 to 9:30 p.m. and the film is rated R.—Tim Abbondelo
Mentalist Peter Antoniou at Richmond Funny Bone
Feel like having your mind read by an expert? From London’s West End to “America’s Got Talent,” Antoniou is known for his uncanny ability to read minds with his razor sharp wit, storytelling and improv. This mentalist’s “Pretty Psychic” tour is making the rounds now. And wherever he is, he probably knows that when I googled him just now, I read that as “Pretty Psychotic” on first go-around. Doors at 5:45 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. $32.
Friday, Jan. 30
Ambient Cinema Double Feature at Studio Two Three
Two screenings of work by local independent filmmakers accompanied by live scores from interesting local musicians. Jeremy Drummond’s “Monument” will be accompanied by musician Robert Donne, known for his work with Labradford, Pan American, and on film collaborations with director Rick Alverson. Connor Barrett’s “Fugue” will be accompanied by Eric Eckhart. There will also be an opening musical act. $10 suggested donation, all proceeds donated to Gaza Soup Kitchen. Doors at 7 p.m and show at 8 p.m.
Willie Williams live at Hardywood West Creek Location
RVA based guitar troubadour Willie Williams performs solo acoustic from 6 to 9 p.m.
Afro-Zen Allstars at Révéler Experiences
Afro-Zen plays here regularly, invariably to sold-out audiences. There are always standing room tickets, which are all you need because the action is on the dance floor. The band is a labor of love for guitarist/leader George Lowe, who fell in love with the music of Ethiopian jazz and built a group around it — with occasional detours into Afrobeat and other world genres. The band’s sound is mesmerizing, built around guitars and horns undulating over a headlong rhythm provided by three percussionists and energetic bass. Everybody knows their role and fills it with joyous precision. The harmonies and melodies may be from another culture, but the modal structures are instantly familiar because they have influenced the playing of everyone from Miles Davis to the Grateful Dead. The style came from a brief postwar era when Addis Abada was blazing with artistic possibilities, later snuffed out by dour communist revolutionaries. Perhaps more accurately, the glowing ashes were scattered around the world where their fire remains. $20. 8 p.m.—Peter McElhinney
New Potato Caboose and Suggesting Rhythm at Beacon Theatre (Hopewell)
Formed in Washington, DC way back in 1983, New Potato Caboose takes its name from a song on the Grateful Dead’s most psychedelic album, “Anthem of the Sun” (1968); playing its own sunny originals, the band reeled ‘em in back in the ‘80s at Richmond clubs such as The Library and New Horizons Café. They’ll be performing with a new school local jam band that focuses more strictly on the music of the Dead, taking their name from a lyric in the song “Terrapin Station.” Doors at 6:30 and show at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $30-$35.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Virginia Adaptive Sports Festival at Henrico Sports and Events Center
Billed as “the East Coast’s largest showcase of sports and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities,” there should be plenty of exciting events to choose from here, including wheelchair basketball, individual sports like archery, demos and much more. Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free to attend and ASL interpreters will be on site. To learn more visit this site.
“Arthur Ashe: An Enduring Legacy” at Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Come check out the new technology-based, immersive exhibit that traces the long journey of famous Richmond athlete Arthur Ashe as he became a humanitarian icon on a global level. This is presented through a partnership between BHMVA and UCLA. Visit the Black History Museum for more info.
Richmond Symphony, Conrad Tao Plays Gershwin at Carpenter Theatre
The Detroit Free Press says that American composer and pianist Conrad Tao “owns a place among the world’s virtuosos,” and now you can catch him locally performing music from the brilliant American jazz age: George Gershwin’s “Piano Concerto in F” as well as his homage to Gershwin, “Flung Out,” plus rising conductor Ben Manis leads Mozart’s final Symphony No. 41, the “Jupiter.” 7:30 p.m. Also on Feb. 1 at 3 p.m.
The High Frequencies v. The Greenhearts at Northside Grille
It’s your weekend RVA power pop showcase featuring the High Frequencies, a band which rose from ashes of The Waking Hours, and who have a worthy new album getting love on Little Steven’s Underground Garage XM/Sirius station. They’ll be joined by The Greenhearts (“think Dwight Twilley, The Only One, Bram Tchaikowsky and Flamin Groovies,” says our DJ source). It’s a full night of smoking tunes to keep you warm. Music is from 8:30 to 11 p.m. As per usual, entry is free.
Prabir Trio and Tyler Meacham at Révéler Experiences
This twofer of lyric-driven acts should have broad appeal. The increasingly incorrectly named Prabir Trio (always a quartet and often more) has carved out a unique cross-cultural niche. Frontman Prabir Mehta is an energetic rocker whose songs evoke his Northwest Indian heritage; there are songs about Gujarati cities, a party tune sneaking in knowledge about the Hindu creation, sustaining and destructive gods and about being the only person who can buy alcohol in a dry region. “Love You Slowly” beautifully reflects a bittersweet final parting with a beloved grandmother when returning to the United States. Tyler Meacham is more in the conventional mold of singer-songwriter, albeit a fine one. She’s a strong vocalist, whose lyrics and delivery swoop through the familiar, territory of longing, heartbreak, and regret — her last EP was titled “Sad Girl Summer” — into a space charmingly hopeful. $17.50. 8 p.m. [Note: website says this show is sold out]—P.M.
Sunday, Feb. 1
Soft opening of Mama J’s Market at 101 E. Clay St.
Stop by this new market from legendary Richmond staple and enjoy their famous baked chicken, sweet potato pie, mac ‘n’ cheese, blackened catfish and more, while also picking up other necessary pantry and household items. 2 p.m. 101 E. Clay St.
Treasure Pains with Boy Named Sue, Reverse Yr Curse and Hearts in Exile at Bandito’s Diablo Room
Though a pair of touring bands (Treasure Pains and Boy Named Sue) from North Carolina are the bill’s anchors, I’m most excited for the oft-overlooked local opener slot. Hearts in Exile maybe don’t play out as much as their local peers, and their self-titled debut album released last year on Dwayne Tuna Recordings Incorporated could have easily gone under the radar, if you don’t count yourself among the band’s friends and family. But how many other Richmond bands take their name, presumably, from the legendary UK act, The Homosexuals? “I love how it ended up coming together, but it was a drawn out, messy process getting it finished,” singer and guitarist Graham Brouder tells Style. To that end, the band “didn’t have any energy to put toward promoting it at the time, and still don’t.” Not without reason, their sophomore album, “Magritteville,” is already in the works and due out later this year. I only have WNRN to thank for turning me on to the band’s jaunty number, “Friday Friends,” earlier this fall, happy to discover yet another going rock ‘n’ roll concern in town. All the more reason to take note of Hearts in Exile now, going forward add them to your queue, lookout for new material and get to the gig on time this weekend. Doors are at 7 p.m. and cost $12. –T.A.
Jana Horn feat. local support from Doreen and Brian Caperton at Gallery5
Contemplative and dreamy, Horn’s music was described by The New Yorker as “aligning with a fraternity of the lonely that cuts across genres: traces of Young Marble Giants, Syd Barrett, and Broadcast all waft through her songs.” Originally from Texas but now based in Brooklyn, she’ll be performing as a trio with Adam Jones, the longtime drummer for Bill Callahan (Smog), and Jade Guterman; Horn just released a new self-titled album on Jan. 16 for No Quarter Records which you can check out below. This is an early show with doors at 6 p.m. and the show at 7 p.m. Costs $10 in advance and $13 at the door.
“Alien: Director’s Cut” at The Byrd Theatre
Easily one the top five science fiction films of all time, Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic is essentially a haunted house movie in space, led by one of cinema’s great drooling monsters and the dark and atmospheric visual design of Swiss artist H.R. Giger, also among the greatest in film history. Check out the 117 minute director’s cut at 7 p.m. $9.
Monday, Feb. 2
A Conversation with Kamala Harris at Altria Theater
The former Vice president and Democratic candidate for president stops in Richmond to deliver some insights inspired by her bestselling book, “107 Days.” Meet and greet tickets available. 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Nowhere Cinema presents a free screening of “Hollywood Shuffle” (1987) at Studio Two Three
The debut feature by Robert Townsend is “an ingenious satirical landmark that takes riotous aim at the typecasting of Black actors in 1980s Hollywood” (Criterion Collection). Doors at 7 p.m. and movie starts at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Decoding “Intelligence: The Real Life Spy Network Behind the Opera” at The Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia and the Virginia Opera present a compelling look at the true Civil War-era events that inspired the opera “Intelligence.” Join historians Trenton Hizer (Library of Virginia’s senior manuscripts acquisition and digital archivist), Nathan Hall, park ranger for the National Park Service; and author Libby Carty McNamee, for a discussion of spy networks, resistance and courage. Moderated by Adam Turner, artistic director and chief conductor of The Virginia Opera and followed by a live musical performance by the Virginia Opera. Free to attend, but registration required. 6 to 7:15 p.m.
