Thursday, Jan. 8
Heart of Winter Fest IV at The Canal Club (Through Jan. 10)
Nothing invites rocking to the hot molten sounds of heavy metal quite like the colder and darker months. But this much-missed Richmond music festival took 15 years to thaw out and return this year for its fourth installment. It was first conceived in 2008 by Elway Ernst and Drew Goldy, of Bastard Sapling and Organ Donor notoriety, to celebrate Richmond’s thriving DIY metal scene and host the best in a growing network of black, death and doom metal bands from near and far. This year’s lineup comes full circle with involvement from many of the same people who made the early iterations a success. Such is the case with Inter Arma, who are not only still at it, but now known around the world. Headlining band Hulder — named for a seductive, hidden-forest spirit in Scandinavian folklore — plays medieval black metal and is led by Marz Riesterer; she arrives from Washington state for a rare local performance. The remaining lineup of Krieg, Daeva, Mo’ynoq, One of Nine and Widowed Light represent New Jersey, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville, respectively. In addition to tunes, organizers have assembled vendors offering choice metal merch, jewelry, arts and crafts. Let’s hope Gold’s hot sauce company, Ghostwolf Pepper Co. make an appearance to further bring the heat. Doors are at 5 p.m with ticketing information found here.—Tim Abbondelo
Singles Line Dancing at Gallery5
Beginner-friendly, high energy, low pressure, “big fun.” Runs from 7 to 10 p.m. $20 in advance or $25 at the door. 7 to 10 p.m.
The 17th annual Israeli and Jewish Film Festival at the Weinstein JCC
From the organizers: “Screenings of six films plus a concluding program from Jan. 8-25 as part of the 2025-26 Arts + Ideas Season. This year’s festival kicks off with a Hollywood-style red carpet opening night party, ‘Lights, Camera, L’Chaim’ – a VIP experience that starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8 with Shabbat-inspired gourmet catering and live music by a concert pianist. A screening of the first film, “Bad Shabbos,” is scheduled at 7:15 p.m., followed by an interactive talkback session with the film’s writer, Zack Weiner. Tickets are included in the Arts + Ideas subscription. Nonsubscribers can purchase tickets to individual films for $15 (Weinstein JCC members) or $18 (nonmembers). To view the schedule of films, along with a brief synopsis of each, plus information about screening locations, viewing times and ticket purchasing, visit here.
Friday, Jan. 9
Artist Jamel Shabazz and Dr. LaCharles Ward at VMFA
Known for his vibrant street photography, artist Jamel Shabazz captured the emergence of hip-hop culture, presenting images of urban youth with dignity and respect in an effort to combat negative stereotypes of Black communities. He’ll be in conversation with Dr. LaCharles Ward, supervisory museum curator of photography and film and director of the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Art at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cyrus Chestnut with Mike Hawkins, Billy Williams Jr. and James “Saxsmo” Gates at Révéler Experiences
The 25th annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival at Meadow Event Park (Doswell)
Billed as the largest event of its kind in the country, this fest attracts fly anglers from across the United States and the Mid-Atlantic, combining fine wine tasting, microbrews, and everything you wanted to know about flyfishing but were afraid to ask. They want to introduce as many people as possible to this outdoor sport that can take you to some lovely spots in nature. Takes place Friday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 13191 Dawn Blvd. in Doswell.
Dumb Waiter, Hot Lava, Serqet, False Nectar at The Camel
Make good on your promise to support local arts this year and get out to this gig featuring an eclectic grouping of Richmond-based performers. For those who missed it, Hot Lava released a highly satisfying and addictive comeback album, “Queen of Fools,” last spring that’s still plenty fresh with their redolent pop rock, and well suited for cutting a rug. Serqet have long been Richmond’s next best post-punk band, and again this could be their year. Instrumental jammers, Dumb Waiter, and sincere upstart rockers, False Nectar, round this one out like a perfect square. Doors are at 9 p.m. and tickets cost $12 in advance, and $15 at the door. —T.A.
“Alice in Wonderland” at The Carpenter Theatre (through Jan. 11)
A family-friendly, full-scale aerial cirque production that takes you on Alice’s trippy journey with jaw-dropping tericks. The SOUL Aerial cast is comprised of over 70 aerialists, acrobats and dancers randing in age from 48 to 5. Friday’s show is at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday’s is at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Go here for more info.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Richmond Yiddish Week (Jan. 10-16) at various venues
A new festival inviting Richmonders of all backgrounds to explore Yiddishkayt (Yiddish culture) through cultural offerings around the city. Founded by young local Richmonders with a passion for preserving and celebrating this vibrant heritage, Richmond Yiddish Week is entirely grassroots and volunteer-run. Visit the website here to learn more and read our preview by Karen Newton.
Life on Mars: A Tribute to David Bowie and Love Jones: A Tribute to Sharon Jones at The Broadberry
If you’re doing a tribute, make it to someone truly great – tonight’s two musicians definitely qualify. Sadly, David Bowie never performed in Richmond his entire career, but soul singer Sharon Jones definitely did a bunch of times (I can remember her rings flying off her fingers at Alley Katz one year, and her roaming the dancefloor afterward looking for them). Tonight’s Love Jones tribute band features Richmond’s own singing sensation Sam Reed handling vocal duties. Imagine how cool it would’ve been if Bowie (whose real last name was Jones) and Miss Sharon had recorded a song together when they were alive? Just to hear them sing one of Bowie’s more soulful tracks together, like “Young Americans,” “Golden Years” or “Fame” would have been huge. 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 11
Big Gay Flea-For-All at The Carillon Monument
Everybody could use a bargain these days, times are tight. This is a special rummage/flea-style sales event which embraces the old proverb, “one person’s trash is another’s treasure,” and where all items will be $20 and under. Organized by Dayum This is My Jam, enjoy post-holiday shopping, cheap eats or queer-made trinkets in a welcoming and safe community space. Join them indoors at First UU, 1000 Blanton Ave. 1-5 p.m.
A Singular Sensation: Mr. Showtime at the Firehouse Theater
The one-and-only local performer Scott Wichmann delivers a full-scale cabaret packed with style, swagger and irresistable showmanship. Tickets are on sale at the Firehouse. 2 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 12
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Dale Watson and his Lone Stars at The Tin Pan
The legendary Texas country honky tonker and former Richmond Folk Fest veteran returns to Richmond for what will surely be another rocking show from a guy with mighty fine, well-coiffed hair who’s been doing it for over 40 years now, carrying on the tradition of folks like Waylon Jennings and sharing stages with country legends along the way. Watson’s last album, “Starvation Box,” was an acoustic-focused tribute to the one-and-only blues musician Leadbelly. Doors at 6 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. $43.17.
