Editor’s note: As of press time, Richmond is still experiencing a crisis with regard to a boil water advisory and limited water supply in the city. This ongoing issue could affect events and concerts; most of these picks were written before the emergency. We’ve tried to update where possible. Please double-check websites of the venues before attending, and follow all safety and health guidelines. If your event is cancelled or changed, contact us and we will update this listing.
Thursday, Jan. 9
This event has moved from in-person to virtual. Join a conversation about the meaning of portraiture and identity in Southern photography with co-curators of “A Long Arc: Photography and the American South since 1845,” Dr. Sarah Kennel, VMFA’s Aaron Siskind Curator of Photography and Director of the Raysor Center, and Greg Harris, High Museum of Art’s Donald and Marilyn Keough Family Curator of Photography, who will lead the discussion. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Registration on Zoom is required to view the virtual conversation.
Friday, Jan. 10
UPDATE: POSTPONED UNTIL FRIDAY, JAN. 17.
The 30th Annual James River Film Society’s Short Film Showcase @ VMFA
Wow, can’t believe this little short film festival that could has been chugging along for 30 years now. It’s always an interesting night at this long-running, juried film competition (which we had fun judging in the past) which spotlights the year’s finalists for best short videos and films—meaning 20 minutes or less—from a slate of eclectic international entries. The special guest judge this year is none other than Jerry Williams (pictured), veteran local movie critic and reporter who you may know as TV Jerry. The winning film gets $3,000. The showcase runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Will now be held Friday, Jan. 17 at VMFA.
Tennishu, Caterpillar Trap, Dropheads and Marshall Family Values @ The Camel
Marcus Tenney, a.k.a. Tennishu, has been a stalwart on the local—and increasingly international—scene over the past two decades. He started as an accomplished trumpeter, later discovered an affinity for saxophone, then drums. His gruff ability to rap became yet another expressive tool, first with his years in NoBS! Brass Band and now in his role as front man with RVA jazz/funk/hip-hop fusion collective Butcher Brown. Tenney describes his most recent solo recording, “More to the Story” (Tennishu Music), as an aural portrayal of his artistic journey. The sound is stripped down to rhythmic basics and intimate, serious, with flashes of transcendence in the dark. Tenney has been such a vital part of great bands that it’s good to see him on his own. And the Camel show has a full bill running up to his finale: the “honest music “of Caterpillar Trap, bluesy trio Dropheads, and alt-rock and soul band Marshall Family Values. The Camel, divided between bar and performance hall, is a perfect venue for this kind of show. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. 9 p.m. —Peter McElhinney
Tom Segura: Come Together @ Altria Theater
Rescheduled from October, actor/comedian/writer Tom Segura brings his “Come Together” tour to Richmond for two shows at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. We imagine he’ll have a topical joke or two about the water in RVA.
Doll Baby, New Lions, Northeast Regional @ Gallery5
Richmond’s own Doll Baby (folk-indie rock), New Lions (emo/math rock) and Northeast Regional (power-pop-core). $10 advance tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 11
24th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival @ Meadow Event Park in Doswell (Runs Friday and Saturday)
Fly fishing is just plain awesome. Last time we did it was on the Clackamas River just outside of Portland, Oregon; a freaking gorgeous spot close to the city. Billed as the largest event of its kind in the country, this fly fishing festival in Doswell this weekend attracts anglers from across the country while offering “fine wine tasting, microbrewery beer, and everything you wanted to know about fly fishing but were afraid to ask.” Hands-on skills and lectures will be offered at this family-friendly event, which will be held regardless of weather. Runs on Friday from 10 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 to 5 p.m. General admission for each day is $20 or a weekend pass is $35. Go here for more information.
Charles Owens Trio @ Révéler Experiences
New York City-by-way-of-Charlottesville transplant Charles Owens is one of the hardest working musicians in Richmond. In addition to his kaleidoscopic trio lineup, he plays sax and keys with Deau Eyes and is a standout in every lineup to date of the R4nd4zo Big Band. He still plays regular gigs in Charlottesville, often running the Sunday jam sessions at Miller’s on the mall, and makes regular trips up to Smalls in NYC where he has a solid following. Owens has the technical facility to play blisteringly fast and clever improvisations on saxophone, complemented with the ability to wax lyrical, drawing out the emotion in every rounded note. He mixes his own compositions with classics from The Great American Songbook —“Body and Soul,” “Nature Boy”—and less expected pieces like The Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” and Paul Williams’ “Rainbow Connection” (from “The Muppet Movie.”) The variation makes for a night of music that can appeal both to jazz aficionados and people who just like to be drawn along with the music. For Saturday’s gig at Révéler Experiences, he is accompanied by frequent collaborators Androo Carper and Kofi Shepsu. Both are excellent. The venue is colorful and intimate. Arrive early to get the best choice of seating. Tickets are $15. Doors are at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m.—P.M.
Sommore @ Richmond Funny Bone (Friday, Jan. 10 through Sunday, Jan. 12)
New Jersey-born comedian and actress Sommore is known as “the diva of contemporary comedy.” 21 and up. Doors at 4 p.m. Show at 6:30 p.m. $47-$57. Tickets available here.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Big Gay Flea-for-all Market @ Diversity Thrift Richmond
Everyone is welcome at this market which includes artisanal and vintage goods. All items will be $5 or less. There will be live music and a food truck on site. Runs from noon to 4 p.m. 1407 Sherwood Ave.
