Thursday, July 17
The Hot Seats and Rumble Trio Play Frank Zappa’s “We’re Only in It for the Money” at Révéler Experiences
This will be the craziest and most technically complex tribute concert of the year. Frank Zappa’s third album was one of four recorded for a never competed movie, “Strictly Commercial.” The bits and pieces were shaped into concept album attacking hippies and corporate America with a cover mocking The Beatles’ epic defining album “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The album makes the case for unpopular music. It is eclectically original for its time, incorporating avant garde musique concrete, orchestral segments, conversation fragments and doo-wop ditties. The “Leave it to Beaver”-meets-William S. Burroughs lyrics equally disdain the rich right wing, middle-class hypocrisy and left-wing countercultural conformity. Its cynical cleverness spoke to the wiseass hearts of a certain segment of teenage boys (mine included). Created entirely in the studio, it is a wild record to cover live. Rumble Trio (“East Coast surf music”) is joining forces with the Hot Seats, a sting band/bluegrass/old time ensemble, to pull it off. Whatever happens, it promises to be a memorably ambitious night. Sets at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.
“Generations: Stories of Asian Americans in Richmond” at The Valentine
In partnership with the Asian American Society of Central Virginia (AASoCV) and the 1882 Foundation, “Generations” shares “stories of personal experience and cultural identity: how people found their way here and how they are now an integral part of our local community.” Opens July 17 and runs through May 25. There will be a celebration of the opening on Sunday, July 20 from noon to 4 p.m. with food trucks, performances and kids’ crafts. Free and open to the public.
Friday, July 18
SNL’s Andrew Dismukes at Richmond Funny Bone (7/18 and 7/19)
SNL’s 50th anniversary season was, shall we say, underwhelming. The show hasn’t been must-see TV for many years now, but it still has its viral moments. And one of the best group players among the young cast is the tall Andrew Dismukes (also a writer), who brings his own thoughtful blend of comedy to Richmond Funny Bone for two nights. Dismukes’ standup style has been called “unique and innovative” by a simple AI search, which means a writer somewhere probably wrote that and is not getting credit. $32. Visit Richmond Funny Bone for times and tickets.
The Last Respects with the High Frequencies at Northside Grille
Pay your respects to this new garage-rock combo featuring members from Richmond’s gone but not forgotten “Back from the Grave”-fashioned excavators of ‘60s-era rock’n’roll, the Poison Ivy League. Now, whether you grew up with those tunes or are a newcomer, there is no better time to immerse yourself in the elementally satisfying thrall of a primitive garage-rock stomper or moody ballad. What else could possibly account for the preponderance of “Louie Louie” covers from the last sixty-plus years in recorded music? Don’t expect anything contemporary or remotely experimental from the Last Respects, just more of the good stuff, delivered to your ear pockets in the most desirable of environs for such things: your neighborhood watering hole. Dig out your Beatle boots and get there before 8 p.m. for a coveted booth by the bar. Admission is free, and as always tip your trusty bartender and house-band hero.—Tim Abbondelo
Saturday, July 19
Piranha Rama, Hot Lava and Pinkish at The Camel
It’s an unusually potent night of regional indie-rock, as three exemplary Virginia bands trafficking in contrasting styles take the stage of the newly renovated Camel. Piranha Rama, led by guitarist John Sizemore, drummer Tim Falen and vocalist Chrissie Lozano, is a Richmond supergroup that offers up everything from punchy horn rock to lip-biting rave-ups to steel guitar-laden country music—all tinged with aspects of swooning psych. Expect to hear some brand new songs, as well as standouts from Rama’s 2022 album, “Omnipresent Cloud Cover,” released on the Broker’s Tip label, run by Pavement’s Bob Nastovanich. Joining them are Hot Lava, the Allison Apperson-led power pop band who have returned to the scene, after a 15-year absence, with a great new album, “Queen of Fools,” and a revamped lineup. And don’t arrive late as Charlottesville’s Pinkish opens the show with a potent blast of pop-punk from the trio’s excellent new EP, “Half-Sweet.” If you don’t have a catchy melody or two ringing in your head after this triad is done, you might be dead. $15. 8 p.m.—Don Harrison
Plunky Day in RVA at Dogwood Dell
James “Plunky” Branch has been an avatar and champion of the Richmond music scene for over half a century. He grew up in Richmond, left in the 1960s, and then returned after a picaresque odyssey through student demonstrations, the San Francisco counterculture, a brief stint in the military and even longer getting away from it. (See his incredible biography, “Plunky,” for details.) Along the way, he encountered innovative musicians and forged his own unique style leading bands playing innovative jazz with deep African roots. His historic contributions to music – particularly jazz and go-go – are finally getting the mainstream respect they deserve. But in his late 70s, he retains the energy of a player decades younger. His band, the once and future Oneness of Juju, just released a new recording, “Made Through Ritual [Strut].” The album incorporates an omnivorous banquet of styles from idealistic funk and R&B to instrumentals with Miles Davis “Bitches Brew” vibe. Over the years, his annual summer concert has become such an RVA tradition that it has become known as “Plunky Day.” His band, which includes both family members and longtime sidemen, embodies the upbeat unity Branch celebrates in his songs. At this stage of his life, as a saxophonist, writer/poet and positive community force, Branch has nothing left to prove. But, based on his recent performances, he has a lot left to give. Bring your children, they’ll have fun, and someday they’ll want to be able to say they saw Plunky in his prime. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is free.—Peter McElhinney
I Love the ‘80s featuring Flock of Seagulls, Bow Wow Wow (feat. Annabella) and Animotion at The National
Eighties music hits RVA in full force this weekend as Mike Score (yes, the guy with the biggest winged haircut back in the day) and his stationary synth lead a new flock to town. But that’s not all for this nostalgic bill: You also get the wild percussive pop of Bow Wow Wow (“I Want Candy” and “C30 C60 C90 Go!”) and Animotion, featuring the hit (You’re My) “Obsession.” All ages, but we know what age will be there. 7 p.m.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at Allianz Amphitheater
The former Drive-By Trucker guitarist returns to Richmond. 7 p.m.
Mini Bluegrass Festival at Pocahontas Park (Heritage Amphitheater)
This year features Josh Grigsby and County Line from Nothern Neck, Tara Mills Band based in C’ville, Hickory Ridge Bluegrass Band and Hammaville. Gates open one hour before the show. Advanced tickets available online. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. $20 a person, children 5 and under free.
Planning for Burial with Nightosphere, Howling Void and Drug Country at Afterglow Coffee Cooperative
A “Gloomgaze” pioneer joined by fellow brooding ambient artists for a visceral evening of ethereal sounds rarely found in Scott’s Addition (short of yet another craft beer). Planning for Burial is the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania-based solo project of Thom Wasluck, but more than luck accounts for PFB’s huge and filmic sound. Wasluck is a wizard of heavy and whirling atmospheric sound and post-metal burn. Kansas City’s Nightosphere is an apt pairing for the tour, with its meandering yet crunchy, slowcore grooves and the majestic vocals of Claire Hannah and Brittany Sawtelle. They remind me of Low through a Big Muff pedal. Prolific punk guitarist, Mike Prophet, returns with his long-simmering solo project, Howling Void. Expect sonic meditations on space, the end of time, nuclear winter, dread and Tangerine Dream. Recently retired Gnawing bandleader, John Russell, returns with new material from his left of center and damaged, gothic-folk concern, Drug Country. Their latest single “Heart Bleeds Silver” is a creeping lament with gorgeous lap steel guitar. Doors are at 7 p.m. and will set you back $10, or almost the price for a cup of coffee these days.—T.A.
Sunday, July 20
Third Annual Shalom Farms Open House at Northside Farm
Nonprofit Shalom Farms works hard behind the scenes to make Richmond’s food system more just and equitable. This weekend is your chance to see this work up close. Attendees can tour the urban farm, watch a live cooking demo, visit the Shalom’s Mobile Market stocked with fresh local produce, and enjoy treats from local food trucks. There will be hands-on activities for kids and info booths from Shalom and their partner organizations. 1-4 p.m., free to attend. Rain or shine. RSVP preferred but not required. 1311 Westwood Ave.—Mary Scott Hardaway
David Lynch’s “Lost Highway” at the Byrd Theatre
One of the great American director’s minor classics, but its still got free jazz sax and Henry Rollins as a chuckling cop. Oh, and that wascally wabbit, Robert Blake. 7 p.m. $9.
Monday, July 21
Rose City Band with Powers and Rolin Duo at Richmond Music Hall
Straight outta mossy green Portland, cool flowing, country-ish jams from a Thrill Jockey band with one of the world’s premiere psychedelic cowboys on steel, Mr. Barry Walker Jr. (as featured in Maggot Brain). Read our interview on Thursday with band leader Ripley Johnson, also known for Moon Duo and Wooden Shjips. Doors at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22
Big Fancy on Shockoe Sessions Live at In Your Ear Studios
Smoothe, local indie disco drawing inspiration from neo-soul, R&B, jazz and classic dance vibes. 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $15.
