June 19-24

Happy Juneteenth! Ban Caribe at Lewis Ginter, “Frida” doc at VMFA, J.P Harris (pictured) and The Tough Choices at Get Tight Lounge, Gay-All-Day at Gallery5, War and Treaty at Friday Cheers, Dwight Yoakam at Allianz, Gamelan Sound Bath at Reveler, Gusher at Cobra, Bio Ritmo at Richmond Music Hall, Erin Lunsford single release, Studio One Quintet and more.

 

Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth)

 

For more Juneteenth events, visit our separate preview story here.

 

Flowers after Five presents Juneteenth performance by Ban Caribe at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Offering a blend of Afro-Cuban, Laitin, Caribbean and soulful R&B, Ban Caribe will be performing in celebration of Black Independence Day. 5 to 8 p.m.

Kevin Davis stands out front as Ban Caribe performs at the 2nd Street Festival in 2024. Photo by Peter McElhinney

 

Juneteenth Community Celebration at the Branch Museum of Design

In addition to the new exhibits “(re) Framing Protest (Now)” documenting the 2020 civil rights protests in Richmond and “Echoes of Us,” a group exhibition showcasing the work of over 15 Virginia-based Black artists, there will also be a live DJ, a book signing for “(re) Framing Protest” and a pop-up print shop featuring work by the artists in “Echoes of Us.” Check out “Umama,” a monumental art installation honoring the resilience of women in Richmond and Capetown. Light snacks provided. 6-8 p.m. —Karen Newton

Gallery5 residency series presents Lunch $pecial, Logos the Poetic, Tune GG, Empress RAV

Keep the Juneteenth party going and celebrate these RVA wordsmiths. 7 to 11 p.m. $12 in advance or $15 day of. 200 W. Marshall St.

 

Tonight is a welcome home show for Inter Arma at the Canal Club, right before they leave again on tour tomorrow. Photo by Jonah Livingston

Rivers of Nihil with Holy Fawn, Inter Arma (pictured), Glacial Tomb and Sun Against Artemis at The Canal Club 

Not only do Inter Arma rule the roost when it comes to Richmond’s heavy metal scene, over the years they’ve also earned a reputation as international road dogs, which takes them away from home for stretches throughout the year to grind it out around the world. This show is one such stop on the latest tour they embarked on last month, along with bands from Arizona, Colorado and Pennsylvania. All play their takes on metal, variously: atmospheric, doom, sludge and technical death — or a little something for everyone! It’s also a great opportunity for fans to show their support for our hometown heathens during their one-night homecoming, before getting right back on the road for a final leg in Canada. “We’re excited to get back after four weeks on the road with all of our new friends and introduce ’em to all of our old friends,” Inter Arma’s T.J. Childers tells Style. Tonight the tour package, headlined by Rivers of Nihil, is also joined by local prog-core band Sun Against Artemis. Doors are at 6 p.m. and cost $30 (after service fees).—Tim Abbondelo

Richmond Shakespeare presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Agecroft Hall

In the mood for a classic Shakespeare comedy written around 1595? Then get thyself to Agecroft Hall for some Puck action. 7:30 p.m.

 

Friday, June 20

 

Documentary film “Frida” and director talk at VMFA’s Leslie Cheek Theater

Should be a popular event, whether you’ve seen the big new Frida Kahlo exhibit or not. Director Carla Gutiérrez will introduce and discuss her 2024 documentary film, “Frida,” which won the J. Oppenheim Editing Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The doc uses Kahlo’s own words from her diaries, letters, essays and interviews to tell her story  (87 mins; rated R with portions in Spanish with English subtitles). 6:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is $8 or $5 for VMFA members.

 

Friday Cheers presents The War and Treaty with Mekong Xpress and Get Fresh Horns and Madeline Edwards at Brown’s Island

This week it’s the acclaimed husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, aka the War and Treaty, who bring a soulful mix of blues, gospel and country that quickly earned them a major label deal with Universal Music Group/Nashville. Their major label debut “Lover’s Game” (2023) featured a collab with Zach Bryan on the song “Hey Driver” which reached the top 20 on Billboard Hot 100. Interesting side note: during his military days, Michael learned to play piano in one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces after being encouraged by his captain, who was later killed in action, which would lead to Michael playing at services for fallen soldiers. This should be a solid night of music with local funksters Mekong Xpress and Get Fresh Horns kicking things off after a set by special guest, rising California country artist Madeline Edwards. Doops open at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

War and Treaty are the wife-and-husband duo of Tanya Trotter and Michael Trotter Jr. Photo credit: Sophia Matinazad

 

Erin Lunsford single release with Caroline Vain at Révéler Experiences

If you’ve seen Erin Lunsford perform, there’s a good chance it’s either been with her always tight, endlessly entertaining backing band, the Wildfire, or it’s been at one of her solo shows, which often double as proving ground for the prolific Richmond-based songwriter’s new material. Tonight promises to be a thrilling exception. Lunsford will be celebrating the release of new song “Watch Out for Deer,” which is the first in a string of singles that will culminate in an album due out in spring 2026. The song details a tearful nighttime drive, and while it’s one that’s typically been performed solo on banjo, this Révéler show will receive a boost from a brand new six-piece band. She’s also teamed up with local artist Rian Moses-Hendrix to present new artwork featuring native Virginia plants, animals and imagery from her lyrics, which are informed by her Southwest Virginia upbringing. Keep an eye out also for a new line of “Watch Out for Deer” T-shirts (antlers included). Multi-instrumental singer-songwriter Caroline Vain will open. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Admission is listed at $20, and while advance tickets are sold out, a limited number number will be available at the door. Visit revelerexperiences.com for more details.—Davy Jones 

 

Langhorne Slim with Al Olender at Richmond Music Hall

Hailing from Langhorne, PA, singer-songwriter Slim has toured with everyone from The Avett Brothers and The Violent Femmes to The Drive-By Truckers; he also played the Newport Folk Festival in 2021. Upstate New York singer-songwriter Al Olender opens with her own lyrical, folk-pop songs. 7 p.m.

 

Saturday, June 21

 

Juneteenth event at Dorey Park

Presented by the Henrico County Recreation and Parks, the Juneteenth event at Dorey Park features live music and entertainment, a market with 160 local vendors, and a Kids’ Zone with the ever-popular inflatables. This year’s musical theme is Go-Go music, a uniquely regional sound that’s deeply rooted in the Black community. On stage will be Go-Go legends EU featuring Sugar Bear, plus the iconic Chuck Brown Band with Brown’s son Wiley Brown leading the band in tribute to the Godfather of Go-Go. For the grand finale, Art of Noise featuring DJ Lonnie B will perform, followed by an epic firework show to light up the night. (Saturday, June 21, 4 -10 p.m.) features live music and entertainment, a market with 160 local vendors, and a Kids’ Zone with the ever-popular inflatables. This year’s musical theme is Go-Go music, a uniquely regional sound that’s deeply rooted in the Black community. On stage will be Go-Go legends EU featuring Sugar Bear, plus the iconic Chuck Brown Band with Brown’s son Wiley Brown leading the band in tribute to the Godfather of Go-Go. For the grand finale, Art of Noise featuring DJ Lonnie B will perform, followed by an epic fireworks show to light up the night. 4 -10 p.m.—K.N.

Gay-All-Day: Burlesque and Drag Show, A Pride Event at Gallery5

Featuring Casey Camp, Gordita Maricona, Jo’Rie Tigerlily, Jungle Julia, Poppy la Fae, Qing Blaze, Red Herring and Venessa Chevelle.  Doors at 7 p.m. show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of show. Go here for tickets.

Dwight Yoakam with The Mavericks and 49 Winchester at Allianz Amphitheater

The legendary country artist from Pikeville, Kentucky returns to Richmond with a stacked bill of new and old school country with The Mavericks from Miami and Virginia’s own country stars, 49 Winchester. 6:30 p.m.

 

Gusher, Desert Sharks and ShotClock at Cobra Cabana 

This outdoor patio show at Carver’s prime destination for music and libation is the ticket for all your summer solstice, rebel-rousing needs. Make the longest day of the year count with no shortage of talent across the eclectic, three-band bill. Local pop-punk trio ShotClock kick things off, opening up for Desert Sharks, a moody punk quartet on tour from New York, followed by No Wave-y art punks, Gusher, whose live set is one to catch any chance you get. Their yet-to-be-released song “Nightbitch” is a revved-up squall of keyboard and guitar shards matched by a proper caterwaul-caliber vocal performance reminiscent of Teenage Jesus & the Jerks. Hopefully, they’ll play that one for this mid-summer occasion. Doors are at 7 p.m. and cost $12. — Tim Abbondelo

 

Gusher welcomes in summer at Cobra Cabana – where else? Photograph provided by the band

 

Sounds of Senegal: Keira Ba and Cheikh Ibra Fam at Révéler Experiences

Cheikh Iba Fam is a world musician in the purest, least restrictive sense. He started his career with the Orchestra Baobab, the iconic Senegalese band that put the African front and center in Afro-Cuban music. On his 2002 “Peace in Africa,” his solo debut if you discount the three hip-hop albums released under the name “Freestyle,” he ranged across languages and social issues. This is his second appearance in Richmond. Back in March, he shared a bill with fellow Senegalese musician Kaira Ba. Despite never having met before and melding bands and material, it was one of the most memorable musical nights of last spring. This time around he will be bringing his own music, and a new album “Adouna” [“Life”] coming this October. It takes charisma, luck and hard work to overcome the hurdles for a West African musician trying to connect with American audiences. When his music starts, the barriers melt away. 8 p.m. Admission is $17.50 and seating is reserved.—Peter McElhinney

Cheikh Ibra Fam performing at Reveler last March. Photo by Peter McElhinney

 

Sunday, June 22

 

Gamelan Soundbath feat. Gamelan Raga Kusuma at Révéler Experiences

This Sunday afternoon’s program promises to be an immersion into the organic, percussive music of Bali and Java. The program features Gamelan Raga Kusuma, the University of Richmond-based community ensemble founded and led by Professor Andy McGraw. The ornately carved instrumentation is unique; each handcrafted set of instruments is its own sonic universe, tuned relative to each other rather than standard Western frequencies. The experience is also incredibly welcoming. Audience members are welcome to interact with [the instruments] after the performance, and there is a standing invitation for anyone willing to dedicate their time and energy to learning a new musical language. The rhythms are complex and the sonorities, while mesmerizing and moving, are far from the familiar melodies of pop songs and the formal architecture of European classical music. The afternoon program opens with ambient, minimalistic pieces by the amazing Peni Candra Rini, a frequent Richmond visitor with an ever-growing international reputation. From there it expands into a complex, enveloping rhythmic landscape of Indonesian analogs of bells, marimbas and gongs. This is music from the far side of the world, at once disorienting in its foreignness and recognizable as deeply, spiritually human. Tickets are available online, but admission is either free or whatever you want to contribute.—Peter McElhinney

Andy McGraw with the Gamelan Ensemble at VCU. Photo credit: Peter McElhinney

 

Tuesday, June 24

 

JP Harris press photo courtesy of the artist.

JP Harris and The Tough Choices with the Dogwood Brothers and Brady Heck at Get Tight Lounge

If you appreciate old-school country songwriters like Blaze Foley, Merle Haggard and even Jimmie Rodgers, then don’t miss J.P. Harris, the wild and wooly singer-songwriter from Nashville; toss into the equation that he opens his latest album with a rollicking version of Devo’s 1981 classic, “It’s A Beautiful World,” and we’re flat out buying that used car, child’s college fund be damned. As The Tennessean daily newspaper declared: “JP Harris is one of Nashville’s secret weapons — he’s got it all: a knack for satire, a timeless voice, and the unlikeliest of backstories.” Indeed, Harris appears to be a DIY lifer’s wet dream: After leaving home at 14, riding trains and living well off the grid for a dozen years or so, he is known today around Nashville not only for making excellent music, but for working on historic homes, riding and fixing old motorcycles, and picking through scrap piles for useable refuse (check out this docu-short about him called “House Tiger on a Leash”).

But his authentic bonafides wouldn’t be enough to seal the deal if he didn’t back them up with great songs on “JP Harris is a Trash Fire,” his latest Bloodshot Records album produced by JD McPherson. Harris can play clawhammer banjo, turn a clever phrase, and his gritty baritone vocals call to mind prime-era Neil Diamond (with a dash of Leonard Cohen) especially on one of our favorite songs on the new album, “To the Doves.” Tonight’s bill also features RVA’s own country/Americana newcomers Dogwood Brothers and the soulful roots music of local singer-songwriter Brady Heck, who recorded a nice Shockoe Sessions Live (with a song about a White Claw) available to watch here. I mean, what the hell else could you ask from your Tuesday night? (Except maybe the other two great Tuesday shows below). 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14.55 and available here.—Brent Baldwin

 

Studio One Quintet with Ken Kellner, Ryan Harlow, Wayne Obryan, OJ Hunter and Mike Reitz at Révéler Experiences

Celebrate reggae pioneers who recorded at Studio One, one of Jamaica’s oldest and more influential recording studios. There will be two sets of old-school instrumental dub reggae drawn from the vaults from a quintet featuring Ken Kellner (guitar/vocals), Ryan Harlow (drums) Wayne Obryan (bass), OJ Hunter (keys/piano), and Mike Reitz (percussion). Admission is $15 and doors open at 6 p.m., with music from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Reserved seating. 

Bio Ritmo at Richmond Music Hall

Richmond’s very own salsa orchestra for over 30 years celebrates the release of a new single, “Largos Caminos,” and their upcoming trip to Cali, Colombia. Come wish them well and take some salsa dance lessons while you’re at it. Then dance your butts off as Bio Ritmo makes you glad they live here. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. dance lessons by Salsa Connection and Bio Ritmo plays from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bio Ritmo at Hardywood.

 

 

 

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