Thursday, March 12
The Spits with Snooper and The Barbed Wires at The Canal Club
The Spits are the best punk rock band of the 21st century. They have been this whole time, and even before, dating back to 1993, when siblings, Sean and Erin Wood — the band’s only constant members, barring frequent but short-lived brotherly spats — would forge their own path like no other band since, maybe, the Ramones. After seven years spent honing their chops, without an album to their name, The Spits unleashed a blitzkrieg of classics, releasing six consecutive self-titled albums without warning. Whether there will ever be another new album is unclear, but few things are more certain these days than if and when The Spits do release another album: (1) It’ll be as good as their last one, and (2) it’ll be titled The Spits.
Snooper are Nashvillian egg punks, on Jack White’s Third Man Records, who’ve cracked open the recent revival of that micro genre indebted to devolution and similar kitsch. Their last Richmond stop, at Cobra Cabana, was so brimming with energy and fanfare that it’s likely the same enthusiasm will overflow in the even larger club setting. An annual set from The Barbed Wires is always something to arrive on time for; the Richmond-by-proxy melodic punk unit make it count anytime lead singer Jeff Grant commutes to town from Indiana. Look for their sophomore album out later this year, and read our interview from their early days here. Doors are at 6 p.m. and tickets cost $30.76 with various tax and fees.—Tim Abbondelo
Friday, March 13
The Dracu-Las and The Lonely Teardrops at Northside Grille
The Dracu-Las offer “sweet Northern harmony rock with a [Beach goth] wave of surf from NYC/Jersey City” joining forces with the soul-digging sassyfrass garage rock” of The Lonely Teardrops at Northside Grille. Come early. 6:30 p.m.
The 42nd annual Craftsman’s Spring Classic at Richmond Raceway Complex
For craftspeople, a favorite spring event which was also voted one of the “100 Best” nationwide in Sunshine Artist Magazine and “Top 10” in Virginia. The event is all indoors and features hundreds of artists and craftsmen from more than 15 states, curated and selected for originality and creative excellence. Enjoy all three days with free return pass. Also there is free parking. Show Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit CraftShow.com for more info.
Saturday, March 14
Richmond World Oddities Expo at Greater Richmond Convention Center (also Sunday, March 15)
The fourth annual Richmond expo is an experience like no other. You’ll find “a paradise where weirdness thrives” that includes artists, vendors, performers, educators and guest speakers. VIPs can get in from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Regular general admission hours run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days (children 12 and under are free).
The fourth annual .9K9 Virginia War Memorial Dog Walk
Calling all dog owners and dog lovers to bring your dogs and walk to honor and recognize the contributions of military and service dogs during wartime and in local communities throughout history. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. to register (required) and the walk starts at 10 a.m. at the Memorial’s Heilman Amphitheater and will proceed for approximately .9 kilometers around the grounds of the Memorial at 621 South Belvidere Street in downtown Richmond. Free. Pre-register online at https://vawarmemorial.org/events/k9veteransday/.
The St. Patty’s Day Artisan Market at Main Line Brewery
Dog-friendly and family-friendly, this offers the opportunity to stroll an indoor and outdoor market packed with local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and one-of-a-kind finds. Shopping-averse? Grab a beer and play outdoor games while your crew does the market. 1-5 p.m.—Karen Newton
Mrs. Roper Romp at Rosie Connolly’s Pub
If you’ve got a muumuu and a curly red wig (or the real thing) you’re a natural for the Mrs. Roper Romp at Rosie Connolly’s Pub. That’s right, for those with fond memories of the ‘70s TV sitcom “Three’s a Crowd,” the daffy landlady is the focus of this atypical St. Patrick’s Day celebration that has nothing to do with green but focuses on community, fun and even drinking. Second stop will be Havana ’59. Helens and Stanley’s also welcome. 3 p.m.—K.N.
The 20th Shamrock the Block in Scott’s Addition
Is it even St. Patrick’s Day in Richmond without the chaos, traffic snarls and debris of Shamrock the Block? Back for its 20th iteration, the event sprawls across Scott’s Addition on Leigh Street between Movieland and Midtown Green. You can count on many things, including live music, food from local vendors, adult beverages and loopy people in goofy green attire. Noon to 6 p.m.—K.N.
Other St. Patrick’s Day-themed events on Saturday
(compiled by Karen Newton)
Leprechaun Goat Yoga at Stony Point Fashion Park
Of all the ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, too few involve cloven hooved animals. But wait, this is here to change that with a festive celebration featuring yoga for ages 10 and up with goats in their green holiday best, live music, family activities, and themed crafts. There are two Goat Yoga sessions at 11 a.m. and noon, which include 30 minutes of guided yoga and 30 minutes of goat playtime. Not into yoga? Snag a Cuddle Ticket for goat playtime only at 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. March 14, 11 a.m. and noon.
Richmond St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Should you prefer an earlier start time for endless bar hopping, consider this crawl which kicks off just after lunch with check-in at Bandito’s Burrito Lounge. Whether you’re Irish at heart or just love a nonstop party, your ticket scores adult beverages and drink specials, plus a free after-party. Need we remind you to wear green? 1-8 p.m. Tickets
Pours and Pasties Burlesque and Variety Show at Strangeways Brewing
Performers including Scarlet Starlet, Cherri Vendetta, and Evie Vixen will light up the night with electrifying routines, glittering looks, and unexpected moments. Since the focus is on them, you don’t even need to wear green unless you want to. 8:30 p.m. Tickets
Joshua Jenkins day show at Révéler Experiences
Pianist Joshua Jenkins makes his first appearance in RVA refracting jazz classics through an Afro-Caribbean steel drum centric prism. 3 p.m. $15.—Peter McElhinney
Cancer Sucks Rock-and-Roll Rumble at Hardywood West Creek
This year’s bands playing? Giant Squid, Valley DePalma, Brass in Pocket, The Atkinsons, Dead Letter Officers (REM tribute), Mother’s Little Helpers and Here Comes Your Band. This event raises vital funds in partnership with Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation and shines a light on the courage and resilience of those fighting cancer. Proceeds benefit the Bon Secours Cancer Fund supporting innovative care and resources that help individuals and families feel seen, supported, and connected throughout their journey. No tickets required, just a suggested donation of $20. Runs noon to 7 p.m. at Hardywood West Creek which is 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr. Click here to donate https://bit.ly/4b0Hwe6
Hem & Her Khmer Communal Tasting Menu Dinner at ICA Abby Moore Cafe
Chef Santana Hem will close out his ICA chef residency run this weekend with a celebratory dinner mirroring the supper clubs he hosts through his pop-up, Hem & Her. Menu items include starters like a spiced coconut pork dip and crudites and green mango salad with chili and herbs. Larger dishes include a braised short rib with red curry and peanut, roasted cabbage and fermented fish condiment and a poached chicken salad with carrot and crispy chicken. The sweet finish features a carrot cake with pistachio and toasted coconut. Second Bottle has curated the wine menu, which includes welcome bubbles plus a pairing for the three courses — a mineral-forward Riesling to start followed by a bold Sicilian orange wine and finally a balanced dessert wine. The event runs from 6:30-10 p.m. (dinner starts at 7 p.m.) at the Abby Moore Café. Tickets are $153.49 per person and can be purchased online. —Mary Scott Hardaway
SUP Fest at The Camel (Also Sunday, March 15)
Single Use Podcast, a Richmond-based interview and music series produced in collaboration with WRIR 97.3 FM, is holding this two-day music festival fundraiser featuring 12 local and regional acts across two nights to benefit the Richmond Community Bail Fund, which “supports efforts to reduce the immediate and collateral consequences of incarceration in Central Virginia,” according to organizers. Night one on Saturday features: Strawberry Moon, Receiver, Sarah Schaefer & Fan Fiction, Girlspit, Heavy Friends, Alex Jonestown Massacre and night two (Sunday) features: Destructo Disk, Pleco, Terror Cell, Rikki Rakki, Beefcake and Three Brained Robot. Doors are at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. on Saturday, doors are at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. on Sunday. The Single Use Podcast airs every 2nd and 4th Tuesday on WRIR-LP 97.3 FM and centers conversations with artists and organizers shaping the Richmond creative community. Tickets: $15 (single day) / $25 (two-day pass).
Mekong Xpress and the Get Fresh Horns at Révéler Experiences
In the lost, golden era before COVID, the Mekong Xpress, usually accompanied by the Get Fresh Horns, were the house band at the Answer Brew Pub. The all-star band was assembled by An Bui, aka An Mekong, the eponymous founder of the Answer (as referenced by the bar name’s first two letters.) The band’s sound can be anything from Earth Wind and Fire funk to Beatle-esque pop with a bit of alt-country and a dash of horn-driven jazz fusion. The players came together from a who’s who of local bands. Bassist Todd Herrington played in the DJ Williams Projekt for years and is now often on the road with Cris Jacobs. Drummer Kelli Strawbridge leads his own band as well as playing in groups including the Prabir Trio and channeling James Brown in the tribute The Big Payback. Ben White played with the Trogone Band and Cris Jacobs before launching a solo career. Anthony Rapisarda is another longtime member of The Big Payback. The Get Fresh Horns, saxophonist JC Kuhl, trombonist Toby Whitaker, and trumpeter Bob Miller, are a first call set of players who have played with virtually every band who has a horn section. At time of writing, the reserved seats have sold out, but Révéler always holds back a stash of lounge seat at the door. 8 p.m. $20. —Peter McElhinney
Skydog plays “Live at Fillmore East” with special guest Steve Bassett at The Broadberry
One of the all-time classic albums in the rock canon, the Allman Brothers’ live “At the Fillmore East” from 1971 will be recreated by RVA’s premiere Allman Bros’ cover band with a little help from veteran Richmond musician Steve Bassett; yes, the former collaborator with Robbin Thompson who co-penned the official popular state song, “Sweet Virginia Breeze.” The famous concert featured lengthy jams on the jazzy psych rock of “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” and of course, the rock classic, “Whipping Post.” Doors at 7 p.m. General admission (with fees) $29.43.
Tim Cappello at Gallery5
Yes, that shirtless beefcake from the classic ’80s movie “The Lost Boys” (and Tina Turner’s band), Mr. Cappello is back in town to blow his sax just like he did in his heavily oiled performance of “I Still Believe” in the movie. Advance tickets are $20, day of show $25.
Sunday, March 15
Wait, What’s Sri Lanka? An hour of stand-up with Shenuque at Basic City Beer Co.
Shenuque is a Sri Lankan American comedian born and raised on Staten Island. They are currently touring their debut stand-up special, “Wait, What’s Sri Lanka?” According to local producer/comedian Randolph Washington, Jr, this show should be a real treat, especially for anyone who has ever felt invisible: “The show explores the joys around embracing all parts of your identity while navigating the pain of not feeling seen. Shenuque explores all the parts of their identity from being Sri Lankan to their queer identity, to their relationship status. If you enjoy stand up comedy that weaves in a compelling narrative this is the show for you.” Shenuque also co-founded a podcast studio, Many Sided Media, which creates tabletop roleplaying shows. You can learn more about them from their website and instagram. Runs from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Ages 21 and up. Cost ranges from $17.85 to $50. Ticket link here.
Monday, March 16
Irish Wake with Greater Richmond Bagpipes and Drums at O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub
Traditionalists know enough to head to a true Irish pub on St. Patrick’s Day and O’Toole’s on Southside qualifies in spades. A longtime local tradition on the day before St. Patty’s is the Irish Wake, when you can come check out some amazing locally made Irish music in a festive gathering. 4800 Forest Hill Ave. (KN)
Tuesday, March 17
St. Patty’s Day at O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub
Providing the appropriate music to raise a glass or a few is proto-folk funk trio Dill Fiddle and providing the pints is O’Toole’s. Enough said. March 17, 4:30 p.m. (KN)
Also,if you’re downtown, Siné Irish Pub should be hopping all weekend, as well as today. Located at 1327 E. Cary St.
The Fighting Jamesons at The Broadberry
When the only way to celebrate the wearing of the green is with aggressive modern Irish music that features accordion, consider St. Patrick’s Day with The Fighting Jamesons at Richmond Music Hall. The VA Beach-based band pretty much nails this holiday, having shared the stage with the likes of the Dropkick Murphys and Young Dubliners. Doors at 7 p.m. (KN)
Trey Pollard with strings at Révéler Experiences
Guitarist/arranger/composer Trey Pollard’s diverse musical worlds come together at a gig on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s been a long time since the musical polymath led a gig of his own. He occasionally shows up as a virtuoso guitarist, collaborating with demanding virtuosos like Rex Richardson, or improvising through the thick of Balkan rhythms by Serbian pianist Dimitrije Vasiljevic. His sonic abilities extend to production, founding Soundwire Studios which folded into cofounding Spacebomb Records. There he became the house arranger, writing lush orchestrations for artists including Natalie Prass, Foxygen and the Waterboys. With a special affinity for strings, he composed “Antiphone,” a set of interlocking classical preludes and fugues. These diverse threads promise to converge as he leads a 10-piece band. The lineup includes his trio, featuring bassist Cameron Ralston and drummer Billy Williams Jr., as well as seven leading local string players. The program ranges from works by Ornette Coleman and Brian Wilson to the great American songbook. It is a rare opportunity to hear one of RVAs most unique voices in a totally focused set. A previous Pollard and strings performance in 2019 was one of the best nights of the year.7 p.m. $22.50.—Peter McElhinney
Wednesday, March 18
Lady Bunny “Don’t Bring the Kids” at Richmond Funnybone
Drag royalty Lady Bunny brings her all new show, Don’t Bring the Kids, a night full of jokes, filthy fun and demented song parodies.A talented comedienne, actress and singer, you may recognize Ms. Bunny from TV shows like “Sex and the City” and “RuPaul’s Drag U,” and she was also the emcee and creator of Wigstock, the outrageous drag festival which electrified New Yorkers every Labor Day for over 20 years. “This show is called Don’t Bring the Kids for a reason,” she says in a release. “It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re ready to laugh and let loose, then I’ll see you there.” Mature content. $37-$53. Doors at 5:45 p.m. and show at 7 p.m.
Albert Lee at the Tin Pan
Known as the guitar player’s guitar player, the U.K.-born Albert Lee has probably influenced your favorite string bender somewhere down the line. The Grammy-winning rockabilly picker was key in shaping Emmylou Harris’ early sound, served as the Everly Brothers bandleader during their reunion, and has traded licks with everyone from Bo Diddley to Eric Clapton to Ricky Skaggs. Lee and his crack band also brought down the tents at the 2024 Richmond Folk Festival, but now you can experience “Mr. Telecaster” up close and personal. 8 p.m. $49.—Don Harrison
