Thursday, March 19
Keep Shouting Sister: A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe at The Hippodrome
Honor the legacy of a legendary local musical icon, the rocking Sister Rosetta Tharpe, with a host of great Richmond musicians including Desiree Roots, Michael Hawkins, Weldon Hill, Sam Reed, Reyna Nicole, Mo, JayWhite, Sir Rome and Carl Lester El. The proceeds will go “to finding ways to celebrate Tharpe’s connection to Richmond as a musical legend in the history of gospel and rock & roll.” As part of the fundraising effort, organizers will be auctioning off a Gibson SG Les Paul Custom, which is the same guitar Sister Rosetta Tharpe played. Doors at 6 p.m. and music at 7 p.m. Tickets available here.
A Sondheim Celebration at Révéler Experiences
With his set dedicated to the work of Stephen Sondheim, saxophonist/singer John Winn can curate from a lifetime of brilliance. Sondheim’s singular craft musical craft expanded the scope of musical theater for over 50 years and cast an influence far beyond. He wrote the lyrics for “Gypsy” and “West Side Story,” and both words and music for “Company,” “Into the Woods,” “Sweeney Todd,” “A Little Night Music,” and many other award-winning productions. His songs were covered by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Madonna. He won Oscars, Grammys, Tonys, and several additional shelves of awards. His work stretched boundaries with sophisticated subjects rendered in polyphonic melodies and intricate wordplay. It’s a body of work that sets high standards. To meet them, Winn has assembled musicians including Laura Ann Singh (Miramar, Fracas) and Maddy Curtis, two singers expert at translating standards into personal statements, with accompanist actor/playwright/composer Elle Meerovich. The program is billed as an emotional, humorous, show-by-show journey through Sondheim’s storied career. The intimacy of Révéler, with its colorfully idiosyncratic décor, is a perfect complement to the Sondheim’s experimental yet engaging songs. 8 p.m., $17.50—Peter McElhinney
GalaxyCon Richmond at Greater Richmond Convention Center (through March 22)
Nerd out with your favorite celebrites (including Hayden Christenson, William Shatner, Edgar Wright, Danny Glover, Lou Ferrigno and many others) writers, comic creators including the legendary Larry Hama (“G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero”) and Amy Chu (“Wonder Woman,” The X-Files, KISS and Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death”). For a full rundown and ticket prices, visit the website here.
Piranha Rama with Dead Billionaires at Moca Mart
If you haven’t heard about the Oregon Hill grocery store hosting slapdash concerts in its parking lot, maybe you’ve seen the crowds, or heard their free offering in song, carried around the Fan by an early evening breeze. That these events have remained so chill and orderly is a credit to the community, and goes to show: Yes, sometimes, we can have nice things. In my day, this sort of arrangement would have resembled a scene from “The Warriors” crossed with “Heavy Metal Parking Lot,” and quickly got the kibosh. Nowadays, you can add ‘rockin’ band’ to your grocery list, and periodically find that very thing on special. A pair of Richmond staples perform on the blacktop this go around. Dead Billionaires will appeal to pop punk acolytes with a taste for sociopolitical lyrics. And while you can always expect some degree of surprise at a Piranha Rama show, it’s a safe bet they’ll dip into their latest album “Phony Frontier,” ahead of their big gig this summer supporting Pavement at the National. For those about to rock at Moca Mart, we salute you. Starts at 5 p.m. with a $5 to $10 suggested donation. 700 Idlewood Ave.—Tim Abbondelo
Gwar, Soulfly and King Parrot at The National
Beloved heavy metal/punk Richmonders return to slay the faithful and cover them in blood and space jizz. Did you hear about the Gwarchives at VCU? (Read our story). Doors at 6:30 p.m. UPDATE: SOLD OUT, though you can get on a waiting list. And if you do have an extra, help a Bohab.
Richmond Symphony: Music at Hardywood (Richmond)
Come for some beer and world-class musicians in a different setting. 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 20
Tracey St. Peter “All My Monkeys are Cats” at Eric Schindler Gallery
St. Peter’s first all-painting exhibition since 2007 is described in her artist statement as “a meditation on chaos, care, survival and the fragile structures we inhabit.” Opening reception takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibition runs through April 18. 7 to 9 p.m.
Trey Songz Hometown Concert with special guest Fabolous at VSU Multi-purpose Center
After dealing with some legal troubles and civil litigation, Petersburg native Trey Songz is back in town for a big hometown show. His last full-length album, “Back Home” was released in 2020 and he some concerts on the books this year around the country. 8:30 p.m.
Karla Bonoff at the Tin Pan
As one of the pivotal “El-Lay” songwriters, Bonoff specialized in interjecting soul and pathos into the soft rock genre — no mean feat — especially as Linda Ronstadt’s mouthpiece. In addition to contributing numerous songs to Ronstadt’s oeuvre, including “All My Life,” Linda’s Grammy-winning duet with Aaron Neville, Bonoff has also penned standout tunes covered by the likes of Bonnie Raitt (“Home”), Wynonna Judd (“Tell Me Why”) and Alison Krauss (“Lose Again”). She’s also earned her own following as a solo artist, even though her only Top 20 chart hit came in 1982 with “Personally.” Vocally, she compares favorably to sister Linda, with a little less power but with a shade more vulnerability. Come to the Tin Pan to hear why the songwriter’s demo is often better than the version you know. $54. 8 p.m.—Don Harrison
Emma Jean Oakley, Juniper Tree and Hot Lava at Mars at Gallery5
Local hootin’ and hollerin’ featuring alt.country for lovers with Emma Jean Oakley, indie folk from RVA-via-Harrisonburg’s Juniper Tree, and the always reliable rock of Hot Lava. 7 to 11 p.m. 200 West Marshall St. $10 adv / $15 dos.
Getting Weir’d: A Tribute to Bob Weir w/Slingshot on Mars at Richmond Music Hall
Bust out your best short jorts: It’s time to celebrate the life and music of Grateful Dead founding rhythm guitarist Bob Weir with an original band named for a lyric from one of his popular ’70s songs, “Black Throated Wind” (“Plunging like stones from a slingshot on Mars.”) Summers fade and roses die. In January, the bus came by and Bobby got on … but don’t worry about him, no. Nah nah, don’t worry … Fare thee well, now. Doors at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 21
The Church Hill Irish Festival (also Sunday, March 22)
One of our favorite outdoor festivals of the year in one of our favorite, lovely Richmond neighborhoods is back! Expect tons of people, live local music, food and drinks, Irish and Highland Dance and of course, the resonant sound of bagpipers filling the air. Along with St. Patrick’s Church, the Irish Festival proceeds benefit many local organizations including Child Savers, Richmond Hill, the Church Hill Association, Fulton Neighborhood Resource Center, St. John’s Church, Chimborazo School, Bellevue School, Church Hill Boys and Girls Club, Henrico Christmas Mother, Saint Francis Home, Sandston USO, and McShin Foundation. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Suggested donation of $5. Pets are not allowed with the exception of service dogs.
Parking note: There is free parking with a shuttle at 16th and East Broad Street, with drop-off at 24th and East Broad St. There is another shuttle that will pick up at 200 Orleans Street, and drops off at 26th and East Broad St. The shuttles run all day, both days.
Maymont Mansion Open House
The 1893 home is reopening its doors after two years of restoration work. Come by and marvel at the new red slate roof, the state-of-the-art climate control system, and check out the subtle touches of professional conservators. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free! All ages welcome. 1700 Hampton Street. There will be self-guided and scheduled tours available.
UnScene free concert at Varina Public Library (Henrico)
The first UnScene since last fall takes place on the glass wall facing bank of seats at Varina Public Library. The concept is simple. The audience arrives and faces out toward the spring landscape. An unseen small chamber ensemble sets up behind them and plays a half hour of compositions that invite quiet contemplation of the natural landscape. The event was conceived and arranged by Richmond Symphony Principal Second Violinist Ellen Cockerham Riccio, who assembles a lineup of excellent players who are only revealed at the conclusion (or if someone cheats and looks around). There is no penalty, except, perhaps, breaking the spell. 10 a.m. at the Varina Area Library. 1875 New Market Road. Admission is free open to the public.—Peter McElhinney
The 24th annual Dog Jog, 5k and Block Party
Family-friendly event with food trucks, live music, 50 plus local artisans and vendors, free activities and classes for kiddos and doggos. Noon to 5 p.m. 2519 Hermitage Rd. Free!
Gogol Bordello, Boris and the Joy and Puzzled Panther at The National
Their latest album is called “We Mean It, Man!” –and they do. If you’ve never seen Gogol Bordello, know that they go hard in the live setting. This wild modern gypsy band of international musicians are known for being inspired by Romani and Ukraninian music mixed with elements of punk, dub and many other genres; they deliver a truly joyful, life-affirming concert experience. As they say on their website, their latest album “brings all our original inspirations together more than any other: punk, gypsy music, hardcore, and techno. In terms of boiled down multimedia collage this is the best Frankenstein we’ve done since Gypsy Punks. This is our post-punk groove revenge.” Doors at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m.
Shop Talk with Hagstone and Bed Maker at Fuzzy Cactus
You won’t find retreads on this bill. Instead, concertgoers can expect to be treated to three entirely different acts performing their own takes on punk music. Which, sure, you might say is the whole point after all. Shop Talk returns from New York City with its self-titled debut album hot off the press. The trio’s no-frills take on 2.5-minute rippers are no less bursting with melodic dimensions, which is a credit to singer-guitarist Jon Garcia’s surf-inspired riffs and memorable vocal warble. Neither Bed Maker’s first appearance in Richmond, nor the DC-squad’s own self-titled debut album — released a few years ago on Dischord Records — should be missed. As is often the case with musicians of a certain age, their curriculum vitae features too many notable influences to list (but we’ll try): Light Beams, Kid Congo Powers, 1.6 Band, Insect Factory, Time Is Fire, Desiderata, and Routineers. Bed Makers are bedfellows with a smattering of the best the Beltway has offered over the years. Anyone who fancies the ‘D.C. Sound’ take note. It’s nearly spring but okay to break out your fisherman beanies and Doc Martens for this positive force. Meanwhile, local opener Hagstone remain Richmond’s preeminent hard rock band, best seen in a bar. Doors are at 9 p.m. and tickets are $12.—TA
Wild at Heart Poetry Reading and Variety Show at Gallery5
Attendees will hear “shocking and salacious truths from Joe Mack, Kathryn Schmidt, Amaya Sizer and Layla Thakkar, followed by a killer set from Sophie Colette and a scandalous burlesque performance from Kayy Lovely. Doors open at 5, show starts at 5:30 p.m. $12 advance and $15 day of show. 18+ only.
Sunday, March 22
Lakeside Spring Fling
Seventy-plus local makers, live music, food and drinks, crafts workshops at the Lakeside Farmers’ Market. 6110 Lakeside Ave. in Henrico. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24
Marc Ribot at Révéler Experiences (Ossicles Fest Day One)
The virtuosic guitarist Marc Ribot grew up in New Jersey and received guitar lessons as a kid from legendary Haitian music figure, Frantz Casseus; while learning to play with his right hand even though he is left-handed. Ribot first became widely noticed for his session work on the legendary Tom Waits album from 1985, “Rain Dogs” (that’s him playing the snaking, Afro-Cuban mambo/blues guitar lines on “Jockey Full of Bourbon”). Ribot has subsequently performed with many legends including Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Vinicio Caposella, McCoy Tyner, Elton John, Allen Toussaint, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Wilson Pickett, Marianne Faithfull, Neko Case and others. He’s also a former member of the ’80s downtown NYC band, The Lounge Lizards, headed by John Lurie, who once said of Ribot: “He’s a musical genius. So many ideas are coming out of that guy that it is actually often a problem.” (Personally, I always loved Ribot’s Los Cubanos Postizos project and their 1998 album on Atlantic, “The Prosthetic Cubans,” as well as his early ’90s recording of his former mentor’s compositions, “Marc Ribot Plays the Solo Guitar Works of Frantz Casseus.”) Richmonders may remember Ribot playing the live film score to Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” at The Byrd Theatre back in 2015. Now that he’s 71, to see him in the funky, intimate setting of Reveler should be a treat; his emotional and tonal palates on guitar are unbounded and unmistakably his own.—Brent Baldwin
“The Outsiders” Musical at Altria Theater (through March 29)
Do it for Johnny, Ponyboy! Adapted from S.E. Hinton’s novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s film, this won four 2024 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Read our preview.
Good Flying Birds with Touch Girl Apple Blossom, K9 and Canaries at Fuzzy Cactus
This bill may read like a scrabble board, but all four bands are fully formed and on the rise. Kellen Baker from Indianapolis, Indiana’s home-recording project, Good Flying Birds, is spreading wings as a fleshed-out live flock. The band doesn’t veer from the course of its collection of early demos on “Talulah’s Tape.” Class of C86 followers, up through every last installment of Guided By Voices’ catalogue (their song “Good Flying Bird” is GFB’s namesake) will easily access the shambolic guitar pop that lands with its own distinctly Midwestern ‘Hoosier Hysteria’ spin. Tour mates, Touch Girl Apple Blossom, are birds of a feather with their penchant for jaunty and jangly twee. The Austin-based four-piece, recently aligned with indie pop tag team of note, K and digital collaborator Perennial Records, which released their debut, “The Springtime Reminds Me Of…” this week — just in time to remind us what a relentless winter it’s been. Thankfully, they add a bit of Anglophilic shuffle to their songs, sure to put some much needed pep in the step of Smiths-stans who can’t stomach Morrissey’s latest turkey. ‘Chip, chip cheerio, old bean.’ Arrive on time for a pair of Richmond’s best punky, poppy, guitar-y, swirl-y, rollickers, both of whom you can expect to hear more from ahead. Doors at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15.—Tim Abbondelo
Women Take the Stage with keynote speaker Rachel Beanland at Carpenter Theatre
Virginia author Rachel Beanland (“The House is on Fire”) will deliver “an uplifting discussion on igniting your creative spark” followed by a moderated discussion alongside panelists Eucharia Anigbo-Jackson, Charis Jones, and Nicole Jones.This afternoon social offers networking with professionals and complimentary beverages and apps are included with ticket. Proceeds from the event benefit RPAA’s BrightLights Education Initiatives, increasing equity in access to the arts and arts education.You can buy tickets here.
