Thursday, March 21
Matt Lively, “27 Years, A Selection” at Gramophone Winery
A new retrospective exhibit with veteran local artist Matt Lively in partnership with Gramophone winery in Richmond. This show features 27 years of painting work framed as a “snapshot” of his career and including work such as “The Wind Chill Factory,” “Fable of the Transatlantic Tube Train” and “Supermom;” the show is being held in collaboration with Glave Kocen Consulting. Runs March 21 through May 5. Opening reception on Thursday, March 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Gramophone, 4827 Forest Hill Ave.
Sam Reed at Gallery5
The final edition of Sam Reed’s Gallery 5 series takes place on Thursday night. Previous sets have paid tribute to a variety of singers: Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Sharon Jones, Betty Davis, and the music of 1983. This time the focus is on originals. Reed is probably best known as the powerhouse singer whose vocals more than compete with the massed horns of NoBS! Brass or supercharged, popular cover band Dance Candy. She can move effortlessly from backup singer to the front of the stage in a wide range of projects, notably Anthony Cosby Jr.’s Prince show – where she basically plays Sheila E – and Ant the Symbol’s multiplayer productions. It has been a while since her all-originals solo debut, “This is Love,” recorded at Jellowstone Studios in 2015 with instrumentation by Devonne Harris/DJ Harrison. Hearing those songs live, along with whatever else she has planned (Calvin Brown/Calvin Presents and Madam V/Veronica Nyce Llano are also on the bill) promises an interesting night. Tickets are $15 in advance, $25 at the door. 8 p.m. Music starts at 9 p.m. –Peter McElhinney
Friday, March 22
VILLAGES at Révéler Experiences
As far as band names go, VILLAGES is among the most accurate you’re likely to find. The group surrounds Justin Paciocco’s country-tinged rock with some of the most connected players in Richmond’s music community, including guitarist Corey Wells, pedal steel player Stephen Kuester and drummer Stephen Lecky [of Venture Richmond fame]. The upcoming show, dubbed “It Takes a VILLAGES,” promises to take that theme of community up a notch, with guest performances by Hunter Irby, Lucas Fritz, Tyler Meacham and other local luminaries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance ($15 at the door) and can be purchased at revelerexperiences.com.—Davy Jones
MARCH MADNESS: James Madison Dukes play Wisconsin Badgers at 9:40 p.m.
JMU is back in March Madness for the first time in 11 years (only their sixth time ever competing in the tournament at the Division I level). Expect local sports bars to be hopping as the 31-3 JMU Dukes (a 12 seed) take on the Wisconsin Badgers, a 5-seed. Let’s go Dukes!
Saturday, March 23
UPDATED: Celebrate Holi at Ardent has been POSTPONED due to weather
Come enjoy the traditional Hindu festival that celebrates colors, love and spring. Plus, there will be live music all day in the beer garden, as well as food from Kushbu Kay’s Kitchen and Curry in a Hurry. Live music includes Prabir Trio, Sravani Kameswari, Pocketwatch and Tejas Singh. Noon to 5 p.m. 3200 W. Leigh St. in Scott’s Addition. Free and all ages.
Richmond SPCA’s 22nd annual Dog Jog, 5k and Block Party
Join thousands of animal lovers for this family-friendly event benefiting Richmond SPCA. From their online listing: All net proceeds “aid in efforts to rescue and rehabilitate homeless animals and to deliver crucial programs to pets and the people who love them.” UPDATE: “Due to weather conditions, it will now be split into a two-part event spanning Saturday and Sunday. The Dog Jog and 5K are rain or shine events for which 513 runners and 352 dogs are already registered. The 5K is still scheduled to start Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m., and the Dog Jog will follow at 11:30 a.m. The Block Party, Marketplace and Little Paws Fun Run will now be held on Sunday, March 24 from noon to 5 p.m.” Register here: runsignup.com/Race/VA/Richmond/DogJogand5KRun
Sunday, March 24
Brad Mehldau at the University of Richmond’s Camp Concert Hall
Since emerging in the 1990s as a member of Joshua Redman’s band, Mehldau has become arguably the preeminent jazz-centric pianists of his generation. From his early days, his work has encompassed both time-honored standards and more modern fare from bands including Radiohead, Coldplay, and Soundgarden. His most recent album, “Your Mother Should Know (Nonesuch)” assays the Beatles with a finishing dollop of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars.” His two upcoming releases are solo renditions of classical pieces by Bach and Faure interspersed with originals. He has also collaborated with musicians including Chris Thile, Pat Metheny, Christian McBride, and others. His recordings have been nominated for a dozen Grammys, finally winning one for the 2019’s genre-bending, synth-drenched “Finding Gabriel.” Across every category, his playing reflects a grounded in a deep understanding of the sonic potential of his instrument and a unique, questing personal style sound. The results are always surprising and engaging, touched with beauty, and very much his own. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40. –Peter McElhinney
Monday, March 25
Wayne “The Train” Hancock at the Get Tight Lounge
If you’re into the original country music of Jimmie Rodgers or Hank Williams, then you definitely don’t want to miss the King of the Juke Joint swing, Wayne “The Train” Hancock. The former Richmond Folk Fest artist is known for his great (marathon) live performances and his alternative country songwriting. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $24.25.
