Thursday, March 6

The Seventh Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival at Studio Two Three

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s annual Virginia Wild & Scenic Film Festival brings together films to “inform, inspire and ignite solutions and possibilities.” Expect award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, Native American and Indigenous cultures. Runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. $30.

Preview reception and artist talks from Dana Bell (“States of Leisure”) and Chris McCaw (“Solar Relics”) at Candela Books + Gallery

Candela welcomes artists Dana Bell and Chris McCaw for a preview reception and artist talks for their solo exhibitions, which open to the public on Friday, March 7, during the First Friday art walk. Brooklyn-based artist Dana Bell’s exhibit “States of Leisure,” uses “laser-cut plexiglass and cutting-edge 3D rendering techniques to create intricate photographic negatives that challenge traditional methods of reproduction.” Photographer Chris McCaw from Daly City, California was born in the greatest of all years, 1971 (just look at the albums that came out that year, if you don’t believe me). “Solar Relics,” his third exhibit at Candela, showcases “his continually evolving, innovative exploration of light, time, and material. The exhibition spotlights new and old works marked by the sun using solar exposure as both medium and process, grounding photography in its most elemental form.” Doors will open and refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. Artist talks kick off at 6:30 p.m. Both exhibits run from March 7 to April 9. Please R.S.V.P. to the reception via this link. Runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The 11^th annual VCU Jazz4Justice at Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall in the VCU Singleton Center

The 11th edition of the VCUJazz4Justice program features guest artist Michael Philip Mossman. As a trumpeter, Mossman has played with everyone from avant-garde saxophonists Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell to the Blue Note supergroup, Out of the Blue, to session work with classic rock band Styx. As an educator, he is director of jazz studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, and on the faculty at The Juilliard School. This makes him a perfect match for this benefit that supports the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation’s efforts to provide pro bono legal work for worthy cases and scholarships for promising musicians. The evening also features the VCU Jazz Orchestra, a rite of passage for a growing number of successful musicians, and a sextet of VCU recipients of the organization’s scholarships. It is an opportunity to support a worthy cause, hear good music, and, if you haven’t already, find out about the surprisingly hidden treasure of the VCU performance venues. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20-$35 per person in advance or $35 at the door.—Peter McElhinney

Friday, March 7

First Friday: Richmond Renaissance Faire, a fundraising kickoff at Gallery5

Good morrow! Know how thou hath longed for an RVA Renaissance Faire for eons? Here cometh your chance to get in on the medieval ground floor of historic Jackson Ward, so to speak. From Virago Alley, the local nonprofit started by Amanda Robinson of Gallery5 fame, this big block party will have demos, magic shows and more in partnership with the Richmond Moon Market, a curated craft and wellness market. This is a fundraising kickoff that will encompass the three blocks around Gallery5 (the mainstage) for First Friday. There should be a lot going on, for parking info and other important details, visit this FAQ page from Virago Alley; you can also go to this website to read about all the specifics. And apparently, there’s going to be giant smoked turkey legs near Gwarbar (with vegetarian and vegan options), as well as historical combat demos that should be very Gwar. Admission is donation based. Rain or shine. 5 to 11 p.m.

Boogie for the Biosphere feat. Afro-Zen Allstars at Basic Beer Co.

Get your funk groove on with some sweet Ethiopian music jams at this annual party celebrating volunteers who help during Richmond Invasive Species Awareness Week, which aims to reduce the impact of invasive species on Richmond’s ecosystem. Your donation will help efforts by groups like Friends of the James River Park, considering several local environmental groups recently have lost potential federal funding for cleanup efforts due to the Trump administration cutting back areas that contain a small fraction of government spending, as opposed to say, a much, much larger percentage spent on the military. Runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Free.

Historian and author Greg Kimball talks about James Lee “Jimmie” Strother and the Virginia songster tradition at Library of Virginia Lecture Hall

Author and historian Kimball talks about his new book, “Searching for Jimmie Strother: A Tale of Music, Murder and Memory.” Learn more about this in our previous feature by Don Harrison. This is a free event but registration is required here. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. This is a free event, but registration is required. Seating in the Lecture Hall is available on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday, March 8

DuctTape Jesus: “Chester Skate Land” Deluxe Vinyl Release Show feat. Nickelus F, DJ Harrison, Ohbliv, GAWD & hernbean5150 at Gallery5

DuctTape Jesus leaves craters wherever he lands. His blistering 2023 opus, “Chester Skate Land,” didn’t sound like anything else coming out of the city’s rap scene; it’s spacey, noisy samples glued together with trap drums and DuctTape’s husky growl. At last December’s Flag On the Moon 9, DuctTape tore the Live Mixtape Session apart, his energy threatening to peel the roof off the Broadberry like a tin can. On Saturday at Gallery 5, as he celebrates the deluxe vinyl release of “Chester Skate Land,” it’s safe to assume the energy will be off the charts. He’s recruited a who’s who of Richmond hip-hop to help commemorate the occasion: Mutant Academy’s Ohbliv, Butcher Brown keyboardist and Stones Throw artist DJ Harrison, blown-out rap psychedelia auteur GAWD, and the freewheeling hernbean5150 will all perform. To sweeten the deal, local legend Nickelus F will play a rare beat set. $15 in advance, $20 day of. Doors are at 7 pm.—Dash Lewis

Plunky and the Oneness of Juju at Révéler

Whether at a festival, in an outdoor arena, his Byrd Park porch, or the colorful confines of Révéler Experiences, there is nothing more Richmond than a Plunky Branch concert. Over the past five decades, the saxophonist has been a hero on the local and global stage. His earliest work, pioneering a sound that merged jazz improvisation with African forms, has become belatedly recognized as some of the most adventurous and influential music of the late 20th century. Branch’s life is a whirlwind of adventure, stretching from Columbia University antiwar protests against the Vietnam War to San Francisco, Africa and beyond. He played with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, had his music show up everywhere from “The Cosby Show” to “Grand Theft Auto” video game. He has been an entrepreneur in African art, published an autobiography and a book of poetry. The Reveler shows will be a homecoming. He just got back from recording a new highlife/Afrobeat/soul album in Ghana and promoting his upcoming “Plunky & Oneness of Juju–Made Through Ritual” (Strut Records) in London. Throughout it all, he has dedicated time and resources to making Richmond a better place for the arts. Now in his 70s, he shows no signs of slowing down. His stage performance is as energetic, positive and engaging as someone decades younger. And, in the Gypsy jewel box of Révéler, expect a full house for both shows. First show 7:30 to 9 p.m. and the second show 9:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $25-40. If they are sold out, there are always a few for the lounge at the door.—Peter McElhinney

CinemaNiche presents Mogwai “If The Stars Had A Sound” with Dave Watkins at Studio Two Three

This is the only Virginia screening of this music documentary featuring the Scottish band Mogwai and it will also include an opening performance from local guitarist Dave Watkins. Read our full preview by Don Harrison here. 7 p.m. $15.

CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band at the Tin Pan

Need a little bit of New Orleans jazz fest crowd pleasure right here at home? Son of Clifton Chenier, the guy who basically invented Zydeco music, CJ delivers soulful vocals alongside uplifting, accordion-driven rock, Zydeco and blues. Hard to hear this music and not get happy, which a lot of folks could probably use about now given the impending job losses and cost hikes to many of life’s basic necessities. Let this group take you from shaking your head emojis to shaking that ass emojis. $35.

A musical tribute to Prince with Anthony Cosby Jr. at the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen

[Editor’s note: Gotta say, we are really bummed that the 9-hour Prince documentary has been shelved by Netflix; it was made by the amazing director Ezra Edelman who made “OJ: Made in America” one of the best longform docs in recent years. Check out his appearance on the podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out.”] Nobody commits more to a part than local singer Anthony Cosby Jr. does to channeling Prince in “I Would Die 4 U.”  A foot taller than The Artist, it is strange to say he’s grown into the part. But he started great and has only gotten better. The outfits, based on Prince’s originals, are increasingly fantastic. His performance, heartfelt, playful, and vulnerable, with flashes of humor when Cosby’s own personality shines through, is a wonder. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25.—P.M.

Skydog: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers at the Broadberry

A celebration of the Allman Brothers’ music that would make Jacksonville’s finest proud. They know how to jam it long and loud, with an ear for the Allmans’ particular blend of roots R&B, Southern rock and soul, and jazz. Just check out their 20-min plus jam on the great “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” from years ago. 7 p.m. $20.

Sunday, March 9

Dolly Parton Drag Brunch at Starr Hill Richmond

This week, Dolly Parton’s longtime husband Carl Dean died at 82, which means the inaugural Dolly Parton Drag Brunch this weekend in Richmond may be especially poignant, or maybe there will be even more reason to celebrate such a long and happy relationship in the biz. Hosted by Michelle Livigne, this brunch is first and foremost about “big hair, rhinestones and the country queen herself,” though. Expect full-on Dolly performances, signature cocktails and craft beer specials. What’s brunch without “9 to 5” they ask? Doors open at noon. Runs from 1 to 4 p.m. 3406 W. Leigh St. For more, check out tickets here.

Mobile Soul Sunday at Monroe Park

Kick-off Richmond Black Restaurant Experience 2025 (March 9-16) right, “where culture meets cuisine” with a day of “soulful tunes and good vibes” featuring live performances, interactive sessions and more. Plus, you know there will be a ton of delicious food trucks on the scene. Noon to 5 p.m. Free. To learn more about the Black Restaurant Experience, visit their website here.

Movie screening of “I’m Still Here” at the Byrd Theatre

Check out this acclaimed political drama (in Portuguese) based on a memoir by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the first ever Brazilian-produced film to win an Academy award for Best International Feature. Learn what it’s like living under a military dictatorship, which might come in handy someday. 7 p.m. $9

Monday, March 10

Bright Eyes with Merce Lemon at the National

In the midst of a big ‘ole American tour, the Omaha band Bright Eyes featuring Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott should be playing tunes from their latest, “Five Dice, All Threes” (2024), which features collabs with Cat Power, Alex Orange Drink and Matt Berringer, and was generally well reviewed. The local show also features support from Merce Lemon, a Pittsburg rock musician named an artist to watch by Stereogum last year. Doors at 6:30 p.m. show at 7:30 p.m. All ages.

Tuesday, March 11

BASIC with Bark Culture and Gardener at Richmond Music Hall

This propulsive instrumental trio from Philly led by nimble guitar wiz Chris Forsyth and percussion from multidisciplinary artist Mikel Patrick Avery, also brings Doug McCombs (of Tortoise tenure) into the fold this tour. In recent weeks, their album “This Is Basic” has soundtracked many miles driven and dog-walked blocks; minor home repairs and household chores; reading “Mood Machine” by Liz Pelly and “Backwardness” by Garielle Lutz; finishing “Before Elvis” by Richmond-born author Preston Lauterbach; the battery life of my AirPods several times over; all the way up to this moment and writing an entry of Stuff To Do for Style Weekly. Next up, seeing these songs from the source promises to bring them into yet another realm on stage. Bark Culture, also a trio from the city of perennial sun to our north, brings improvised jazz-vibraphone vibes to life. Gardener, the local, long-running ambient synth project of Dash Lewis [disclosure: a Style Weekly contributor] is rooted in choral, psychedelic and experimental music traditions, but his set on Tuesday is all new. Doors are at 7 p.m. and cost $17.—Tim Abbondelo