May 16-20

The Fan Arts Stroll, Dominion Riverrock, Redd Volkeart, Reproductive Freedom Fest at the Camel, Divas on Stage Drag Brunch and more.

Thursday, May 16

Fan Arts Stroll (also Friday, May 17)

Organizers note this event will include over 110 artists, 15 musicians and a dozen specialty vendors over two days along the stroll path, which can be found between the 2000-2500 block of Hanover and Grove Avenues. Runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. For more info, visit the website of the Fan District Association here.

Friday, May 17

After 5 Fridays at the VMFA feat. taiko drummers

At the end of another nonstop work week, perhaps you fancy relaxing with a cocktail at the VMFA to the thunderous sound of the 12,000-year-old Japanese tradition of taiko drumming, used in a variety of ancient ceremonies from religious to marching and battlefield calls. As you sip away, listening to River City Taiko, remember that former Richmonder Pat Benatar once sang: “Love is a battlefield.” Then just think how good that song would sound with taiko drums. Pat, surely you read this to stay up on weekend picks in your old hometown. Grab those old beads and bring the shimmy dance, you can catch a redeye tomorrow night: “Leave your house now!” Let’s make it happen. The free event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Drink specials at Best Café begin at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m.

Redd Volkeart with Rebecca Porter at the Get Tight Lounge

It’s the return of Merle Haggard’s former right-hand man, Redd Volkeart, a certified masta of the Telecasta and one of the country’s finest players of Western Swing and honky tonk. Originally from Canada, he has also played with Dolly Parton, Johnny Paycheck, and other legends. Volkeart now lives in Virginia after relocating from Austin, Texas; and he says he likes it. He’s already played the Floyd Country Store. 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $24.25 here.

 

Dominion Riverrock on Richmond’s Downtown Riverfront (May 17-19)

The city’s “premier outdoor sports and music festival” returns to downtown Richmond beginning on Friday. Watch slackliners acrobatically cross the canal and top pro climbers hang on tight during the Boulder Bash. Try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the canal. Put your pup to work as part of the Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs competition, or get your own blood pumping by joining the Belle Isle Blitz 5K, James River Scramble 10K or Bust the Banks Half Marathon. Or just kick back and enjoy a weekend’s worth of free music on Brown’s Island. Richmond-based acts include Palmyra (Friday at 6:30 p.m.), Tyler Meacham (Sunday at 1 p.m.) and vocalist Sam Reed’s tribute to gone-too-soon soul favorite Sharon Jones (Saturday at 3:10 p.m.); Friday night’s headliner is the Sam Grisman Project at 8 p.m. Saturday’s slate of performances will culminate with a set from Rolling Stones saxophonist and Greyboy Allstars co-founder Karl Denson and his Tiny Universe band. For the full lineup and schedule of all events, visit riverrockrva.com.—Davy Jones

 

Saturday, May 18

Third Annual Reproductive Freedom Fest at the Camel 

Fisher King Records presents the third annual Reproductive Freedom Fest at the Camel on Saturday. The Richmond-based, independently owned label, which focuses on East Coast metal, hardcore, indie and punk, will bring more than a dozen bands to the West Broad Street stage, including in-town labelmates Terror Cell, Doll Baby and Glossing. Attendees will also witness the Baltimore math grind of Euclid C Finder, the self-described “Delaware apocalypse music” of a paramount, a love supreme and Long Island hardcore outfit Godseyes, among other acts. All proceeds will benefit the Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project. Doors open at 3 p.m. A minimum $20 donation is required for entry. Advance tickets can be purchased at thecamel.org.—Davy Jones

The Second Annual Cancer Sucks: Rock and Roll Rumble II at Hardywood West Creek

The second annual rumble features a bunch of local bands (originals and covers) and proceeds go to benefit Cold Cap therapy at Bon Secours, which is a scalp-cooling technology that helps chemo patients avoid hair loss. Bands include Billy Neptune, Brass in Pocket, Dead Letter Officers, The High Frequencies, Giant Squid, Horsehead and Zepp Repp. Starts at 1 p.m. $20 suggested donation. Rain or shine. 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr.

Sunday, May 19

Divas On Stage – Drag Brunch at Capital Ale House

They’re baaaack! Hosted by Chicki Parm and featuring Melanin Monroe, Stacy Max and Beau Tox. Doors open at 11 a.m. and show starts at noon. $20 to $80. Ages 18 and up. Get your tickets now here.

Drag queen Chicki Parm.

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