Thursday, May 22
Zarove at Révéler Experiences
Zarove is exotically virtuosic and hypnotically transporting. The band’s name translates from Slavic into “at the same time” — which is a perfect fit for the interplay between the sinuous Balkan/Middle Eastern melodies played by Gary Kalar on a variety of Turkish stringed instruments and the complex, ever-shifting rhythm patterns of drummer Pippen Barnett. The band started as a duo during COVID and rounded out as a trio with the addition of bassist Stevie Ray Williams. Their music balances between Kalar’s deep knowledge of Ottoman/Eastern European traditions and Barnett’s avant-garde roots in the late 20th century NYC downtown music scene. The appeal is immediately recognizable, even if you have never heard quite anything like it before. Doors at 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Reserved seating admission is $15.—Peter McElhinney
Friday, May 23
Friday Cheers presents RVA Music Night with Dogpark, Weekend Plans and Caroline Vain at Brown’s Island
Richmond-based groups regularly take the stage on Brown’s Island to provide opening support for nationally touring acts that are headlining Friday Cheers. But for one glorious night each Cheers season—RVA Music Night—it’s all about the locals. This year’s installment features a trio of stylistically flexible acts. First up will be Weekend Plans, an eight-piece group blending funk, hip-hop, jazz and soul. Next, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter Caroline Vain returns to the Friday Cheers stage after having graced it twice last year, once as part of Mackenzie Roark and The Hotpants and again as a member of Villages. Vain recently stepped forward to release a debut EP under her own name in February. Lastly, the well-traveled band of University of Richmond alumni known collectively as Dogpark will close out the evening with versatile, arena-ready rock that’s sure to shine under the lights on Brown’s Island. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 6:15 p.m. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and can be purchased at venturerichmond.com.—Davy Jones
Peter Bernstein with the Mike Hawkins Trio at Révéler Experiences
Peter Bernstein is currently one of the premiere jazz guitarists, appearing on over 300 albums, including 14 as a leader. His style is both full-bodied classic with echoes of Wes Montgomery and Grant Green and streamlined modern. Révéler getting him for a Friday night performance—followed by a Saturday afternoon masterclass—is another indication that the charmingly eccentric Carytown venue is putting RVA on the touring map for significant artists. For this appearance, he’ll be playing with the Mike Hawkins trio, the A-level house band featuring Hawkins on bass, Weldon Hill on piano and Kofi Shepsu on drums. This is a rare chance to see one of the best players on the NYC scene in an ideal, intimate space. Doors at 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. General admission is $15. Bernstein will also conduct an all-ages masterclass on Saturday at noon. Tickets are $20.—P.M.
LGBTQ+ History Walking tour of Carytown (The Valentine)
Come check out some of the cherished history of Carytown’s “mile of style.” Advance tickets are required and are $20 for adults, or $10 for members, or free for children. Tickts are non-refundable and the tours are typically between one to two miles in length. Suggested to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Rain or shine. For more info, go here.
Music in Brambly Park featuring Justin Paciocco, Danger Birds, Miracle Time and Drug Country
Some beautiful days lately. Come early at 5 p.m. and check out singer Justin Paciocco from Villages. Then at 8 p.m. the other bands will play. Free. Runs to 11:30 p.m. For more info, go here.
Saturday, May 24
Indian and Sri Lankan Food Festival (Glen Allen)
Billed as a flavorful journey through the righ and diverse cuisines of India and Sri Lanka, this event features free admission, free parking, live music, a kids play area and warm hospitality. Located at 10509 Greenwood Road in Glen Allen. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Richmond Moon Market at Stone Brewing
This familiar market hosts “artists, healers and vendors of handmade crafts, art, jewelry, apparel, plants, crystals, tarot, wild-crafted botanical products, vegan products, ceramics, tea, vintage wares, home decor, photography and more.” Support local makers. Runs from noon to 5 p.m.
Free Richmond Symphony Big Tent concert at Chimborazo Park
Looking for a free something musical to do in honor of Memorial Day weekend? Then maybe walk the family down for some patriotic melodies and classical favorites. Hae Lee conducts the Richmond Symphony. Bring chairs or a blankie. Free. 6 p.m.
Future Islands at The National
The synth-pop band from Baltimore is back. Who can forget singer Sam Herring’s chest-thumping performance on David Letterman which led the legendary host to proclaim, “I’ll take all of that you got!” We may be partial to his vocal performance on the tune, “Time Moves Slow” with Bad Bad Not Good, though, it’s tight. Whatever the case, expect an passionate live performance when they take The National stage still touring behind their seventh album, the well-received “People Who Aren’t There Anymore” (4AD), which chronicles the dissolution of Herring’s long-distance relationship during COVID. Doors at 7 p.m.
Taylor Barnett at Révéler Experiences
Trumpeter Dr. Taylor Barnett is the director of jazz studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, in addition to being a longtime member of No BS! Brass. He often shows up with others, or as the leader of big bands (following in the footsteps of his mentor, jazz studies program founder Doug Richards.) Although Barnett has a couple of small group records to his name, seeing him as a player outside of an academic or benefit concert space is something of a rarity. For this event, he has an outstanding quintet, featuring trombonist Reggie Pace (No BS!, Bon Iver), Trey Pollard (Natalie Prass, multiple Spacebomb sessions), Cameron Ralston (Bonny Light Horsemen, Revelators Sound System) and Billy Williams (multiple jazz albums). This is an IYKYK concert. And if you know, you already have tickets. Doors at 7 p.m. Music at 8 p.m. Reserved seating admission is $20.—P.M.
Sunday, May 25
Sunday Soundtracks featuring Gardener, Golden House, and Benjamin Mauch at Révéler Experiences
This recurring series relocates to a new venue for a free matinee of filmic to astral — and everything in between — sonic proportions. The event’s programming draws from local performers less likely to be found in conventional live settings, but whose work seems tailor-made for soundtracking other media and/or dimensions. Golden House can be found hot-wiring soft electronic sounds online, with the pulse of Crime’s “Hot Wire My Heart” in their punk rock DNA, but live performances are rare. It’s possible you’ve heard composer Benjamin Mauch’s recent work on your favorite podcast, but here you can peer behind the curtain for a look at his modular synth wizardry. And maybe you already read our interview with Dash Lewis, aka Gardner (or enjoy his written work wearing the music critic cap for Style or a bevy of other esteemed publications). As for his music, it lands with the gravity of devotional tunes from on high, while retaining an expansive quality that’s welcoming to all: whether your particular bag is more hip hop or krautrock. Are you experienced? Either way, this performance at Révéler holds something for you. Doors are 3 p.m. and free to the public, but space is limited, and you’re encouraged to RSVP.—Tim Abbondelo
“Sinners” at The Byrd Theatre
One of the most acclaimed films of the year so far is directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan playing twins in the 1930s, and there’s some white devil stuff going on looks like. We haven’t seen it yet, but we want to. Read our movie critic Chuck Bowen’s review here, he called it “an extraordinary musical horror fable.” $9 – 7 p.m.
Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day)
Daydream Fest at Main Line Brewery feat. Sam Reed, DJ Harrison, Nickelus F, Rikki Rakki and more
One of the major events for local music of the year, Peter LeBlanc festival has been steadily building its base over the years. Read our interview this week with him by Peter McElhinney. This year’s headliners include Sam Reed and DJ Harrison and Sam Reed, Rikki Rakki, Charlie Glenn, Dusty Simmons, Nickelus F, R4ND4ZZO Big Band, Former Champions, DJ Duffy/Ant The Symbol. Runs from 1 to 10 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $45 and are available here. Event is rain or shine. There will be food trucks and artisan vendors.
The 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony to Honor Fallen Heroes at the Virginia War Memorial
Come show respect for those who signed up to fight for your rights. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) will host special ceremonies to honor and remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day. Scheduled speakers include Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw and the Adjutant General of Virginia, Major General James W. Ring. Virginia War Memorial Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle will serve as emcee and patriotic music will be provided by the 29th Division Band of the Virginia National Guard. The 2025 recipients of the Memorial’s Marocchi Memorial Scholarships will be announced. The Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be broadcast live on WTVR-TV CBS6.1 and CBS6.3 in Richmond and livestreamed on wtvr.com. If you want to attend in person, the event starts at 11 a.m. 621 South Belvidere St.
Note: According to organizers’ website: “This year, a new event has been added to the day’s events – theSay Their Names Marathon. At the conclusion of the ceremony, volunteer speakers will begin reading aloud the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who died serving during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan and today’s Global War on Terrorism whose names are permanently displayed on the glass and stone walls of the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory. The marathon will continue until all the names are read and is expected to end around midnight. Volunteers interested in serving as a name reader may register at https://vawarmemorial.org/events/say-their-names-marathon-2025/. Preregistration is required and walk-up participants cannot be accommodated.
Tuesday, May 27
A Place to Bury Strangers with The Serfs at Richmond Music Hall
Brooklyn volume peddlers — not to mention Death by Audio guitar-pedal peddlers — returned in ‘24 with their most taught yet bouncy album to date. It was nostalgic for the hits of the ’70s and ’80s, and appropriately called “Synthesizer.” That last spirited outing from the seasoned Brooklyn vets was just as likely to satisfy their existing audience as newcomers, who discovered the band on Suicide RADIO. But I wanna highlight their supporting act, The Serfs, who are an incendiary dub-y, dance-y, psych-y, post-punk band from Cincinnati. They’ve been on a hot streak in recent years, releasing albums and touring at a heady and steady clip. Who cares if PiL are back together when there are vital acts like this one, still on their ascent. Doors are at 7 p.m. and advance tickets cost $27 including additional fees.—T.A.
Wednesday, May 28
Rosette Quartet with Laura Ann Singh at Studio A of In Your Ear Studios
Vocalist Laura Ann Singh (Miramar, Quatro na Bossa) joins the acclaimed Rosette string quartet with Marlysse Simmons on piano and Ayça Kartari on bass. They will perform the music of Joni Mitchell, Florence Welch, Laetitia Sadier, Carol King, Judee Sill and more in unique and evocative settings for voice and strings. Arrangements by Marlysse Simmons, Trey Pollard, Curt Sydnor, Taylor Barnett, Mark Messing, and Max Moston. They’ll have a traditional potluck before the show for those interested (bring a dish to share). Doors and potluck at 6:30 p.m. Music at 7:30 p.m., two 45-min sets. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Follow the buy tickets link at this page. 1813 East Broad St. Stay tuned for a story on Laura Ann Singh by Don Harrison.
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Frento Cumbiero at Révéler Experiences
South American music is incredibly inventive. While it only intermittently breaks through in U.S. markets (the Brazilian samba era of the 1960s, for example) it is wildly popular from the Texas border south. The Wednesday night concert from Frento Cumbiero is the latest edition of “music without borders” consortium Secret Planet Richmond. This is the first time in Richmond for the band, whose instantly danceable, idea-dense cumbia is a joyfully genre-transgressive blend of traditional guarcharaca percussion and up-to-date electronica. Led by Colombian composer Mario Galeano Toro, the band’s Nuevo Cumbia style is a musical magpie assembly of every popular style in the Western hemisphere. The results are both charming and, literally, moving. Doors at 7, music at 8 p.m. Reserved seating is $25.—P.M.
