Thursday, Oct. 9

Bass Drum of Death at Richmond Music Hall

Led by John Barrett, and originally conceived as his solo project, this Oxford, Mississippi garage punk band has been making delightfully rancorous sounds for more than a decade, but their new “Six” album is a cut above, a stripped-down, back-to-basics affair that spreads a wealth of raw riffage and singalong melody across its 11 songs. This will be the one show where you’ll want to hear the new material. –Don Harrison

“Riverlore” on Film: RFF Launch Part at Starr Hill Richmond Beer Hall and Rooftop

This year’s Folk festival will feature Riverlore, a program exploring life on, under, and along the James River and Virginia’s other mighty waterways presented by the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities. Kick off your RFF weekend by joining five “Riverlore” artists for a three-part film screening and discussion that “will inspire you to consider the many layers of significance to the waters around us.” Featuring the Virginia premiere of “Ancient New,” a project exploring the New River through film, dance, song, and story by North Carolina-based artists Tom Hansell, Julie Shepherd-Powell, and Trevor McKenzie. Free and open to the public. Details at: VirginiaFolklife.org/rff-launch-party

Bongo District at Reveler Experiences

From the reliable production team at Secret Planet comes one of Washington, DC’s hardest working live bands. Bongo district brings “a mix of reggae, funk, and ska spiced up with a latin flavor” and shows they like to refer to as “El Distrito,” a judgment-free zone where they encourage audiences to enjoy music in communion. 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 10

The Richmond Folk Festival on the downtown riverfront (Oct. 10-12)

It’s the biggest free festival of the year which always draws thousands to the downtown riverfront. Make sure to read our preview stories this week, and for the full lineup, visit the Richmond Folk Festival website. The RFF runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday evening, noon to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free, but don’t forget to donate. Also, they ask that you not bring pets other than service animals. A reminder: If you are unable to attend, you can listen to the festival at VPM online, or tune in over your radio at 107.3 and 93.1 FM.

Frens: The Reunion at Révéler Experiences (also on Saturday afternoon)

If you were around town in the closing decades of the 20th century, Frens likely needs no introduction. They were one of the most popular and ubiquitous soul jazz fusion bands in RVA. The band’s sound was distinctive even as its lineup changed over the years. Friday’s reunion assembles a classic version of the group, featuring players who have continued to grow and are still active on the local scene. Rudy Faulkner has long been one of the most accomplished vocalists on the local scene. Fabian Lance’s has had success as both a sideman and leader. Carl Lester El’s prominence as a fiery guitarist in Plunky Branch’s bands makes it interesting to hear him on bass in this group, where Baron Tymas is playing lead. Ronnie Cokes and Luther “Junnie” Collins are both on drums. And the irrepressible James “Saxsmo” Gates gives away his instrument with his nickname. Special guests are also promised. The Friday show sold out so quickly that a second, Saturday afternoon gig was added. (Note: there are always a few lounge tickets on sale even when every table and chair is booked.) This is the kind of band that gets Reveler’s intimate venue going.  Friday show is at 8 p.m. (lounge seats available at the door); and Saturday’s afternoon show is at $30.–Peter McElhinney

Saturday, Oct. 11

Church Hill Vintage Bazaar at Eric Schindler Gallery

Art, décor, household items, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, ephemera, curio and more. You never know what you might find at the fall bazaar. 10 to 3 p.m. Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 12. Address is 2305 E. Broad St.

Added Dimensions, Outer World, Hard Copy and Kitchenette at Gallery5

Great lineup of newer local bands (with some veteran members) who bring the ruckus you can dance to or rock out with. Read our interview which will be posted later today with Sarah Everton of Added Dimensions, pictured below. Also, if you haven’t checked out the spacey dance punk of Outer World featuring Tracy Wilson on vocals, don’t miss ’em. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. music. $12. Tickets available online here.

A Night in Vienna feat. The Richmond Symphony at Carpenter Theater

The weekend’s Richmond Symphony performance is not the typical pops concert. Most of those events are capably led by associate conductors. This particular event will be under the baton of Artistic Director Valentina Peleggi, who is back for the start of the 2025-2026 season from conducting in the New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Paris. The night centers on some of the most beloved pieces in the repertoire of the waltzes of Johann Strauss Jr. The program put these works of fin de siècle Vienna into context with short predecessor pieces by Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven and Brahams, and one by the ‘King of Waltzes’” father, Johann Strauss Sr. The music harkens back to an era when Vienna was a center, if not the center, of the musical universe; the great, glittering city at the heart of a vast Central European empire that would dissolve in the wars and modernism of the 20th century. What remains for modern audiences is the elegant, dancing lilt of the three-quarter time signature and enduring works whose era has vanished by while their appeal remains strong. 5 p.m. Tickets start at $44.10. –Peter McElhinney

Massey on the River at Thalhimer Pavilion at The Science Museum of Virginia

“Party with purpose with the Massey Alliance, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s young professional board.” There will be live music, with RVA’s favorite yacht rock group Three Sheets to the Wind, and local food and drinks, right in the heart of the River City. This event is “a celebration of Massey’s commitment to raising critical funds for research and innovation at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.”  Tickets include unlimited food and drinks from local vendors and the live music. 6-10 p.m. You can purchase tickets here.

Sunday, Oct. 12

Big Gay Fall Fest Market and Sunset Picnic at Carillon

Supporting all things “local, queer and fall vibes” with 50 plus LGBTQ+ makers. A sunset picnic will be held where “all are welcome but queer folks are centered,” according to the social media event page. Mutual aid with RVA Community Fridges, MadRVA, the Dandelion Hive and more. 1300 Blanton Ave. 2-6 p.m.

Charlie Hunter Trio at Richmond Music Hall

Hybrid guitarist Charlie Hunter is one of the most virtuosic players on the current scene. Richmond-based, world-touring drummer Nate Smith calls him “your favorite guitarist’s favorite guitarist.” Based in North Carolina (and formerly a major player in the Bay Area in the late ’90s) Hunter has become a semi-regular fixture on the RVA scene, thanks partly to his collaborations with Smith, Butcher Brown, and that band’s DJ Harrison and Corey Fonville on Kurt Elling’s Grammy-nominated “SuperBlue” from 2021. Hunter has played a couple of times recently with Fonville’s organ trio but it seems like it’s been a while since he headlined with his own trio – which is worth seeing. Hunter has an amazing facility on his instrument, lightning-fast inventiveness, a funky feel, and the ability to shift even familiar songs into a higher gear. The event publicity does not list the lineup. In the past, his trio has been completed alternatively with keyboards, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, in addition to drums. With his hybrid guitar, he can cover the basslines, unless he is with a bassist or Hammond B3 player like Sam Firbush. Whoever it is with, Hunter is worth hearing.  Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $37.95 in advance (including fees).—Peter McElhinney

Monday, Oct. 13

RESCHEDULED: Richmond Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at Powhatan Hill Park. UPDATE: Note from organizers: “The plan is to reschedule on a weekend in November during Native American Heritage Month. It is probably going to take a week or so to define a date as there are a lot of participants to coordinate – dancers, drummers, vendors.” Stay tuned for updates.

The Pocahontas Project will hold their third-annual celebration commemorating Richmond’s joint resolution to establish this holiday on the second Monday of the month, by their efforts to expand educational opportunities and awareness for Richmonders and Virginians. Each year one of the 11 recognized Indian Tribes from our state is spotlighted. Last year, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe was distinguished, following the Mattaponi Indian Tribe the year before. This year highlights the Monacan Indian Nation. Guests can look forward to Virginia Indian arts and crafts vendors and a variety of Fry Bread offerings available for purchase. Sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss this year’s Shinny exhibition; the traditional Algonquin sport has steadily regained popularity thanks to the Powhatan Shinny League, which will be on hand to show everyone how its done before leading a pick-up game with the community. Rick Tatnall, an organizer and TPP founder offered us this forecast: “I hope and expect this event will inspire folks to want to learn more about the history, culture and future of Virginia’s Indian Tribes and America’s indigenous Peoples.” This year’s celebration runs from 1 to 7 p.m. at 5051 Northampton St.  As always, it’s free admission and all are welcome. Full details can be found here.—Tim Abbondelo

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Taco Vegana grand opening in Church Hill

This place looks delicious. And vegans should be thrilled, this is Richmond’s first 100% vegan Mexican cantina, where you can enjoy a Mexican-inspired eatery and a full bar. Go check it out. 1004 Oakwood Ave.

David Byrne at Altria Theater

The former Talking Heads frontman is getting rave reviews for this tour, which includes a healthy smattering of his former band’s hit songs (it’s been reported he broke out “Psycho Killer” for the first time in years) as well as upbeat new material from his most recent solo album, “Who is the Sky?” an experimental collab with Ghost Train Orchestra that offers hopefulness for dark times. This visually impressive tour, which stops at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York a few nights before the Richmond date, features 13 musicians, singers and dancers including members of his American Utopia band. 8 p.m.

Pokey LaFarge with DJ Faby Baby at The Broadberry

This live appearance from a true modern ambassador of Americana music serves as a perfect addendum to the departing Richmond Folk Festival. Drawing on a wealth of rarefied styles, from country blues to western swing to vaudeville, this personable guitarist/mandolinist and his hot band entertain in a showy old-school style that is positively infectious, and his most recent album, “Rhumba Country,” is filled with jaunty dance tunes, funky blues shuffles and emotive laments.—Don Harrison

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Garden Glow at Maymont (through Nov.9)

One of our favorite nighttime events of the year is back to light up your fall. Presented by Kroger, Garden Glow is always a fun family outing, or maybe the perfect date or BFF night. Get some exercise while walking the Maymont hills through a magical nighttime landscape transformed by gorgeous colored light installations and surreal laser mazes. What’s new this year? According to Maymont’s press release: “Along the Kinsale Glow Path, guests will find three new artistic light installations curated by Culture Creative: A lawn blanketed with thousands of lights that pulse and blink in patterns synchronized with music – “Effervescence” (designed by Culture Creative); towering bouquets of 22-foot-tall “Peonies” sprouting on a hill (designed by French studio TILT);a flock of origami-style birds caught in mid-flight in the treetops – “L’Envol” presented by Genworth (designed by French studio, Pitaya).”

There’s also the Glow Village on the Carriage House Lawn, “where everyone gathers around fire pits and glow furniture to enjoy food, drinks and conversation, or indulges in the fun of posing before the giant Shadow Wall presented by Juno Financial, making designs with colored pegs on the Big Bright Mega Light (a 5-ft-by-10-ft Lite Brite board), and taking a turn at the Glow Swings.” Garden Glow opens Oct. 15 and runs nightly except Mondays through Sunday, Nov. 9. Maymont’s grounds will close at 4 p.m. daily, and Garden Glow opens at 6 p.m. for the first 8 days, then at 5:30 pm and 5 p.m. as the days grow shorter. The event ends at 10 pm nightly, and the last entry is at 9 pm.

Please note: They are still looking for volunteers, it takes a lot to pull off Garden Glow and if you volunteer you can get a voucher to return and enjoy the show. Volunteers can sign up from a link on the Garden Glow page: https://maymont.org/calendar/garden–glow/