Thursday, Sept. 19
Shop Two Three opens at 1437 Hull St
A doubleheader of festivities on the occasion of Studio Two Three’s new retail space, Shop Two Three. Celebrate their grand opening and check out their Southside digs, which will offer new merch by local artists and a pop-up, one-night-only poster sale by celebrated letterpress extraordinaire Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. The following night, Kennedy Jr. will give an artist talk and book signing for his new collection “Citizen Printer” (Letterform Archive Books). It’s a worthwhile tome for the times loaded with over 800 reproductions, behind-the-scene portraiture of the artist at work, a moving artist’s statement, essays by Myron M. Beasley and Kelly Walters, and foreword by New York Times bestselling author Austin Kleon. These events run from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday. Both are free and open to the public, but recommended you pre order Citizen Printer, as supplies are limited.—Tim Abbondelo
Fear of Music at Get Tight Lounge
Richmond’s beloved Talking Heads tribute band plays the hits and deep cuts that will make you dance. 7:30 p.m. $18.19.
Friday, Sept. 20
Dolly Holmes – New Paintings @ Eric Schindler Gallery
Painter Dolly Holmes “specializes in encaustic painting. Her work is a mesmerizing exploration of abstract imagery, where she translates her innermost thoughts and emotions onto the canvas,” according to the website. Opening reception is Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be an artist talk on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Her exhibition runs through Oct. 19.
The 19th Annual St. Benedict Oktoberfest at Saint Benedict Catholic Church (runs through Sunday)
Always a major block party in the museum district with plenty of beer, German cuisine, long lines and music. Runs through Sept. 22. 300 N. Sheppard St. Friday’s event runs 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday is 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. while Sunday is noon to 6 p.m. The event is rain or shine. Free admission, pay as you go. Go here for more.
Grass is Dead at Brambly Park Winery
An offshoot of a Grateful Dead tribute band called Crazy Fingers from Florida, this group offers bluegrass, swing and folk takes on Dead classics and has a become an East Coast festival favorite. 9 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Old 97s with John Buffalo at the Broadberry
The Americana group from Dallas, Texas fronted by Rhett Miller has been around since the early ‘90s and fans know that it was one of the seminal members of the alt.country movement. The band’s most recent album, “American Primitive,” pays homage to literary influences like Mary Oliver and Stephen King. Doors at 7 p.m. $25.
Jim Gaffigan at Altria Theater
Popular comedian brings his Barely Alive tour to RVA for two nights. Tickets were close to sold-out. Check their website for more info.
Saturday, Sept. 21
Third edition of Run Richmond 16.19
This run/walk event lets you celebrate 400 years of Black history, community and culture through courses of 16.9k and 6.9k and a community-powered finish festival at Kanawha Plaza that includes a drum circle, Black history pop-up exhibit, vendor village and performance by local reggae sensation Mighty Joshua. Actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou (“A Quiet Place” “Blood Diamond”) will run/walk/stroll through more than 400 years of Black history with the community in Richmond. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. $35-$115. Go here to register and to learn more.
Records and Relics Sixth Anniversary Sidewalk Sale
This curated, used vinyl shop always has some serious scores and you can bet they’re holding some special originals for this event which starts with a $1 sidewalk sale at 10 a.m. The inside will not be open until noon. There will be a 20% off old stock sale on LPs, 45s, books and tapes. 2704 E. Marshall St.
2024 RVA East End Festival at Chimborazo Park
Local favorites NoBS! Brass Band, the Victor Haskins Trio, and the irrepressible James “Saxsmo” Gates enliven the RVA East End Festival this Saturday. The family-friendly event raises money to support arts and music programs at Richmond Public Schools in the East End. The entire day features a wide variety of artists, with individual acts like the Dap Mallory Band interweaved with kindergarten to high school student performing groups. There is a lot going on with No BS! available to amp up the energy, if necessary, in mid-afternoon. Trumpet/electronic wind instrument virtuoso Victor Haskins specializes in building his playing with storytelling logic. He’s a great example of the value of study and discipline to develop an artistic vision. Gates, the leader of the Virginia State University jazz studies program, is an avatar of pure joy in connecting to the vital roots of American music from bebop to the blues to energetic gospel transcendence. In all, a day devoted to examples and inspirations for arts education. Free. Runs from noon to 9 p.m. at Chimborazo Park, 3215 E. Broad St. See the full schedule below.—Peter McElhinney
RVA East End Music Fest Schedule:
12:00-12:45 p.m. – Richmond’s Celebration Male Chorus w/ selected young men from 7th District
12:45-1 p.m. – Kindergarten and first-grade singers, Bellevue Elementary School
1:00-1:45 p.m. – Dap Mallory Band
1:45-2 p.m. pm – Armstrong High School Dancers and Drumline
2:00-2:30 p.m. – Chamber Ensembles of the Richmond Symphony
2:30-2:50 p.m. – Isaac Wilson, student violinist
3:00-3:45 p.m. – No BS! Brass Band
4:00-4:45 p.m. – DJ Adapt
5:00-5:45 p.m.– Sounds Funny Band
6:00-6:45 p.m. – Just Us Band
7:00-7:45 p.m.– Victor Haskins (Trio)
8:00-8:45 p.m. – James “Saxsmo” Gates
Iron Blossom Festival 2024 at the training center on Leigh (Day one)
Don’t have regretsies this year (yeah, you missed Hozier and Noah Kahan in RVA). Second chances happen. In bloom for a second season, Iron Blossom brings a burst of diverse sound and flavor to the area as we bid adieu to summer this weekend. The Training Center on Leigh hosts a boutique fest for the senses. Most anticipated, the music: a two-stage bonanza that will host festival royalty like Mt. Joy, Turnpike Troubadours, CAAMP, and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. There are plenty of must-sees in addition to the headliners, including S.G Goodman, Sarah Shook and The Disarmers and local badass Kenneka Cook. Also there will be not-your-average event food purveyors on hand for sustenance as well as craft beer and cocktails; but remember, stay hydrated. (Free water stations should help with that.) Even though there are no overlapping sets like most festivals, your best bet is to plan your days using the wealth of info on the festival’s site. Take note of the performance schedule, vendor list, and other key FAQ to ensure you do it like a marathon – not a sprint or a stumble. The first day of this popular new music festival features headliners Mt. Joy, Turnpike Troubadours, as well as Trampled by Turtles, Indigo De Souza, the California Honeydrops, Suymbuck, Susto, Julia Pratt, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Victoria Canal and Kenneka Cook.–Hilary Langford
Iron Blossom Festival runs Saturday, Sept. 21 – Sunday, Sept. 22. 1 p .m – 10 p.m. Several ticket options remain, including single-day, 2-day pass, and VIP for the weekend. ironblossomfestival.com.
Maymont’s Bier-Garden Festival (Saturday and Sunday)
This two-day German-style festival will feature plenty of beer, brats and family fun on the wide-open Carriage House lawn. Capital Ale House will provide German-style foods and there will be a “Stein-Hosting contest” for grown-ups as well as a Marketplatz of local artisans and Kinderzone fun. The gates open at 11 a.m. and the event wraps up at 7:30 p.m. with performances by the Pay Rent Brass Band on Saturday and the Monumentals on Sunday. All proceeds from the event help support Maymont, so it’s a good cause. Admission is $10 per person or $6 for children ages 3–16.
Deau Eyes and R4NDAZZO Big Band at Reveler Experiences
A fine Saturday night pairing of two familiar local musicians. Read our big band weekend preview here by Peter McElhinney to learn more about this performance and another by Doug Richards and Laura Ann Singh.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Iron Blossom Festival 2024 at the training center on Leigh (day two)
The second day of this second year of Iron Blossom features headliners Caamp and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, as well as Hippo Campus, Royel Otis, Joy Oladokun, Chance Pena, Say She She, River Whyless, SG Goodman, Dogpark, Jack Wharff and the Toboacco Flatts. Doors open at 1 p.m. All ages. Go here for more.
Monday, Sept. 23
Sierra Hull at the Tin Pan
Award-winning bluegrass multi-instrumentalist and legit mandolin whiz Sierra Hull made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 10 and had a record deal with Rounder by the time she was 13. She’s been nominated for two Grammys and collaborated with stars from Dolly Parton to Brandi Carlile and Bela Fleck. 8 p.m. This event has sold-out online.
