Thursday, Jan. 11
The 29th Annual James River Film Society’s Short Film Showcase at VMFA
Enjoy two evenings of short films presented by the James River Film Society and VMFA. This annual juried film competition features short videos and films from around the world. A screening of all finalists takes place on Thursday, Jan. 11 and Friday, Jan. 12, with winners announced on Friday night. Visit jamesriverfilm.org for more information. Both nights take place at VMFA from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 12
New Year Dance Party with Afro-Zen Allstars at Reveler
Check out an ongoing residency and bring your dancing feet to Carytown for a show by the eight-piece local band, Afro-Zen Allstars, performing “tight arrangements of originals and classic Afrobeat and EthioJazz hypnotic jams.” Takes place the second Fridays of every other month. Doors at 7 p.m. and music at 8 p.m. Tickets $12-$15.
Guest pick by Craig Belcher:
Patrice Rushen at the National
Let’s not forget Patrice Rushen. The diminutive composer and pianist known for her iconic braids and beads attracted attention in the post-disco age of R&B with her aptly-titled hit “Forget Me Nots.” Released in 1982, the song blended claps and snaps with a ferocious bass line that still fills the dance floors. If you don’t know it, perhaps you recall the groove that actor/slapper Will Smith rhymed over on “Men in Black,” or the track that George Michael reworked for his song “FastLove” in 1996, or Kirk Franklin’s 2007 song “Looking For You,” which all use parts of the Grammy-nominated single.
But rappers and other singers weren’t the only people checking for the pianist. In a recent interview, Rushen noted that R&B producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were regular attendees of her concerts in the mid-1980s; at the time, they were preparing to produce another singer with a feathery vocal register similar to Ms. Rushen’s – Janet Jackson. A careful listen to some of the Los Angeles native’s other hits, such as “Feels So Real” and “Haven’t You Heard,” and you’ll hear how Jackson learned to take control of her own soulful whisper. The two would work together in 1993, when Rushen became the music director of Jackson’s world tour.
Rushen’s roots are in jazz and her career isn’t that different from her mentor, Quincy Jones. She’s released several jazz albums, performed with the Philharmonic Orchestra and wrote her own award-winning symphony. She’s also been music director for the Grammy Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, the People’s Choice Awards and the Emmy Awards. In addition, she’s composed music for film and television projects for Showtime, BET, HBO and Disney. After spending several years in academia, including teaching a class called “Patrice Rushen: The Value of Music Education” at the Berklee College of Music and performing with jazz bands, Rushen realized there was a demand to hear her own songs – which she’ll be happy to fulfill at the National on Friday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28-$43. thenationalva.com – Craig Belcher
Richmond Symphony presents a Tribute to Richard Smallwood at the Carpenter Theatre
Grammy-winning arranger Richard Smallwood is known for helping bring together gospel and pop for megastars from Aretha Franklin to Whitney Houston and Destiny’s Child. This weekend’s guest conductor, Dr. Henry Panion III, leads this show, which also features the hometown vocal talents of Desirèe Roots. The event also takes place on Saturday, Jan. 13. Both nights doors open at 7 p.m. and shows are at 8 p.m. Read our preview story this week for more details. Tickets range up to $86 and you can find them here.
Saturday, Jan. 13
Earl Grey Brown Ale collab release party at Ardent Craft Ales
Come to Scott’s Addition to celebrate and enjoy “a classic, malt-forward English brown ale brewed with Rostov’s Earl Grey tea.” Also on hand is Potters’ Craft Cider tap takeover and High tea pastries from Fat Rabbit Bakery. Starts at noon. ardentcraftales.com.
Sunday, Jan. 14
Celebrate MLK Jr. at Dominion Energy Center’s Carpenter Theatre
A concert for all ages celebrating the message of the great Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. and featuring guest conductor Dr. Henry Panion III and performances of spiritually uplifting music from “Lift E’very Voice and Sing” to “We Shall Overcome.” 3 to 6 p.m.
