Friday, Feb. 16
“Traces of Ecstasy” at the Institute for Contemporary Art
There’s a new opening at the ICA that involves an adaptation of a pavilion and exhibition project premiering at the Lagos Biennial in February. According to the website, “the project is titled after an essay by Rotimi Fani-Kayode, a queer exiled British-Nigerian artist whose photographic works combined Yoruba ritualistic practice and transgressive homoeroticism to destabilize colonial fictions of nationality and positivist rationality.” It runs through June 9. Visit icavcu.org to learn more.
Skyway Man, Abby Huston and Less Blank at Spacebomb Studio
As Skyway Man, Oakland-based sonic explorer James Wallace crafts soulful, kaleidoscopic rock that seems like it’s beaming in from a satellite orbiting another solar system. His latest LP is titled “Flight of the Long Distance Healer,” and he’ll be touching down in Richmond on Friday for a release party. It’s a return of sorts, given Wallace’s deep connection to the city, and given that the album was partially recorded in Richmond in collaboration with a familiar lineup of RVA-based instrumentalists. He’ll be joined by a pair of local acts: singer-songwriter Abby Huston and Less Blank, a new project from songwriting ringers David Shultz and Andy Jenkins. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. –Davy Jones
Saturday, Feb. 17
Richmond Chocolate, Wine and Whiskey Festival at Main Street Station
This certainly sounds like a digestive trifecta. But it was just Valentine’s Day this week, so it all kind of makes sense somehow. More candy holidays, please Corporate America — it all goes down good with whiskey. Tickets range $69-$90 and you can find them here. Runs from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Beer Fest at Stone Brewing Tap Room
Stone Brewing hosts its first ever beer fest featuring breweries such as Ardent Craft Ales, The Veil Brewing, Benchtop Brewing, The Answer, Triple Crossing, and more. Noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $45 and includes a dozen 3oz tasters, a souvenir tasting glass and 15% off on merchandise. Food will be available. 4300 Williamsburg Ave.
Mighty Joshua’s tribute to Bob Marley with Lionsbridge and DJ Seph Tekk at the Broadberry
One of Richmond’s reggae stalwarts, Mighty Joshua, pays tribute to the honorable Robert Nesta Marley along with some friends. Doors at 7 p.m. $15. To learn more go here.
The Hurricane Party, Shera Shi and Jonathan Brown at the Camel
There’s nothing like a booze-soaked hurricane party, and no composition has captured that cheerful chaos like the eponymous song that kicks off “CAT. 2,” the LP released in August by Richmond-based band, the Hurricane Party. Scotch. Sandbags. Steaks on the grill and long lines at Total Wine. It’s all there, as are 11 other songs that offer a swirling mix of rock, funk and roots music. Hurricane Party will breeze by the Camel – fortunately without the threat of extreme weather – on Saturday night. Shera Shi and Jonathan Brown will also perform, and DJ Sidewinder will spin between sets. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at thecamel.org.—Davy Jones
Sunday, Feb. 18
Katt Williams: The Dark Matter Tour at Altria Theater (second show added for Feb. 22)
If you follow stand-up comedy, you’ve likely heard of master pimp chronicler, Katt Williams – but you may not know that Mo’Nique was reportedly recently added to this tour, which features a group of comics. Will the Emmy-winning Kattman expound on his catty comments directed at other celebs like Kevin Hart, Joe Rogan, Steve Harvey, and whomever else? Who knows but you can find out by buying tickets that range from $59 to $250 a pop, not including taxes and fees. 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22.
Steve Forbert and Freedy Johnston (pictured) at the Tin Pan
Read our interview with talented songwriter Freedy Johnston here. Also on this bill, Steve Forbert, a folk singer-songwriter known for “Romeo’s Bleeding” who’s played everywhere from CBGB in the ‘70s to Nashville’s Bluebird Café. 7 to 11 p.m. $35.
