Thursday, Aug. 24
Todd Barry at the Ashland Theatre (Ashland, Virginia)
The wry and legendary New York comedian returns to the lovely small town of Ashland to deliver half-jokes and half-crowd work on his Half-Joking tour. And if you know his crowd work (for those who aren’t big into comedy, his improvisational back-and-forth with the audience) you know you’re in for a treat. Tickets range from $25 to $42.50 and can be found at the Broadberry Entertainment Group website.
Friday, Aug. 25
Skydog at Dogwood Dell
Former President Jimmy Carter always has a wide grin when he hears that twin guitar sound of the Allman Brothers. If you do too, then come check out Richmond’s premiere tribute to the legendary Georgia rockers. Free. 8 p.m.
Agents of Good Roots with Pet Moose at Broadberry
Veteran local jam band Agents of Good Roots, who used to be associated with Dave Matthews back in the day, brings its musical roots that run deep in RVA, featuring several beloved local players. 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Saturday, Aug. 26
The 20th Annual Happily Natural Day at 5th District Mini Farm
Community advocate Duron Chavis, a former Style Weekly Top 40 under 40 recipient, is known for his food advocacy work and for the annual festival and urban farm expo called Happily Natural Day. The weekend event “promotes holistic health, culture and social change” by building stronger communities through new food systems. And the festival is turning 20 this year, congrats! Friday night, there will be a special event of the Producer Lounge at RVA Boombox (7 p.m. to midnight). At press time, the Black Farm tour was close to selling out; but you can still catch the main event on Saturday all day, which concludes with the hip-hop of Dead Prez performing live after the vendor event which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
On Sunday, Aug. 27 there will be a Black and Beautiful brunch at Sankofa Community Orchard from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ($25). The address for the 5th District Mini Farm is 2227 Wise Street in Richmond. Visit the Happily Natural Day for tickets and more detailed info at the website.
Backspin :: Roller Skating w/Disco Cat, Mikemetic and All City Art Club at at Hotchkiss Park
Presented by All City Art Club and Reclaiming the Monument, this outdoor event has people excited because it involves roller skates, that ‘70s mode of transportation that never should’ve gone away (yes, “Xanadu” fans, we feel you). The event is billed on its Facebook page as “RVA’s newest (and only?!?) outdoor space painted and designed specifically for roller skating.” Brookland Park Ave’s Nomad Deli will be on hand and the vinyl jams come courtesy of Disco Cat and Mikemetic. Note: Parks and Rec will have skates available to rent, but bring your own if you have them. Runs from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Now here’s the trailer to the 1979 film, “Roller Boogie,” to get you in the mood.
Iron Blossom Music Festival at Bon Secours Training Center
This inaugural weekend music festival for Richmond organized by Starr Hill Presents (Charlottesville), IMGoing (Virginia Beach) and Richmond’s Haymaker Productions includes a number of viral artists. Saturday’s headliners include Lord Huron and Noah Kahan, while Sunday features headliner Hozier as well as Son Little, Elle King, plus some local favorites Matthew E. White, Angelica Garcia, and the local gospel of the Legendary Ingramettes. Read the entire lineup at their website and check out our two preview profiles this week of artists playing the festival, Nikki Lane and Amythyst Kiah. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27 (both days from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Tier three tickets for $199.50 plus fees, and VIP tickets for $450 plus fees for both days remain. For more info, visit ironblossomfestival.com.
