Leslie Jones at the National, Friday, March 10
One of the highlights in recent years on “Saturday Night Live,” actress and comedian Leslie Jones (“Ghostbusters”) has a big, booming presence that should translate well in the stand-up setting – in fact, the Memphis, Tenn. native may not even need a microphone. She’s also earned raves for her guest hosting of “The Daily Show.” This show runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Buy tickets here.
Big No X Noah-O: Richmond Brave Concert at the Broadberry on Friday, March 10
One of the pillars of Richmond hip-hop, Noah-O (Charged Up) has been steadily making a name for himself and his freestyle capabilities, including two memorable performances on “Sway in the Morning,” and he’s now having a blowout party for his latest release with Northside rapper Big No, “Richmond Brave” (yes, named after the old school statue that was removed from local minor league baseball ballpark). Tonight’s bill is hosted by AWOL and DJ Sir RJ with music by Melodic and live performances by Lil Ville, Showtime Leek, Dex804, Zay the Artist, Trig, Jitness, Obi Won, Tone Redd, RVA Jones, Dyfferant, Boatman Tone, and Radio B. All ages. 8 p.m. $20. You can check out the new album here: https://noah-o.bandcamp.com/album/richmond-brave.
Shamrock the Block on Saturday, March 11 on Leigh Street between Movieland and Bon Secours training facility
Billed as the “cure for cabin fever,” this free festival marks a kind of start to the outdoor party season. Bands start at noon with JBB; then Zip9 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Totally Random from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. But the main draw is all the beer, cider and food. Event is free to enter. Drink tickets are $8. Runs from noon to 6 p.m. There will be ATMs on site and most vendors accept credit. Rain or shine. If you bring a pet, make sure it’s leashed.
Sam Grisman Project presents the music of Garcia/Grisman at the Richmond Music Hall, Saturday, March 11
If you’ve never heard former Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia and his nimble longtime pal, mandolinist David Grisman, blaze through a stretched out cover of the Miles Davis classic “So What?” (a song allegedly named after a comment from actor Dennis Hopper in the boxing gym), then treat yourself and check out the video below. Grisman’s son Sam, a bassist, will be mixing beloved music from his pop’s expansive acoustic catalogue with Garcia mostly from the ‘90s, along with his own group’s new original material. Among the versatile musicians in the youngun’ Grisman project: Ric Robertson, Aaron Lip and Chris English. Doors at 7 p.m. show at 8 p.m. $25.
Old Gun Road EP Release Party w/Dogwood Brothers, Andrew Alli and Josh Small at Bandito’s Burrito Lounge, Saturday, March 11
Props to the guitar-heavy country group Old Gun Road for using a killer local reference in their band name; if you haven’t heard them, the band features members of acclaimed metal group Inter Arma (Relapse). And they’re throwing a rowdy party for their new EP, “Dusted and Busted,” featuring some familiar local faces helping out. Doors at 8 p.m. and music at 9 p.m. $10.
