Thursday, Jan. 18
Guest pick by Davy Jones:
Erin Lunsford and Tristan Dougherty at the Sefton Listening Room
Is there a voice in Richmond’s music scene that has more oomph at its disposal than that of Erin Lunsford, leader of pop-soul outfit, Erin & the Wildfire? But with great vocal power comes great versatility, as Lunsford has shown time and time again in her individual endeavors, from pandemic-era streaming acoustic sets to solo performances around town to her 2020 album, “The Damsel.” That collection of a baker’s dozen songs leaned into her Fincastle, Virginia upbringing, which included bluegrass jams with family members and old-time music conventions. Being able to scale back from pop fireworks to personal sentiments makes her a fantastic fit for the Sefton Listening Room, at 24 N. 8th St., where small audiences that are cozily assembled in the basement of Sefton Supply Co. enjoy hushed performances heavy on interaction with the featured singer-songwriters. This installment will pair Lunsford with folk musician Tristan Dougherty, who is fresh off the November release of a new album titled “Roaring & Wild.” Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at seftonsupply.com. -Davy Jones
Friday, Jan. 19
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at the National
How many mushrooms must one eat to name your band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong? This Baltimore, Maryland funk-jam band must be doing something right, they’ve got a two-night stand at the National, Friday and Saturday. This first night features openers Saxsquatch, while the second night Yam Yam fills out the bill. Doors at 7 p.m. and shows at 8 p.m. Visit thenationalva.com for more info.
Saturday, Jan. 20
RVA Drum Show at Robinson Theater Community Arts Center
Presented by Rick’s Drum Shop, Bronze Pie Cymbals and Koide Cymbals, this drum show will feature a very special meet-and-greet with the legendary drummer Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, who has worked with a who’s who of musical legends from Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis and Nina Simone to Steely Dan, Al Green, and many, many others. The event also features a live performance by Richmond’s own multi-instrumentalist Devonne Harris (DJ Harrison). Runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2903 Q St. Tickets are $15 and kids aged 10 and under get in free. Tickets available at the door or here: https://buytickets.at/ricksdrumshop/1049122
Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show at the Richmond Raceway (Jan. 20-21)
Self-billed as a spectacular train show for model railroaders, collectors and their families. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Kids and parking are free. For more info and to buy tickets visit trainshow.com.
Richmond Makers Market at Basic City Beer Co.
This monthly indoor art market and craft show “showcases over 35 talented makers from the Richmond area.” There will also be pizza, beer, cider and live entertainment. Runs from noon to 5 p.m. 212 W. 6th St.
Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday bash at the Poe Museum
Come commiserate at our very own Poe Museum in honor of “the man with the tomahawk’s” 215th birthday. Runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. 1914 E. Main St. For more, visit poemuseum.org.
Scott Wichman: Mr. Showtime Strikes Back at the Tin Pan
One of RVA’s finest song-and-dance men, a true veteran of local stages who also happens to be buddies with John Lithgow, returns to blend the bygone best of the Rat Pack, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme and more. He’s backed by the swingin’ trio of Ryan Corbitt (keys) Cameron Ralston (bass) and Bryan Connolly (drums). 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $30. 8982 Quioccasin Rd. tinpanrva.com.
Sunday, Jan. 21
Chuck Prophet and Stephanie Finch at the Tin Pan
California native Chuck Prophet, a singer-songwriter and guitarist who played with rockers Green on Red before embarking on a busy solo career, has written songs that were recorded by a large number of folks, from Bruce Springsteen, Alejandro Escovedo and Solomon Burke to Penelope Houston, Kim Richey and even Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick. Tonight he’ll be joined by his wife, Stephanie Finch, on Vox keys, and you never know what you might get. Below they got busy on some classic Cramps. 7 p.m. $25. 8982 Quioccasin Rd. tinpanrva.com.
