JUNE
The Budos Band with Piranha Rama at Brown’s Island, June 14
If slinky, instrumental, Afro-soul funk grooves are your thing, don’t miss Daptone recording artists Budos Band, joined by Richmond’s own Piranha Rama at Friday Cheers. 6:30 p.m. $10.
Miramar with Rosette String Quartet at Firehouse Theatre, June 16
The lovely, romantic boleros of Richmond’s own acclaimed Miramar backed by a local all-female string quartet should be quite a night. Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m. $20.
Todd Rundgren at the National, June 18
Classic Rock 96.5 presents the legendary studio wiz and ’70s rocker behind such FM classics as “Hello, It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light.” 7:30 p.m. $25-$43.
Wu-Tang Clan at Virginia Credit Union Live, June 18
Arguably the greatest hip-hop group in history returns to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its classic album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” 7:30 p.m. $51.50 – $57.00.
Robert Glasper with Kenneka Cook at Brown’s Island, June 21
A Friday Cheers event featuring two eclectic musicians: Texas pianist Robert Glasper is a Grammy winner known for mixing jazz, hip-hop, R&B and neo soul, while Richmond singer Kenneka Cook brings her own unorthodox, funky space-age mix using loop effects. 6:30 p.m. $10.
An All-Star Tribute to Aretha Franklin at the Broadberry, June 21
Yes, we’re still reeling from the loss of that voice, so why not a tribute show? Local musicians who will celebrate Franklin’s music include: Buttafly Vasquez, Sam Reed, Brittany O’Neil, Cat Soul, Elliot Currie with an all-star band including Kelli Strawbridge on drums, Bob Miller on trumpet and Reggie Pace on trombone. 9 p.m. $10-$12.
Minor Poet, the Wimps and Hotspit at the Broadberry, June 22
The latest Richmonder to score a highly sought after deal with one of the country’s top indie rock labels, Sub Pop Records, Andrew Carter (Minor Poet) crafts smart and dreamy indie pop songs, according to American Songwriter. 8 p.m. $10-$15 or $25 for show and a record.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Father John Misty, plus Jailbird at the Altria Theater, June 24
The former Drive-By Trucker returns to what is surely a home city of sorts, combining his accomplished Americana sounds with the more self-conscious, theatrical stylings of Father John Misty (Josh Tillman, who started out with Fleet Foxes). 7 p.m. $59.75-$79.75.
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Lucy Dacus and Deau Eyes at Brown’s Island, June 28
The final Friday Cheers is headlined by one of Richmond biggest musical exports of recent years, acclaimed singer and songwriter Lucy Dacus (Matador Records). She’ll be sharing the stage with rising local talent, Deau Eyes, the indie rock project of Ali Thibodeau. Watch for upcoming Style story on her work. 6:30 p.m. $5.
Candy Snatchers, Zodiac Panthers and Sick Bags at the Camel, June 28
I still remember those old dirty fliers from the twilight daze of gritty Grace Street. Norfolk’s Candy Snatchers were known in the ’90s for bloodletting and fire-starting punk shows. They’re back with support from North Carolina garage punk trio Zodiac Panthers, and Richmond’s own twisted Sick Bags. 9:30 p.m. $13-$15
JULY
Soccer Mommy and Kevin Krauter at the Broadberry, July 10
Part of Independent Venue Week, Soccer Mommy (Sophie Allison) is a Nashville native who has turned heads with her mature and emotionally intimate songwriting. 8 p.m. $15-$18.
Franki Valli and the Four Seasons at the Altria Theater, July 13
An evening with the original Jersey boy known for crooner classics such as “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Sherry” and “Grease.” And judging from YouTube, he still has some of that high range. 7:30 p.m. $59-$79.
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers and Amos Lee at Maymont Park, July 20
Williamsburg’s pianist son, Bruce Hornsby, returns to Richmond to play new music and radio staples like “Mandolin Rain” in the lovely and tranquil setting of Maymont, backed by the soulful folk of singer and songwriter Amos Lee. $41-$66. 7 p.m.
Sebadoh and Eleanor Friedberger at Capital Ale House, July 22
The long-running project of Dinosaur Jr. bassist Lou Barlow headlines with support from stylish singer and songwriter Eleanor Friedberger, best known as one half of the Fiery Furnaces. 8 p.m. $20.
Nas at the National, July 22
A Queens, New York, native and one of hip-hop’s most highly regarded rappers since dropping his 1994 debut, “Illmatic,” Nas returns to Richmond now a diverse businessman and winner of the W.E.B. DuBois Medal. 8 p.m. $45.
An Evening with Gordon Lightfoot at the Carpenter Theatre, July 24
The singer behind soft radio staples such as “Sundown,” “Early Morning Rain” and “If You Could Read My Mind” brings a tour of hits and deep cuts to the River City. 8 p.m. $39-$99.
Killer Queen and Abba the Concert at Innsbrook After Hours, July 24
A tribute show featuring odes to the exceedingly popular music of Queen, with Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, joined by a tribute to those underrated Swedish pop gods, Abba. 6 p.m. $21-$69.
Earth, Wind and Fire at Innsbrook After Hours, July 31
“Do your rememba, the 21st night of Septemba?” Not that specific night, no, I don’t, sorry. But who can forget the slick, disco, R&B and soft funk hits of Earth, Wind and Fire? 6 p.m. $27-$42.
AUGUST
Boyz II Men at Innsbrook After Hours, Aug. 2
The iconic, Grammy-winning R&B group from Philly known for a cappella prowess, slick videos and mainstream crossover appeal. 6 p.m. $26-$99.
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Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, Aug. 9-11
Artists at this year’s Jazz Fest include: Jill Scott, Big Boi, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Stanley Clarke, Gregory Porter, Shaggy, Ledisi, Stephen Marley and Cameo. For information on tickets and the schedule, visit richmondjazzfestival.com.
Beres Hammond at the National, Aug. 13
The accomplished Jamaican reggae singer known for lovers’ rock and soul-inspired vocals for more than 40 years. 8 p.m. $25-$30.
Dark Star Orchestra at Richmond International Raceway, Aug. 15
The country’s premiere Grateful Dead cover band has now played more shows than the original band did. Long, strange trip, indeed. 8 p.m. $27-$32.
The Temptations and the Four Tops at Altria Theater, Aug. 22
All the original members may not be around, but the Temptations and the Four Tops were two of the most beloved singing groups in American pop music history for many good reasons: chief among them, those classic Motown songs and beautiful, well-sung melodies that will never grow old. 8 p.m. $49.50-$75.