As you get older, summertime pleasures are harder to find. So we’re making it easier with an event a day through Labor Day. Here are at least 97 excuses to stop mowing the lawn and start enjoying the season.
[ May 31 ] Get a Faceful of Beer
(and Like It)
Best bet:
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Innsbrook After Hours, May 31
PBR, leather and 30-year-old Southern rock. The smell of it surrounds you.
Also try:
Posin (Poison tribute band)
Alley Katz, June 9
Every rose has its thorn, just like every hair-metal tribute band sings a sad, sad cover.
RPG
Nanci Raygun, July 28
Get down and derby with the hardest rock ‘n’ rollergirls in the ‘mond. Benefits the Richmond Rollergirls.
LL Cool J
Fridays at Sunset, Aug. 4
His mama said knock you out, so don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Charlie Daniels Band
Innsbrook After Hours, Aug. 23
The Devil went down to Innsbrook. (Hey, for $10 a ticket, who can blame him?)
[ June 3 ]Alpha Male: Gerry Saunders
President, Friends of Barker Field
What is Barker Field?
An off-the-leash dog park located inside of Byrd Park.
What’s going on at the dog park this summer?
The first weekend in June we’re going to have a fund-raiser — selling hot dogs, pig ears, braided toys and so on (For information call: Richmond Recreation and Parks Foundation, 646-0954). We’ll also have events like Frisbee catch and agility tests.
What are the benefits of a dog park?
Socialization and exercise. Dogs come out of their shell here and become individuals.
Any message for Richmond dog owners?
Clean up your dog’s poop and any other poop you see in the vicinity!
Other places for dogs to play:
Scuffletown Park, in the alley bounded by Strawberry, Stafford, Park and Stuart.
Bandy Field Nature Park, 6701 Three Chopt Road (at Patterson).
Other June Events…
JUNE 1
There’s something about a man in uniform, even one the size of a banana peel. … Watch the CapTech Classic Bike Race zoom through the city to the James Center along with races, a BMX aerial stunt show and entertainment. 545-8760.
2
Turnstyle rocks First Friday with its third anniversary party and the Richmond Electronic Music Festival. Beats, photos and a fashion show at the after-party at Hyperlink Cafe. 643-8876.
4
If you haven’t made it to the Greek Festival since it opened June 1, you’d better hope there’s some baklava left. Today’s the last day to get in on the action at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. 358-5996.
5
Go Dumpster diving! Today the city will provide Dumpsters to collect items discarded by departing Virginia Commonwealth University students and Fan residents doing spring cleaning. Prime opportunities to give furniture a second chance.
6
Check out the Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s on-site project featuring the bamboo sculpture of Shigeo Kawashima — perhaps the only time you’ll ever be glad to see bamboo in somebody’s yard. Through July 23. 353-0094.
7
Husband-and-wife team Tim McGraw and Faith Hill take the stage at the Richmond Coliseum and remind us all just how ugly and untalented we are. But T-shirts will be on sale! 262-8100.
[ June 8 ] Becoming a World Cup Fan
Every four years, a global audience of billions tune into the World Cup, soccer’s international showpiece. With several local venues dedicated to showing all 64 games this summer, it’s the perfect opportunity for an American in Richmond to see what all the fuss is about. And besides, football’s not on for months. Here’s what it’s all about:
Where and When: June 9-July 9, in Germany.
How it works: Thirty-two teams are divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to a playoff-style round of 16, where any tied game will be decided by a heart-attack-inducing penalty shoot-out.
Team USA: The national team has come a long way under head coach Bruce Arena, stunning the world by making the last eight in 2002. Star player Landon Donovan will have a point to prove after an unsuccessful spell in the German domestic league. The immediate goal is to qualify from a very tough Group E, featuring powerhouses Italy and Czech Republic and inexperienced but talented Ghana. After that, Arena says, “anything can happen.”
Don’t Miss: U.S.A. vs. Italy (June 17, 2:30 p.m.); any game involving Brazil’s unfairly gifted Ronaldinho (the 2006 World Player of the Year); and any of the knockout games.
Where to Watch: Penny Lane Pub promises some genuine atmosphere, especially for England games. It also records and rescreens games for the after-work crowd. The Richmond Kickers are host to a “World Cup Restaurant Tour” involving Piccola Italy, Bandito’s and four Buffalo Wild Wings locations — all of which will offer discounts during televised games.
JUNE 1
There’s something about a man in uniform, even one the size of a banana peel. … Watch the CapTech Classic Bike Race zoom through the city to the James Center along with races, a BMX aerial stunt show and entertainment. 545-8760.
2
Turnstyle rocks First Friday with its third anniversary party and the Richmond Electronic Music Festival. Beats, photos and a fashion show at the after-party at Hyperlink Cafe. 643-8876.
4
If you haven’t made it to the Greek Festival since it opened June 1, you’d better hope there’s some baklava left. Today’s the last day to get in on the action at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. 358-5996.
5
Go Dumpster diving! Today the city will provide Dumpsters to collect items discarded by departing Virginia Commonwealth University students and Fan residents doing spring cleaning. Prime opportunities to give furniture a second chance.
6
Check out the Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s on-site project featuring the bamboo sculpture of Shigeo Kawashima — perhaps the only time you’ll ever be glad to see bamboo in somebody’s yard. Through July 23. 353-0094.
7
Husband-and-wife team Tim McGraw and Faith Hill take the stage at the Richmond Coliseum and remind us all just how ugly and untalented we are. But T-shirts will be on sale! 262-8100.
9
Cowboy Mouth puts its foot in yours, with help from Rainmarket at Friday Cheers. 788-6470.
10
Did you even know we had an indoor soccer team? We do! The Richmond Bandits take on the Valley Vipers at the Richmond Coliseum. 780-0383.
11
Omigod! Join your favorite CBS soap stars from “As the World Turns” and “Guiding Light” as they sign autographs, answer questions and act out scenes with the fans at Kings Dominion. For real. 876-5561.
12
Beast vs. Topiary: Artist Ryan McLennen will present new paintings through the month of June at Nonesuch Art and Apparel. 649-4069.
13
Who will run against Sen. George Allen for a seat in the U.S. Senate? Virginia has open primaries, so anyone can vote for Jim Webb or Harris Miller in the Democratic Senate Primary — no matter your party affiliation. To find out where you vote, call the city of Richmond voter registration office at 646-5950.
14
moe. plays. innsbrook. after. hours. 794-6700.
15
Come sail away with Styx … again at Innsbrook. (Info, 423-6589; tickets, 794-6700.)
16
The Greg Potter Slate River Ranch Classic professional bull-riding event kicks into the Richmond Coliseum today and tomorrow. 262-8100.
17
Go house-hopping: Check out the first-ever Juneteenth House Tour in Historic Jackson Ward, 938-3726, and the Yellow House’s screening of “Spider” by David Cronenberg at the Byrd Theatre. 353-9911.
18
The Action Sports World Tour kicks off the season with the top names in extreme sports June 17 and 18 at Tredegar Iron Works. 675-8184.
19
Get the feel of high-speed hairpin turns without wasting any gas at “NASCAR: The IMAX Experience” at the Science Museum of Virginia through June 25. 864-1400.
20
Last call to see “Natural Selection: Landscape Print Portfolio From Center Street Studio” at the Joel and Lila Harnett Museum of Art at the University of Richmond. The exhibit closes June 23. 289-8276.
22
If you haven’t seen it since it opened June 9, check out Barksdale Theatre’s performance of “The Full Monty” through Aug. 13. With naked people! 282-2620.
23
Hear husky-voiced diva Macy Gray play Fridays at Sunset. (800) 594-TIXX.
24
Get in shape with CJW Medical Center’s Men’s Health and Sports Challenge, 327-3324, with free health screenings for the entire family. Then ruin it all at the Scooper Bowl XIV Soak It Up! It’s all-you-can-eat ice cream at the Science Museum. 864-1400.
25
It’s the last day for UR’s international film series. Check out “2046,” director Wong Kar-Wai’s follow-up to “In the Mood for Love.” Hear about the rest of the series, which started June 2, by calling 289-8860.
26
Swing by Mise en Place for an evening class on Sensational Summer Desserts. And no, banana daiquiris are not desserts. 249-1332.
27
Writer/playwright/performer Clay Chapman returns to Chop Suey Books for a night of offbeat fiction. Bring your shrink. 497-4705.
28
Take a peek at the June Fourth Friday all-media show at Artworks, juried by Amie Oliver. Sure to be better than a most-media show. 291-1400.
29
Ashlee Simpson rocks Innsbrook After Hours. Whether or not she lip-synched! Whether or not she got a nose job! Just leave the poor girl alone, OK? 794-6700.
30
Can’t make it to the World Cup? See the Richmond Kickers host the Charlotte Eagles at UR Stadium. Call your bookie. 644-5425.
July
1
Cool down with a 35-minute historically narrated boat tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal. Pirate hats not included. 648-6549.
2
If you haven’t gotten to it since it opened June 15, check out the Richmond Shakespeare Festival’s rendition of “Taming of the Shrew,” the one that inspires all those teen movies, at Agecroft Hall. The show closes July 9. (866) BARD-TIX.
4
Take a tour of Richmond’s famous Revolutionary War patriots’ homes and historic sites of interest, and honor the men whose sacrifices earned you a day off of work. OK, fine — a few other things, too. Meet your guide at the Valentine Richmond History Center. 649-0711. And pick up Style for a guide to local fireworks shows.
5
Turn vapid to rapid on the James with a rafting trip for the family or office. The Richmond Raft Company can get you started at 222-7238.
6
Remember to leave a trail of crumbs back to the car after the Science Museum’s production of “Hansel and Gretel.” 864-1400.
7
Think of the children — those crafty, crafty children, during the opening reception for the Art 180 benefit show at Main Art Gallery — through Aug. 28. 359-3499.
8
Learn the art of wood-turning at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond in Barbara Dill’s one-day course. Not to be confused with whittling. For information on this and other summer classes, call 353-0094.
9
The Double Vision Quest fund-raiser for Best Friends’ Day at Pocahontas State Park pushes your spiritual wherewithal and liver endurance. 355-0166.
10
“Musical Mondays at Maymont” is not just for kids. How could anyone refuse carriage rides and inflatables down on the farm? 358-7166.
11
Donna Lucy reads and signs “Archie and Amelie: Love and Madness in the Gilded Age” at The Fountain Bookstore. 788-1594.
12
Crowd-pleasers Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Toad the Wet Sprocket play Innsbrook After Hours. 788-1594.
13
The Richmond Shakespeare Festival opens “Macbeth,” which runs through Aug. 6. Tickets and info at (866) BARD-TIX.
14
It’s not all improv all the time at ComedySportz. See the troupe’s latest take on “Pulp Fiction,” the musical parody “Pop Fiction,” through July 15. 266-9377.
15
B.J. Kocen’s once-a-month series, Stretchin’, at Stir Crazy Café this month features B.J. himself, Susan Greenbaum and Chris Parker. Get a coffee, but beware: B.J.’s high-energy already. 864-0264.
16
Patchwork Collective’s one-year anniversary party! Venue still in the works, but keep an eye out — or if you get antsy, call 878-5155.
17
The Annual InnerSWING Golf Tournament to benefit the Positive Vibe Café at the Richmond Country Club. So if you’re really bad, you can always shrug off your score and say, “It’s for a good cause.” 254-0200.
19
Take in Entering the Interior 2, featuring glassware, pottery, paintings and hand-crafted furniture at the Rentz Gallery through Sept. 5. 358-5338.
20
This month’s Third Thursday party tonight at VMFA wriggles in with a Latin groove theme. 204-2677.
21
Raphael Saadiq and CrossRhodes featuring Raheem Devaughn play Fridays at Sunset. (800) 594-TIXX.
22
The Virginia Historical Society is host to a free open house for the grand opening of the new wing and permanent exhibition, “Virginians at Work.” Why aren’t you in there, lazy? 358-4901.
23
All-day sand-castle-building contest at Nonesuch Art and Apparel. Castles will be on display through the month of August. 649-4069.
24
Finally! All single professionals, ages 29-42, speed dating at Champps. Better still: light appetizers provided! Get in on the action! Unstick your exclamation point key! (877) 477-3328.
26
The Richmond Kickers take on the Wilmington Hammerheads at UR Stadium. Does Wilmington have soccer hooligans? 644-5425.
27
SPARC presents the musical “Cats,” based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” at the Maggie Walker Governor’s School Theater. It’ll be better than a musical version of Eliot’s “The Waste Land,” that’s for sure. Shows run through July 30. 788-6450.
29
Smells like Berkeley at the Richmond Vegetarian Festival, in the Azalea Gardens at Bryan Park. Stop by for vendors with vegan or vegetarian food, entertainment and music. 262-8507.
30
It’s the last day to return to the end of the 19th century with the Henrico Theatre Company’s performance of the musical review “Tintypes” at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. 261-6200.
31
If it hasn’t given you sunstroke yet, time to get into a paddleboat at Byrd Park and deal with the goose equivalent of road rage. 780-8173.
Other events in August
AUGUST
1
From the people who brought you the booger-flavored jelly bean, Jelly Belly presents “Candy Unwrapped” at the Science Museum of Virginia, where one can jump on a giant tongue, eat super-sour candy and hope to win a little summer romance with the aid of chocolate’s romantic powers, through Sept. 4. 864-1400.
2
Guster and Ray Lamontagne make beautiful, alt-country-type music at Innsbrook After Hours. 794-6700.
3
Perhaps by now you’ve already seen it 3,200 times on the big screen, but have you seen “Superman Returns: The IMAX Experience” on the gigantic screen at the Science Museum? 864-1400.
4 ^
Look, if it’s not a comeback, what do you call it? LL Cool J plays Fridays at Sunset. (800) 594-TIXX.
6
Would it have been quite as dramatic if he’d said “Give me liberty or give me a small welt!” Probably not. Which is why historic St. John’s Episcopal Church reprises the Second Virginia Convention that inspired Patrick Henry’s either/or question, every Sunday through Sept. 3. 648-5015.
7
If you don’t have a where and why on Monday, try Modern Groove Syndicate at Bogart’s. 353-9280.
8
While working in a hot studio doesn’t sound like a can of monkeys, Chasen Galleries thinks otherwise with “The Art of Summer Fun,” featuring Israel artist Margarita Naot, Jack Goldsmith and French artist Duaiv. 204-1048.
10
Face your fear of DJs and music in different languages with DJ Carlito, spinning the farthest-reaching mix of international music for Pangaea Lounge at Café Gutenberg. 497-5000.
11
Contemporary jazz piano, served up on the fingers of Marcus Johnson with Miles Jaye, at Fridays at Sunset. (800) 594-TIXX.
12
Why, who knew that grandma did so many burlesque films! The Richmond Moving Image Co-op celebrates the joy of celluloid with Home Movie Day, an afternoon of cleaning and screening your most repressed memories (set to film) at the Richmond Public Library. 232-RMIC.
13
Pocahontas State Park presents a Bluegrass Mini-Fest featuring Mill Run with Bobby Goff and the Larry Stephenson Bluegrass Band (none of whom are miniature). 933-PARK.
14 ^
Air conditioning and alcohol make a great combination. Cool off with a mango mojito with floating mint leaves at Bank, and chck out downtown’s newest restaurant. 1005 E. Main St. 648-3070.
15
Clear up all misconceptions about The DJ Williams Projekt — he’s not a DJ, it’s just his name. And the band, minus turntables, plays Café Diem every Tuesday. 353-2500.
16
Jonny Lang, so young, but so full of the blues. And wholesome? Just try to flash him onstage at Innsbrook After Hours. 794-6700.
17
Best Friends Day 5 gains power: a weekend of events for the friend in all of us. But then again, if you are “down, and troubled, and need a helping hand,” you’ve got a friend in James Taylor at the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena. (888) JPJ-TIXS.
18
The Elegba Folklore Society calls in the really extended family, like 25,000 people, for the Down Home Family Reunion, a celebration of African-American lifestyles with dance and food and music, through Aug. 19. 644-3900.
19
Now’s your chance to tour the parts of Jamestown where Terrence Malick’s “The New World” was filmed! And you get to ride a bus! Historical experts and film guides take you through the history of Jamestown, Pocahontas, Captain John Smith and Colin Farrell’s eyebrows. 744-1718.
20
Road trip: Play a wicked game with Northern Virginia traffic and go see Chris Isaak at Wolf Trap. (877) WOLFTRAP.
21
Sure, you’ve seen Virginia landscapes, but have you ever really seen Virginia landscapes? View them now at Reynolds Gallery, where “Virginia Landscapes” and “Paintings,” by artists Richard Crozier and Frank Hobbs, hang through Aug. 26. 355-6553.
22
Hey, if the Travel Channel thinks it’s one of the best places to visit in Virginia, who are you to argue? Unless you work for the History Channel, of course, and know something we don’t, check out Pamplin Historical Park and The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier in Petersburg. 861-2408.
23
Amy Henderson makes sure Shenanigans has its weekly allotment of acoustic folk every Wednesday. 264-5010.
24
[FARMER’S MARKET]
25
The Shockoe Craft Beer Festival in the Canal Turning Basin encourages the hops connoisseur to sip some microbrews and reflect on what it means to be a Richmonder, alive in this time of great changes and sudden upheavals, struggling to find that bright ray of truth to aim out and illuminate the world and, we hope, also figure out where he lost his keys. 864-9555.
26
The National Street Rod Association targets our town for the Richmond Nationals, a collection of big cars that look a lot like bullets, through Aug. 27 at Sheraton Richmond West. 288-3961.
27
Pocahontas State Park gears up for a pack of mongrel music with Page Wilson’s “Out o’ the Blue Stage Review,” with Terri Allard and Robbin Thompson. (800) 933-PARK.
28
Making “Top Gun” look like a Jane Austen book with volleyball, the Science Museum’s IMAX dome features “Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag.” 864-1400.
29
Well, it’s Michael Jackson’s birthday, and what better way to celebrate than by going to the Chesterfield County Fair, running Aug. 25-Sept. 2, for giant vegetables, midway rides, funnel cakes, corn dogs and other oddities. 275-9494.
30
Foreigner at Innsbrook After Hours: reminding us how people loved in the ’80s. 794-6700.
31
If you learned anything from those wood-turning classes we talked about earlier, you can bring your craft to the Thursday Growers’ Market at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market, to be joined by fresh fruits, free-range meats, bread and quilts. 646-0477.
SEPTEMBER
1
Main Art Gallery lays out the pretzel bowls for First Friday with the opening of a show of paintings by Pam Anderson, on display through Sept. 26. 355-6151
2
With the season winding down, the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival might be one of your last chances for music, sunburn and bug bites, summer’s trinity. Plus, you get to ride over the mountains. (800) 459-3396.
3
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen adds a “Touch of Class” to the Gumenick Family Gallery with a mixed-media exhibition by the center’s visual arts faculty, opening with a reception and running through Oct. 14. If you get yourself cleaned up and put on a nice shirt, they might even let you in. 261-6200.
