Mon., June 25 – 9:00pm – RVA Big Band at Balliceaux – One of the best ways to begin your week is with this free show featuring seventeen (yes, 17!) musicians playing classic big band music mixed in with more contemporary compositions. The soun
ds is room-filling and, yes, some people even get up and dance to Duke Ellington. It’s completely free and there’s no arguing about how good the cocktails are at Balliceaux, so what are you waiting for? The band takes up a lot of room, though, so arrive early to get a seat.
Wed., June 27 – 10:00pm – Richmanian Ramblers at Balliceaux- Rattlemouth opens the evening for everyone’s favorite gypsy sounds. The Richmanian Ramblers’ maiden album is at long last being released and it comes complete with packaging that makes it an instant collector’s item. It’s an album in which the musicians swoon and confess their love for Roma folk legend Maria Tanase and her gypsy-influenced songs. Having seen them before, all I can say is this is beautiful musicv unlike anything you’ve heard before. Oh, yes, and bring a tambourine.
Thurs. June 28 – 7:00pm –“Nureyev’s Eyes” at Firehouse Theater - Part of the Festival of New American Plays that Firehouse puts on every year, anyone who sees both staged readings this week can vote for their favorite. This is always a great way to see up and coming playwrights’ work in Richmond; tonight’s is by David Rush. Not to mention a steal of a deal – $5 to see one and $8 to see both. That’s theater even a poor writer can afford. And if it’s any incentive, the bar is always open.
Friday, June 29 – 8:00pm – I Play RVA Music at Gallery 5 - Part celebration of local music and part fundraiser, the evening will feature a projected visual display of the hundreds of musical moments that are etched into Gallery 5’s seven-year history. Local bands have donated their CDs, shirts, stickers, and more for a door raffle, so get in on that. Also, you can have fun designing your own album cover with a photo booth. Or get really silly and get your mug drawn by a caricature artist. Bands playing will be Monkeyshine, Goldrush and Green Hearts.
Sat. June 30 – 4:00pm – Summer Sounds at Steady Sounds - Want something good to do before your Saturday night even starts? How about a free Saturday afternoon music series at Jackson Ward’s best record shop? This week it’ll feature legendary DJ and producer Ohbliv, and Alex French of White Laces’ solo project, Flossed in Paradise. While you’re there, scan the bins for vintage and new vinyl to feed your audiophile longings or just to relive your youth.
Sun., July 1 – 7:00pm – “Memories of Lost Time” at Firehouse Theater - Part of the Festival of New American Plays that Firehouse puts on every year, anyone who sees both staged readings this week can vote for their favorite. And don’t you want your vote to count? I think this is a terrific way to see up and coming playwrights’ work in Richmond; tonight’s is by Jeffrey Wolf. Not to mention a steal of a deal – $5 to see one and $8 to see both. With admission like that, you can still afford to belly up to the bar for an adult beverage.
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Karen is Just your average Jackson Ward resident who thinks Richmond offers more than enough to keep you occupied and entertained. She smiles too much, talks way too much, is too into music, and shares her opinion whether it’s asked for or not on her blog “I Could Go On and On.”