Tues., May 29 – 8:30pm – The Hill and the Wood at the Camel - This free show is a steal of a deal. Herschel Stratego and his ukulele will open with his cleverly worded songs, followed by the folk goodness of The Hill and the Wood. Only then will Goldrush be allowed to take the stage and do their Beatles meets Beethoven style of rock and roll. Since there’s no cover, might as well grab dinner while you’re there. Nachos, anyone?
Wed., May 30 – 7:30pm – Midsummer Night’s Dream at Firehouse Theater -But not just your usual tale of fairies in the woods and misguided lovers, this one will be a gender-reversed exploration of it all. So Puck will be a woman and Hermia a man and, well, you get it. What I love most about these gender-reversed takes is getting to see RVA’s best female acting talent in so many meaty roles. Lysander, your bra strap is showing. Don’t be late to this one because these readings are popular among theater lovers and you’ll definitely want a seat for this.
Thurs. May 31 – 6:00pm –Annual Illustrators’ Show Preview at Ghostprint Gallery – For the fourth year, Ghostprint hosts this show which pretty much shows the state of the art of the illustration world. Although it’s locally organized, entries come from all over the world and reveal the breadth of illustration in the 21st century. By coming to the preview, you’ll miss the worst of the crowds, have a glass of wine and maybe even get to meet some of the artists.
Fri., June 1 – 6-9:00pm – “Golden Haze: paintings by Sara Gossett” at Steady Sounds – Vintage DJ Sara is known for her groovy 60s wardrobe, long blond hair and beautiful smile, but also for her psychedelic show posters. Here’s a chance to see mjroe of her work while listening to a special vinyl soundtrack DJ’d by Gregory Darden of vintage psych/soul/reggae/spacey selections for our musical pleasure. And if you haven’t perused the stacks at Steady Sounds, you’re in for a treat.
Sat. June 2 – 9:00pm – Boom Boom Basic’s Burlesque Studio Recital at Gallery 5 – Since the first recital back in 2010, Boom Boom Basics’ student graduation shows have grown into a display of amazing newcomers, burlesquers deep in training, talented new stars and starlets, with boylesque performances for admirers of the male form. There will be a Beginners Workshop strutting their stuff for the first time, return performances from some favorite graduates from last session, guest hosts and kittens. Whether you want fiery hot or hilariously adorable, Boom Boom Basics guys and dolls have it all.
Sunday, June 3 -2:00pm – “Leaves of Grass” Concert at VMFA – An afternoon with oboe and guitar chamber music that celebrates the legacy of Walt Whitman and the interaction of poetry and music. Expect spirituals, a work inspired by a claw hammer banjo piece dating back to the Civil War, and Beaser’s fantasia on the beloved American melody, “Shenandoah.” Just be sure to allow time to see the exhibit “Bold, Cautious, True: Walt Whitman and American Art of the Civil War” for a truly spectacular Sunday afternoon.
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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.”