Artsline: Virtual Edition || September 14, 2020
"The child began reading favorite stories of magic to the river, believing the tales would be carried to someone in need." ~Dr. SunWolf
Storytelling is an art - whether it is visual or written, danced or sung, spoken in verse or acted-out in prose. The RVA arts and culture community is telling relevant, original stories about collective experiences and visions for the future. This week is an excellent opportunity to explore the stories in your neighborhood - and beyond - throught the rich and varied ways our artists tell them.
1. MENDING WALLS VIRTUAL COMMUNITY GATHERING
Visual Arts
September 16, 6pm
Online
Join Mending Walls for a Virtual Community Gathering to hear the experiences of local public artists as they worked together to create works of art reflecting the racial justice and Black Lives Matter movements, explore their understanding of racial justice and Black Lives Matter and begin to get comfortable in the uncomfortable, and listen to each other’s stories, inspiring empathy and connection. You must REGISTER to join in the conversation.
2. AFRIKANA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
Film
September 17-20, 6pm & 8pm
Prices Vary
Online
In its fifth year, Afrikana is an independent film festival that showcases cinematic works from emerging and established filmmakers throughout the African diaspora.
3. PORCH PLAYS
Theatre
September 15, 5:30pm
1517 Hanover Ave, Richmond, VA 23220-3523
Join 5th Wall Theatre and friends for their first edition of Porch Plays - scenes from original works, including Akeldama, A Quarantine Play, Sugar, and Matterhorn. Please wear a mask, and bring a chair and refreshments if you like.
4. RESTORING AMERICA’S MOST SIGNIFICANT GARDENS
History
September 16, noon
Online
The story of the Garden Club of Virginia is colorful, courageous, and impressive. It is not a coincidence that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement, heralding a new age of female participation in American civic life. Concern for the environment and efforts to preserve and restore Virginia’s significant public gardens were founding principles of the female-led organization and are more relevant today than ever before. Join this live-stream for the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s Banner Lecture Series on FaceBook Live or YouTube.
5. BEGINNER JAZZ ROUTINES
Dance
Tuesdays in September, 6pm
$10
Lakeside Farmers Market, 6110 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228
Join RVA Swing for some safely distanced dance fun as you learn a new short jazz routine each week. Beginner dancers will gain an introduction to classic Vernacular Jazz steps and Intermediate dancers will hone their learning skills as they explore new transitions and styling. Advance REGISTRATION is required.
6. ALLEYS OF RICHMOND: SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES
Visual Art
September 18, 6pm
Crossroads Art Center, 2016 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, 23230
The Alleys of Richmond team presents a multifaceted, collaborative body of work featuring Richmond’s hidden spaces on their opening night at Crossroads Art Center.
7. A CENTURY OF AMERICAN SOUND
Music
September 18-20, 7pm
$10-$82
Dominion Energy Center, 600 E Grace St, Richmond, 23219
The Richmond Symphony showcases musical contributions that helped define American classical music. Aaron Diehl, known for classical and jazz piano, will perform Gershwin, alongside works by Copland; award-winning composer Joseph Turrin; Adolphus Hailstork, a groundbreaking Virginian composer and Old Dominion University professor; and acclaimed Leonard Bernstein Award recipient Jessie Montgomery. George Manahan will conduct.
8. FAMILY STORYTIME
Literary Arts
Tuesdays, 10:30am
Online
Join Powhatan Public Library’s Family Storytime on Facebook Live every Tuesday at 10:30 in September & October for songs, rhymes and stories.
9. ANN
Theatre
September 16 - October 25, Times vary
Pay what you will ($30 suggested donation)
Online AND at Firehouse Theatre, 1609 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
Just in time for this year’s election, Firehouse Theatre offers the Richmond premiere of Holland Taylor's ANN. The one-woman show features Jacqueline Jones in the role of Ann Richards - a revolutionary figure in American politics. Limited seats available for in-person seating. Live online option available as well. RESERVATIONS required.
10. AUTHOR CHAT WITH CARLA VERGOT
Literary Arts
September 17, 7pm
Online
Pamunky Regional Library is chatting with Carla Vergot, local author of Lily Barlow: The Mystery of Jane Dough and Lily Barlow: The Mystery in the Mangroves. REGISTRATION required. Ages 18 & up.
11. ROOFTOP SESSIONS: JOEL WORFORD
Music
September 19, 9pm
The HofGarden, 2818 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230
If you like soulful vocals and ripping guitar then this is the night for you. Don't miss Joel Worford performing on your favorite rooftop, make your reservations at TheHofgarden.com. Go HERE for social distancing guidelines.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with social-distance-safe events such as online classes, virtual exhibitions or concerts, or even book readings, submit your events to Artsline here. If you are an artist or an arts or cultural organization in need of resources and tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
