Artsline: Virtual Edition || January 25, 2021
“This is the sorcery of literature. We are healed by our stories.” ~Terry Tempest Williams
As we as a nation heal from the events of the past month and the past year - from political division to racial division, from pandemic to ecological disaster - find the stories that heal. Your local arts and culture communities tell them every day, offering a source of conciliation, solace, and inspiration to rise to the challenges before us. Look throughout your community for opportunities to connect, engage, and heal through the power of music, art, and story.
1. SHOCKOE SESSIONS LIVE: THE OAKHURST TRIO WITH REX RICHARDSON
Music
January 26, 7:30pm
Online
Join In Your Ear Studios for another awesome Shockoe Sessions Live featuring The Oakhurst Trio with Rex Richardson. Richardson is hailed in classical circles as “among the very best trumpet soloists in the world today,” (Journal of the ITG, 2011) and “One of the finest virtuosos of our time” (Brass Herald, 2018); and in jazz he is called “a standout soloist with the power, range and flexibility to rival Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw,” (DownBeat Magazine, 2014). He was named the 2008 Brass Herald International Personality of the Year. Watch safely on Facebook Live.
2. SO.QUEER PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL
Literary Art, Theatre
Thru January 29
Online
The So.Queer Playwriting Festival is a competitive, biennial festival of LGBTQ+ works which will lead to the selection of one work by a playwright — a work that Richmond Triangle Players will develop further in close collaboration with the chosen playwright. Each finalist will present an excerpt of their work, introduced by them personally, in a collaborative online presentation, available via Video-On-Demandthrough January 29th. The works can be viewed for free by anyone across the country. Those viewing the works will be sent a survey to determine the winner; those votes, in conjunction with an adjudication committee selected by RTP, will determine the final winner of the Festival.
3. FREE COMMUNITY BELLY DANCE CLASS
Dance
Sundays, 5:30pm
Dogtown Dance Theatre, 109 W. 15th Street, Richmond, 23224
Join Ajna Tribal in a unique type of folkloric belly dance in which you learn the “vocabulary” (moves) of the dance and the non-verbal “cues” alerting you to which moves are coming next, then just “follow the leader” as the entire dance group appears to move together in synchronicity. Social Distance guidelines will be in place. Space is limited, sign up early.
4. THE WRITING SHOW – PIVOT! STAYING RELEVANT IN CHANGING TIMES
Literary Art
January 27, 6pm
Online
$12/Members, $15/Non-members, $5/Students
From virtual book launches to Zoom in our living rooms, the ways the writing community functions and connects have changed dramatically over the past year. Some things (like virtual Writing Shows) work great online, and some things. . .don’t. What still works, what’s worth trying, and what you should throw away? The James River Writers’ panelists will help you find your footing for the new year. Registration closes January 26; your unique link to join the online Zoom program will be emailed to you the the morning of the Writing Show.
5. ACOUSTIC CONCERT SERIES: JUSTIN GOLDEN
Music
January 28, 7pm
Online
Enjoy a taste of acoustic blues with artist Justin Golden. Presented by Chesterfield County Public Library. Performance available on the CCPL YouTube Channel for 30 days from premiere date.
6. A TU B'SHEVAT POP UP
Culture, Visual Art
January 28
Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave, Richmond, 23226
With spring on the not-so-distant horizon, join the Weinstein JCC as they celebrate everything that trees do for our world. Tu B’Shevat is the ecological day of awareness, and reminds us of our connection to the Earth and our role as caretakers of the land. Celebrate the "Birthday of the Trees" with them at this outdoor holiday experience. Enjoy a drink at the Fruit of the Tree Juice Stand, arts and craft tables, dried fruit samples, and planting opportunities. Sign up for a family slot - space is limited as they will follow social distancing policies to make this interactive experience safe for each family to enjoy together.
7. SHADOWS OF SHOCKOE TOUR
History, Storytelling
January 29, 7pm
Poe Museum at 1914 E. Main Street, Richmond, 23223
$17/adults, $13/children
Haunts of Richmondoffers a fascinating nighttime exploration of Shockoe Bottom, the oldest and most haunted neighborhood in Richmond. Hear tales of the mysterious, tragic and downright terrifying things that have led to numerous reports of paranormal activity along the tour route including: The Old Stone House, Church Hill tunnel collapse, Civil War hospitals, and more... Online ticket sales only with strict limits for social distancing.
8. BOOK TALK WITH BRADLEY R. GOTTFRIED
History, Literary Art
January 28, 6:30pm
Online
The cavalry—both U.S. and Confederate—played a key role in events leading up to and following the Battle of Gettysburg. Explore important actions by J.E.B Stuart, Alfred Pleasanton, David Gregg, Wesley Merritt, Judson Kilpatrick, and GrumbleJones from Brandy Station to Falling Waters through a chat with the author of The Maps of the Cavalry in the Gettysburg Campaign. Register for the free event. Presented by the American Civil War Museum.
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.
