Artsline || August 15, 2022
“The change always comes about mid-August, and it always catches me by surprise. I mean the day when I know that summer is fraying at the edges, that September isn't far off and fall is just over the hill or up the valley.” ~Hal Borland
Is it too soon to be looking ahead to September and back to school and fall clothing and cooler weather? Perhaps not, but why wish our time away when there’s still so much summer left and so many great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at festivals, concerts and live-art events! Check out this week of fantastic local arts & culture fun so you can squeeze all the joy from summer while you can!
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. RVA DUCK RACE & FESTIVAL OF INCLUSION
Music, Dance
Saturday, August 20, 11am
Brown’s Island, 500 Tredegar Street, Richmond, 23219
The Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) brings a favorite Richmond event back to Brown's Island - the popular RVA Duck Race in conjunction with a brand-new Festival of Inclusion, featuring music, family activity zones, vendors, food and so much more! Proceeds from the event support the ASCV's critical programming and services for the local autism community. Participants may purchase Duck Entries, with each entry the chance to win incredible prizes. 7,000+ attendees will gather on Brown's Island to watch the ducks float down the canal and race toward the finish line. Ducks will be sold online leading up to the event, and at the festival. No registration required to attend this free event.
2. ELIZABETH WISE & HER GUYS CD RELEASE FOR RECKLESS SOPHISTICATION
Music
Tuesday, August 16, 6pm
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane, Richmond, 23220
It's a Shockoe Sessions Live open to the public at Hardywood for the Richmond launching Elizabeth Wise & Her Guys long awaited album Reckless Sophistication! Register online for this free event.
3. THE EASEL
Visual Art
Thursday, August 18, 12pm
Art 180, 114 West Marshall Street, Richmond, 23220
Make your lunch hour count and come out to The Easel, ART 180’s lunchtime live-art series. Pull-up to the parklet outside of their gallery on the third Thursday of each month to see a new artist create a piece from scratch, while you get to socialize, grab a bite from a food truck, and shop our artist market. For August, Art180 brings local artist Alexis Rogers who'll be outside painting live. The 1115 Mobile Kitchen food truck is available for lunch orders, plus this month The Easel will feature an artist market with creations by Kamala Bhagat and Asia Good. No registration required for this free event.
4. PETER PAN, JR.
Theatre
Thursday, August 18, 7pm opening night
Through August 28 (check dates & times)
Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Avenue, Richmond, 23226
$24 Adults | $20 Members | $15 ages 12 & under
The Weinstein JCC presents Jewish Family Theatre's Second Stage Youth Theatre Production of Peter Pan, Jr. Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. This high-flying Tony Award-winning musical has been performed around the world and delighted audiences for 60 years and is now adapted for young performers. Purchase tickets online.
5. ORIGIN STORIES: COURT END WALKING TOUR
History
Sunday, August 21, 2pm
The Valentine, 1015 East Clay Street, Richmond, 23219
$20 Adults | $10 Members | Free for children 18 & under
Join experienced guides to explore Richmond origin stories in The Valentine museum’s Court End neighborhood. One of the oldest Richmond neighborhoods, Court End grew into an affluent area in close proximity to the newly established Virginia State Capitol during the early 19th century. On this downtown walking tour, discover stories of early Richmonders and surviving architectural gems nestled among the ever-evolving center of the City of Richmond. Purchase tickets online.
6. CLASSICAL INCARNATIONS
Music
Sunday, August 21, 7pm
Gallery5, 200 West Marshall Street, Richmond, 23220
Join Classical Revolution RVA for their monthly classical variety show featuring favorite local performers at Gallery5! This event is free, but donations are welcome! No registration required.
7. BOSNIA, A REAL-WORLD MISSION
History
Thursday, August 18, 2pm
Online
The Bosnian War took place in Europe from 1992 to 1995. It resulted in over 100,000 Bosnians killed and 2.2 million displaced. Join Virginia War Memorial Director, Dr. Clay Mountcastle as he shares his experiences participating in the United States Army Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia during 1995 – 1996. Dr. Mountcastle will share some of his original photos from his time in Bosnia. Registration required for this free event.
8. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES INTERLUDE THREE
Music
Sunday, August 21, 3pm
Bon Air Presbyterian Church 9201 West Huguenot Road North Chesterfield, 23235
$30 adults | Free for aged 18 and under
The Richmond Chamber Players offer the final concert in their August series. This performance features the works of Shostakovich, Barber, and Mozart. Purchase tickets via cash or check at the venue.
9. 31ST DOWNHOME FAMILY REUNION: A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FOLKLIFE
Music, Dance, Storytelling, Culture
Saturday, August 20, 4pm
Abner Clay Park, 200 East Clay Street, Richmond, 23220
Elegba Folklore Society, Inc. brings a celebration of African American folklife. Returning for its Thirty-First Year, The Downhome Family Reunion shares global African cultural influences with an all-star line-up of world music, entertainment, and material culture traditions. Performances by Big Tony & Trouble Funk, Africa Unplugged, the Pan Masters Steel Orchestra, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, plus Richmond’s own Dance Candy and Teshia Lesane & the Live Experience. Also featured are interactive folkloric demonstrations, The Juanita Ragland Heritage Market, delicious down-home food, Annie Tyler Children’s Place and the Waverly Crawley Community Row. This family festival is free and open to the public.
10. AUGUST MUSICALES - THE THIRTEEN CHOIR
Music
Wednesday, August 17, 7pm
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond, 23220
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church brings The Thirteen, a professional choral ensemble based in Washington, DC, to perform works of Benjamin Britten, Caroline Shaw, Samuel Barber, and more. No registration required for this free event.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with lectures, exhibitions, performances, 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, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
The Valentine and the Virginia War Memorial Foundation are sponsors of VPM.
