Artsline || December 26, 2022
“The plants and earth are resting. Maybe we should too. The long days will be here soon enough.” ~ Rebecca Raiden
What a beautiful week for rest and connection to friends, family, and the community at large. As the holidays lean into Kwanzaa and the New Year, let’s find some ways not only to ring in new opportunities, but also to discover new (and new to us) arts, culture, and history ready to be found in RVA! Check out the listings below!
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. DON'T MAKE ME SING: A FABULOUS NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH BRIAN BAEZ
Music
Saturday, December 31, 8 PM & 10:30 PM
Richmond Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont Avenue, Richmond, 23230
$10-$45
Excited to be home at last, Brian Baez is honored to share NYE with his Richmond family. Since leaving Virginia in 2015, Brian continues to make waves in the entertainment industry both in his new home in St. Pete, FL, and internationally as a casting director; traveling worldwide to cast ongoing productions of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Kinky Boots, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Jersey Boys, and SIX! "Don't Make Me Sing" promises to be a fun evening of nostalgia, camp, irreverence, and reflection. Presented by Richmond Triangle Players. Purchase tickets online.
2. STORIED STRINGS: THE GUITAR IN AMERICAN ART
Visual Art, Music
Daily through Sunday, March 19, 2023
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
$16 Adults | $12 Seniors | $10 Youth 7-17 & College Students
Free for members, children under 6, and active-duty military & their families
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ exhibit, Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art is the first exhibition to explore the instrument’s symbolism in American art from the early 19th century to the present day. Featuring 125 works of art, as well as 35 musical instruments, the exhibition will demonstrate that guitars figure prominently in the visual stories Americans tell themselves about themselves—their histories, identities, and aspirations. Purchase tickets online.
3. RAILS & SAILS HISTORY TOUR
History
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 AM
Through January 3
Libby Hill Park at the corner of N. 29th & Libby Terrace in Church Hill, Richmond, 23223
$20
Walk with RVA Hidden History Storytellers though Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods, as they highlight the ports, canals and railroads that helped contribute to Richmond’s rise. Hear the tales behind numerous infrastructure landmarks and hear the stories of some of the people who are tied to these locations as well. Many of the railways and waterways are still in place and active, but numerous sites that have been lost to time will also be talked about. The impact that Richmond's Rails & Sails have had on the road to modern Richmond cannot be overstated and they helps bring RVA to where it is today. Purchase tickets online.
4. NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH COMEDY SPORTZ
Improvisational Comedy
Saturday, December 31
7 PM Early Show – $22 online, $26 door
10 PM Late Show – $25 online, $25 door
CSz Richmond Theatre, 8906 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23294
Ring in the new year early or late with an interactive, all-ages match at ComedySportz! Both shows will feature special year-end games for the whole family. Tickets include a countdown (even in the early show) and a Twinkie toast (milk for the early show, champagne for the late show’s 21+ crowd). Grown-up drinks, non-lactose alternatives and additional snacks available for purchase. Purchase tickets online.
5. LIBERTY OR DEATH TOURS
History
Thursdays - Mondays, times vary
Historic St. John's Church, 2401 East Broad Street, Richmond, 23223
$12
Visit Historic St. John's Church, the location of the Second Virginia Convention, and hear the fascinating story of Patrick Henry and his "Liberty or Death" speech in the heady days on the eve of the American Revolution. St. John’s is an active church so please check online or call ahead to 804.648.5015 in case of unforeseen closures. Tour lasts ~30 minutes, followed by Q&A. Presented by Historic St. John’s Church. Purchase tickets online.
6. NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH JAZZ GUITARIST ROYCE CAMPBELL
Music
Saturday, December 31, 8 PM
Congregation Or Ami 9400 West Huguenot Road Richmond, 23235
$25 advanced | $35 door
Come and enjoy desserts and snacks, drinks, and live music by Royce Campbell. Tickets Include one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink and a dessert or snack. Additional food and drinks will be available to purchase. Royce Campbell has toured in Europe seven times and toured Japan ten times as a soloist. Presented by Congregation Or Ami. Purchase tickets online.
7. DOMINION ENERGY GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS
Landscape Art, Visual Art
Nightly through Sunday, January 8
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, 23228
Ticket prices vary
Millions of lights line Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens’ paths and twinkle in trees under the night sky. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a walk-through experience designed so you and your loved ones and friends can relax, have fun and make special memories in a magical outdoor setting. This year, Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights celebrates their wonder with the theme: “Seeds of Light.” Through the sparkle of more than a half-million lights, imaginative displays, and memorable experiences, GardenFest takes inspiration from seeds and fruits to reveal an interconnected world of incredible diversity, amazing strategies, and enduring beauty. Purchase tickets online.
8. 2022 CAPITAL CITY KWANZAA FESTIVAL
History, Culture, Music, Dance
Friday, December 30, 5 PM
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North Third Street, Richmond, 23219
Advanced tickets: $6 adults | $5 seniors 65+/ students (12-18) | Under 12 free
All tickets are + $1 if purchased at the door.
Elegba Folklore Society presents the 2022 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival to capture the spirit and the significance of the Kwanzaa holiday.The festival’s main stage is alive with music, dance and message presented to strengthen families and galvanize the community. The African Market will be open with food and shopping. Children are invited to Watoto Kwanzaa, and the Nia Sessions engage holiday reflections in this nationally recognized observance of the Kwanzaa holiday. The Capital City Kwanzaa Festival is one of the largest Kwanzaa celebrations on the east coast. Purchase tickets online.
9. CHOCOLATE MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
History
Saturdays in December, 11 AM
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
Join the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on a journey through history and discover the ways in which chocolate was prepared and enjoyed in 18th-century Virginia. Guests will have the opportunity to observe chocolate being made using reproduction cooking tools and equipment appropriate to the 18th century. Sample American Heritage Chocolate and purchase some to take home or enjoy a hot chocolate in the Museum Cafe! Free; no registration required.
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.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and Richmond Triangle Players are sponsors for VPM.
