“Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” ~ John Lewis
This week, Richmond and its surrounding counties celebrate freedom for Juneteenth – as well as the continuing struggle to keep liberty within our grasp. You will find local Juneteenth celebrations, conversations, and visual art representing one artist’s interpretation of historical Black experiences. Deepen your experience of freedom, its meaning and its cost, by joining in the fantastic offerings in your own community!
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. WHITFIELD LOVELL: PASSAGES
Visual Art, History, Culture
Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 PM
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
$8
The work of Whitfield Lovell challenges the visitor to consider the history and cultural memory of the African American experience and the physical passage of time, its effect on memory, and the reception of our collective history. Join the artist for a talk on the VMFA’s special exhibition Passages, which brings together Lovell’s recently completed major installations and new series. Many of the works in the exhibition convey the notion of a journey, or “passage,” between fates of bondage, freedom, and socioeconomic independence. Purchase tickets online.
2. VIRGINIA HUMANITIES HCBU SCHOLARS FELLOW TALK | BEYOND BLACK RADICALISM: HOW AMERICA'S GREAT MIGRATION TO NEW YORK CITY SHAPED ELECTORAL POLITICS
History, Culture
Tuesday, June 13, Noon
Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, 23219
Join the Library of Virginia for Beyond Black Radicalism, a free talk by historian Janira Teague, a Virginia Humanities HBCU Scholars Fellow. More than two-thirds of Black residents in early 20th-century New York City were either African American southerners who came north during the early years of America’s Great Migration or Caribbean colonists—mostly emigrants from Jamaica or Barbados—who composed the first significant voluntary wave of Black immigration to post-emancipation America. Registration required for this free event.
3. SELAH'S SONG: AN ORIGINAL FOLK MUSICALTheatre, Music
Friday, June 16, 7 PM
First Mennonite Church, 601 East Parham Road, Richmond, 23227
Performed by Toronto, Canada-based Theatre of the Beat and written by Johnny Wideman, with original music by beloved Mennonite musician Bryan Moyer Suderman, Selah’s Song tells the story of a young girl whose courage inspired a village and whose song became an anthem for peace. Inundated with catchy prowar propaganda songs, Selah is inspired to share her own music with the village, creating some competition for the King. Selah’s Song is a heartwarming musical that is fun for all ages! No reservation required for this free event.
4. JAZZ UNDER THE STARS
Music
Friday, June 16, 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Road, Richmond, 23226
Bring a camping chair, blanket, and your friends and family to First Presbyterian Church for a night of live jazz music in the church parking lot! Enjoy jazz and zydeco (New Orleans) music by Zachary Smith and the Dixie Power Trio. A food vendor will be on site, and the playground will be open. No reservation required for this free event.
5. THE POE MUSEUM'S ILLUMINATION SERIES, FEATURING DR. ADDIE TSAI
Literary Art
Wednesday, June 14, 6 PM
The Poe Museum, 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, 23223
$12
Join Fountain Bookstore and The Poe Museum in celebrating Pride this month with Addie Tsai as they read from their queer Asian nonbinary retelling of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Unwieldy Creatures. Unwieldy Creatures is a tale of doom, ambition, loss, revenge, and murder. Addie Tsai (any/all) is a queer nonbinary artist and writer of color who teaches creative writing at the College of William & Mary. Purchase tickets online.
6. INDIA MELA 2023
Music, Dance, Visual Art, Culture
Saturday, June 17
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, 23219
India Mela 2023, is an all-day fiesta welcoming all to a revelry of cultural pageantry, glittering stage performances, regional cuisines, gregarious socializing, frolicking fun and celebrating the diversity of India. A one of kind event, presented by the India Association of Virginia, that will delight all with a rich palette of colorful memories splashing over reminiscent of celebrations from every part of India. Come and savor this unique experience. No registration required for this free event.
7. SHOCKOE SESSIONS LIVE: FREE UNION
Music
Tuesday, June 13, 7:30 PM
In Your Ear Studios, 1813 East Broad Street, Richmond, 23223
$15
A weekly concert showcasing Richmond’s goldmine of music talent! In person and live-streamed, presented by Shockoe Records and In Your Ear Studios. Free Union is a Charlottesville-based collective led by Michael Coleman (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Rob Dunnenberger (drums), and features Carrie Coleman (vocals), Parker Hawkins (bass), and Tyler Hutcherson (keys). The band’s sound is not distillable, it’s ever-evolving music is rooted in soul and incorporates rhythm and blues, rock, and pop into its sound. Purchase tickets online.
8. SEASON PREVIEW PARTY
Theatre, Music
Tuesday, June 13, 6 PM
Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, 23060
See the Cultural Arts Center’s 2023-2024 Season Preview Party, where you can attend in person to purchase tickets before subscriptions go on sale to the public! Enjoy snacks, free art exhibits and artist demos. Plus, enjoy live performances on their new outdoor stage! Performances include Desiree Roots, The Taters, Whiskey Rebellion, The Super Sugar Beats, Bak N Da Day, Henrico Theatre Company’s Wild, Wacky and Truly Wonderful Women of Song, and more! No registration required for this free event.
9. JUNETEENTH FREEDOM FESTIVAL
History, Culture
Saturday, June 17
Sargeant Museum of Louisa County History, 214 Fredericksburg Ave, Louisa, 23093
Join the Louisa County Historical Society, Louisa United, and the Louisa County Chapter of the NAACP at their Juneteenth Festival. This free event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people and honors African American heritage through an exciting array of activities and programs. Savor the flavors of African American cuisine from local food vendors, enjoy face painting, games, and support local Black-owned businesses. Watch living history interpreters bring the past to life through important figures like Frederick Douglass, Harriett Tubman, and Buffalo Soldiers. No registration required for this free event.
10. SUMMER POPS
Music
Sunday, June 18, 6 PM
Virginia War Memorial, 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, 23220
This free concert from the Richmond Philharmonic features music from your favorite movies and musicals, jazzy tunes, and light classics, all in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater at the Virginia War Memorial. Assistant conductor Will Pattie has planned a concert that highlights music from across America. Enjoy a lovely summer’s eve above the James River with friends and family as you listen to amazing music. 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 Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, First Presbyterian Church, the Library of Virginia, the Poe Museum, and the Virginia War Memorial are sponsors of VPM.
