“May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.” ~ Fennel Hudson
What makes you come alive? Is it music? Or perhaps dance? Maybe it’s color and form. Or history and culture. Whatever it is, May starts your month off showcasing plenty of opportunities to come alive through the amazing arts & culture RVA has to offer! Check out the listings below!
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. STAR WARS: THE RETURN OF THE JEDI - IN CONCERT
Music, Film
Saturday, May 6, 2 PM & 8 PM
Altria Theatre, 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond, 23220
“Only now, at the end, do you understand.” The Richmond Symphony returns to the Altria for the final episode of the original Star Wars trilogy: The Return of the Jedi. The Symphony performs John Williams’ magnificent score LIVE as this cinema classic unspools on the giant screen. As the movie ends – the party begins! Add tickets to the hottest Cantina Party this side of the galaxy, starting right after the 2pm performance. This out-of-this-world event being hosted will feature movie trivia, costume contests, character appearances, themed food and drinks, prizes and more! Fun for fans of all ages! Purchase tickets online.
2. FIRST FRIDAYS EXHIBIT AT THE RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Visual Arts
Friday, March 5, 6:30 PM Reception
Exhibits run through May
Main Branch, Richmond Public Library, 101 East Franklin St., Richmond, 23219
The Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch offers four new exhibits for First Fridays RVA: Between a Heart and a Hard Place - a mixed-media body of work which glimpses into fantasies and dips into delusions by Ashland artist Ethan King; A 21st Century Miracle - photography from L-Jacqueline Bouvier Temple; Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon – color photography from local artist Doug Turner; and Pollen – an exhibition of paintings, prints and photography predominantly centered on the relationship of humans to plants by Palmyra artist Linda Staiger. No registration required for this free event.
3. MEMORIA
Film
Friday, May 5, 6 PM
Institute of Contemporary Art at VCU, 601 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
Join the ICA at VCU in their auditorium for a First Friday screening of MEMORIA. From the extraordinary mind of Palme D’or winning director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and starring Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton, comes a bewildering drama about a Scottish woman, who, after hearing a loud ‘bang’ at daybreak, begins experiencing a mysterious sensory syndrome while traversing the jungles of Colombia. RSVP for this free event.
4. CAPITOL SECRETS: A CONVERSATION WITH BILL LEIGHTY
History
Wednesday, May 3, 6 PM
Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, 23219
Join the Library of Virginia in their Lecture Hall for a talk on Capitol Secrets: Leadership Wisdom from a Lifetime of Public Service, a new memoir by William H. "Bill" Leighty, former chief of staff to Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Journalist Zach Cooley will lead Leighty, who is currently senior strategic advisor to the dean of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, in a conversation about his insider’s view of a career in public service. Registration required for this free event.
5. SHOCKOE SESSIONS LIVE: CASSIDY SNIDER & THE WRANGLERS
Music
Tuesday, May 2, 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. Cassidy Snider & The Wranglers is a band with roots firmly planted in the riverbank soil of Richmond, Virginia. Led by the traveling troubadour herself, Cassidy Snider, this folk outlet is a grassy assortment of Cassidy's wanderlust-filled soul with sounds of the New Orleans bayou, the blue ridge mountains, and every accent between. Purchase tickets online.
6. JUNIOR LEAGUE OF RICHMOND'S 78TH ANNUAL BOOK & AUTHOR EVENT
Literary Art
Thursday, May 4, 7 PM
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
In-person: $75
Virtual: $30
Book & Author is the longest running event of its kind in the country. Hosted once again by Bob Deans and presented by the Junior League of Richmond, this event will feature six distinguished authors. Purchase tickets online.
7. IMANI MILELE CHOIR CONCERT
Music, Dance, Culture
Tuesday, May 2, 6:30 PM
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 7757 Chippenham Parkway, Richmond, 23225
A vibrant musical experience by the amazingly talented children's ensemble from Uganda. Imani Milele is a team of passionate and determined individuals dedicated to working with Uganda’s orphaned and many underprivileged children, enabling them to reach their full potential. Currently serving over 3000 children in Uganda, making a difference, one child at a time. Presented by St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. No registration required for this free event.
8. SHABBAT SHA-BANG! CINCO DE MAYO EXTRAVAGANZA!
Music, Culture
Friday, May 5, 5:30 PM
Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Avenue, Richmond, 23226
$18 adults | $12 children | $60 family up to 6 members
The Weinstein JCC offers an interfaith Shabbat dinner and concert geared for kids (ages 2-10) along with their parents, grandparents and caregivers, complete with a rocking Cinco de Mayo Shabbat dinner and dance party. Mister G, a Latin Grammy award winner, and Penguin, a Random House & PJ library book author, will rock the house as everyone welcomes Shabbat together and enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine. Merchandise and signed books will be available for purchase. Ticket includes a build-it-yourself Fajita Bar and a live concert with Mister G. Purchase tickets online.
9. ARTS IN THE PARK
Visual Art
Saturday – Sunday, May 6-7
The Carillon, 1300 Blanton Avenue, Richmond, 23221
Arts in the Park is an award-winning show and one of Richmond’s largest outdoor events. With free admission to the public, the nationally rated juried art show showcases more than 350 exhibitors from around the country who offer their work for sale. Some categories include painting, pottery and ceramics, jewelry, furniture, photography, woodworking, glass, metal, sculpture, textiles, yard-art and more. Free Shuttle service and free parking is available at City Stadium. No registration required for this free event.
10. THE KENT STATE SHOOTING AND ITS IMPACT ON COLLEGE AND THE MILITARY
History
Thursday, May 4, 10:00 AM
Online
On May 4, 1970, America was devastated by the tragic events at Kent State University in Ohio. With four students dead and nine wounded at a rally on campus, American opposition to the invasion of Cambodia reached an all-time high. The events at Kent State University would directly impact the way that the military and its ROTC programs would be viewed and treated at American universities. Join Virginia War Memorial Assistant Director of Education Crystal Coon and Vietnam Veteran Chris Knaggs as they look at the tragedy, its surrounding events, and the effect that it had on the American military. Register online 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 Junior League of Richmond, the Library of Virginia, Richmond Public Library, Richmond Symphony, VCUart, the Virginia War Memorial Foundation, and the Weinstein JCC are sponsors of VPM.
