More What’s Booming RVA: March 7 to 14

By Annie Tobey | March 7th, 2024

A week of events to keep you entertained and inspired


platter with fried catfish, by Elena Veselova; for More What’s Booming RVA: March 7 to 14, 2024

Mobile Soul Sunday, Aerial SOUL, Boomer-lovin’ music and other performing arts, author events, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, March 7 to 14, 2024.


Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA here, browse the week ahead below, and go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

March 7 to 14, 2024

Thursday, March 7

“Untold Power: The Fascinating Rise and Complex Legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson.” From Appalachian poverty into the highest echelons of American power. Author Rebecca Boggs Roberts shares perspectives on this complicated woman. March 7, noon, streaming on YouTube and Facebook and in person at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“Difficult Conversations”: Driving. The series for caregivers runs through March 27, covering a different topic weekly, providing resources and sharing tactful approaches to managing challenging situations in supporting aging parents and loved ones. March 7, 6 to 7 p.m., at Libbie Mill Library, Richmond. The series will be held 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through March 21 at Libbie Mill Library. The series will conclude with a Senior and Caregiver Resource Expo, March 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Deep Run Recreation Center. Over 50 local providers will share available resources. Call 804-501-5065 or visit Henrico.us/services/seniors.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

“George VI and Elizabeth.” Sally Bedell Smith, hosted by the Richmond branch of the English Speaking Union, discusses her recent book, “George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy.” Book signing and catered reception afterwards. March 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Agecroft Hall and Gardens, Richmond.

Petersburg Civil War Roundtable: “The Man Who Lost the Civil War Twice.” A look at John Newman Edwards, soldier, father, husband, and author, plus alcoholic, duelist, culture warrior, and a man at war with the modernizing world. The trip through 19th-century politics and culture involved guerrilla chieftains William Clarke Quantrill and “Bloody Bill” Anderson, outlaws Frank and Jesse James, Confederate general Joseph Orville Shelby, Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Charlotte of Mexico, and more. March 7, 7 to 8 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park and National Museum of the Civil War Soldier.

Richmond Invasive Species Week. The week of learning and working for the James River Park continues, with invasive removal work, a group bike ride (March 8), Boogie for the Biosphere at Basic City Beer (March 8), and a family-friendly wrap-up event. Through March 9, focused in the James River Park System, Richmond.

“Alice in Wonderland.” An astonishing telling of the tale by more than 70 performers of SOUL Aerial & Performing Arts Center. March 7 to 9 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Dr. Ride’s American Beach House. The evening before Dr. Sally Ride’s historic space flight, a group of women with passionate opinions and no opportunities sit on a sweltering St. Louis rooftop watching life pass them by. Their desires bump up against American norms of sex and power in this snapshot of queer anti-heroines. Presented by YesAnd! Theatrical Co. March 7 to 23 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

Friday, March 8

Geraci on piano

Anthony Geraci & The Boston Blues All-Stars. Infused with the blues, Geraci has recorded with many other groups, iconic traditional blues artists, and leading contemporary acts. March 8, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Saturday, March 9

Establishing Native Plants from Seed. USDA Private Lands Biologist Robert Glennon covers native species, soil drainage, seed mixes, native seed vendors, site preparation, weed problems, and more. March 9, 1 p.m., at Richmond Public Library, Franklin Street, Richmond.

The Birth of the Tank in World War I. The history of the battle tank from early world history with designs from Leonardo da Vinci to 1915 and the eve of World War I. Major General Sheppard Crump of Meadow Farm and other young American soldiers witnessed the fledgling beginnings of the tank as it ushered in a new era of warfare. March 9, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.

Singing the Beauty and Power of Diversity. One Voice Chorus presents its winter concert, with classical music, spirituals, jazz and show tunes. The non-profit, non-auditioned, intentionally integrated community chorus will be joined by the J.R. Tucker High School Choir. Pre-concert talk on diversity and inclusion at 3 p.m. All are welcome. March 9, 4 p.m., at J.R. Tucker High School, Richmond.

Women Write it Down. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Shamrock Shenanigans Featuring The Devil’s Brigade. Music, wit, and storytelling with a multi-instrumental sound that includes jigs, reels, hornpipes, ballads, originals, covers, patriotic music, Irish foot-stompers, and more. March 9, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Mustard’s Retreat. Original songs that connect with audiences from a unique folk duo. March 9, 8 p.m., at the Shady Grove Coffeehouse, Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.

Sunday, March 10

Outside Is Excellent 5k Pup Run & Walk. For people and dogs, plus HOKA demo shoes, giveaways, good vibes, doggy photo station, and a donation station for RACC shelter. March 10, noon, at Pony Pasture Park, Richmond.

Mobile Soul Sunday 2024. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

More than Rosie: Women in World War II. During World War II, women served in the United States military forces – Army (WAAC and WASPs), Navy (WAVES), and Marine Corps – in noncombatant roles. Join Virginia War Memorial’s Director of Education, James Triesler, as he highlights the major roles women played in supporting America’s victory in the second World War. March 10, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

Faithfully Funny! A church comedy show featuring headliner and Richmond native James Lawson and guests. March 10, 3 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Monday, March 11

“Race in Richmond.” An art exhibit exploring race and identity through photography, storytelling, and interactive experiences. Closing reception on March 11, 6 to 9 p.m., at Main Street Station, Richmond.

Tuesday, March 12

Genealogical Virtual Event. The Shared cM Project. Examining a crowdsourced project sharing DNA amounts and how people can use it for genealogy. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. March 12, 7 p.m., online.

On the Air Radio Players present Broadcasting Live: Then and Now. Old-time radio show, an hour-long taping featuring live music and sound effects. Fun for the whole family. FREE, no reservations required. March 12 and 13, 7:30 each night, at Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

Wednesday, March 13

Those Who Left Ireland. Profs & Pints Richmond looks at what drove the Irish diaspora and at the destinies of the Emerald Isle’s emigrants. With Matthew Dziennik, associate professor of history at the United States Naval Academy and scholar of the British Empire. March 13, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing Beer – Fulton, Richmond.

Literary Virginia Book Group. Richmond-based historian Margaret Edds joins the online book group to discuss “What the Eyes Can’t See: Ralph Northam, Black Resolve, and a Racial Reckoning in Virginia.” Presented by the Library of Virginia. FREE, registration required. March 13, 6 p.m., on Zoom.

Thursday, March 14

Community Conversation: Willie Anne Wright and the Victorian Connection.Examining the history of Victorian decorative arts and fashion and the material culture of the past, as reflected in the artworks of Willie Anne Wright, whose first major museum exhibition is at VMFA. March 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“The Tudors By Numbers: The Stories and Statistics Behind England’s Most Infamous Royal Dynasty.” Author and speaker Carol Ann Lloyd discusses her book, with real stories behind the monarchy. March 14, 7 to 8 p.m., at Agecroft Hall and Gardens, Richmond.

2024 Virginia Festival of the Book Richmond Preview Event: Julia Ridley Smith at Fountain Books. A lively, interactive conversation with the author of “Sex Romp Gone Wrong,” a collection of 12 short stories of friendship, awkward confessions, and wit. FREE. March 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

“American Visions.” Historian Edward L. Ayers discusses his book, covering the shaping of America from 1800 to 1860, especially men and women who celebrated ideals of shared humanity and free expression in the face of Black slavery and Native dispossession. It presents poets, novelists, artists, and musicians in the same frame as abolitionists, women’s rights advocates, and early environmentalists. March 14, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

The Yardbirds, for What's Booming RVA: March 7 to 14, 2024

The Yardbirds Play Richmond. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

News worth knowing

Richmond Restaurant Week, women leaders, Chris Thile, Ben Folds

Chris Thile, Mandolin. In a program ranging from Bach partitas to rock covers, the Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, and founding member of Nickel Creek confronts, cajoles, and cozies up to personal and collective angels, demons, and musical passions. March 27, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall at University of Richmond.

Richmond Restaurant Week Spring 2024. Save the date to enjoy a three-course price-fixed meal at one of more than 30 restaurants for just $35.24. And the best part, $5.24 of every meal is donated to help Feed More help neighbors in need. April 22 to 28, 2024, at various restaurants.

RPAA’s Women Take the Stage. Richmond Performing Arts Alliance’s Women’s Leadership Council presents its 5th Annual Women Take the Stage event. Guest speaker Joye B. Moore (owner of JOYEBELLS Desserts, entertainer, advocate for mental health wellness) leads a discussion to “Keep Moving!” Joined by panelists Sheila E. Battle, Chelsea Buyalos, and Desirée Dabney. April 30, 4:30 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.

Ben Folds Coming to Groovin’ in the Garden. The second concert in the Lewis Ginter series features the American alternative rock musician as part of his “Paper Airplane Request” tour. Attendees can throw paper airplanes on stage with song requests. Tickets go on sale on March 8 at 10 a.m. at lewisginter.org. Physical tickets will be available at Plan 9 Records. June 11 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.


Anticipation … !

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