More What’s Booming RVA: May 8 to 15
A one-of-a-kind look at Richmond events plus a day trip
Our uniquely curated calendar this week includes moving melodies, music that inspires us to change and some that simply brings us joy. Plus look for the kickoff of Richmond Ivy, the 20th ride of Cap2Cap, a biscuit bargain, a car show, Black Book Expo and other book events, Mother’s Day events, and more.
Featuring:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
May 8 to 15, 2025
Thursday, May 8
Living Your Dash. Hear from inspirational speaker Carson Clough, USA Paralympic Triathlon Team, and meet the 2025 award winners. Benefiting Full Circle Grief Center, which provides professional bereavement support. May 8, 11:45 to 1:30 p.m. Register to receive venue information.
“A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion.” Retired Army Colonel Edna W. Cummings shares her improbable but inspiring story, her path to leadership roles, and the story of the trailblazing African American World War II Women’s Army Corps unit. May 8, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Joyful Voices Presents “America, of Thee I Sing.” The community chorus for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers present this patriotic concert. May 8, 11 a.m., at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.
3 in 30 | Chinese Ceramics and Networks – Virtual. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents Chinese ceramics and their role in cultural exchange and trade networks. FREE. May 8, 11 to 11:30 a.m., on Zoom.
Rebirth Brass Band. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while combining elements of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, and the sounds from the streets they grew up on in NOLA. May 8, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Friday, May 9
Good Foods Grocery Artist Reception. Featuring artists Adele Castillo (acrylic painter), Mike Keeling (paint and canvas, torches and steel, and camera), and Carolyn Kipps (painting animals in bold colors). Exhibit runs through July 11. May 9, 4 to 6 p.m., at Good Foods Grocery, Richmond.
Friday Cheers: Bully, with Rikki Rakki. Richmond’s “dreamy, ‘stargazy’” rock & roll band, led by songwriter Erika Blatnik, opens for Bully, blending punk grit, shoegaze, Britpop, and anthemic rock. May 9, 6:30 p.m., on Brown’s Island, Richmond.
Melodies Under the Moonlight. Live music and mocktails. Ages 18+. May 9, 7 to 9 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
The James River Ringers Spring Concert. What part does imagination play in our daily lives and in the world? The handbell choir ponders this question in a program entitled “Imagine.” Premiering three new arrangements. May 9, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., at River Road Presbyterian Church, Richmond.
Kevin Jackson. The guitarist, bassist, and producer has been enmeshed in the smooth jazz industry since 2012, with a mix of original compositions and acoustic renditions, appealing to a range of listeners. May 9, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“Loving v. Virginia.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Cap2Cap. Celebrating its 20th ride, the event highlights history, community, and adventure along the scenic Virginia Capital Trail. Distances range from 7 to 100+ miles, suitable for all skill levels, with stocked rest stops, open-start format, bike tech support, restrooms, party zones, naturally scenic views, and lots of extra perks. May 9 (at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, James City County) and May 10 (at Dorey Park, Henrico County) along the Capital Trail from Williamsburg to Richmond.
“Chicago: The Musical.” A tale of fame, fortune, and jazz, accompanied by showstopping songs and dance. In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses – vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart – become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines. (Top image: Kailin Brown as Velma Kelly and The Merry Murderesses in the Touring Production of CHICAGO. Credit Jeremy Daniel.) May 9 to 11 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Saturday, May 10
Five & Dime Day. Get an iconic Five & Dime biscuit sandwich for just $5.10. Since day one, Maple Street Biscuit Company has served the scratch-made biscuit, stacked with hand-breaded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, a cooked egg, and choice of sausage or mushroom gravy. May 10, on-site purchases at Maple Street locations, including Midlothian, Short Pump, and Chesterfield.
Introduction to Herbal Medicine. Learn of 17th-century medical beliefs and practices, how medicinal herbs were used by the Powhatan Indians and the English colonists over 400 years ago in Virginia. Discover what plants and techniques the English brought and what the Powhatans were doing. Make herbal creations to take home. May 10, 10 a.m. to noon, at Henricus Historical Park, Chester.
Breakthrough Car Show. Automobiles and trucks from yesteryear to the aerodynamic super cars of today. May 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
“Story of a Band” with Ron Moody. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Bluegrass & Brews. Bluegrass music and beer, supporting fair trade. May 10, noon, at AlterNatives Boutique, Richmond.
Mother’s Day Market. Local artists and makers selling their wares, alongside food, beer, and games at Bingo. May 10, noon to 5 p.m., at Bingo Beer Co., Richmond.
Lieutenant James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hell Fighters. The syncopated melodies of the conductor James Europe and his 369th U.S. Infantry Band enthralled the cultural elites in the shadow of the first World War: only to have the music silenced by murder. Ages 13+. May 10, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum, Glen Allen.
Carrie Brockwell at Pocahontas Premieres. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Richmond Ivy. Our new women’s soccer team kicks off its 2025 season at home against Virginia Beach United. May 10, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Mother’s Day with Howard Hewett. A smooth soulful vocalist with background in gospel and R&B and comparisons to Marvin Gaye. May 10, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
The Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival. Browse and buy books and meet authors. Topics include Black history, social justice, science, health, African diasporic culture, African spirituality, personal development, novels, and children’s books. Plus live entertainment. May 10 and 11, 3 to 7 p.m., at Pine Camp Arts Center, Richmond.
Mother’s Day Tea and Brunch. Serving tea and small-bite foods in the garden pavilion. Four time options, including some specifically kid friendly, on two days. May 10 and 11 at Virginia Cliffe Inn, Glen Allen.
Sunday, May 11
Happy Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day Brunch for Two. Pre-fixe three-course menu of charcuterie, savory egg bake, and a dessert bar. Beverages sold separately. May 11, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.
“Songs Without Words” Mother’s Day Concert. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
“Tribute to The Legends” Marvin Gaye & Teddy Pendergrass. Tributes presented by Craig T. Dobson and Stan “The Man” Hampton. May 11, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, May 12
Ashland 1949 Film Series: “I Shot Jesse James.” Part of a series of films from 1949. Starring Preston Foster and John Ireland. May 12, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Navy Week at ACWM. The museum explores the important role of the Navy during the Civil War as U.S. Navy representatives visit to share a diverse range of naval trades and specialties. May 13 and 14 at the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar, Richmond.
Tuesday, May 13
Strong Towns BBQ Ride. Learn the basics of biking as transportation with this beginner, confidence-booster ride, teaching safe behaviors and easy routes to and through Shockoe. May 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., meeting at 17th Street Market, Richmond.
Keiko Matsui. The Japanese keyboardist and composer specializes in smooth jazz and New Age music. May 14, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Genealogical Virtual Event: The Women Who Contributed to Our DNA. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Dec. 12, 7 p.m., online.
Wednesday, May 14
Literary Virginia Virtual Book Group: “The Plinko Bounce.” Discuss Martin Clark’s book, the 2024 People’s Choice Award Fiction winner. Hosted by Library of Virginia. FREE, registration required. May 14, 6 p.m., online.
Thursday, May 15
“Closed Schools, Open Wounds” Panel Session. Explore Virginia’s educational history before and after Brown v. Board of Education, with a focus on the era of Massive Resistance in the 1950s and 1960s. How did the policies and attitudes that fueled school closures and defiance of integration lay the foundation for systemic inequities of today, from segregated education to punitive discipline and the cradle-to-prison pipeline. FREE. May 15, time TBA, at the Black History Museum, Richmond.
Celebrating Virginia’s First Ladies. Join First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin and Former First Ladies of Virginia Susan Allen, Anne Holton, and Pamela Northam as they discuss the role of FLOVA and its lasting impact on the Commonwealth. May 15, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“Digging All Night & Fighting All Day” Virtual Book Talk. Author Paul Brueske discusses the Civil War siege of Spanish Fort and the Mobile Campaign, 1865. Hosted by the ACWM. May 15, 6:30 p.m., online.
Laser Show: Queen. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Historic Richmond Quoit Club: Monroe Park LGBTQ+ Walking Tour. Explore some of Virginia’s earliest sites of LGBTQ+ activism in and around Monroe Park with Blake McDonald, architectural historian at the Department of Historic Resources. May 15, 6 to 8 p.m., beginning in Monroe Park, Richmond.
“Mary Ball Washington: The Untold Story of George Washington’s Mother.” Author Craig Shirley discusses his book. May 15, 7 to 8 p.m. (reception at 5:30 p.m.), at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Darrell Scott. The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter has had songs recorded by more than 70 artists, including The Chicks, Keb’ Mo’, Faith Hill, Sam Bush, Kathy Mattea, Patty Loveless, and Tim McGraw. May 15, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road Trip
Celebrating our national bird
27th Annual Eagle Festival. Highlighting the importance of eagles and their habitats as well as the natural history of Northern Virginia through activities that encourage guests to gain a new appreciation for the environment. Presenting animal shows, live music, hands-on activities, and outdoor recreation clinics. Parking is offsite at George Mason’s Gunston Hall, Mason Neck. May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.
Support our local sports teams and have a blast!
- Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Richmond Kickers
- Richmond Ivy – opening night May 10
- Tri-City Chili Peppers – opening night May 22
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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