What’s Booming RVA: St. John’s Secrets and Tomatoes
Boomer’s top picks for the week ahead
Take a peek behind the scenes at St. John’s Church. Get inspired by music, history, and art (a blind painter, at that!). And savor Hanover tomatoes. “What’s Booming RVA: St. John’s Secrets and Tomatoes.”
Behind the Scenes Tour
St. John’s Church Foundation Executive Director Stephen Wilson takes a group through the churchyard (the city’s oldest public cemetery), into the oldest church, re-enacting Patrick Henry’s speech, then into St. John’s bell tower, to graves under the new addition, and into the actor’s studio – wigs and all.
July 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Henrico Live: Eli Lev
Soak in songs that resonate because they’re heartfelt, earthy, and offer wisdom gained through lifelong travel and self-discovery. The Maryland-based artist has just completed his epic Four Directions project, which includes four EPs inspired by indigenous traditions he learned while teaching on the Navajo Nation in Arizona.
July 11, 7 to 9 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Hanover Tomato Festival
Local agriculture and artisan vendors, live entertainment, tomato-themed activities, and delicious Hanover tomatoes for purchase, tasting, and in tomato-focused cuisine.
FREE. July 11 to 12 at Pole Green Park, Mechanicsville.
Art Beyond Limits: John Bramblitt – Opening Night, Workshop, and Talk
A showcase of works of visually impaired artists alongside world-renowned blind painter and motivational speaker John Bramblitt. Partnering with MedRVA Low Vision Center.
Opening Night on July 11, 5 to 8 p.m.; workshop on July 12, 11 a.m.; talk on July 12, 6 p.m. At Petersburg Area Art League Building, Petersburg.
Opening Celebration for “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History”
The new exhibition explores the story of the first Black homeowner in the area now known as Jackson Ward and the removal of his house in advance of the construction of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The history anchors a larger national story of Black American experience from the founding of the nation through the Jim Crow era. Opening evening includes guided exhibition tours, information booths, and a panel discussion.
FREE. July 17, 4 to 7:15 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.
More What’s Booming besides secrets and tomatoes
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