What’s Booming RVA: World War II Hero and Country Cooks
Boomer’s top picks for the week ahead
Pink Floyd music set to lasers and more memorable music, a celebration of country cooks and their recipes, a courageous and inspiring World War II hero, and the annual Down Home festival. “What’s Booming RVA: World War II Hero and Country Cooks.”
“Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks”
Prolific writer and poet Crystal Wilkinson presents this lyrical culinary journey that explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians through powerful storytelling alongside comforting recipes. The book shares nearly 40 family recipes rooted deep in the past, such as corn pudding and chicken and dumplings. The book presents a culinary portrait of a family that has lived and worked the earth of the mountains for over a century.
Aug. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Mary Chapin Carpenter + Brandy Clark
Carpenter’s music blends contemporary folk, country, and Americana with literate, introspective songwriting. Her warm, expressive style weaves vivid storytelling with themes of love, resilience, and personal reflection. Clark presents story-driven country with touches of folk and Americana, witty and heartfelt.
Aug. 15, 7 p.m., at The National, Richmond.
Down Home Family Reunion
The 34th annual event features a full day of music, dance, storytelling, cuisine, shopping, and cultural enrichment exploring African American folklife.
Aug. 16, 4 to 11 p.m., at Abner Clay Park, Richmond.
One Person Can Make a Difference: The Life of Raoul Wallenberg
During the final stages of World War II, Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg led the extraordinary efforts in saving the lives of more than 100,000 Hungarian Jews under Nazi control. Wallenberg believed that he could never return to Sweden without saving as many Jews as possible. Presented by the Virginia War Memorial.
FREE, registration required. Aug. 19, 10 a.m., livestreamed.
Laser Show: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon
Rock out to the timeless music of Pink Floyd while being mesmerized by a unique light show – laser beams choreographed to music, projecting shapes, patterns and images on the huge Dome screen.
Aug. 21, 6:30 and 8:15 p.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.
More of What’s Booming in Richmond besides a World War II Hero
Food and more fun to fill your plate
Boomer’s featured flavor of the week:
Raising a Toast to 250 Years of Freedom
And more to throw on your calendar:
