Venture Richmond Events
2009 previous events
River District Celebrate Illuminate events
River District Celebrate Illuminate events
The 25th Annual Grand Illumination of James Center
Friday, Dec. 4
6 to 7 p.m.
10th and E. Cary streets
Free admission
Come to the James Center and start a family tradition. This year at 6 p.m. Santa and Lite 98 will give the countdown to turn on the downtown office buildings and the James Center Great Tree and Reindeer! From 6 to 7 p.m., experience the magic of the season with two blocks of family entertainment. This year, Richmond Native Band Timbason will delight the city with their Latin style of music. Gear up for the high energy sound to celebrate the season Latino Style as Kat Simons of Lite 98 is the Snow Queen! Entertainment also includes the Varina High School Marching Band, the Sugar Plum Fairy from the Richmond Ballet, the VCU Trombone Choir, Harpist Rickie Denton, Singer Patsy Butler, the Virginia Piedmont and Central HO Model Railroad Club and much more. Join the Radio Disney Road Crew for holiday fun including sing-a-longs, games and prize giveaways! This event is provided by James Center Property LLC. For more information, call (804) 344-3232.
Holiday Market
Friday, Dec. 4
5 to 9 p.m.
17th Street Farmers’ Market
Free admission
Avoid the mall rush! This annual holiday shopping extravaganza features Virginia’s finest holiday trees from Floyd County, Va., the tree capitol of the south. Fresh wreaths handmade by Mustard Seed Farms, fresh cut mistletoe, gourmet desserts, handcrafted jewelry, hand-carved toys, handmade ornaments, vintage collectibles, one-of-a-kind gifts and so much more. Enjoy the sounds of the season while you shop! The Henrico Pops Chorus will be performing followed by The Salvation Army International Brass Honor Band. This band features some of the best brass instrumentalist from around the world that gathers each year to play at select venues throughout the U.S. and Europe during the holiday season. We are very fortunate to feature this acclaimed instrumental group at this year’s holiday bazaar. For more information, call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
Free Glow Necklaces for Children
Friday, Dec. 4
6:30 p.m. while supplies last
River District
In the spirit of Celebrate Illuminate, Venture Richmond staff will be distributing red and green glow necklaces to all children. Sponsored by Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.
Free Horse and Carriage Rides
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 4-5
6 to 10 p.m.
Rides start and end in Shockoe Slip at the 13th and E. Cary streets fountain
Clip-clop, clip-clop — the sound of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones, jingle bells ringing, the holidays are here in Richmond’s historic River District. Holiday decorated 12-passenger wagon circles Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom. One round trip ride per person please. Sponsored by Venture Richmond. Call Roger at (804) 769-4010 with questions.
Canal Boat Rides
Friday, Dec. 4
6 to 9 p.m.
Turning Basin at 14th and Dock streets
$2 per person (children 4 and under free)
Celebrate the season on Richmond’s historic canal by enjoying a 20 to 25 minute canal boat tour with historic narration on the James River and Kanawha Canal. The Varina High School Marching Band will perform on the Canal Walk at the Turning Basin at 6:50 p.m. Produced by Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.
Giant Holiday Cards on Display Downtown
Friday, Dec. 4 – Thursday, Dec. 31
Richmond Public Library (2nd and E. Main streets)
Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Main Street Station (1500 E. Main St.)
Mon-Thurs 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri-Sun 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Free admission
This year’s 7th annual exhibition of art cards will display holiday cards from Metro Richmond area public and private schools during the month of December. The giant cards, each created from wooden doors, are creatively designed and painted by art classes and clubs in schools from the City of Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties, and private schools. Sponsored by Siewers Lumber and Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.
Main Street Station Holiday Open House
Friday, Dec. 4
5 to 9 p.m.
Main Street Station and the Plaza at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street
Free admission
The City of Richmond welcomes all for a Holiday Open House with a Polar Express theme, free children train rides, hot cider and cookies, decorations, tree lighting and live entertainment with “The Angels.” Enjoy the gorgeous restored glory of Main Street Station and explore the lighted “Cathedral Walk” at the Plaza at Main Street Station and celebrate the holiday season. This year’s event will focus on literacy. Professional storytellers will be on hand to read to children, as they enjoy cookies and cider by the fireplace. Come early, the Richmond Public Library will also donate books to the first 300 children in attendance! New this year, an exhibition of holiday cards from metro Richmond area public and private schools. The giant cards, each created from wooden doors, are creatively designed and painted by art classes and clubs in schools from the City of Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties, and private schools. Event parking is only $2 and will be available on the west side of the station using the Franklin Street entrance. Additional non-event parking is available within the Plaza using the Main and Cary Street entrances. Don’t miss the holiday fun! For more information, call (804) 646-5665.
Capitol Square Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 4
5 to 7 p.m.
Capitol Square
Free admission
Be there for the lighting of the state Christmas tree on Capitol Hill. For more information, call (804) 371-2642 or visit www.executivemansion.virginia.gov.
Governor’s Executive Mansion Open House
Friday, Dec. 4
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5
1 to 4 p.m.
Capitol Square
Free admission
Come tour Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion on Capitol Hill. For more information, call (804) 371-8687 or visit www.executivemansion.virginia.gov.
Holiday Open House at the Bell Tower Visitor Center
Friday, Dec. 4
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Capitol Square
Free admission
Light refreshments provided. For more information, call (804) 545-5584.
The American Red Cross Keeps you Warm for the Holidays
Friday, Dec. 4
5 to 6:30 p.m.
The American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter, 420 East Cary Street
Free
Serving free coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts to passersby en route to the Grand Illumination. The chapter will also distribute free winter and fire safety brochures and other information to help keep families safe during the winter season. For more information, call (804) 780-2250 or visit www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org.
4th Annual Holiday Happenings at Historic Tredegar
Sunday, Dec. 6
1 to 5 p.m.
500 Tredegar Street
Reduced admission fees
Celebrate the holidays with storytelling, music and children’s craft activities. For more information, call (804) 780-1865, ext. 10 or visit www.tredegar.org.
Home for the Holidays, Richmond Philharmonic
Monday, Dec. 7
7 p.m.
James Center Atrium (10th and E. Cary streets)
Free admission
Popular holiday songs and carols, and seasonal light classics, are sure to entertain everyone in the family at the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual Family Holiday Concert in the James Center Atrium. Robert Mirakian, RPO Music Director, invites all to a celebratory program, “Home for the Holidays,” including: Tchaikovsky, Selections from The Nutcracker; Vaughan Williams, Fantasia on Greensleeves; Leroy Anderson, Sleighride and Christmas Festival; Bach, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring; Selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas; and Songs of the Season with Aaron Ellerbrock, baritone. For more information, call (804) 740-2890.
Shockoe Slip Open House Block Party
Thursday-Friday, Dec. 10-11
Shockoe Slip (12th -15th and E. Cary streets), hours vary per establishment
Join the first annual Shockoe Slip Open House Block Party charity event for amazing specials and tons of fun! Get an edge on your holiday shopping, take advantage of drink and dinner specials, see puppies for adoption, warm up with hot cider, sing some Karaoke, and help the Shockoe Slip neighborhood raise funds for the Richmond SPCA, Toys for Tots, and Caritas. For more information call Dransfield Jewelers at (804) 643-0171 or visit the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/dransfieldjeweler?v=box_3&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=188221227600&ref=mf.
Horse and Carriage Rides
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 11-13
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 18-20
Friday 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday 5:30 to 10 p.m., Sunday 5 to 9 p.m.
Pick up area at 10th and E. Cary streets (James Center)
$12 a person (children 4 and under are free but they must sit in your lap)
Clip-clop, clip-clop — the sound of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones, jingle bells ringing, the holidays are here in Richmond’s River District. We hope you and your family will join Oakley Farm Horse Drawn Carriages for this traditional holiday treat. Each ride is scheduled on the half-hour and is approximately 20 minutes. You must reserve your seat by calling (804) 769-4580 or (804) 514-4767.
Christmas Tuba Concert
Saturday, Dec. 12
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
17th Street Farmers’ Market
Free admission
Celebrating the 12 days of Christmas in Richmond on Dec. 12 at noon, we will host an annual Richmond Holiday Tradition-Tuba Christmas concert. Tuba Christmas is a holiday tradition celebrated around the world in more than 200 cities, highlighting these beautiful instruments in their full glory by performing four-part harmony to traditional holiday music. The event will also feature a sing-a-long with the number one tuba fan, Santa Claus. If you have never been a part of this holiday tradition, you have to come down to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market and experience the tradition with your loved ones. It will quickly become a favorite family holiday tradition. For more information, call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
17th Annual James River Parade of Lights
Saturday, Dec. 12
Libby Hill Park, corner of 28th and E. Franklin streets and Intermediate Terminal Dock, at Dock and Water streets
Parade viewing: 6 p.m.
This year’s parade features festively decorated boats that cruise the parade course from Richmond to Chesterfield and Henrico counties with spectators from throughout the region gathering at several official viewing locations. The event has become a cherished holiday tradition for people from throughout the region. Sponsored by the James River Advisory Council. For more information, call (804) 717-6681 or visit www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com.
23rd Annual Court End Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 13
Noon to 5 p.m.
Valentine Richmond History Center, John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, Hunton Student Center, and St. John’s Church
Free admission
A Richmond tradition celebrates the season in 19th-century style with reenactments, children’s activities, refreshments, carriage rides, music, special guest appearances and tours of nine historic downtown sites. Free shuttle service provided from 12:30 to 4:45 p.m. (shuttle stops at each site every 15-20 minutes). For more information, call (804) 649-0711, ext. 301 or visit www.richmondhistorycenter.com/courtendchristmas.htm.
Church Hill Holiday House Tour
Sunday, Dec. 13
Noon to 5 p.m.
Church Hill neighborhood
Advance tickets $15, day of the tour $20
The 1800’s come alive this year as Church Hill opens the doors of beautifully appointed 19th-century homes. Many of these architecturally significant houses have never been open to the public, several are pre-civil war, and all are handsomely decorated for the holidays. A variety of horse pulled carriages and roving carolers are also on the Hill for your enjoyment. The Park House in Libby Hill Park will be open as a gallery, displaying more than 25 framed posters from years past as part of the tour. A free shuttle will run to and from the Court End Christmas Event at the Valentine History Center and St. John’s Church. Ladies, no heels, please. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.churchhillrichmond.com.
Previous events
Richmond’s Eerie Canal Boat Rides
Saturday, Oct. 31
6 to 9 p.m.
Canal Turning Basin - Dock and 14th streets
Free admission
Thought your Halloween couldn’t get any spookier? Imagine a canal boat ride with a historic narrator telling a daunting tale of Richmond’s past as you travel down the Kanawha Canal. Candy will be provided for the kids on the free 30 minute trip on Halloween night. Rides leave on the half hour. Produced by Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466.
Richmond Folk Festival
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-11
Downtown Richmond’s Riverfront from 2nd to 7th, including Brown’s Island and historic Tredegar
Free admission
The Richmond Folk Festival embraces the heritage and traditions of all Americans. Legendary masters and the next generation of dynamic young artists will celebrate the musical soul and cultural roots on many stages of continuous music and dance. World-class artisans, countless varieties of ethnic foods and a family area ensure there’s something for everyone. The Richmond Folk Festival will engage the entire community, bringing together diverse groups and drawing visitors from across the country. Produced by Venture Richmond and the National Council for the Traditional Arts. For more information, call (804) 788-6466.
For more detailed information about the event and performers visit, www.richmondfolkfestival.com. For an official online guide to the event visit, http://rvanews.com/sections/folk-festival/2009.
2nd Street Festival
Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4
Saturday: Noon to 10 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.
2nd Street in Jackson Ward
Free admission
Presented by:
Sponsored by:
The 2nd Street Festival, presented by Dominion and Verizon, returns for the 21st year on Oct. 3 and 4, to celebrate the rich culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. The event is produced by Venture Richmond. As always, the 2nd Street Festival takes place the first full weekend in Oct. Over the years it has grown to be one of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest street festivals. Nearly 50,000 people visit historic Jackson Ward to reminisce about the days when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond’s African American community. Attendees enjoy live music, R&B, fashion shows, gospel music and performances by community groups on four stages. There is also children’s area, marketplace, delicious food, and reuniting with family, friends, classmates and acquaintances. Please no pets allowed.
2009 2nd Street Festival entertainment schedule
(Subject to change)
Friday, Oct. 2
First Fridays Artwalk (201 W. Broad Street)
7 to 9 p.m.
2009 2nd Street Poster unveiling featuring work by Larry “Poncho” Brown
Saturday, Oct. 3
Waverly R. Crawley: main stage (2nd and Marshall streets)- Noon to 1:30 p.m.: To be announced
- 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Tunji Band
- 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Grace and Company Fashion Show
- 4 to 4:30 p.m.: RADIO ONE presentation
- 5 to 6:00 p.m.: Plunky and Oneness
- 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: E.U.
- 8:15 to 10:00 p.m.: SLAVE
- 12:15 to 1:05 p.m.: Billy Williams Quartet – Straight Ahead Jazz
- 1:25 to 2:15 p.m.: Doc Branch and The Keynotes – Jazz Standards
- 2:35 to 3:25 p.m.: Glennroy and Company – Contemporary Jazz Flute and Vocals
- 3:45 to 4:35 p.m.: Hugo Jackson and Sounds of Elegance – Sophisticated Jazz
- 4:55 to 5:45 p.m.: Beast Wellington – Progressive Jazz Fusion
- 6:05 to 6:55 p.m.: Klaxton Brown – Jazzy Rhythm and Blues
- 7:15 to 8:05 p.m.: Sha-nniece James – Smooth Jazz
- 8:25 to 9:25 p.m.: James “Saxsmo” Gates Quartet – Bebop and Beyond
- Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Rumba Drummers
- 1 to 2:15 p.m.: Smooth Sensation
- 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.: Ban Caribe
- 4 to 4:30 p.m.: 4-H MBC
- 5 to 6:15 p.m.: Skyline
- 12:30 to 1 p.m.: Shaolin Dragon School of Kung Fu
- 1:30 to 2 p.m.: T-Starz
- 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.: Richmond Youth Jazz Guild
- 3 to 4 p.m.: City Dance Theatre
- 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.: Sisterly Grace Ministry Fashion Show
Sunday, Oct. 4
Waverly R. Crawley: main stage (2nd and Marshall streets)- 1 to 1:30 p.m.: One Voice Choir
- 2 to 2:30 p.m.: Spiritual Harmonizers
- 2:45 to 3:15 p.m.: M’Renee
- 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.: Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir
- 5 to 6 p.m.: Richmond Boys Choir
- 1 to 1:50 p.m.: Mike Hawkins and the Jazz-Pel Choir – Gospel Jazz
- 2:10 to 3 p.m.: Desiree Roots – Classic Lady of Song
- 3:20 to 4:10 p.m.: Van Lighty and QED Jazz – Mainstream Jazz
- 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Debo Dabney and The Happy Band – The Total Musical Experience
- 1 to 1:30 p.m.: Tisa
- 2 to 2:30 p.m.: A. Alexander Singers
- 3 to 3:30 p.m.: FLTI Steel Pan Orchestra
- 4 to 5 p.m.: Grace and Company Fashion Strut
- 1:30 to 2 p.m.: Talents of Meadowbrook High School
- 2:30 to 3 p.m.: Shaolin Dragon School of Kung Fu
- 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: St. Paul’s Baptist Church Men of Step
- 4:30 to 5 p.m.: First African Baptist Church Orchestra
Artist’s Row – 2nd and Clay streets
Featured Guest Artist: Larry “Poncho” Brown
Purchase the limited edition 2nd Street poster created and designed by this nationally renowned artist. Browns’ tent is located on the corner of 2nd and Clay streets. Other artists include W Fine Art by Randy – Randall Walters; Kelvin W. Henderson – Fruits of the Spirit; and Greg Paige.
Kid’s Zone – Jackson Center Lot (2nd Street between Clay and Leigh streets)
Featuring hands-on activities, balloon twisting and temporary tattoos by Balloons by Extreme.
Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club of Virginia (2nd and Marshall streets)
Friday Cheers 2009
Celebrating 25 years of free music!
Fridays, May 8-June 26
6-9:30 p.m.
Brown’s Island
Presented by:
Sponsored by: 
Venture Richmond’s free signature summer concert series, Friday Cheers, presented by Coors Light and Yuengling, is back on Brown’s Island for its 25th season and promises to feature some of the nation’s hottest touring acts, along with some regional favorites.
The series kicks off Friday, May 8, and continues every Friday through June 26, from 6-9:30 p.m. All events are on Brown’s Island along downtown Richmond’s historic riverfront. Again this year Friday Cheers will offer eight concerts and is focused on a variety of performers that may only be in the region once this summer. A special concert on Friday, May 15, is the kick-off to Richmond’s newest event, Dominion Riverrock. Dominion Riverrock is produced by Venture Richmond and the Richmond Sports Backers.
2009 line-up
- May 8: Melvin Seals and JGB
- May 15: Rusted Root
- May 22: Zac Brown Band
- May 29: The Lee Boys
- June 5: Jerry Douglas
- June 12: Old School Freight Train
- June 19: Lucero
- June 26: Toubab Krewe
May 8
Melvin Seals and JGB (with The Spaceheaters)
Melvin Seals, whose musical roots seep deep into gospel soil, has always been seeking that point where music merges with spirit, what he calls “church vibe.” He found it with Jerry Garcia more than two decades ago, and he is finding it again in the new JGB. “Jerry Garcia Band was my absolute favorite band in the world and I’m honored to be able to carry on the torch and play homage to the heart and feel and tones,” said Seals.
Melvin Seals has established a reputation as a recording artist, producer and record company executive in the field of gospel music. He first took up piano at the age of 8 and his first public performances were playing gospel music in church; his first band, “Gideon & Power,” was a local San Francisco group. He has gone on to perform/record with Elvin Bishop, Charlie Daniels, Chuck Berry and for 15 years with Jerry Garcia. He was the featured organist in such Broadway hits as “Evolution of the Blues” with John Hendricks, ACT’s production of “American More Or Less,” the Joyce Carroll Thomas play “A Song In the Sky,” and the hit “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope.” Melvin formed JGB one year after Jerry Garcia’s death on August 8, 1995 and was originally joined by Gloria Jones and Jackie Labranch, who were Garcia’s background singers.
May 15
Rusted Root (with Jesse Chong) – Kicking off Dominion Riverrock
This is a special tour for the Pittsburgh, Pa., based band. In the process of recording their first studio album since 2002’s Welcome To My Party, Rusted Root is giving their faithful fans a chance to hear some of the new music they have been working on.
Rusted Root has sold more than 3 million albums worldwide. Formed in Pittsburgh by front man Glabicki in the early 1990s, Rusted Root’s polyrhythmic style quickly charmed fans of roots music and jam rock. But club goers weren’t the only ones left smitten by the sextet’s impressively diverse chops and soaring vocals. Veering into Eastern and African directions, Rusted Root features three of the Pittsburgh-born band’s original band members; Michael Glabicki (lead vocals, guitar), Liz Berlin (vocals, percussion), and Patrick Norman (bass, vocals, percussion). Joining them on the road are Jason Miller (drums, percussion), Colter Harper (vocals, guitar), Preach Freedom (percussion), and Dirk Miller (guitar).
After debuting in 1992 with Cruel Sun, Rusted Root signed with Mercury Records and bowed on the label with the 1994 platinum selling breakthrough When I Woke, which featured the light and lovable Send Me On My Way, as well as several other rerecorded tracks from Cruel Sun. Not long after, the band scored on tours with Toad the Wet Sprocket, Santana, The Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Brothers Band, HORDE Festival and, perhaps most notably, the highly-coveted support role on the landmark Jimmy Page/Robert Plant reunion tour.
Playing a brand of rock rooted in the Woodstock generation, but often detouring into various types of world music, the hard-touring Rusted Root returned in 1996 with Remember, which was followed by 1998’s Rusted Root. After some time off the band reemerged in 2002 with Welcome To My Party. The band’s sixth album, Rusted Root Live is the second album on its Touchy Pegg label, following the re-release of Cruel Sun in 2003, after a long tenure with Mercury/Island Def Jam. Along the way, Rusted Root has also issued three EPs (Evil Ways, Live, and Airplane), a home video (Rusted Root Live) and miscellaneous film and TV soundtracks such as from Twister, Mathilda, Home For the Holidays, Party of Five, Homicide and Ice Age.
May 22
Zac Brown Band (with David Shultz and The Skyline)
Playing upwards of 200 dates a year, with more than 3,000 shows in their career and selling more than 30,000 CDs independently, Zac Brown Band has only begun its ascent. The band’s aggressive touring has helped it develop a fanatical grassroots following by winning over believers one person at a time. Driven by awe-inspiring musicianship, skillful songwriting and a dynamic live show that inspires word-of-mouth buzz, Zac Brown Band is already embraced by audiences who sing along with every word.
The Foundation, released in November 2008 on Atlantic Records, debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and No. 3 on the Top Country Albums Chart. The first single “Chicken Fried” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Chart and maintained that position for two weeks and also debuted as the second most downloaded country single on iTunes.
“It’s kind of crazy how we can go to a place where no one’s heard of us before and by the time we leave people are singing the songs,” bandleader Zac Brown says. “We’ve got a great following.”
It’s not an easily pigeonholed crowd either; loyal country music fans, jam lovers and seemingly everyone in between are enjoying the shows. The Zac Brown Band has already landed support slots with artists such as Sugarland, ZZ Top, Travis Tritt, Etta James, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Willie Nelson and BB King.
Members of the band include bassist John Hopkins, fiddler Jimmy De Martini and more recent additions of guitarist/organist Coy Bowles and drummer Chris Fryar. In January 2009 multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Clay Cook joined the band; perhaps best known for his co-writes with Grammy-winner John Mayer, Cook rounds out the ZBB sound on guitar, vocals, organ, mandolin and pedal steel.
May 29
The Lee Boys (with DJ Williams Projekt)
The Lee Boys are one of America’s finest African-American sacred steel ensembles. This family group consists of three brothers, Alvin Lee (guitar), Derrick Lee and Keith Lee (vocals) along with their three nephews, Roosevelt Collier (pedal steel guitar), Alvin Cordy Jr. (7-string bass) and Earl Walker (drums). Each member began making music at the ages of 7 and 8 in the House of God church they attended in Perrine, Fla. Here they underwent a rigorous course of training in a variety of musical instruments, including lap and pedal steel guitars. Born and raised in Miami, each of The Lee Boys grew up in the church where their father and grandfather, Rev. Robert E. Lee, was the pastor and a steel player himself.
“Sacred steel” is a type of music described as an inspired, unique form of Gospel music with a hard-driving, blues-based beat. The musical genre is rooted in Gospel, but infused with rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop, country and ideas from other nations. Influenced by the Hawaiian steel guitar fad of the 1930s, brothers Willie and Troman Eason brought the electric lap steel guitar into the worship services of the House of God church in Jacksonville, Fla. The Pentecostal congregation embraced the soulful sound, and over time this unique sound became the hallmark of the church. The pedal steel guitar was added to the mix and soon became the central instrument. The Lee Boys are part of the fourth generation of musicians in this faith.
June 5
Jerry Douglas (with The Atkinsons)
Jerry Douglas is widely renowned as perhaps the finest dobro player in contemporary acoustic music. His main foundation is bluegrass, but Douglas is an eclectic whose tastes run toward jazz, blues, folk, and straight-ahead country as well, and he’s equally capable of appealing to bluegrass aficionados or new agers with a taste for instrumental roots music. What’s more, his progressive sensibility as a composer has earned him comparisons to like-minded virtuosos Béla Fleck and David Grisman.
Douglas began playing the dobro at age 8 with encouragement from his father, who was also a bluegrass musician. By his teen years, Douglas was already a member of his father’s band, and his playing was especially influenced by Josh Graves of Flatt & Scruggs’ Foggy Mountain Boys. Douglas was discovered at a festival by the Country Gentlemen, who took him on tour with them for the rest of the summer and later brought him into the recording studio. From there, Douglas established himself as a hugely in-demand session musician; during the latter half of the 1970s, he worked with the likes of J.D. Crowe & the New South, David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson and Tony Rice. Additionally, Douglas released his debut album, Fluxology, on Rounder in 1979; he followed it three years later with Fluxedo, which like its predecessor stuck relatively close to traditional (albeit sometimes jazzy) bluegrass.
During the early 1980s, Douglas continued his session career with even greater success, adding Emmylou Harris, Béla Fleck, the Whites, and Peter Rowan to his list of credits. He returned to his solo career in 1986 with Under the Wire on Sugar Hill, which reflected his interest in the progressive new-acoustic (or “newgrass”) movement. He subsequently signed with MCA, where he issued Changing Channels (1987) and the smoother, strongly jazz-influenced Plant Early (1989). More session work for increasingly prominent artists brought him into the 1990s, with names like Alison Krauss, Del McCoury, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Randy Travis, Clint Black, Patty Loveless, Suzy Bogguss, Reba McEntire, Kathy Mattea, and Dolly Parton on his resume. In 1992, he returned to Sugar Hill for the more traditional bluegrass outing Slide Rule, which many critics ranked among his finest recordings. The following year brought the all-instrumental Skip, Hop & Wobble, a trio recording with Russ Barenberg and Edgar Meyer. In 1994, Douglas contributed to the Grammy-winning compilation Great Dobro Sessions, and cut a duo album with Peter Rowan, Yonder, in 1996. Restless on the Farm (1998), true to its title, was a return to Douglas’ freewheeling eclecticism, which continued on 2002s Lookout for Hope. Best Kept Secret arrived in September of 2005.
June 12
Old School Freight Train (with NO BS! Brass Band)
Old School Freight Train, from Charlottesville combines thought provoking lyrics with captivating melodies, soulful vocals, virtuosic instrumentals and imaginative arrangements. Blending folk, jazz, soul, pop, bluegrass, Latin and Celtic, OSFT offers a unique musical experience leading the Boston Globe to call them “the next big thing” and the Chicago Tribune claims is “accessible but uncompromising in creativity.” “After 40 years of recording acoustic music, it’s not very often that a new band catches, and keeps, my attention,” said David Grisman. “Old School Freight Train has done that and more.”
“Shades of Jack Johnson, Ben Harper... even a kiss of Van Morrison... Old School Freight Train is off on a timeless new track blending roots and rock to create a sound that’s all their own.” – from Tim Dickinson, National Affairs Correspondent, Rolling Stone
June 19
Lucero (with Farm Vegas)
Lucero is a punk/country music infused rock and roll band that is based in Memphis, Tenn. Their punk rock roots flavor their now “country-ish” music, while their southern roots give them the twang that they have come to be known by. The band played for the first time in spring of 1998. Since 2001, they have played between 150 and 200 shows a year across the U.S. and Canada. They have released six full length albums to date, the latest entitled Rebels, Rogues, & Sworn Brothers. The members of Lucero are Roy Berry (drums), John C. Stubblefield (bass), Brian Venable (guitar), and Ben Nichols (guitar and vocals), with Rick Steff (piano, organ, accordion). Ben Nichols previous band was Red 40 in which he played alongside Colin Brooks and Steve Kooms.
June 26
Toubab Krewe (with Crucial Elements)
Blending American and West African influences into a sound all its own, Toubab Krewe has set “a new standard for fusions of rock ‘n’ roll and West African music” (Afropop Worldwide).
Since forming in 2005, the magnetic instrumental quintet has won a diverse and devoted following at performances everywhere from Bonnaroo to the legendary Festival of the Desert in Essakane, Mali, known as the most remote festival in the world. They developed their unique sound over the course of numerous extended trips to Mali, Guinea and Ivory Coast, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and studied and performed with luminaries.
But the group has its roots in Asheville, N.C., where many of its members were childhood friends and long-term musical collaborators. It was there, at home in the Appalachians, where the band chose to record their sophomore album, Live at the Orange Peel. The new album captures their outstanding 2008 New Year’s run at the Orange Peel in their hometown.
All of the songs are previously unreleased and continue to mix American rock ‘n’ roll with the West African musical traditions the band fell in love with on their travels. Along the way, they explore the worlds of surf and zydeco, fusing it all together into what the Village Voice describes as “a futuristic, psychedelic, neo-griot frenzy” and Honest Tune hails as “one of the most innovative voices in music today.”
Dominion Riverrock
Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16
Dominion Riverrock, Richmond’s newest event blending music, sports, interactive opportunities and environmental stewardship, will debut on Brown’s Island May 15-16. Billed as “Richmond’s Riverlife Celebration,” Dominion Riverrock begins Friday, May 15, with a free performance by nationally acclaimed roots music and world rock band Rusted Root, a Mud Run, a high-flying Big Air dog jumping competition, and an acrobatic freestyle bike competition.
Events continue Saturday, May 16, when athletes from around the region square off in high-adrenaline activities both in and around the river including the James River Scramble trail run, mountain biking, kayaking and more. With additional musical performances, dog and bike competition, food, exhibits and more, Dominion Riverrock is sure to make a splash as Richmond’s premier river event. The partnership team of Venture Richmond and Sports Backers will produce the event. This partnership brings two of our region’s major non-profit organizations together to combine their unique qualifications to make this event successful.
Dominion Riverrock is a free event for spectators, including all musical performances and the Big Air dog and freestyle bike competitions. Paid entry is required for competitor events such as the Mud Run and the James River Scramble.
Full event information, including schedules, and registration for individual events can be found at www.sportsbackers.org/events/riverrock/riverrock.htm.
Easter on Parade
Sunday, April 12
Monument Avenue between Allen and Davis streets, free admission, 1-5 p.m.
Easter on Parade, the beloved Richmond tradition of “parading” down scenic Monument Avenue continues this year! Join more than 10,000 people as they converge upon the four-block site to celebrate the arrival of spring. Music fills the air with art and jewelry vendors, fun for children, food vendors, and people and dog watching are all a part of the holiday celebration.
Two main highlights of the annual event are the pet bonnet and people bonnet showcases on the main stage at Allen Avenue. Be sure to enter your beloved Fido or your beautiful bonnet. Easter on Parade is produced by Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.