Thursday, May 28
The 48th annual Greek Festival at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral (through May 31)
A well-known annual community event just off Grove Avenue featuring Greek food, music, dancing and good vibes. Runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and noon until 6 p.m. or sold-out on Sunday. Admission is free. 30 Malvern Ave. For more information, visit the website.
Jouwala Collective at Révéler Experiences
The collective led by founder Ismail Bouzidoune, a Gnawa musician, gembre player and bassist who bridges Moroccan traditions with contemporary global music. 8 p.m. $25.
Young the Giant with Cold War Kids at Allianz Amphitheater
It’s SoCal night at Allianz: Young the Giant, the rock band from Irvine, Ca. that was originally known as The Jakes, are joined by the Cold War Kids from Long Beach. 6:30 p.m
Friday, May 29
Chicha Libre at Révéler Experiences
One of Richmond’s favorite touring bands from Brooklyn that always gets the crowd dancing with their psychedelic Peruvian cumbia music, tossing in great versions of covers like The Clash’s “Guns of Brixton” and Arthur Lee and Love’s “Alone Again Or.” You’ll have a yabba dabba do time. Admission $27.50. Music at 7:30 p.m.
Old Crow Medicine Show and Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives at Maymont
Solid double bill featuring two of American roots music’s most acclaimed acts, including the highly impressive Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, who we once saw play “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” with former members of The Byrds in Hopewell, and it was amazing. Plus Old Crow has built a strong local following over the years. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $65 for gold circle. Doors at 5:30 p.m. and show at 7 p.m.
Charged Up Fest: Artist showcase at Ember Music Hall
The official emerging artist showcase for the Charged Up Fest, highlights talent across hip-hop and R&B; this event is designed as a local showcase and networking experience, setting the tone for the festival weekend. 8 p.m. Advance $10.
Spring concert with Prabir Trio at Deep Run Park
Outdoor concert featuring the India-inspired rock of Prabir Mehta and his talented crew. Bring a chair and blanket and enjoy dinner before the show. The concert is being held on the activity field. 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission.
Saturday, May 30
The 25th annual ¿Qué Pasa? Festival at CarMax Park
It’s a milestone year for one of the area’s largest celebrations of Hispanic and Latin American culture, which returns with a vibrant day of live music, authentic food, cultural performances, artisan vendors and community celebration, according to organizers. Plus there’s a new location in the brand new CarMax Park. Come check it out. Noon to 8 p.m. Free, pay as you go. 2929 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever at Altria Theater
The offbeat “Saturday Night Live” writer and stand-up comedian brings his off-kilter comedic charms and tales of his debaucherous addiction days to RVA. Two shows, one at 4 p.m. and one at 7 p.m.
Amminal record release with Willolaun and Gregory Darden at Gallery5
Put on your shiniest moon boots for a night of soaring pastoral space folk as Amminal officially unveils its excellent new self-titled debut album on Hello Goodbye Records. Led by composer/keyboardist Phil Murphy, and buttressed at this show by the exquisite guest vocals of Laura Ann Singh (is there anything she can’t do?) Amminal specializes in intricately arranged songs informed by everything from Turkish music to jazz to gentle Soft Machine-esque psychedelia; the rest of this well-seasoned band includes drummer Pippin Barnett, bassist Adam Hopkins, guitarist Steven Williams, and multi-instrumentalist Bryan Hoffa. Two head-expanding practitioners of drone music and sound collage, Willowlaun and Gregory Darden, will open the show, priming you for takeoff. 7 p.m. $12/$15. –Don Harrison
The Full Moon Fest at Dreamhaus
An all-day, community powered arts and nightlife fest featuring local artists, vendors, live performances, a neighborhood community mixer and an evening “DreamRave” dance. 1 p.m. to late night. Yoga at noon. Free to attend until 8 p.m., when a ticket or cover may be required for the later DJ/rave portion. There will be pottery classes at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. and a neighborhood community mixer at 4 p.m. “Broadway Belts” live musical theater takes place at 5 p.m. and Stonewall Sports Happy Hour is at 6 p.m. with a “Moonlit Motion” dance showcase at 7 p.m. Visit the website for more info. 110 N. 18th St.
A Burlesque Tribute to “Star Wars: A New Tease” at Ember Music Hall
If you ever wanted to see Chewbacca in furry lingerie, or Yoda peel back his lacy layers, you’ll have a good feeling about this burlesque tribute to the Star Wars universe. Billed as “a sultry, subversive, and delightfully nerdy burlesque experience,” the themed 21+ event is slated to feature an intergalactically-minded cast of dancers that includes hostess Ellie Queen along with Bunny Noir, Caza Blanca, Conejita Luxxe, Esther Gin, London St. Juniper, Mona Loverly and Orion St. Michael. Caution: The Force may not be the only thing that gets awakened. 6:30 p.m. $30-65.—D.H.
Charged Up Fest: Noah O birthday and friends and family concert with Benny the Butcher at The Broadberry
One of the year’s most reliable hip-hop parties, hosted by Mike Street with music by DJ Banga; feat. Benny the Butcher and DJ L.E.S. Doors at 7 p.m.
Jermaine Holmes and DJ Harrison at Révéler Experiences
Grammy award-winning vocalist Jermaine Holmes has played with D’Angelo and the Vanguard and was the lead vocalist for legendary producer Pete Rock’s band, as well as working with Daniel Lanois. He’ll be joining Grammy-nominated local player DJ Harrison, known for his work as a solo artist and with Butcher Brown. Admission $30. Show at 8 p.m.
Pollinator Festival and Plant Sale at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center
This popular, growing event is moving to a new venue because it needed more space. Organizers expect more than 5,300 plants, including “300 varieties of perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs, houseplants, some annuals and a wide variety of vegetables, including cucumbers, celery, eggplant, tomatoes (cherry, beefsteak and patio), bush beans, squash and zucchini … Most of the plants have been grown by Master Gardeners and will be sold at discounted prices. Average price is $5.” 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Sunday, May 31
Dead People’s Stuff Vintage Market at Triple Crossing Beer (Fulton)
Yes, it’s another round of dead people’s castoff items: from vintage/Y2K clothing and accessories to antiques and collectibles, media, digitial and film cameras, home goods, oddities, jewelry, you get the idea. There will also be food, coffee, matcha, ice cream and cold beer plus a Polaroid Photo Booth by @bigdaypolaroids. Noon to 5 p.m.
Main Street Grill reunion at Studio Two Three
Come celebrate one of Richmond’s beloved former institutions, the Main Street Grill, with stories and live music. Food will be available, notably Bean Pacos. Runs from 2-9 p.m. 109 West 15th St.
Monday, June 1
Elizabeth Wise w/Mike Hawkins, Scott Millstead, Charles Arthur and Bob Miller at Révéler Experiences
The Shockoe Records recording artist and accomplished blueswoman and slide player Elisabeth Wise is joined by some top players on the local scene. $15. 7 p.m. show.
Tuesday, June 2
Adi Meyerson at Révéler Experiences
Israeli-America composer bassist Adi Meyerson has something of a RVA connection. She recorded as a member of former NoBS Brass’s Bass trombonist Reginald Chapman’s Pressure Fit ensemble. It is just one of many collaborations for the NYC-based musician, who has three very different albums: a solid hard bop-inflected jazz debut, a more instrumentally, philosophically, and vocally expansive follow-up, and a hip-hop/jazz collaboration with producer and beat-maker Steel Tipped Dove. The Révéler appearance centers on compositions for her as-yet unrecorded band, Dark Matter. Their music is an integration of improvised chaos and composed structure. The band includes jazz/punk saxophonist Alden Helmuth, and RVA stalwarts, trumpeter Marcus Tenney (aka Tennishu) and drummer Kofi Shepsu.—Peter McElhinney
