This weekend marks the 80th anniversary of the birth of James Brown, the self-proclaimed Godfather of Soul. As such, this is a great weekend to celebrate the power of the soul by checking out some sweet local events, from the soul dance parties that will be going on throughout the weekend to the heart-warming Love Exhibition children’s art show presented by Art 180. Whatever you do this weekend, remember to let loose and have fun!
This weekend marks the 80th anniversary of the birth of James Brown, the self-proclaimed Godfather of Soul. As such, this is a great weekend to celebrate the power of the soul by checking out some sweet local events, from the soul dance parties that will be going on throughout the weekend to the heart-warming Love Exhibition children’s art show presented by Art 180. Whatever you do this weekend, remember to let loose and have fun!
Friday, 5/3: Love Exhibition @ Atlas
Presented by Art 180, The Autism Society of Virginia, and local Girl Scout Autumn Cox, this amazing art exhibition puts together a moving collection of art created by children who suffer from autism. The show premieres this Friday as part of the First Friday Art Walk, and will be up until the end of May. Don’t miss out on this inspiring chance to celebrate the triumphs of autistic kids, support local charities, and see some cool art!
Friday, 5/3: RVA Hot Buttered Soul Dance Party @ Portrait House
RVA Magazine and the amazing DJs behind Soulpower are teaming up to bring you Hot Buttered Soul, a new dance party at a recently opened Richmond restaurant, Portrait House. Portrait House is a new pizza and burger place on Cary Street from some of the folks who brought you The New York Deli and Don’t Look Back. For Hot Buttered Soul, the Soulpower crew will be branching out a bit, breaking their usual “45 RPM singles only” rule to dip into their extensive stock of 12 inches and even some rare Blaxploitation film soundtracks. Come out ready to dance to some great soul from the 60s and 70s, and get your first taste of the Portrait House menu!
Saturday, 5/4: Soulpower Presents: James Brown’s Birthday Tribute @ Balliceaux
If you didn’t get a big enough soul fix on Friday, make sure you don’t miss out on the James Brown anniversary edition of the ever-popular Soulpower dance party at Balliceaux. Resident record-spinners DJ Pari and Mr. Felty will be playing a lot of James Brown, needless to say, as well as many of his musical associates, and the music will be accompanied by a James Brown video montage. This super-special edition of Richmond’s favorite soul party will be worth checking out!
Saturday, 5/4: Hopscotch Road Show @ Strange Matter
Raleigh, North Carolina’s annual Hopscotch Music Festival is always one of the most anticipated events of the year for indie rock fans on the East Coast. This year, their Hopscotch Road Show will be taking some of the festival’s acts on tour, and on Saturday, they’ll be stopping in Richmond! RVA’s own White Laces will be playing, alongside Invisible Hand from Charlottesville, and Whatever Brains from Raleigh. There will even be some giveaways and contests to liven up a not-so-average night at Strange Matter. Be there!
Sunday, 5/5: Canary Oh Canary @ Bandtio’s
It’s a little-known fact that the non-smoking room in Bandito’s is one of the best places to see a show in all of RVA. Find out for yourself this Sunday night for a great triple bill featuring Richmond’s own atmospheric indie-goth trio Canary Oh Canary. Also playing are Charlottesville’s The Fire Tapes, a great psychedelic indie rock band who will be a real treat for Yo La Tengo fans, and Portland, Oregon’s Ghostwriter, a punk/folk solo performer who’ll captivate the whole place. Admission is free, the nachos are great, and you can smoke inside between bands, so you have no excuse for missing this.
For a complete list of events happening this weekend, check out the full calendar here!
