It’s that magical time of year when all the VCU students who can’t hack it in Richmond for the summer go home to their parents house, until the dorms re-open or their leases start in August. We jest–but seriously, it is kind of nice to be able to walk around the VCU area without being mobbed by oblivious students on cell phones.
It’s that magical time of year when all the VCU students who can’t hack it in Richmond for the summer go home to their parents house, until the dorms re-open or their leases start in August. We jest–but seriously, it is kind of nice to be able to walk around the VCU area without being mobbed by oblivious students on cell phones. Plus, Richmond has grown so much in the past few years that things don’t shut down anymore in the summer, they just get a bit more laid back. This weekend is perfect proof that there will still be a ton of fun stuff to do during the break between school years. Check out some of the cool stuff this weekend, enjoy the slight breathing room you’ll get wherever you go, and most importantly, have a nice summer!
Saturday, 5/18: Sounds of RVA Showcase @ Bogart’s
Sounds of RVA is already an amazing local music blog, and now they are partnering with Bogart’s to put together an awesome showcase of local bands every month. This month, three very different bands will be taking the stage. Zac Hryciak and the Jungle Beat will be playing their folksy Afrobeat blend, alongside Boxwave, a funk duo; and Starfish Prime, a math rock band. This is a great way to check out some local music that gets less exposure around the city, while also supporting Sounds of RVA and a local club that’s doing more live music lately.
Saturday, 5/18: Juvenile@ Paradise Lounge
The rapper who brought us such beloved classics as “Set it Off” and “Back That Azz Up” is going to be playing in our very own Richmond VA this Saturday at the Paradise Lounge! R.C.B.B. and Thrill Pill will be opening the show, DJ Sleep Ez will be mixing throughout the night, and Kfly and FreeBand Darius will be hosting the event. As if this wasn’t enough, there will also be food served throughout the show, a picture booth, a hookah lounge, a best dressed contest, photography, and video going throughout the night. Last, but not least, there’ll be a Back Dat Thang Up For Cash Contest hosted by Juvenile himself. This is clearly going to be an unforgettable night–be there!
Saturday, 5/18: Geneva Jacuzzi @ Strange Matter
If you’re looking for a night of weird music and dancing, or if the Back Dat Thang Up For Cash contest seems a little daunting, you might want to check out indie dance sensation Geneva Jacuzzi at Strange Matter. Her music will bring to mind the sounds of Ariel Pink and his camp, with a bit more 80s dance influence. She’s playing with Richmond’s favorite noise guys, Mutwawa, along with Ikagura, Scoughs, and Karacell. There will also be music between sets by Clo$ed Ca$ket, who will be playing a mirage of dancey goth and new wave music. If any of this sounds remotely appealing to you–and it should–don’t miss out!
Sunday, 5/19: Kicking Spit @ The Camel
Awesome punk label Stay Sweet Records is putting on a show at The Camel here on Sunday with a pretty impressive lineup. Richmond two-piece group Double Rainbow will be opening, followed by Wipers-style Richmond punk band Little Master, RVA punk n’ roll masters Olde Shame, New York punkers Nuclear Santa Claust, and finally the dudes of the hour, New Brunswick group Kicking Spit. This all-ages show at The Camel is only five bucks, and promises to be a night of sweet music and good times.
Sunday, 5/19: First Creature @ Bandito’s
Sunday shows at Bandito’s are always a good time; they are free and you can still order tacos while the bands play. This Sunday, two local bands will be playing. First, there’s Bad Magic, featuring Julie Karr, of solo acoustic fame, and Jimmy Held of White Laces, playing their last show before one of the members moves to Florida. If you haven’t caught them yet and wanted to, this is your last chance. First Creature will be playing too–they’re a spacey rock group, most of whom used to go by the moniker Fire Bison. Check it out and get some tacos!
For a complete listing of all things happening in RVA this weekend (and during the week as well), check out our calendar here!
