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Confederate Nostalgia, Black Voices: The Paradox of Polk Miller

Over a century ago, engineers from the Edison Company hauled their bulky recording equipment from New Jersey to Richmond, Virginia. In 1909, they captured one of the first interracial recording sessions in American history: Polk Miller, a white Confederate veteran...

The Felon Who Built Scott’s Addition

Before the beer taps and condos, before the buzzwords about ‘revitalization,’ Scott’s Addition’s future passed through the hands of a single man: Justin Glynn French. A convicted felon whose empire collapsed in scandal, he set the stage, even if unintentionally, for...

It’s Still Our City | Ep. 13 Stooping RVA

"The joy of finding a perfectly reusable gem on a sidewalk, in an alley, or on a porch stoop is one of the perks of living in such close proximity in the city of Richmond. The FOMO of not making it on your bike in time for a taxidermy dolphin or a surprisingly decent...

When Progress Meets Petunias: A Test of Richmond’s Imagination

For 35 years, Richmond hairdresser Rick Bridgforth has been quietly transforming a forgotten alley in The Fan into something remarkable. What began as a way to clean up trash and keep crime at bay grew into a lush oasis that's alive with color, buzzing with...

Police Crackdown on VCU Campus Palestine Protests

Once again in Richmond, law enforcement showed little restraint against protesters. Protests against the United States' involvement in Gaza have been ongoing in Richmond on a regular basis for nearly seven months. The first rally in Richmond since Israel began major military operations in Gaza after October 7 was a community-led march on October...

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Police Crackdown on VCU Campus Palestine Protests by Goad Gatsby 2024_RVA Magazine

A Deep Dive of the James River Film Festival 2024

The James River Film Festival, now in its 30th year, spanned two weekends in April 2024. It began with screenings at Studio Two Three, then moved to the Richmond Public Library, the Grace Street Theater, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and concluded with a full day at the Byrd Theatre. Over its storied three decades, the event has taken place...

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James River Film Festival Deep Dive written by and photos by Todd Raviotta RVA Magazine 2024

GoFundME for Gallery5! Support A New Chapter For A Richmond Icon

Gallery5, a cornerstone of Richmond's First Fridays celebrations, commemorated its 19th anniversary last week—a milestone shared with us at RVA Magazine. This cherished institution is not just a gallery but a community hub, known for its unwavering support of local artists and musicians. Today, Gallery5 is at a pivotal moment, seeking community...

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Gallery5 stage fundraiser_RVA Magazine 2024

Will 225 People Watch ‘Predator’ With Us at the Byrd?

“You’re one ugly motherfucker.”   — Major Dutch Schaefer, upon making first contact with an Alien species. Since humanity has looked to the stars, a singular question has lingered over our non-terrestrial endeavors — are we alone up there in the night sky? Throughout the ages, many philosophers and cosmologists have attempted to untangle the...

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Predator at the Byrd Theatre_RVA Magazine 2024

Congrats 821 Cafe! A Favorite Richmond Hang Out Turns Twenty

821 Cafe, the unassuming diner/restaurant/bar on the corner of Cherry and Cary streets - where Oregon Hill and the Fan meet - turns 20 years old in its current incarnation. Andrew Clarke and Chip Cooke bought the place from its previous owners back in 2004, and have since carried a torch we’d all be screaming about if it went out. 821 has been a...

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821 Cafe 20 year interview by Christian Detres_RVA Magazine 2024

JewFro restaurant was robbed. Help them bounce back.

We were made aware of this post from the restaurant and wanted to lend our support. If you have any details that could assist, please step forward and notify the authorities. Additionally, there's a GoFundMe campaign established to aid their recovery, which you can find HERE. Dear Friends…we’re feeling pretty disheartened today. Over the years,...

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Reel Support! Tuesday Movie Nights at The Byrd Theatre with RVA Mag

Does having drinks while watching classic moves in one of the country's last remaining Grand Movie Palaces sound like a perfect Tuesday night? Rhetorical question — IT IS. This is why we’re thrilled to announce a new movie night to help fundraise for the preservation of the Byrd Theatre in Carytown.  For the next three months, we’ll be...

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RVA Magazine Movie Nights at The Byrd Theatre 2024