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Three Tall Ships, One River, 250 Years of American History

Editor's Note: RVA Magazine is partnering with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on coverage related to America's 250th anniversary, including Richmond SailFest and the upcoming IllumiNation. Also, filmmaker Justin Black of Headwaters Down is sailing aboard...

Richmond’s Funniest Weekend Returns With 2nd Best Comedy Fest

It’s time for the 9th Annual 2nd Best Comedy Fest running June 11–13, 2026. The Coalition Theater hosts this annual event, and is the brick-and-mortar heart of Richmond's alternative comedy ecosystem. Calling it the 2nd Best Fest is a beautifully defensive undersell...

Stay Hungry pt. 1 | Band on the Road

Editor's Note: Writer's Block is a space for Virginia writers to share personal essays, fiction, memoir, and works that fall somewhere in between. In Stay Hungry, Richmond local Eric Kalata looks back on a cross-country tour and the restless optimism of...

Local, Latino and A New Richmond Cosmos

Tucked into the alley behind 2512 West Main Street, a fever dream of the cosmos has taken shape across a brick wall. The mural is the collaborative work of four Latino artists working in and around Richmond: Visibly Hidden, Monolith, Mars, and Sol. A distant Earth...

The Mayor of Sunny Mart

There are certain people who become part of a neighborhood so slowly that nobody notices it happening until one day they realize the place would feel strange without them.   If you’ve spent enough time around The Fan late at night, then you probably know Sunny Mart....

‘Songs of Truth’ Brings Sojourner Truth to the Hippodrome

Editor's Note: For more on the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth, read Christian Detres' companion essay HERE. This has been an inspirational season for Richmond’s homegrown theatre. We are following up the sold-out run of Witchduck with the mid-project musical...

Review | Get In My Boca! What’s Happening at the Triangle?

Every time I go to the Aldi on Arthur Ashe at Broad St., En Su Boca tries to seduce me with its tequila and tacos perfume. It doesn’t work all the time, but I feel the pull when I’m browsing the nonsense in Aldi’s middle aisle. I once bought sweatpants there. I’m not...

Comedian Kade Wonders and The Gayest Show on Earth

Hello reader! Today we chat with the fabulous Kade Wonders, who’s about to dazzle Richmond with "The Gayest Show On Earth" on July 18th at Hardywood Craft Brewery. From navigating the jitters of open mics to hosting big names at the Funny Bone, Kade spills the tea on their comedy journey, the art of bombing gracefully, and the thrill of blending...

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Comedian-Kade-Wonders-and-The-Gayest-Show-on-Earth-by-Gabriel-Santamaria_photo-by-Alex-Burruss_RVA-Magazine-2024

Scenes from ‘The Garage’ Open House

The energy from The Garage open house, held a few weeks ago. Nestled on the edge of Scott's Addition, this community hub thrives as a creative space for performance and production. Captured moments by Mike Avey showcase the dynamic atmosphere and artistic spirit.

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Scenes-from-The-Garage-by-Mike-Avey_RVA-Magazine-2024

‘Summer of Swayze’ at the Byrd Theatre: A Fundraiser

"If you want the ultimate, you’ve got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. It’s not tragic to die doing what you love.” — Bodhi, Point Break. Since the dawn of mankind, disparate religions have contemplated the nature of heaven, the afterlife, and the ethereal beings who have guided humanity (for better or worse) — some cultures refer to...

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Summer of Swayze at The Byrd Theatre_RVA Magazine 2024

Chappell Roan Show: Less Concert, More Pink-Powered Pride Party

Driving down the business district toward Brown's Island on Thursday evening, there was nothing but a sea of pink—pink dresses, pink overalls, pink cowboy hats, pink glitter, pink rhinestones, pink everything. Anyone who didn't know better might have quietly wondered if they had accidentally time-traveled to July 2023, when the dress code was the...

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Chappell Roan Brown's Island Show write up by Ash Griffith_RVA Magazine 2024

From Band Life to Big Dreams: Wes Parker’s Solo Journey

The name Wes Parker had been appearing on my radar for many weeks, and he seemed like the new kid on the block to talk to. Parker in 2024 alone had released two new singles, the second one by the name “Annie Moore” with a video to accompany it, and then with another track not far behind, this guitar playing stranger seemed to be making a name for...

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Wes Parker Interview by Andrew Bonieskie_RVA Magazine 2024