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GWAR Co-Founder Chuck Varga, aka Sexecutioner, Dies at 68

Chuck Varga, a founding member of GWAR and the artist and performer behind the band’s Sexecutioner passed away over the weekend following a battle with cancer. He was 68. Varga was part of GWAR from its earliest days, co-founding Slave Pit Studios in Richmond and...

This is Endling

The creative soul of Richmond has been flourishing for years. Within the past two, it’s made itself known through Endling, a creative collective of underground hip-hop artists who have one goal: to prevent the underground from dying. From originating in house shows to...

Photos | Jack White & LCD Soundsystem Headline Iron Blossom 2026

Last weekend lived up to the hype. Luckily, the weather held out, and Iron Blossom 2026 turned into a damn good weekend of music. Now in its fourth year, the festival has settled into being a Richmond staple and this year didn’t disappoint with a lineup that...

He Produced Dolly Parton. But That’s Only Part of the Story.

Richmond-raised producer Steve Buckingham has spent more than five decades working with some of music’s biggest names. He talked with us about Dolly, Dionne, Sinéad, Clive Davis, Chet Atkins, James Brown, the record business and a life in music. Are you a legend if...

Iron Blossom is Part of a Bigger Richmond Music Story

Ahead of Iron Blossom, we talked with veteran promoter Ken Macdonald about the city’s changing live music ecosystem, from clubs to festivals and the Allianz Amphitheater. Richmond has always been a music town, but going back decades there were gaps in the local scene....

A First Look at the New Brown’s Island

Brown's Island has been closed since November 2025 for a $30 million improvement project, the largest renovation of the six-acre island in decades. It will temporarily reopen for the Richmond Folk Festival, October 9 - 11th, giving Richmonders their first chance to...

Sound Check! Balaclava, Divide And Dissolve & Flipturn

It is always exciting to see bands you have heard of, maybe come to love, drop into town. This week we have bands like Colony House who I heard in my adolescence, Balaclava who is currently in my rotation, and Divide and Dissolve who I am new to and eagerly await. Anyway, let’s get at it. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to...

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SOUND CHECK! Miramar, Wayne Graham, MDC & Horsehead

Once more, bridge the gap, dear Richmonders, or close up the gap with our Monroe Park rats… But when the blasts of indie rock blow in our ears, then imitate the beaver and fill the river stage. - Griffin Shakespeare Smalley. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at griffin@rvamag.com....

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SOUND CHECK! M.D.C. , Miramar w Richmond symphony, Wayne Graham, Horsehead

SOUND CHECK! Mexican Slum Rats, Swag Fest, & Tim Cappello

Richmond is feeling like a garage this week. It’s young and clean tuff but not mean. Lean in to it, let loose, get hip, don’t be obtuse.  Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at Griffin@rvamag.com. The Camel | Tuesday, October 1st 2024 Mexican Slum Rats, Winona Forever, Israel’s Arcade...

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Photos | Iron Blossom Festival 2024 by Aspen DeRosa

After its successful launch last year, the Iron Blossom Festival returned this year to The Bon Secours Training Center in Richmond, VA, bringing together an impressive lineup of musical talent while being blessed with fantastic end of summer weather. Thousands packed the festival and spilled out into the streets to catch headliners CAAMP, Mt....

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Prabir Trio Merges Eastern Vibes with Western Rock in ‘Rishikesh’

Prabir Trio, an India-inspired rock and roll band led by the talented Prabir Mehta, has just released their latest video and song, "Rishikesh." Directed by long-time RVA Magazine contributor Todd Raviotta, the track is from their upcoming album LONG AFTER THE EMPIRE, set to debut at an album release show on September 26th at The Camel. Flyer for...

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Sound Check! The Lemonheads, Goth Babe & Shagwüf

This was an overwhelming week of Sound Check as there is just so much amazing music in Richmond this week. Picking which shows to cover was like picking which hand to eat soup with. The weather is beautiful, shows are plentiful, life is good and I want to get out there. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am...

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