Meet Jennifer Arnold, this week's guest editor! Jennifer joined the Richmond Symphony as Director of Artistic Planning and Orchestral Operations in the fall of 2019 to further her work in increasing BIPOC representation on orchestral stages and promoting the symphony as a community resource all people can enjoy. She relocated to RVA from PDX (Portland, OR) after 15 seasons performing as a violist in the Oregon Symphony. As a transplant to Richmond just prior to COVID, she hasn’t visited as many places as she would have liked, but is thrilled to be living in the Arts District, which has so much to offer in terms of walkability, public transportation, food, and entertainment. Here are Jennifer's tips to play where you stay.
Support Local
Coffee Shops
You can’t live in the pacific northwest without falling in love with coffee, so one of the first things I did upon my move to Richmond was find my local coffee spot. I start my mornings with a cup at Urban Hang Suite nested in the Arts District and Jackson Ward. The vibe is perfect if you like 90’s RnB (who doesn’t?), browse local art, and love coffee in all its forms. Plus, they have a fantastic wine collection, perfect for gifts or a virtual happy hour post-work. Looking for other local coffee shops, restaurants, and markets? Check out Venture Richmond's list and support our downtown business owners.
Walkability is important to me as I plan to live car-free for the remainder of my days. Every day on my walk to and from work I’m surrounded by the images of the incredible Mending Walls project. Last summer, I met Hamilton Glass in a virtual panel where I learned about the Mending Walls initiative, “to use public art as a tool to bring empathy and connect at a time when we need it the most.” Some days I stop, look, and use the time to reflect. Most days I just smile at the beautiful colors and faces as I start my day. It is truly a gift.
I’m a plant lady. I love to watch them grow. Nothing beats going to a place where you can learn about all different species of plants, enjoy the outdoors, and take a walk. A colleague introduced me to Lewis Ginter after a particularly busy replanning period as a way to walk away from work for a day and take in a new space in Richmond. It was just what I needed. Make sure to check out the garden's half-price admission days through Feb. 28, 2021. You can also enjoy virtual story time with educator Tarneshia Evans on Fridays at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live.
Founded in 1957, the Richmond Symphony performs, teaches, and champions music to inspire and unite our communities. Led by Music Director Valentina Peleggi, the Symphony incorporates classical, contemporary, and popular music, making symphonic music interesting and accessible to everyone. The League of American Orchestras recognized the Symphony as a leader of innovation in the orchestral field and awarded the Symphony the Catalyst Grant, to help implement effective practices to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion. In response to COVID-19, the Symphony now offers digital livestreamed or on-demand concerts and launched an online music school for learners of all ages. PERK OFFER: Here readers can use code “here2020” for a 20% discount to any livestream concert from the Spring Masterworks series.
