Meet this week's guest editor, Justin Black aka Saw Black! Justin is a recording artist and filmmaker based in the River City. He's best known for his indie-folk records released via WarHen Records and his debut film Headwaters Down, an eco-adventure film he co-directed with Dietrich Teschner and Will Gemma. The winner of the 2022 VA Environmental Film Contest, Headwaters Down will be playing at The Byrd Theatre as part of the 2022 Richmond International Film Festival on June 8th. Justin scored the film and operated one of the cameras on the crew’s 13-day, 250-mile paddle from the headwaters of the James to Richmond last May.
Take it away, Justin ...
RVA
Paddlesports
Hey y’all, I’m stoked to share some of my favorite things in my beloved hometown! To get started, let’s go whitewater rafting on the lower James! Book me as your guide through RVA Paddlesports and let’s get splashy! Patrick Griffin started RVA Paddlesports with just a couple of kayaks stored in his Richmond apartment way back in 2014. Now he and his rapid munching, hole punching whitewater certified team run trips through the River City on a colorful rainbow fleet (be it raft, kayak, paddleboard or canoe). Need some gear before you hit the river? Stop by Trail Hut for everything you need for your trip down the river, your next camping trip or for a hike on the Buttermilk Trail. Tell em’ Headwaters Down sent you!
After your day on the river, it's time to eat! Where to go is tough… but if you haven’t stuffed your face with a Cobra Burger then you're missing out on the best smash burger this side of the moon. The founders of Cobra Burger got their start back in 2017 when they hosted their first tasty, backyard pop up in Jackson Ward. Today, the crew cranks out a variety of legendary burgers with a side of Richmond attitude that is unmatched. And don't forget a local beer to pair with your burg. But where to start? There are so many solid breweries in Richmond these days, but The Veil never disappoints. I also love the fact that my taste buds have to figure out whether it’s cotton candy I’m tasting or weed – the hop ingenuity is A++.
Once you've filled your belly and your heart, consider giving a little something back to the James River Association. Since 1976, this local nonprofit has put in the good work for all of us in RIchmond! JRA has been instrumental in restoring our river and making it a safe place to swim, fish and relax on a sunny day. The JRA knows that if you help change the James, the James will change you. To make that possible, JRA invites Richmonders to become a "James Changer" by joining a network of passionate river lovers across the Watershed, from the Alleghany Highlands to the Chesapeake Bay. Donate or simply record your James River Changing Action! And give them a follow on Instagram where you can win tickets to see Headwaters Down at the Richmond International Film Festival by sharing your own story about how the James has impacted your life.
Join us at The Byrd to watch Headwaters Down together (get tickets here), help the team make our next film (with perks like a free t-shirt, your name in the credits, and a guided fishing trip), or go for a walk with us by the river to talk about making you a part of the Headwaters Down crew. CHEERS PARTY PEOPLE!
