Meet this week's guest editor, Jesse Smith! When it comes to art and Richmond, Jesse is often found at the center of the conversation. From his beginnings at VCU as an art student to leading the36th Annual Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention, he’s been an advocate for creatives in the River City and across the globe. In Carytown, his tattoo studio, Loose Screw Tattoo, is home to 12 diverse tattoo artists and host to a rotating list of international celebrity artists. From his iconic mural outside of Taboo to one of his freshest pieces in Carytown in partnership with All City Art Club, his murals are part of the city’s colorful character. Jesse is also an international mural artist, appeared on seasons two and seven of Ink Master. Jesse has a formidable following, two decades of tattoo industry expertise, and is a relentless innovator in the art world.
Take it away, Jesse ...
Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention
You can find me at the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention October 18-20. The 3-day event brings together world renowned artists from a variety of disciplines for a weekend of connection, creation, and community. Family-friendly fun is infused with Live Art for Charity, interactive comedy shows, Ink Master celebrity experiences, local food, after parties, and more.
My family loves Maymont’s Garden Glow. The annual creative adventure runs from October 16 to November 10, with new light sculptures along the expanded Kinsale Glow Path and the Japanese Garden! It’s a great chance to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.
The Live Art for Charity event during the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention features 15 global artists! Supply RVA will provide materials and set up 3-by-3-foot canvases on Friday for the artists to begin mapping out their masterpieces.
By Sunday, each canvas will be filled with a truly one-of-a-kind piece that event attendees can bid on to support Hope vs. Cancer. The nonprofit marries art with mission in its pursuit to spread awareness of childhood cancer, raise funds for research and clinical trials, and most importantly, lift children’s spirits as they are undergoing treatment. The paintings will be available for auction online after the convention ends on Sunday, October 20.
Through a stroke of luck and RVA charm, Jesse and Carbon Leaf's bassist Jon Markel have become close friends and collaborators. In fact, the tattoos adorning Jon's arms were all created by Jesse!
Carbon Leaf, the Virginia-based indie-rock band known for their fusion of folk and rock, just released its first full-length album in a decade, “Time Is The Playground.” Jon recently enlisted Jesse to design a custom pickguard for his new Lakeland bass, which he’s taking on tour to promote the new album.
Meet this week's guest editor, Shep Roeper! As the co-founder of Beyond Boundaries, Shep believes adventure is for everyone. His Richmond-based nonprofit is on a mission to empower individuals with disabilities, veterans, underserved youth, and those in recovery through adaptive outdoor adventures. Be it rafting along the mighty James or climbing the Manchester Wall, Shep does everything he can to make sure everyone in the River City has an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.
When he’s not leading his nonprofit, Shep enjoys spending time with his family. Together, they love paddle-boarding on the James River, creating art, and fishing in local parks.
Take it away, Shep ...
Autumn Garden Walk at Agecroft Hall & Gardens
Being outdoors is something that my family loves to do together, and Agecroft Hall & Gardens is a beautiful place to explore. This walking tour will reveal the history of the formal Renaissance gardens, weaving tales from the days of King Henry VIII's gardening obsession with stories of historic harvest festivals, and the "Virginia Garden" design from the 20th century. Each piece of history adds a layer to the garden's charm.
Who's ready for Halloween? I know we are! We have our skeletons out and orange lights on as long as we can get away with it! What better way to get in the spirit of Halloween than a ghost tour? Throughout October, check out the Haunts of Richmond Ghosts tours and hear all about the best known ghost stories, haunted experiences, and spots that our old city has!
The Bonfire Gala is a special evening of revelry and fundraising around the bonfire at the beautiful Dundee Preserve. Spend the evening with Beyond Boundaries as we come together and enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, auction items, and hear from participants about how Beyond Boundaries has impacted and benefited their lives! This event takes place outside, under the stars, (and a tent with bistro lights) and the dress code is 'fancy bonfire' - "imagine if a cocktail party married a bonfire!"
Vitals:
The Bonfire Gala/ Friday, October 18, 6:00 pm / tickets, $100 pp (enter code HEREXBB for $10 off) / Dundee Preserve, 7301 River Road, Hanover, VA
More about Beyond Boundaries...
Beyond Boundaries is excited to keep growing our impact! We started 9 years ago running 2 rafting trips and working with 15 people. This year we will facilitate over 300 trips and work with 2,500 people! New programs are on the horizon and we are always looking for volunteers.
So stay tuned, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and join us at the Bonfire Gala to support our mission and learn more.
Use code HEREXBB for $10 off per ticket for Here.Weekly subscribers!
Meet this week's guest editor, Landon Elliott, a singer-songwriter and indie pop artist on a journey to becoming his truest self. As a late-blooming gay man, Landon's music offers a reflective exploration of his past and present, inviting listeners to find solidarity and courage for the future.
Forged within the eclectic music scene of Richmond, Virginia, his sound effortlessly merges the expansive tones of arena rock guitars and synthesizers with the intimate storytelling of folk songwriting.
Originally from the Outer Banks, Landon is also an avid runner, currently training for the Richmond Marathon in November. If you're in the city, you just might spot him hitting the pavement. And if you're wondering about his love language? It's Mexican food.
Take it away, Landon!
VA Pridefest 2024
Join me at one of Virginia’s biggest LGBTQ celebrations, VA Pridefest! Enjoy live performances, 120+ vendors, great food, drinks, and more. Come out for a fun-filled day of music and support the LGBTQ community — my band performs at 2:15 pm!
Vitals:
VA Pridefest / Saturday, September 14, 12:00 - 8:00 pm / free / Bon Secours Training Center, 2401 West Leigh Street
Shagwüf Staff Picks w/ TRAPCRY and Oh Devil! at The Camel
Looking for a way to beat the "Sunday scaries" this weekend? Catching Shagwüf at The Camel sounds pretty perfect! They're a fierce, uncompromising trio with roots in both Virginia and Argentina, blending Latin beats, '60s power pop, gutter-glam, and fuzzed-out psychedelia into pure ear candy. Shagwüf is all about pushing for a more inclusive, intersectional future, and I’m excited to experience their energy live alongside RVA pride and joy, 'TRAPCRY' and my new local obsession, 'Oh Devil!'
Looking forward to hearing Black Pumas at Maymont! This Grammy-nominated duo from Austin is known for their electrifying live shows and their unique blend of psychedelic soul. With their powerful chemistry and diverse backgrounds — Eric Burton, a self-taught musician, and Adrian Quesada, a Grammy-winning producer — they’ve skyrocketed to fame, even performing at the Grammys and President Biden’s inauguration. I can't wait to hear their new album Chronicles of a Diamond live!
Vitals:
Black Pumas at Maymont / Monday, September 16th, 5:30 pm, doors 6:00 pm show / $49.50 - $75 / Maymont, 1710 Hampton Street
More from Landon...
I’m ecstatic to be self-releasing my sophomore album ‘aftermath’ on November 1st, 2024. This collection of music is so dear to me and I’m so excited for it to be out in the world and into people’s ears. In tandem, I’ll be performing my album release show on November 9th at the Broadberry alongside Wilson Springs Hotel with Deau Eyes opening the evening. Should be an incredible evening of celebrating Richmond’s music scene and an exciting kick off to this new musical season.
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