Meet this week's guest editor, Luke Rabin! In short, Luke is the co-founder of BLDR, helping cofound tech startups and build digital products, as well as the creator of the Idea Factory, an idea-stage accelerator program at Startup Virginia. He also helped create SCEEN, a financial support community for local live musicians and plays drums for Bright Arc and The Jake Sawyer Band. Most importantly, he does princess and unicorn stuff with the most amazing 5 year old little girl. And this week, we're lucky enough to have Luke make his personal recommendations for upcoming events and other ways to explore and celebrate this place we love to call home.
Take it away, Luke...
Palmyra w/ Dogwood Tales
at The Camel
The first time I saw Palmyra was a complete accident. I was on my way to see a metal show at The National, but when I found out we missed Darkest Hour, my friend called an audible. We headed to The Camel to see “Palmyra and Friends” which turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time – amazing showcase of so many great local folk, country, and bluegrass artists. Get there early for happy hour and snag a killer standing spot for the first set from Dogwood Tales!
Orbital Music Park is one of the coolest things happening in the city in my opinion, and while their physical space is in transition, they host a series of awesome events at Révéler in Carytown. If you haven't checked it out yet, OMP is an inclusive community and creative space for music-makers. Every Wednesday night, OMP co-founder Tom Illmensee hosts Funk + Soul Party and Date Night. The Funk + Soul party is no traditional open mic – players of all levels play a game called funk roulette. Musicians take their cues from a randomized playlist of funk classics and deep cuts, and the OMP team curates ensembles as the night unfolds. That means the bands are different every song and every week! Come ready to dance, play, and have a great time.
This is the first in our series of launch shows for SCEEN featuring some of the founding artists. You can’t beat an intimate house show with amazing folk music and a summer cookout so this will be one not to miss. All you have to do is become a SCEEN supporter for $10/month and you’ll get to come to this show and all the rest of our upcoming shows supporting local musicians.
Vitals:
Folk SCEEN: The Jake Sawyer Band + Juniper Tree / Address provided upon ticket purchase / Richmond, VA / Saturday, June 24, Doors at 6:00 PM, Music at 7:00 PM
More About Luke and SCEEN
SCEEN is a financial support community for local live music, born out of years of working on different ways to help artists actually make a living rather than have a really expensive hobby.
The big issue is that money has been bleeding out of the music industry for decades. Instead of trying to charge more for things that are already basically free, Luke created a way for local communities to put money in the pockets of artists – because music is an important part of all of our lives.
Impact starts when the local community joins as supporters for $10/month. This fills a pot where 80% is paid out to artists based on how much they play and to how many supporters. Luke and the SCEEN team aim to change the lives of musicians everywhere, so they're starting in our hometown...we hope you join them!
Meet this week's guest editor, Mike King! He's the voice, face, and CEO behind MIKEKINGBIZ, a social enterprise media company increasing brand awareness and revenue for purpose-driven individuals and organizations. You also likely know Mike from On the MIC with MIKE RVA, a daily business show on ESPN 106.1 FM. To the surprise of many, Mike describes himself as a true introvert and he credits his wife Donna for helping him become the recognizable voice for small business owners that he is today. Together, the duo are known for always paying it forward and they can regularly be found around town making a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether its live on the air as part of his radio show or quietly behind the scenes, Mike is an unwavering force supporting many of our region's most impactful missions, campaigns, and causes. And this week, we're lucky enough to have Mike make his personal recommendations for upcoming events and other ways to explore and celebrate this place we love to call home.
Take it away, Mike...
Junior Achievement
at Sloop John B
The mission of Junior Achievement (JA) is near and dear to my heart – to inspire and prepare young people for success! Tonight, JA will host a celebration of the end of an amazing school year at the Junior Achievement Giveback Night at Sloop John B Island Style Taco Bar in Regency Square. Enjoy a delicious meal anytime between 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM and 10% of your food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases will be donated to JA. I hope to see you there!
Also happening tonight, I'll be hanging out at Westchester Commons as their Concert Series jumps "across the pond” with a performance from The English Channel! Hailed as the Best Tribute Band of 2023 via The Rammies, The English Channel plays favorite British hits of the 1960s and 1970s like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Moody Blues, Yes, The Kinks, Queen, and many, many others. The concert will be held outdoors from 5:30 - 8:30 PM at the Westchester Concert Field. Best of all, it's free to attend and refreshments are available for purchase from Sedona Taphouse and Napa Kitchen & Wine. Proceeds from sales will benefit Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia!
Vitals:
The English Channel LIVE / Westchester Commons / 15786 WC Main Street, Midlothian, VA / Thursday, June 15, 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Chesterfield Chamber
Annual Golf Classic
The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce's Golf Classic aligns with what I do every day; it offers a great opportunity to network, have fun, and enjoy a beautiful day outside with colleagues and clients. During this popular Chesterfield tournament, players vie for fun and prizes while making new business connections! Golfers enjoy a round of golf, contests, and a reception. The Tournament is a Captain's Choice format with individual players encouraged to sign up to then be added to teams.
At MIKEKINGBIZ, the foundational core belief is that Businesses Can Help Society Be Better. And it's the only business media organization operating daily using the power of TV and Radio. Mike can be heard on ESPN Richmond Radio 106.1 FM between 5:00 - 7:00 AM Monday - Friday, International Business Growth Radio 10:00 - 11:00 AM Saturday, and CW Richmond TV Wednesday & Friday between 5:00 - 5:30 AM. Mike's venture is BBB Accredited and the recipient of this year's Chesterfield Small Business of The Year Award. In 2022, Mike donated 24,000 minutes of free airtime to non-profits and businesses to share their message. Reach out to Mike to be featured On the Mic with Mike!
Meet this week's guest editor, Tre. Charles. Tre. is an alternative/indie soul artist who dives into the depths of his soul and invites you into his world with an expressive blend of warm and soulful undertones, profound and powerful lyrics, and emotive crooning. Growing up along the East Coast, moving from city to city, Tre. has been exposed to a myriad of different cultures. Through these experiences he has cultivated a sound of his own, paying homage to his nomadic upbringing. With hints of avant-garde R&B, modern/indie rock, and ambient soul, Charles’ honest and thought-provoking music has the ability to make every performance feel like a transformative experience. This week, Tre. is serving up his top picks for not-to-be-missed community events in Richmond!
Take it away, Tre...
Live
& Let Live
The Live & Let Live Fest brings mental health, growth, unity, and acceptance to the forefront. The Fest incorporates speakers, resources, vendors, and live music with a one-of-a-kind line-up, including two stages for musical performances! Best of all, the event is free and open to the public. Throughout the day, Feel Good RVA will be accepting donations in support of mental health services including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Vitals:
Tang & Biscuit / 3406 West Moore Street / Saturday, June 10, 3:00 - 10:00 pm
Richmond
Night Market
In the heart of the arts and culture scene of Richmond, this monthly open-air night market has something for everyone. The Richmond Night Market is held every second Saturday of summer at the historic 17th Street Market and features 40+ local vendors. The event also offers a live DJ, live band, makerspace, kids corner, and other creative experiences throughout the evening.
Vitals:
Richmond Night Market / 17th Street Market - 100 N 17th St. / Saturday, June 10, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Rooftop DJ:
Matthew E. White
Common House Richmond is welcoming back singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, Matthew E. White for an evening rooftop DJ set. White, a founder and co-owner of indie RVA-based record label, Spacebomb, has collaborated with touring acts including Justin Vernon, Hiss Golden Messenger, Sharon Van Etten, and eventually...me (when he gets around to it)! Matthew will be playing a mix of relaxed, unhurried, poolside grooves...think, palm trees in the Philippines and fresh fruit in your cocktail. Vibe out with this personally curated mix of music to make you want to move, but not so much you’ll spill your poolside libations!
Tre's newest project Currently. highlights the nuances of Tre. Charles as an artist through a lens of vulnerability. Aiming to bring honesty and insight to the forefront of the conversation, which hopefully will inspire and sustain growth. This EP dives into the realms of self awareness via insecurity, mental health, masculinity, and introspection all to the soundscape of lush alternative/indie instrumentation preformed with soulful and intentional vocals.
“A lot of times as people we don’t give each other the room to be vulnerable and it’s seen as 'not cool' which pushes the negative narratives and reinforces old tropes that are not conducive to growth in our society. At times in order to move forward, we need to let go.” — Tre. Charles
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