We're thrilled to welcome Douglas Powell, artistically known as Roscoe Burnemsour, as our guest editor for our 200th volume of Here Weekly. As a celebrated spoken-word artist, poetry slam champion, and Richmond's inaugural poet laureate, his work blends humor with thought-provoking poetry, providing a refreshing and captivating narrative. Roscoe's storytelling prowess is as compelling as it is compassionate, advocating for important issues such as mental health awareness, equitable treatment, and engendering compassionate fatherhood in communities of color.
His thought-provoking collections of poetry, including God, Love, Death and Other Synonyms, Chrysalis Under Fire, and defyne, showcase his talents and passions. You can also catch him on Amazon Prime in his groundbreaking film "Traumedy," a unique blend of poetry and stand-up comedy. Today, Roscoe is here to provide suggestions for how to kick off the new year right.
Take it away, Roscoe...
defyne Book Signing
with Roscoe Burnems
Join me at Resist Booksellers tonight (Thursday, January 4th) where I'll be reading excerpts, leading discussion and Q&A, and signing copies of my newest book, defyne – a collection of compelling, vulnerable poetry and writing prompts. The evening promises to be thought-provoking as my work tackles challenging subjects and redefines how we maneuver trauma in the human experience. The event runs from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. See you there!
Vitals:
defyne Book Signing/ Thursday, January 4 at 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM / Resist Booksellers: 233 North Sycamore Street, Petersburg
RVA First Fridays
First Fridays is a showcase of the best artists and artisans in RVA. The Richmond Arts Districtopens its doors to the public to explore beautiful works of art, live entertainment, and more. Visit the galleries, shops, and restaurants for events and specials like gallery openings, live music and comedy, sidewalk sales, pop-ups, happy hour specials and more! Celebrate creativity and community at First Fridays in the Richmond Arts District.
Megan Wilson and her team at Sweet Talk Strategy are hosting their third all-day marketing conference designed for small businesses, nonprofits, and marketing professionals. From email marketing, to recession-proofing your social media, they're covering it all in this affordable and efficient workshop format.
Use code HERE for 15% off any workshop, half-day, or full-day pass.
The Writer's Den Poetry Slam is the biggest spoken-word competition in Virginia. Poets from RVA and beyond present theatrical recitations of original ranging in a myriad of topics. It's the longest running spoken-word event in Richmond, VA, and this is the FINAL qualifier! I'll be there, and hope you will too.
Vitals:
The Writer's Den Poetry Slam / Sunday, January 7, 7:00 PM doors, 8:00 PM show / Addis Ethiopian Restaurant: 9 N. 17th St, Richmond
Douglas Powell/ Roscoe Burnems - "Children of the Drum"
More About Roscoe.
Two names. Many talents. One amazing experience! We couldn't be more honored to have Richmond native Douglas Powell, artistically known as Roscoe Burnems, serve as the guest editor of the 200th issue of Here Weekly. Roscoe is a spoken-word artist, poetry slam champion, comedian, published author, educator, father, and Richmond’s inaugural poet laureate. Start your year off with poetry and watch Roscoe perform "Children of the Drum" here. And make sure to connect with Roscoe on social media @roscoeburnems and visit his website at roscoeburnems.com.
This week's guest editor is Will Melton, the founder and CEO of RVA marketing agency Xponent21 and visionary behind Richmond Water. With a true entrepreneurial spirit, Will kicked off his career in 2004, selling and servicing computers in Williamsburg, VA. In 2012, he launched his first marketing agency, later relocating to Connecticut before founding Xponent21 in 2015.
Specializing in sustainable businesses, Will and his team integrate insights, strategy, impactful messaging, and digital marketing tools to help clients succeed in the Information Age. Committed to "courageous creativity," they initiate projects like America’s Healthiest City, a grassroots effort to make RVA the healthiest U.S. region by 2033, and Richmond Water, a sustainable brand meeting local demand for eco-friendly goods.
Inspired by a ChamberRVA visit to Washington D.C., Will formed AI Ready RVA, a group preparing the community and its workforce for the future. Advocating for positive impact, Will focuses on Richmond as a model for change, aiming to inspire other communities to follow suit.
Take it away, Will ...
Chandler Matkins’ A Cold Richmond’s Night
I happened to scroll upon Chandler Matkins’ hit single Figure It Out (now exceeding 3,000,000 plays on Spotify) when I was building Richmond Water’s Instagram page. We reached out and he attended the Richmond Water launch party as one of our celebrity guests. He has been a supporter ever since. Chandler’s making-it story has twists and turns and the pandemic was likely a contributor to his rapid rise to fame. I’ll be at his show at The Camel on December 22 and hope others can come out and celebrate this local star.
Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Recently rated the top botanical garden in the United States for holiday lights by USA Today, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, run by my friend Brian Trader, is keeping its celebrated holiday light show open through January 7. With a mountain of regret for not making it to Lewis Ginter for Incanto before the exhibit closed, I won’t be going through this holiday break without paying a visit to the Gardens to see this one-million-plus light display.
I’ve always wanted to go to Burning Man, but after this year’s event was mired by unexpected torrential downpours, I am not sure I will ever have that urge again. If you have similar feelings, you might consider checking out Decemberween, an eclectic and festive celebration to ring in the new year at Diversity Richmond. The party, hosted by the Party Liberation Foundation, is a favorite for my wife Courtney and me as it coincides with the anniversary of our meeting and becoming engaged. We’ve invited friends to purchase tickets, take a look at photos from past events, and plan their outfits because it’ll be a night to remember.
Some of you have been following my journey to launch a sustainable water brand that weans Richmonders off of single-use plastic water bottles. My team and I introduced Richmond Water earlier this year with an official launch taking place this summer. Since then, we’ve brought our refillable water bottle into a dozen new retail locations and it continues to be a favorite gift for corporate events and visitors to our region.
As we set our sights on 2024, expect to see Richmond Water in more stores across the region and look out for our free refill stations soon to be at RVA’s most notorious events and, with some ambition, at stationary locations around the region. Fans and customers can also expect a new look in 2024 as we transition to our second featured artist, Matt Lively, but only after we move through our initial 25,000-bottle inventory.
After 18 years in business, one day this year I woke up and realized I should be focused on becoming a better artist, not a better business person.
I dropped out of VCU after a semester in 2003 with zero college credits. This year, I was honored to be a panelist at the VCU International Business Forum.
Our guest editor this week is Rana Hamadani, the owner and founder of Sage & Vine Aesthetics, a Medspa and Lash Lounge. Rana has been a Richmond resident for 17 years, and has a passion for mentoring and elevating women in her field. She grew up in Los Angeles, went to college in San Diego, moved to Richmond for a relationship, and never left! She loves Richmond's perfect blend of big city and small town living. Plus, with the mountains, beach, and DC all just a couple hours away, there's always something new to do.
This year, Rana transformed her beauty business from “Lash Out Beauty Bar” into an entirely new concept for the area – Sage & Vine, a one-stop-shop for beauty and skincare. Rana is also an expert aesthetician, ensuring that her growing staff offers the highest quality skincare and beauty services. In addition, her Lash Tech Certification courses reach women exploring a career in the rapidly growing industry every day. As this week's guest editor, Rana shares her top tips for holiday fun!
Take it away, Rana ...
The Nutcracker at Richmond Ballet
This ultimate holiday classic, The Nutcracker, is not to be missed! December marks the first revival of Artistic Director Stoner Winslett’s brand-new, much-loved production of The Nutcracker, with 17 breathtaking performances at the Carpenter Theatre. Whether you're a lifelong fan or experiencing The Nutcracker for the first time, there's something magical waiting for you.
Vitals:
The Nutcracker / through December 24th, times & prices vary / Carpenter Theatre, Dominion Energy Center for the Arts, 600 E Grace St.
Shop & Support Local
Looking for ideas to spark joy during this season? My family takes a trip right after the holidays to keep the magic alive, and to create an experience they’ll always remember. Many locally-owned spots offer experiences.
As we all search for those last minute holiday gifts, consider shopping local! In Richmond, we're surrounded by local makers and local business-owners to support. You'll discover fantastic gift ideas at For Posh Sake in Mechanicsville, offering a unique selection of boutique gifts, clothing, and jewelry, or check out Bonded, where you'll find customized bracelets with rave reviews. For those seeking relaxation and self-care, Proactive Massage and Body Works in Hanover and even our own Sage & Vine offers giftable self-care experiences, beauty bundles, memberships, and gift cards. Lastly, barReVA and BOHO Studios in the heart of Richmond are local, women-owned businesses that are changing the health and wellness game.
Each one of these establishments are worthy of your patronage!
Get Lucky!
If you're looking for some amazing local food spots, I've got you covered! Whenever I need to catch up with my girls, we head out to explore some of the best dinner spots in town.
A few of my favorites: Lucky AF: The sushi is absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere is so lively and fun. Yaya’s Cookbook: Again, I’m a sucker for sushi with personality and their cocktails are to die for! Charred in Mechanicsville: It's right next to our shop, and the food and drinks are always amazing. Plus, the owner is so helpful and accommodating -- he's even let me set up team meetings in his large space!
Hope you get to try out these spots and enjoy them as much as I do! The food scene in Richmond doesn't disappoint.
The Gift of Local Art for the Holidays
Discover the beauty of Richmond's hidden outdoor gems with True Places. Our experiential art initiative features local artists who have captured the essence of their true place in stunning prints. These unique destinations, off the beaten path, are brought to life in a series of fine art prints that inspire exploration and celebration of our community's most authentic outdoor spaces. Own a piece of art that honors these special places and showcase your love for adventure, or give True Places as a gift for the holidays! All True Places fine art prints featuring local artists are half off during the holidays at True Places and Richmond Grid's maker shop.
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