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.
Meet this week's guest editor, Katie Kenyon! As Executive Director of Village Green RVA, Katie is dedicated to promoting food accessibility and providing comprehensive support for individuals and families in need. With her strategic approach, she has built partnerships across various sectors to ensure holistic community well-being.
Katie and her husband Danny have four children (ages 7 to 24) and have been foster parents through Richmond City Social Services. They are actively involved in the Greater Richmond area. When not working, you can find Katie enjoying a hazy IPA at Final Gravity or The Veil, exploring the local restaurant scene, or cheering on the Flying Squirrels.
Take it away, Katie...
Soul Vegan Block Party
This is a free event to introduce and promote a healthy and ethically conscious plant-based lifestyle in a positive environment to all people regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation with a focus on uplifting communities of color.
Vitals:
Soul Vegan Block Party / Saturday, September 7, 1:00 - 7:00 pm / free / Abner Clay Park,119 W. Leigh Street
Richmond Brunch Weekend
Richmond Brunch Weekend is back! The fun kicks off on Friday, September 6th from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at Final Gravity Brewing Co. with food trucks, live music, swag bags for the first 100 attendees, vendors, and more! A portion of beer sales will go to support the lifesaving work at the Richmond SPCA. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy brunch specials at one (or more) of the participating restaurants listed here, also benefitting the Richmond SPCA.
Vitals:
Richmond Brunch Weekend / Friday, September 6th - Sunday, September 8th / prices vary / restaurants listed here
Flying Squirrels - Last Home Game of the Season
The Flying Squirrels close out the 2024 season celebrating YOU, the fans! Gates open at 12:30 PM, with the first pitch at 1:35 PM, as the Flying Squirrels take on the Akron RubberDucks. Highlights include "Catch on the Field" from 12:45 PM to 1:05 PM for Squirrel Tails Kids Club members and their families (bring your own baseball or borrow one), and after the game, kids ages 14 and under can run the bases, presented by Richmond Family Magazine.
For centuries, the village green was the heart of community life, where families gathered and supported one another. Today, Village Green RVA carries on that tradition by bringing together compassionate organizations to serve families in the Richmond area.
Housed in a renovated church, we collaborate with over 50 community partners to provide food accessibility, support for foster/adoptive families, single parents, seniors, and more. As a Feeding America partner, we prepare over 2,000 meals a month and offer free community spaces like workstations, a kitchen, and a playground.
Join us for our Gala on September 14 at 6:00 pm to support our work. Purchase tickets here. For more information, visit www.villagegreenrva.org or on Instagram and Facebook at Village Green RVA.
Meet this week's guest editor, Kyle Epps! As a Richmond native, dedicated land steward, and passionate cultural advocate, Kyle M Epps brings a wealth of knowledge to their artistic practice. A proud graduate of VCU, they have remained a lifelong student of art, history, and science. Their impressive journey spans from published scholar to award-winning artist, with features in a range of publications. Now, married with children, Kyle seamlessly blends diverse interests to inspire and foster greater harmony amongst people and their surroundings.
Take it away, Kyle...
Peter and the Starcatcher at Firehouse Theatre
The hilarious Tony Award-winning play with music, Peter and the Starcatcher, serves as a prequel to the timeless tale of the “Boy Who Would Not Grow Up.” This whimsical adventure delves into themes of greed and despair, along with the unbreakable bonds of friendship, duty, and love, set against a backdrop of marauding pirates. With a cast of twelve actors bringing dozens of unforgettable characters to life, Peter and the Starcatcher dazzles with boundless imagination, whisking you away to a Neverland you never knew.
Explore, learn, and experience holistic health, wellness, and social change at the 21stHappily Natural Day Festival. The festival is dedicated to holistic health, cultural awareness and social change bringing communities together through arts and culture. Celebrate life with live performances, food, vendors, workshops and special guests. This year's festivities feature the globally recognized “Last Poets” and their new mural with a dedicated unveiling.
Vitals:
Happily Natural Day Festival / Saturday, August 31st, 12:00 - 10:00 pm / free / Fifth District Mini Farm, 2227 Wise Street
LGBTQ Richmond Bus Tour
Celebrate Richmond’s Endless Summer of Pride with a romp through the city’s LGBTQ+ scene past and present! Join The Valentine's Director Bill Martin and Beth Marschak, author of Lesbian and Gay Richmond, to explore the people, neighborhoods and events that shaped the gay, lesbian and queer community in Richmond over the decades.
*Limited Supply Remaining*
We're bringing back one of our most popular Grid shop items, an Old Fashioned glass that is anything but old fashioned! Our collaboration with artist Hamilton Glass continues, and features his signature #Whosham RVA logo laser-etched around these double rocks cocktail glasses. Hamilton, with his architectural background and passion for public art, has been prominently featured in Richmond Grid and Here Weekly. We’re thrilled to present this limited-edition product from Grid Supply Co. that highlights his distinctive style.
If cocktail glasses aren't your thing, Grid Supply Co. carries other locally made gifts and handmade items by some Richmond's favorite makers and artisans.
Artist Kyle M Epps is bringing a fresh wave of creativity to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with two new immersive experiences. The Blooms of Light AR exhibition transforms the garden into a digital wonderland, where vibrant music and interactive animations capture the essence of growth and transformation. Alongside this, visitors can embark on the Secret Garden Legacy Adventure, a geocaching experience that takes participants on a riddle-filled journey through the garden's historic landscapes. Both experiences offer unique ways to explore the garden, blending art, nature, and adventure.
Kyle will also be exhibiting new work in the BAAAR Group exhibition "Sweet to the Soul and Healing to the Bones," a visual arts show at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. This exhibition complements the "Blacks in Medicine - A Prescription for Change" installation highlighting the history and achievements of Black medical professionals who broke down barriers during segregation. Kyle's contributions continue to engage audiences with powerful narratives and innovative artistic expression. Show your support by visiting these exhibitions, purchasing works, and sharing your experience with others to help keep creativity thriving.
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