Meet this week's guest editor, Kayen Wilborn! As a Family Partner at The Faison Center for Autism, he offers compassionate support, advocating for his clients' independence and well-being. Alongside his care work, Kayen is an accomplished musician with 12 years as a professional DJ and eight years as the singer, trumpeter, and bandleader of Weekend Plans, known for its blend of Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, and R&B. He has shared the stage with many national and international touring acts like Ledisi and Trombone Shorty. Kayen’s studies in Music Performance and Social Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University enhance his artistic and empathetic approach to life. Passionate about art in all forms, Kayen also enjoys cooking and is known for his flavorful BBQ and vegan dishes. As a professional DJ (DJ Lēto), he has extensive experience with various events and is always ready to provide a memorable musical experience.
Take it away, Kayen...
Vibes at Sunset
Take a little time to enrich yourself on this pre-Friday evening! The amazing curators of Electric Sun Society will be leading yoga and meditation sessions, there will be food vendors, merch vendors, and two guest DJs, one of which is my guy J. Kirven, who will be spinning under the blissful rays as the sun sets. Bring your blanket, your yoga mat, even a furry friend or two!
Vitals:
Vibes at Sunset / Friday, August 15th, 5:00 - 9:00 pm / Free / Libby Hill Park, 6801 E. Franklin Street
Pay Rent Brass Band at Get Tight Lounge
If you want to get sonically hit in the face with some of your favorite pop, hip-hop, rock, and even video game songs, Pay Rent Brass Band has you covered. These dudes don't play around. With their intricate arrangements and bombastic presence, they bring the heat to whatever room they're in. Grab a friend, grab a drink at the bar, dance the night away, and sing your heart out!
Weekend Plans, North by North, Beefcake & Flatspot at The Camel
Now what kind of self-respecting bandleader would I be if I did not take every opportunity to shamelessly promote my band? Yes, my band Weekend Plans is performing at The Camel with some friends! Beefcake and Flatspot are some of our local buddies, and North by North is traveling from Chicago to throw down with us! It's going to be a great time with some rockin', funkin', groovin' music to boot! We can't wait to hang with you on Hump Day!
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.
My best friend Jordan and I, seen here in the photo of us apparently attempting to smile like horses, are working on new music for our band, Weekend Plans (he is the co-founder, lead songwriter, and bassist). Additionally, though not pictured, my other best friend Justin (keyboard player and also co-founder) and I are working hard behind the scenes to put together a string of shows in the coming months (some might call it a "tour"), so stay tuned!
Lastly, I am just grateful to be alive, to interact with family and friends, and to hopefully learn some lessons and make new friends along the way. So many goals, aspirations, and dreams...I'm lucky to be alive to pursue them with all of my might. A comedian once said, "In your life, in any given moment, the strongest dream of that moment, WINS that moment." I think I am a very powerful dreamer, and I try to bring my dreams closer to fruition every day.
Meet this week's guest editor, Elaine Digges! Elaine is a small business hype woman and the creator behind @miss_elaine_neous, who has called Richmond home for nearly a decade. Believing that "making friends shouldn't be that hard," she founded a new weekly social group called Let's Hang (@letshangrva).
After experiencing firsthand the benefits of community connection, Elaine decided to pivot and help others find that same sense of belonging in Richmond. Following two years of exploring the city, she realized it was time to create a social group for like-minded Richmond enthusiasts and those looking to make new friends. Elaine believes there's a real synergy in wanting to explore Richmond and build friendships simultaneously. That’s why she’s excited to introduce Let's Hang, a new weekly social group designed to bring people together and foster connections.
Take it away, Elaine ...
Community Walk at Maymont
Join us for a community walk at Maymont! Please arrive 10 minutes early—look for the green signs held by the Let's Hang team at the 1700 Hampton Street entrance. Give yourself extra time to find parking. We'll walk together along the paved path around the park, and hydration will be provided.
Vitals:
Community Walk at Maymont / Wednesday, August 14th, 6:00 - 7:00 pm / Free / 1700 Hampton Street.
Wine Tasting at Barrel Thief
Who doesn’t love a local, educational wine tasting? Join us at Barrel Thief for a private wine tasting featuring four 2oz pours and light snacks—all for just $10! Don’t miss the chance to make new friends and savor some great wine. RSVP information will be released Aug 10th.
Vitals:
Wine Tasting at Barrel Thief / Wednesday, August 21st, 6:00 - 7:00 pm / $10 / 5805 Patterson Avenue.
Richmond Social Hour at The Workshop by T&D
To celebrate our first full month of connecting Richmonders and supporting local businesses, we're hosting a BIG (21+) social hour at The Workshop by T&D in Scott's Addition! Enjoy local drinks and desserts from The Veil, Buskey, and Jiji's Frozen Custard. Everyone is welcome to join and meet new people in the city. Please note that parking is limited, so we recommend ridesharing, walking, or carpooling.
Vitals:
Richmond Social Hour at The Workshop by T&D/ Thursday, August 29th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm / Not ticketed / 1400 Mactavish Avenue.
More from Elaine.
Richmond’s interest groups, niche communities, and events can sometimes be hard to find. Explore the city and make new friends with Let's Hang! This group is open to everyone and will evolve as it grows.
The best way to get involved is through Discord or by following @letshangrva on Instagram. Enjoy a variety of events, from happy hours to specialty gatherings, all while keeping costs low. Need a +1 for an event? Looking for a buddy for the farmers market? Discord offers a public chat with sub-channels where you can create your own meetups and build community at your own pace. Whether you prefer organized weekly events or connecting through activities that interest you, Let’s Hang is your opportunity to meet fellow Richmonders.
Meet this week's guest editor, Hamilton Glass! Originally from Philadelphia, Hamilton was inspired by the city's murals and street art, as well as the fine art at the Corcoran Gallery. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Hampton University.
Hamilton worked in architecture for seven years at Thomas Hamilton and Associates and Baskerville before transitioning to public art in 2012. Since creating his first mural in Richmond in 2011, he has completed over 300 murals, including many found on the walls throughout Richmond Public Schools.
Hamilton has won numerous awards for his public art and community engagement. His designs, influenced by his architectural background, feature precise lines, scale, and balance, while bright colors and dynamic shapes convey energy and movement. Hamilton loves creating multi-layered projects that amplify diverse voices.
Outside of art, Hamilton is a seafood enthusiast and enjoys cycling on the Capitol Trail, a passion that began during the pandemic.
Take it away, Hamilton ...
804 Day in Shockoe Bottom
Don't miss the return of 804 Day in Shockoe Bottom on Friday, August 2nd, from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the vibrant 17th Street Market! Curated by Shockoe Records, this annual event features a lineup of local performers across multiple stages, an array of vendors, food options, and dedicated non-profits. Celebrate the unique creativity that defines the 804 / Richmond / RVA community.
Vitals:
804 Day in Shockoe Bottom / Friday, August 2nd, 4:00 - 9:00 pm / Free / 17th Street Market, 100 N 17th Street
Heart & Soul Festival
On Sunday, August 4th, join me at the inaugural Heart and Soul Festival, hosted by Richmond Black Restaurant Experience and UnlockingRVA, at Hardywood West Creek. This event will feature many community partners, including Massanutten Four Season Resort, Richmond Kickers, Ivy Soccer Club, NASCAR/Richmond Raceway, VMFA, Studio Two Three, and The Well Collective.
During the Festival, don't miss the Black History Museum's traveling exhibit, “Virginia is for Music Lovers,” celebrating Virginia's Black Excellence in Music. This exhibit highlights the collaborative spirit between Virginia musicians and visual artists, showcasing the talents of DJs ALLNATUREL, DJ Adapt, DJ Ron P, Hip-Hop Henry, J. Fruncis, and Mike Street. You'll also admire the powerful art created by Unicia R. Buster, Nadd Harvin, Jowarnise, David Marion, Ron Stokes, and Chris Visions. Come experience the sense of community that makes Richmond so special.
Vitals:
Heart & Soul Festival / Sunday, August 4th, 12:00 - 7:00 pm / free GA, $50 VIP / Hardywood Park Craft Brewery - West Creek, 820 Sanctuary Trail Drive
Kyle Epps Residency at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
In celebration of its Flourish 40th anniversary, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (LGBG) has commissioned contemporary American multi-disciplinary artist Kyle Epps as its artist-in-residence from April to September 30, 2024. Epps' work will delve into the garden’s landscape and history through various media. During the residency, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet and engage with Epps, experiencing the Garden through the artist's perspective.
Over the past few years, my wife Taekia Glass, our passionate team, and I have worked diligently to continue the mission of Mending Walls, a project I started in 2020 after George Floyd's murder. Mending Walls uses collaborative, community-engaged art to promote social justice by fostering conversations that build empathy, understanding, and healing. Through these conversations, artists and community members from diverse backgrounds create murals throughout the city.
In four years, Mending Walls has produced over 20 pieces of public art, collaborated with artists in various mediums like poetry and dance, released a conversation coffee table book, and an Emmy-winning documentary now airing nationally on PBS. We also conduct walking tours, classroom visits, and speaking engagements in Richmond and across the country.
This year, Mending Walls achieved 501(c)(3) status, aiming to build a sustainable organization that not only creates public art but also fosters connection and empathy through creative conversations. Exciting projects and partnerships are on the horizon in Richmond and beyond. To stay updated or support us, visit mendingwallsrva.com to sign up for our newsletter and learn more about our future plans.
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