This week, put Tax Day behind you and discover these far less taxing events: Commune with fellow band geeks during a spirited concert, celebrate Earth Day with RVA Green Drinks, enjoy the party at the Monument Avenue 10K, witness a historic milestone with the opening of the reconstructed Skipwith-Roper Cottage, and check out a special youth art exhibit. Enjoy!
Conservation and Conversation
The latest RVA Green Drinks meetup features Capital Region Land Conservancy Director Parker Agelasto, Thursday, April 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Hofheimer Building’s Library Room. Since 2005, the nonprofit CRLC has provided leadership in the protection of more than 16,000 acres, including easements on more than 5,000 acres in Richmond and 19 Virginia counties. Recent successes include facilitating the natural reclamation of Mayo Island, decades in the planning. You’ll learn more, and may meet some likeminded folks, at this free social gathering.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
Coming Home
Celebrate a piece of history this weekend, during The Skipwith-Roper Homecoming. On Sunday, April 19, attend a free open house and ribbon cutting at the Skipwith-Roper Cottage (303 E. Bates St.), the reconstructed former Jackson Ward residence of Abraham Peyton Skipwith, the earliest known Black homeowner in the historic neighborhood, known as “The Founding Father of Jackson Ward.” On Friday, April 17, co-founder of nonprofit The JXN Project and Chief Diversity Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia Sesha Joi Moon will lead a discussion about the affluent Richmonder at Historic St. John’s Church. Programming also includes a screening of the trailer for the upcoming documentary on Skipwith’s life, “Declarations of Independence,” airing on VPM in June. Tickets are $25.
—Abby Finney, Editorial Intern
Happy Pace
Lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement on Saturday, April 18, for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, one of Richmond’s biggest block parties. The 27th annual race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Broad Street near Harrison, with runners crossing the finish line on Franklin Street near Laurel. The event supports local charities, including Sports Backers Youth Programs and the VCU Massey Comprehensive Care Center. It’s a good time, too, with costume contests among runners and spectators alike, porch parties, and live music, plus historic entertainment provided by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in celebration of America’s 250th. Registration starts at $65 and is free for spectators.
—Lucille Hancock, Editorial Intern
Musically Inclined
On April 18 at the Dominion Energy Center’s Carpenter Theatre, relive the joy of your high school or college days (but in a healthy way) at “Band Geek Date Night.” The Richmond Symphony will be joined by the James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes — one of the largest college bands in the country — to transport the spirited sounds of halftime shows and pep tunes to a River City audience. You can also catch the Dukes as they perform along Sixth Street from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Whether you were a band geek, an athlete or a spectator cheering in the crowd back in the day, this event will likely scratch that nostalgic itch like no other. And don’t fret: Despite the show’s name, you don’t need to bring a date. The concert starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $30.
—Kelsey Robinson, Associate Editor
Material Masterpieces
Art Works, in partnership with RVA Thriving Artists, Richmond Public Schools and the Children’s Museum of Richmond, presents “Threads,” a community art project led by fiber artist Richard Harding. In March, kids at the Children’s Museum and at local schools engaged in fiber arts activities, learning how to work with the materials through twisting, braiding, weaving and even writing on them. The results of their hard work and creativity have been incorporated into an installation now on display at Art Works, and the showcase continues through May 30.
—Karissa Lohmeyer, Editorial Intern
Other Suggestions
- The regional premiere of “Wolf Play” is onstage at 5th Wall Theatre’s The Basement April 16-May 9.
- Americana band Flatland Cavalry plays the Allianz Amphitheater April 17.
- Celebrate Earth Day at the Science Museum of Virginia April 18.
- Author Virginia Pye discusses her book “Marriage and Other Monuments” at Book People April 18.
- Historic Garden Week explores green spaces throughout the commonwealth April 18-25.
- View “Broad Street Circa 1919: A Photographic Exhibition” at the Library of Virginia through May 30.
River City Roundup is Richmond magazine’s weekly compilation of the best things to see, do and experience in the region, compiled by our editors. Get each week’s installment directly in your inbox every Monday by subscribing to our e-newsletter.
