Top of the morning to ye! As the River City celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, Richmonders will get decked out in green and take to the streets for Shamrock The Block and Church Hill’s Irish Festival. And you’re in luck with additional entertainment in the days ahead, including a play about renowned jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong, an ethereal concert, the return of the Black Restaurant Experience and more. Enjoy!
An Edible Experience
Did you know that Croaker’s Spot in Manchester is operated by the Eggleston family, a local dining dynasty? Or that The Original Ronnie’s BBQ in Varina pays homage to Virginia-style ’cue? Have you ever tried a plant-based cheesesteak from takeout spot Philly Vegan or popped into Penny’s Wine Shop for a bottle? If not, it’s time to pull out that dining wish list and get to work: The Richmond Black Restaurant Experience has returned for its eighth year and continues through March 17. The weeklong celebration dedicated to supporting Black owners and operators in the local food and beverage industry features its largest class of participants to date, including seasoned favorites Big Herm’s Kitchen and Mama J’s and newcomers Red Hibachi & Beer, The Hive Bar & Grill, and Farm & Oak.
—Eileen Mellon, Food Editor
Soundscapes
Shockoe Sessions Live invites you to experience “an ensemble of peculiar instruments” as Caroline Scruggs, musician, singer with the Truetone Honeys and theremin performer, performs electronica with live code composer Taylor Elise Colimore and synth sound shaper Adam Harding in “Beep Boop Bop!” at 7:30 p.m. on March 12. Tickets are $20. On March 15, Scruggs travels to the Shenandoah Valley’s Luray Caverns to get down (literally) and perform the acoustic fantastic as part of her “Playing the Air” project of communing with her instrument in unique environments. It’s the ethereal deal.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
War Stories
“You can read all you want about generals, but the story of war is the privates,” says Larry Meier, a Vietnam War veteran who is one of the many writers involved in the Mighty Pen Project, the Virginia War Memorial Foundation’s free 12-week writing class offered to military vets and their families. Four stories created during the class are being brought to the stage March 15-24 when The New Theatre at Firehouse partners with the foundation to present “War in Pieces” at the Virginia War Memorial’s VMI Alumni Hall. Captivating and honest, these compelling accounts of veterans from many different conflicts remind us what service really means. The production opens Friday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, $15 for active duty and military veterans.
—Claire Fortier, Special Projects Editor
It’s Easy Bein’ Green
Get your Irish on and join the parties: This weekend offers two long-running St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Kicking off at noon March 16, Shamrock The Block calls itself the official start of Richmond’s outdoor festival season. Expect beer, bands and food vendors at the free event, which takes place along Leigh Street between BTM Movieland at Boulevard Square and the Bon Secours Training Center. The Irish Festival takes over historic Church Hill at 25th and Broad streets from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 16-17, offering entertainment, Irish-themed crafts, food, beer, a parade and more. A $5 donation is required for admission.
—Mindy Kinsey, Editorial Director
A Wonderful World?
I recently attended opening night of Virginia Repertory Theatre’s “Satchmo at the Waldorf” at the November Theatre. It’s a unique glimpse into the life of Louis Armstrong and uncovers insightful details about the renowned jazz trumpeter. Set during 1971, the production takes place in Armstrong’s dressing room inside New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The one-man show stars Jerold Solomon, who pulls triple duty portraying Armstrong, his manager Joe Glaser and rival musician Miles Davis. Solomon transitions seamlessly among the three characters, an impressive feat given his uncanny reproduction of Armstrong’s iconic gravelly voice. From the surprising opening line (no spoilers) to the perspectives relayed directly to the audience, the show is a rollercoaster of drama, fun and the disparities experienced by mid-20th-century Black performers. The production continues through April 7, and tickets are $39 to $59.
—Nicole Cohen, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Other Suggestions
- Fresh off the release of their eponymous debut LP, indie rockers Lamplight play the Black Iris Social Club March 13.
- Pop culture fest GalaxyCon Richmond returns for three days of celebrity meet-and-greets, cosplay contests, panels, and more, March 15-17 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
- Virginia Repertory Theatre and the Weinstein JCC Jewish Family Theatre present “Zero Hour,” centered around theater performer and comedian Zero Mostel, March 15-April 7 at the November Theatre’s Theatre Gym.
- Part of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts’ annual conference, ceramics exhibitions “Liminal Spaces” and “Nature & Coalescence” open at Crossroads Art Center March 15 and continue through May 5.
- Celebrating Women’s History Month, Art Works hosts a “Women in the Arts Scavenger Hunt” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 23, and offers green punch and cookies for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
More Reasons to Dance a Jig
- Celtic Woman stops at the Altria Theater on March 14 for their 20th Anniversary Tour.
- Starr Hill Brewery hosts a St. Paddy’s Celebration featuring live music, food trucks and brews March 14-17.
- Dive and Art Haven host a Get Lucky Day Party on March 16.
- Rapper Asher Roth headlines a St. Patty’s Day Celebration at Ember Music Hall on March 16.
- Three Notch’d Brewing Co. celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with the Shenanigans pop-up experience featuring themed cocktails, live events and Irish fun, continuing through March 18.
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.
