Art, Music and Beer
Beer tastings, including seasonal releases from Legend and Starr Hill breweries, are on tap at the second annual Screens ‘n' Suds event at Capital Ale House on Saturday, Nov. 6. From 4 to 9 p.m., concert-poster and screen-print artists from around the country will showcase and sell their works while Cherry Bomb, Richmond's all-female DJ collective, spins pop, rock, soul and funk. The event is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. "This year we're going to have a larger-scale collection of art and brews," says organizer Brian Gearing, owner of The Gig Gallery. Proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Hospice of Virginia. Afterward, Marco Benevento will perform in the restaurant's Downtown Music Hall (tickets may be purchased at Plan 9 Music or via capitalale house.com). For more information, visit screensnsuds.com .
Tour de Vino
Explore four of the region's wineries during a Harvest Passport Weekend on Nov. 6 and 7. Tastings will be offered at Grayhaven Winery, in Gum Spring; Lake Anna Winery, in Spotsylvania County; Cooper Vineyards, in Louisa County; and James River Cellars, in Glen Allen. A $10 ticket can be used from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days; each winery will stamp the ticket and provide guests with a complimentary wineglass and a small gift, as well as snacks and music. For more information, visit hovawinetrail.com .
Stew City
Legend has it that the first Brunswick stew was made with stale bread, squirrel meat and onions. Today, it usually contains chicken and vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, corn and butter beans. Traditionally, stews are thick enough to hold a paddle in place in the middle of the pot. "Everybody's got a little secret ingredient they put in," says Brunswick County resident George Daniel, who claimed the championship at Richmond's Brunswick Stew Festival in 2002 and 2006. This year's event is set for Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 17th Street Farmers' Market. More than a dozen stew masters are expected to compete for a cash prize and trophy. For more information, go to richmondgov.com/farmersmarket .
A Real Tea Party
Ettamae's Café (522 N. 2nd St.) plans to launch a Tea and Empathy series on Saturday, Nov. 13. This tea party, from 3 to 5 p.m., will benefit the Backpack Program run by Richmond's FeedMore organization. The program supplies children in need with a weekend backpack full of healthy snacks and meals. The tea party includes pastries and finger sandwiches. Reservations are required; half of the $20 price will be donated to FeedMore. Café owner Laura Morand Bailey says she hopes the series will benefit at least one local nonprofit organization each month. To make reservations, call 888-8058 or e-mail ettamaescafe@gmail.com .
