OCTOBER
The 2nd Street Festival in Historic Jackson Ward, on Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 2
One of the greatest block parties of the year is back with true hip-hop royalty as DJ Grandmaster Flash returns to RVA as the festival headliner on Saturday. Then on Sunday, “I Would Die 4 You: A Tribute to Prince” featuring Anthony Cosby Jr. Also on the bill. Free.
Yo-Yo Ma with Richmond Symphony, Tuesday, Oct. 4
The great cellist, one of modern classical music’s few household names, comes to perform with the Richmond Symphony, performing Elgar cello concerto in E minor, op. 85, plus the Symphony performs work by Gabriela Ortiz, De Falla, Strauss Jr. and Ravel. 7:30 p.m. Visit richmondsymphony.com for more info.
ZZ Top at Altria Theater, Oct. 4
They’re down one man, but still rockin’ the boogie woogie blues as they bring their Raw Whisky tour to town. Doors at 7 p.m. show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $55.
Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi at Modlin Center for Arts’s Camp Concert Hall, Thursday, Oct. 6
A perfect way to get an early start to Folk Fest weekend, when the talented Grammy-winning singer and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Giddens returns with her partner, the multi-instrumentalist Turrisi, to blend their roots, including the Celtic influence of their adopted homeland of Ireland. 7:30 p.m. Tickets sold out as of press time.
RVA Folk Festival at Brown’s Island and along the riverfront – Friday, Oct. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 9
It’s the biggest free music festival of the year. Don’t forget to donate to the bucket brigade though, so we can keep the artists flowing. We can’t wait to check out acts like Son Rompe Pera (Mexican marimba) from Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico. To check out all the events and artists, visit richmondfolkfestival.org. Free.
Carnival of 5 Fires during RVA First Fridays at Gallery5, Friday, Oct. 7
Enjoy live music, group art show, vendors, tarot readings, and a variety show. 5 to 11 p.m. Free.
“Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art” VMFA exhibition – runs Oct. 8 – March 29
The first exhibition to explore the guitar’s symbolism in American art from the early 19th century to present day, featuring 125 works of art and 35 instruments. Thematic spaces include: the Blues, Women in Early Country Music, the Visual Culture of Early Rock and Roll, Hawaii-ana [sic] and Cowboy Guitars. Plus there will be a working studio from In Your Year where some excellent musicians such as Nels Cline (Wilco) and Stephen McCarthy (The Jayhawks, the Long Ryders) will be recording. Watch for Style’s upcoming story. For more information and tickets, visit vmfa.museum.
Kurt Vile and the Violators and Julia Shapiro at the National, Oct. 12
The longhaired, mellow Philly rocker and student of Neil Young and J. Mascis returns to Richmond. Don’t miss the opener, the wonderful Julia Shapiro from indie rock group, Chastity Belt. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. All ages.
Bob Mould at the Broadberry on Tuesday, Oct. 18
Former frontman from Husker Du returns to perform solo on electric guitar on his Distortion and Blue Hearts tour, mixing classics, old and new. Doors at 7 p.m. $25.
Pusha T at Browns Island, Saturday, Oct. 22
Hailing from Virginia Beach as one half of the nationally respected hip-hop duo Clipse, Pusha T returns on the tour for his #1 album, “It’s Almost Dry.” Gates at 6:30 p.m. Tickets run $36.50- $46.50. All ages.
Bio Ritmo’s 30th anniversary concert at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Sunday, Oct. 23
It’s a big anniversary show for one of Richmond’s most amazing and danceable musical groups from the past three decades, the one-and-only Bio Ritmo, innovative new school salsa artists. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Details coming soon.
Melt Banana, Ed Schrader’s Music Beat, Psychic Graveyard at the Camel, Sunday, Oct. 23.
A great bill of frenetic punk from Japan mixed with other deliciously weird delights including a duo of Baltimore crooners, Ed’s Schrader’s Music Beat and the dark, dance-noise of Psychic Graveyard (members of Arab on Radar, Some Girls, Chinese Stars and All Leather). 7 p.m. $15.
Chris Rock “Ego Death” tour at Altria Theater, Oct. 26-27
If you can score tickets, this should be a funny night, and you just might become the 3,495,222nd person to have your cellphone confiscated so you can hear what jokes he’s repeating every night while cashing in on the whole Oscar smackdown business.
The Music of Danny Elfman from the films of Tim Burton at Altria Theater on – Saturday, Oct. 29
Spine-tingling scores from Danny Elfman for films of Tim Burton performed by Richmond Symphony as classic scenes are projected on a giant screen above. 8 p.m.
Gwar at the National, Sunday, Oct. 30
Hometown alien heroes return to destroy you, and just in time for your pathetic, amateur Halloween plans. Joined by Crobot, Nekrogoblikon and Light the Torch. 7 p.m.