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MARCH/APRIL 2013
R I V E R
Seedowntown
C I T Y
more events ARTS & ATTRACTIONS Richmond Raiders 2013 Season 3/16 The action starts on March 16 when the Raiders will take on the Alabama Hammers. With only six regular season home games, make sure to check out their schedule online. richmondraidersprofootball.com
Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k 4/13 Named one of the country's best races by USA Today, Richmond's biggest block party is the place to be! With over 40,000 participants, you're bound to be entertained—whether by costumed runners, party stops, live music, a race for the kiddies, or the post-race party. sportbackers.com
Les Misérables 3/26– 31 Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of the legendary musical with glorious new staging and dazzlingly re-imagined scenery. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans, and new audiences, and is breaking box office records where ever it goes. Landmark Theater. Landmarktheater.net
The Music Man 4/12– 5/19 This award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, with its quirky characters, charming situations, one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets, and sentimental ballads. The Music Man is family entertainment at its best. Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre. Va-rep.org
Chalk Up the Town 4/21 From noon to 5 p.m., venture to the unique shopping and dining district of Carytown where the family can celebrate the city through chalk. Thousands come out to decorate the sidewalks with beautiful art. Just show up, pick up your free chalk, and begin your creation! carytownrva.org
MUSIC Lotus 3/15 Excision 4/5 They Might Be Giants 4/7 The National. thenationalva.com
Amanda McBroom 4/11–14 Amanda McBroom has been called "...the greatest cabaret performer of her generation." Don't miss the opportunity to see a musical legend! Rhythm Hall. richmondcenterstage.com
THEATRE Red 4/26–6/16 A searing portrait of an artist's ambition and vulnerability, Red is a moving and compelling account of Mark Rothko and his young assistant, Ken.This electrifying play exposes human need and desire like no other, and was winner of six Tony Awards. Theatre Gym at Virginia Rep Center. Va-rep.org
www.richmondnavigator.com
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Karaoke
Baja Bean 1520 W. Main Street Basement
Autumn Soybean Field 18"x24"
257-5445 bajabean.com Fridays 10pm-2am Bandito’s Burrito Lounge 2905 Patterson Avenue 354-9999 banditosburritolounge.com Wednesdays 10pm-2am Penny Lane Pub 421 E. Franklin 780-1682 pennylanepub.com Mondays from 9pm-2am Sticky Rice 2232 W. Main Street 358-7870 stickyricefan.com
Bailey’s 11581 Robius Road, Suite 100 560-4600 foxandhound.com Wednesdays at 9pm starting in April Tapz Bar and Grill 200 N. Otterdale Lane 378-7838 king-pin-lanes.com Friday-Saturday 9pm-close
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MARCH/APRIL 2013
R I V E R
C I T Y
Sunday, March 17th Kick off a week of dance-related film screenings at the
W
BY JENNIFER NORVELL SAUNDERS
When Brett Bonda, Managing Director of the Richmond Ballet, talks about
recently opened Criterion Cinemas at Movieland. Monday, March 18th Enjoy a special evening at the fabulous Can Can Brasserie featuring Richmond Ballet dancers. C Street and other restaurants will celebrate with Richmond Ballet throughout the week. Tuesday, March 19th Backstage at the Ballet invites the public to
the organization’s many accomplishments, he reels them off faster than a
experience what it’s like behind-the-scenes at the Ballet building for a
ballerina’s costume change. In fact, the list grows so quickly, it’s a little hard to
wonderful opportunity to see dancers and The School of Richmond Ballet
keep up. With such impressive accolades, you’d think more people would be aware of the cultural gem that is our city’s professional dance company. But,
students in their classes. Wednesday, March 20th Opens an exhibition featuring original works
according to Bonda, there are still plenty of us who don’t know, and that lack
of art depicting Richmond Ballet company dancers, created by five
of awareness is a big reason for the Richmond Ballet’s upcoming Leap Week.
acclaimed local artists: Loryn Brazier, Beth Marchant, Nancy Mauck, David
During the week of March 17th, the entire Richmond region will become
the setting for Leap Week, which will celebrate the many accomplishments of Richmond Ballet, the State Ballet of Virginia. “Over the years, we’ve taken a big leap with regard to dance and we want to celebrate with the Richmond
Tanner, and Tom Wise. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit Richmond Ballet. The evening will include a cocktail reception with the artists and a rehearsal viewing. RSVP required. Thursday, March 21st “Ballet in the ‘Burbs” Richmond Ballet will host
community what we’ve done,” says Bonda. “Richmond Ballet has performed
events in areas throughout the Richmond Metropolitan Area featuring
numerous times in New York City and, recently, in London (two of the dance
appearances by Richmond Ballet Company Dancers and performances by
capitals of the world), an upcoming show at the Kennedy Center in June, and the development of our Minds In Motion program for 4th graders to include
our Minds In Motion Team XXL. Friday, March 22nd Richmond Ballet and The Royal Ballet School will
Richmond, Charlottesville, Martinsville, as well as a similar program in Israel.
continue their collaboration with a performance in the Studio Theatre
The School of Richmond Ballet is bursting at the seams and we continue to
featuring The Royal Ballet School Graduate Class (visiting from London)
thrive in our current location and as a part of Center Stage and the Arts and
and members of Richmond Ballet II, the touring company, followed
Cultural District downtown.”
by a reception with dancers and artistic staff catered by the FeedMore
Leap Week will also showcase how accessible performances can be. “We
Community Kitchen.
want people to know they don’t have to be well-versed in ballet in order
Saturday, March 23rd Master Classes will be held with teachers from
to enjoy it, and that we’re more than just The Nutcracker,” says Bonda. “In
the Royal Ballet School. Dance schools from around the area will be
addition to larger performances, the Ballet performs in the evenings during
encouraged to participate.
the week both contemporary and more traditional works. No suit or tux required!” Leap Week also honors the corporate and community philanthropy that
Saturday, March 23rd A unique celebration of Richmond Ballet begins with cocktails at Page Bond Gallery followed by a seated dinner at Try-me, a unique, artistic Richmond space. The event will be catered
has made the Ballet’s success possible. “Forty years ago, Altria, which was then
by an outstanding Washington, D.C.-based firm known for exceptional
Philip Morris, gave its first gift to the world of dance and Richmond Ballet was
creativity, preparation, food, and service. Dinner will feature wines
its fortunate recipient,” notes Stoner Winslett, Artistic Director of the Ballet.
provided by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, an Altria company. There will be a
“This year, 40 years later, the Ballet has leapt into the global spotlight, bringing
raffle drawing for a 2013 Audi Q5 and a live auction of a limited number of
audiences to their feet in the Linbury Studio Theatre at London’s Royal Opera
exclusive packages.
House. Leap Week is meant to celebrate the decades of achievement of
Sunday, March 24th Marks the final performance of the Royal Ballet School
Richmond Ballet and to show Greater Richmond how their city’s Ballet has
Graduate Class (visiting from London) and members of Richmond Ballet II
‘gone global.’”
in the Studio Theatre.
Leap Week, co-chaired by Selina Rainey and Pamela Reynolds, will include
Throughout the week, food will be collected for the FeedMore Central
a number of special events to be held throughout Greater Richmond, from the
Virginia Food Bank at Movieland at Boulevard Square and Richmond Ballet
movies to restaurants in the suburbs and on the stage:
building.
www.richmondnavigator.com
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By Shonda Morisette
The Killing Daylights
H
ave you ever been talking about a famous band that you love and someone inevitably tells you
Browning echoes that sentiment from a singer’s point of view,
an enviable story about how they saw the group
“We want people to feel what we’re feeling when we sing because
at a small, intimate venue before they hit it big?
Beau Powell writes such amazing lyrics. He writes in such a way that
Wouldn’t it be cool to be able to relate an experience like that one
you’ve had the same experiences, but he’s kind of telling you about
day? The odds may be very much in your favor if you decide to check
them. We want people to relate to our music. That’s what we want
out “The Killing Daylights” here in Richmond, which is just what I did
from our audience.” Judging from the room full of people who were
on a recent Friday night.
dancing, cheering, singing and even pulling out their phones to add
The Fantoberfest Battle of the Bands winners played a powerful show at The Republic with a set list diverse enough to please anyone in the packed out crowd while maintaining a cohesive, unique sound.
them to their Instagram feed or Facebook account, their wish was granted. To continue bringing their music to as many people as possible,
The sassy, soulful lead singer, Megan Lynn Browning, combines forces
the band is playing as many venues as possible and is currently in the
with the rich harmonies and occasional lead singing of husband
studio recording their album. While anxious to release it, they aren’t
and wife rocker duo, Beau Powell and Chelsea Kerwath, who are the
rushing the process. As Powell states, they want “all killer and no filler.”
rhythm guitar and bass players respectively. Add to that the explosive
If you would like to listen some of their songs now, check them out at
style of drummer Bubba Farmer (also owner of Darth Fader studios)
thekillingdaylights.com. You can even download some of their tunes
and the edgy, innovative leads of guitarist Cory Dunn, and you have
for free.
the makings of a musical experience you won’t soon forget.
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listen to a million times? That’s what we aim for.”
If you’re wondering where to hear them live, dominating covers
One of the most appealing qualities of this band is that they
ranging anywhere from Fleetwood Mac to Adele or Cee Lo Green to
weave amazing original music in with the incredible covers that
The Killers, plus so much more, you can see them at The Republic in
they play. Powell, assisted by Kerwath on melodies, writes most of
Richmond, Sharky’s Bar in Glen Allen, or Babes of Carytown in March
the band’s songs. They take this very seriously and will only play an
and April. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll overhear someone
original song if it meets their strict standards. As Kerwath puts it, “We
bragging that they were able to score sold out tickets to an arena
put so much time, effort, and consideration into every original we
show played by The Killing Daylights. You can then wryly smile and
write. We think to ourselves, is this something that I would want to
tell a little story of how you knew the band “back when.” n MARCH/APRIL 2013
R I V E R
Join us every Sunday for Brunch. It all starts at 11am with a great brunch menu & Bloody Mary, Mimosa & Sangria Bar.
C I T Y
Restaurant & Bar Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11:30am - 11:00pm Fri.-Sat. 11:30am - Midnight Sun. 11:00am - 10:00pm
BlueGrass Music ay Every Sund Night
The area’s Award Winning Bar and Restaurant with great beer, great food, and captivating views of Richmond
Offering Appetizers ~ Snacks ~ Burgers ~ Sandwiches ~ Dinner Entrees
321 West 7th Street Richmond, VA (804) 232-3446 www.legendbrewing.com
What's in a Name?
Close to all hotels in The River District & only a short drive from Broad St., Short Pump, Midlothian or the Airport
Beau Powell explained that they were out in the snow and the reflection of the sunlight was blinding. The term “beat the living daylights” of somebody just came to mind, but it needed a tweak. Dying Daylights was too depressing so living, dying, killing was the natural progression of it. It sounded good, looked good, and most importantly, nobody had it.
Out and About: Friday, April 5 @ 10:00pm The Republic in Richmond Wednesday, April 17 @ 9:30pm Sharky's Bar in Glen Allen Sunday, May 19 The Furry Friends Jubilee You can also book them for private parties at thekillingdaylights.com
www.richmondnavigator.com
51
Swapping Hats Exiting the Data Center, Entering the Studio By Katelyn Wyzynski.
L
ocal artist George Heath is looking
now back to painting almost full-time. When asked about his art-
forward to retirement. However,
work, he leans toward the shy side, saying “I like for my art to speak
he’ll spend his days back at a differ-
for itself.” And it does. His paintings (representations of photos that
ent place of work... in the studio. George’s love of art started as a toddler doodling on the walls of his parents’
roads. George loves acrylic, due to the forgiveness of the medium. “You
basement and grew as he painted his way
can work over the whole canvas without paying a price,” he says with
through high school, junior college and
a smile. “Watercolor requires expensive planning,” he adds, “and oils
VCU’s Art Foundation Program. George
only allow for minor edits.” He’s made his mark with acrylics though.
was not familiar with expressionism. “Back
His pieces have won several awards over the last couple of years.
then, I couldn’t really wrap my head around
With representational work in the bag and more studio time on
it,” he says. So, he did a 180 and became an operating engineer at a
the horizon, George is expanding his repertoire to large abstract can-
bank. Throughout his successful career, he occasionally picked up his
vases. “Abstract is such a different form of painting,” he says. “It’s re-
paintbrush, but it was not until recent years that his passion and his
freshing. You start something and don’t know how it’s going to end.
skill flared up again.
That journey interests me.”
After randomly taking a look around the Crossroads Arts Center,
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George takes himself ), fly off the shelf of his rented space at Cross-
To see the latest of George’s portfolio, visit the Crossroads Arts
George realized he missed the stare of a blank canvas. He took classes
Center. For a little preview, visit www.crossroadsartcenter.com/art-
under the tutelage of in-house artist Christophora Robeers, and is
ists/heath.html. n MARCH/APRIL 2013
R I V E R
Feat ured Work
C I T Y
(Clockwise from left)
Tu scan Valley, 12"x 9" Lakeside Alley, 12"x 9" Back yard Bar n, 20"x 20" Nor ther n Virg inia Far mland, 20"x 16" www.richmondnavigator.com
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R I V E R
C I T Y
CITYdining
dining happenings Viceroy I guess you could say Sean McClain and David, two Museum District restaurateurs, have teamed up to open a third restaurant in the neighborhood. McClain, who owns Bandito’s Burrito Lounge, at 2905 Patterson, and Bender whose Caliente Restaurant at 2922 Park Avenue, recently took over the space that had previously been occupied by Café Diem. Their joint venture, Viceroy (located at 600 North Sheppard St.) is, according to McClain, going to be a quiet, friendly neighborhood restaurant that’s especially targeting a somewhat more mature clientele. McClain says that the restaurant should be open by early spring. He and Bender have pretty much done a complete overhaul on the building.
Dutch and Co. Church Hill is becoming quite the spot for exciting dining options these days. Dutch and Co. (www.dutchandcompany.com) has recently opened at the corner of Marshall and 27th. It’s a cozy, little place, located in what had been a
Lunch and Dinner On the Go
R
Laundromat. The focus, here, is on the food, with all three partners (Michelle Peake, Caleb
ichmond, there’s a new place to pick up lunch on the go. Chefs
Shriver, and Phillip Perrow) bringing impressive
Lauren Jurk from California and Greg Comstock, a Richmond native,
culinary resumes into the operation.
have been busily working–wearing all hats from dishwasher to server to food prepper– to open a take-out lunch counter called The
Naked Onion (2118 W. Cary Street). Both chefs were trained in Las Vegas, where they met while earning culinary degrees at Le Cordon Bleu. After working under master chefs in Vegas and expanding their knowledge of cuisines from Italian to Latin to Asian, Jurk and Comstock were inspired to brainstorm a seasonal and ever-changing lunch menu that will feature five to six sandwiches and three to four soups daily. Expect more than your average cold cut sandwich. The pair is dreaming up internationally inspired creations from Cubans to Pork Bánh mì, a Vietnamese
Johnson's Southern Comfort DeAndre Johnson and his wife Stephanie have just completed some extensive renovations on a new restaurant in Church Hill (2306 Jefferson Avenue). Johnson’s Southern Comfort is serving up true soul/comfort food, along with some mellow jazz music. Sounds like that would make a great combination.
specialty, all served on locally baked breads. Add to that Skewtopia–an up-and-coming food truck that will be setting up shop at Richmond’s outdoor events and festivals in the evenings. As the name suggests (skewers + utopia = skewtopia), Jurk and Comstock are breaking down intricate dishes to make versions that can be served on a stick. Think of Jambalaya skewers with shrimp, chicken, and Andouille, or a pork belly, fennel and apple skewer. Jurk and Comstock are bringing their innovative ideas and fresh food to
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Richmond, and we couldn’t be more excited to help the duo as they break into the
The Naked Onion's pork belly in the works
Richmond dining scene!
for their take on a Bánh mì
MARCH/APRIL 2013