A Good BeginningExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 294 / A GOOD BEGINNING
As we step into 2026, there is plenty of reason to feel hopeful about the year ahead. Not because everything feels easy or resolved, but because of the way people in this city continue to show up for one another. Across neighborhoods, sidewalks, kitchens, and creative spaces, Richmonders are quietly building connection where it is needed most. They invite others outside, share food, make room for art, and remind us that community is something we create together.
The three stories below offer just a small reflection of that larger spirit. As the new year begins, these are the kinds of actions that make us optimistic about what comes next, and why Richmond continues to be a place we love to call home.
Disco Bunny
Aaryanna Nijjar-Simmonds, better known as Disco Bunny, believes community can grow when we stop resisting what makes us different and start building with it. During a recent TEDxRVA talk, Disco Bunny posed a simple but radical question: What if, instead of fighting our weirdness, we collaborated with it? That curiosity sparked an idea that challenged how art is usually shared and who gets access to it.
Within months, that idea became the Art Vending Machine, Richmond’s first. The flagship machine began at SCRAP RVA and now a second machine also lives at Gold Lion Community Cafe, bringing accessible local art to multiple corners of the city. Together, the vending machines have featured more than 60 local artists, offering a low-barrier, accessible way for creatives to share their work.
Stocked with zines, prints, stickers, and handmade oddities, the Art Vending Machine uses a screened lottery system to keep participation fair and open. Look closely and you will notice house numbers, a doormat, and a light left on. This is not just a machine. It is a home for Richmond’s creative community.
Alex Na understands that sometimes the best way to create community is through food. New to Richmond in 2025, with a TikTok account, a tasty tiramisu recipe, and a genuine desire to give back, Alex casually offered leftover tiramisu from a birthday celebration last year. What began as a simple gesture quickly sparked something bigger, earning the affectionate nickname the Free Tiramisu Guy. That generosity has grown into a growing network of free tiramisu drops, community potlucks, and gatherings that bring people together while supporting local businesses and causes. Rallying around Alex, Richmond businesses have chipped in to help cover ingredient costs, and a meaningful partnership formed with RVA Community Fridges, with a portion of donations benefiting another local organization doing important work. Most recently, Alex joined forces with RVA Baddies Walk Club for a joyful RVA Baddie-Misu Day, proving once again that community can grow from something as simple as sharing dessert.
It all began with a call for community. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Richmond resident Molly Bish, like many of us, found it hard to reconnect, dust off social skills, and return to meaningful, in-person connection. So Molly did something simple and brave. A public call to action invited Richmond “baddies” to come together, get outside, and walk.
What started as a casual idea quickly grew into something much bigger. From that invitation emerged a steady series of organized walking meetups, now known as RVA Baddies Walk Club. Through these walks, Molly didn't just find community personally. Community was created for others, too.
In 2026, we hope you will step outside and give RVA Baddies Walk Club a try. It is a chance to get fresh air, meet new people, and connect with fellow baddies around Richmond. Whether you are a seasoned walker or simply showing up for the vibes, this is a place to laugh, chat, and belong. Expect an energetic walk, easy conversation, and plenty of moments to meet your future Richmond crew.
A group of Buddhist monks on a months-long Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C. is expected to pass through the Richmond area in the new year, with many reports suggesting an early February timeframe. Now more than two months into their journey, the monks describe the walk not as a protest, but as a shared practice. They walk to awaken peace within themselves first, allowing it to ripple outward to the families, communities, and people they meet along the way. Through cold weather and hundreds of miles, the monks have been welcomed with meals, quiet gestures, and moments of connection. Walking alongside them is Aloka, a rescue dog who once followed monks as a stray in India and went on to walk more than 100 days by their side. Today, he continues the journey across the U.S., recognized by the heart-shaped marking on his forehead. As the monks continue toward Washington, we will be watching and sharing updates as their journey moves through Virginia in 2026. May the year ahead be met with peace and awareness.
vol. 278 / ALEXANDER MACKExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 278 / ALEXANDER MACK
Meet this week's guest editor, Alexander Mack. A Richmond-based singer, songwriter, and producer, Alexander is known for seamlessly fusing the vintage art of jazz, the energy of funk, and the versatility of hip-hop to create a smooth, groove-filled aesthetic.
A talented crooner as well as an emcee, Alexander channels his old soul through the head-nodding music he produces. With a rapidly growing international fanbase, he has a unique ability to capture new sounds with an old-school flair — earning him organic success around the world. Working across both music and fashion, Alexander has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Sperry, Rowing Blazers, and most recently TAFT Shoes.
Many people are unaware that Alexander has synesthesia, a perceptual condition in which he sees sounds as colors and shapes. It deeply influences the way he experiences the world, especially when creating or even listening to music. To Alexander, each instrument has its own color and shape. Another surprise to many — he is naturally a stutterer. Around age ten, Alexander realized that when he sang or rapped along with his favorite songs, he didn’t stutter. This taught him to speak with rhythm in conversation to help his mind maintain a certain pace, often using his hands while talking. By age nine, Alexander also discovered he could play music by ear and began learning his favorite songs. That skill became invaluable as a producer and songwriter, enabling him to create exactly what he hears in his head.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 9, when Alexander Mack takes the stage at the Richmond Jazz Festival alongside a phenomenal lineup of legends and rising stars — many of whom he grew up listening to. Until then, we’re honored to have him as this week’s guest editor to share his top recommendations for exploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
Take it away, Alexander …
SwapMeet RVA
SwapMeet RVA is one of my favorite events in the city — and a great way to surround yourself with Richmond’s creative community. The event features tons of curated thrift vendors, some of the city’s best DJs, and an unbeatable vibe. But SwapMeet is more than just a market. It’s a community hub where local entrepreneurs, artists, and vintage enthusiasts come together to celebrate creativity, diversity, and sustainability. Founded and organized by passionate locals, SwapMeet was created to provide a platform for small businesses, artisans, and food vendors to showcase their unique offerings in the heart of Richmond.
Latin music is one of my biggest inspirations, and Latin culture has played a meaningful role in my life. Havana ’59, a staple of Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom District since 1994, hosts a weekly Latin dance social every Thursday evening. Dancers aged 21+ are invited to enjoy a lively mix of salsa rhythms spun by a live DJ. The venue features an indoor dance floor and a popular rooftop bar. The event kicks off promptly at 8:00 p.m. and typically runs late into the evening.
My good friend Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney of the illustrious Butcher Brown will be playing with the Billy Williams Trio at the 1920s-inspired Goldwing cocktail bar. Goldwing is already one of my favorite spots in the city, but having one of the best sax and trumpet players to come out of Richmond, join a great band is the icing on the cake. Don’t miss their show on July 25 at this classic cocktail lounge in Scott’s Addition.
Vitals:
Friday, July 25 / 8 p.m. / Goldwing, 910 N Arthur Ashe Blvd
More about Alexander Mack and Richmond Jazz Festival.
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival returns August 8–10, bringing three days of incredible live music, amazing food, and nonstop vibes. Alexander Mack's set is at 2 p.m., where he’ll be performing with a live band and one of his favorite DJs in the city, Infinite Peace. This year’s lineup also features T.I., Jodeci, Muni Long, Masego, CeeLo Green, Aloe Blacc, Charles Owens, and many more. Come experience the best of RVA — the best music, the best food, the best vibes — all at one of the East Coast’s premier music festivals.
vol. 271 / Why RichmondExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 271 / WHY RICHMOND
This week, we're honored to welcome Jennifer Wakefield, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP), as guest editor. In her role at GRP, Jennifer helps answer the question — Why Richmond?
At the helm of the region’s lead economic development organization—serving the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico—Jennifer spends her days recruiting companies from around the globe to bring employment opportunities and taxable capital investment to our local communities. Her goal is to make Greater Richmond the top mid-sized region in the U.S. for business investment.
In her 20+ year career, she has built an impressive reputation in strategic planning, marketing and communications, operations, and organizational leadership—and is recognized as a national thought leader in economic development strategy.
She’s also a self-professed Star Wars nerd who can often be found exploring Greater Richmond with her husband, son, and miniature poodle. She’s here this week to share a few recommendations for making the most of the start of summer in the place we all love to call home.
Take it away, Jennifer…
From Carytown to The Fan
This is the first full week of summer for the kiddos, so I’d encourage everyone to go outside and spend time in the sunshine and hit the pools (as a native Floridian, I still can’t believe pools aren’t open 365)! My favorite place to take out-of-towners is Carytown and the Fan. It’s such a vibe and unlike anything else in the region. My personal fave is Can Can Brasserie (recently named one of the Richmond's best restaurants) for a meal; For the Love of Chocolate for sugary treats (like candy cigarettes!) and their new gift boxes; and then Lou Lou Boutiques for accessories and local Richmond artisan jewelry. Then stroll down the avenue to shop some more, check out the art welcome walls and unique architecture before driving down Arthur Ashe Boulevard to show off the VMFA, which is currently hosting its After 5 Fridays series with a dynamic rotation of categories: First Friday, Taste of Art, and Dance After Work, as well as Summer Breeze.
Draftcade and Summer Music at Short Pump Town Center
And speaking of shopping, I spend more time than I should at Short Pump Town Center, which is just down the road from my house. Lots of great shops, restaurants, and the Draftcade, where I hold the high score on Galaga—my favorite Atari game from the ’80s. The Summer Concert Series kicks off June 12 (Love Story: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute), followed by June 26 (The Deloreans), and July 24 (Dalton Dover). Along with live bands, there will be exciting giveaways and a Wine Garden, with tickets directly benefiting Henrico CASA.
As for a favorite place to take a client: the LEGO Visitor Center! A great example of collaboration and Greater Richmond’s can-do attitude is the LEGO Group’s $1 billion manufacturing facility. While we’re eagerly awaiting the 1.7 million-square-foot facility to open, the Danish manufacturer has installed a visitor center in the shape of one of its bricks. Inside, you’ll find a model of the upcoming factory and playful videos about the company’s history. It’s open to the public and located at 1140 Meadowville Technology Pkwy, Chester.
Vitals:
LEGO Group / 1140 Meadowville Technology Pkwy, Chester
More about Greater Richmond Partnership.
The Greater Richmond Partnership is the lead economic development organization for the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico. The public-private nonprofit provides four key activities toward economic prosperity: business attraction, regional marketing, research and analysis, as well as global competitiveness. The 30-year-old organization recently released its five-year strategic plan with a focus on growing Greater Richmond’s vision of being the top mid-sized region in the U.S. for companies to invest.
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