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.
vol. 269 / Penny'sExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 269 / PENNY'S
This week's guest editor, Kristen Gardner Beal, co-founded Penny's Wine Shop in Richmond's Jackson Ward, specializing in clean farmed wines and locally sourced food. She's also behind RichWine, a monthly wine club offering curated selections with personalized tasting notes. By day, she consults on business strategy and organizational design. UVA grad, class of 2012.
Her wine journey began during a transformative 2014 trip to South Africa's wine-lands, following stints at the Department of State in Peru and a decade in New York finance as a hedge fund relationship manager. She now shares her passion through customized wine tastings for companies and private gatherings.
When not immersed in the wine world, Kristen is an avid traveler, reader, and enjoys coffee dates and dining experiences with loved ones.
Take it away, Kristen ...
Afterglow Coffee
This worker-owned roaster and café is committed to resource redistribution and mutual aid while serving some of the best coffee in Richmond. I truly believe their vanilla lattes are perfect, and they offer what might be the best matcha on the East Coast. A must-visit for ethical coffee enthusiasts!
Richmond's largest year-round outdoor market offers a wide selection of local produce and handmade goods every Saturday. My perfect weekend morning ritual—grab fresh beets, treat myself to a cronut, enjoy a sausage biscuit, and pick up beautiful flowers for my home!
Vitals:
RVA Big Market / Saturday, May 24 / 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road
Odd Bird
Need a thoughtful gift or just a little treat for yourself? Odd Bird has you covered. Every item feels personal, intentional, and full of character. I love swinging by Odd Bird to treat myself to a delicious candle, imported chocolate, and a new home good to brighten up my living space.
Vitals:
Odd Bird / Open Thursday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM / 320 Brook Road
More From Kristen.
As we round out spring and welcome summer, there's no better time to explore something new in Richmond's wine scene. At Penny's Wine Shop, our new seasonal menu is turning heads—and it's not just the food. We've launched exciting private event packages perfect for engagement parties, birthdays, retirement celebrations, or even your next corporate holiday party. Join us Wednesday through Saturday for dinner or stop by on Saturdays for a daytime wine tasting to see what’s new by the glass!
Looking to bring the wine experience home? RichWine RVA has you covered with our monthly Wine Club! Get four hand-selected bottles delivered to your doorstep every month—each with tasting notes, pairing ideas, and the story behind the wine. It’s the perfect way to sip, learn, and discover new favorites from the comfort of your home.
Whether you're dining out or cozying up in, Richmond has your next great glass of wine waiting. Cheers!
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