Meet this week's guest editor, Tre. Charles. Tre. is an alternative/indie soul artist who dives into the depths of his soul and invites you into his world with an expressive blend of warm and soulful undertones, profound and powerful lyrics, and emotive crooning. Growing up along the East Coast, moving from city to city, Tre. has been exposed to a myriad of different cultures. Through these experiences he has cultivated a sound of his own, paying homage to his nomadic upbringing. With hints of avant-garde R&B, modern/indie rock, and ambient soul, Charles’ honest and thought-provoking music has the ability to make every performance feel like a transformative experience. This week, Tre. is serving up his top picks for not-to-be-missed community events in Richmond!
Take it away, Tre...
Live
& Let Live
The Live & Let Live Fest brings mental health, growth, unity, and acceptance to the forefront. The Fest incorporates speakers, resources, vendors, and live music with a one-of-a-kind line-up, including two stages for musical performances! Best of all, the event is free and open to the public. Throughout the day, Feel Good RVA will be accepting donations in support of mental health services including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Vitals:
Tang & Biscuit / 3406 West Moore Street / Saturday, June 10, 3:00 - 10:00 pm
Richmond
Night Market
In the heart of the arts and culture scene of Richmond, this monthly open-air night market has something for everyone. The Richmond Night Market is held every second Saturday of summer at the historic 17th Street Market and features 40+ local vendors. The event also offers a live DJ, live band, makerspace, kids corner, and other creative experiences throughout the evening.
Vitals:
Richmond Night Market / 17th Street Market - 100 N 17th St. / Saturday, June 10, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Rooftop DJ:
Matthew E. White
Common House Richmond is welcoming back singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, Matthew E. White for an evening rooftop DJ set. White, a founder and co-owner of indie RVA-based record label, Spacebomb, has collaborated with touring acts including Justin Vernon, Hiss Golden Messenger, Sharon Van Etten, and eventually...me (when he gets around to it)! Matthew will be playing a mix of relaxed, unhurried, poolside grooves...think, palm trees in the Philippines and fresh fruit in your cocktail. Vibe out with this personally curated mix of music to make you want to move, but not so much you’ll spill your poolside libations!
Tre's newest project Currently. highlights the nuances of Tre. Charles as an artist through a lens of vulnerability. Aiming to bring honesty and insight to the forefront of the conversation, which hopefully will inspire and sustain growth. This EP dives into the realms of self awareness via insecurity, mental health, masculinity, and introspection all to the soundscape of lush alternative/indie instrumentation preformed with soulful and intentional vocals.
“A lot of times as people we don’t give each other the room to be vulnerable and it’s seen as 'not cool' which pushes the negative narratives and reinforces old tropes that are not conducive to growth in our society. At times in order to move forward, we need to let go.” — Tre. Charles
Meet this week's guest editor, Beth Anne Booth, who serves as the Dir. of Exhibitions for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Connecting people to the power of plants through the mediums of art and impactful community events is what drives her. Along her path to the Garden, Beth Anne worked with some of Richmond’s vibrant arts and culture organizations, including the Valentine Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Richmond Symphony. While immersed in the work of the various missions of these cultural nonprofits, Beth Anne was introduced to the Richmond community, and she was hooked from that point on.
Beth Anne is also an artist, a writer, and an advocate for wellness for all. You can find her writing, meditations, and more at Healing Whole RVA. She believes that the Richmond community is unlike any other...bringing people closer to opportunities and experiences that create inspiration and joy.
Take it away, Beth Anne...
Friday
Cheers
Friday Cheers is a concert series that attracts a diverse line up of national acts while also weaving in local talent. Nestled between the James River and the Downtown Richmond skyline, Brown's Island is a destination all year long. As soon as festival season kicks off in May, the Island becomes a hotspot for live music. If it is a Friday and you’re looking to unwind after a long week, head down to the Island and let loose. This Friday, Richmond native Kenneka Cook kicks things off with Sampa the Great closing the evening.
On Sunday, June 4 from 10 am - 3 pm, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host a celebration of LGBTQ+ youth! This event is a highlight of the Pride offerings with a Makers Market organized by TransJam Events, performances by local drag queens, a lip synch competition and a dance party. Organizations including He, She, Ze, and We and Side By Side will be onsite sharing information and resources with community.
Richmond has become popular for both its food and festivals of various sorts. The two worlds collide with one of the oldest cultural festivals in the city. Whether it’s dolmades or souvlaki, some of the best Greek food around will be in Richmond’s West End this weekend. Art, music, and performance will give you an authentic Greek experience you don’t have to travel far for.
More About Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden & Pride Month
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will be celebrating Pride all month long! In partnership with Virginia Pride, the Garden will be hosting several events that reflect the Garden’s commitment to being inclusive and welcoming for all! Admission to the Garden is required for special events, and gives you access to all that Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has to offer!
Meet this week's guest editor, Ashley Williams, MS, C-IAYT, founder of BareSOUL Yoga & Wellness & curator of The Well Collective! Driven by creating space for community to come together and care for themselves physically, mentally and socially, Ashley is here to deliver her recommendations for finding connection this week in Richmond. As a builder and weaver, Ashley bridges mindfulness, diversity, wellness and inclusion on micro and macro-levels to achieve equitable, socially stable and conscious spaces for individual and collective care.
Take it away, Ashley...
Deconstructing
Karen
Join me tomorrow night at 6:00 pm for the Screening of Deconstructing Karen + Conversation with Saira Rao and Regina Jackson at the historic Byrd Theatre. Over the past month, a collective of Richmond-based women have contributed and planned this event, inviting community into a space of truth-telling, dialogue and radical honesty centering around racism in Richmond, and beyond. It's time to get to the root of our nation's issues and be radical in our collective action; join us.
Over the years, I have become fond of the Richmond Symphony and the Black History Museum through special invitations from friends, curated events, and awe-inspiring exhibits. I am looking forward to the intersection of arts and culture in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood at the Big Tent Fest. Take a moment to check out the newest exhibit Art of Freedom II created by Virginia-based artists that share their concept of Freedom before taking in the soulful, healing sounds of musical talent. Richmond does outdoor concerts well, and this is a perfect opportunity for all ages to explore.
BareSOUL Community Yoga at Hatch Local on Sunday, May 28th at 10:00 am. BareSOUL Yoga is excited for this season of community-based programs and classes at some of our favorite local businesses and partners. Grab your mat and kick off your Sunday with BareSOUL Ambassador Adrienne Samuels at the Hatch Local courtyard for movement, breath, and meditation. BareSOUL hosts classes throughout the Spring/Summer season, supporting the development of school programming, youth camps, and staff well-being.
Ashley is a Mind-Body Therapist and Social Change Agent with experience in the fields of education, behavioral and mental health and community programming in Richmond. She is the founder of BareSOUL Yoga & Wellness, a community-based organization initially created to offer accessible mind-body offerings, and the curator of The Well Collective, a multicultural community space that centers intergenerational well-being, healing modalities, and education located in historic Shockoe Bottom.
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