Meet this week's guest editor, Lauren Oakey! Lauren is a local children’s book author who published her first book, Waiting for Adeline, in 2021with Brandylane Publishing in Richmond. She's a UVA graduate who has worked mostly in nonprofits as well as lived overseas in both Italy and Switzerland. She moved to Richmond in 2005, and believes that the James River, the growing restaurant scene, and the VMFA are some of her finest assets. Lauren spends time writing personal essays for her blog, running her three children around (we can relate!!), and practicing yoga and photography when she can. Her second book, Adeline by the Sea, is out now!
This week, we're lucky enough to have Lauren make her personal recommendations for upcoming events and other ways to support the community around us, and celebrate this place we love to call home.
Take it away, Lauren...
Richmond Symphony
with No BS Brass
The Richmond Symphony does a beautiful job of combining the pieces we know and love from Beethoven and Mozart to exposing us to new composers and their music. The conductor helps keep the programming current by collaborating with the Richmond Ballet or inviting soloists with jaw-dropping talent, and she is an absolute joy to watch. I love getting dressed up, going out to dinner near the Carpenter Theater, and then going to the symphony by myself or with my husband. For July 4th, they will do the “Red, White and Lights” event with NO BS! Brass and a laser light show finale.
Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of childhood abuse and neglect. Its five main programs work to support children through advocacy, awareness, treatment and strengthening families. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, when SCAN hosts both the Blue & White Ball and the Progressive Dinner to raise funds to maintain and grow their programs. I have loved volunteering for these events and sitting on the Board, and working with the dedicated staff.
I first met Johnzelle in 2021, when he helped a family member work through a long-standing mental health issue. As a therapist, he is kind, authentic and effective. But he also works over-time as a stay-at-home parent to his daughter, and hosting the podcast, “Perfectly Imperfect: a podcast that explores mental health, especially for people of color,” where he highlighted my first book, Waiting for Adeline. Finally, he writes consistently on his blog, sends a weekly newsletter, and is working on a memoir. You can find him at Panoramic Counseling online or for in-person therapy sessions.
Vitals: Contact Johnzelle / For guidance, direction, and mental health support.
About Lauren's newest book - Adeline by the Sea
Adeline by the Sea is a book about what it means to be brave. The narrator, Henry, (or “Bones”) spends the day with his family at the beach, visiting with Grandpa, watching the purple martins from the wrap-around porch, and playing in the ocean with his sisters. But Henry has a protective spirit, and he keeps a close eye on his younger sister, Adeline. So when Adeline decides she wants to jump into the North Carolina sound, Henry must learn the important difference between protecting someone, and loving them enough to let go.
Like her first book, Adeline by the Sea was inspired by Lauren’s experience with her own children. She believes that her books are appropriate for both children and adults, and they make wonderful gifts! It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.
Meet this week's guest editor, Luke Rabin! In short, Luke is the co-founder of BLDR, helping cofound tech startups and build digital products, as well as the creator of the Idea Factory, an idea-stage accelerator program at Startup Virginia. He also helped create SCEEN, a financial support community for local live musicians and plays drums for Bright Arc and The Jake Sawyer Band. Most importantly, he does princess and unicorn stuff with the most amazing 5 year old little girl. And this week, we're lucky enough to have Luke make his personal recommendations for upcoming events and other ways to explore and celebrate this place we love to call home.
Take it away, Luke...
Palmyra w/ Dogwood Tales
at The Camel
The first time I saw Palmyra was a complete accident. I was on my way to see a metal show at The National, but when I found out we missed Darkest Hour, my friend called an audible. We headed to The Camel to see “Palmyra and Friends” which turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time – amazing showcase of so many great local folk, country, and bluegrass artists. Get there early for happy hour and snag a killer standing spot for the first set from Dogwood Tales!
Orbital Music Park is one of the coolest things happening in the city in my opinion, and while their physical space is in transition, they host a series of awesome events at Révéler in Carytown. If you haven't checked it out yet, OMP is an inclusive community and creative space for music-makers. Every Wednesday night, OMP co-founder Tom Illmensee hosts Funk + Soul Party and Date Night. The Funk + Soul party is no traditional open mic – players of all levels play a game called funk roulette. Musicians take their cues from a randomized playlist of funk classics and deep cuts, and the OMP team curates ensembles as the night unfolds. That means the bands are different every song and every week! Come ready to dance, play, and have a great time.
This is the first in our series of launch shows for SCEEN featuring some of the founding artists. You can’t beat an intimate house show with amazing folk music and a summer cookout so this will be one not to miss. All you have to do is become a SCEEN supporter for $10/month and you’ll get to come to this show and all the rest of our upcoming shows supporting local musicians.
Vitals:
Folk SCEEN: The Jake Sawyer Band + Juniper Tree / Address provided upon ticket purchase / Richmond, VA / Saturday, June 24, Doors at 6:00 PM, Music at 7:00 PM
More About Luke and SCEEN
SCEEN is a financial support community for local live music, born out of years of working on different ways to help artists actually make a living rather than have a really expensive hobby.
The big issue is that money has been bleeding out of the music industry for decades. Instead of trying to charge more for things that are already basically free, Luke created a way for local communities to put money in the pockets of artists – because music is an important part of all of our lives.
Impact starts when the local community joins as supporters for $10/month. This fills a pot where 80% is paid out to artists based on how much they play and to how many supporters. Luke and the SCEEN team aim to change the lives of musicians everywhere, so they're starting in our hometown...we hope you join them!
Meet this week's guest editor, Mike King! He's the voice, face, and CEO behind MIKEKINGBIZ, a social enterprise media company increasing brand awareness and revenue for purpose-driven individuals and organizations. You also likely know Mike from On the MIC with MIKE RVA, a daily business show on ESPN 106.1 FM. To the surprise of many, Mike describes himself as a true introvert and he credits his wife Donna for helping him become the recognizable voice for small business owners that he is today. Together, the duo are known for always paying it forward and they can regularly be found around town making a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether its live on the air as part of his radio show or quietly behind the scenes, Mike is an unwavering force supporting many of our region's most impactful missions, campaigns, and causes. And this week, we're lucky enough to have Mike make his personal recommendations for upcoming events and other ways to explore and celebrate this place we love to call home.
Take it away, Mike...
Junior Achievement
at Sloop John B
The mission of Junior Achievement (JA) is near and dear to my heart – to inspire and prepare young people for success! Tonight, JA will host a celebration of the end of an amazing school year at the Junior Achievement Giveback Night at Sloop John B Island Style Taco Bar in Regency Square. Enjoy a delicious meal anytime between 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM and 10% of your food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases will be donated to JA. I hope to see you there!
Also happening tonight, I'll be hanging out at Westchester Commons as their Concert Series jumps "across the pond” with a performance from The English Channel! Hailed as the Best Tribute Band of 2023 via The Rammies, The English Channel plays favorite British hits of the 1960s and 1970s like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Moody Blues, Yes, The Kinks, Queen, and many, many others. The concert will be held outdoors from 5:30 - 8:30 PM at the Westchester Concert Field. Best of all, it's free to attend and refreshments are available for purchase from Sedona Taphouse and Napa Kitchen & Wine. Proceeds from sales will benefit Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia!
Vitals:
The English Channel LIVE / Westchester Commons / 15786 WC Main Street, Midlothian, VA / Thursday, June 15, 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Chesterfield Chamber
Annual Golf Classic
The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce's Golf Classic aligns with what I do every day; it offers a great opportunity to network, have fun, and enjoy a beautiful day outside with colleagues and clients. During this popular Chesterfield tournament, players vie for fun and prizes while making new business connections! Golfers enjoy a round of golf, contests, and a reception. The Tournament is a Captain's Choice format with individual players encouraged to sign up to then be added to teams.
At MIKEKINGBIZ, the foundational core belief is that Businesses Can Help Society Be Better. And it's the only business media organization operating daily using the power of TV and Radio. Mike can be heard on ESPN Richmond Radio 106.1 FM between 5:00 - 7:00 AM Monday - Friday, International Business Growth Radio 10:00 - 11:00 AM Saturday, and CW Richmond TV Wednesday & Friday between 5:00 - 5:30 AM. Mike's venture is BBB Accredited and the recipient of this year's Chesterfield Small Business of The Year Award. In 2022, Mike donated 24,000 minutes of free airtime to non-profits and businesses to share their message. Reach out to Mike to be featured On the Mic with Mike!
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