Beyond all he does to elevate RVA, he's a drummer for the band VILLAGES, and a dedicated fan of Richmond's music scene. When he's not immersed in music, he's out kayaking on the James River or cherishing moments with his family.
Stephen, we're eager to read your Folk Fest recommendations! Take it away...
Baba Commandant Mandingo Band
With so many amazing artists to choose from each year at the Folk Festival, it's hard to narrow down to a few “not to miss" acts. The 2023 edition of the festival is no different; jam-packed with diverse, dynamic artists. With that said, be sure to catch Baba Commandant Mandingo Band when they perform throughout the weekend. The enigmatic lead singer Baba Commandant (Mamadou Sanou) is an original and eccentric character who is well respected in the Burkinabé musical community. A sort of punk Faso Dan Fani activist for traditional Mandingo music, Baba continues to redefine the boundaries between traditional and modern. This band will have you moving all weekend long. They'll only make a few U.S. appearances, so catch them while you can!
Hungry? If so, the Folk Fest has you covered with over 25 food vendors around the festival grounds. One not to be missed, and new to the festival this year, is BigWife’s Mac N’ Cheese. Everything from Buffalo Mac, Truffle Mac, Broccoli Shiitake Mac and the good old fashioned Classic Mac will have your mouth watering and craving more. BigWife’s Mac N’ Cheese is the real deal. Come and see what all the fuss is about!
Feel like doing some shopping while at the Fest? Head over to the craft marketplace and check out all of the handcrafted goodies made by local and out of town vendors. A new to us vendor for 2023 is Ant.On LLC. This Richmond native features amazing handmade stained glass sun-catchers inspired by nature, womanhood, and Irish heritage.
The Richmond Folk Festival returns this weekend, Friday, October 13th - Sunday, October 15th and celebrates its 19th anniversary, having become one of Virginia’s largest events! The beloved festival draws fans each year to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness, and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and food.
The free, three-day event hosts 200,000 people over the weekend and is presented by Venture Richmond Events in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), Virginia Humanities, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, the Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond.
Featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 performing groups from around the nation and the world, the Richmond Folk Festival promises, as always, to return with a culturally diverse and impressive program. See you there!
Meet this week's guest editor, Erica Shambley, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Engagement for Virginia State University College of Agriculture. With a Master of Arts in Media Management from Virginia State University, Erica's strategic leadership and strength in storytelling have made her an expert at connecting with and inspiring others. In addition to her role at VSU, Erica actively participates in community initiatives in Richmond and the Southern Region, and she's the CEO of a digital media start-up catering to the contemporary needs of women.
Erica, the floor is yours...
VSU Trojan Fall Farmers Market
As the fall season settles in, the VSU campus buzzes with anticipation for the Fall Fest Edition of the VSU Trojan Farmers Market on Thursday, October 19th from noon to 2:00 PM. Hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, visitors can explore a rich assortment of pumpkins, mums, sunflowers, and apple cider. But it's not just about the produce. This market offers a chance to connect directly with local farmers and dive into the heart of the community. Alongside the seasonal treats, anticipate giveaways and networking opportunities, a day at the market is a day well-spent. Join us and experience the essence of community well-being.
2nd Street Festival: Celebrating Jackson Ward's Vibrant Legacy
Get ready for the 2nd Street Festival in Downtown Richmond, a nod to community well-being and fall revelry. This free event, hosted by Venture Richmond unfolds in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, paying homage to an area once known as "the Harlem of the South." Year after year, thousands gather to reminisce about the era when 2nd Street shone as a beacon for Richmond's African-American community. Today, Jackson Ward remains a vibrant center of activity. Across two days, the festival boasts three stages of live music, a Kidz Zone, an array of food vendors, a bustling marketplace, Artists Row, and a captivating display by the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club. See you there!
Vitals:
2nd Street Festival/ Jackson Ward: 124 E. Broad Street / Saturday, October 7, 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM & Sunday, October 8, 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Football, Food, Fun: VSU's Homecoming 2023
Virginia State University's Homecoming 2023, dubbed "The 1882 Experience," kicks off on Saturday, October 7th and runs through October 14th. Join us for football, fellowship, and the warmth of being back on the Hill with the Trojan family! The VSU College of Agriculture invites alumni to a special Fish and Fry event on Friday, October 13th. While primarily a reunion for Trojans, the celebration is open to everyone in the community. Mark your calendars and get ready to tailgate and revel in the Trojan spirit!
Vitals:
VSU Homecoming / VSU Multipurpose Center Lawn: 20809 2nd Ave. Petersburg / Events: October 7 - 14
More about the VSU College of Agriculture...
At Virginia State University, something magical happens — greatness. And that greatness is growing in the College of Agriculture. Not just any growth, but the kind that nurtures both the land and its people. Here, tradition meets innovation. We're not just tending to crops; we're cultivating the future of agriculture — making it sustainable, integrated, and innovative for the world to benefit.
Our students? They don't just study; they experience. With tools in hand and dirt under their nails, they dive into hands-on learning and internships, preparing them to be the next leaders and problem-solvers of the industry.
But the growth doesn't stop at the fields. The College believes in nurturing families and communities throughout Virginia, too. Through programs focusing on holistic health, nutrition, and family dynamics, we ensure our communities flourish from the inside out.
This journey of growth at the VSU College of Agriculture is threefold — a blend of robust academics, pioneering Agricultural Research, and the enduring Cooperative Extension in partnership with Virginia Tech University. Here, we sow the seeds of progress and cultivate a brighter future.
Meet this week's guest editor, Taylor Gilbert! As the store manager at The DRIPBaR Richmond, Taylor's passion is helping people feel (and look) their best. Prior to DRIPBaR, she owned and managed a local multi-location salon as well as served as an operations director for a local MedSpa. Taylor has deep roots in the aesthetic and wellness industries and firmly believes that a good manager always maintains a willingness to continually learn from those they manage. Outside of the DRIPBaR and attending community events, you can find Taylor enjoying a diverse range of activities including running a mobile spray tan business, Afterglow Sunless, and brunching at her favorite spot in the Fan, Social 52!
Take it away, Taylor …
One Year of Wellness at The DRIPBaR Richmond
On Thursday, September 28th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, The DRIPBaR Richmond will host a One Year of Wellness Open House! The event is free and open to the public, so come out and celebrate with us! We are thrilled to mark our one year of wellness with the Richmond community. Join us at 6988 Forest Avenue for an evening filled with specials, giveaways, free consultations, and lite eats. Get ready to explore our offerings and learn how the DRIPBaR can support your wellness goals! Wellness professionals will be on site to answer any questions you have about our offerings. And, we will be giving away Wellness Passports so you can leave with knowledge and guidance about starting your own wellness journey. We can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you, so get ready to immerse yourself in all things DRIPBaR tonight. See you there!
On Friday, September 29th experience a flavorful adventure at six local restaurants where we'll savor their most popular bites from 2:00 - 4:30 PM! And of course, we can't miss a visit to one of my all-time favorites, Wood & Iron. If you're in the mood for a drink, worry not! You'll also get to sip on a refreshing beverage from one of the fantastic breweries or cideries we'll encounter along the way. Let's eat, drink, and make some delicious memories together.
Vitals:
Scott's Addition Food Tour / Scott's Addition Neighborhood (exact location TBA upon registration) / Friday, September 29th from 2:00 - 4:30 PM
Sip & Stretch Yoga at Ashton Creek Vineyard
Local Yoga Instructor Ann Marie Lewis hosts weekly yoga sessions in the gorgeous Ashton Creek Vineyard barn every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 PM! Drop by for an invigorating yoga session and stay for a glass of wine (or two) in the tasting room! Admission is $15 at the door, pay as you go.
The DRIPBaR Richmond is an IV Vitamin therapy lounge that is committed to being that helping hand to get you to your goals. IV Vitamin therapy can play an important role in a wellness journey because it is an effective way to get vitamins in at their highest absorption rate, completely bypassing your digestive system. It’s quick (about 30-50 minutes), it's relaxing and above all, it’s fueling your body at the cellular level.
We can also help you out on those mornings after a night of too much fun, too. We only staff experienced RN’s and mix each IV bag upon your arrival, in a sterile hood environment. We’re committed to your safety and comfort. Follow on Instagram @thedripbar.rva.
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