BridéExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 300 / BRIDE´
Meet Bridé Baker, this week’s guest editor of Here Weekly. Bridé is the President of the Virginia Center for Public Press, a.k.a. WRIR 97.3 FM, Richmond’s independent radio station. She is a published writer, editor, and co-host of the podcast Novel/Film, a monthly conversation focused on the adaptation of published works to film or television.
She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. In 2020, she spent a year at Gladiator Publishing House in Copenhagen, Denmark, completing her professional editorial apprenticeship.
Born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, Bridé speaks fluent Danish and is a literature enthusiast who believes both genre fiction and literary fiction have their place. This week, Bridé offers her tips for exploring and celebrating this place we all love to call home.
Take it away, Bridé ...
The Forecast for Public Arts and Media
Join The Valentine and guests for a conversation about the landscape of public, independent, and community-supported arts organizations in Richmond. Hear from CultureWorks about new data on the local economic impact of public art, and explore how our community can reimagine public art as a key component of the common good. Plus, hear from local arts and media leaders about the challenges their organizations are facing in this moment. I’m excited to join the panel tonight representing the Virginia Center for Public Press, alongside Tanesha Powell, Executive Director at ART 180, and Elizabeth Dolan Wright, Founder of the CommonWealth Public Art Fund.
Richmond Moon Market, Gallery5, and Art 180 are closing the street and lining the block with local artists and vendors for a spectacular outdoor, night market and block party in historic Jackson Ward and featuring local artists and vendors, food trucks, performers, and more.
WRIR-LP 97.3 FM is an all-volunteer, nonprofit community radio station. It is the largest low-power FM station of its kind in the country. Our volunteers run the station. That includes everyone from the President of the Board to the newest member to walk in the front door. WRIR airs underrepresented music, news, and views to provide a platform for cultural diversity in Richmond. In other words, we play what other stations won’t. We are also a true community radio station. This means we are locally owned and, by charter, can never be bought out by a non-local entity. WRIR also represents the community through its many volunteers. WRIR’s FCC license to operate is held by the nonprofit group Virginia Center for Public Press (VCPP).
Hack for RVAExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 299 / Hack for RVA
Meet this week's guest editor, Ashley Ray. Ashley is a lifelong lover of Richmond and fiercely dedicated to supporting all things local. Her communications business keeps her busy telling stories and keeping comms rolling for amazing nonprofits like Girls For A Change, organizations like Lighthouse Network, and Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union.
When she’s not working, she’s connecting the Jackson Ward neighborhood through her role as the Co-Chair of the Safety and Beautification Committee for Historic Jackson Ward, supporting the Arts District Business Alliance, getting into pickle shenanigans (TBA), or volunteering for cool things like this weekend’s Hack for RVA.
Hack for RVA is a civic hackathon that brings together Richmond’s hackers, hustlers, and artists to build solutions for the city’s biggest challenges and compete for awards. In partnership with the City of Richmond and the Mayor’s Office, this event is intentionally aligned with Mayor Avula’s seven areas of focus for a thriving city. The event brings together nonprofit leaders, city leaders, and citizens to build together, making this a truly collaborative process. If you care about the future of Richmond and want to be a part of the change, this event is for you. It’s all happening March 27–29 at VCU School of Business.
If you’re joining Hack for RVA, you’ll be within walking distance of Jackson Ward, the neighborhood Ashley calls home. Here are some of her favorite spots.
Take it away, Ashley ...
Penny's Wine Shop
Penny’s Wine Shop generally lands on the “where to drink” lists, but in my opinion, they offer some of the best food in Richmond. Small plates, innovative dishes, and vegetarian-friendly options. Owners Kristen Gardner Beal and Lance Lemon have made Penny’s a space for community and connection with good vibes, good food, and good wine. Pro tip: make a reservation! And if you're up for trying out new and interesting wines regularly, Penny's offers a monthly membership featuring clean farmed wines from around the world hand-delivered right to your front door.
I love a good dive bar. When I’m not pulling up at Penny’s, I’m hanging out at GWARbar, a heavy metal-inspired joint in Jackson Ward that doesn’t take itself too seriously and always delivers. Late-night tots always hit the spot, Narragansett is $3 a pint, and if you’re there on a Sunday night, you might find me singing karaoke with a mix of regulars and first-timers who somehow all feel like they belong. Now that spring has arrived, make sure to also check out their patio and beer GWARden!
Roam around Jackson Ward and the Richmond Arts District! Hit up Gallery5 and Art 180, stroll down Broad St., catch a show at the November Theatre, and dine at local spots like Tarrants and Lillie Pearl. The neighborhood is full of energy, creativity, and history, all within a few blocks. If you want to come back next weekend, it really comes alive for First Fridays, when galleries open their doors, the Moon Market takes over Brook Rd., and fire dancers perform in the street. Come join us!
I’m really excited about Hack for RVA because it’s the first time the city has been willing to collaborate on such a large scale with so many different stakeholders involved. Organizers have spent months bringing together nonprofits and city leaders to develop problem statements and identify data sets so that when participants arrive, they’re ready to build. If you’re like me and wondering what you can do to help in this chaotic world, this is it. Start local. Start right here. Come ready to dig in, and once the work is done, come celebrate with us! We’ll kick off on Friday morning with speakers like Michael Millions and Mayor Avula, and then hackers will get an orientation to the problem statements from the nonprofits and city leaders who drafted them. Participants have until Saturday at 10 pm to turn in their solutions, and then on Sunday we celebrate. The Awards Festival happens from 1:30–3:30 pm at the VCU School of Business, where you’ll hear the top five finalists pitch and then the winners will be announced.
ShorelineExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 298 / Shoreline
Meet this week’s guest editor, Greg Holis. Before becoming the General Manager of Shoreline, Greg spent over six years as an English teacher in Thailand. During this time, Greg became a scuba diving enthusiast and developed a passion for all things related to marine life and conservation.
In 2024, Greg joined the team at Shoreline Seafood Market and was instantly enamored with owner and founder David Whitby’s commitment to selling and preparing high quality, ethically sourced, sustainably caught seafood. He also relished the social nature of working in a seafood market and restaurant, connecting with guests and developing genuine relationships within the local community.
Greg has a few tips up his sleeve that he’s sharing with Here readers in today’s issue about his favorite ways to explore and celebrate this place we all love to call home.
Take it away, Greg ...
Dinamo
There’s little debate here, Dinamo never misses. This gem nestled along Cary Street for the past 13 years has been the go-to for Richmonders serious about Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Open Tuesday through Saturday at 5 pm, snag a reservation and get ready for one of the best pizzas in town. And when available, never pass on the seafood salad special. In fact, any special Dinamo offers is a must for a restaurant known for its seasonal offerings, focus on local ingredients, and no nonsense approach to plates that always leave a lasting impression. And if you can’t snag a reservation, it’s first come, first served bar seating at this legendary spot.
Vitals:
Dinamo / Tuesday - Saturday dinner 5 pm - close / 821 West Cary Street
WayGone Brewery
Think of “Cheers,” everyone in this place will become your newest best friend, and they have killer beer. Not to mention, the most welcoming and friendly staff in the area. Opened in 2023, this Patterson Ave. watering hole can be found in the Canterbury Shopping Center. While it’s on the newer side of local breweries, the owners met as neighbors on nearby Goneway Drive, where they spent over a decade dialing in their craft as home brewers. Today you’ll find a selection of locally brewed beer, alongside wine, nonalcoholic options, Billy Pie pizzas, chili, and more.
Hands down, if you're looking for upscale Southern cuisine at its finest, you're looking for The Roosevelt. There's a reason why Leah Branch, executive chef at The Roosevelt, was one of two Virginia chefs honored as a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, with finalists announced on March 31. Oh and she was also just named a Rising Star Game Changer by StarChefs. Awards or no awards, what really matters here is consistency, authenticity, and a rotating seasonal menu. Think fried catfish, seared scallops, cornbread, smoked chicken wings, and craft cocktails, all served in a turn-of-the-last-century building in Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, Church Hill.
Vitals:
The Roosevelt / Mon-Sat, 5-10 pm; Sunday, 5-9 pm / 623 North 25th Street
Shoreline’s Annual Oyster Roast.
Shoreline is partnering with Waygone Brewery and King Corrotoman Oysters to bring Richmond an afternoon of complimentary oysters, wine tastings, and beer. Free admission and dog friendly.
Expect good people, fresh oysters, and hot fish sandwiches with housemade chips to keep you fueled. Happening at Shoreline Seafood Market. Bring your crew and celebrate the community that makes this place special.
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