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. 277 / Let's Take This OutsideExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 277 / LET'S TAKE THIS OUTSIDE
This week, we’re excited to welcome Will Dixon, Executive Director of Sports Backers, as our guest editor. Will and the entire Sports Backers team are dedicated to making all corners of the Richmond community more active through a wide array of events, training teams, and programs.
A Richmond native, Will recently stepped into the Executive Director role, succeeding Jon Lugbill, who led the organization for 32 years. While his role may be new, Will is no stranger to Sports Backers; he’s been a key part of the organization for over 17 years. He has steadily risen through the ranks, previously serving as Operations Manager, Director of Sponsorship, and, most recently, Chief Administrative Officer—a role he took on in June 2020.
Will earned his degree from James Madison University and, after graduating, returned to Richmond to begin his career with Sports Backers. Beyond his professional contributions, he has served on several local nonprofit boards, including SwimRVA, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, and Richmond Region Tourism—reflecting his deep passion for community health and wellness.
Throughout his tenure, Will has played a pivotal role in strengthening Sports Backers’ marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising efforts, helping to expand the organization’s impact on the health and vibrancy of the Richmond region. With a strong commitment to the mission, he’s excited to lead Sports Backers into its next chapter.
In his free time, Will enjoys riding his bike, running and swimming, and spending time at local parks with his family—fiancée Courtney, two sons, and two dogs. Here’s a peek at a few of his favorite parks around town.
Take it away, Will …
Taylor Farm Park
One of Henrico County’s newest parks has quickly become a favorite spot for spending time with my family. Taylor Farm Park features a skate park, dirt pump track, splash pad, two playgrounds, nature and walking trails, and more. My sons are big fans of the skate park and biking elements. We can spend an entire day at Taylor Farm Park, so come prepared with a packed lunch, snacks, and skateboards and bikes in tow. Beyond the amenities, what’s impressed me most about this park is how welcoming and helpful other users have been to my sons, who are beginner-level skaters and riders. Taylor Farm Park offers entertainment for all ages, skill levels, and outdoor interests. Regardless of where you live in the region, it’s a park worth traveling to.
Vitals:
Taylor Farm Park / Open daily from dawn to dusk / 200 Whiteside Road, Sandston
Forest Hill Park
Recently, my family and I spent the morning hiking the trails in the James River Park System. We parked in Forest Hill Park, ventured down to the Buttermilk Trail, and scrambled across the exposed rocks over to Belle Isle. If you want to feel like a kid again—or just enjoy watching kids be kids—add the dry rocks scramble to your list. Just be aware that at certain river levels, the rocks are submerged and not safe to cross.
While we were out there, we ran into a group from Homegirl Hike, said hi to some passing mountain bikers, saw a few grazing deer, and played a round of 20 Questions to finish off the hike once the kids got antsy. Afterward, we headed to The Veil on Forest Hill Avenue for a beer and grabbed lunch at Y Tu Mama (highly recommend the Quesabirria Tacos and the Nachos!).
It’s hard to believe we have such an incredible outdoor oasis just minutes from downtown.
Vitals:
Forest Hill Park / Open from sunrise to sunset / 4021 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond
Deep Run Park
I grew up in the West End and spent a lot of time biking and hiking at Deep Run Park as a kid. And while I still live out in the Short Pump area, it’s been a joy to see Deep Run Park continue to grow and evolve to serve the community. The pump track is perfect for riders of any age, the pond offers enjoyable fishing, and the multi-use trails are ideal for a walk, ride, or run—with plenty of shade and green scenery. And if you’re more into team sports, there always seems to be a pick-up soccer game or cricket match happening.
Even better, thanks to Henrico’s efforts to enhance the walkability and bikeability of the county, I can get from my front door in West Broad Village to Deep Run Park and be on a sidewalk the entire time! After an action-packed day at the park, we like to swing by neighborhood spots including the newly opened Emmy Squared Pizza or MPM Tiki Bar for a bite, then cap off the day with some Ray’s Italian Ice, Gelati Celesti, or Sweet Frog.
Vitals:
Deep Run Park / Open daily from dawn to dusk / 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico
More about Sports Backers.
During the past 33 years, Sports Backers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has developed programs and events designed to inspire people to live actively. Sports Backers achieves this work by focusing on a network of collaborative partnerships with other organizations, businesses, local governments, and faith-based institutions. In order to create transformational change, the organization recognizes that it can’t do it all alone; rather, it works collaboratively to build a movement of change in our community to make active living the easy choice.
There are over 8,000 volunteers and staff involved with Sports Backers. Collectively the organization encourages an active lifestyle in all corners of our community. It doesn’t matter if you are filling cups at a water stop, leading a fitness class, or advocating for bike infrastructure, we are all part of the same team. Together we each contribute to the magic that makes Sports Backers' nationally recognized programs and events come to life and help our families, friends, and neighbors live actively.
Heidi has been orchestrating the art of storytelling since childhood, when she first fell in love with mass communications. Now she spends her days amplifying Virginia's educational heroes as a communications strategist for the Commonwealth, transforming everyday classroom victories into compelling narratives that reach far beyond school walls.
The mastermind behind HWILSONPR since 2008, Heidi doesn't just teach strategic communications—she lives it. From her former role shaping future communicators as department chair at Virginia Union University to her current work coaching organizations through digital chaos and crisis management, she's built a reputation for turning complex messages into magnetic stories. Between crafting campaigns and conquering dance floors through Hip Hop Fit classes, Heidi's on a perpetual quest for the perfect pizza slice, the sparkliest vintage finds, and the next adventure with her three-year-old great niece, who's already showing signs of inheriting the family's flair for dramatic storytelling.
Take it away, Heidi …
PRSA Richmond Monthly Luncheons
Each month, PRSA Richmond brings communicators together over lunch to explore a fresh topic in PR, marketing, or media. Expect smart conversation, solid takeaways, and plenty of time to connect with colleagues across the industry.
Talk shop. Grow your network. Learn something new.
Vitals:
Monthly, Dates Vary / 12:00 – 1:30 PM / FREE - members, $15 - students/retirees, $45 - non-members / Westwood Club, 6200 W Club Lane
Little Nickel
Discovered during a birthday dinner, this Forest Hill favorite quickly earned a spot on the regular rotation. With standout service, generous portions, and a menu that blends tiki flair with coastal Mediterranean touches, Little Nickel nails the casual-meets-craveable experience every time.
Come for the vibe. Stay for the sweet potato volcano.
Vitals:
Open Monday - Saturday / 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Mon. - Thurs.), 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Fri. & Sat.) / 4702 Forest Hill Avenue
Crossroads Art Center
Whether you’re into paintings, photography, sculpture, or mixed media, Crossroads is a hub for Richmond’s visual arts scene. With rotating exhibitions, artist-led workshops, and guided tours, there's always something new to spark your curiosity. Bonus: it makes a great day date.
Local art. Fresh inspiration. A perfect creative escape.
I recently launched "TALK About Yo Stuff," a motivational campaign designed to combat the epidemic of talented people hiding their light under a bushel. Too many entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, and changemakers are doing incredible work but staying silent about their impact—and that needs to change.
This movement is for the teacher transforming young minds who thinks sharing their classroom innovations is "bragging." It's for the author whose book is changing lives but feels awkward promoting it. It's for the stylist boosting confidence one client at a time, the entrepreneur solving real problems with their products, and the professional earning recognition but downplaying their achievements. If you're making a difference—whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or communities—it's time to own it and share it.
The campaign goes beyond motivation. When you grab merch from our collection, you're not just wearing a statement—you're funding communications scholarships for the next generation of storytellers. Every purchase helps students learn to amplify their own voices and the voices of others who are doing meaningful work.
Ready to join the movement? Follow the journey on Instagram and discover how others are talking about their stuff, then start talking about yours. Because the world needs to hear what you're bringing to the table.
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