May
14
7:00 PM19:00
Ritual Killer (TN), Thirst (FL), Crimson Witch, Twisted Nature
Presented by VKV Booking and Entertainment
$12 adv / $15 dos.
May
15
7:00 PM19:00
Mid, Aloe Garden, Hugo Antes
Richmond indie
Mid
Stream their new single Slugger
Aloe Garden
Stream their new album Golden
Hugo Antes
Check out Hugo Antes' linktree
May
16
5:00 PM17:00
Wild at Heart
Get ready for an outrageous, salacious, and scandalous poetry reading / variety show!
In May this fiery poetry reading / variety show, attendees will hear shocking and salacious truths from the writers Caitlin Forst, Micaela Carren, Lillian Bowie, and Jasmine Blooms, then a killer set from members of Jojo and the Kick Its, followed by a scandalous burlesque performance from Darshe Dazzles
Door opens at 5:00pm
Show starts at 5:30pm
$12 adv. / $15 dos.
18+ Only
May
16
8:00 PM20:00
DIAMONDS AND PEARLS: A Pokémon Nerdlesque Gathering!
Every 3rd Saturday is burlesque night at Gallery5!
Hey Pokélover! We’ve gotten together the perfect team to battle for your hearts on Saturday, May 16th at Gallery5; get ready for DIAMONDS AND PEARLS: A Pokémon Nerdlesque Gathering!
Ticket options include standing room, reserved seating, and 2-top and 4-top tables for those bringing a friend (or 3!).
We’re not just here to give you a show- we have an evening lined up with tons of fun activities! With doors opening at 8pm, we’ll have some gaming consoles set with Pokémon games, a table set for those who want to play or show off their Pokémon TCG, and vendors selling Pokémon art and Merchandise! At 9:15pm, our nerdlesque show will proceed with 6 powerful acts, hosted by Catleesi!
This is an event for Pokémon fans of all levels, so get ready for the very best!
May
17
1:00 PM13:00
May Drawing Club
Join us for Gallery5’s next Drawing Club session - no cost to attend! Just bring you and your drawing materials - and a friend if you want!
From 1:00 - 3:00pm on Sunday, May 17th, we’ll hang out, work on some drawings or sketches (or whatever you want to draw!), and enjoy each other’s company! We’ll put some tunes on in the background and just vibe while we make things together — what could be better than that?
The bar will be open with regular drinks plus mimosas, coffee, and tea. We might even have some brunch-y snacks for sale.
Gallery5 is grateful to Plaza Art Materials for their sponsorship of this event!
May
17
6:00 PM18:00
Parallel Listening Series vol. 11
feat. musical performances by John Bradberry & Kraanerg. Readings by Justin Boening, Rosa Castellano, Nat Bergrin and Jules Lieberthal
Free to enter! Sliding scale donations encouraged!!
The Parallel Listening Series combines literature, music, sound, and performance art into a live, free public event at Gallery5. This event creates a dynamic space for artists and audience members, developing an intentional environment where deep listening promotes reflection and inspiration. The performance pairs creative writers with musicians, blending a literary reading with an improvised score. Because art practices can often be siloed, the Parallel Listening Series seeks to explore the interconnectedness of language and sound, art and community.
Event Timeline (times are estimates)
Doors: 6-7 (Happy Hour)
John Bradberry: 7-7:40
7-7:15 - Justin Boening w/ instrumental backing
7:15-7:25 - John Bradberry without accompaniment
7:25-7:40 - Rosa Castellano w/ instrumental backing
Kraanerg: 7:50-8:30
7:50-8:05 - Nat Bergrin w/ instrumental backing from Jules Lieberthal
8:05-8:15 -Nat Bergrin & Jules Lieberthal without accompaniment
8:15-8:30 - Jules Lieberthal w/ instrumental backing from Nat Bergrin
8:30-9:30pm socializing and bar hour
May
18
6:00 PM18:00
Venue Town Hall vol 4
Join us on Monday, May 18th from 6-8pm where we will open up the space for a discussion on the local hip-hop community and DIY music scene.
This is your opportunity to engage with the folks who are laying the groundwork in this space and dive into some of the ways that we as a community can build better infrastructure for underrepresented music genres in our local venues.
We’ll be collecting questions ahead of time through a poll on our story and will open up the floor for an audience Q+A at the event. The RVA Venue Town Hall is free to attend, all are welcome.
Let’s build a stronger, more connected music community together!
The event will be moderated by Doug Nunnally, founder of The Auricular and the Newlin Music Prize and board member at WRIR 97.3 FM.
Lineup:
🎶 @antthesymbol producer of @theculturecurrentrva
🎶 @cjtheprofit with the @80404club
🎶 @theehuntingdog with the @icecreamsocialparty
May
19
7:00 PM19:00
May
22
7:00 PM19:00
Fourth Friday Jazz Night with Ceili Galante!
On the fourth Friday of each month we open up our doors to the jazz world - Jazz Night is FREE and open to the public!
For May, we are joined by Ceili Galante.
Purchase reserved seating to enjoy this night in style. Proceeds support the artists and ensures continued accessibility to the free community event!
Standing room available at no charge but donations are always appreciated!
May
23
7:00 PM19:00
30 SECONDS TO BARS
featuring performances by DuctTape Jesus, Destructo Disk, Alfred, Ty Sorrell and DJ B-Rice!
$12 adv / $15 dos.
May
28
7:00 PM19:00
TV Battle Stations, Caroline Vain (RVA) & Brand New Companion (Boise)
Brand New Companion is on tour from Boise, Idaho! Playing all along the east coast for the first time.
$10 adv / $15 dos.
May
30
10:00 AM10:00
Activism in Action: Hand-sewn Mending Workshop
Join local artist Megan Nolde to learn basic hand-sewn mending techniques, including sewing buttons, adding patches, and hemming garments.
Learn hand-sewn mending techniques to make your favorite clothes last longer, and fight consumerism!
Did you ever dream that a needle and thread could be anti-capitalist? Well, when you prolong the life of your clothes by repairing them instead of throwing them away, you refuse to feed the consumer capitalist beast!
Local artist Megan Nolde will show participants how to sew on buttons, add patches to cover holes in clothes, and hem garments like pants and skirts. If there's any time left, and specific needs present, we might cover other techniques too.
All materials are provided (needles, thread, spare fabric, buttons, patches) but if you have specific garments that need these mendings done to them, feel free to bring them!
This workshop is led by Megan Nolde, Gallery5's Board Chair and a practicing local artist with an MFA in Printmaking from Tyler School of Art.
This event is free to attend!
May
30
7:00 PM19:00
Amminal, Willowlaun & Gregory Darden
An evening of ambient and spacey, post-prog rock
$12 adv / $15 dos.
Amminal is a post-prog, under the yacht-rock band that plays spacey, pastoral folk and psychedelic rock music about witches, birds, lack of sleep, and many other topics. Featuring Laura Ann Singh on vocals, Pippin Barnett on drums, Bryan Hoffa on guitar, keys, vocals, Stevie Ray Williams on guitar and vocals, Adam Hopkins on upright bass, and Philip Murphy on guitar and vocals. This date at Gallery 5 is a record release show for amminal’s self titled LP on Hello Goodbye Records. The second album is in the works.
Willowlaun is the ambient drone electronic project of Richmond-based artist and bassist John Harrison. His music explores dark, dreamy, and nostalgic spaces, built from sampled farfisa organ, processed electric guitar and bass loops, field recordings, and drifting analog drones. John’s glacial compositions inhabit the space between density and minimalism. His recent fourth release, Timecard Program Loops, is available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms.
Gregory Darden uses drones and sound collage to create long-form ambient pieces. Mixing organic and electronic instruments with samples -this is music that is rooted in a love of 70's and 80's film soundtracks and folk music from around the world. After spending 10 years in the experimental trio Cristal, Gregory began doing solo work as well as playing in psychedelic/new age/folk duo Fyt with Christian Luke Brady. GD releases local music on his Royal Beagle Recordings label.
May
31
6:00 PM18:00
Tristan Dougherty and the Heart Pines Vinyl Release
featuring performances by Juniper Tree and Cast Shadows
$10 adv / $15 dos.
Tristan Dougherty is a folk musician and singer-songwriter based in Richmond, Virginia. With meditative finger-style guitar playing and warm, illuminative lyrics, he ties together stories of love lost, memory untangled, the search for happiness, and finding meaning in the simple things around us.
Juniper Tree is the indie folk project of Valerie Westerman Bess and Taylor Rawls Bess. Originating in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 2018 and moving down the road to Richmond in 2021, the duo continues to find and share inspiration in the beautiful landscapes of Virginia, drawing listeners into a peaceful environment with their introspective, nature-immersed songwriting and electric harmonies.
Cast Shadows channel melodies from far away places and times, blending with distortion and a touch of chaos
Jun
6
10:00 AM10:00
Activism in Action: Repairing Bikes and Other Household Items
Join Rag & Bones Bicycle Co-op and Repair Cafe for a day of repairing the items you love and need!
Join us at Gallery5 for a day of repairing your needed and favorite bikes and household items!
From 10-11am, Rag & Bones Bicycle Co-op will lead a workshop on basic bike maintenance. Bring your bike with you!
From 11am-2pm, Repair Cafe will be on-site with volunteers who will happily fix your bikes, jewelry, small appliances, and really just about anything that needs repair! Bring your item with you please!
https://www.instagram.com/repaircaferva/
This event is free to attend!
Jun
6
7:00 PM19:00
Doolittle: Front-to-Back at Gallery5, performed by Here Comes Your Band
Tribute night with Here Comes Your Band playing the entire Doolittle album and Unknown Pleasures bringing you Joy Division classics.
Here Comes Your Band will take a deep dive into the surreal and the loud for a first-time-ever performance: playing the Pixies’ seminal 1989 masterpiece, Doolittle, in its entirety—track by track, from "Debaser" all the way through "Gouge Away." Critics hail the impact of Doolittle including “The #2 Greatest Album of All Time.” — NME and “#141 on the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” — Rolling Stone. Doolittle is a record that changed music forever, influencing everyone from Nirvana to Radiohead.This is a unique, one-night-only experiment for the band. Come help bring this legendary record to life.
Here Comes Your Band is joined by Unknown Pleasures, who will set the stage with the haunting, atmospheric soundscapes of Joy Division.
Jun
7
7:00 PM19:00
The Get Off, Circle Breaker, Brash, Gorrak
$10 adv / $15 dos.
The Get Off
“Sassy Hardcore from RVA”
Hardcore/Punk/Feminist/Political
Circle Breaker
“RVA Queer Motor Punk Hellfire”
Black Metal/Grind/Hardcore/Motorpunk
Brash
“RVA Hardcore Punk n Roll”
Hardcore/Metal/Punk/Thrash
Jun
9
7:00 PM19:00
Ivy Agency Booking Presents: The Snares + more TBA
Get ready for a killer night with The Snares and some surprise acts dropping soon!
$10 adv / $15 dos.
Jun
11
8:00 PM20:00
Nerdy Thirsty Thursdays
On 2nd Thursdays, every other month, from 8pm-11pm, let's get together to get nerdy ASF! We will have a FREE TO ENTER Jackbox competition with small prizes to win, pop-up nerdlesque from across the DMV, and trading cards, anime merch, and so much more!!
$10 adv. / $14 dos.
18+ Only
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback,” or a “kickback” that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback", " or a kickback that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Accessibility info: the venue is accessible and has accessible single person genderless restrooms.
Parking info: there is street parking only. Get there early to ensure a spot near the venue. There are a couple accessible spots within a block of the venue.
Jun
14
12:00 PM12:00
Activism in Action: Food Distribution 101
Join Fonticello Food Forest as they lead a discussion on creating local food distribution networks and events in your community!
Join us at Gallery5 for a discussion and presentation on food distribution networks and systems that you can implement in your community -- including practical tips, things to keep in mind, and resources for getting started. This will be led by Laney and Jameson of Fonticello Food Forest!
https://verdantrichmond.org/fonticello-food-forest/
This event is free to attend!
Jun
24
7:00 PM19:00
LAVAPresents: 12 Rods + more TBA
The 12 Rods hiatus is over. It’s been a couple decades since a proper 12 Rods live band, not counting the 12-piece 2015 reunion show.
$14 adv / $17 dos.
When Ryan Olcott, songwriter and frontman of Twin Cities’ iconic indie rock band 12 Rods, found unfinished Rods demos during lockdown, he was surprised. When he realized they were good, he was shocked. He quickly set to finishing and recording the compositions, which became If We Stayed Alive, the first 12 Rods album in twenty-one years. “These are songs that I forgot about,” he explains, “but upon finding them, I thought, ‘Wow, these are actually okay.’” That was the easy part. Reacquainting himself with a twenty-year-removed craft and technique took some getting used to -- some parts longer than others. He recorded all the instruments in a week, but the vocals took a bit longer. “Oh my god!” he laughs, “it took a couple of days to get my voice back with that range and that power, but I could do it.” Any cobwebs that needed dusting are long gone. If We Stayed Alive is everything longtime fans have wanted, and the perfect introduction to what some called “America’s Radiohead" and what others have called one of the best indie bands of the ‘90s. Despite these songs being written twenty-two years ago, their sound, themes, mood are evergreen. Lead single, pop nugget “My Year (This Is Going To Be),” is both the appropriate ticket to a new era and a souvenir of the past, gussied up in self-awareness, humor, and perhaps the faintest bit of hope. “Cause with all my calculations/Everything looks so, so clear/This is going to be my year.” Which of us didn’t watch the dawn of 2020 thinking the same, only to have confused stellar light with nuclear flash? Everything magnetic in vintage Rods -- pitch-perfect, Beach Boys-esque harmonies, clean, rhythmic guitar, grooving bass, steady drums -- and that clear, plaintive voice invoking our deepest, silliest wish: that everything’s going to be okay. And that’s only one of the album’s seven bangers. From album opener “All I Can Think About,” with its subdued inner monologue musings that meander from world-weary to awestruck, to the grunge-indebted “Comfortable Situation,” to the smooth, loungey “The Beating,” it’s clear that Olcott isn’t just picking up where he left off, but having fun while doing it. “To be honest,” Olcott says, “I think it’s the best material I’ve had to offer so far.” If you had asked me a few years ago whether the reunion 12 Rods album could be their best, I don’t know how I would have answered. But if you had shown me videos of UFOs cruising the globe and told me an Air Force general didn’t rule out extraterrestrial responsibility, I would have called shenanigans on that. 2023 is weird as hell. And it’s about to get weirder. What else can I say? It’s 12 Rods. It’s new. It’s everything we’ve waited for.
Aug
13
8:00 PM20:00
Nerdy Thirsty Thursdays
On 2nd Thursdays, every other month, from 8pm-11pm, let's get together to get nerdy ASF! We will have a FREE TO ENTER Jackbox competition with small prizes to win, pop-up nerdlesque from across the DMV, and trading cards, anime merch, and so much more!!
$10 adv. / $14 dos.
18+ Only
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback,” or a “kickback” that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback", " or a kickback that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Accessibility info: the venue is accessible and has accessible single person genderless restrooms.
Parking info: there is street parking only. Get there early to ensure a spot near the venue. There are a couple accessible spots within a block of the venue.
Oct
8
8:00 PM20:00
Nerdy Thirsty Thursdays
On 2nd Thursdays, every other month, from 8pm-11pm, let's get together to get nerdy ASF! We will have a FREE TO ENTER Jackbox competition with small prizes to win, pop-up nerdlesque from across the DMV, and trading cards, anime merch, and so much more!!
$10 adv. / $14 dos.
18+ Only
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback,” or a “kickback” that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback", " or a kickback that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Accessibility info: the venue is accessible and has accessible single person genderless restrooms.
Parking info: there is street parking only. Get there early to ensure a spot near the venue. There are a couple accessible spots within a block of the venue.
Dec
10
8:00 PM20:00
Nerdy Thirsty Thursdays
On 2nd Thursdays, every other month, from 8pm-11pm, let's get together to get nerdy ASF! We will have a FREE TO ENTER Jackbox competition with small prizes to win, pop-up nerdlesque from across the DMV, and trading cards, anime merch, and so much more!!
$10 adv. / $14 dos.
18+ Only
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback,” or a “kickback” that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback", " or a kickback that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Accessibility info: the venue is accessible and has accessible single person genderless restrooms.
Parking info: there is street parking only. Get there early to ensure a spot near the venue. There are a couple accessible spots within a block of the venue.
May
11
7:00 PM19:00
Flesh Produce, I've Never Been Here Before, DJ Shartchan, Elabor, Daphnis
Flesh Produce is on tour from Seattle, INBHB is touring from Santa Cruz
Flesh Produce
Flesh Produce website
Flesh Produce Spotify
Flesh Produce IG
I've Never Been Here Before
I've Never Been Here Before Spotify
I've Never Been Here Before IG
I've Never Been Here Before Soundcloud
DJ Shartchan
DJ Shartchan IG
DJ Shartchan Soundcloud
Daphnis
Daphnis IG
Elabor
Elabor Bandcamp
May
10
6:00 PM18:00
Justin Golden, Arthur Terembula, Johanna Wacker & Jonathan Paige Brown Jr.
Live Roots, Country & Blues in Richmond!
$10 adv / $15 dos.
May
9
7:00 PM19:00
Bleed Out presents: A Benefit For Hayley and Zach
feat. performances by Bleed Out, Lacking, Polluted Tongues and Die Standing
$10 adv / $15 dos.
Hayley and Zach are great friends and fans of Bleed Out and currently going through some of the worst aspects of the American Healthcare system. So, we wanted to help them the only way we knew how – blast beats and sick riffs.
Your ticket not only pays for a solid lineup VA based of hardcore and power violence, but will also go in part to helping Hayley and Zach navigate their treatment of a recent autoimmune diagnosis.
Every donation can make a difference!
May
9
1:00 PM13:00
Richmond Volunteer Market
This is a new kind of “market” where local organizations connect with Richmonders who “shop” for ways to support their community — all while enjoying a bite to eat, your favorite drink, and a local musician.
This is your chance to meet organizations doing important work and sign up for volunteering that fits who you are.
Participating Organizations include:
Girls for a Change
Better Housing Coalition
Southside Releaf
Happily Natural Day
RVA Repair Cafe
Beyond Boundaries
RVA Community Fridges
Re-establish Richmond
RVA Light
Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project
May
8
8:00 PM20:00
CLUE: hosted by Beau Tox
A classic "Whodunnit" interactive event, with a drag twist!
Seating will be first come, first serve.
$10.
Clue: the Drag Show transforms your standard drag show into an exciting evening of murder and mystery where we invite YOU to add to our drama into the gameplay! You may come to Gallery 5 expecting an evening filled with drag stunts, glamor, and laughs but what horrors, mysteries, and endless turns will you end up discovering?
Whether you're solving puzzles or navigating the intricate web of lies the performers have spun, Clue: The Drag Show is a test of wit and social prowess. Don't think you can simply sit and watch! We invite you to be part of the spectacle. Stay observant, interact, and engage the whole night. During the show, the audience will be invited to play along with some of the best Divas and Divos to be had. Ask them questions, try to figure out their backstory, and ultimately find out who will take their final bow. And who will be taken out in handcuffs?
This is a show unlike anything you've seen before! Come out and experience a new, interactive drag murder mystery show or you might just be the next body we find.
Performances by
Javon Love
Teddi Baerbach
Daya B. Tease
Artemis Lazuli
Jelly Goblin
Hosted by Beau Tox
May
3
7:00 PM19:00
Dogfuck, PT Burnem, clwdwlkr and Reggie$$
Local experimental hiphop at its finest. May the 3rd be with you.
$12 adv / $15 dos.
May
3
12:00 PM12:00
Activism in Action: Everyday Herbalism
Join RVA Herbalist Alliance on Sun., May 3rd for an engaging panel discussion on how to incorporate herbs into everyday life.
Join the RVA Herbalist Alliance for an engaging panel discussion on how to incorporate herbs into your everyday life. This conversation will explore foundational herbal knowledge, practical applications, and working with locally available plants to support wellness in simple, accessible ways.
Following the discussion and audience Q&A, participants will receive a curated selection of dried herbs along with detailed guides for creating their own preparations at home, including teas, tinctures, infused oils, and more.
This is a beginner-friendly event designed to empower you with practical plant knowledge you can start using right away.
More information about the Alliance can be found at https://rvaherbalistalliance.org.
This event is free to attend!
May
2
7:00 PM19:00
Valentin Prince “for real” Album Release Show
featuring performances by Chloë Ester and M. Brett Jones
$10 adv / $12 dos.
May
1
5:00 PM17:00
First Fridays: “Storytelling Portraits: Creatives of RVA”
This May, Gallery5 is thrilled to present “Storytelling Portraits: Creatives of RVA” as part of Richmond’s First Fridays Art Walk and Block Party on Fri., May 1st from 5PM - 11PM.
This show features the ongoing series of documentary photographer @crtveambvrt that is rooted in the art of storytelling. It reflects a commitment to exploring visual narratives that resonate across cultures and experiences.
Storytelling Portraits seeks to invite viewers to pause, reflect, and consider the universality of each other’s stories. Each story is to create an act of connection, a brief intersection where vulnerability and presence meet. It is not about staging perspective, but rather revealing authenticity.
The opening reception will also include special performances by @hyphaen, @brookhouse.music, @solreliqs, @dimas07 and Latin beats by @rattan_dj guaranteed to keep you dancing all night!
Apr
30
6:30 PM18:30
Community Care Night: Show and Tell
Bring an object connected to a core memory, share a poem or some of your writing, or let us know about something you’re passionate about!
Join us this Thursday, April 30 for a “Show and Tell”Community Care Night. Get a first look of upcoming exhibition “Storytelling Portraits: Creatives of RVA” by curator @crtveambvrt.
The floor is yours, share your story, as we raise funds for a family at risk of losing their home!
This event is free to attend! $15 donations are strongly encouraged.
Apr
28
7:00 PM19:00
PRESALES SOLD OUT: The Nude Party with support from Tobacco City
Presales are sold out. There will be a limited amount of tickets available at the door.
For The Nude Party, nearly a decade has flown by in the blink of an eye. In that time, the New York-based band has released a pair of well-received albums, an EP, and played countless shows. Prior to the pandemic, the band was really starting to hit its stride. They had a system in place and were spreading their brand of melodic rock to the masses. In fact, they could count Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, and Orville Peck as vocal supporters, which led to support slots for each. Soon, incredible live appearances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Newport Folk Festival, and Shaky Knees became the norm. Over the course of the last two years, The Nude Party decided to produce their new album, Rides On, themselves. With the help of Matthew Horner, The Nude Party had as much fun creating as they ever had at any other point in their career. Their new album includes 14 songs that dabble in electro-pop and stripped-down country. The Nude Party coalesced and embraced the spirit of collaboration. They’re excited to begin the next chapter of their career.
At a time when it would have been easy to pack it in, the band continues to persevere.
Apr
27
5:00 PM17:00
RVA Drum Shed
Join Matt Wild and Hunter Johnson for a night of 1 on 1 percussion sessions featuring you and anyone who wants to come and play drums!
Put your name in the hat, get called at random, and get ready to rock! There will be food available and you can bring food to share potluck style.
Don’t miss your opportunity to try one of our drinks from our new mocktail menu from Riffs & Recovery with the help of Point 5 RVA and Mother Shrub.
All ages and skill levels are welcome.
$8 donation is appreciated!
RVA Drum Shed is a monthly community percussion event hosted by Hunter Johnson and Matt Wild. Johnson brought the idea to Wild at a local Gallery5 event, so they decided to start out in Wild’s front yard and see what would happen. The group has been meeting for the past 7 months offering free time for ANYONE to get on a drum kit and play along with another drummer for three minute rounds. Names are put in a digital “hat” and are pulled at random. After the time is up they throw in the towel, rinse, and repeat with two new people selected. Wild also loves to cook and has incorporated an accompanying potluck theme into each event. Starting last month (Dec ‘25), the weather was too cold for outdoor drumming or grilling, so the drum shed was relocated to Gallery5 in Jackson Ward, a local nonprofit art space with a 20 year history in the neighborhood.
RVA Drum Shed is evolving and hopes to make a difference in the lives of up-and-coming drummers by giving participants access to a drum set, some experienced players to watch or play with, and an audience to play in front of. You may be of any age and of any skill level to participate. If you’ve ever had a thought about being a drummer, do yourself a favor and drop by!
Apr
26
1:00 PM13:00
Activism in Action: Community Zine-Making Workshop
Come make zines with us and help build Gallery5's community zine library! Materials provided, but bringing your own is welcome too.
Gallery5 is building our community-made zine library! Come learn more about zines (what they are, how they function to share knowledge, preserve stories, and support communities) and make one or more for Gallery5's community zine library and for yourself!
Materials provided: copy paper, pencils/erasers, sharpies and pens, staplers/staples, small copier, toner for copier.
Feel free to bring your own materials to supplement these!
We will also have a scanner so we can scan a digital copy of your finished zine if you desire, that way you can print more copies in the future easily.
This workshop is led by Megan Nolde, Gallery5's Board Chair and a practicing local artist with an MFA in Printmaking from Tyler School of Art.
This event is free to attend!
Apr
25
8:00 PM20:00
Poppy la Fae's Church, A Burlesque Event
Doors at 8pm
Show at 9pm
18+ Only
CHURCH is our reclamation of the term to mean a safe space to gather and we're back for our annual Spring tradition. It’s an opportunity to worship the grace that is queer and trans people; in femmes and weirdos; in fat bodies and all the in betweens. It’s a reminder of the holiness of marginalized resistance, joy, and divinity. It's a space to find light in the face of it all. In a season where religion and morality are being used to further push us into the margins, it's more important to reclaim our space in this way than ever.
Featuring performances by:
Casey Camp
Gordita Maricona
Jo'Rie Tigerlily
D3ADP4NN
Nostra DadAss
Poppy la Fae
Pretty Rik E
Qing Blaze
Saffron Soleil
Venessa Chevelle
Kitten: Elza Facon
Gogo with Serenity and Storm Psycho 6
Hosted by Poppy la Fae
Apr
25
5:00 PM17:00
Wild at Heart
Get ready for an outrageous, salacious, and scandalous poetry reading / variety show.
In April, attendees will hear shocking and salacious truths from the phenomenal Spellbound slam poetry team, followed by a scandalous burlesque performance from Jo’Rie Tigerlily
Door opens at 5:00pm
Show starts at 5:30pm
$12 adv. / $15 dos.
18+ Only
Apr
24
7:00 PM19:00
Fourth Friday Jazz Night with the Sweet Potatoes
On the fourth Friday of each month we open up our doors to the jazz world - Jazz Night is FREE and open to the public!
For April we are joined by the Sweet Potatoes.
Purchase reserved seating to enjoy this night in style. Proceeds support the artists and ensures continued accessibility to the free community event!
Standing room available at no charge but donations are always appreciated!
Apr
23
7:00 PM19:00
Black Viiolet, Vexine, Jo'Rie Tigerlilly
Neo soul, rock n roll and burlesque!
$10.
Black Viiolet is the alter-ego of Nicole Laurenne, lead singer and founder of Alternative Tentacles all-girl garagepunk band, The Darts (US). Nicole steps away from her Farfisa organ flinging, crowdsurfing rock persona into a whole new world with Black Viiolet - a sultry, neosoul, vintage-jazz-inspired,triphop-tinged, spy-movie experience, invoking smoky jazz clubs and back-alley speakeasies. With musicians from two continents backing her and top-level producers, Black Viiolet is far more than just a side project but a true labor of love.
Black Viiolet played its first live shows in 2024, in support of the debut EP, Kill Me Now (2024 Adrenalin Fix Music). Seattle’s premiere jazz radio station KNKX featured Black Viiolet on its show “The New Cool” and put the EP into rotation. Multiple tours in Europe and the USA soon followed. Keyboard giant Korg, Inc., became a sponsor for Nicole on two continents, Phantogram’s publicist added the band to its roster, and press began to roll in throughout the US, UK, and Europe. The EP sold out within nine months and was re-pressed onto 12” laser-etched photo-disc vinyl in Europe.
The first full-length LP, After You (2025 Adrenalin Fix Music), was released in early 2025. The album features fourteen top-tier jazz musicians and nine top producers from the USA and Europe, including Conrad Real (Digable Planets) on drums. The album release tour stretched from France, Switzerland, and Germany to Canada and the USA Pacific North-west, with horn players from both France and the USA and Darts’ labelmate Gregg Ziemba (Wheelchair Sportscamp) taking the drums to the next level on tour. Highlights included opening for Switzerland’s The Jackets and Seattle’s famed Easy Street Records hosting the band’s live show to close out the tour.
Apr
22
7:00 PM19:00
Earth Day Cabaret
Betsy from Mars & Gallery5 Present an Earth Day Cabaret with local variety acts including music, dance, poetry, comedy, and more!
$10 adv / $12 dos.
Betsy from Mars & Gallery5 Present an Earth Day Cabaret with local variety acts including music, dance, poetry, comedy, and more with proceeds benefiting The James River Association and Gallery5.
Apr
21
7:00 PM19:00
Shadow Age, Stephanie and Interstellar Outlaws (TBD)
Come to Gallery5 for some heavy. sonic hugs after the long weekend
$10 adv / $15 dos.
Apr
20
7:00 PM19:00
Apr
19
7:00 PM19:00
Richmond Ren-Faire After Party Night Two
featuring performances by Girlspit, IONNA, Ships in the Night, and Empress Rav!
$15 adv / $18 dos
Apr
18
7:00 PM19:00
Richmond Ren-Faire After Party Night One
featuring performances by Circle Breaker, Private Hell, Vigil, and Sepulchral Blood!
$15 adv / $18 dos
Apr
17
7:00 PM19:00
Dials Dials Dials album release with Shagg Carpet and Gull
Come celebrate Dials Dials Dials record release!
$8 adv / $10 dos.
Apr
16
7:00 PM19:00
The Culture Current Vol. 2 Open Mic Night
A bimonthly series (formerly Open Minds Night) presented by Gallery5 and Vintage Youth that focuses on celebrating hip-hop and R&B
Donations at the door!
We will feature some of the dopest talents in the city while spotlighting some of the up and coming artists in the area.
Artists can sign up for a chance to be selected for one of the spotlight spots.
We feel that everybody should have a chance to share their passion. We aim to spread the word about what's going on within the culture of RVA and share the good vibes with everybody in our community!
Don't hesitate. Now could be your time to shine!
Apr
14
7:00 PM19:00
Apr
13
7:00 PM19:00
Motherfuckers JMB & Co (members of animal collective, GWAR, alter-natives)
featuring local support from Hard Copy and Cold Toast
$15.
Apr
12
7:00 PM19:00
Boyscoutmarie (nyc), Human Worm, Sleepygolucky, Ducttape Jesus
You do not want to miss this show.
$12 adv / $15 dos.
Apr
11
7:00 PM19:00
Dumb Waiter, Future Mantis, Ultra Bleach and Mast Year (Baltimore)
Dumb Waiter w vocals, Future Mantis w an unbridled, heavy tone, Ultra Bleach manifesting chaos, Mast Year on a mission trip from Baltimore.
$10 adv / $15 dos.
Apr
10
7:00 PM19:00
Sun v Set Single Release with E33rd and Mead the Dear
Sun v Set big band, a rare appearance from the lovely E 33rd and hometown heroes Mead the Dear.
$12 adv / $16 dos
Apr
9
8:00 PM20:00
Nerdy Thirsty Thursdays
On 2nd Thursdays, every other month, from 8pm-11pm, let's get together to get nerdy ASF! We will have a FREE TO ENTER Jackbox competition with small prizes to win, pop-up nerdlesque from across the DMV, and trading cards, anime merch, and so much more!!
$10 adv. / $14 dos.
18+ Only
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback,” or a “kickback” that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short ) is a "cozyback", " or a kickback that thrives off of vibes and creates a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, as well as social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This event that will feature a guest-curated playlist of music, drinks, video games and board games, pop-up nerdlesque performances, and more!
Accessibility info: the venue is accessible and has accessible single person genderless restrooms.
Parking info: there is street parking only. Get there early to ensure a spot near the venue. There are a couple accessible spots within a block of the venue.