Here Weekly - Richmond, Richmond, VA (2025)

09/26/2025

Amanda Blatnik is transforming Richmond’s Pride scene. As Chair of Virginia Pride (), they created the city’s first-ever Pride Week (September 20-28) and led volunteers in organizing Pridefest and year-round events celebrating our LGBTQ+ community.

When they’re not making Richmond more inclusive, Amanda works as Senior Management Analyst for the City’s Department of Economic Development, bringing 15 years of nonprofit and government experience in project management and process improvement.

What makes Amanda tick? They’re a self-proclaimed nerd who loves Dungeons & Dragons, fantasy shows, and comic conventions. You’ll also find them exploring Richmond’s incredible food scene, dancing with friends, or taking peaceful walks through the city’s parks.

Amanda’s mission is simple but powerful: creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can celebrate their authentic selves.

This week, they’re curating Pride Week events that offer something for everyone:

TONIGHT: Pride Anthem Karaoke at Barcode - belt out Cher, Gaga, and more q***r anthems
FRIDAY: Pride After Dark at Thirsty’s - 18+ party in Forest Hill with vendors and drag
SUNDAY: Pride Bowling Bash at River City Roll - strikes, spares, and spectacular performances.

Virginia Pride doesn’t just celebrate diversity - they actively work to elevate voices that are often marginalized, including people of color, trans individuals, and those who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming.

Thank you, Amanda, for showing us how to celebrate authentically and inclusively in RVA.

09/19/2025

🌱 This week’s .weekly guest editor is Taylor Scott — a community organizing powerhouse who went from planning to join the FBI to founding !

What started as one fridge in Church Hill has grown into 15 locations across Richmond, focusing on communities affected by redlining and food apartheid. Taylor also co-runs partnering with for community cook days and free food courses.

Taylor’s event picks include:
✨ ’s Fund the Fridge Concert ft. at (Friday 9/19, 6:30 PM)
✨Tatreez Circle at (Sunday 9/21, 12 PM)
✨ RVA Community Fridges Cook Day at Matchbox (Tuesday 9/23, 5-8 PM)

The fridges operate 24/7, 365 days a year — take what you need, give what you can. Volunteer, donate, and learn more at rvacommunityfridges.com.

Want to receive future volumes of .weekly? Register for free at hereweekly.com.

📸 captured by Jud Froelich at

09/11/2025

This week we welcome back artist, musician, and community leader Ed Trask as guest editor of Here Weekly, a subscription e-newsletter by . Ed really requires no introduction. He sums himself up like this: “Painter, drummer. A scattered mess trying to push stories, color, composition, rhythm, love, and light on to the masses.” That restless energy has defined Ed’s work and his place in the River City for more than three decades.

Ed () has been a driving force in using public art as a catalyst for community. He co-founded RVA Street Art Festival, served as a commissioner for the city’s Public Art Commission, and worked with nonprofits to bring inclusive, collaborative murals to neighborhoods across the region. He has also shared his perspective in classrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces, reminding people that art is most powerful when it belongs to everyone.

Today Ed’s work can be found in collections around the world, including . On the horizon for Ed is a new gallery space created by Artists for Hope to incubate new creative endeavors that give back.

In this week’s issue of , Ed recommends that readers support Camera to Canvas happening tomorrow. This annual event blends photography and painting to benefit the . At the event or online, you’ll be able to bid on his painting, as well as photographs by Richmond photographer and original works from other artists. Every dollar raised helps protect the park that we all love to call home.

Next, Ed recommends walking the dams under the Manchester Bridge for the perfect blend of nature and the energy of rushing water pounding rocks for millions of years, with trains carrying goods, coal, and people while osprey and herons look for a place to roost. You can also walk the dam to the now-closed Pipeline Trail, a beloved spot for so many who seek solace and connection. Ed encourages everyone to support the Save the Pipeline efforts to restore public access.

And he suggests that we all revisit our love for . Order the pork, sip an espresso, and remember why we rally around the places that feel like home.

09/05/2025

We’re proud to welcome this week’s guest editor, your mayor, Danny Avula ()!

Born in Hyderabad, India, Mayor Danny immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1979. He holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Johns Hopkins. He was named one of Richmond’s Top Docs every year from 2013 to 2022. And in case you didn’t know, Danny even won Dancing with the Richmond Stars in 2017.

He took office as the 81st Mayor of Richmond on January 1, 2025. Before his election, Danny served as Virginia’s Commissioner of Social Services, and prior to that, led the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.

Today, in addition to serving as your mayor, Danny continues his work as a pediatrician and hospitalist at Chippenham Hospital.

Mayor Danny begins this issue of with a reflection on mutuality. “One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that we’re profoundly shaped by the people we live in community with,” he explains as he discusses generosity, resilience, and the way a community shows up for each other in the face of adversity.

He also discusses our shared story as a city. “Richmond’s history is painful and powerful, and one of the most meaningful ways to connect with our city is to experience its stories in the places where they unfolded.” To do this, he recommends exploring the Richmond Slave Trail, stopping at Lumpkin’s Jail, known as the Devil’s Half Acre, and pausing at the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground to pay respects. This walk is at the heart of the future Shockoe Project.

Mayor Danny wraps up this week’s issue of Here with a call to serve. “One thing I love most about Richmond is that when we see something that’s not working, we roll up our sleeves and do something about it,” he says. This week, he’s asking all of us to bring that spirit to our own neighborhoods. One way to do this is to get involved in the next Days of Service event coming up September 18–20.

Subscribers, check your inbox for Mayor Danny’s issue of Here and his tips for getting more involved in this place we all love to call home. Or click the link in our bio for the latest newsletter.

08/29/2025

Meet this week’s .weekly guest editor, Faith Wilkerson! A higher education powerhouse, community connector & UnlockingRVA () founder, Faith has shaped thousands of students’ experiences over 2+ decades. This 3x grad juggles professor life at while planning her next travel adventure, and sharing her office with Axel, her scene-stealing Yorkie who’s mastered Zoom photobombs!

Check out Faith’s event picks:

✨ Happily Natural Festival ( Natural Festival-31) - 3 days celebrating culture, wellness & community ft. Talib Kweli

✨ RuPaul’s Drag Race Werk the World Tour ('s Drag Race - Sasha Velour, Jaida Essence Hall & more at Altria Theater

✨ ImmerseCon 2025 ( Con1) - Gaming, esports & cosplay at Hilton Short Pump

✨ THE WELL Fest (, Sept 6) - Full day of art, music & creative connection at Main Street Station! Featuring a Wellness Bar with local favs like The Beet Box, Art Walk with public mural creation, handpicked vendors & Charlotte, NC’s Sainted Trap Choir (). THE WELL Fest’s Saturday 9/6 programming runs from 12:00 - 6:00 PM (10:00 AM for add-on wellness class).

08/08/2025

This week’s guest editor, Paige Wilson, is inspired by Joy — and it’s her mission to encourage all of Richmond to become “Nabors.”

Paige is the Founder & CEO of Naborforce (), a purpose-driven company connecting older adults to a growing network of thoroughly vetted “Nabors” who lend a helping hand and bring peace of mind to families. Since launching in 2019, Naborforce has sparked hundreds of thousands of joyful moments, promoting independent, joy-filled aging across Greater Richmond and beyond.

Her inspiration? Caring for her mother, Joy, while navigating a demanding career in investment banking. After her mother’s passing, Paige blended her professional expertise with her personal passion — building a company with the same warmth, optimism, and humor Joy embodied.

This week, Paige shares 3 ways to create joyful moments for yourself, for others, and for our city:

💛 Join the Befriend Movement – Building a more compassionate world starts in our own communities. Don’t miss the Befriend (.movement) Sunset Walk (Aug. 14) or the Befriend Sunset Clean (Aug. 28).

💛 Volunteer with Joyful Voices – A community chorus for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers. Sing along, bring refreshments, or lend a hand with setup .

💛 Support Meals on Wheels – Deliver fresh, diet-specific meals and smiles to seniors and homebound neighbors across Richmond as part of Meals on Wheels ().

✨ Check your inbox for Paige’s full guest editor issue in e-newsletter and get ready to be inspired.

07/31/2025

Meet this week’s guest editors: Laney Sullivan and Jameson Price of Høly River (). This musical duo is known for their ethereal pop soundscapes, transcendent melodies, and environmental activism. Rooted in themes of nature, spirituality, and human connection, their music weaves together elements of folk, world, and ambient genres. Their performances go beyond a traditional concert, offering audiences moments of reflection and introspection.

In addition to their music, Laney and Jameson are passionate advocates for environmental stewardship and community building. They are the founders of Fonticello Food Forest (), thriving community garden and resource hub in Southside Richmond. The food forest is dedicated to nature connection, education, and expanding access to fresh food through a weekly free farmstand.

They also co-founded the Earth Folk Collective (), an organization fostering creativity, connection, and ecological awareness through music, art, and co-housing.

In this week’s issue of , Laney and Jameson offer their tips for exploring and celebrating this place we love to call home.

Up first: 804 Day (), Richmond’s epic block party by returns Saturday in Shockoe Bottom. This citywide celebration features artists across genres, showcasing the rich creativity of Richmond. Catch Høly River’s set on the WNRN Stage at 1:30 p.m.!

Also on Saturday: Warriors in Bloom at Agecroft Hall & Gardens. This Ren Faire-inspired experience includes live music, theater, demonstrations, and vendors. Hosted by Virago Alley (), the nonprofit behind the Richmond Renfaire, Warriors in Bloom honors bold figures who defied convention and changed history. Expect storytelling, crafting, lectures, and an open-air artisan market spotlighting Joan of Arc, Rani Durgavati, Grace O’Malley, and more.

And finally: Gather at Celeste Farm (.farms). Every Monday evening this summer, Taou Studios () hosts a community wellness party with yoga, sauna, mocktails, and open space to unwind under the sky.

Subscribers, check your inbox for the latest issue or signup at hereweekly.com.

07/24/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Alexander Mack (), a Richmond-based singer, songwriter, and producer who blends jazz, funk, and hip-hop into a sound that’s smooth, soulful, and unmistakably his. Known for his old-school flair and modern edge, Alexander’s music channels vintage textures with a fresh, groove-forward energy that continues to resonate across an international fanbase.

What many don’t know is that Alexander has synesthesia, a perceptual condition that allows him to see sounds as colors and shapes. Each instrument carries its own hue and form, shaping the way he creates and experiences music. He’s also a natural stutterer, and discovered around age ten that his speech would flow freely when he rapped or sang. That insight led him to develop a rhythmic speaking style, using his hands to guide his pace and thoughts. By nine, he was already playing music by ear, a skill that continues to guide his work as a producer and songwriter.

In addition to his growing discography, Alexander has collaborated with brands including Nike, Sperry, Rowing Blazers, and most recently TAFT Shoes. On Saturday, August 9, he takes the stage at the Richmond Jazz Festival (), performing alongside artists he grew up listening to and now shares the bill with.

As guest editor of Here Weekly, Alexander is sharing his favorite ways to explore and celebrate Richmond. His top picks include SwapMeet RVA () on Sunday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Street Station (), Salsa Night every Thursday at Havana (), and a special set by Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney of Butcher Brown performing with the Billy Williams Trio () on Thursday, July 25 at Goldwing ().

📥Subscribers, make sure to check your inbox for Alexander’s issue. And if you haven’t subscribed yet, it’s free at hereweekly.com.

07/17/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Will Dixon, Executive Director of Sports Backers (). Will and the Sports Backers team are dedicated to making all corners of Richmond more active through events, training teams, and community programs.

A Richmond native, Will recently stepped into the Executive Director role, succeeding Jon Lugbill, who led the organization for 32 years. But Will is no stranger to Sports Backers—he’s been with the team for over 17 years, previously serving as Operations Manager, Director of Sponsorship, and most recently, Chief Administrative Officer.

Throughout his tenure, he’s helped strengthen the organization’s marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising efforts—expanding its impact on the health and vibrancy of the region. With a deep commitment to the mission, he’s excited to lead Sports Backers into its next chapter.

In his free time, Will enjoys biking, running, swimming, and exploring local parks with his fiancée Courtney, two sons, and two dogs.

In this week’s issue of Here, Will shares some favorite outdoor spots. Top of his list? Taylor Farm Park in Henrico ()—home to a skate park, dirt pump track, splash pad, two playgrounds, and wooded trails.

He also recommends hiking Forest Hill Park, scrambling the rocks to Belle Isle, and hitting the Buttermilk Trail—followed by a beer at The Veil () and lunch at Y Tu Mama (.mx) on Forest Hill Ave.

At Deep Run Park, he suggests the pump track, fishing pond, and shaded trails for a walk or ride—plus nearby bites at Emmy Squared Pizza () or MPM Tiki Bar (), and dessert at Ray’s Italian Ice, Gelati Celesti (), or Sweet Frog.

📬 If you’re a Here subscriber, check your inbox for Will’s picks. Not subscribed? It’s free at hereweekly.com.

07/11/2025

The latest issue of Here Weekly just dropped — and this one’s full of local tips and meaningful picks, curated by guest editor Heidi Wilson, APR ().

A lifelong storyteller and strategic communicator for the Commonwealth, Heidi knows how to spotlight unsung heroes and craft messages that move people. From her early days leading the mass communications department at Virginia Union University () to her current work with HWILSONPR (), Heidi brings clarity, creativity, and purpose to everything she does.

This week, she’s sharing three of her favorite local discoveries that celebrate this place we all love to call home:

📣 PRSA Richmond Monthly Luncheons
Smart conversation, strong connections, and meaningful takeaways for communicators of all kinds. Follow for details.

🍠 Little Nickel (): Tiki vibes, Mediterranean flavors, and the sweet potato volcano that earned this Forest Hill spot a permanent place in Heidi’s rotation. 4702 Forest Hill Avenue.

🎨 Crossroads Art Center (): A vibrant hub for Richmond’s visual arts scene, from exhibitions to workshops and guided tours. 2016 Staples Mill Road.

✅ Subscribers: Check your inbox for Heidi’s full issue of Here Weekly.
💻 Not yet subscribed? Fix that at hereweekly.com — it’s free.

07/03/2025

🎉 This week’s is live—and it’s a mindful, mystical, and deeply moving one curated by guest editor Yedda Stancil ().

Yedda is a mindfulness teacher, certified coach, speaker, and Executive Director of . With over 20 years of experience in personal development and contemplative practice, she blends spiritual depth with modern-day joy and expression—part monk, part shaman, and all heart.

As July 4th approaches, Yedda invites us to reflect on the meaning of true freedom—the kind that begins within. “I believe the truest and most lasting sense of freedom comes from within. Inner work—getting quiet, curious, and connected to ourselves—is how we cultivate that inner freedom,” says Yedda. “If we each took time to do this work, every day could be a celebration of freedom. I believe that kind of radical self-awareness could transform not only our individual lives but the entire community we call home here in Richmond.”

With that approach in mind, Yetta‘s first tip this week in our Here Weekly newsletter includes a Mini Urban Silent Retreat! This two-hour pause in the heart of the city is not about guided meditation, or rules—just stillness and space to reconnect with yourself. July 5, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Innerwork Center.

Next up on Yedda’s list is the Spiritual Curiosity Circle, an inclusive monthly gathering where the big questions are welcome. A space to explore belief, wonder, and the power of not knowing—together. July 9, 6 p.m. at the Innerwork Center.

Yedda rounds her list of weekly tips out by highlighting Deborah Silverman’s upcoming keynote. Astrologer, therapist, and author Deborah offers a grounded, soulful approach to transformation at the intersection of psychology and the stars. July 13, 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Glen Allen.

Each of these events is an invitation to pause, reflect, and come home to yourself.

📥 Subscribers, check your inbox for the full issue by Yedda! Not yet subscribed? Sign up for free at hereweekly.com.

06/27/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Dr. Jody Conway—pharmacist, beekeeper, and founder of FreeHorse Arts (). After 20 years in pharmacy, including time in Richmond’s Carytown, she now manages Dandelion Springs Apiary () and Uptown Girls Honey Gift Shop on her 30-acre regenerative farm in Chesterfield.

Her journey into beekeeping began on daily walks, when she noticed a lack of bees on flowering plants. She drew on her pharmaceutical background to create natural healing products from honey, wax, pollen, and propolis. Today she manages 20+ teaching hives and runs a thriving retail and education hub with over 60 farm animals—all cared for using pesticide-free, regenerative practices.

Through FreeHorse Arts, Jody helps others connect more deeply to nature, build conscious community, and explore the power of present-moment awareness. This week for readers she recommends:

Songs & Stories: A Tribute to Bill Withers, featuring his daughter Kori Withers, City Dance, Weekend Plans, First African Baptist Church Choir, and the FreeHorse Arts herd. June 28, 3 PM & 7 PM at the Cultural Arts Center Theatre.

Community Garden Art & Nature – Pond Life: a hands-on art and ecology workshop exploring pond ecosystems and habitat restoration. July 26, 12–1:30 PM at Dandelion Springs Apiary.

Horse Sense: a FreeHorse Arts experience with Lukka and Glaumur focused on equine wisdom, communication, and holistic care. July 26, 11 AM–12 PM at Dandelion Springs Apiary.

Subscribers, check your inbox for Jody’s issue of Here Weekly. Not signed up yet? It’s free at hereweekly.com.

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