calendar week of Jan. 11, 2011

things you can do in and around Richmond this week!

click 'read more' for the whole enchillada

The Hat Factory is proud to present “Saturday Soul Social” an acoustic soul singer/ songwriter open mic. Here’s your chance at indie soul stardom! This and every first Sunday at 7 PM. Search Saturday soul special on facebook.com for more info.

Richmondloves jazz and Richmond loves free. Ty’s internet café and lounge decided to meld these favorites together at their free live jazz on Saturday January 8. Relax from a long week to listen to some soothing tunes from 7 to 10:30 PM. For details go to events.richmond.com key words free live jazz.

1708 Gallery, a non-profit space for new art, reopens on Friday, January 7 after being closed for the holidays. There will be an opening reception and artist talk for Matthew Friday’s project-exhibition hybrid called “The Liberty of Empire.” Screenings of David Wojnarowicz’s (WAR-NA-RO-VITCH’S) controversial film, A Fire in My Belly, will be shown as well. Both events will run until February 12. For more information visit 1708gallery.org

The Richmond Peace Education Center is looking for volunteers to read aloud in Richmond Public Schools on Friday, January 15. This is only one of the numerous ways you can help honor Dr. Martin Luther King Junior this January. To volunteer as a reader, contact Reverend Ricardo Brown by phone at 355-1044 or by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Visit rpec.org for more information on how to help the Richmond Peace Education Center create a more peaceful community. 

City Singers Children’s Choirs is having their winter concert at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church on Sunday, January 16. The two performing vocal groups are divided by grade and have been bringing Richmond kids together since 1996.  The family-friendly performance starts at 3 pm. For information on how to sponsor a singer, audition requirements, or other concert dates, visit citysingerschoir.org or call 657-SONG (that’s 657-7664). Ginter Park Presbyterian is located  at 3601 Seminary Avenue.

ALL THE SAINTS THEATER COMPANY proudly presents a celebration of 1,000 signatures to keep 25-50% of Monroe Park open during renovations!  On Saturday, January 15th from 12-4 pm we will warm ourselves with community, coffee and noise as we gather to support the efforts made by the Monroe Park Campaign, which opposes the closing of Monroe Park. There will be live local music and All the Saints' will be there with puppets, face painting, and more! Food will be provided by Lamplighter's Roasting Company, Crossroad's Coffee and Ice Cream, and Cafe Gutenberg. For more information, visit www.allthesaintstheaterco.com.

On Saturday, January 8^th, at 9:00 pm, come to Sprout at 1 North Morris Street to see local bands and support the Central Virginia Food Bank. Bring at least 3 nonperishable food items to see local acts Tyrannosaurus Awesome, The Blue Rajas, and The Nervous Ticks. All proceeds benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank.