Music & Performing Arts

Join us every Wednesday for in-person performances by some of the area’s best jazz musicians. 

Traditional and contemporary jazz, R&B, funk, and neo-soul: everything you need for a great musical vibe! QuintEssential Jazz presents a musical message of love, acceptance, and enjoyment. Featuring vocalist Carlita Whitehead with Chris Moseley on trumpet and flugelhorn, Drew Miles on piano and keyboard, Sam Craddock on bass, Hannon Lane on guitar, and Eron Gray on drums.

Know Before You Go

• Seating is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Early arrival is strongly recommended.
• Saving seats for others is discouraged.
• Seats can no longer be saved once the performance begins.
• Please do not move the chairs and tables.
• No outside chairs or gallery stools are permitted.
• No outside alcohol is permitted.
• Harassing, discriminatory, or threatening behavior is strictly prohibited.

Maintaining a free, safe, and accessible experience for all is our priority. Come and enjoy the music! 

This event is part of our Dominion Energy Jazz Café program series.

Join us every Wednesday for in-person performances by some of the area’s best jazz musicians. 

Pianist and recording artist Chan Hall delivers a fresh blend of smooth jazz and soul, with live performance energy that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. Bring your friends and enjoy an evening filled with great musicianship and unforgettable moments.

Know Before You Go

• Seating is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Early arrival is strongly recommended.
• Saving seats for others is discouraged.
• Seats can no longer be saved once the performance begins.
• Please do not move the chairs and tables.
• No outside chairs or gallery stools are permitted.
• No outside alcohol is permitted.
• Harassing, discriminatory, or threatening behavior is strictly prohibited.

Maintaining a free, safe, and accessible experience for all is our priority. Come and enjoy the music! 

This event is part of our Dominion Energy Jazz Café program series.

Join us every Wednesday for in-person performances by some of the area’s best jazz musicians. 

Come and enjoy a “flute-tastic” evening of tunes inspired by iconic jazz flutists including James Moody, Eric Dolphy, Yusef Lateef, Hubert Laws, and Joe Farrell. Deb Saidel deftly charms audiences with her signature warm and rich tone on the concert flute, alto flute, and piccolo. This tightly knit group features Ayinde Williams on piano, Jack Byrnes on bass, and Keith Willingham on drums. Don’t hold back—bring your dancing feet!

Know Before You Go

• Seating is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Early arrival is strongly recommended.
• Saving seats for others is discouraged.
• Seats can no longer be saved once the performance begins.
• Please do not move the chairs and tables.
• No outside chairs or gallery stools are permitted.
• No outside alcohol is permitted.
• Harassing, discriminatory, or threatening behavior is strictly prohibited.

Maintaining a free, safe, and accessible experience for all is our priority. Come and enjoy the music! 

This event is part of our Dominion Energy Jazz Café program series.

Join us every Wednesday for in-person performances by some of the area’s best jazz musicians. 

Dominion Energy Jazz Café welcomes back Sista Nickey McMullen, a powerhouse vocalist interpreting jazz, soul, R&B and Latin favorites. Her musical collaborators include bassists EJ Shaw and Corvelle Mason, Chris Beasley on guitar, JL Harris and Mike Mosby on keyboards, Marcus E’Shadd Parker on drums, percussionists Jeremy “Stix” Evans and Jarius Wilson, BB Hamilton on trombone, Quincy Harmon on trumpet, supporting vocalists Sam Reed and Shawn Chappelle, and audio engineering by Tony Elam.

Know Before You Go

• Seating is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Early arrival is strongly recommended.
• Saving seats for others is discouraged.
• Seats can no longer be saved once the performance begins.
• Please do not move the chairs and tables.
• No outside chairs or gallery stools are permitted.
• No outside alcohol is permitted.
• Harassing, discriminatory, or threatening behavior is strictly prohibited.

Maintaining a free, safe, and accessible experience for all is our priority. Come and enjoy the music! 

This event is part of our Dominion Energy Jazz Café program series.

Join us every Wednesday for in-person performances by some of the area’s best jazz musicians. 

This Hampton Roads–based jazz combo returns to Dominion Energy Jazz Café with their signature blend of traditional and modern jazz standards played with a whole lot of soul. Enjoy the unique, personal touch that the Christian Mitchell Project adds to every performance. Featuring bandleader Christian Mitchell on drums, Josh McDonald on trumpet, Evan Shackley on guitar, Josh Smith on bass guitar, and Joel Sanford on piano.

Know Before You Go

• Seating is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Early arrival is strongly recommended.
• Saving seats for others is discouraged.
• Seats can no longer be saved once the performance begins.
• Please do not move the chairs and tables.
• No outside chairs or gallery stools are permitted.
• No outside alcohol is permitted.
• Harassing, discriminatory, or threatening behavior is strictly prohibited.

Maintaining a free, safe, and accessible experience for all is our priority. Come and enjoy the music! 

This event is part of our Dominion Energy Jazz Café program series.

After 5 Fridays is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the evening’s featured attraction.

Join us to kick off your July 4th weekend with a performance by Richmond’s own Portico Band! Enjoy an evening at VMFA with Portico Band as they blend alt-rock and groovy-pop sounds across a variety of genres and decades. 

From timeless artists such as the Grateful Dead and Patsy Cline to contemporary artists Dua Lipa and Jamiroquai, Portico’s music is sure to have you on your feet and moving  

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate with great music and good vibes! 

Portico features Ali Foley Shenk on vocals, flute, keys, and rhythm electric guitar, alongside Elliot Johnson on vocals and lead guitar, Aaron Jonas on bass, and Adam Powell on drums.

This event is part of our After 5 Fridays program series.

Bringing international sensations to the VMFA stage, this live concert showcases the mesmerizing quality of traditional Indian instruments, such as the sarod and tabla, performed by world-renowned artists: sarod grand master Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, and Ayaan Ali Bangash, accompanied by Amit Kavthekar on tabla. Get your tickets to an evening of music with Sarod Trilogy. And don't forget to plan your visit by also getting tickets to VMFA's special exhibition India's Great Mughals: Art, Power, and Opulence. 

After 5 Fridays is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the evening’s featured attraction.

 DJ Monea will be on the spin on the Pauley Center patio playing all your favorite tunes, from Motown to neo-soul to house music. Join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and come ready to dance. Beer, wine, and snacks are available for purchase in the Best Café. In case of inclement weather, we'll move the party to the Cochrane Atrium.

This event is part of our After 5 Fridays program series.

After 5 Fridays is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the evening’s featured attraction. 

Now in its sixth year, the Sol Skool Arts Festival brings together music, live entertainment, poetry, and artistic expression in one inspiring setting. This singular event is hosted by Jamil Jasey and Friday Love, with music by DJ Real True Poet setting the vibe throughout the evening. Experience culture, connection, and unforgettable performances in a fun-filled event for the whole family. 

This event is part of our After 5 Fridays program series.

After 5 Fridays is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the evening’s featured attraction.

 DJ Zulu will be on the spin on the Pauley Center patio, so join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and come ready to dance. Beer, wine, and snacks are available for purchase in the Best Café. In case of inclement weather, we'll move the party to the Cochrane Atrium. 

This event is part of our After 5 Fridays program series.

After 5 Fridays is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the evening’s featured attraction.

 DJ Jungle Brother will be on the spin on the Pauley Center patio, bringing a mix of hip-hop and Latin rhythms to help us finish out Hispanic Heritage Month in style! Join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and come ready to dance. Beer, wine, and snacks are available for purchase in the Best Café. In case of inclement weather, we'll move the party to the Cochrane Atrium.

This event is part of our After 5 Fridays program series.

After 5 Fridays is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the evening’s featured attraction. 

Bharati Khopkar and her students are ready to transport us with moves straight from a Mughal palace. You'll love engaging in the rhythmic footwork and language, expressive storytelling, and intricate gestures and spins of Kathak dancing.

Since 1997, Guru Bharati has devoted herself to nurturing the next generation of dancers. Teaching students ranging in all ages, she has created a space where discipline meets joy, and tradition meets personal expression.

This event is part of our After 5 Fridays program series.

After 5 Fridays is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the evening’s featured attraction. 

Join Richmond Indian Dance Academy for a fun, upbeat, and lively evening of Bollywood dance! Rooted in rich cultural tradition, Bollywood dance is a vibrant fusion of classical Indian, folk, and modern styles—blending storytelling, expressive movements, and high-energy choreography into an unforgettable experience.

This event is part of our After 5 Fridays program series.