Music & Performing Arts

Jumpstart the weekend with art, music, and more! This special College Night invites students to experience Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys for free*. Join us for a special evening featuring great beats, inspiring art, and a Giants-themed photo opportunity.   

You'll also discover that spin-genius runs in the family as the youngest member of the World-Famous Heavy Hitters DJ Crew takes the stage to kick off Black History Month with a mix of hip-hop and R&B hits through the ages.    

This event is presented in partnership with Giants sponsor Virginia Union University and is part of VMFA's 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.

*Bring your student ID to the Visitor Services desk to receive one free ticket per student.

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

According to the Chicago Blues Guide, harmonica player and vocalist Kurt Crandall “shines like a diamond . . . mixing Windy City blues, West Coast swing, jazz and more." Come discover why experts consider him to be one of the most stylish chromatic players in the world today. This performance also features Lucy Kilpatrick on keyboard. This dynamic lineup is sure to have you saying, “Hey, hey the blues is all right!”

Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted, and tables cannot be held in advance.

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!

Dominion Energy Jazz Café is presented in partnership with the Richmond Jazz Society. 

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

• Tickets are free.  
• Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.  
• Doors open for seating 30 minutes before each show.  
• Seats are not assigned, so please arrive early.   
• After the show begins, there will be a 10-minute grace period for late arrivals.  
• After the 10-minute mark, available seats may be released to guests in the waiting area at the discretion of VMFA staff. 
  
  

First Theater Show 
• 10:30–11:30 am (doors open at 10 am) | Tickets
Second Theater Show 
• 1–2 pm (doors open at 12:30 pm) | Tickets
Third Theater Show 
• 3–4 pm (doors open at 2:30 pm) | Tickets

• Tickets are free.  
• Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.  
• Doors open for seating 30 minutes before each show.  
• Seats are not assigned, so please arrive early.   
• After the show begins, there will be a 10-minute grace period for late arrivals.  
• After the 10-minute mark, available seats may be released to guests in the waiting area at the discretion of VMFA staff. 

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

The James “Saxsmo” Gates Quintet features some of the area’s most talented jazz artists. They are composers and recording artists with Grammy recognition who perform regularly throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington, DC. This performance features bandleader James “Saxsmo” Gates on saxophone, Dr. Weldon Hill on keyboards, Michael Hawkins on bass, Billy Williams on drums, and Virginia Beach recording artist Justin Kauflin on keyboards

Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted, and tables cannot be held in advance.

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!

Dominion Energy Jazz Café is presented in partnership with the Richmond Jazz Society. 

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. 

Jazz in the Spirit is back with its blend of high-energy jazz, gospel, and music from the African diaspora. Bandleader, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Richard D’Abreu Jr. is proud to introduce singer/songwriter Ronee Martin to the Jazz Café audience. Martin, a Virginia native, wowed the judges on America’s Got Talent and has been singing throughout Los Angeles, California. We are proud to have her back!

Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted, and tables cannot be held in advance.

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!

Dominion Energy Jazz Café is presented in partnership with the Richmond Jazz Society. 

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