Calendar

Thursday

COMEDY

Gary Owen of “House of Payne” fame, 7:30 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant, 11800 W. Broad St. $14-$16. 521-8900. Through Sunday.

CONCERTS

Jazz Café: Brian Jones Quartet in jazz standards and originals, 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Best Café, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard. Free. 340-1400.

Virginia Symphony in “A Gershwin Celebration,” 8 p.m. at St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg. $20-$85. (757) 892-6366. Repeats Friday at Regent University, Virginia Beach, and Saturday at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk.

Indie-folk artist Ari Hest with Bess Rogers, 8 p.m. at The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna. $18. (877) 965-3872.

DANCE

Peru Negro and guest Eva Ayllon in “Festejo,” Peruvian folk dance and music program at 7:30 p.m. at American Theatre, Hampton. $30-$35. (757) 722-2787. Repeats Friday.

EVENTS

”The Method in Her Madness: The Life of Elizabeth Van Lew,” Historic Richmond Foundation-sponsored lecture by U.Va.’s Elizabeth R. Varon on the Civil War spy, 6 p.m. at St. Catherine’s School, 6001 Grove Ave. $30. 643-7407.

VCU Visiting Writers Series: Jean Valentine & Kathleen Graber in readings from their works, 8 p.m. in the VCU Harris Hall auditorium, 1015 Floyd Ave. Free. 828-1331.

THEATER OPENINGS

”Once on This Island,” Swift Creek Mill Theatre production of the musical island fantasy for the Acts of Faith Festival, opening at 8 p.m. at Swift Creek Mill Theater, 17401 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights. $38. 748-5203. Through March 5.

Friday

ART OPENINGS

Art Works, 320 Hull St., 291-1400. Opening reception 7-10 p.m. for a collection of Vicki Bruner’s work, ground metal art by Steven Lloyd, “Reflections on Refractions” by David Rosenberg, exhibit by members of Art Realization Technologies, recent work by Khalid Thompson and January All Media Art Show. Through Feb. 20.

Artspace, 0 E. Fourth St., 232-6464. Opening reception 7-10 p.m. for “Kids Don’t Know,” paintings and monotypes by Claire Feng; “Photographs, Remixed,” digital photography by John MacLellan; and “Exquisite Deformities,” figurative paintings by Chris Semtner. Through Feb. 20.

University of Richmond Museums’ Harnett Museum of Art, UR Modlin Center, 289-8276. “Pilgrimage and Faith: Buddhism, Christianity and Islam” opening with lecture 7 p.m. by Walters Art Museum director Gary Vikan (Camp Concert Hall) and reception and preview of the exhibition 8-9 p.m. Through May 20.

U.Va.’s Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, Charlottesville, (434) 244-0234. Opening reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. for “Patternation,” installation by Reko Rennie in which he painted the interior walls of the collection’s rotating gallery. Through April 4.

COMEDY

West End Comedy all-ages stand-up and improv show, 7:30 p.m. at HATTheatre, 1124 Westbriar Drive. $5. 343-6364 or 496-1714. Continues Saturday.

Gary Owen of “House of Payne” fame, 7:30 and 10 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant. See Thursday.

CONCERTS

Richmond Symphony Metro Collection: Piccolo soloist Ann Choomack joins the symphony in music by Purcell, Vivaldi, Respighi, Ravel and Ginastera, 8 p.m.at KingsWay Community Church, 14111 Sovereign Grace Drive, Midlothian. $20. 788-1212. Repeats Sunday at Blackwell Auditorium, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

Schiavone McGee, Virginia native and former Fighting Gravity frontman, in concert rescheduled from December, 10 p.m. (doors at 9) at Capital Ale House Downtown Music Hall, 623 E. Main St. $10 in advance, $12 at door. 780-ALES (2537).

Hampton Blues Festival: Bobby “Blue” Bland, Tito Jackson, Mel Waiters and Theodis Ealey, 7 p.m. at Hampton Coliseum, Hampton. $34.50-$39.50. (757) 838-5650.

Horn soloist David Jolley with pianist Edward Laurel, 8 p.m. at The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna. $35. (877) 965-3872.

Virginia Symphony in “A Gershwin Celebration,” 8 p.m. at Regent University, Virginia Beach. See Thursday.

EVENTS

Richmond Antiques Extravaganza: East Coast exhibitors, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at The Showplace, 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike. (336) 924-8337. Through Sunday.

UR International Film Series — ChinaFest: “The Drummer” screened 3 and 7:30 p.m. in UR Jepson Hall 118. Free. 289-8860.

Friday Film Series: Evening with marine combat artist Sgt. Kristopher Battles plus film screening, 6:30 p.m. Friday at Leslie Cheek Theatre, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Boulevard and Grove Avenue. $5-$7. 340-1405.

DANCE

”Verve,” 2011 Student Dance concert — showcase of works choreographed, performed and curated by VCU dance and choreography majors — presented at 8 p.m. at VCU Grace Street Theater, 934 W. Grace St. $10-$15. 828-2020.Repeats Saturday.

Peru Negro, 7:30 p.m. at American Theatre, Hampton. See Thursday.

THEATER OPENINGS

”The Color Purple”: Broadway in Richmond production of the Broadway musical based on the book by Alice Walker, opening at 8 p.m. at Richmond’s Landmark Theater, 6 N. Laurel St.. $37.50-$67.50. 646-4213. Through Sunday.

Saturday

BENEFITS

Williamsburg Symphonia with pianist Valentina Lisitsa in concert benefitting the Symphonia, 7:30 p.m. in Phi Beta Kappa Hall, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg. $50; packages including pre- and post-concert receptions available. (757) 221-2674.

COMEDY

West End Comedy stand-up and improv show for mature audiences 7:30 p.m. ($5) and “Anna is Awesome” short-form improv jam at 9:30 ($1 with 7:30 show, $3 jam only) at HATTheatre. See Friday.

Gary Owen of “House of Payne” fame, 7:30 and 10 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant. See Thursday.

CONCERTS

Balkanize! ensemble playing old world Turco-Balkan folk music in Richmond Folk Music Society concert, 8 p.m. (doors at 7:15) at Congregation Or Ami, 9400 W. Huguenot Road. $12 in advance, $15 at door. 647-7856.

Techno-remixer Girl Talk headlines a dance party, 9 p.m. at The National, 708 E. Broad St. $22-$25. 612-1900.

Country Winterblast: Showcase of up-and-coming country talent including Justin Moore, Trailer Choir, Christian Kan, Ashley Gearing, Blake Wise and Walker Hayes and others, 3 p.m. at Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. $15-$25. (757) 838-4203.

Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie in music by Strauss, Mozart and Brahms, 8 p.m. Saturday at George Mason University Center for the Arts, Fairfax. $30-$60. (888) 945-2468.

Pianist John Eaton in “The Swinging ‘30s,” 7:30 p.m. at The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna. $25. (877) 965-3872.

Virginia Symphony in “A Gershwin Celebration,” 8 p.m. at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. See Thursday.

DANCE

”Verve,” 2011 Student Dance concert, 8 p.m. at VCU Grace Street Theater. See Friday.

EVENTS

”Hunt for Henrico History”: Living history, displays, citizen “show and tell” of Henrico-related memorabilia and more, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Deep Run Park, 9910 Ridgefield Parkway. Free. 652-3404.

Richmond Antiques Extravaganza, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Showplace. See Friday.

”Fashion Accessories from Head to Toe: 1600 to 1840,” men’s and women’s apparel that turned heads for some 240 years, featuring more than 200 objects from hats to shoes and everything in between, opening at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Textile Gallery at DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Francis and South Henry streets, Colonial Williamsburg. Included in CW admission or in single-day museums ticket, $4.95-$9.95. (757) 220-7724. During museum hours through August 2012.

FAMILY FUN

”Arctic Adventure”: Visiting exhibit focusing on the animals and ecology of the snowy north, opening 9:30 a.m. at Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St. Included in museum admission of $9-$10. 864-1400. Through May 1.

CMoR Birthday Bash: Join mascot Seymour and friends for a day of games and plenty of hands-on fun celebrating 30 years of good times 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Children’s Museum of Richmond-Central, 2626 W. Broad St. Free with museum admission of $7-$8. 474-7000.

”Miniature by Design,” tour of exhibition of miniature houses and decorative arts and make-and-take miniature craft project, 1-3 p.m. at Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Road. $15 per child; $10 accompanying adult; reservation required. 282-5936, ext. 4.

LECTURES

”Deconstructing the Nodal Story with Evolutionary Astrology,” lecture-workshop by Cheryl Hopkins sponsored by the Richmond Chapter, National Council of Geocosmic Research Society, 2 p.m. at Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave. $15-$20. 740-1133.

Sunday

COMEDY

Gary Owen of “House of Payne” fame, 7 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant. See Thursday.

CONCERTS

Generation Dream 2011: Richmond Youth Peace Project “Educoncert,” multicultural variety show honoring the memory of Martin Luther King Jr., 4 p.m. at VCU Singleton Center, 922 Park Ave. $5. 232-1002. Repeats in free performance Feb. 4 at the main Richmond Public Library.

Richmond Symphony Metro Collection, 3 p.m. at Blackwell Auditorium, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland. See Sunday.

Bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent, 2:30 p.m. at American Theatre, Hampton. $25-$30. (757) 722-2787.

U.Va. Chamber Music Series: Oboist Aaron Hill and cellist Adam Carter with pianist John Mayhood in “Color and Space,” music by Beethoven, Bach, Schumann and Piazzolla, 3:30 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall, U.Va., Charlottesville. $10-$20. (434) 924-3376.

EVENTS

Israeli Film Day: Trio of screenings, “Circumcise Me: The Comedy of Yisrael Campbell” at 10 a.m., “For My Father” at 2 p.m. and “A Matter of Size” at 7 p.m. at Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave. $8.50-$10 per film, $20-$25 for three-film program. 545-8610.

Richmond Antiques Extravaganza, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Showplace. See Friday.

UR International Film Series — ChinaFest: “The Drummer” screened 7:30 p.m. in UR Jepson Hall 118. See Friday.

Monday

DANCE

Merce Cunningham Dance Company: “The Legacy Tour” celebrating the late choreographer Cunningham’s lifetime of artistic achievement, 7:30 p.m. in the Jepson Theatre, UR Modlin Center. $19-$38. 289-8980. Different program performed Tuesday.

Tuesday

DANCE

Merce Cunningham Dance Company, 7:30 p.m. in the Jepson Theatre, UR Modlin Center. See Monday.

Tango Fire Argentinean dance company in “The Fire Within,” 7:30 p.m. at American Theatre, Hampton. $30-$35. (757) 722-2787. Repeats Wednesday.

EVENTS

VCU Visiting Writer Series: Poet Richard Jackson in reading, 8 p.m. in VCU Commons, Virginia Room A, 907 Floyd Ave. Free. 828-1329.

Wednesday

COMEDY

Rising comedic star Josh Sneed, 7:30 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant, 11800 W. Broad St. $15-$17. 521-8900. Through Feb. 5.

CONCERTS

Steve Harris in swing, gospel and R&B music at 1:30 p.m. at Bon Air Baptist Church, 2532 Buford Road. Free; reservation recommended. 751-4135.

Heritage Music Series — Willow Creek in bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and Americana, 7 p.m. at Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover. $3. 537-5050.

Buckwheat Zydeco in dance party, 8 p.m. at The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna. $24. (877) 965-3872.

DANCE

Tango Fire, 7:30 p.m. at American Theatre, Hampton. See Tuesday.

FAMILY FUN

”Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books,” exhibit of illustrations from the books that have enchanted generations of children and parents, opening at 9:30 a.m. at Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad St. Included in museum admission of $8. 474-7000. Through April 12.

Thomas & Friends Live!: Thomas the Tank Engine and his railroad buddies in “Thomas Saves the Day” stage show, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at VCU Stuart Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. $15-$30; $75 VIP package includes stage show plus meet-and-greet. 828-7267.

Black History Month Stories — “Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad” by Ellen Levine, story time and a craft activity, 4 p.m. at Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard. Free; registration required. 358-4901.

LECTURES

”Radio During War,” talk by Adrian Cronauer, whose adventures were chronicled in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam,” and DJs Tony Booth and Paul Bottoms, noon at Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St. Free. 786-2060.

”Reagan at 100: Why the Gipper Matters for the 21st Century,” talk by author, historian and Reagan expert Steven Hayward, 3:30 p.m. at UR Jepson Hall 118. Free. 287-6522.

THEATER OPENINGS

”Mysteries of Plasma: The Charles Drew Story,” Derome Scott Smith’s family-friendly bio-drama about the physician who discovered the valuable uses of blood plasma, produced for the Acts of Faith Festival by Carpenter Science Theatre, opening at 11 a.m. at Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St. $3. 864-1400. Through Feb. 27.

Feb. 3

ART OPENINGS

Ghostprint Gallery, 220 W. Broad St., 344-1557. Artist’s preview and reception 6-8 p.m. for “The View From Here Is Fine” by Milk (Chris) Hulburt. Through Feb. 26.

Quirk Gallery, 311 W. Broad St., www.quirkgallery.com or 644-5450. Opening reception 7-10 p.m. for “Shop Show” of Phil Barbato’s monsters and “Vault Project” exhibition by Meg. J. Roberts. Through Feb. 26.

BENEFITS

”Mistology: The Art and Science Behind the Cocktail,” interactive cocktail-mixing presentation from Canadian Mist’s Tim Laird and Steve Hughes plus cocktails to sample and hors d’oeuvres to taste, 6-8 p.m. at Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St. $20; reservation required; benefits Science Museum. (800) 268-7266.

COMEDY

Rising comedic star Josh Sneed, 7:30 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant. See Wednesday.

CONCERTS

Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott, 8 p.m. at The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna. $25. (877) 965-3872.

DANCE

Ground Zero Dance in evening-length expansion of choreographer Pam England’s “COURT” set to the Renaissance music of English composer John Dowland, 8 p.m. at Dogtown Dance Theatre, 109 W. 15th St. $10-$20. 353-9774. Through Feb. 5.

EVENTS

Sixth annual ChinaFest: Celebrating Chinese arts and culture and featuring panel discussion, “Fresh Views of China,” 7 p.m. in UR Jepson Hall 118. Free; registration required (287-6608). Continues Feb. 4 with films at University of Richmond and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Feb. 5 with films at the Byrd Theater ($3 each) and ChinaFest Family Day at VMFA and Feb. 6 with film at UR. For details and a complete schedule, visit www.therosegroup.org or call 245-0236.

FAMILY FUN

Kenya Safari Acrobats: Mash-up of dance and gravity-defying acrobatics, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road. $15 at 10 a.m.; $30 at 7 p.m. 261-2787.

OPERA

”Orfeo ed Euridice,“ Gluck’s retelling of the Greek myth staged by Opera Viva, U.Va.’s student-run opera company, 8 p.m. at the Forum at Observatory Hill, U.Va., Charlottesville. $5-$10. (434) 832-9038.

THEATER OPENINGS

”Dog Sees God,” Firehouse Theatre Project production for Acts of Faith Festival of Bert V. Royal’s unauthorized parody of Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip, opening at 8 p.m. at Firehouse Theater, 1609 W. Broad St. $12-$26. 355-2001. Through Feb. 26.

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