Around the dusty-pink Mediterranean-style home in Richmond’s historic Bellevue neighborhood, only faint traffic sounds could be heard from Interstate 95 a few blocks away. A man walked his cocker spaniel. Squirrels skittered across dead brown leaves under a massive magnolia tree.

When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine
  Where: Brown’s Island
  Admission: $5; children 12 and younger, free. Portion of proceeds donated to the Sgt. Santa Foundation. Sgt. Santa will make an appearance during the show.
  Information: Visit http://www.classicsonthejames.com or call Kevin Allocca at (804) 909-5751.

Lying on a cot in a medical tent on Brown’s Island yesterday, Conrad Stoltz recounted the improbable series of events that brought him there. He seemed only mildly interested in the medical professionals cleaning out the gaping gash on the top of his foot. Anesthetic helped with that. Minutes before the start of the XTERRA Atlantic Cup off-road triathlon, Stoltz, a professional triathlete, was doing warm-up laps in the James River with his fellow competitors. A buoy used to guide swimmers had come off its moorings. Stoltz was in the water anyway. He figured he’d help out.

With a lineup led by Trey Songz, Eric Benet, SOS Band, The Clipse, Twista and Jim Jones, the Stone Soul Music and Food Festival could actually be called the Stone Soul, R&B and Rap Festival.  But who cares about technicalities when this number of well-known acts—and a dozen soul food vendors—is being assembled in one place?

Strawberry fields Strawberry shortcake anyone? The Ashland Strawberry Faire will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the streets adjacent to Randolph-Macon College. Besides strawberries, the free community event will feature music, arts and crafts, and antiques, as well as the crowning of Little Miss and Little Mr. Strawberry.