Central Virginia’s own professional symphony orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, will kick off its Genworth Financial Symphony Pops series with “a Symphonic Night at the Movies: Casablanca” on Saturday October 1, 2011.

Richmond's Carpenter Theatre, formerly Loew's Palace, to host Richmond Symphony Pops

Enjoy this special night at the movies, with the classic Humphrey Bogart film “Casablanca” at the Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage accompanied by live music by the Richmond Symphony. This time “Play it again, Sam” comes to you with the full width and breadth of a symphony orchestra. “Casablanca” will never be the same!

Take a break from shopping for “Let It Snow,” the Richmond Symphony’s classic holiday tradition of time-honored carols and festive music setting the mood for a celebration of the holiday season on December 3rd and 4th. Erin Freeman will conduct this 2011 performance of one of Richmond’s favorite annual events to get you into the holiday spirit!

The Pops series will continue on Saturday January 21 with “The Music of Ella Fitzgerald Starring Patti Austin.”  Grammy and Oscar nominee Patti Austin joins the Richmond Symphony to perform a tribute to the music of the “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald.  The evening will be sure to touch your heart with these timeless classics.

Performances all take place at the Carpenter Theatre in Richmond’s downtown at 612 East Grace Street.  More INFO about the Richmond Symphony and Tickets.

When you plan a trip to Richmond VA, check out the historic Fan District’s premier bed and breakfast for guest room availability and check the Symphony’s schedule to enhance your visit by taking advantage of one of Richmond’s best secrets!

The Richmond Symphony has announced their 2011-12 season and subscriptions as well as individual tickets are on sale! The symphony will appear at the Carpenter Theatre of Richmond’s recently renovated CenterStage in downtown at 612 East Grace Street. A pre-concert talk will take place one hour before the scheduled hour. Don’t miss it – it will provide insight into each program!

The Richmond Symphony schedules 2011/12 season at The Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage

The Altria Masterworks series opens the season with “The Miraculous Mandarin” featuring violinist, Elena Urioste, on September 17th and 18th. The program will feature work by Beethovan, whose compositions develop intense  harmonies, driving rhythms and a wide range of loud and soft dynamics.  The program will also feature Brahms’ work highlighting the middle of the orchestra, particularly the violas, clarinets, cellos, and horns. Steven Stucky’s “Dreamwaltzes” is on the program, bringing his 21st century approach to the work of his composing predecessors.  “The Miraculous Mandarin Suite” by Bartok finds its roots in the world of folk music, which he transformed into exuberance for the full orchestra.

On October 15th and 16th, the Masterworks series continues with a program focused on Shostakovich and Dvorak. Followed on November 12 and 13th by Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G with guest pianist Anton Nel, featuring additional works by Rossini, Poulenc, and Stravinsky. Ravel’s concerto reflects a little bit of jazz influence from 1920′s Paris. Oh la la!

The series continues with 5 more concerts into 2012.  MORE INFO. Tickets.

The Richmond Symphony was founded in 1957 by a small group of music lovers who have provided Central Virginia with a professional orchestra that incorporates both traditional and contemporary works into a diverse repertoire including classics, jazz, gospel, contemporary, and popular music. Guest artists who have appeared with the Richmond Symphony include internationally known artists and musicians like Aretha Franklin, Andre Watts, Pink Martini, Itzhak Perlman, among others. The Richmond Symphony equals great music right here in central Virginia’s front yard!

If you happen to be planning a weekend in Richmond, check the schedule for the Richmond Symphony and get tickets to enjoy one of Virginia’s cultural treasures.  And, check out Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast in the historic Fan District adjacent to downtown for a great place to stay!

The exciting 2011/2012 series of Broadway shows has been introduced by Broadway in Richmond.  ”Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz” returns to the Landmark Theater for a run October 5 through October 16, 2011. Last year, this show came to Richmond and broke box office records, selling out in record time. Don’t miss this performance telling the tale of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good in Munchkinland, before Dorothy arrived on the scene.

November 5th and 6th, brings “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles” to the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond’s CenterStage. It’s Beatlemania on stage – from their early beginnings to their hard-rocking days with songs like “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.”

The Landmark Theater welcomes Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” for a run December 16th and 17th. This version is based on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Lincoln Center production of the World War II era romantic story of two couples. This is the musical that brought us tunes like ” Some Enchanted Evening” and  ”I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.”

The new year  of Broadway in Richmond will open with “The Lion King” running February 15 through March 11, 2012 at the Landmark Theater. “The Lion King” is Broadway’s award winning Best Musical bringing the animals of the African Pridelands to life onstage. The score includes “can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” This bound to be a sell-out, attracting audiences of all ages!

Running April 27-29, 2012 The Blue Man Group visits the Landmark with their poplar mix of comedy, music, and technology completely devoid of spoken language!.

Season Subscriptions are now on sale with a 4-show series ranging from $150 to $290 and a 5-show series ranging from $200 to $350 per person.  There’s even an option to add The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller’s November 26th performance and/or the December 9th performance of Amy Grant and VInce Gill at the Landmark.

The Landmark Theater at 6 N Laurel Street in Richmond’s historic Fan District is a wonderful venue for the performing arts. Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage is in Richmond’s downtown and has been recently renovated and restored. Both venues are worth a visit in their own right and a performance is icing on the cake. Broadway in Richmond season subscriptions are available; individual tickets will be on sale soon.

The closest bed and breakfast to both of these venues is Richmond’s best bed and breakfast known for its hearty gourmet breakfasts. The urban inn is just 3 blocks from the Landmark, an easy walk and no parking worries! So make it a special in-town date and reserve your room today.

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 is on the program for the Richmond Symphony on Saturday March 5 at 8PM and Sunday March 6 at 3PM at Richmond’s Center Stage Carpenter Theatre, 600 East Grace Street.

Richmond Symphony's Masterworks Series Continues March 5 and 6

This concert is part of the Masterworks series sponsored by Altria.  Symphony No. 6 is the last symphony by the famed composer written between February and the end of August 1893.  Tchaikovsky led the first performance of the piece in St Petersburg October 28, 1893 just nine days before his death.  The second performance, as a memorial concert, was conducted by Eduard Napravnik in November, 21 days later.  The second performance included some corrections that Tchaikovsky had made after the premiere – the work as it is known and heard today.

The Richmond Symphony’s Masterworks Series has been crafted with the classical music explorer in mind, featuring works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, and Brahms.  One hour before the curtain raises on the concert, there will be a Pre-Concert Talk to discuss Tchaikovsky’s work and the message of his music. The concert will feature Tom Hooten on trumpet and Steven Smith as conductor. Attending the performance also permits you to see the 1,800 seat Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage as it has been restored but in keeping with its Old World feel.   Don’t miss the tile murals of the parrots and the handmade parrot that has perched in the lobby since the theater first opened in 1928 – or the repainted midnight sky ceiling (an element of the original theater design.) TICKETS.

Downtown Richmond has events and happenings to entertain and to educate residents and visitors alike.  When your plans include a visit to Richmond or central Virginia, take advantage of all the area has to offer! And, to stay “in the middle of it all,” check out Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast – truly “a better way to stay.”

There’s only one more day to catch Richmond Ballet performing “Giselle” and that is Sunday February 13. The ballet, a classic love story, full of romance, betrayal, and even death is performed at the CenterStage’s Carpenter Theater.  Saturday evening’s performance was sold out and attended by many couples celebrating Valentine’s Day a little early by experiencing the hauntingly romantic tale of love and devotion.  The Richmond Ballet‘s performances are executed by corps of talented dancers worthy of widespread acclaim not only on a regional scale but a national level as well. Richmond is very fortunate to be home to this talented company!

Bale Folclorio da Bahia brings its explosion of color, music, and dance to the Carpenter Theater at Richmond's CenterStage on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2011

If you can’t make today – on Monday, Valentine’s Day, February 14th Centerstage will welcome Bale Folclorico da Bahia, the only professional folk dance company in Brazil.  The troupe consists of 38 dancers, singers, and musicians and will perform selections from their repertory based on “Bahian” folklore, whose roots are in dances of African origin.  You’ll see the samba, slave dances, dances that celebrate Carnival – and, yes, even capoeira, a form of martial arts.  Show begins at 7:30 PM. Tickets ($25) are available at the CenterStage box office or Ticketmaster.  Discounted tickets are only available at the box office (seniors, military and students).

So, if you forgot to make plans for Valentine’s Day, check with Richmond Ballet to see if you can squeeze in for Giselle’s love story today, or check to see if seating is available for the exciting folk dances of Brazil on Monday.  You’re bound to get a few points for choosing culture for your Valentine!

The Official Richmond Region 2011 Visitors Guide is Here!

Hot off the press, the Richmond Region 2011 Visitors Guide has locals dishing about their favorite Richmond spots and instant access to bonus materials with smart phone tags throughout.

Be sure to turn to page 20 and find out why a trip to the Richmond Region is must in 2011.

The Official Richmond Region 2011 Visitor Guide

History. It All Starts Here.

Your Guide to Richmond Travel and Tourism

Discover history, adventure and an easily accessible location in the Historic Richmond Region. Here, more than 400 years of American history live on through magnificent architecture, monument-lined cobblestone streets, and world-class museums – for an experience that’s anything but textbook.

But the area makes history in other ways, too. Brave the gorgeous yet intense James River, which distinguishes the Richmond Region as the only urban setting with Class IV rapids. It’s just one form of outdoor recreation for thrill seekers. Event planners will love the Greater Richmond Convention Center, a prime destination for meetings and groups. See how the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is expanding its world-class offerings. And with more than 900 restaurants, diverse shopping and enticing events, the Region is ideal for weekend getaways and vacations.

The Richmond Ballet is bringing the acclaimed ballet, Giselle, to Richmond’s historic Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage February 11th through February 13th, 2011.

The Richmond Ballet performs Giselle at the Carpenter Theatre February 11 through 13

Giselle, one of the great Romantic ballets, was conceived by the influential French poet, author, critic and possibly the greatest champion of the Romantic ballet, Théophile Gautier.  Giselle was created to honor the ballerina Carlotta Grisi, whom Gautier not only admired for her dancing, but with whom he was in love. The ballet was first performed in June 1841 at the Paris Opera and was a success on many levels – even inspiring a style of hat and a type of fabric.

There are three great reasons to make sure you have a ticket to one of these performances:

1. The role of Giselle is one of the most sought-after in ballet, requiring near perfect technique, outstanding grace, and great drama skills.  Famous ballerinas who danced this role include Anna Pavlova and Margot Fonteyn.  The ballet revolves around forest spirits, death, and the forces of nature, entwined in a classic plot of love, deception, and betrayal.

2.  You get both ballet and the Richmond Symphony! The hauntingly beautiful story will come alive under the acclaimed choreography of Malcolm Burn of the Richmond Ballet, accompanied live by the Richmond Symphony for a fully featured performance.

The facade of the Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage In Richmond

3. Attending one of the performances affords the opportunity to enjoy the renovated, grand, historic Carpenter Theatre with nearly 1800 spacious, comfortable seats and state-of-the-art acoustics. Don’t miss the brilliant lighting, including new fiber optics that bring the ceiling’s sparkling lights to their full glory.

Giselle is bound to delight and touch the hearts of audiences as it “tests the true bounds of love, even after death.”  TICKETS

As an option, available with a separate ticket, the Richmond Ballet will will host a Valentine’s Brunch prior to the Sunday matinee on February 13, 2011. It’s an excellent chance to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s celebration just before the matinee performance.

So make your plans to visit the Carpenter Theatre, to see all the emotions of the ballet Giselle, and to hear Virginia’s own Richmond Symphony bring the score to life.  It’s an experience not to be missed. And, to make it extra-special, include a weekend at the Fan District’s premier bed and breakfast – closest to downtown and closest to CenterStage!

A lovely crisp Fall weekend is in store for central Virginia!  And, along with great weather for walks in the park, strolls down Monument Avenue, there are several happenings on the schedule.

The fun and excitement starts Friday night, October 22 at 7:30 PM in Shockoe Slip! 1708 Gallery is hosting the third annual InLight Richmond, an outdoor art extravaganza.  Until midnight, streets, walls, facades and interiors along Cary Street between 12th and 14th Streets and along 13th Street between Main and Canal will be transformed by 37 light-inspired art installations.  Recently, we were in Paris for their Nuit Blanc, they had fewer light art installations and it required a Metro ride to see them all. A Community Lantern Parade beginning at the James center Atrium will kick off the evening. Many of the restaurants will feature inLight Specials – some even $17.08 dinner specials!  For more information, see 1708 Gallery’s website.

Want some exercise to enjoy this Fall Friday? How about 5K Race for Change, a race benefitting Freedom House soup kitchen and shelters begins at 3 PM at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College-Parham Campus, 1651 E Parham Road.  For information, call (804) 523-5083.

More into Music?  Delight in Richmond premiere of “side by Side” by Michael Colgrass, featuring a single soloist Joanne Kong of the Richmond Symphony on piano and harpsichord, 7:30 PM in Camp Concert Hall at the University of Richmond’s Modlin Center.  The event is Free, but does require a ticket, call (804) 289-8980. If opera is more your style, “Rigoletto” opens the Virginia Opera season at 8 PM at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond’s CenterStage. Too many conflicts on Friday? It repeats on Sunday. TICKETS.

How about a dance option? The Latin Ballet of Virginia interprets Latin-American rhythms in “Alma Latina” at the Cultural Arts  Center at Glen Allen through Sunday.  For more information call (804) 379-2555 or the Latin Ballet of Virginia’s website.

Saturday is a busy day, too! At Virginia Commonwealth University’s Singleton Center, pianist Charles Rosen with tenor Christoph Genz present an all-Schumann program at 8PM. Singleton Center’s Vlahcevic Hall is located at 922 Park Avenue, just two blocks from our Fan District bed and breakfast! For more information about the program, call (804) 828-6776.

There’s the Powhatan Festival of the Grape with samples from 25 Virginia wineries, food, juried arts and crafts and live entertainment. Opening at 11 AM, event will run until 6 PM at Powhatan Courthouse Square, 3880 Old Buckingham Rd.  Tasting tickets, $25 at the gate, non-tasting $20. This event is in its 8th year! INFO.

The Meadow Highland Games and Celtic Festival includes traditional highland athletic competition, Celtic music and dancing, Celtic food, marketplace, clan exhibitors and more from 9 AM to 6 PM at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell. Info and tickets. This event in its 16th year, features two days of “Music. Food. Large Men Throwing Stuff.”

On Sunday, a Valentine History Center guide will lead a walking tour titled “Canal Boats and Cobblestones’” focusing on the history, architecture and preservation efforts of Shockoe Slip.  Meet the guide at 2PM at 10th and Cary Streets at the James Center Clock Tower. $10, $5 for History Center members. Info.

Some coming attractions:

Thursday, October 28th: “America’s Got Talent” live stage show with season five winner Michael Grimm, Virginia Tech’s Fighting Gravity and other finalists and fan favorites beginning at 7:30 PM at the Landmark Theatre, just three blocks from our downtown inn.  Stay with us and solve your parking problem!

Friday, October 29th: smooth soul concert at the Landmark Theatre at 8 PM.

Thursday, November 4th: American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino kicks off her first tour at 7:30 PM at the Landmark.

Nov 4,5,6,7,10,11,12,13: The Richmond Ballet Studio 2 revives “After Eden” by John Butler, George Balanchine’s classis “Valse Fantasie” and world premiere of a new ballet by Colin Conner at the Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre – not even a mile from Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast. Richmond ballet website.

Friday Nov 5: Veteran pop crooner, Tony Bennett performs at the Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage for a step back in time.

Planning a getaway to the city? Include a stay at our bed and breakfast for its central location and known for its hearty gourmet breakfast!

The last weekend in March is a weekend full of great activities to enjoy in Richmond Virginia and most are within a mile or two of our historic Fan District bed and breakfast.

The 11th Annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, with its kids’ Fun Run, and Dress-Up and Run contest will take place Saturday March 27.  The run takes participants up and down Monument Avenue, one of America’s most beautiful boulevards. The morning is slated to be cool – perfect running weather and this forecast for sun is the first time for sunny weather since 2007!  As of now, somewhere around 37,000 participants have registered and registration is now closed, but there are plenty of opportunities to cheer the participants on, listen to the bands along the route, check out the Party Stops along the way, and take part in the festival in Monroe Park.

The 2010 Downtown Loft Tour takes place on March 27 between 10 Am and 5 Pm.  Sponsored by Venture Richmond, this is the opportunity to meet the owners, hear their stories,  and tour their spaces. Seeing is believing downtown’s lofty lifestyle.

Friday March 26 hosts the Fourth Friday Art Walk with new exhibits at Art Works, 320 Hull Street, and Reception at Russell Projects at Plant Zero Studio 44.  Of course, “Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz” continues until Sunday March 28 at Richmond’s Landmark Theater, ending its 19 day run here in Richmond.  The Richmond Ballet performs the two three-piece programs they will take to New York City’s Joyce Theater in April this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and then again on Tuesday March 30 through Thursday April 1.  Lisa Lampanelli, the Queen of Mean, appears Saturday at the Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage.  Thursday, March 25, the Firehouse Theatre Project presents “Epiphany50 – One for the Road” a one man show written and performed by Bill Patton.  On Saturday, March 27, attend the 2010 Fire Ball, food, drink, raffle, auction to support the Firehouse Theatre. Attire is theatrical black-tie, tickets $65 per person.  Assorted live music options are also available at Richmond’s many venues.

Weekends are lively, upbeat, and fun in Richmond Virginia and a bed and breakfast stay is bound to create one-of-a-kind memories.

Less than a mile east of our Richmond lodging in its top floor studio, The Richmond Ballet will give locals the opportunity to enjoy the two three-ballet programs the company will perform at the Joyce Theater  in New York City April 6th through the 11th. The preview runs at 407 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia beginning March 23 and extends to March 28th.  Tickets are only $40. Here’s what Zachary Reid, a Richmond Times-Dispatch staff writer, wrote in Sunday’s newspaper.

One mile west of our Fan District bed and breakfast, at the Byrd Theatre, 2908 West Cary Street, the French Film Festival  opens Thursday March 25 and continues through Sunday March 28.  This popular event offers French films presented by their actors and directors at various times.  The films will be shown with English subtitles and click on the link for  the schedule for the festival. Ticket prices are $12 per feature; but a festival pass is only $65 – $115.  Top off a French excursion with dinner or lunch at Richmond’s own French brasserie, Can Can, also in Carytown. Reservations are a must during this francophile attracting event.

Upcoming concerts at the National present Amos Lee (Tuesday), Spoon (Wednesday), Pat McGee Band (Friday), The National Country Showcase (Saturday March 27), Wilco (Monday, March 29), Pretty Lights (Thursday April 1), Tea Leaf Green (Friday April 9), SOJA (Saturday April 10), and Third Eye Blind (Sunday April 11).  The National is located in downtown Richmond at Broad and 7th.  The schedule at the Hat Factory, just off Canalwalk, includes Sister Hazel (Tuesday), EOTO (Saturday March 27), and Uncle Kracker with Rehab (April 6th).  Leon Russell will appear on April 17th.

The Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage has scheduled Lisa Lampanelli, comedy’s Queen of Mean, for Saturday March 27th.

The Virginia Opera has announced its plans for the 2010-11 season.  Performances will include Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte,” Wagner’s “The Valkyrie,” and Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.”  Subscriptions at this season’s prices are now on sale. Click here for more details. Generally, each opera is offered on Friday evening and then again at a Sunday matinee; both performances will take place in the Carpenter Theater at Richmond’s CcnterStage.

Coming into Richmond for a performance? Pick your room from one of ours at our Richmond inn and stay in the middle of it all!