Wild at Heart

a reading series at The Basement in Jackson Ward

March 27th

Bar opens at 6:30pm

Show starts at 7:30pm

More info to come….

@wildatheartreadingseries

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

Burlesque at The Basement

18+ Only

March 28th

Bar opens at 8pm

Show starts at 9pm

Performances By: 

D3adp4nn, Jungle Julia, Poppy la Fae, Semptress Sneek Pique, Kayy Lovely, Darshe Dazzles

NERDY THRISTY THURSDAYS

Get ready for the FIRST Nerdy Thirsty Thursday of the year!!!

Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short+t ) is a "cozyback", " or a kickback that is meant to bring more chill vibes to the nightlife scene in Richmond. We wanted to create a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, and social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This will be an 18+ event that will feature music, drinks, video games and board games, and pop-up nerdlesque performances.

On Thursday, April 3rd from 8pm-11pm, let's get together and be nerdy af! We will have a FREE TO ENTER Jackbox competition with small prizes to win, as well as some pop-up burlesque from some fellow Richmond locals and a special guest appearance from a fellow women-led and black-ran group Baddies and Blerds!! Spice up your Thursday with some laid-back fun and we'll see you there!

$10 Entry

18+ Only

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

Richmond in The Round is a songwriter showcase hosted by Virginia-based songwriter, Bradley Rhodes. Each show features a cast of different songwriters offering their unique perspective with original songs, storytelling and impromptu collaborations.  

Doors - 7pm

Show - 7:30pm

Tickets:

$15 in advance, $20 at the door

Featuring:

Bradley Rhodes is a singer-songwriter and creative explorer based in Richmond, VA. Originally from Northern Virginia, Bradley has spent his career alchemizing the highs and lows of his journey into raw, soulful music and earnestly sharing his art with the world. Bradley fronted the critically acclaimed alt-rock band Melodime from 2006 to 2020, performing well over 1,000 shows across the U.S., Canada, and Europe and has made his mark in the festival scene by performing on 7 Rock Boat cruises, sharing stages with Sister Hazel, Needtobreathe, Gavin Degraw, and more. With 10 full-length albums to his name, Bradley’s debut solo album, Letters From Virginia (October 2024), marks a personal and artistic homecoming. This collection of sharply written folk songs explores themes of love, spirituality, and the healing power of music itself, nodding to his musical roots while simultaneously beginning a fresh chapter.

https://www.bradleyrhodesmusic.com/

Streaming with vitality, the music of Jonathan Paige Brown Jr. flows like a spirited river, surging forth from his remarkable talent and sparkling with his distilled personal emotions to create a captivating musical experience. This prowess, rich in technical expertise and geniune sentiment, has carried Brown across the expanse of Virginia over the years, solidifying his presence as a mainstay in the local music scene, seamlessly blending into any backdrop, whether big or small, even when he’s simply an observer in the front row of a performance.

"Caroline Vain is an expert songwriter with the resume to back it up. Currently sitting on two singles, she is a sonic healing, not quite carefree but confident in the optimistic maybe. She is a master at blending the complex into the subtle, showing far more than telling with a variety of instruments in her recordings."

-RVA MAG 

https://carolinevain.com/ 

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

Spend the evening with us on April 10th, 2025 at 7 PM at The Basement for a night of heartfelt storytelling and dark (yet silly!) humor at this one-of-a-kind show!

Doors - 7:30pm

Show - 8pm

Tickets:

$10 in advance, $12 at the door

Carly Ballerini's comedic genius shines as she blends humor with vulnerability, proving that the most unconventional beginnings can lead to the most hilarious stories. Don't miss out on this unique and exciting opportunity to be a part of a live comedy filming. Grab your friends and come join us for a night to remember. Growing up with a sad clown mom can lead to a lot of interesting stories.  Join us as Chicago based comic and writer, Carly Ballerini, performs her comedy special LIVE at The Basement in Richmond, Virginia.

Carly is a touring stand-up comedian and writer from Chicago. As a writer, she has contributed to Cards Against Humanity and was a regular essayist for The Paper Machete as well as a narrative podcast writer for Pocket FM. She is a script reader for Coverfly and a touring standup. In addition to being a regular panelist on The Jam TV Show, she's opened and or featured for Cameron Esposito, Kyle Kinane, Shane Torres, and toured with Emma Arnold. She's a past regular at Comedy On State and can be seen at The Attic, Laugh Factory, and the Funny Bone.  Podcasts like ‘Put Your Hands Together,’ ‘Wrestling With Depression,’ and ‘Probably Science,' 'We Still Like You' and 'Ladylike' have had her as a guest.  She has headlined festivals like the Southwest Chief and been featured at SF Sketchfest, 208, WICF, Let’s Fest, 10,000 Laughs and many more. As a comedy show producer in Chicago, she currently runs  the Chicago chapter of the international comedy show "Don't Tell." 

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

CUSTOM MADE

April 12th

2pm

$15 admission

Presented by vocalists Jenna Chouman and Olivia Stith, join us for Custom Made, a powerful and heartfelt VCUmusic junior recital of Opera, Jazz, R&B, and more. This performance is a celebration of resilience, passion, and artistry, showcasing the musical journeys of two dedicated musicians who have flourished despite challenges

As Black and Arab artists, Olivia and Jenna Jenna have navigated obstacles and doubts. Yet through unwavering love for their craft, they have continued to grow. Their recital brings together a diverse program of music that reflects their experiences, influences, and evolution as performers. Set in an intimate space, this event invites audiences to connect deeply with the music and the stories behind it.

Come witness the next chapter of their journey with live instruments, vocals, and a welcoming atmosphere on April 12th at 2 PM at The Basement Theatre in Richmond, VA—a recital that embodies perseverance, creativity, and the beauty of artistic growth.

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

Music Evolved Records Presents An EBONIZED Evening

April 19th

6pm Doors

7pm Show

$20

Hosted by

Jeff Baylock aka "Mr. No Chill"

Starring 

The Ebonizer

Featuring

Janina Simone and Nichelle Jay

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

Burlesque at The Basement: Dank Decadence

18+ Only

April 20th

Bar open at 6:30pm

“Roll one” workshop with Qing Blaze at 7pm

Music set at 7:30pm

Show starts at 8pm

Performances By: 

Kayy Lovely, Darshe Dazzles, Qing Blaze, Edie Sativa, Jo’Rie Tigerlily and musical guest Trifektah

The Here to Pee Tour is a all-trans comedy show, using laughter to fight anti-trans laws and raise funds for local LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

Doors - 7 pm

Show - 7:30 pm

Tickets: $20

The Here to Pee Tour is flushing away discriminatory laws with laughter! Led by trans comedian Ren Q. Dawe, this one-of-a-kind comedy tour features an all-trans lineup traveling to every state with anti-trans bathroom legislation. Through sharp wit and fearless humor, Here to Pee amplifies queer voices while supporting grassroots advocacy—because joy is resistance. A portion of proceeds from each show goes directly to local LGBTQ+ nonprofits fighting for trans rights, making every laugh count. With performances from some of the most talented trans and gender-diverse comedians in the country, this tour is a bold and unapologetic stand for visibility, dignity, and, of course, the right to pee in peace.

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

Wild at Heart

a reading series at The Basement in Jackson Ward

April 24th

Bar opens at 6:30pm

Show starts at 7:30pm

More info to come….

@wildatheartreadingseries

After mistakenly seeing her gay best friend’s dick, Sibet unravels in a search for validation, encountering men who amplify her longing but never fulfill it. A darkly funny, physical comedy about a woman nearing 30, spiraling through sex, addiction, and self-loathing.

Four Shows!!

May 23rd

Show: 7pm and 9pm

May 25th

Show: 6pm and 8pm

Tickets: $15

This stand-up burlesque comedy blends raw storytelling, dark humor, and physical performance to explore sex, shame, and self-worth in a way that is as hilarious as it is gut-wrenching. At its core, “Behind” is about a woman on the verge of 30, grappling with a lifetime of self-sabotage and external validation. She’s struggled with alcoholism, shoplifting, and sex work, having grown up rich, posh, and overachieving before spectacularly crashing and burning. She both craves and resents being desired, caught in a spiral of seeking fulfillment from men who never quite satisfy her. This all comes to a head when she accidentally receives a text from her gay best friend of 10 years—containing an explicit photo meant for someone else. The audience never sees the image, only her stunned reaction. What follows is a whirlwind journey through her relationships with men, performed as a series of comedic and emotional vignettes, with each man’s dialogue delivered through voice recordings.

The show’s structure is dynamic, blending high-energy physical comedy with moments of deeply personal vulnerability. The protagonist interacts with a repressed, religious best friend from high school, a single dad who pays her for sex, a 22-year-old boy she becomes infatuated with, a polyamorous sex expert from college, her ex who is 10 years her senior, and her gay best friend. The denouement of the show comes when she begs her gay best friend to sleep with her—only to be rejected, shattering her sense of stability in the one male relationship she truly values.

This show delivers something fresh: a brutally honest yet wildly entertaining exploration of sex and self-worth, told through a lens of physicality, humor, and heartbreak. It speaks to anyone who has ever sought external validation, anyone who has ever felt trapped in their own patterns, and anyone who has ever stared at an unexpected text and thought, “Well, this changes everything.”

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

After mistakenly seeing her gay best friend’s dick, Sibet unravels in a search for validation, encountering men who amplify her longing but never fulfill it. A darkly funny, physical comedy about a woman nearing 30, spiraling through sex, addiction, and self-loathing.

Four Shows!!

May 23rd

Show: 7pm and 9pm

May 25th

Show: 6pm and 8pm

Tickets: $15

This stand-up burlesque comedy blends raw storytelling, dark humor, and physical performance to explore sex, shame, and self-worth in a way that is as hilarious as it is gut-wrenching. At its core, “Behind” is about a woman on the verge of 30, grappling with a lifetime of self-sabotage and external validation. She’s struggled with alcoholism, shoplifting, and sex work, having grown up rich, posh, and overachieving before spectacularly crashing and burning. She both craves and resents being desired, caught in a spiral of seeking fulfillment from men who never quite satisfy her. This all comes to a head when she accidentally receives a text from her gay best friend of 10 years—containing an explicit photo meant for someone else. The audience never sees the image, only her stunned reaction. What follows is a whirlwind journey through her relationships with men, performed as a series of comedic and emotional vignettes, with each man’s dialogue delivered through voice recordings.

The show’s structure is dynamic, blending high-energy physical comedy with moments of deeply personal vulnerability. The protagonist interacts with a repressed, religious best friend from high school, a single dad who pays her for sex, a 22-year-old boy she becomes infatuated with, a polyamorous sex expert from college, her ex who is 10 years her senior, and her gay best friend. The denouement of the show comes when she begs her gay best friend to sleep with her—only to be rejected, shattering her sense of stability in the one male relationship she truly values.

This show delivers something fresh: a brutally honest yet wildly entertaining exploration of sex and self-worth, told through a lens of physicality, humor, and heartbreak. It speaks to anyone who has ever sought external validation, anyone who has ever felt trapped in their own patterns, and anyone who has ever stared at an unexpected text and thought, “Well, this changes everything.”

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

NERDY THRISTY THURSDAYS

Get ready for Nerdy Thirsty Thursday!!!

Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short+t ) is a "cozyback", " or a kickback that is meant to bring more chill vibes to the nightlife scene in Richmond. We wanted to create a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, and social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This will be an 18+ event that will feature music, drinks, video games and board games, and pop-up nerdlesque performances.

On Thursday, June 5th from 8pm-11pm, let's get together and be nerdy af! We will have a FREE TO ENTER Jackbox competition with small prizes to win, as well as some pop-up burlesque from some fellow Richmond locals and a special guest appearance from a fellow women-led and black-ran group Baddies and Blerds!! Spice up your Thursday with some laid-back fun and we'll see you there!

$10 Entry

18+ Only

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).

NERDY THRISTY THURSDAYS

Get ready for Nerdy Thirsty Thursday!!!

Nerdy Thirsty Thursday (or NTT for short+t ) is a "cozyback", " or a kickback that is meant to bring more chill vibes to the nightlife scene in Richmond. We wanted to create a fun and engaging space for pop-culture enthusiasts, and social butterflies that are looking for a more intimate space to meet new and old connections. This will be an 18+ event that will feature music, drinks, video games and board games, and pop-up nerdlesque performances.

On Thursday, August 7th from 8pm-11pm, let's get together and be nerdy af! We will have a FREE TO ENTER Jackbox competition with small prizes to win, as well as some pop-up burlesque from some fellow Richmond locals and a special guest appearance from a fellow women-led and black-ran group Baddies and Blerds!! Spice up your Thursday with some laid-back fun and we'll see you there!

$10 Entry

18+ Only

The Basement is a nonprofit venue for performance and visual arts, dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. Our mission is to engage diverse audiences, with a focus on amplifying POC and queer artists.

For more info, visit thebasementrva.org. All sales are final—no refunds.

Accessibility: The Basement is not currently wheelchair accessible but is working to address this. We do offer single-person genderless restrooms.

Parking: Street and paid lot parking are available. The closest option is the convention center lot ($8).