Monday, Aug. 4
w Known as the "birthplace of Black Capitalism," Jackson Ward is rich in African American history and culture and boasts a large number of pre-Civil War homes. Learn a liitle more during a walking tour starting at the Black History Museum at 3. E. Clat St. Two-hour tour includes the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site, the A.D. Price Funeral Home and the Dill House. Tour starts at 2 p.m. $10. To sign up, call (804) 649-0711 ext. 301.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
w Cabaret College theater students will sing songs from musicals during "Sing Anything" at ComedySportz. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8. ComedySportz is located at 7115 Staples Mill Road. For more information, call (804) 266-9377.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
w Dark Star Orchestra comes to Innsbrook After Hours for a 6 p.m. show. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information, call (804) 794-6700.
Thursday, Aug. 7
w Pretend you're out in space as you take in the stars at the city-sponsored Bryan Park Astronomy Night. The city will join with the Richmond Astronomical Society to hold the family stargazing night starting at 8:30 p.m. in Bryan Park. Members of RAS will set up their telescopes on the park's soccer fields for a spectacular view of the night sky. See the planets, their moons and clouds as well as the constellations. An introductory program will kick off the event to introduce guests to the objects in the sky, and RAS will provide sky maps. In addition, an LCD monitor will show real-time pictures of the telescopic views. The public is encouraged to bring binoculars as RAS members will point out the many objects in the sky to explore on your own. For more information, e-mail terry@teebark.com.
w Funnyman Nick DiPaolo comes to the Richmond Funnybone Comedy Club and Restaurant. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show cost $15 to $17.
Friday, Aug. 8
w Have you ever wondered how people in the 17th century treated common ailments like headaches, coughs and upset stomachs? Would you like to experience the Agecroft Hall gardens through the eyes of the manor's 1631 inhabitants? Then join Master Dauntesey, his daughter Mary, and the servants of Agecroft Hall as they discuss medicinal and culinary uses of herbs growing in the gardens. This walking tour through the gardens will last approximately one hour, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be canceled. The tour starts at 7 p.m. at the Agecroft Association, 4305 Sulgrave Road, and costs $5 per person. For more information, call (804) 353-4241.
Saturday, Aug. 9
w The Caribbean Islands come to Richmond as CaribFest descends on Brown's Island from noon to 9 p.m. There will be live entertainment of the Calypso King of the World The Mighty Sparrow, the Reggae band Ever-G and the Panjammers Steel Orchestra. Come enjoy Caribbean crafts, kids' activities, book sales and authors, food and more! Admission is $10 for adults, but free for children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.caribfestonline.com.
w The 2008 Filipino Festival returns to the city from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 8200 Woodman Road. The free fest will include live entertainers, yummy food and crafts for all ages.
Sunday, Aug. 10
w The 25th Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival will shut down Cary Street to cars as people come in droves for their melon, tunes and great shopping deals. The free fun starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 6 p.m.
w Richmond's 23rd annual Summer Interlude concert series starts this month at the Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road. The series, featuring the Richmond Chamber Players and presented by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, will include shows today, Aug. 17 and Aug. 24. Today's concert includes Wolfgang A. Mozart's Trio in E-Flat Major, K. 498 (Kegelstatt); Allan Blank's "The Jumblies" (Richmond premiere); "I carry your heart with me," with guest soprano Lisa Edwards-Burrs; and Johannes Brahms' Piano Trio in B Major, Op. 8. The shows start at 3 p.m. and tickets cost $56 for the whole series; $48 for VMFA members, seniors and students; $16 for single show tickets, if available; $14 for VMFA members, seniors and students. For more information, contact the museum.
Government This Week
Saturday, Aug. 9
w Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen Robertson (6th) will hold a Gateway District meeting to discuss rising costs, the need for good jobs now, saving gas by possibly going to a four-day work week and finding out if the city bus gets you where you need to go. The meeting is from 10 a.m. to noon on the 18th floor of the Bank of America Building at 12th and Main streets. There is free parking in the James Center II (Omni) Cary Street Deck. A parking coupon will be provided at the meeting. For more information, contact John Westbrook (804) 646-7964 or john.westbrook@richmondgov.com.