Spectrum Calendar

Thursday, 0ct. 6

Sam Shaber

ComedySportz Improv Theatre

The award winning singer-songwriter returns to Richmond. 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information call (804) 266-937.

Video Art in China

Arts Foundation Building, Room 535

A Beijing museum director/curator and a video artist present a lecture on Chinese Video Art. 2:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 7

Family Casino Night

University Student Commons, Richmond Salons

The tables call! The Richmond Salons are transformed into mini-Vegas, Blackjack, Craps, Poker, Roulette and Bingo for anyone with the urge to try their hand at the casino staples. 7-9:30 p.m. For more information call (804) 828-3700.

Apollo Open Mic, After Party

Commonwealth Ballrooms, Commons

Got what it takes to make it in the music, spoken word or show biz? Let your peers be the judges at this open mic. 7 p.m. Followed by party, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

First Fridays

Begin the fifth season of the popular arts program with First Fridays Annual Kick-Off Concert. DJ’s spin and world jazz ensemble Hotel X performs. Begins at 8 p.m. Renaissance Conference Center. 107 W. Broad St. Free. Cash bar for 21 and up. For more information: www.FirstFridaysRichmond.com or call (804) 344-1508.

Friends of VCU Music Gala Concert

Singleton Center for the Performing Arts – Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall

Friends of VCU Music, the sole source for departmental undergraduate scholarships, features all areas of the Department of Music – jazz, wind ensemble, choir and more. Free. 8 – 10 p.m. For more information call (804) 828-1169.

67th National Folk Festival

Second to Seventh streets

Traditional music, dance, crafts, blues, rockabilly, gospel, Cajun, bluegrass – whew! This festival has culture in the bag. Rain or shine, the event will take place on the banks of Richmond’s riverfront. Through Oct. 9. Free. For more information: www.nationalfolkfestival.com or call (804) 788-6466.

Saturday, Oct. 8

67th National Folk Festival

The second day of the festival continues with Bernard Allison (blues), Mountain Heart (bluegrass), Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All Stars (Jewish klezmer).

Evening with Rose: Understanding China from a Cross-Cultural Perspective

University of Richmond

Rose Nan-Ping Chen, creator/director of the China-America Festival of Film and Culture, discusses China’s future and its relations with United States. 6:30-8:30 p.m. For reservations: (804) 287-6344.

Sunday, Oct. 9

Static Films

Caf