Train station brings live music to Richmond

Emily McCauley, Contributing Writer

The crowd swayed and danced to live music Thursday, Sept. 7 at Music at Main until a thunderstorm ended the show 40 minutes early. 

The free show occurred at Main Street Station and featured performances by High Definition Band and an opening act by Quinton Jones. Music at Main will occur every Thursday of this month. 

Music at Main originally started in May and occurred every Thursday during May and July, according to John Everett, event planner for the Department of Public Works and Main Street Station. The series resumed on Sept. 7. 

Music at Main started as a way to bring people together and educate the community about the programs the Department of Public Works and the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility has to offer, according to Everett.

“This is all part of being an active part of downtown Richmond,” Everett said. “The concerts are free because we want to educate people.”

Many bands have reached out to Main Street Station asking to perform after the series first began, according to Everett.

High Definition Band was honored to play for Music at Main, said Francoise Hamilton, one of the lead vocalists in High Definition Band. 

Main Street Station was “beautifully renovated” and Richmonders should be able to experience what the city has to offer, Hamilton said. 

“This is downtown Shockoe Bottom — the heart of the city — why not give entertainment and have something going on here,” Hamilton said. 

Aside from the thunderstorm, High Definition “loved the vibe” of the show and hopes for the opportunity to perform again, according to Hamilton. 

Various attendees were appreciative of the event as well. Many attendees brought their own chairs and several individuals claimed to be regular concert-goers at the free event.

“It is important to keep events like this at the Main Street Station so people can have an outlet and to make sure there’s something always going on in the city of Richmond,” said William Hardan, a regular concert goer and Richmond local. 

These concerts are a great way to get out, meet new people and enjoy the summer weather, according to Marseia Allen, a regular attendee and Chesterfield local.

“In July, we came to one every Thursday,” Allen said. “This is something good that people can do.”

The music and vibes bring a feeling of togetherness, said Diana Joaquin, a regular attendee and Richmond local. 

“The Richmond music scene is so accessible and there is so much talent in Richmond it is really amazing,” Joaquin said. 

Music at Main will host the Brencore All-Stars next on Sept. 14, according to the Main Street Station’s Instagram. The concerts will be located at 1500 E. Main St. on the patio deck from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.