Wednesday, October 21st, 2026

Spectrum

Inside The Bellwether Garage: How a Church Hill repair shop built a free community stage

October 21, 2026

Emma Benton, Contributing Writer On a typical day, The Bellwether Garage operates as a motorcycle repair shop in Church Hill. Once a month, Grant Mathews and Lauren Albee, owners of The Bellwether Garage, clear enough room for amps, musicians and a crowd, turning the garage and surrounding property into a free neighborhood concert space. The Bellwether Garage Sessions started in 2023 and has grown into an event that draws hundreds of people without ever charging admission. As Bellwether heads deeper into fall and toward colder weather, the series faces a new test: how to preserve the casual, open atmosphere that helped it grow while adapting to shorter days and a crowd that now extends well beyond the immediate neighborhood.  At Bellwether, the shows do not operate like a typical venue, and the garage does not separate performers from the audience with a raised stage, barricade or bar crowd. Musicians play close to the people watching them, while neighbors, families and Richmond concertgoers move through the same space. Mathews and Albee have tried to preserve that neighborhood character as the sessions have grown. They live on the property, which means every concert takes place at their home and inside a residential

Bad Movie Night Club is so bad that it’s good

October 14, 2026

Sadie Porter, Contributing Writer There is not a theater experience quite like Bad Movie Night Club. Viewers are free to react however they like without judgement from the other members. Hosting a screening every Wednesday at 8 p.m., Bad Movie Night shows some truly terrible, high camp movies.  Gabriel Kelso, a fourth-year graphic design student and the club’s founder and president, had the idea to create Bad Movie Night on a whim when he spoke to a friend about his love for bad movies.  Little did Kelso know that so many people share his niche interest and were waiting for a club like this. What constitutes a bad movie? There is a difference between a film being unwatchable versus a film that had good intentions and a substantial budget but failed to meet expectations. Bad Movie Night Club encourages viewers to set aside traditional theater etiquette and embrace the absurdity of the films. “If something particularly ridiculous happens, we’ll probably shout it out and then we talk about it afterwards,” Kelso said. Beckett Dews, a second-year English student and the club’s treasurer and social media manager, joined Kelso after he reached out in need of extra officers. As a longtime

Ghosts of Richmond: Fact, folklore or something more?

October 14, 2026

Aaliyah Sharrock, Contributing Writer With Halloween approaching, ghost stories and tales of haunted places are finding their way back in town. From historic locations surrounded by local legends to paranormal investigators searching for answers, the city’s fascination with the unexplained continues to spark curiosity among residents and visitors alike.  In Richmond, some take their interest in the paranormal further by exploring the history of reportedly haunted locations and unexplained activity.  Transcend Paranormal is a paranormal investigation team based in Richmond. Formed in 2010, they help individuals navigate and understand paranormal activity.  The team conducts investigations at alleged haunted locations. During these events, team members organize participants into smaller groups and lead them through investigations. Many participants are experienced paranormal investigators who bring their own equipment.  The group also conducts free investigations for people seeking help with reported paranormal activity in their homes or surroundings. During these investigations, Transcend Paranormal uses equipment such as K2 meters, maglites and electromagnetic field readers to help examine paranormal activity. Shenia Wong, Transcend Paranormal investigator and owner of Dunnlora Inn, joined the team about three years ago after previously working with another paranormal investigation team. Wong said the team’s supportive atmosphere, curated by Steve Dills,

Wisdom on wheels; Mobile bookstores bring readers together

October 14, 2026

Keneya Pichardo, Contributing Writer Mobile bookstores, such as The Book Nook and Paperback Parlor, make regular appearances at local destinations around Richmond, offering readers the opportunity to stumble across their new favorite book. Katie Pullman, owner of The Book Nook, set up her latest pop-up store at The Poe Museum, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m on Oct. 10. The event was a charity raffle, where a portion of the proceeds went to the museum itself.  The Book Nook is a converted trailer that carries a wide variety of novels, including some that have been banned and challenged.  “I believe that knowledge is power,” Pullman said. “People should have access to whatever resources and books that they want, especially since surrounding counties, like Hanover, are banning these kinds of books. It’s important that people are able to have access to them somewhere else.”  Sophia and Harper, 13-year-old twin sisters, said the event was an opportunity for them to explore.  “Sometimes I don’t always find what I’m looking for, but when I come across something like this it gives me a chance to discover new books, or even my new favorite book,” Sophia said. Nearby, Danielle Tawney set up Paperback Parlor,

Inside The Bellwether Garage: How a Church Hill repair shop built a free community stage

Spectrum Editor October 21, 2026

Emma Benton, Contributing Writer On a typical day, The Bellwether Garage operates as a motorcycle repair shop in Church Hill. Once a month, Grant Mathews and Lauren Albee, owners of The Bellwether Garage, clear enough room for amps, musicians and a crowd, turning the garage and surrounding property into a free neighborhood concert space. The Bellwether Garage Sessions started in 2023 and has grown into an event that draws hundreds of people without ever charging admission. As Bellwether heads deeper into fall and toward colder weather, the series faces a new test: how to preserve the casual, open atmosphere that helped it grow while adapting to shorter days and a crowd that now extends well beyond the immediate neighborhood.  At Bellwether, the shows do not operate like a typical venue, and the garage does not separate performers from the audience with a raised stage, barricade or bar crowd. Musicians play close to the people watching them, while neighbors, families and Richmond concertgoers move through the same space. Mathews and Albee have tried to preserve that neighborhood character as the sessions have grown. They live on the property, which means every concert takes place at their home and inside a residential block. “I wake up in the morning, make some coffee, clean the garage, set the speakers up and then the band shows up,” Mathews said. “At this scale, it’s sustainable.” Mathews said adding more vendors, concessions or outside production would make the series harder to manage. Bellwether has also had to manage the less visible pressures that come with putting large crowds of people on a residential street. Parking fills quickly around 31st and East Clay streets, while amplified music travels through the block. Early on, Mathews canvassed the neighborhood for signatures each month to show the city that residents supported the events. “They were so supportive to the point where they asked, ‘Can I just sign something that’s forever so you don’t have to keep doing this?’” Mathews said. “Eventually, the city told us it was evident the neighbors were in support.” Albee said maintaining that support depends on treating the neighborhood as part of the event rather than simply the place where it happens. “The key is communicating with your neighbors and being open to constructive feedback,” Albee said. “If a venue pops up and you aren’t thinking about how it affects the people around you, that’s where

Inside The Bellwether Garage: How a Church Hill repair shop built a free community stage

October 21, 2026

Emma Benton, Contributing Writer On a typical day, The Bellwether Garage operates as a motorcycle repair shop in Church Hill. Once a month, Grant Mathews and Lauren Albee, owners of The Bellwether Garage, clear enough room for amps, musicians and a crowd, turning the garage and surrounding property into a free neighborhood concert space. The Bellwether Garage Sessions started in 2023 and has grown into an event that draws hundreds of people without ever charging admission. As Bellwether heads deeper into fall and toward colder weather, the series faces a new test: how to preserve the casual, open atmosphere that helped it grow while adapting to shorter days and a crowd that now extends well beyond the immediate neighborhood.  At Bellwether, the shows do not operate like a typical venue, and the garage does not separate performers from the audience with a raised stage, barricade or bar crowd. Musicians play close to the people watching them, while neighbors, families and Richmond concertgoers move through the same space. Mathews and Albee have tried to preserve that neighborhood character as the sessions have grown. They live on the property, which means every concert takes place at their home and inside a residential block. “I wake up in the morning, make some coffee, clean the garage, set the speakers up and then the band shows up,” Mathews said. “At this scale, it’s sustainable.” Mathews said adding more vendors, concessions or outside production would make the series harder to manage. Bellwether has also had to manage the less visible pressures that come with putting large crowds of people on a residential street. Parking fills quickly around 31st and East Clay streets, while amplified music travels through the block. Early on, Mathews canvassed the neighborhood for signatures each month to show the city that residents supported the events. “They were so supportive to the point where they asked, ‘Can I just sign something that’s forever so you don’t have to keep doing this?’” Mathews said. “Eventually, the city told us it was evident the neighbors were in support.” Albee said maintaining that support depends on treating the neighborhood as part of the event rather than simply the place where it happens. “The key is communicating with your neighbors and being open to constructive feedback,” Albee said. “If a venue pops up and you aren’t thinking about how it affects the people around you, that’s where

Bad Movie Night Club is so bad that it’s good

October 14, 2026

Sadie Porter, Contributing Writer There is not a theater experience quite like Bad Movie Night Club. Viewers are free to react however they like without judgement from the other members. Hosting a screening every Wednesday at 8 p.m., Bad Movie Night shows some truly terrible, high camp movies.  Gabriel Kelso, a fourth-year graphic design student and the club’s founder and president, had the idea to create Bad Movie Night on a whim when he spoke to a friend about his love for bad movies.  Little did Kelso know that so many people share his niche interest and were waiting for a club like this. What constitutes a bad movie? There is a difference between a film being unwatchable versus a film that had good intentions and a substantial budget but failed to meet expectations. Bad Movie Night Club encourages viewers to set aside traditional theater etiquette and embrace the absurdity of the films. “If something particularly ridiculous happens, we’ll probably shout it out and then we talk about it afterwards,” Kelso said. Beckett Dews, a second-year English student and the club’s treasurer and social media manager, joined Kelso after he reached out in need of extra officers. As a longtime

Ghosts of Richmond: Fact, folklore or something more?

October 14, 2026

Aaliyah Sharrock, Contributing Writer With Halloween approaching, ghost stories and tales of haunted places are finding their way back in town. From historic locations surrounded by local legends to paranormal investigators searching for answers, the city’s fascination with the unexplained continues to spark curiosity among residents and visitors alike.  In Richmond, some take their interest in the paranormal further by exploring the history of reportedly haunted locations and unexplained activity.  Transcend Paranormal is a paranormal investigation team based in Richmond. Formed in 2010, they help individuals navigate and understand paranormal activity.  The team conducts investigations at alleged haunted locations. During these events, team members organize participants into smaller groups and lead them through investigations. Many participants are experienced paranormal investigators who bring their own equipment.  The group also conducts free investigations for people seeking help with reported paranormal activity in their homes or surroundings. During these investigations, Transcend Paranormal uses equipment such as K2 meters, maglites and electromagnetic field readers to help examine paranormal activity. Shenia Wong, Transcend Paranormal investigator and owner of Dunnlora Inn, joined the team about three years ago after previously working with another paranormal investigation team. Wong said the team’s supportive atmosphere, curated by Steve Dills,

Wisdom on wheels; Mobile bookstores bring readers together

October 14, 2026

Keneya Pichardo, Contributing Writer Mobile bookstores, such as The Book Nook and Paperback Parlor, make regular appearances at local destinations around Richmond, offering readers the opportunity to stumble across their new favorite book. Katie Pullman, owner of The Book Nook, set up her latest pop-up store at The Poe Museum, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m on Oct. 10. The event was a charity raffle, where a portion of the proceeds went to the museum itself.  The Book Nook is a converted trailer that carries a wide variety of novels, including some that have been banned and challenged.  “I believe that knowledge is power,” Pullman said. “People should have access to whatever resources and books that they want, especially since surrounding counties, like Hanover, are banning these kinds of books. It’s important that people are able to have access to them somewhere else.”  Sophia and Harper, 13-year-old twin sisters, said the event was an opportunity for them to explore.  “Sometimes I don’t always find what I’m looking for, but when I come across something like this it gives me a chance to discover new books, or even my new favorite book,” Sophia said. Nearby, Danielle Tawney set up Paperback Parlor,

Cats on the clock; The many cats of Richmonds’ businesses

October 14, 2026

Saniyah Pullen, Contributing writer If you have spent the day shopping in Richmond, you have likely encountered a business with a friendly feline roaming the store. From Lowe’s on Broad Street to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, cats have become familiar faces at establishments across the city.  While there is no documented historical reason why Richmond businesses employ cats, they have served a practical purpose in the workplace. For centuries, cats have worked as mousers, largely in distillers, to help prevent mice from invading their establishments.  Today, cats have since found their way into local establishments, becoming beloved familiars in their communities.  The Poe Museum Hannah Rupy, marketing and development coordinator at The Poe Museum, said the groundskeeper found three kittens named Edgar, Pluto and Catterina in November 2012.  “Catterina was adopted by a staff member,” Rupy said. “Edgar and Pluto were kept at the museum and taken care of by the staff.” Edgar remains at the museum, and after Pluto’s passing, the museum decided to adopt a kitten, Tib, to keep Edgar company, according to Rupy. “Edgar and Tib definitely make the museum more exciting and more fun,” Rupy said. “It’s always a treat when people come to visit

BridgeUSA brings peaceful political conversations to VCU

October 7, 2026

Siloe Brown, Contributing Writer In August, a new student-led organization called BridgeUSA at VCU was added to the university’s long list of groups. They focus on empowering students to participate in politics with confidence, including encouraging students to vote in upcoming elections and holding political debates.  BridgeUSA at VCU places an emphasis on civil political discourse and reduced political polarization with a multi-partisan approach. With 300,000 members nationally, the VCU chapter is looking to continue its growth. BridgeUSA at VCU was founded in February of 2017 at UC Berkeley and as of 2026, it has spread to schools all over the country, working to establish roots as a respectable organization for students to exercise healthy and productive political conversation skills. Lauren Zuber, a second-year student and BridgeUSA at VCU secretary, sets the group’s schedule and tracks their meeting minutes and votes.  “We promote political literacy among college students and campuses through debates,” Zuber said. Killian Korchnak, a fourth-year student and co-president of BridgeUSA at VCU, said that progress can only be made if people start understanding one another.  “We want to bring a solution where we can all move forward and hopefully have a positive outcome,” Korchnak said. Erica Powell,

Weenie wonderland: Dachtoberfest returns to Richmond

October 7, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Assistant Spectrum Editor Short legs and long backs took over Richmond as dachshunds and their owners gathered for the fifth annual Dachtoberfest hosted by the Dachshund Enlightenment Foundation.  The event brought dachshund owners, vendors and rescue organizations together for a day filled with fun costumes and exciting races.  Tanya Ryan, a VCU alumna who founded the Richmond event, said her involvement began with her husband’s childhood connection to the breed.  “My husband grew up with dachshunds,” Ryan said. “I married into it, and then I of course became the crazy dachshund lady because we have two.” Ryan’s love for the breed eventually grew into a small business and involvement with a dachshund Oktoberfest in Maryland. “When the past organizers could no longer do it, I got a phone call and they were like, do you want it?,“ Ryan said. “And I go, ‘are you kidding? Absolutely.’ I mean, it’s a big event. It’s wonderful.” Ryan took over the event in 2021, with the first Richmond Dachtoberfest beginning in 2022. Since then, participation from attendees and event organizers has continued to grow. “Participation has been booming,” Ryan said. “Not just people coming out, but taking the time to design

A little fix goes a long way at Repair Cafe RVA

October 7, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Lots of tinkering and fixing took place at the Repair Cafe RVA’s event on Sunday, Oct. 4 and, as the name might suggest, people’s trash became treasure again. At the cafe’s monthly gathering, broken zippers, furniture, bikes, electronics and more filled tables at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Volunteers worked alongside visitors to repair items rather than sending them off to the landfill.  Repair Cafe is a worldwide movement most commonly found in Europe. After learning about the concept from a friend in France a decade ago, its founder, Jenny Kobayashi Malone, said she decided to start a Richmond chapter in 2024 after years of interest in the movement. She said she spent months planning the Richmond location.  The organization held its first event in January 2025 and has since built a community of volunteers.  “I love that Richmond has an enduring culture of mutual aid and resourcefulness, plus a growing interest in caring for our planet,” Kobayashi Malone said.  The events typically bring 25 to 45 volunteers together, with specialists working on everything from sewing to electronics. Volunteers are encouraged to keep repairs to 20 or 30 minutes and bring their

A bountiful fall at Shalom Farms’ Harvest Festival

October 7, 2026

Ariel Lebow, Contributing Writer Shalom Farms’ fifth annual Harvest Festival celebrated another year of work toward its mission to provide healthy, local produce to Richmond families. The festival was hosted on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at its Northside Farm. The Harvest Festival was free to attend and included music, dinner, bonfires and children’s activities.  Shalom Farms is an organization dedicated to combating systemic challenges of food insecurity and access for Black and brown communities, which have been historically denied in Richmond, according to its website. Volunteers greeted visitors by directing them through the parking lot, leading to the festivities. A smorgasbord was laid out in the pavilion, including fresh fruit, homemade hummus and chips, rosemary popcorn and a selection of warm autumn soups made by Chef Jason Muckle. Live music, performed by blues and folk duo Andrew Alli and Josh Small, put guests in an autumnal mood. Several bonfires were spread throughout the area with ample seating and ingredients for guests to roast s’mores. Volunteers passed out cider to wash dessert down. Alistar Harris, executive director of Shalom Farms, said he was excited to further engage with the community and enjoy the fall season at the festival. He