An anticipated 200,000 fans showed up for three days of dance, music, food and more during the 19th Richmond Folk Festival Oct. 13-15 on Brown’s Island. The festival has become one of Virginia’s largest and most beloved events, according to event organizers, with its six stages that showcase music and dance from more than 30 performing groups from Virginia and around the world. It is produced by Venture Richmond in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, the Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond.

The 19th Richmond Folk Festival drew fans from near and far to listen to performers such as Cora Armstrong and others.

Julius Fillyow gets a visit from Cockatoos Bindi, left, and Coco, right, who were hanging out with owners Lucus Griffith and Lindsey Pennington.

The Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. Stars-Precision jump rope team was among several of the featured acts during the 19th Richmond Folk Festival on Brown’s Island.

This year’s festival gave excited fans what they came for with musical artists and genres that included gospel, Chicago blues, zydeco, rockabilly, Manding, Ozark old-time and traditional Tboli music and dance. In this photo, Melody Angel, dubbed “the future of the blues” by a Chicago newspaper, delivered her powerhouse vocals and guitar sounds of R&B, rock, and funk, all layered on a strong bed of Chicago blues.

Baba Commandant & the Mandingo Band is led by the charismatic, enigmatic singer Baba Commandant (aka, Mamadou Sanou), an activist for traditional Mandinka music. Baba growls, whispers, and chants his way through the group’s repertoire while playing sparkling guitar and the n’goni’s gutbucket funk. Fans loved it.

The Richmond Folk Festival never fails to offer food that feeds the soul. Island Noodles’ stir fry noodle dish was among several food vendors serving up delicious meals throughout the festival.

The Legendary Ingramettes, considered the city’s “First Family of Gospel,” has uplifted audiences for more than 60 years. Music is one of many forms of ministry they have practiced, and the one for which they are most famous.

At age 74, renowned percussionist Cyril Neville, who got his start as the youngest of the four Neville Brothers, is lauded as “one of the last great southern soul singers.” He lived up to his legacy while performing in this year’s Folk Festival. Bravo!

Oblivious to the sign below, a squirrel stops and centers itself for a meal in Richmond’s West End, perhaps while awaiting the start of the Richmond Flying Squirrels season opener just six months from now. Batter up!

Vines at Kanawha Plaza

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of Virginia State University alumni, fans and students during VSU’s homecoming celebration Oct. 14 in Ettrick.

Mr. Virginia State University, Christopher Lawrence, and Miss Virginia State University, Aliya Mayers, wave to the crowd during the game, which drew 3,409 people. VSU won 39-23 over Bluefield State, leaving the Trojans 7-0 overall and atop the CIAA North with a 5-0 record.