Neighborhood Concerts
Upcoming concerts
Sunday, June 15 at 4pm
Windsordale Neighborhood
1914 Dresden Road
This is a free concert featuring Ellen Cockerham Riccio (a.k.a. the Backyard Violinist) and it is open to ALL—not only those that live within walking distance! Bring a chair or blanket to sit in the grass or on the sidewalk. In the event of rain, this concert will be postponed—we will post updates on this site.
Donations will be accepted at this event in support of First Creatures. Thank you for showing your appreciation of this work!
It started in the backyard.
In April of 2020, Richmond Symphony violinist Ellen Cockerham Riccio began offering concerts in backyards during a time of isolation, uncertainty, and digital overload. Although she became known as “the backyard violinist”, many of the concerts took place in front yards and cul-de-sacs, with friends, family, and neighbors in attendance (well-distanced, of course!). For many, these concerts brought a much-needed sense of connection with others, as well as hope and even joy during a difficult time.
Fast-forward to today, and times are still difficult (though not quite so weird), and people still need this sense of connection, hope, and joy in their lives. Through neighborhood concerts, we can carry with us an important lesson we learned in those early months: that our time together is precious.
Neighborhood Concerts
Neighborhood Concerts are an opportunity for you to gather your friends and neighbors together in one place (the sidewalk, a nearby park, your front yard) to share a meaningful experience centered around a 45-minute performance. Fill out the form below if you are interested in sponsoring a concert in your neighborhood for a fraction of the cost of a private concert. The concert will be listed publicly, and donations will be accepted in support of First Creatures.
Interested in a Backyard Concert?
Yes, you can still hire these same musicians to play a private concert! Contact Ellen at backyardviolinist@gmail.com to book.
