Sound Check | J. Roddy Walston and the Automatic Band, Kendall Street Company, Redd Volkaert & More! – RVA Mag

Report on the Contribution of Richmond’s Music Scene to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report analyzes a series of upcoming musical performances in Richmond, Virginia, contextualizing them within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The events serve as case studies demonstrating how a vibrant local arts and culture sector contributes to sustainable urban development, economic growth, and community well-being.

Analysis of Cultural Events and SDG Alignment

Fostering Local Economic Growth and Decent Work (SDG 8)

The local music industry is a significant driver of economic activity. Concerts and live performances create employment opportunities for artists, venue staff, technicians, and support services. This activity directly supports SDG 8 by promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The revenue generated by these events circulates within the local economy, strengthening its resilience.

Enhancing Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

A thriving cultural scene is integral to the identity and social cohesion of a city. Venues such as The Camel, The Broadberry, and Get Tight Lounge act as important cultural hubs that foster community engagement and preserve local heritage. By providing accessible cultural experiences, these events contribute to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, in line with SDG 11.

Promoting Well-being and Cultural Education (SDG 3 & SDG 4)

Access to arts and culture is fundamental to public well-being. Music provides a source of entertainment, stress relief, and social connection, thereby contributing to good health and well-being (SDG 3). Furthermore, the diversity of musical genres presented—from rock and roll to honky-tonk and jazz—offers informal educational opportunities, enriching the community’s cultural literacy and promoting lifelong learning, a key aspect of SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Scheduled Events: Case Studies in Sustainable Cultural Development

1. J. Roddy Walston and the Automatic Band

   • Date: Friday, November 28th
   • Venue: The Camel
   • SDG Impact: This performance supports the local creative economy (SDG 8) by providing a platform for a prominent Richmond artist. The event strengthens the city’s cultural fabric and sense of place (SDG 11).

2. Kendall Street Company and Big Fancy

   • Date: Saturday, November 29th
   • Venue: The Broadberry
   • SDG Impact: This event showcases both established and emerging local talent, fostering a sustainable pipeline for cultural producers (SDG 8). The collaboration between two distinct musical acts promotes partnership and enriches the community’s cultural offerings (SDG 11, SDG 17). Big Fancy’s growing digital presence highlights the potential for new economic models in the creative sector.

3. Redd Volkaert

   • Date: Sunday, November 30th
   • Venue: Get Tight Lounge
   • SDG Impact: Hosting a legendary musician like Redd Volkaert contributes to the preservation and promotion of important musical traditions, aligning with the cultural heritage aspects of SDG 11. It also provides a valuable educational experience for local musicians and audiences (SDG 4).

New Cultural Productions and Ongoing Economic Contribution

‘Stay Ready’ by DJ Harrison feat. Yaya Bey

The release of new music by local artists like DJ Harrison demonstrates the continuous production cycle of the creative industry. This new work contributes to the global cultural landscape while generating economic value through streams and sales, reinforcing the principles of SDG 8. The collaboration with Yaya Bey is an example of the partnerships (SDG 17) that drive innovation in the arts.

The Role of Independent Media in Achieving the Goals (SDG 17)

Independent media outlets, such as RVA Magazine, play a critical role as partners for sustainable development (SDG 17). By providing coverage and promotion for the local arts scene, they strengthen the cultural ecosystem. Supporting such institutions is vital for ensuring that information about cultural events is widely disseminated, thereby maximizing their economic and social impact and fostering a well-informed, engaged community.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Identified SDGs

The article, while primarily a music events listing, touches upon issues that connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article promotes local musicians and music venues, which are integral parts of the creative economy. By highlighting shows for artists like J. Roddy Walston and Kendall Street Company, it supports their livelihoods and the economic viability of venues like The Camel and The Broadberry, thus contributing to local job creation and economic activity.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article’s focus on Richmond’s local music scene and the magazine’s stated mission to provide “grassroots coverage of the city’s artists, musicians, and communities, documenting the culture that defines Richmond” directly aligns with efforts to safeguard local cultural heritage.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The plea for donations explicitly frames the magazine’s work in the context of media freedom and access to information. By positioning itself as “one of Richmond’s few independent voices” against a backdrop where “media ownership is increasingly concentrated among corporations,” the article addresses the need for strong, independent institutions that ensure public access to diverse and unbiased information.

2. Specific Targets

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • Explanation: The magazine’s core function, as described in the article, is to document and promote Richmond’s local culture. The entire piece is an example of this, acting as an archive and promotional tool for the city’s music scene, which is a form of intangible cultural heritage.
2. Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
   • Explanation: The article’s call to “Support Independent Media in Richmond” is a direct appeal to maintain an institution that provides public access to information free from corporate influence. It argues that its survival is necessary to “produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference,” which is a cornerstone of protecting fundamental freedoms like freedom of the press.
3. Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
   • Explanation: By promoting local music events, the article encourages participation in cultural activities that can attract both residents and visitors, thereby promoting a form of local tourism that supports artists (local products) and venues (job creation).

3. Mentioned or Implied Indicators

The article does not cite official SDG indicators, but it implies several ways to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator for Target 11.4 & 8.9: The article implies that the vibrancy of the local cultural scene is an indicator. This can be measured by:
  • The number of live music events scheduled, as listed in the article (e.g., shows at The Camel, The Broadberry, Get Tight Lounge).
  • The success and reach of local artists, as suggested by the mention that a debut single from the band Big Fancy “has since pulled in over 30,000 streams.”
• Indicator for Target 16.10: The sustainability and independence of local media are presented as key indicators. Progress could be measured by:
  • The number of independent media outlets operating in a given area (the article notes that RVA Magazine is one of a “few”).
  • The level of community financial support for independent media, which the article directly calls for through its “DONATE HERE” link. The success of this fundraising could be seen as an indicator of the public’s commitment to protecting access to information.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: rvamag.com