Name: The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia
Start: 2026-11-13
End: 2026-11-13

Community members make up this orchestra.

Richmond Philharmonic

This chophouse prides itself on its steak and seafood selections served in a sophisticated setting.

Buckhead's Restaurant & Chop House

Pony Pasture Rapids Park has become an urban paradise for many — a cheap way to make the best of one’s day for those that can’t afford a trip to the beach or don’t have the time to leave the city for a vacation. Pony Pasture is one of the most popular spots in the James River Park System. Most people swim and play in the rapids or bask in the sun on the many granite boulders in the river next to the scenic park, but there is so much more to do in this outdoor gem. The scenery alone is a big draw for visitors, with huge boulders with plenty of unique potholes and nooks shaped by years of erosion from the rapids. Children can explore, swim and play for hours in the shallow waters along the shoreline. It is recommended that they wear footwear and a life jacket. When the water levels are under five feet, there are many places to slide and play in the rapids. When the park is crowded in the hot summer months, watch for other swimmers and water craft (canoes and kayaks). Playing hookey, photography, painting, people-watching, having an adventure or just getting out to nature are all good excuses to go to Pony Pasture. Many people walk, run or bike along the shoulder of Riverside Drive, which is designated as a Scenic Virginia Byway. Drive slowly along this road as a courtesy to those not traveling by car — you’ll be happy to take your time and check out the scenery. In the spring, watch nature wake from its winter slumber. In the summer months, snorkel, watch the wind blow the grass and trees and people-watch. In the fall, watch the many types of hardwood trees in the area turn colors before they drop their leaves. In winter, watch the true park-lovers retake their scenic, treasured park. The rapids at Pony Pasture are considered Class II, and the park has a busy takeout. Many kayak, canoe, raft and inner tube trips are launched from this park. The access was built by park volunteers and funded by aluminum recycling in the park system. Most paddle trips launched from this point are headed to Reedy Creek or the big rapids of Hollywood (at Belle Isle) and Pipeline Rapids in downtown Richmond. There is more than a mile of trails in the park, many of which offer views of the river, inland meadows and a wide-variety of trees. The main trails are gravel and are good for biking. The park also connects to The Wetlands park, located just to the east of Pony Pasture and a good place to spend time in nature as well. The uninhabited 100-acre Williams Island is across the river from Pony Pasture and can be reached by paddling, swimming or rock-hopping. It is not officially part of the JRPS, but is city property and people are allowed on the island. The gravel and asphalt parking lot — which is the largest in the park system – has 80 parking spaces but can be expanded with creative management to 110 spaces. In the peak hours of the weekends in the summer, it can be a difficult place to find a parking spot. Be prepared to wait in line or find an alternative method to travel to the park (bike, walk, carpool, be dropped off).

Pony Pasture Rapids

Based in Richmond, VA we plan personalized, self-guided, self-supported bike tours featuring the Virginia Capital Trail, Great Allegheny Passage, Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway and more! Each day of your tour is personalized with your needs in mind so that you don't have to worry about the logistics. We also offer the first and only comprehensive guide to the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile paved multi-use trail stretching from Richmond to Williamsburg, VA. Enjoy and explore the Virginia Capital Trail between Richmond and Williamsburg with confidence! "Bicycling the Virginia Capital Trail" includes more than 50 scenic and historical trail rides, 70+ points of interest, maps, mileages and elevations, where to stay, dine and park, plus more. Explore the Virginia Capital Trail and roads in the surrounding countryside between Richmond and Williamsburg. "Cycling Adventures along the Virginia Capital Trail” includes more than 25 maps with turn-by-turn directions, 70+ points of interest from historic sites to wineries and breweries, plus links to local weather, bike shops, and more! Most of the rides are in the 13- to 27-mile range, and you can easily link them together with the Virginia Capital Trail to make a longer ride. Please visit our website for details or email info@RoadTestedBikeTours.com

Road-Tested Bike Tours, LLC

Kosher dairy cafe; with soups, salads, sandwiches and more.

Café at the Weinstein JCC

Varied exhibitions focusing on Jewish and general art themes, located within the Weinstein JCC.

Sara D. November Gallery

Bald Eagles of the James Tour 2 and 3 hour tours available: Prices vary Enjoy the majesty of resident bald eagles, bring your camera, or watch through binoculars. Venture into into an ecosystem that is considered the area with the best comeback of the bald eagle in the entire nation. This inspirational 2-hour pontoon boat tour on the James River leaves from Deep Bottom Park or the Richmond Yacht Basin, both located about 15 minutes from Downtown Richmond. Private tours available.

Discover the James

Fine Mexican food and friendly service in a festive atmosphere.

Original Mexican Restaurant

We offer a wide array of fresh food – enchiladas suizas, frijoles puercos, taquitos dorados, pechuga rellena, bowl vegetariano, quesadilla de hongos, pollo asado, and picaditas. We use the freshest ingredients in preparing our food to provide the best quality and taste. Try our delicious food today!

La Doña Cocina Mexicana

Mariscos EL BARCO (Estilo Nayarita) Sea Food

We’re a community of runners, hikers, bikers and ballplayers. We’re an outdoor playground, designed by Mother Nature, with class III and IV rapids running right through our downtown. A 52-mile bike trail runs along the James. The Richmond Marathon and Ukrop’s 10k are huge celebrations, and the whole region comes out to cheer on our local teams. In fact, we’re so sports-minded that the Washington Redskins have their training camp right in the center of the city. Add to that awesome hotels, beautiful venues, attractions, art, craft beer, more than 900 restaurants and a convenient location, and you’ve got a top choice for your next sports event. Welcome to RVA!

From indoor to outdoor facilities, the Richmond region has the fields, pitches, diamonds, venues and the dedicated staff to ensure your event is a huge success. 



Sports Richmond, VA

The Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, and contemporary post-minimalism with the energy of rock and jazz. Three brilliant female vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol, and piano play captivating new music based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest Mkrtich Naghash.  
  
Written by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, The Naghash Ensemble’s “Songs of Exile” is a meditation on man’s relationship to God from the perspective of a monk forced to live in exile for many years.  
  
“An enchanting elixir of sounds based on new Armenian folk and centuries-old poetry.” – Kexp  
  
“A moment of grace and meditation.” – Rolling Stone

The Naghash Ensemble of Armenia

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