Saturday night: The Big Payback, a tribute to James Brown

     The Big Payback, a James Brown tribute band, will headline Arts at the Rives' annual kickoff party this Saturday night.
     The Richmond-based band, complete with full horn section, is dedicated to recreating the music of James Brown as accurately and passionately as possible, from "the Godfather of Soul's" classic hit songs to the dance moves that helped made "the hardest working man in show business" famous. The band focuses on Brown's music from 1964-1976, and was recently named Best Virginia Live Performance in Style Weekly's Year in Review     

     "The Big Payback is made up of some of Richmond's best musicians, and they put on an incredible show," said Shane Pinkston, president of Art. "Each year, we use the proceeds from the season ticket sales to help us bring in nationally touring acts the rest of the year. We hope everyone will come out enjoy a really fun band and some great food."

     The kickoff party also features open bar, a "soul food" dinner catered by Elizabeth DeVault and Susan Critz, and an opening set by musician Tennessee Jed. Doors to the theatre will open at 6 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m. and Tennessee Jed taking the stage at 8 p.m.
     Season Pass tickets cost $125 and include catered dinner plus open bar at the show, in addition to free entry to all six Live at the Rives series shows in 2017. Tickets for the opening party only cost $50 and include catered dinner, open bar and the show. Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com and at the Daily Grind and Rising Sun Breads. For more information, visit www.rivestheatre.org.