Article by: Erin Frye Provencher

Golden Fest: Richmond’s Music Scene Unites for One of Its Own

Golden Fest: Richmond’s Music Scene Unites for One of Its Own

The Richmond music community has come together in a powerful way to support Justin Golden, a beloved local musician recently diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Golden Fest, a series of benefit concerts, has been taking place across the city, raising funds while celebrating Golden’s immense contributions to the local music scene.

Golden Fest is a community-wide effort. The series kicked off on Saturday, February 22nd, at Gallery5, and featured an all-star lineup including Mackenzie Roark & The Hot Pants, Tyler Meacham, Sun V Set, Moosetrap, and Jonathan Paige Brown Jr., followed by intimate house shows featuring Erin Lunsford, Deau Eyes, and other Richmond favorites.

There are more performances scheduled at some of Richmond’s most cherished venues:

  • 3/14: The Camel – Featuring The Trillions, Andrew Alli & Josh Small, Jake The Dog, Mead The Dear, and Charm Offensive
  • 3/16: Gallery5 – Featuring Céilí Galante
  • 4/10: Earth Folk – Hosting an Old Time Jam with Trey Burnart Hall from Vocal Rest Records

Organized by Freight Train Management and Vocal Rest Records, Golden Fest is a testament to the strength and generosity of Richmond’s music scene. Justin Golden has spent years uplifting fellow artists, and now, that same community is stepping up to support him in return. In addition to his musical contributions, Golden is the founder of the Richmond chapter of The Rhapsody Project, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting cultural equity through the preservation and exploration of musical heritage.

To contribute beyond attending shows, Golden’s family has set up a GoFundMe to assist with medical expenses. Fans can also help by streaming his music, purchasing merchandise on Bandcamp, and spreading the word about these fundraising efforts.

Stay updated on Golden Fest events and ways to help by following Justin Golden, Freight Train Management, and Vocal Rest Records on social media. Richmond’s music scene has always been one of collaboration and care—now, it’s proving just how deep that bond runs.

CategoriesArtists, General, Give, Live
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Erin Frye Provencher

Erin Frye Provencher is our Lead Story Marketer at the Grid Collective. Anyone who knows Erin will tell you that she’s incredibly motivated by elevating people, sharing impactful stories, and improving our community. She is also a singer-songwriter, a yoga teacher, and a voiceover artist with In Your Ear Studios. In December 2024, Erin was named a Top 40 Under 40 Honoree by Style Weekly. When she's not working, you can find Erin bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide through accessible music and wellness experiences. Her travels as a volunteer musician have taken her to orphanages, refugee camps, juvenile jails, and more…from Africa to Europe, and across North America. Locally, she is also the founder of Gals for a Cause RVA, a Teaching Artist with FreeHorse Arts, a former Big Sister through BBBS, and a former Teaching Artist/Performer with SPARC’s inclusive LIVE ART program. Erin is most a recipient of the Crisis Response Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), an Honoree in Gallery 5 Movers and Shakers, an Honoree in JMU’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Dukes ‘One World’ Program and was inducted into the JMU’s ‘Be The Change’ Hall of Fame.

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