Article by: Erin 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 Provencher

Erin Provencher is the Lead Story Marketer at Grid Collective, where she channels her passion for elevating people and amplifying impactful stories into meaningful work for the community. A singer-songwriter, yoga teacher, and voiceover artist with In Your Ear Studios, Erin brings creative depth to everything she does, and in December 2024, was recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Honoree by Style Weekly. Beyond her professional work, Erin is deeply committed to bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide through accessible music and wellness experiences. Her volunteer work as a musician has taken her to orphanages, refugee camps, and juvenile detention centers across Africa, Europe, and North America… places where music becomes medicine and connection becomes transformation. Locally, she channels this mission through founding Gals for a Cause RVA, serving as a Teaching Artist with FreeHorse Arts, and previously mentoring as a Big Sister through BBBS and as a Teaching Artist/Performer with SPARC's inclusive LIVE ART program. Her dedication to community impact has been recognized with the Crisis Response Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), honors including Gallery 5 Movers and Shakers and James Madison University's 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Dukes 'One World' Program, and an induction into JMU's 'Be The Change' Hall of Fame.

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