Mackenzie Roark: A Gleaming Star with a Sliver of Darkness
When you look to the heavens on clear nights in the small hours of the morning and spot a shooting star—short-lived as a wink—it is as if the universe itself had just sent you a gift. But there is another astronomical event that upstages even a falling star. It happens in the east, just before daybreak. You can see it creep up above the horizon until it becomes the brightest light in the sky, and though it is actually the planet Venus, it is known as the rising morning star and seeing it unexpectedly can take your breath away. Richmonders may well be witnessing another sort of rising star. With flame-red hair, precisely penned original lyrics with melodies to match, along with a voice that is but “ain’t” country, Mackenzie Roark’s star seems to be rising at meteoric speeds.
by Charles McGuigan 06.2025
Happening now in the community:
Monthly Music Lineup At Northside Grille
06.2025
Here’s a monthly list of bands and events hosted by Northside’s premier music venue—Northside Grille. June 27, Mike Gales & the Warriorz with The L.I.Z Street Band; June 28, The Illbilly’s; June 29, J. Candeed; July 2, The RVA Song Swap: Mackenzie Roark, Matt Monta, and Tristan Dougherty; July 3, Karen Jonas Duo; July 5, Megasoma with Burns, Burly, West Acoustic; July 6, Mike Lucas; July 9, Prabir; July 13, Mackenzie Roark Solo; July 16, Justin Paciocco; July 17, Leslie & the Dots; July 18, The High Frequencies with The Last Respects; July 19, Carmen Ann & the Lonesome Drifters (Linda Rondstadt Tribute); July 20, Janet Martin; July 23, Andy Cobb; and July 24, Eli Cook Trio.
Northside Grille
1217 Bellevue Avenue
Richmond VA 23227
“Hooray for Goats” by Mary Burruss
06.2025
“Hooray for Goats” is a perfect summer reading volume for the wee ones. Written by Richmond author, Mary Burruss, and illustrated by Wendy Daniel, the story, and one of its main characters, was inspired by Richmond’s own “goat lady,” Kristi Orcutt, owner of RVA Goats and Honey, who introduced the region to “goatscaping,” the eco-friendly method of removing invasive plants. It’s the natural method: No toxic herbicides are used, and the goat’s digestive tract sterilizes all seeds and any other reproductive plant matter.
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Mackenzie Roark: A Gleaming Star with a Sliver of Darkness
By Charles McGuigan
