Révéler Experiences / Orbital Music Park Jam Sessions
Professional-Grade Jam Sessions in Carytown's Most Unique Venue
Orbital Music Park has transformed the intimate 100-seat Révéler space in Carytown into Richmond's premier destination for curated jam sessions that blend professional quality with inclusive community building. With weekly Jazz Workshop, Funk + Soul Party, and Blues Party sessions, OMP offers musicians access to world-class equipment and supportive, founder-led experiences.
The Vibe
Style Weekly described Révéler perfectly: "Part cabaret, part cabinet of curiosities, Carytown's Révéler is charmingly idiosyncratic... The deeper you go... the weirder it gets." The venue's romantic, eccentric atmosphere features exquisite sound, dreamy lighting, and an intimate capacity that ensures every performance feels significant.
The Orbital Music Park philosophy centers on three core values: Be Cool (practice peace, love, and kindness), Listen (be mindful of what's happening on stage and off), and Courage (the good stuff is beyond your comfort zone). This creates a safe space where critique must be requested, mistakes are celebrated, and musicians of all levels can take risks without judgment.
The Sessions
Funk + Soul Party (Wednesday, 8:00 PM) - Hosted by OMP co-founder Tom Illmensee and featuring vocalist Therocelle Moore with The Cold Sweats house band, this weekly celebration of funk, soul, and R&B classics is part show, part jam session, and wall-to-wall dance party. The night begins with a short set of classics, then shifts to "funk roulette" where the OMP team curates ensembles on the fly to perform unrehearsed versions of songs pulled randomly from playlists featuring Prince, Parliament/Funkadelic, The Meters, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Etta James.
Jazz Workshop (Tuesday) - Led by bassist Mike Hawkins, this jam session celebrates classic jazz standards, unusual deep cuts, and improvised interpretations. The professional-grade backline and intimate setting create ideal conditions for serious musical exploration.
Blues Party - Weekly blues jam sessions celebrating classics past and present, maintaining OMP's commitment to quality equipment and founder-led curation.
What Makes It Special
The backline is extraordinary: Allen & Heath professional sound system, Dr. Z Maz 18 Reverb amp, complete drum kit, and a collection of exceptional instruments already on stage. This is equipment typically reserved for touring professionals, democratically available to community members.
The "curated" approach means this isn't a traditional open mic where you sign up and wait your turn. Instead, OMP founders actively build ensembles throughout the evening, creating different bands for each song. This format pushes musicians beyond their comfort zones while ensuring cohesive, musical results.
The venue offers a full menu of craft cocktails, wine, beer, and small plates, creating a complete entertainment experience. Audience participation is encouraged—whether dancing in your seat, playing bongos, or joining the band on stage.