RICHMOND – A plein air theater is set to open in what is becoming a destination restaurant-entertainment complex in Richmond.

Owner Randy Huffman said the theater is expected to be in use next week.

“May 6 is Dirt Road Addiction,” entertainment crew chief Newton Hamacher said. “That’s the night of the Mushroom Festival.”

Dirt Road Addiction is billed as a “hard-hitting country and rock band,” which will be followed May 7 by Ruckus, also during the festival, Hamacher said.

Music continues May 14 with Southern rockers the Clay Clear Band, followed June 11 by Rampage and others in coming weeks, including The Nace Brothers and The Bel Airs.

“There will be a charge for the night shows,” Huffman said.

There will be free shows, too, Hamacher said, within the gated area for crowds and performers.

“Every Saturday afternoon, we’re going to set up, have barbecue and beer, and people ride their motorcycles in, bring their hotrod cars in, and just everybody come,” he said. “It’s a destination.”

“We’ll keep the price very reasonable,” Huffman said. “We will have some national acts later.”

Maggie Rose is slated to take the stage July 23. Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose Durante is touted as having a “soulful style that’s fueled by funky rhythms and brassy flourishes.” She has released three albums.

Concrete for the permanent stage has been poured.

“This is bringing the community someplace to gather,” Huffman said. “We’ll be able to do Christmas plays and stuff like that, and the school will be able to do plays here. It’ll be an outdoor theater for the town – lots of live music and a big venue for Richmond.”

Opening the Branded Steakhouse Outdoor Theater will mark completion of the second phase of the restaurant complex plan. The first phase ended with the opening of the Branded Steakhouse Oink and Moo BBQ & Taproom on the west side of the shopping center. Hoffman continues work on a banquet hall and microbrewery adjacent to the restaurant.