Got the blue ticket // Volunteers distribute tickets Tuesday at the Richmond Coliseum for the Democratic campaign rally Thursday in Richmond featuring former President Obama. Mr. Obama was to stump for Ralph Northam, the Democratic nominee for governor, and his ticket-mates, Justin Fairfax, who is seeking to become the next lieutenant governor, and Mark Herring who is seeking re-election as attorney general. The rally location: The Greater Richmond Convention Center in Downtown. Mr. Obama was expected to appear around 7 p.m. at the event.

High aptitude // Major Norman Marshall, Franklin Military School’s chemistry and computer science teacher, right, and his students work to launch a high-altitude weather balloon into the Earth’s upper atmosphere Tuesday at the East End school. The balloon is part of the team’s KnightSky project, which was started two years ago.

Writers highlight ‘Hidden Figures’ // Margot Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race,” was among dozens of speakers at the James River Writers Conference last weekend at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Signs of fall in North Side

VSU celebrates homecoming // Da’Shunnda-Howard, Miss Virginia State University and Isaac Hargrove, Mr. Virginia State University, above left, strike a pose during VSU’s homecoming festivities against Bowie State University at Rogers Field on Saturday,

VSU celebrates homecoming // the Virginia State Trojan Explosion Marching Band and The Woo Woos, including current and former squad members, keep the crowd in the game.

VSU celebrates homecoming // The real action was on the field where jubilant VSU football players leap, above right, while keeping intact their winning streak. The Trojans beat Bowie State 47-35 before a festive homecoming audience of more than 17,000.

Celebrating Indian Culture // The Indian State of Goa dancers didn’t miss a beat Sunday at the Festival of India at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Folk Festival turns up lively music, crowd // Thousands of people enjoyed the festive atmosphere of this year’s Folk Festival, which, as always, featured a variety of music genres. Washington D.C.’s Be’la Dona go-go band displays music girl power on stage.

Folk Festival turns up lively music, crowd // Dwayne Paulin, a trombonist for the Paulin Bass Band, plays traditional New Orleans jazz.

Folk Festival turns up lively music, crowd // The Legendary Ingramettes, below center, rouse the audience and warm the soul with their gospel sounds.

Folk Festival turns up lively music, crowd // Memphis soul singer Don Bryant, bottom right, raises the roof for a cheering crowd.

A jazz classic // Author, dancer and choreographer Mercedes Ellington delights her audience while discussing her book “Duke Ellington: An American-Composer and Icon” on Sunday at the Valentine Museum as part of The Richmond Jazz Society’s exhibition “Virginia Jazz: The Early Years.”

Trumpeting the arts // Bernard Tyler III, an eighth-grader at Franklin Military Academy, receives a brand new trumpet last week from G. Khari Branch, president of 725 Arts and Culture LLC. Eddie Gale, an American trumpeter known for his work in free jazz, especially with the Sun Ra Arkestra, donated the trumpet to support 757 Arts’ initiative to support music and the arts in Richmond Public Schools. Bernard plays trumpet in the Franklin Military’s band. With them are Cynthia Newbille, left, vice president of Richmond City Council and 7th District councilwoman, and James “Plunky” Branch, right, a Richmond-based saxophonist and music producer.