You can hear it if you listen closely, a pulsating beat through the dark and narrow, rigid alley ways of Richmond, Virginia. As the sun dwindles, the manifestation begins. The sound of deep thumping fills the angsty core with an uncontrollable urge to suit up, for the sole purpose of ripping it all off later. The dirty city nightlife is not for the faint of heart, as so they say.
The weekend is a myth, a legendary firebird in which we ride upon its wings and call ourselves weekend warriors. Our villain, “The Giant Richmond Dance Party Squid”, towers over the night skyline with tentacles stretching all over the Fan and down to the depths of Shockoe bottom. It feeds on the so called, “21+”. The only way to defeat this overgrown mollusk is by all out dancing: Dancing, boogieing, grooving, rocking out, and twerking, and twerking and twerking and twerking. Ask yourself; Am I twerking hard or hardly twerking?
As folklore has it, the wicked James River emits toxic gases on Thursday evenings, transforming aimless young adults into rampant, thirsty zombies. Thus, preparation has commenced, and for those who dare to dance, a vital guide to combat the infamous, weekend beast known as “THE RICHMOND DANCE PARTY.” Consider yourselves fortunate, and take this as your trusted nightlife Necronomicon.
REWIND! Richmond’s Official 90’s Party
WHEN: Thursday 1/31, 10:00 PM
WHERE:The Republic, 2053 W. Broad St.
Every last Thursday of the month is 90's night at The Republic. Get a high top fade, throw on your LA Gears, your multi-colored anything, and straight cool out at the Republic. DJ’s Bobby LaBeat and J5K will be on the decks summoning the masterful spirits of the Hip Hop golden age. All your favorite jams from arguably the best decade of music, ever. Get yourself vibin’ and come through.
ANIMAL presents RRRIOT (benefit for Girls Rock RVA)
WHEN: Thursday 1/31, 9:00 PM
WHERE:Babes Of Carytown, 3166 W. Cary St.
RRRIOT! is part of a monthly series of fundraisers organized by ANIMAL. These events are an effort to spread awareness and offer support to various charities. This week ANIMAL is throwing a dance party/benefit for Girls Rock! RVA. DJ CON (ANIMAL) will be putting together a special Riot Grrrl-inspired set, and DJ Mike Albrecht (BEARD) will be rotating some vinyl (hopefully not in reverse) for your dancing pleasure. Genres include alternative, dance, new wave, post-punk, and electronic. NO COVER BUT DONATIONS ARE WELCOME. All donations and raffle money will go to Girls Rock! RVA
Steady Sounds Presents: Steady Spins
WHEN: Thursday 1/31, 10:30PM
WHERE:Cous Cous, 900 W. Franklin St.
Cous Cous, Chop Suey Books, and Steady Sounds combine into one kick-ass Megazord to restore soul back to the belly of the beast. Special guest Ian Svenonius (Nation Of Ulysses/The Make Up/Chain and the Gang), along with the Scorpio Brothers (Troy Hurt and Marty Key), will be piloting the machine at 45 revolutions per minute to get your feet off the ground and into deep hyperspace. Strap in for some soul, R&B, funk, and garage.
CRY
WHEN: Friday 2/1, 10:00 PM
WHERE:Empire Dining & Lounge, 727 W. Broad St.
CRY revives the body snatching era of the 50’s & 60’s (mostly 50’s) with upbeat R&B, rockabilly, boogie, and doo-wop. Escape from the black lagoon, get yourself into a pair of blue suede shoes, and everybody dance to the bop! Whether you’re from Richmond or the planet Mars, DJs Anna Wittel and Aaron Johnson will swing you into the weekend the right way with big thrills and chills.
P.S. The ghost of Elvis may be in attendance.
Afro Beta
WHEN: Saturday 2/2, 10:30 PM
WHERE:The Nile Ethiopian Restaurant, 309 N. Laurel St.
AfroBeta is a monthly musical event sponsored by AudioMassTransit, centering on the sounds of Africa, Jamaica, the United States, and BEYOND. Take a musical trip across the world and indulge in some deep house, afro beat, and live drums. Embrace your inner warrior. You can catch these international vibes with DJ Mikemetic and Afro Beta every first Saturday, from Richmond to the motherland.
Photo by Chris Bopst
Pre-Superbowl Party with Constantine Giavos
WHEN: Saturday 2/2, 10:30 PM
WHERE:Balliceaux, 203 N. Lombardy St.
Constantine Giavos currently resides in the giant monster-prone metropolis known as New York City. This doesn’t stop him from returning every so often to serve his hometown a healthy dose of gluten-free partying. His “Night School” parties have been known to drop panties and pop eyeballs out of sockets (temporarily). Don’t let the event confuse you; this “Pre-Superbowl party” is a special edition of “Night School,” and you don't have to like football to come out and shake your booty on the floor.
Words by Jakrit Patchimanon aka World Famous DJ Mangosteen
Illustration by Brendan Mauer