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 2/28, 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.
SELBA LOUNGE
WHEN: Friday 3/1, 10:30 PM
WHERE:Selba Lounge, 2416 W. Cary St.
RVA Magazine has recruited the city’s most legendary dance party DJ’s to kick off Selba’s descent into the Richmond dance party madness. Come classy and get psycho on their swanky dance floors every Friday night in March. This Friday, DJ Pari and Mr. Felty of SOULPOWER are bringing their best to Selba, spinning #rare soul and funk vinyl from the 60’s and 70’s. Come lose your mind at the carnival of soul(s).
Night School
WHEN: Friday 3/1, 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).
Cold Cuts
WHEN: Saturday 3/2, 10:00 PM
WHERE: New York Deli, 2920 W. Cary St.
DJ Doddie, of the rambunctious “Audio Ammo” crew, is returning to the Deli to serve us our beloved cold cuts (human cold cuts). He’ll be spinning (and slicing) everything from electronic, to dancehall, to hip hop, to Prosciutto (to toes and fingers). It’s going to be a wild one, so cut the bologna, go H.A.M. and get your booty on the dance floor. Leave your cheesy moves at the door, you cannibals.
Stellar Saturdays
WHEN: Saturday 3/2, 10:00 PM
WHERE:2113, 2113 E. Main St.
Stellar Saturdays is a house music dance party that happens every Saturday Night at the “simple and sophisticated” 2113 Bistro. They’ve got plenty of house, deep, progressive, funk, disco, and techno to keep your night going, and plenty of great dishes to keep your brain cravings filled. DJs of the night include John Reinhold (Party Liberation Front/RVA Magazine), DJ Rometti, and more special guests (Prince?).
Team Kate Bush Kick-off Benefit for RRFP and M3 Anniversary Celebration
WHEN: Sunday 3/3, 10:00
WHERE:New York Deli, 2920 W. Cary Street
Celebrate the anniversary of last year’s state capitol protest for women’s rights with Team Kate Bush. This party is a benefit to protect women’s choice and help the Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project’s plans to raise $50,000. Get dressed up in your David Bowie-finest and come enjoy the music of DJ Boo Hiss, win some raffle prizes, and voice your opinions on Ken Cuccinelli.