WRIR 97.3 FM, Richmond’s Independent Radio, is commemorating being a station for over a decade with their annual “Party for the Rest of Us” with a stacked 11 act line up performing on two stages.
WRIR 97.3 FM, Richmond’s Independent Radio, is commemorating being a station for over a decade with their annual “Party for the Rest of Us” with a stacked 11 act line up performing on two stages.
Bands genre’s range from rock, to noise to hip hop and even a brass band, all in an effort to reflect the multitude of genres coming out of Richmond right now.
“The mission of WRIR is underrepresented music and talk, we are like a big mixed bag as far as genre is concerned,” said event coordinator for WRIR 93.7 Lindsey Spurrier. “We like to be able to offer something from most genres that are actually happening in Richmond.”
Something Spurrier saw that was different in the lineups of the annual event was the better representation of females with acts like Christi and Lucy Dacus.
“That’s an amazing thing I think,” Spurrier said about the female dominated line up. “Those are the bands everybody is into right now and therefore the bands we wanted at our event.”
Another new feature for the lineup of performers this year is the addition of stand up comedians.
Though something that has not changed about the event is that it will again being held at the Renaissance Ballroom on the art walk in concision with First Fridays. WRIR’s birthday has become an annual event to finish off February’s First Fridays.
The Ballroom will have a limited edition beer on draft as well, themed after the station’s event named “WRIR XI.” This will be the second year that the location has crafted a beer specifically for the event.
“We’re gonna have great food and drinks and a variety of acts on two different stages; It’s going to be a perfect celebration of the station and Richmond itself,” said Matt Zolor who does underwriting for WRIR.
But that’s not all the local, all volunteer station has to offer us this month.
The following week they’re throwing another annual event with a more bleak attitude, “Black Valentine’s Day” at Gallery Five.
Misery loves company.
“For the past ten years, the romantically downtrodden have found solace at the Black Valentine’s Day Party,” Spurrier said. “Well-adjusted people in happy, committed relationships are also welcome, but the rest of us would appreciate it if you’d turn the joy down a notch. We’re trying to enjoy being miserable over here.”
This party will feature The Wimps, Julie Karr, and Brown Sabbath, all of which will be playing covers and original songs of “love gone wrong”. Between the band’s sets a DJ will be spinning similarly themed tunes of romance’s pain.
“These are songs that speak to love unrequited, betrayal, despair and hearts torn asunder… the horrible emotions that make life worth living. “ said Spurrier said.
The night will also feature a live date auction with all proceeds going to the radio station. Each newly purchased couple will receive a date for two from a list of restaraunts including The Roosevelt, GWAR Bar, Patrick Henry and more.
Though the event does have a disclaimer that should the date auction spur a romance that ends in a fiery crash, it’s not their fault that you end up at their Black Valentine’s Day event again next year. Hey, love stinks.
“If you are a lonely heart, a misanthrope, a Debbie or Donnie Downer, then WRIR’s Black Valentine’s Day Party is just what the love doctor ordered.” Spurrier said.
WRIR’s big 11th birthday celebration kicks off at 7PM at the Rennisiance Ballroom, 107 W Broad on Feb, 5. Admission is $15 for more info go here.
And for the broken hearted, or fans of misery themed music, Black Valentine’s Day happens on Feb. 13 at Gallery 5’s location on 200 W Marshall with doors at 7PM. It’s free to get in, must be 18+. To learn more go here.
