“Diane, 11:30 a.m., August 24th. Entering the town of Richmond, Virginia for the Great Southern Festival….”
For the third consecutive year, The Great Southern Festival will celebrate all things “Twin Peaks”, this weekend with a uniquely Richmond spin. Die-hard David Lynch fans will recognize the name of the festival as a play on the Great Northern hotel at the heart of the “Twin Peaks” series. Sugar Shack donuts, local bands, and coffee from Rostov’s and Perk Bon Air are just some of the touches that make this event an approachable event even if you don’t speak Lynch.
This year, the theme is Fire Walk With Me, the theatrical prequel to the TV show, released 25 years ago on August 28th. The film was initially met with mixed reviews, but became required viewing when the new series, “Twin Peaks: The Return” was announced. The festival’s highlight event is a screening on Sunday, 7:00 p.m., at Strange Matter. After the film, it’s a triple-header musical act, with three dreamy-nightmare acts that could have performed at The Roadhouse. Little Black Rain Clouds opens, then it’s Romantic States, followed by Band from Another Place. Tickets are $10 in advance, available through the Facebook event. It’s the only event with a ticket price; the rest are free to attend.
On Saturday, stop by Steady Sounds + Blue Bones Vintage for a damn good cup of coffee from Perk Bon Air and Sugar Shack donuts, at the Twin Peaks Listening Party. This free event is from 4 to 6 p.m. with music by DJs Murphy Madness and Area Woman. After, head over to Mojo’s Philadeli for another free event, the “Cable Bends Steel” jam. Live music by Gardener, Fire Walk With Me trivia, a “Twin Peaks” art show, and Black Lodge Tarot Readings round out the event. 8 to 12 p.m.
Want another damn good cup of coffee? Pop-up restaurateurs Gold Cart RVA kick off Sunday’s festivities with a brunch, hosted at Comfort. The Twin Peaks-inspired brunch menu has been posted to their Facebook page.
If you’re new to the world of “Twin Peaks”, the Great Southern Festival is a great introduction. More than a show, more than a plot, “Twin Peaks” is a cultural phenomenon and movement, mixing goofy soap opera antics with a gritty film noir aesthetic. Want to see David Duchovny as a transgender FBI agent? Want to know why your quirky friend calls every cup of coffee “damn good”? Learn more about the Great Southern Festival on its Facebook page or official website, and we’ll see you again in 25… hours?
