An Old Richmond Standard Back On The Rise: Strange Matter’s DIY Festival

by | May 5, 2010 | POLITICS

Over the years it’s been known by many names, and loved by many, many, Richmonders, old and young alike. Adored for it’s dirty, rowdy, sweaty, grittiness, and host to some very fond memories for hundreds of kids all over the city, the institution formerly known as Twisters, 929, The Nanci Raygun, and (briefly, and not so memorably) as the Bagel Czar is back on the rise. This most recent iteration of one of Richmond’s favorite bars/venues, which opened earlier this winter, is known as Strange Matter, and though the tune has changed, the spirit is still the same. They’ve got great food (vegan friendly, carnivore approved), six great beers on tap, 15 of the best throw-back arcade games you might remember from growing up, and they’ve also recently gotten their music license back.

Over the years it’s been known by many names, and loved by many, many, Richmonders, old and young alike. Adored for it’s dirty, rowdy, sweaty, grittiness, and host to some very fond memories for hundreds of kids all over the city, the institution formerly known as Twisters, 929, The Nanci Raygun, and (briefly, and not so memorably) as the Bagel Czar is back on the rise. This most recent iteration of one of Richmond’s favorite bars/venues, which opened earlier this winter, is known as Strange Matter, and though the tune has changed, the spirit is still the same. They’ve got great food (vegan friendly, carnivore approved), six great beers on tap, 15 of the best throw-back arcade games you might remember from growing up, and they’ve also recently gotten their music license back.

This weekend (Friday, May 7 – Sunday, May 9), Strange Matter will be hosting their first DIY Fest, an effort to promote a more vibrant, healthier, more self-sufficient, and more self-motivated community. It also looks like it’s going to be really, really, fun. To help kick of the DIY Fest, in addition to other events, there will also be an art show on Friday, exhibiting the art of the following local artists:

– Michael-Birch Pierce
– Joanna Ramos
– Elizabeth Porter
– Spencer Hansen
– Julia Scott
– Devin Sherwood
– John Bliss

Here’s a rundown of the events for the weekend:

Friday:

– Arcade Tournament 4PM-7PM
– Clothing Swap 6PM-9PM

Saturday

– Embroidery 11AM-12PM
– Classic Console Tournament + Chiptunes 3PM-6PM
– DIY Gynecology 6PM-7PM
– Queer Positive Sexual Health Discussion 7PM-8PM

Sunday

– Urban Gardening 3:30PM-4:30PM
– Screen Printing 5-6PM
– Basic Bike maintenance 7PM
– Beat Making 6PM

For more details about Strange Matter’s DIY Fest events and activities, and how to get involved, click here

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




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