Party Liberation Front Archives

RVA Shows You Must See This Week: December 29 – January 4

Marilyn Drew Necci | December 29, 2021

Topics: Akasha, Cassidy Snider & The Wranglers, CottonKandy, Crenshaw, Decemberween, Diversity Richmond, DoppelGanger, Ebisu Sound, Elliott Ness, Esosonic, Experience Unlimited, Fight Cloud, Illexandra, Jaguardini, Joanna O, Kings Of The Wild Things, Kitana, live music in Richmond, Loud Night, Lowlife Tea Party, Mikemetic, Neuron Husky, Nexus, Night Teacher, No Moniker, Party Liberation Foundation, Party Liberation Front, PLF, Psynatra, Reinhold, Restraining Order, Rozez, shows you must see, Sigmund Fraud, Snarz, Solace Sovay, Spy, Ten Pound Snail, The Camel, The Mighty Good Times, Third Order, Trio Restaurant & Lounge, Twin Films, Vomit Rocket, Worn, Wrath

FEATURED SHOW
Friday, December 31, 8 PM
Party Liberation Foundation presents PLF Decemberween 2022, featuring:
Main Stage: Mikemetic, Ebisu Sound, Crenshaw, Reinhold, Elliott Ness, Joanna O; Eclectic Stage: Esosonic, Jaguardini, Rozez, Kitana, Psynatra, Wrath, Third Order; Pyro Stage: Snarz, CottonKandy, Nexus, Akasha, Neuron Husky, Illexandra, DoppelGanger @ Diversity Richmond – $77 (order tickets HERE)
It’s another weird end-of-year week here in the city’s live music scene, and I’d like to say it’ll be the last one before we get back to full steam ahead, but I would be crazy to think that’ll happen. The influx of positive COVID tests across the country as Omicron heats up is only going to get worse in the wake of everybody traveling to see family for the holidays, and even over the past few weeks, we were seeing big tours get cancelled before they managed to make it to RVA. So yeah… things are in flux. And they will continue to be. Consider this an apology in advance, and let it be the last we say about it. Except: Get vaxxed if you haven’t, and get boosted if you aren’t yet.

A lot of this stuff is rendered thankfully irrelevant by the undisputed titan of this week’s live events: the Party Liberation Foundation’s annual Decemberween celebration at Diversity Richmond. Since the PLF are all about some pyrotechnic acrobatics, a great deal of this event takes place outdoors even during non-pandemic times. Luckily, temperatures are supposed to be in the 60s for New Years Eve this year, so all the wild outdoor antics will have a relatively hospitable environment in which to exist. And listen — I know tickets for this extravaganza are pricey. But you need to understand that they are so very worth it. PLF sets it off like no other, and this is going to be a wild sensory delight of the sort you only rarely get in a standard dance party atmosphere.

Speaking of the dance party: there will be three different stages rocking during this party, with a variety of luminaries from both around the country and right here in RVA rocking the tables and getting the party started. Of course Mikemetic is a big name here in Richmond — his Afro Beta events are always essential. And other luminaries like Turnstyle alumna Joanna O, crime-fighting mixmaster Elliott Ness, and our very own Reinhold (who has no idea I’m writing about his show) will be joining Mikemetic on the main stage. But you’ll also be able to catch a wide variety of musical talent over at the Eclectic Stage, and an amazing soundtrack for some equally amazing fire-play over at the Pyro Stage. And this whole thing goes on til 4 in the morning! Whether you’re a fan of fire-spinning, a big believer in the “Every Day Is Halloween” aesthetic, or just someone who loves to get their freak on and wants to ring in the New Year in extremely memorable fashion, PLF’s Decemberween 2022 is the event for you. Make it happen, cap’n.

Wednesday, December 29, 8 PM
Night Teacher, Twin Films @ The Camel – $7 in advance, $10 day of show (Order tickets HERE)
It’s always an intriguing night for music when you’re out at The Camel, and tonight is no exception. In fact, it’s exceptionally appropriate, as you will be learning the musical secrets of the night from Night Teacher, a duo based in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, a couple hours up I-64 from here. The main members of this group are poet Lilly Bechtel and producer/multi-instrumentalist Matt Wyatt, and they come together to create moody, soulful blues-rock tunes with a distinctly experimental approach that gives the whole thing a delightful element of surprise.

Night Teacher demonstrated their approach as a studio duo on last year’s self-titled debut, but this live event at The Camel will show a different side of the group. Joined by Charlottesville music luminaries including upright bassist Dhara Goradia, guitarist Eli Cook, violinist Cathy Monnes (who the more alert among you will recognize as C-ville musical tornado Sally Rose‘s mom), and vocalist/actress Adelind Horan, they’ll be performing in a sextet configuration that’s sure to allow more freedom in which the Night Teacher can recreate the mystical, multi-layered tunes they created for their debut. Energetic indie-psych Richmonders Twin Films will kick the evening off in proper fashion, so hey: get there.

Thursday, December 30, 8 PM
Ten Pound Snail, Fight Cloud, No Moniker, Sigmund Fraud @ The Camel – $7 in advance, $10 day of show (Order tickets HERE)
A few weeks ago, in one of my first show columns since getting back on the good foot, we saw the name Ten Pound Snail on a bill for the first time. Then last week, we discussed the fact that they somehow became a headlining local act during the year and a half I was away from the live music scene — an era during the vast majority of which, there were no shows at all! Now we see their name topping yet another bill that feels unmissable to me, a Camel showcase of some of the best talents in Richmond indie music circa 2021. So look, if you haven’t dug into the work this moody, intriguing trio are doing yet, you can’t say it’s because you haven’t had the opportunity. Avail yourself of it already.

But look, I can’t hide the fact that the band on this bill I’m most stoked about is Fight Cloud. Back in that mid-10s renaissance of melodic, mathy indie rock, these guys created some of my favorite tunes to come out of that era. I still remember how much “Pipe Dream,” from their 2016 LP We’ll Be Alright, blew my mind the first time I heard it. Their grasp of emotionally-centered musical mood, complex song structure, and pure pop majesty is pretty much unparalleled, and I was heartbroken when they broke up five years ago. I’d only had a little time to rejoice in their return to the music world with February 2020 release Thoughts Aligned before the pandemic put paid to any hope of seeing them live anytime soon. Thankfully, it didn’t stop them from writing new material, as they’ve released three new singles in the past year, all of which claim to be from a forthcoming new album. If you’re like me and can’t fucking wait for that to drop, go see them Thursday night at the Camel; chances are they’ll have some great new tuneage to lay on us all. And of course, I’ve now used up all my space babbling about Fight Cloud, but no one watching the Richmond indie world since it returned to action from the pandemic-induced worldwide hiatus can fail to have noticed how much great work No Moniker and Sigmund Fraud have been up to. Can they? I mean… I sure haven’t. So yeah, enlighten yourself and spend the last full night of 2021 with four of Richmond indie’s pre-eminent trailblazers at The Camel.

Friday, December 31, 7 PM
The Mighty Good Times, Cassidy Snider & The Wranglers @ The Camel – $20 in advance, $25 day of show (order tickets HERE)
Let’s say, for the sake of argument, you’re a person who doesn’t want to spend eight-plus hours of your New Years Eve-into-New Years Day dancing to electronic music while people spin fire and do wild acrobatics. I can see it; that kind of thing isn’t necessarily for everyone — especially since not everyone can swing a $77 admission charge. And if it’s not for you, you might be thinking, “What’s another place I can go and spend my New Years Eve hearing good music?” Luckily for you, I have the answer, and it’ll only cost you a far more economical 20 bucks to take part: it’s the Camel’s New Years Eve throwdown, featuring a performance from The Mighty Good Times.

Now, The Mighty Good Times might not be all that familiar a name to you — two years ago, they played their very first show opening for Jackass Flats for New Years Eve 2020. And only a few months later, live music shut down for over a year. Thankfully, they had plenty of time while all that was going on to put together a rocking set of tunes that incorporate Allman Bros-style classic Southern rock, along with alternative country, folk, and blues. The result is sure to make for an entertaining way to rock in the New Year. Along for the ride will be local country-blues singer Cassidy Snider and her Wranglers, who released their first studio recording last month in the form of Losing Lovers, a swinging six-song EP that totally captures their live magic. You can get a raw dose of that magic — no records necessary — if you show up on time to this shindig, so make sure you go ahead and do that.

Saturday, January 1, 8 PM
Sugar Bear & EU @ Trio Restaurant & Lounge – $25
It’s a new year, and a new you, right? So what better way to kick off the year 2022 than with a New Years Day trip to the Southside to partake in the joys of hitting up a club that’s a little off the beaten path — at least for this show column and its readership. Trio Restaurant & Lounge, down near Southside Plaza on Hull Street Rd, has a track record of bringing legendary DC musicians to town, many of whom (including the Junk Yard Band and DJ Kool, of “Let Me Clear My Throat” fame) are associated with DC’s very own homegrown musical movement: go-go. I am sometimes dismayed at how little Richmonders only two hours south down 95 from its birthplace know about go-go, but here’s a crash course for any of you who remain unenlightened: It’s a style that grew out of funk in the 70s and heavily incorporated hip hop elements in the 80s and 90s. It’s driven by a heavy, percussive beat, and call and response between performers and crowd is essential to the music, especially when its played live.

One of the few go-go singles that ever broke through to mainstream popularity was a song called “Da Butt,” which was featured on the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s School Daze and hit the Top 40 back in 1988. That song was by EU, also known as Experience Unlimited, one of the titans of the Washington DC go-go scene of the 80s. EU is still around, still fronted by longtime singer/bassist Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott, and they’re coming to Richmond on New Years Day to get 2022 started right over at Trio Restaurant & Lounge. If you’ve never experienced a live go-go event, you owe it to yourself to go check this one out. The flyers say “strictly for the grown folks 30+” and “dress to impress,” and while I doubt they’ll keep you out if you’re only 29, I think you probably better be at least 21 for this one. And they’re not selling advance tickets, either, so like the flyer says — get there early. You don’t want to be standing around outside while everybody else is inside “doin’ da butt all night long.” Do you? No, I thought not.

Monday, January 3, 7 PM
Kings Of The Wild Things, Lowlife Tea Party, Solace Sovay, Vomit Rocket @ The Camel – $10 (order tickets HERE)
And now for something completely different, while still being from the DMV area. After you’ve taken Sunday the 2nd to sleep off the ragers of the NYE weekend, come on down to the Camel on a Monday night to enjoy the youthful, energetic sounds of Towson, MD’s own Kings Of The Wild Things, a pop-punk quartet who’ve got no problem keeping that whole post-Warped Tour thing alive into a new decade. If you’ve been known to dig bands like The Wonder Years and Knuckle Puck (I, for one, certainly have), you’re sure to find something to appreciate in this group’s EP, Golden State Of Mind, featuring a lead single with the chorus: “Smile, you son of a bitch.” Yup, this is going to be fun.

The openers will be too. Young Richmond trio Lowlife Tea Party aren’t quite as uptempo as Kings Of The Wild Things, but their 90s rock aesthetic, which harks back to bands like Eve 6 at times, and is closer to Hum or The Toadies at others, is sure to connect. Solace Sovay have been purveying their vaguely shoegaze-damaged version of alt-rock around Richmond for a long time now, and they’ve been really good at it the whole time, so if you still haven’t caught them yet, it’s time to fix that one. As for the evening’s opening act, well, I can’t figure out who they actually are. There was a band called Vomit Rocket running around the outskirts of Roanoke about a decade ago, but I don’t think it’s them. There was another band called Rocket Vomit that opened a show at the Camel a few months ago, and it might be them with a slightly revised name, but if so, I can’t find anything online to confirm that. So yeah, in addition to three bands that are sure-fire winners, this evening features one band that is a total mystery. If nothing else, you’ve gotta admit, it’s tantalizing.

Tuesday, January 4, 7 PM
Restraining Order, Spy, Worn, Loud Night @ The Camel – $15 (order tickets HERE)
Here you go, you maniacs — an evening of fast, unrestrained, old-school hardcore is hitting the Camel this Tuesday to make sure your 2022 is full of as much hectic craziness as possible, as quickly as possible. Restraining Order tops this bill, and this New England band is sure to make any of you who miss the days when Richmond was a hotbed of fast, wild, punky hardcore bands (like Government Warning, Parasytic, and Wasted Time, to name a few) very, very excited. They followed up their hard-hitting, blink-and-you-miss-it 2019 LP This World Is Too Much earlier this year with a ripping split EP with Warfare and a lathe-cut single-sided EP featuring their cover of “We Got The Beat” by the Go-Go’s. I know, right? Who saw that one coming?

Anyway, Restraining Order is going to get the whole place raging in what I sure hope turns out to be an old-school circle pit when they come to The Camel. And they’ll be joined by some equally powerful out-of-town ensembles, including Spy, who hail from Northern California and whose recent Habitual Offender EP shows off a devastating proclivity for harsh, gruff hardcore that hits like a ton of bricks. Then there’s Pennsylvania’s Worn, who have a more thrash-infused approach that will click with anyone who loves local dark hardcore psychos Enforced or the sadly departed Power Trip, and should also push buttons for the fans of Portland legends Tragedy or Richmond’s own Prisoner. Loud Night is the only local act on this bill, but they fit right in, bringing an uptempo energy and metallic drive to a fiery sound that splits the difference between The Accused and Motorhead. Come to this one ready to go off in the pit, because these excellent bands demand no less.

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Email me if you’ve got any tips for me about upcoming shows (that take place after the week this column covers -– this week’s column has obviously already been written): [email protected]

Top photo by Dave Parrish Photography

Dem Deya and Pomegranate Sounds Touch Down in Richmond

Lia Tabackman | July 23, 2021

Topics: 1115 Mobile Kitchen, Dem Deya, Jamaican Sound Systems, Party Liberation Foundation, Party Liberation Front, Pomegranate Sounds, RVA Createspace, Scarien, SPREAD, The Retox Bar

A full serving of heavyweight bass and Jamaican Sound System culture is coming to Richmond this summer. On July 24, the Denver-based DJ crews behind massive sound systems Dem Deya and Pomegranate Sounds will touch down in Richmond to introduce their massive, hand-built rigs and spin a selection of traditional reggae, roots, dancehall, and dub. On vinyl, of course.

A bit of history: If you have a taste for colossal sound systems and weighty low-end music, you have Jamaican Sound system culture to thank. While mammoth sound rigs are now a mainstay in esteemed electronic music clubs across the world, the towering stacks of speakers and amps are deeply rooted in Jamaican popular culture.

In the 1940s and 50s, DJs, and MCs on the island would load up trucks with turntables and massive speaker systems, throwing street parties and merging American R&B music with traditional Jamaican sounds.

The culture popped off, and the evolution of ska music, and then reggae, was underway. Soon, sound engineers went to work creating mammoth sound systems to be used in community-wide “sound battles.” And as Jamaicans immigrated to the UK en masse in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the culture became an integral part of the country’s underground music scenes and influenced the development of dub, jungle, garage, and drum and bass.

The crews behind Dem Deya and Pomegranate are on a mission to bring sound system culture back to its Jamaican genesis, partnering with Richmond organizations SPREAD and Party Liberation Foundation to provide a full afternoon and evening of reverberating reggae and roots music at Northside’s RVA Createspace.

Local Richmond vendors 1115 Mobile Kitchen and The Retox Bar will be on site dolling out fried vegan snacks, Southern chicken sandwiches, and fresh-pressed juice beverages.

“When you want to talk about the main brain of our sound system, I guarantee you, this is something that no one in America necessarily has,” says Darrien Williamson, who co-built Dem Deya and DJs under the name Scarien. “When it comes to these dub plates, you’ll be able to hear them, but you’ll only hear them with our sound system or from people in my crew.”

Want in on this historic sonic experience? Head to Pom Deya at Createspace, located at 607 Wickham St, tomorrow starting at 2 PM and running all the way until midnight. $20 gets you in the door. Check the details on the flyer above, or click here for more info.

RVA NYE 2020: A Big List For A Big Night

RVA Staff | December 26, 2019

Topics: Adrian Ciucci, Bingo Beer Co, Cary Street Cafe, Cris Jacobs, Diversity Richmond, DJ Manifesto, Doubletree by Hilton, Fallout, gallery 5, Hardywood, Jackass Flats, Kabana Rooftop, Love Canon, Mass FX, Moonlight Masquerade, NYE 2020, Party Liberation Front, PLF, River City Roll, RVA, RVAHeals, Shagwüf, Switch RVA, The Broadberry, The Camel, The Circuit, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Jefferson Theater, The Mighty Good Time, The National, Three Sheets To The Wind, Vagabond, what to do for NYE in Richmond, World Pediatric Project

Here’s our comprehensive A-to-Z list of everything great that’s happening around town on New Year’s Eve, to help you say goodbye to the 2010’s in proper fashion!

2020 is fast approaching, and as usual Richmond has a number of great events that can guarantee anyone a great New Year’s Eve. Below are our picks for some of the top events in Richmond this NYE. Get your tickets and plans together soon, as many will sell out. Please remember to be safe and secure a ride for this busy night.

Happy 2020, RVA!

The Infamous Stringdusters At the National

WNRN + RVA Magazine Present: THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, With special guest Cris Jacobs.

This year we are happy to join with WNRN in presenting The Infamous Stringdusters at The National for NYE. This unique bluegrass band has been pushing the future of folk and bluegrass for years. The Dusters are known for throwing a party with their fun genre-bending sounds. New Years 2020 in RVA gives us the perfect setting for a special night with these talented musicians. Not to be missed, Cris Jacobs is opening this New Years event. This mid-Atlantic musician has been steadily growing a fan base, and working with some of our very own top musical talents here in Richmond.

PLF Presents Decemberween 2020: A New Years Eve Celebration

PLF NYE once again transforms Diversity Richmond into one of the biggest NYE events in Richmond. The 15,000 square foot event space and outdoor area are turned into multiple immersive environments featuring over 20 DJs from up and down the east coast*. With live music, fire performances, interactive art installations, circus arts, stage performances, outdoor pyro-sculptures, mutant vehicle showcases, three libation stations, and food trucks, this event has something for everyone. Get your tickets now before it sells out — as it has done each and every year.

*See event page for full lineup of entertainment

Tickets: www.bitly.com/PLFNYE2020

Moonlight Masquerade at Hilton

For another one of the biggest parties in Richmond, LX Group once again brings us the popular Moonlight Masquerade, the New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Doubletree by Hilton, Richmond. LX Group is bringing in multiple performers and an incredible line up of DJs for a non-stop party with Carter Baldwin and MISTRO. Tickets include a number of complimentary favors, toast, and snacks. Get your tickets now for this event, as it has sold out the past three years.

New Years Eve at Switch

Party like a Targaryen, drink like a Lannister, and ring in a new decade at Switch RVA! Enjoy two unique pop-up experiences in one space. Drink to the North with the Game of Thrones inspired theme: Winter is Coming upstairs. Then eat, drink, and be merry downstairs with the Naughty or Nice theme. Features DJ Ruth, signature cocktails, free buffet, and live feed of Times Square at one the the hottest bars In RVA.

NYE Bye at Gallery 5

Ring in the new year at Gallery5 with live music from Majjin Boo, Ladygod, Fat Spirit, and FM Skyline. Hosted and DJed by Georgie Isaacs, with a midnight toast included in every ticket!

NYE Blast with Love Canon

Hardywood is a good place to find yourself any night, and especially for this NYE. This year, they’re sending off 2019 with a blast with music from Love Canon! Hardywood will be presenting this exclusive concert in their newly refurbished barrel room. Tickets come with two drinks, photo booth, party favors, and the ball drop!

RVAheals Bash at River City Roll

Ring in 2020 with World Pediatric Project’s first ever ‘NYE RVAHeals Bash!’

WPP’s Emerging Leaders Board is excited to host one of Richmond’s ONLY charitable New Year’s Eve parties, where 100% of your ticket goes straight to helping children and families who would otherwise lack access to critical care.

Hosted by RVA’s favorite, River City Roll, the party starts at 8pm and goes until the wee hours of the new year. With your ticket, you get live music from Vinyl Headlights, bowling, delicious bites, two drink tickets, and champagne toast. Close out 2019 and start 2020 right by providing hope and healing to children!

I Love The 80s New Years Prom at Broadberry

Kick off 2020 by taking it back to the 80s with Three Sheets To The Wind at the Broadberry for a very special show this NYE, with guests Eagles of Freedom and DJ Spinnaker.

Three Sheets to the Wind is Richmond’s best yacht-rock tribute act, paying authentic tribute to soft rock classics from the late ’70s and ’80s — undoubtedly the smoothest music ever created by mankind. It was an era of high gas prices and oil embargos that led America back to the simple joys of sailing, pina coladas, moustaches, and makin’ love… sweet love.

The heartbeat of this sexy-tet belongs to short-shorted drummer Danny Marnier. Bass duties fall to steady shipmate Sonny Pockett. The saccharine saxophone sweetness is supplied by Goldman Sax, while manly keyboardist Walter Ego, guitarist Captain Max Power, and multi-instrumentalist Topper Dandy rock you softly with their sincere vocal delivery and sweeter-than-TaB™ harmonies.

When your soft rock needs a little extra kick, Three Sheets to the Wind will appear with world renowned three-piece brass section The Rounding Cape Horns. Book at your own risk and hide your daughters, though, because the combined talents of this noble nonet are smoother than Billy Dee Williams — and rest assured that it works… every time.

Roaring 20s at Kabana Rooftop

Kabana Rooftop for NYE is quite the spectacle on its own, with its expansive views of Richmond. This year they are bringing out the flapper dresses and dapper dans to roll into 2020 in style. Including a special performance by world renowned violinist virtuoso DJ Manifesto, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and a live feed of the ball drop, this is the party where you can ring in the roaring 20s like Gatsby — on the Rooftop!

New Years with Jackass Flats at The Camel

Kick off the New Year with the Jackass Flats boys, flanked by Adrian Ciucci of the Southern Belles with a solo turn, as well as Tim Beavers II of PBR’s new project, The Mighty Good Time. Music all night and a champagne toast at midnight! End 2019 and start 2020 at The Camel! Drop into The Camel in person ahead of time and get your advance tickets without fees.

Confetti Reign III: NYE 2020 At Vagabond with DJ King Cise & Lowe Maceo

This New Year’s Eve, Vagabond’s got multiple floors and bars with DJs for your fancy 2020 NYE needs. Comes with party favors, complimentary midnight toast, roaming photographers, and live feed of ball drop. Make sure and dress up for this one, as it’s fancy all the way! It’s also located right by our show at The National with The Infamous Stringdusters, so it’s an easy after-party if you plan it out. Get tickets — this one will sell out!

New Years Eve at Cary Street Cafe with Grapefruit Fred!

Crazy as it is, this could possibly be the Last New Years Eve at the historic Cary St Cafe. So they are making it special with Grapefruit Fred! Cary St Cafe will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to rock in 2020. Tickets come with free champagne toast at midnight. See y’all there and as always, SPREAD THE FRED!!!

Bingo Beer Co.’s Roaring 20s NYE

Bingo throws a good party, with fantastic beers to boot. Get your game on and dress up fancy for this one, as Mass FX plays music from 8:30 till close. This is open to the public, but also has a special VIP ticket available for a limited time. Get on it, as it’s sure to go quickly.

The Circuit Presents NYE 2020

For those looking for extra games and fun this NYE, Circuit has you covered. Their New Years Eve Party offers a lot, including 20 tokens on the house, a live DJ to get your groove on, raffles full of fun prizes, and a glass of champagne to toast at midnight! They also offer an early buffet, with select appetizers like veggie platters, wings, and tacos!

New Years Masque at Fallout

Break out your masks for Fallouts Annual New Years Eve Masquerade Ball! They’ve got you covered for your fetish NYE! As always, there is toast at midnight. DJ Unicron will start the night out with the annual Blues Cocktail Hour, followed by the crew of DJ Jackie, DJ Scarey Pete, DJ Rivetta, and more. New for 2020, there will be a cash-only satellite bar with champagne, a small selection of beers, and more — so bring cash and get your drinks quick! Formal or Fetish Dress AND Mask Required!

What does Formal or Fetish Wear Mean? Put on some slacks or Really Nice Jeans. Put on a nice dress. No, you don’t need to be in black tie, but make an effort. Button downs, Sequins, Tulle, Ties. ETC. OR. High Fetish Wear.

Do I have to Wear a Mask? Mask Required Upon Entry (The cheap plastic ones are fine, also Make-Up/Paint or Stone/Jewel Appliques are fine, and there is a limited amount of FREE Masks at the front door.

Non-Members: Find a member to guest you in OR message the Fallout RVA facebook page for a one night pass!

Finally, if you want to take a little trip outside Richmond without plunging into the big-city traffic jam, here’s an out-of-town pick that can’t be beat:

The Jefferson Theatre NYE Extravaganza with No BS! Brass Band and Shagwuf

Don’t miss New Year’s Eve at the Jefferson with three amazing bands! There’ll be a VIP-exclusive pre-show party with all three bands, so stare at the face of 2020 & let’s get funky! Revelry, performances, solid hang, Mox Box picture posing, drink specials, party favors & a poster signed by everyone! Each band will play special mini sets with surprises while VIPs hang out, mingle with other VIPs and band members, and enjoy the holiday drink specials & fare. Quantity is limited so come get it!

Or you could just show up for the main event and catch both C-Ville and RVA have to offer with sets by Shagwuf and the almighty No BS! Brass Band, plus a performance by “Rocksylvania'”s own The Falsies! Tickets are moving quickly, so jump on it.

RVA NYE 2019: Our Guide to the River City’s Best New Years Parties

John Reinhold | December 27, 2018

Topics: Cary St. Cafe, Diversity Richmond, Kabana Rooftop, New Years Eve, Party Liberation Front, The Broadberry, The Camel, The Circuit, the Hof, The National, Three Sheets To The Wind, Uptown Alley, Vagabond

Richmond loves a good party, so it only makes sense that NYE draws some of the year’s best special events in town. In light of that fact, we have compiled a listing of some of our favorite events happening to close out the year. Here you can get an idea of the goings on, and what each event has in store for you. Make sure and get your tickets ASAP, as many of them will sell out.

Enjoy, and have a very Happy and Safe New Year!

PLF Presents Decemberween 13: New Years Eve Party

The Party Liberation Front’s Decemberween (Halloween in December on New Year’s Eve) is one of the biggest events in the city, and certainly the most artistic wild party around, with big art and big sound! Decemberween 13 will be loaded with all the music, dancing, creativity, costumes, camaraderie, and community fun that you’ve come to expect — plus some new surprises in store for veteran attendees.

Diversity Richmond will again be hosting this one of a kind NYE event. We once again will transform the 10,000 square foot indoor event space and outdoor areas into multiple immersive environments for fire performance and music. TOXIC MOXIE will be headlining a special NYE performance along with 18 DJs from all across the east coast.

The event will also feature interactive art installations, circus arts, stage performances, outdoor pyro-sculptures, amazing fire spinners and fire troupes, art car showcases, live painting, champagne toast, and two bars with Hardywood Beer & Belle Isle Moonshine drinks! There are way too many things going on here to list, so check the event page — and GET THOSE TICKETS NOW BEFORE THEY SELL OUT!!

Three Sheets to the Wind: NYE Anchor Drop at The Broadberry

The best Yacht Rock band in the business, Three Sheets to the Wind, will help RVA ring in the New Year at The Broadberry. You know that they are going to pull out all the stops and drop the anchor in style for this special NYE Performance. The Rounding Cape Horns are coming too, with lots of our own local boys to provide the big brass sound. This is always a huge party, so get the tickets now. They have special VIP packages for those that want to score their own private penthouse on the boat before it sets sail. Get tickets here and click here for more info.

NYE 2019 Moonlight Masquerade

The Moonlight Masquerade New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Double Tree Hilton is another of the biggest events in Richmond, and well worth checking out. LX Group is bringing in multiple performers and an incredible lineup of DJ’s for a non-stop party into 2019. They are already at 500 people strong, so you want to get those tickets now before I go on any further. They have special couples tickets, along with appetizers and special drinks throughout the night, including a complimentary champagne toast. This is, of course, a masquerade ball — so get your fancy masks out for this one. Tickets can be purchased here, and for more info click here.

Rocking 80’s New Year’s Eve with Teaze & The Here and Now at Uptown Alley

If your looking for 80’s style hair metal, you got it right here with “The Here and Now” & “Teaze”. You will get all the glory of the 80’s sing alongs and wild party times. This one will include a balloon drop at midnight, with over $1000 in prizes. Having seen Teaze, I can promise you that they will crush it, and it will be a blast for all involved. So get your hair out (or Teaze your hair out, as the case may be), and stuff yourself into the spandex for this one. Click here for more info.

New Year’s Eve at The Circuit

Join The Circuit, the arcade video game bar, for a very special NYE. We are talking amazing brews all night along, with special video game-inspired music from F1NG3RS. They have complimentary snacks for you and all the games you can imagine to play. This is a great event for groups, featuring lots of things to get involved in. They also will have Gaucho food truck, with its delicious South American eats, to get your fill of delicious grub. This is a great NYE event if you just want to have fun, not worry about dressing up, just enjoy some drinks and games with friends. Grab tickets here, and click here for more info.

New Years Eve with The Southern Belles and Jackass Flats at The Camel

For those looking for some classic folk, country, bluegrass and Americana sounds on NYE, we have the Southern Belles and Jackass Flats ringing in the New Year at my favorite venue in the city: The Camel. Both of these bands are so talented and fun, and on NYE you know there will be some special performances in store. Let the champagne flow, the booties shake, and the good times roll! Grab your tickets here, and go here for more info.

Confetti Reign 2 #VagabondNYE

Vagabond will be quite a swanky party for you looking for the speakeasy bar in the basement with the sweet vibes. They have music by DJ King Cise, along with your host Juan Pierce. If you are not familiar with Vagabond, you should know that they know their drinks — we are taking classy drinks by talented bartenders. Ringing in NYE in the rabbit hole feels like that special invite to the bar at the end of the universe you just have to visit. Go here for tickets, and get more info here.

Saved By The 90s: A NYE Party with the Bayside Tigers at The National

It may be NYE 2019, but a lot of us would rather it be 1999. Looking to get your 90’s Fix on NYE? The Bayside Tigers deliver the 90’s hits to get you moving in all your neon glory. Saved by the 90’s is the premier 90’s party Holiday show that travels all over the US to bring the party to you. The party continues into the night with DJ GHOZT. It’s gonna be the raddest thing since Stacey’s Mom! Go here for tickets, and here for more info.

Flashing Lights NYE at Kabana Rooftop

Alert – Rooftop party on NYE overlooking the city! Kabana has invited Carlos Melange to ring the in the New Year from 20 stories up, and you should be there. Carlos is a NYC DJ and producer who is quite in demand these days, so you’re getting a certified crowd-pleaser here. Kabana of course will have a number of specials going on with hotel room specials, VIP sections, and party favors. This is a themed Red Carpet event, Hollywood-style, so get fancy, walk the carpet, and be treated like a star. Pick up your tickets here, and find more info here.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Cary Street Cafe: The King is Dead

And now for something completely different. The King is Dead will bring you all the Grateful Dead and Elvis music you need in your life at Cary St. Cafe this NYE. This is a night of amazing music and collaborations, along with the Hot Piece of Brass Horns as special guests. This is a night of funky music, champagne toast and countdown, and good old dead Elvis. This is a no pre-sale event ($12 at door), so just show up and be ready to get down. For more info, you know where to go.

NYE Live at the Hofheimer with P- Funk Allstars!!

The Hof has something very special in store for NYE, with special guest Jerome “Bigfoot” Brailey from Parliament Funkadelic. This event is sure to be the funkiest party in town with this special performance, put together just for this event. They also have open bar from 8-10pm, with four fully stocked bars on multiple floors of this giant venue. You also get a balloon drop, party favors (hats, masks, etc), and multiple musicians and DJs in multiple rooms. They have upgrades and a special deal with Graduate Richmond to get you to and from the event to your swanky hotel room. Grab them tickets – Its gonna sell out, if it hasn’t by the time I wrote this (that was fast!). Tickets here, more info here.

Top photo by Elizabeth Swider

Richmond’s 13th Annual Halloween Parade

RVA Staff | November 1, 2018

Topics: All Saints Theater Company, feminine, Oregon Hill, Party Liberation Front, Richmond Halloween Parade, womens rights

For 13 years, on Halloween, Richmond’s All The Saints Theater Company has brought the River City one of the most unique and intrepid city events: the annual Halloween parade. An occasion marked by pageantry, creativity, and a dedication to the divine feminine, the parade took to the streets of Richmond last night for what could be the final time. With backing beats from the Party Liberation Front and street musicians, the parade snaked through Oregon Hill in an august procession that was as celebratory as it was solemn, a testament to the enduring intersection that makes Richmond…so very Richmond.

Some of the best photos of the parade can be found below:

Photos by Landon Shroder and Branden Wilson

Ring in 2018 in Style With RVA Mag’s NYE Guide

Amy David | December 28, 2017

Topics: Ardent craft ales, Belle & James, Decemberween, Great Gatsby, Havana '59, isley brewing, Jackass Flats, Kabana Rooftop, Mike Ledesma, New Years Eve, New Years Eve Parties, NYE 2018, NYE parties rva, parties, Party Liberation Front, Party Libertation Foundation, richmond parties, Roaring 20s, Southern Belles, Strangeways Brewing, The Camel, The Hippodrome, the Hof, The National, The Roost, The Veil Brewing Co.

Christmas has come and gone and we’re nearing the end of 2017. It was a whirlwind of a year with highs and lows, and I think its safe to say many more lows this year than anything else politically, but we can only hope 2018 will be better. Now this post wasn’t meant to get you down, get you dwelling on the past year, or worrying about your New Years Resolutions, but rather send you into 2018 with a bang with a slew of kick-ass parties in Richmond this Sunday.

RVA Mag has put together a guide of some of the best parties around town from burlesque and comedy at breweries, to live music, to DJs and fire-spinning, to glammed up costume parties with champagne toasts, ball drops, and arcade fun. There’s sure to be something that will get you up off your couch and ringing in the New Year with your friends, significant other, or crazy uncle who can drink anyone under the table and always has a good story. And without further ado, here is our NYE Guide for Richmond. Be safe, have fun, get a little weird and we will see you in 2018. Happy New Year!

Decemberween 12

The wild and crazy group known for throwing some of the best shindigs in town, Party Liberation Foundation is back again with their annual NYE celebration Decemberween. Now in its 12th year, the party will be bigger and better than ever with two stages of music featuring headliner Soohan, a Maryland based producer, local dance-punk favorites Toxic Moxie, Mr. Jennings, Bunk Buddha and more, art installations inside and out including fire sculptures, Ziggy Sawdust will be carving wooden portraits of partygoers with a chainsaw, live, Man Camp! crew will be constructing a roving Trojan Mop Bucket, and Davina the Dragon will return for her first PLF event in years. PLF’s legendary pyro circus will also be returning and the group is adding a third bar in their speakeasy/cabaret lounge. All proceeds benefit PLF. Make sure to wear your best costume! Decemberween 12 will be held at Diversity Richmond, Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased here. 8pm-4am.

NYE 2018 Gatsby Soiree at Kabana Rooftop

If you feel like getting fancy, time traveling back to the ’20s and channeling your best Jay and Daisy impersonations, then Kabana Rooftop’s Gatsby Soiree. Dress as a flapper, a dapper gent, or silent film star or in your finest garb and head out to Kabana Rooftop for a night on the town you won’t forget. Well, depending on how much you have to drink. Music by local DJ favorite MASS FX and Bobby LaBeat. Tickets are $45 for General admission, $75 for couples, $60 for entry and 20s-themed buffet created by the wonderful head chef Mike Ledesma or $115 for couples and it goes up from there if you want to book a room or reserve a VIP table. All tickets include a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, a live feed of the ball drop. Grab yours here. Kabana Rooftop: 700 E. Main St. 7pm-2am.

NYE at Vagabond

Hosted by Kelli Lemon with tunes courtesy of DJ Lonnie B, Vagabond is ringing in 2018 with an appetizer Buffet and Champagne Toast. Limited reserved tables available. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.

New Years Eve at The Hof

The HofGarden, a three-story event venue and German beer hall inside Scott’s Addition’s The Hof Building on West Broad Street is bringing back one of Richmond’s most beloved NYE traditions with The Ball Rise. Originally started above the Byrd Theater in 2006, partygoers packed the streets to countdown the new year while watching the big ball go up. The 40-foot ball rise became too expensive so it ended in 2012 with a brief appearance at Hardywood in 2013, but hasn’t been an event in RVA since. The Hof will host the Ball Rise on their rooftop bar this year for their annual NYE party, whose theme is based on Rio de Janeiro’s Rio Carnival. Musical performances by DC’s gypsy/jazz/funk group Black Masala will perform, along with Andrew Alli & the Mainline, as well as DJ Duffy and carnival dancers. 2818 W. Broad St. 7pm-2 am.

Editor’s Note: At this time, the only package available for this event is the Couples Graduate Hotel Package for $307.88. Includes two GA tickets to The Hof party, a room at The Graduate hotel, transportation to and from the graduate and the hof, and brunch at the hotel on new years day. Tickets here.

New Years Eve Fiesta at Havana ’59

Havana ’59 returns for NYE with its annual celebration of dinner, Djs, and Salsa music. Dinner includes a three-course meal, drink, and additional champagne toast. Time slots for dinner reservations: 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm. Dancing takes place upstairs, and Salsa begins at 10pm. A DJ will be providing the Salsa music for the evening. Dancing: $30, Dinner: $60, Dance/Dinner: $70. Champagne toast included. Call to reserve your tickets now! (804)780-CUBA. 16 N. 17th St. 5pm-2am.

Cirque Du NYE Hippodrome (RVA Escape into the 2018)

Step into the multi-act sideshow and entertainment extravaganza at The Hippodrome for NYE. The Jackson Ward venue is channeling Cirque de Soleii for their celebration with aerial dancers, stilt walkers, hula dancers, jugglers, shadow dancers, human blockheads, along with a DJ, buffet from 9 to 11 pm, red carpet style photo, prop photo booth, *Semi-formal attire required. Tickets $25-$40. 528 N. 2nd St.

Skyball NYE 2018- Belle & James

Kabana Rooftop may be celebrating Great Gatsby style, but Belle & James, the restaurant below the rooftop bar, is throwing its annual Skyball NYE bash Party. The event features a live DJ, with midnight toast, live video feed for the ball drop, complimentary party favors, signature Bond cocktails and more. Tickets $25-$45. 700 E. Main St. 10pm-2am.

New Years Eve Party at The Roost

Lunch/Supper’s event venue/ brunch market in Scott’s Addition, The Roost is ringing in 2018 with a celebration all their own. Tickets are $110 and will each include: passed hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, full dinner buffet with all your Supper! favorites, four drink tickets with choice of specialty beer/cocktails featuring Belle Isle Moonshine, champagne toast and celebration at midnight, and dancing all night with music from DJ Mike Murphy. A cash bar will be open all night for additional drinks and full VIP table reservations are available by request. Please email [email protected] for VIP requests. $10 of each ticket will be benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of RVA Tickets here. 1213 Summit Avenue. 8pm-1:30am.

Two Nights! NYE with The Southern Belles and Jackass Flats

Psychedelic-rockers and Richmond favorite The Southern Belles are ringing in NYE with a two-night event at The Camel with fellow RVA bluegrass band Jackass Flats, Shows Dec. 30 and NYE both $10. Tickets for Saturday’s show are $10 and can be purchased here and Sunday’s are $25 ADV and $40 DOS which you snag here. Doors at 8pm, Show at 9 pm.

New Year, New You at Gallery5!

The folks over at Gallery5 are celebrating big for New Year’s Eve. The space has a stacked lineup for the night with performances by Dazeases, Sammi Lanzetta, Citrus City shoegaze guys Fat Spirit (go see them if you haven’t already!), Pete Curry’s new project FM Skyline, along with DJ Skrt Skrt (christian something / Christian Nöthing), DJ Baby Maria (Maria Applegate) Free champagne toast & photo booth. Doors 8pm / Bands 9pm // $10. Keep an eye on the event page for details.

All That Glitters is Gold NYE 2018-Cha Cha’s Cantina and Society Social Club

Dance into the night and jump back and forth between two nightclubs in Shockoe Slip for Cha Cha’s and Society’s All that Glitters is Gold NYE Celebration. Buy a Gold ticket for access to both bars for the entire night along with drink tickets, buffet, and toast. DJ Bryan One and DJ Joe Fu will be spinning tunes, there will be a live feed of the Times Square ball drop, along with a free champagne toast. General Admission- $20 and Gold tickets are $60. Snag yours here. For VIP Inquiries Contact: 804.648.5100 | [email protected]
Doors at 730PM. 1419 & 1421 E. Cary St.

Richmond Brewery NYE Parties:

Several breweries in town are hosting their own celebrations if you aren’t the dancing type and prefer craft beer over fancy cocktails. Check out the rundown here.

Saved by The 90s: A NYE Party with the Bayside Tigers-The National

New York City’s 90s tribute band Bayside Tigers hits The National NYE for a party that’s sure to be all that and a bag of chips. (Sorry, in advance for the puns in this post.) Performing everything from Beastie Boys, to No Doubt, to Spice Girls, and Third Eye Blind they’re sure to bring back all sorts of nostalgia feels for you 90s kids. So grab your flannel, chockers, denim, and crop tops and party like its 1999. Tickets $25-$40.

Brew Years Eve Party at The Circuit Arcade Bar

If you’re a gamer, craft beer lover, or both, and rather spend your new year kickin’ it old school, hit up the new Circuit Arcade Bar in Scott’s Addition. Filled with over 60 throwback arcade games, pinball machines, and other vintage classics like skeeball and air hockey, along with a self-serve bar wall with 50 taps flowing with craft beer, cider, and wine send you into the new year the right away. For their celebration, The Circuit will host a Brew Years Eve party, working with a number of local and Virginia breweries that will bring an exclusive selection of seasonal, limited edition and newly released beer for just Sunday night. Wax Moon Records will be playing the tunes, and the barcade will also have a raffle with prizes, brewery giveaways, lip sync battles and even more. Access to our exclusive New Years Eve beer selection available only for one night. Tickets are $35 ADV/ Door: $40 and get you free food, free token cup with 20 tokens, one free raffle ticket, door prizes, and everything from Jurassic Park pinball, to Ms. PacMan, Dig Dug and more to play. 3121 W. Leigh St. 8 pm. (For an inside look into the arcade and bar, check out our interview with them in our latest issue here.)

Our sister publication, GayRVA.com also has a pretty sweet NYE rundown, you can check that out here.