Whatever Happened to Benny's?

By John Sarvay

There’s a new club in town. Well, not really.

Like a modern punk Mr. Potato Head or an alternative game of Musical Chairs, a handful of Richmond clubs keep changing names, changing images or expanding. It’s hard for an honest music lover to keep track. “Whatever happened to Benny’s?” asked a friend who returned to Richmond after 15 years. Sheesh.

The wave began when the Metro, formerly known as Rockitz, became The Factory, replete with grinding gears and cogs in its logo. Once known for its punk and alternative shows and dance night, The Factory is now known for its punk and alternative shows and dance night.

But the general atmosphere seems to have picked up a bit at the club. Tuesday dance nights feature a half dozen djs on both floors and has been drawing hundreds of young hipsters—before VCU students have returned, even.

The live music picture remains committed to the alternative tradition established by Rockitz. Bands interested in snagging a show should send tapes to The Factory, 727 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220.

Meanwhile, booking legend Mark Thomasson returned from New York City this summer. After a few struggling weeks at Twisters, Thomasson and musician/cook Johnny Smith decided that a major overhaul was in order. Thus was born the Chronos Cafe.

Named for the Greek god and for Thomasson’s scenester dog (an original Shafer Court punk icon), Chronos boasts new club management, flashy new flyers and a new menu. Hello humus. (As buffalo wings and nachos make their exit from appetizer lists around the city, notice the surge in falafel and humus ‘n’ pita dishes.) Chronos’ Smith says the “cafe” in the club’s title means there “is an emphasis on quality and affordable prices. We want people to know that we offer competitive prices and conscientious attention to our vegetarian dishes. You can get lunch, dinner and breakfast items anytime.”

On the music side, Smith says Thomasson is trying to diversify the band slate. “He’s trying to take the best bands of every genre—pop, country, rock-a-billy, punk—instead of a hundred bad bands,” says Smith. Bands interested in playing Chronos should send their tapes and press kits to Thomasson at 929 West Grace Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220.

Down in the Bottom, mainstay rock palace The Floodzone added a new wing—gutting and renovating a large portion of the warehouse’s third floor. The third floor features a bar, restaurant, pool and live music. Keep your eye peeled for the newsletter detailing all the sounds and edibles available at the Floodzone and its Third Floor. Call the ’Zone for information on landing a show: 643-6006.