Style Weekly has released their Top People of Richmond who are influential or cool or something like that. In other words, the people you can’t stand to hear about for the millionth time. In response, I decided to come up with my own “Power List” of Richmonders who have made some real changes in the city, no matter how small they may be. And this is by no means a complete list.
Carter Anderson – environmentalist, Save The Trash
He breaks glass bottles for a living – and raises awareness of the environment at the same time. An advocate for reusing and recycling, Carter breaks bottles, mixes it with concrete and creates stunning works of art ranging from stone patio furniture to glass window displays. And he covers up his wounds with cement. Pretty hardcore.
Reggie Pace - musician
Seriously, what band is Reggie not in? Playing trombone for bands like Glows in the Dark, No BS Brass Band and Fight the Big Bull, Reggie brings his enthusiasm and enormous talent to venues all over the Richmond area.
Slash Coleman – artist, playwright
A one man performance artist, Slash offers a humorous and often poignant look at his life and the world around him with performances like “The Neon Man and Me” and “Big Matzo Balls.“ He makes us laugh and think at the same time.
Ward Tefft
Chop Suey Books notwithstanding, Ward has been an influential figure in the awareness of literacy and love of old time books. His Books on Wheels movement has collected thousands of used books to donate to needy children and libraries. With increasing technology and general laziness, nobody reads anymore. Ward has been changing that.
Bizhan Khodabandeh & Amanda Robinson – directors of Gallery 5
Gallery 5 has brought no shortage of new and interesting things to the Jackson Ward area. The One Night Only concert series, I Dream of a Richmond and a new resource center are just a few things that come to mind. If not for Bizhan and Amanda, there would be no Gallery 5 and Richmond would seriously be lacking.
Adam Rose – musician
This guy is one very talented musician. Listen to his band Marionette or his solo material and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Adam’s experimental style brings something new to the Richmond music scene that hasn’t been heard before. Plus, Adam is a really nice guy. And you don’t find too many of those around.
Stephen Bowman – G5 Fire
Okay, maybe playing with fire doesn’t exactly create significant change in Richmond. But it is pretty freaking cool. Bowman and the fire performers of G5 Fire perform outside Gallery 5 every First Fridays.
Chris Dorsey – RVA4Peace
The corner of 2nd and Clay would be a much quieter place if Dorsey wasn’t around. Every week, the group stands outside Rep. Bobby Scott’s office to protest the war in Iraq and elicit cars to honk in support of peace. Whether he has three people with him or 100, he still believes that every voice should be heard by our government.
Ceci Hull – WRIR
Being a volunteer coordinator for an all volunteer independent radio station is no easy task. Ceci Hull makes that task look simple and gives Richmond truly independent radio, which is something we’ve needed for quite some time.
Richmond Craft Mafia
A supportive community of like minded artists, the Mafia provides information and networking outlets for craft makers and independent business owners while they continue to rub out the mass produced.
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