Big changes are afoot at Random Row Books after a few visits from the Charlottesville Fire Marshall, according to owner Ryan Deramus. The bookstore has served as a de facto venue and general art space since it opened in October. One of the store’s first events was a Wordsmith Poetry Jam, for which Deramus secured a temporary high occupancy permit. Since then, he says, "I dragged my feet in pursuing a permanent permit, assuming that if I didnt have anything over 150 people, that would be cool."
But the building’s standard use permit allows 49 people. "I rent on a month to month basis, so I’m not going to renovate the space to meet their requirements,” says Deramus. “So I’m just going to comply." Upcoming shows from Damien Jurado and This Will Destroy You will be moved or cancelled. Film and poetry events will go on there as planned.
Some local bands will be upset to lose Random Row as a venue. "I think certain types of shows that no one else allows," he says, "some of the metal and punk stuff that doesn’t have another venue, is going to be left out in the cold."
Calls to the fire marshall were not immediately returned.
