The red balloons lifted up into the night sky as Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1981 classic “Let’s Groove” played on the loudspeakers. Another party, another night at Mr. V’s in Southwest Atlanta. For many people who called Atlanta home in the mid to late 70s and 80s, Mr. V’s Figure 8 was the place to be. On a warm night decades after the club opened and long since closed, there was a party going on.
James L. “Mr. V” Virgil recently passed away after living to be 85 years old, but the memories from nights out at his club, “Mr. V’s Figure 8,” will live on forever. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, the parking lot of the now-closed legendary nightclub on Campbellton Road was full once again. There were still ladies dressed up and men in suits, but this time it was to celebrate the life and times of Virgil. A balloon release and candlelight vigil in his honor took place, and for so many people in attendance, including Virgil’s daughter, who took a moment to speak from the stage set up in front of where the entrance to the club was, it was a family reunion as much as it was a memorial.
“Virgil was so kind to me when I moved to Atlanta. We all loved him,” said Karen Crenshaw, who added, “This is a social group,” as she pointed to all the groups of people hugging, talking, and laughing in small groups. In her hands was the original Mr. V’s VIP card, given to the few who were lucky enough to earn one. The card was more than 40 years old and in near mint condition. “Of course I still have it,” she said.
Teresa L. Graves, an actress and dancer who remembers spending long nights at Mr. V’s, walked over to hug Crenshaw, a longtime friend, and said, “It’s a reunion and a celebration. We are here to honor Mr. V’s. When this place opened, it was the spot.”…