By Chris Nafekh, Staff Writer

Exacerbated by exam time, students from around Greensboro needed a stress-less Saturday night. Luckily, this is exactly what The Matter Factory provided with its premier fundraising event.

The Matter Factory, an up and coming art gallery, brought bands, face painting, fortune telling and familiar friends together in the Green Bean’s comfy, dim interior. Easter colored tassels hung from the ceiling where a trippy kaleidoscope vision entranced looker’s on. White Christmas lights lined the windows where people lined up for drinks and free music. The coffee bar was freshly stocked that night with bountiful beans and brews, and for those of a higher class, red wine rolled like a river.

The place smelled like dark caffeine and fresh energy. People walked with painted flags, whiskers and beards on their face while fortunes were predicted. Peirce Clawson, singer for “Pretty Odd” was told his mind is “as expansive as a thousand galaxies.”

Xelos Verve kicked off the music with dreamy synth and angelic harmonies that quickly turned melodramatic techno-pop. Up next was Semicircle, hailing from Atlanta with members of Reptar and Casual Curious. The audience tapped feet and rocked back and forth. Their instruments emitted ephemeral sounds as the band sang “this one goes out to you…”

Feedback rang as Echo Courts played their set. With creative drum beats, guitar licks and a sound that can’t be compared, the band enraptured the audience with material from their new album “Ice Cream Social”.

“We’re the best band that ever was,” said Kelly Fahey, tambourinest for Echo Courts.      “Every time we play it’s euphoric. Yeah, put that in your paper!” Fahey works alongside Diego Vergara at WUAG 103.1. Coincidently, the two both wore denim jackets and black skinny jeans that night.

At the front end of The Green Bean stood a curious contraption. A shinning silver shape labeled “Matter Factory” had both an input and an output. Bubblegum and stickers surrounded its base.

“The Factory,” said event planner Nadia Stevens, “exists as a collective of floating artists. We’re trying to fund future experimental exhibitions like this, shows and parties…” The Matter Factory hopes to unite artists of a range of professions. Anything from visual art, music, dance or spoken word is welcomed.

“We call it an art gallery because that’s the language we have,” added Stevens, “but it’ll serve multiple purposes.”

Greensboro has seen many local efforts to increase artistic activity. “Elsewhere” is a living museum that specializes in artistic endeavors using thrifty items and ideas. The Mural Project is moving to ornament the outer walls of the city with elaborate painted décor, and the Agency Collective has networked the city to promote local and regional musical acts.

Stevens and her co-collaborators hope that The Matter Factory can serve as a place for any passionate artist to work, perform or practice. “In the next year we’re hoping to have a space for programming,” she said.

As the night ended, classic ‘90s hits carried the mood and the audience back to earth. Friends, band members and casual attendees mingled late into the night, heartened by the mix of great music and a bit of beer on a Saturday night.