June First Thursday
This was my first First Thursday in two years that I’ve been able to make it to. Earlier in the day, I had RSVP’d to see Beyonda and Stretch Armstrong at this place in the pearl called Lizard Lounge. I had never heard of Stretch Armstrong but Clayton Vomero had him headlining at Sing Sing so he had to be able to bring heat. I had never been to this place Lizard Lounge either but lounge and a great DJ sounded pretty hip with my imagination unveiling the place. Dark, dimly lit with dancers get’n it on and music that made you have to shake some part of body. Something like Dunes on a Saturday night. So I had to make it.
First stop was Upperplayground and their Seven show. Justin Gorman collaborated with Caleb Freese to produce three impressive pieces. Justin was explaining that he’d been working hard for his graduation at PNCA two weeks ago plus has put all effort in the production for Seven’s three pieces. He smiles. “Yeah, now I’m taking a break and chilling.”Holding down the door to FIFTY24 PDX Gallery was Conrad Leobel. Conrad filled me in on a ton of things going on. First, he told me he was the new booker at Rotture and had “shit that’s going to be BANANAS!” going on there. The fourth of July is going to be a BBQ party with grills on the patio overlooking downtown and the fireworks. The best place to see them. He mentioned Dubstepper Kode 9 is coming soon, along with Flosstrodamous. Yo Majesty sucked, because according to Conrad one to the two girls quit that night and no one showed up. Finally, he let me in on the fate of Hippodrome, the all ages section under Rotture. Apparently it was too much of a hassle so it’s going to be a karate studio!
I’m sooo glad I RSVP’d the Stretch Armstrong thing cause it was at a clothing store with no one checking shit. Lame. Partying at an Urban Outfittersish place is retarded. Mingling with people and racks of pants and shirts and beer. Lame. So I could only take about 3 minutes of this and ran out on to the street.
The next thing is I’m greeted by a duo with banjo and guitar. The lady is singing and playing then “fucking” comes forth. I felt cleansed. As if the perfume, make up and uptightness was scared off me. This was Kim DeLacy and Graham of Aesthetic Junkies. Thank you.
