Sweet Gherkins That's Good Music!
The August Porch Show proved the legend continues. Ari Lesser, the trooper that he is went on despite his band not making it with only his friend to back him up beat boxing on a mic, and entertained with thoughtful lyrics.
The Marmits, in full regalia (ie rodent masks, skirts, underwear on the outside and various wigs. ALSO the lead singer had on a genuine Garth Brooks mic which was an excellent way to top off the ensemble) unfortunately went on a little late due to an MIA band member- but made up for it quickly with a super rocking set that was as entertaining to listen to as it was watching the reactions of yuppies passing by with strollers. These guys rule and are in many ways exemplify what The Porch is about- getting bands like this into the public eye.
If you haven't been to a Golden Greats show you are really and truly missing something fantastic. I like to call them the funkiest white boys in Portland. It's funny because it's true. The drummer sings (when necessary, but only when) and plays a set he built out of trash he found, there is a bowtied gentleman who plays something called a "drum buddy" which uses photosensitive electricity (via a light bulb and coffee can) to create badass beats, and horns. Oh and when you hear the music, your but shakes without your knowledge.
The Golden Greats definitely showed us why the street closure was so important- the crowd they gathered with the show filled the street.
The final act of the evening was a special one for Rob and I because we became addicted to his music at first via a PixelJam game called "Dino Run", and then found him on the intermech, listened to his other stuff, and made friends. Yes, this screams "plug" but guess what? EAT IT. Visit the site. It's rad shit.
So basically the intermech actually brought The Porch a special guest by the name of Mark Denardo, hailing from Brooklyn, who uses 8-bit video game samples to compose songs and plays a guitar and sings along with the samples live. With the help of some Squirt soda from our fridge he jumped and sang songs about pandas, robots, and a love song about Street Fighter. He ended the night with an acoustic song and everyone gathered around the steps of The Porch and listened in an intimate way that we rarely get to see. Wonderful shit. Thanks Mark! Come back any damned time you want. You know where we live.
Keep in mind next month is likely to be the last Porch show since October is unpredictable (and lets be honest, we like to party elsewhere on Halloween.)
Also next month- a special coronation of the NEW and IMPROVED "The Porch" sign!!!!! Thats right folks, we're moving up in the world. No more foam core.
In the words of my two year old nephew "Rock On!"
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Season Kicks Off Like David Lee Roth at a Kick Ball Contest.
OK, so in the past two weeks, we have done two shows- the first of the season was for the Alberta Art Hop, which was an all day Saturday event where they closed down Alberta Street! We had 6, count em 6 bands playing from 3-10 and it was awesome. Brad Creel, Gabe Rozzell and the Decency, The Headliners, Superplus, Benjamin Franklin Freeman, and Right On John all put out 110% despite the mind boggling heat of the day. Although afterwards a few folks needed to be peeled from the couches and doused in water (read: beer).
The first "Last Thursday" was equally as awesome, if a bit cooler weather wise- folks had their jackets on! Jazz trio D3 started things off, with the wacky stylings of Don't & Triplet up next, then we downshifted to country band 3 Fingered Jack, and back up to high energy DRATS! to finish things off. We had to take her easy Thursday night (party wise) because we had some serious work to do friday- the filming of The Meat and Rub Show- a BBQ webisode featuring Rob and Pete that will be out on interwebs in the next month or so (hopefully).
All in all the bullshit of last years "riot" has passed by the wayside and Alberta street is back into the swing of things. I'd like to say here that I personally love the cops who work the Art Hop and Last Thursday, especially Lt. Walker (pictured speaking to me on the porch in my profile). They are nothing but supportive and want the same things Rob and I want- a fun music filled day without incident.
The big thing we're working on right now is The Porch Compilation! Ideally we'll have it out in June, buy July might be more realistic. Either way keep your ears to the sidewalk for news of this MASTERPIECE. Seriously folks, this album is going to blow your mind. All the Porch greats from the last two years slaved away this winter to make this the greatest comp known to man. It's a summer soundtrack to beat them all.
See you next last thursday.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
