Resurrection of the Elvis Tent Revival

Or, this is how we do things in Kentucky.

I am so happy to see my all-time favorite public access offering back up for public viewing (albeit now in ten parts.) These folks here are some old friends of mine from back in the day in Lexington. It's from them and some others that I learned all about punk rock shows at the VFW and the community center, skating, 'zines, and making your own damn fun. It's pure fun for me to watch this stuff again.



Thanks to 64mm Chris for resurrecting this video and stuff.

dpums 2008: a couple lists

Too tired to write in sentences. Mostly. So, lists:

Who I managed to see at least some, and in some cases, all of:

American Relay. Reverend Deadeye. Bad Weather California. Overcasters. Bad Luck City. Orangu-tones. Rachel Pollard. Jason Cain. Aaron Collins. Ellison Park, George Inai, Blue Light. Joseph Pope III. Andy Tanner. Married in Berdichev. Andrea Ball, Jen Korte, Jack Redell. Cowboy Curse. Hearts of Palm. Bela Karoli. Hot IQs. Porlolo. And a few others bits here and there walking up and down Broadway. I didn't get to listen to everything I wanted to hear, but I listened to all I was able.


Some of the worst parts:

People talking louder than Porlolo’s set in the Skylark,
then the jukebox starting up.
Sketchy sound systems.
House music playing at Blue Ice during Cowboy Curse,
and American idol on a wide screen TV.
Trying to see two bands at once.
Not trying to see two bands at once.
Leaving in the middle of a set.
Just missing someone you really wanted to see.
Griping about this stuff.
Blisters on feet.
Being hungry and thirsty.
The hot hot sun.
Sitting on the itchy grass.
Forgetting to bring earplugs for the kids.
Being overwhelmed and overtired.
Sweaty and over-packed Hi-Dive.

Some of the best parts:

I hate being packed in, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the show.
Friday night, appreciating what a great club the 3 Kings Tavern is.
The Overcasters and Bad Luck City back to back.
Not being able to stop smiling.
All those fabulous all-ages venues.
Being able to bring my kids Saturday.
My kids thanking me (so much) for taking them.
The people who stopped chatting and started listening to Porlolo.
Roger Green learning a Porlolo song on the stage,
and it still sounding amazing.
Cowboy Curse playing a great set in spite of the club.
Listening.
My daughter napping on a stack of carpets
Mellow singer/songwriter round sets.
Volunteering. Really.
Just the right-sized outdoor stage.
Nathaniel Rateliff pushing his gear around in a K-mart shopping cart.
Cold drinks.
Aaron Collins child-like-playful solo performance in Rock the Cradle.
Marching my children into the Skylark to hear Porlolo
and nobody stopping us.
Inviting people who don’t usually come out to the shows
and seeing them there.
So many creative and diversely talented folks doing their stuff.
Feeding my kids those yummy Sputnik french fries
one order sweet, one order white.)
Feeling the genuine and impossible-to-fabricate good-will vibe.
All the cool stuff I actually caught.
Realizing some festivals are not so bad.
And all this in Denver.

Saturday -- A Wild Slew Indeed

I've been meaning to get out to one of these Anarchist Variety shows, otherwise known as Louis Vuitton Night at the Mercury Cafe, but something always gets in the way. Last time I tried to go I got lost in Commerce City after dark (trying to avoid that giant sinkhole on I-25) and once I finally found my bearings I was too rattled. Kids, Commerce City is no place for me to be lost after dark. But this Saturday, barring mishaps, I will be here:


Saturday May 03, 2008 at 9:30 PM

Mercury Cafe at 2199 California Street

$3 optional donation for the Denver Zine Library

Fashion Theme: JURASSIC PARK (enough said)


As usual, we have a wild slew of amazing bands and stunning acts but to lubricate your whistle here's a few of the highlights: Tom Murphy presents the Surprise Headlining Band, Royal Rush Dance Troupe performing Janet Jackson, Susan Susan, Israel-San's DIY Shibari, Sparrow of Cirkus Dorkus, Bellydancing by Khalijah, Frieda's Violin Modern, Dr. Meg presents cutting edge research on the Chaos Theory, Druglas' Fast and Fucking Furious Performance Art, Denver Community Group Ditties and much much more!

Girls Rock!

Yes they do.

And this weekend you can hear all about it.



More information here.

Doing It For Themselves--Hipster Style

Since you will surely be broke after attending that Daniel Johnston show on Saturday night, you might appreciate a nice, nearly free event on Sunday.

From those who bring you Denver's Most Elegant Anarchist Variety Show, this Sunday, the Free Boutique is kick-starting with a Spring Donation Extravaganza!

You probably have some cool clothes taking up space in your closet, so bring three or more of them down to the Brooks Art Center and leave them, swap them, alter them... Get the idea?

Also take in some live music by State Bird (NYC), Mad Happy (Miami), BDRMPPL, Laura Goldhammer and Tanukis with photography by Hanna Quevado.

Where: Brooks Arts Center (14th and Williams)
How Much: Please bring 3 or more items or $5 suggested donation for the Brooks Art Center
When: April 6th, 3:00pm Donation Tea Party, 6:00pm Show and Potluck
What to bring: All day long: Clothing, Clothing, Clothing! Jewelry, Bags, Accessories, Shoes, Children's Books. Other Books (to benefit Ironfeather Bookstore) Plants and Plant Supplies, Kitchen/Housewares, Bicycles, Tools, Gear, etc. (to benefit Bizarre Denver Bazaar).