Josh Bis is way cooler than me because he made it to the Black Lips show last weekend at MFNW. Of course, I missed out on the spitting and stage diving. Lame. Here are a couple of photos that he shot for lineout.thestranger.com. Have a look at more of Josh's photos on his site sciencevsromance.net. (You should. He's got good stuff.)
One of the most fun & nostalgic bands that I've seen lately was Cheap Girls. I felt like I was in Reality Bites or something. They played Music Fest Northwest in Portland this past weekend. Like I mentioned previously, I wasn't really sure what to expect from the band. They were a suggestion from a friend of mine. Glad that I listened, because these guys both put on a solid live show and were super cool. Cheap Girls are currently on tour in the US & Canada. Go say hi.
Crazy serendipitous time. As promised, I'm here in Portland for MFNW, but back up to getting off the plane. I see a guy getting off my flight with some black to the floor Authentics that he's cut the back off of as well as giving them a couple of hits of tasteful paint. His name is Reem, his friend is Dre, and they do UTBLifestyle. So anyway, it turns out that in the bag Reem is carrying is a another pair of Vans that he has customized for Wiz Khalifa, who is one of the artists that I am trying to catch tonight at MFNW! What? Too Awesome. You can catch Wiz Khalifa's show tonight and maybe his custom UTBLifestyle Vans at Roseland Theatre at 10pm.
*Update - Wiz Khalifa did wear the shoes on stage. Thanks to Reem for the photo.
I will be trucking it on up to Portland tomorrow for MFNW 2010. The plan for the weekend is to go see dozens of bands and drink gallons of Stumptown. The set up is a little like CMJ and a little like SXSW in that you walk from venue to venue. It's not all in one spot. There are official shows and non-official ones happening throughout the city. About 100 of the best bands currently touring will be there. Here are a few friends that will be there.
Thursday, September 9th, 2010
Frank Turner 11pm-11.45pm at Berbati's Pan SW 3rd and SW Ankeny - This guy kills it. Everyone in the UK knows about him. Take a hint. He's heading out on a tour back home shortly & will be on the road with Social Distortion for a full US tour this fall, too. Watch his newest video, The Road, on youtube & follow Frank Turner on Twitter.
Man Man 11pm-12.30am at Hawthorne Theatre 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd - I just saw the guys play at FYF Fest in LA last weekend. They are too good live; weird and freaking out wearing warpaint as always. Fortunately, singer Honus Honus didn't break his leg. Follow them @wearemanman.
Saturday, September 11th, 2010
Cheap Girls - 9-9.45m Doug Fir 830 East Burnside St. - They are not girls so that means they are either hilarious, or they prefer inexpensive dates. Pick your poison. I just heard about them today from a trustworthy source. I'm in. They're playing with Japandroids & Jeff The Brotherhood. Follow them @cheap_girls.
Suckers - 11-11.45pm Berbati's Pan SW 3rd and SW Ankeny - After listening to Cheap Girls kill it, hopefully I'll be able to catch a bit of Suckers' set. They are a good time. Black Sheep is the jam. So is that tight lion blanket. Follow them @sssuckersss.
