BKLYN: Day Two
Thursday, March 18 2010
Panel Discussion at Red Star, Greenpoint
Determined not to repeat last night I was up early, but lost by noon. I wanted so badly to find a decent panel, something about breaking new bands, the future of the industry, some new app, all straight from the faces and players at once. These air conditioned events in Austin either provide that nice morning cleanser, or an interesting peek back to when the industry felt more like an academy. I asked a question to Allison Stewart once, but never appeared before an audience and certainly never fielded questions until today.
I should have settled for a drink at the Pencil Factory, but walked down the street to Red Star instead. Another perfectly dead local hang with Texas in full swing, so it was me, the bartender and two white hats watching the first rounds of the NCAA tournament. What followed was one of the most informed, impassioned discussions about a season in recent memory. I said I went to school in Illinois, carried no loyalty for my alma mater, but still followed the Big Ten. Business cards were mentioned at some point, but replaced with a parting shot.
Free Day Party on Bedford, Williamsburg
These are always interesting. I only hope Nicole is stumbling into some decent madness. The BKLYN day party, however, is a crust named Tobi and his dog Dog. I was walking down Bedford from Greenpoint and noticed this kid strumming his guitar. Mostly Dylan covers and a decent Clash medly in the five minutes I was standing there. I bought us two beers and we talked standing up for another five. I didn’t care if Tobi’s Mom dropped him off from New Jersey or he actually made it across the country in that dying hobo network. I used to think this wink (around the 0:50 mark) ended my interest in that whole Gainsville mailorder scene. Then I read this a few weeks back and remember thinking we’re all just trying to get by.
Unofficial Showcase at Don Hills, Manhattan
In the spirit of Todd P. taking his brand south of the border this year I ventured into Manhattan for a similar experience. Don Hills. Yes, you know this space from your cousin’s Mondo nights, prep school matinees, shit show goth parties, or simply the building across from the UPS depot. The place has history, no judgement, and still standing on the island which is something the Knit can’t say for anymore. For my first unofficial showcase I was met with a new band featuring members of Type O Negative and a burlesque performance. After a day of drinking in the sun, talking sports and the easy living of Portland and the PacNW, I don’t quite have the abilty to describe just how much this screwed with the depths of my soul.
