Year: 2012
The CUAC pARTy Bus: Final Voyage to a Contemporary Art...
Recent years have produced an alternative avenue for experiencing the art world in Utah. In much the same way one could hitch the party bus to Wendover, one could hop aboard the Contemporary Utah Arts Center (CUAC—pronounced “quack”) pARTy bus and enjoy a boozey transport to the unlikely town of Ephraim. … read more
Naysayer @ SLC Foursquare Church 07.19
The best thing about all-ages hardcore shows isn’t the moshing. It’s not the contrived feeling of male camaraderie and it’s not the chance to shout along to a butchered Chain of Strength cover. No, the best thing about all-ages hardcore shows is the simple fact that six legitimate bands can play full sets, and the passive observer can still be home in time for 10 PM Simpsons re-runs and a hot bath before the following work day. … read more
Junior Rocket Scientist @ Kilby Court with Cerulean, Shades, The...
When Junior Rocket Scientist took the stage, they came with the most unique sound of the evening. There were three guitars, a drum kit, keyboard and an electric violin. The vocalist on violin shouted with veins bulging. … read more
America, Fuck Yeah! Team USA vs. Team Australia 07.25
Every year since 2004, RollerCon has been the destination for skaters all across America. Comparable to Comic Con but with 200-percent more drunken hookups, the four-day convention is packed with events from 9 a.m. to midnight, not including the late-night karaoke and nonstop party throughout the halls of the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. … read more
Let’s Talk Strategy: What RollerCon 2012 Means For Your Upcoming...
Any time leagues from all over the world come together, new strategies explode across the map, gaining prevalence until one movement comes up and defines the year. Last year, it was the no-start. This year, it’s the no-block. … read more
Halfway Through the Convention and Straight On Till August: Reflections
Three days into RollerCon and everything starts to blur together in a Hunter S. Thompson sort of haze, technicolored neon lights and heat waves a given. Everyone in their basic black scrimmage shirt, names and numbers printed on the back in all similar fonts and sizes, the difference between one derby diva and another is diminished, and we blend into a sea of sweating faces and leg tattoos. … read more
Dirty Projectors @ In the Venue 07.21
Here’s a fun fact: In The Venue opened doors a full hour before any music started, so show attendees got plenty of time to stand around looking hip or whatever. There were a lot of chicks wearing glasses and mom jean cut-offs, which made me think about how funny Portlandia is, and I was hoping that this show proved to be worth it, because I could be at home watching hilarious hipster satire. As fate had it, the evening redeemed itself and I was even able to celebrate at the end with Mexican food. … read more
Aesop Rock @ In the Venue 07.23
Before the king himself took the stage, a team of intimidating bouncers pushed people around until there was a path for him to walk through. It was hot as balls in the room and bumping with fans. Finally, the trio—Aesop, DJ Big Wiz and Rob Sonic—appeared and everyone got their hands in the fucking air. … read more
The Bouncing Souls @ In the Venue with The Menzingers...
The Bouncing Souls really did take me back to the place where music was the most important thing in my life. It was exactly what I wanted out of a Bouncing Souls show. I was stoked to see so many young kids at the show who were just getting into the band. Angst and anger are a big, important part of punk rock, but The Bouncing Souls represent the part about punk rock that’s all about enjoying your life and the people that are in that. … read more
Sisterly Love: Philly Rollergirls Defend An Undefeated Streak at RollerCon...
In an amazing show of strength, it was the Philly Roller Girls (ranked second in the East) that swept the track with the dust of so many teams’ wheels. After killing two bouts in a row against Rocky Mountain and Rose City, respectively, Philly faced off against the Minnesota RollerGirls. … read more