THE RISE of STRFKR Start Not Trying—And Succeed
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K k JULY-AUGUST 2019 K g VOL. 31 #7 H WOWHALL.ORGk easy to feel small and slow.” When Hodges started STRFKR in 2007, it was designed to be success-proof. The name was both unfit for radio and a jab at fame-chasers. But the project was also meant to be bright, playful and brimming with energy. He stumbled upon a winning juxtaposition that’s a STRFKR staple to this day: dark (or heavy) lyrics set to happy music. English thinker/writer Alan Watts, a scholar of Eastern philosophy, appears on nearly every STRFKR release. That’s him on “interspace”, talking about sloughing off preconceived identity to find one’s place in the universe, which is the story of Hodges’ eventual career: stop trying—no, THE RISE OF STRFKR start not trying—and succeed. On Saturday, September 7, the highlighted by their homemade Xiu Xiu, Lindstrøm & Prins On 2013’s Miracle Mile, The live setup these days Community Center for the light show. Thomas, Geographer, and more! STRFKR refined a full-band includes a custom-made LED wall Performing Arts proudly welcomes STRFKR began as a vehicle for Released in November 2016, sound, but this LP doubles down and a homemade light show that STRFKR back to the WOW Hall. Josh Hodges’ songwriting but Being No One, Going Nowhere on and completely re-imagines the syncs with the rhythm of the songs Since their last WOW Hall shortly after transformed into a is an invitation to get blissfully project’s electronic and pop roots. (plus the occasional band-in-drag). show in February of 2016, full-fledged band with members insignificant. That’s what Hodges It isn’t that the band sat this one Even if Hodges is too busy pushing STRFKR has relentlessly toured Shawn Glassford and Keil aimed to do when he exiled himself out, but Being No One, Going the future of indie dance-pop across the globe, delivering a Corcoran as well as additional to the desert to create this record, Nowhere was born in Joshua Tree forward to possibly attain his goal guaranteed non-stop dance party. rotating touring members. but he returned with his most after Hodges packed up his Los of unplugging, his aspiration is With five proper albums, the band Last year the band released significant work yet: a set of Angeles apartment and moved to everything: “Existing is it. This has a wealth of dance party hits at Being No One, Going Nowhere darkly glistening dance songs rife that tiny Mojave outpost under moment is enough.” their disposal and their career- (REMIXES), which features every with sticky beats, earworming the great big sky. Tickets are $22 in advance, $23 spanning live set is a sweat song on STRFKR’s latest full- hooks, philosophical heft, and “It came together for me in the day of show. Doors open at 8:00 drenched laser soaked affair length remixed by Chrome Sparks, bittersweet beauty. desert,” he says. “Out there, it’s pm and showtime is 9:00. H INSIDE THIS ISSUE OREGON COUNTRY FAIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY P2 THUNDERPUSSY P3 CUCO P4 BASS CAMP 2019 P4 ROCK FOR RECOVERY P5 COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT AWARD CEREMONY P6 ROCK CAMP SHOWCASE P6 LDW P7 PAID U.S. Postage U.S. Permit No. 303 No. Permit Eugene, OR 97401 Eugene, Nonprofit Organization MARIACHI FLOR DE TOLOACHE On Wednesday, September 4, the Hult Center for the traditional Mexican music. They coalesce as would a band of Performing Arts proudly presents Mariachi Flor de Toloache at sisters, with a grace and vibrant beauty that casts a spell over the WOW Hall. The Springfield High School mariachi band, their audiences not unlike the legendary toloache flower still Mariachi Del Sol, will open the show. being used in Mexico as a love potion. While working to Latin Grammy winners Flor de Toloache made New York preserve centuries old traditions of mariachi, their melange of the City history as its first and only all-woman mariachi group. traditional and the modern pushes the boundaries of the genre Founded in 2008, Flor de Toloache is led by singers Mireya I. and brings mariachi music to new audiences. Ramos (founder) and founding member Shae Fiol. Reminiscent Over the course of the last few years, Flor de Toloache’s of the early days of mariachi, the group started as the trio Harp, performances have illuminated world-renowned stages in Europe Violin and Vihuela. and India. In November 2015, the group embarked on an Today, Flor de Toloache’s members hail from diverse cultural extensive European and U.S tour as the opening act of Black backgrounds such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Keys’ singer Dan Auerbach’s new band, The Arcs. After RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Community Center for the Arts Performing 291 West 8th 97401 OR. Eugene, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy and the United performances to sold out audiences in the UK, Germany, States. This defines their unique flavor and sound. The result of Holland, Italy and France, they continued to captivate crowds in this cultural bouquet is an edgy, versatile and fresh take on the U.S. at legendary venues such as First CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 K k The Community Center for the WOW HALL NOTES Performing Arts is located in the Historic Woodmen of the World Hall (W.O.W. Hall), 291 W 8th, Eugene, Or 97401, (541)687-2746, [email protected], wowhall.org, Box office hours Mon-Fri Noon-6:00 PM. Printed monthly by Western Oregon Webpress, Circulation 3,200, General Support made possible by a grant from Lane Arts Council with support from City of Eugene Cultural Services Division, Copyright 2019 All rights reserved Notes Staff: Copy Editor & Advertising Representative - Bob Fennessy, Layout & Design - James Bateman CCPA Staff: Membership Coordinator & Publicist - Bob Fennessy, Programming Manager - Lori Hawley, Stage Manager - Justin Showker, Asst Stage Manager - Ed Kashin, Davis Koier, Robert Chappel, Office Manager - Danette Lamson, Bookkeeper - Melissa Swan, Volunteer Coordinator - Kaleah Bishop, House Manager - Blake Boxer Concessions Manager: Angela Lees; Concessions Staff: Marleena Pearson, Billy Ashe, Kambra Morris-Mitzner, Ronald Perko Custodian - Dave Diercks, Eric Herz, Lighting Director - Cody Owen, Volunteer Staff: Charles Peters, Poster Distribution - WOW Hall Poster Crew, CCPA Board of Directors: Chair: Robyn Kelly, Vice Chair: Mike DeLuise, Secretary: Kathleen Blair, Treasurer: Amy Sherwood, Members: Sam Harmon, Janelle Krinsky, Dan Nathan, John Henry Weber, Terri Wilson OREGON COUNTRY FAIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY The 2019 Oregon Country Fair will be held on Temperatures can vary during the public hours, but Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 12, 13 and 14. This you probably don’t want to carry everything for every year the OCF is celebrating its 50th Anniversary! eventuality around with you. Here’s a tip: wear your During the winter storms the WOW Hall/KLCC bathing suit under your street clothes and then when it Booth was hit by a tree and partly destroyed. The gets hot, leave the duds at the booth and stroll the Fair booth is now fully repaired and ready for business! in cool comfort! You can access your belongings Thank you Rainbow Valley Design & Construction and throughout the day. our crew of helpful helpers from KLCC and WOW With the Fair Family itself camped at times great Hall. walking distances from Main Stage, it might be worth During the Fair, the nonprofit Community Center a couple dollars (to a good cause) not to have to travel for the Performing Arts co-hosts the WOW Hall/KLCC back to the campsite several times a day. Bring in a Booth, located at the back of the Main Stage meadow. daypack and we’ll keep it handy. This “showpiece” booth was constructed in 2011 and You can also find out about upcoming shows and was designed by Scott Felsher of Rainbow Valley Design volunteer opportunities, pick up the WOW Hall Notes, & Construction. preorder merchandise, and become a supporting member The WOW Hall operates a pack check service of the Community Center for the Performing Arts. during public hours. You are welcome to bring your The WOW Hall booth is open during public hours, backpack, ice chest, costume, stroller or what have you 11:00 am through sweep. And in case you are to the booth and leave it there. For the nominal fee of wondering what goes on in the other half of the booth: $2, WOW Hall staff and volunteers will watch it for KLCC will be broadcasting the music from Main Stage you and make sure you get it back. on 89.7 FM all weekend! H 2 JULY-AUGUST 2019 WOW HALL NOTES FIND US ONLINE: WWW.WOWHALL.ORG Enjoy the Fair from anywhere! Courtesy of KLCC 89.7 Listen on 89.7 Listen Live or stream at July 12,13,14 klcc.org Main Stage & More Visit the KLCC/W.O.W. Hall Booth near THUNDERPUSSY ROCKS Main Stage! On Monday, July 22, the Somehow, I’m under her spell music for my whole life, you CCPA and University of Oregon when we’re performing—we all either have it, or you don’t,” Campus Radio 88.1 FM KWVA are.” Whitney leaves off. “If you find proudly welcome Thunderpussy “The truth is, I feel the same it, cultivate it, treat it like a wild to the WOW Hall along with way about Whitney, Leah, and animal, and tame that raw energy, special guests The Shaky Harlots. Ruby,” smiles Molly. “We’re all but not too much. That’s what What if Thor’s Hammer of in this together.” this is.” the Gods from “Immigrant Song” That unity drives the band’s landed in the hands of four wise, full-length debut Thunderpussy THE SHAKY HARLOTS willful and wild women? Well, it [Stardog Records/Republic Fronted by the ballsy vocals of would sound something like Records].