Wouldn’t Ya, Bearracuda?
BEARS R US: You know, I usually just offer an eyeroll to most circuit-party like big dance events that basically coral a bunch of like bodies into a space to drink and be merry. Though you would have just needed to do a half-spin to get that this was a special night (the above illustration speaks of the congenial, atypical crowd). Yes, Bearracuda, a new-to-town monthly night is probably just that as well, but there are some observational twists that differentiate it from the masses. First off, it wasn’t your typical PDX bar fair in terms of music (ala Cher, etc.), the local DJs (Rude Dudes and Sam Storicks) had a more warehousy flavor ala in-situ last night. There was this slight ravesque edge, just embodied (and I mean that pluralistically speaking as well) by mucho furry faced frolickers ranging in age from 20s through 60s, many familiar faces that sort of made the virtuality of Bear411 come alive. OK, perhaps this not my typical blog, but in so many ways, even being akin to many of the participants out and about in the former loft of the old B-Side techno club (yes, Autechre and Plaid played there, not to mention Daniel Menche…), it was an odd/exciting social role-reversal. And my first time to such a thing in about six or seven years. It was fun to see some folk backdated to my Soundvision days in ‘03, as well as the proceeding years. The vibe was made good by the Bay Area-based organizers and even though it was part prom night (always some at least low-key dynamics going on) the DJ played on into the wee hours among the SE industrial district, the rattle of the train and the hum of the Autumn air. Oh, and I think they even had complimentary Voodoo Doughnut out back.
Tags: Autechre, Bear411, Bearracuda, Rotture, Rude Dudes, Sam Storicks, Voodoo Doughnut
October 18th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
There was a distinct community vibe last night at Bearracuda that was at once very friendly in a furry kind of way, and very sexy. Some familiar faces and new and welcome faces from the local area and from beyond were there. But comradery in a bear universe kind of way was very distinct and I loved it….. Can’t wait for the next one.
October 18th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
i have one question, why do we as a (bear) community have dances, and barely one percent of the attendees even bother to get out on the dance floor? afraid to burn some calories? afraid you might drop a pound or two? i hear so many default responses “oh i’m waiting to hear a song i can dance to”, or “i havent had that much to drink… yet!”. this to me is disheartening. why even bother having a DANCE if no one is going to rise to the occasion and do just that. otherwise, it was a good night, a nice collection of furries. it was good to connect w some new and familiar faces… but somehow i missed you, rumor has it you were out back by the voodoo doughnuts! LOL
October 19th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
It is so good to hear that Cher vinyl never touched a needle…coming from you TJ, it sounds like the music was good. What a relief. The Bear community is much more progressive than that…right? I think I’ll go next time just to prove it…if they play ‘I Believe in Love’, I’m outta there………………
October 24th, 2009 at 2:51 am
I have that pair of underwear, crazy. Sounds like a lot of fun. I need to go next time.