Memorial Day Weekend Events You Won’t Do Because It’s Raining

Yep – day 5+ of non-stop rain. Should make for nice soggy BBQs this weekend. (Soggy BBQ sounds like a band name, doesn’t it?) In addition to the lame “hip hop artist” with the same name as our state performing at whack attack Tabu tonight (she hit the flo’, next thing you kno’, low, low, low, barf, barf, barf), there is plenty going down in our swampy city this holiday weekend.

Music Never Forgets tonight at Sky60 (weather permitting, of course) with MOT, Spear and Huggy.



I’m guessing this one may be canceled. If so, check out Nigel and Gomez at Crooked Bayou instead.

Tomorrow during the day, there’s a special event that has somehow managed to pair beer tasting with couch racing. Not really sure what that’s all about but it sounds interesting.



If skateboards and artwork are your thing, check out Pushin’ VIII at Bold Hype tomorrow night. Over 30 local artists have decorated – you guessed it – skateboard decks for the show which will all be on display. Afterparty immediately following at Stardust with Mot and Johnny Five Mikes.



Another art party, False Alarm, will be taking place down at the warehouse space on west Central Ave featuring DJs Cub and Mo.



Haven’t really seen anything for Sunday yet except for a drunken crawfish boil which is sure to be full of drunken frat boys. I’m sure you can find a soggy BBQ here or there. Have a nice holiday!

A Wet Wednesday

Oh, Orlando. It seems as if the feast or famine rule also applies to the weather. A drought for 3 months followed by torrential downpours for 3 days straight (and counting)? Why not spread these things out a bit??? It would make for happier residents.

Anyways, if the rain finally decides to stop, or if you can rock a pair of galoshes like nobody’s business, then wade your way to one of these parties tonight.

The almighty Rocksteady crew is taking on Brownsville tonight for Sound Clash Soul @ Peacock: Kittybat and Diddles vs. Nigel and ThinkDifferent. Serato will be in effect.


And it seems the monthly Good Look party has been moved from beloved Bikkuri Sushi. Why? According to a cryptic Facebook message, it seems Bikkuri has been violating city codes and has been shutdown indefinitely. So much for the secret venue with seizure-inducing disco lights (they were a cool photo backdrop, though). The new home of Good Look is The Beacon, which just doesn’t seem the same. Maybe it’s the frat boy-esque, “see and be seen” vibe that accompanies most of the restaurants in Thorton Park. Can the Good Look kids thrive in this kind of environment? We’ll find out tonight.

Happy Wednesday!

Silver Streak + Dolla's Solo Show + Awesome Afterparty + MC Chris

My apologies to all of you faithful DSO readers (hopefully there are some of you left) for slacking on updates. Last week I was in Fiji for work (aka relaxing in a villa with a private pool on a gorgeous private island resort) so I have been especially out of the loop. Did I mention I have the best job ever? I did? Okay... so yeah, the best job ever is taking up a lot of time and energy, which doesn’t leave much for this blog.

Anyhooooo... Here are some events going on this weekend:

Tonight at Peacock, you should check out Silver Streak. No, not the Gene Wilder / Richard Pryor movie, but rather a DJ trio consisting of Nigel, spaNk and Rhett Elliot. Peep their promotional video below.

Silver Streak May Dates! from Rhett Elliot on Vimeo.

Saturday night the most awesome local art gallery ever, Bold Hype, is having their first solo show featuring Dolla. Seen those smiling Buddhas around town, the ones that say Dolla Lama? Yeah, that’s him. He also has a promotional video – check it (promotional videos are the new black).

$TILL PAYIN' DUE$ from VЯL♳ on Vimeo.

Then over at Stardust, the official afterparty begins with Andrew Spear and yours truly. It’s going to be awesome, we promise.



Finally, instead of watching 60 Minutes and dreading the coming work week, wrap up your weekend by seeing MC Chris at The Social on Sunday night.



Have a fun weekend, kids!

Today Sure is a Good Friday, Huh?

I never could figure out why Christians call this day "Good Friday" when their favorite dude was crucified. I would think "Black Friday" would be more appropriate, but I guess that name was already taken by the post-Thanksgiving retail store hell. Anyways, here’s what’s going down this weekend:

Mr. Religulous himself, Bill Maher, is spitting his brand of religiously-offensively-awesome humor tonight at Hard Rock Live. I wonder what he has to say about Good Friday and Easter. If you want to find out, tickets start are a mere $55 + Ticketmaster fees. Ouch. Here he is with a penguin.



I have said before that Kittybat is the best DJ in Orlando, no question, hands down. I’m pretty sure it’s because he’s so damn versatile musically – in fact, he plays bass in a rock band called The Attack. They are playing the early show at The Social this evening along with Fake Problems and the River Boat Gamblers. Show starts at 5PM (yikes) and costs $12.



For a cheaper road, check out the Disco Disco party at Peacock Room with Latenight Society, Tard and Nigel. Don’t let the name fool you – not a drop of disco music will actually be played. I scoured the interwebs for a flyer, but all I could find was this video:

disco!disco!


Or, if tasty kid snacks and punk rock is your thing, check out the awesome all-girl band The Little Debbies over at Crooked Bayou. I was always a fan of the oatmeal creme pies.



And on to Saturday. Hipster favorite, Ratatat, will be playing at House of Blues. I don’t really have an opinion on them either way, but I do dig these Bjork and Kanye West Remixes.

Bjork - Wanderlust (Ratatat Mix).mp3

Kanye West - Get 'em High (Ratatat Remix).mp3



There’s also a Ratatat afterparty going down at The Social. This is the part where I would tell you who’s playing (I believe the aforementioned Kittybat is in the mix) but the social’s website is down at the moment, so I cannot fact check. Hopefully by the time you read this, it will be back up and you can get all the info for yourself.



And last, but certainly not least, we have The Empyres a band formed from ex-members of The Hatebombs, Fantasie and View-finder (and also Swami and the Salamis, if you remember them). They’ll be playing over at Peacock with Vanda.



If you believe in the Easter fairy tale, then have a nice one. If you don’t, have a kick-ass weekend anyway.

Prohibition Is Over! Now, Let's Drink!

December 5th is a big day in the history of drinking. Remember that time, back in the 20’s, when alcohol was illegal? Me neither. But today you can thank Utah for being the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, which canceled out that lousy 18th Amendment for those of you playing along at home. So this weekend, why not raise a glass to Utah -- something I doubt you will ever do again -- to celebrate this glorious date in history. Then get wasted in honor of it. Here are some options to help you out.

Tonight, kick off your drinking binge at Heritage Square with the Orlando Holiday Brew Fest. For the (mere) $25 admission fee, they promise food, entertainment and (obviously) lots and lots of beer.



The boys of Get Mental are back tonight at Sky60 after a month-long hiatus. Not sure if this weekly party is going to continue in the future, but they promise madness and mayhem tonight. The weather will be in the 50s, which is not cold, people. So don’t complain, throw on an extra layer and enjoy the un-humid, non-sticky evening outdoors. Password for free admission: Fuck Rent, Let’s Party.



First Friday means one thing at the Peacock Room - Mexican wrestlers. The holiday edition of Club Queso features the usual cast of characters: Q-Burns, Atnarko and Sleazy McQueen. Free CD to the first 50 people.



Also tonight, Taste will be hosting a benefit party for Syd Zed. I don’t know the guy personally, but he got injured on the job, was misdiagnosed, and is now dealing with all kinds of workers comp hell on top of his injuries. If you click the info website, you can see pretty horrific photos of his foot or just read more about how he is being fucked over by the man. Support him tonight, along with local bands Franchise, The Mondellos, Jim O'Rourke, Hot Hands, The Saved 666 and DJs Cub and Dirty Sneakers.



Or, if you just feel like catching a movie, the Enzian will be presenting Gremlins as part of Popcorn Flicks at Winter Park Central Park at 7PM.



On to Saturday! You may have heard about the party I am throwing, but just in case... join Miss Becky (that's me!), Nigel and Cub for The Non-Denominational Holiday Funfest at the Peacock Room. God, I love The Simpsons.



A little band called The Misfits are also performing at Firestone on Saturday night. I’m guessing if you want to go see them, you probably wouldn’t come to my party anyway. And, since I can never resist a Jem and the Holograms reference, “We are The Misfits. Our songs are better. We are The Misfits, The Misfits, and we’re gonna get her!”



Have a lovely weekend and don’t forget to get drunk -- after all, it’s your constitutional right as an American. Thank you, Utah!

The Non-Denominational Holiday Fun Fest!

That's right - we're throwing an all-inclusive party this weekend and you're invited. This Saturday at Peacock Room, join me, Nigel and Cub for our super duper holiday extravaganza. We'll be playing it all -- funk, soul, disco, hip hop, house, electro, 80's, 90's, and even some really bad holiday music. So join us as we wish you a merry Christmas, happy Chanukah, kwazy Kwanza, a tip-top Tet, and a solemn, dignified Ramadan.

Anti*Pop + Surrounded Art Show + Scorpios + Joe Jackson

And now for the weekend. As you read this, I’ll be exploring the exquisite Love Boat-esque city of Acapulco. Of course, there are a bajillion and one things going on in town while I’m gone... I’m pretty sure the universe does this on purpose. So if I happen to leave anything out, deal with it.

I’ve already posted about the Anti*Pop Music Festival this week, so go back and read that for a plethora of events happening this weekend.

Get Mental is on hiatus -- I think the last two weeks have been too insane for them and they need a break. The main event for tonight is Surrounded, a group art show featuring twelve of Orlando’s most talented artists, at the new Bold Hype Gallery next to Stardust Video. Artists on the roster include Dolla, Scott Scheidly, Andrew Spear, Charles Marklin, Johannah O'Donnell, Patrick Fatica and more. Check the flyer for full details.



When you’re ready to get your drink on, head over to Peacock Room to celebrate November birthdays with the 4th Annual Scorpio party with music provided by DJs Nigel and Spank. Doug Rhodehamel and Frank Barczak are celebrating their 40th birthdays and are officially over the hill.



I'm also showing my age a bit when I admit that I’m pretty bummed to be missing Joe Jackson at The Plaza Theatre but I guess I have to get over it.



As for the rest of the weekend, you’ll have to refer to my Anti*Pop post again because it’s late, I’m tired and I have to catch a flight in a few hours.

Hasta la vista!

This Weekend: Miami vs. Orlando

As you may have already read in Mel’s post earlier this week, Miami is the place to be this weekend: tonight Toxic Avenger and Franki Chan, tomorrow Crookers. But maybe you can’t just drop everything and gallivant down there. Maybe you’re super loyal to this town or just broke as a joke, like me. In any case, if you’re staying put in O-town, here are some options.

Ahhh, the old Knock Knock. Before the travesty of the worst-named club in town, Suite B, there was a dirty yet comfortable dive bar for all the outcasts and lushes to intermingle. I have very fond memories of getting kicked in the head by drunk girls on the swing -- fun times! Whether you’re old enough to remember the debauchery or young enough to wonder what the hype was about, come to Sky60 tonight to relive it all. Billy Dill, accurately described as the "ring leader of this obnoxious circus of drunkards," will be celebrating his birthday tonight and the old crew of DJs -- Ken Sherry, Gomez, Q-Burns, Spear and MOT -- will be on hand to help you remember the good ol’ days. Password for free admission is "Joyride."



If jazz sounds like it’s more up your alley, check out The Windham Group over at Peacock along with Nigel and Sef-1.



By now you probably have heard that Redlight Redlight has moved out of the fascist Winter Park regime and have opened a new location at 745 Bennett Road, on the outskirts of Baldwin Park and near the lovely club Roxy (ps... don’t ever go to Roxy). Saturday night beginning at 8 PM they will be hosting a release party for Thomas Hooker Beer from Connecticut. Included on tap will be Hooker Blonde Ale, IPA, Hooker Lager and Irish Red, so go support Redlight's new location and be the first in Florida to try awesome North-Eastern beer.



If you’re old enough to remember the former Knock Knock, then you’re probably old enough to remember a hippie electronic band called Dubtribe Sound System. The male portion of the duo, Sunshine Jones, will be performing live, along with Buckner and Atnarko.



And Sunday, Sunday, Sunday is the day! Since the weather is so friggin beautiful, there will be another Beer Bomb Bike Tour starting at 3 PM at 903 Mills Market. Unconfirmed stops (may) include Dandelion, Wills, Wallys, Big Daddys, RedlightRedlight and will wrap up at Colonial Lanes in time for Rockstar Bowling. Bikes + Booze = <3.



Finally, if you’re still standing after all the beer and bike action, head over to Tanquerays for K-G and the Band. Check the full Blow Sundays' November schedule.



Whether you're in Miami, Orlando or Timbuktu, have an awesome and safe weekend!

DJ SPS + Isaac Hayes Tribute + Swingers

Second Place Sucks, ya'll.
Those in the mood for cuts and scratches -- no, not from a bar fight or your pissed-off girlfriend, but of the DJ variety -- should (hip) hop over to The Social where Phat-N-Jazzy's special guest will be 2008 DMC USA Supremacy Champion, DJ SPS.



Hot Buttered Soul
At The Peacock Room, DJs Nigel and Saint Christopher will be hosting a very special tribute party for Black Moses himself, Isaac Hayes. Believe it or not, his music extends far beyond anything from Shaft or Chef's Chocolate Salty Balls and these guys are ready to take you through his legacy.



Vegas, Baby. Vegas.
Also playing tonight at the Enzian Theater is Swingers, the cult classic and prequel to Made. Catch it again on the big screen and see if they say "that's money" a lot this time (hint: they will).

Blue Meanies + Cub and Nigel

Take lots of drugs and head over to the Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar for their Tuesday music movie night: tonight, they'll be featuring the creepiest Beatles movie (AND worst song) ever: Yellow Submarine. Yes, Magical Mystery Tour was also pretty weird... but don't worry, they're showing that one on August 26th.

After the movie, head over to The Peacock Room where my boys Cub and Nigel will be bringing the funk. Not even an achilles tendon injury could stop them!!!! Check out their movie to promote the night:

Friday is in the house

It's finally effing Friday -- you know what that means!!!



Yes, I put myself first because I'm allowed to do that :) But if you're interested in other happenings about town, here are a few.



The original 'Street Players' themselves, Chicago, are performing at Hard Rock Live but if you didn't buy tickets yet, you are out of luck -- the show has been sold out for months. I love, love, LOVE Chicago, but without Peter Cetera??? Meh.



If you feel like getting down to "driving in the car with Dad" music, Little River Band is playing at the House of Blues. This is most certainly where I would be if I wasn't DJing, to join the drunken older folks in a round of "Have you heard about the lonesome loser... he's a loser but he still keeps on trrrrryyyyyyiiiiinnnggggg!!!"



Tonight at Copper Rocket (which is right down the street from The Peacock Room -- did I mention I am DJing there???) you can catch drums-and-piano duo Los Diggaz. These guys are amazing and have enough musical knowledge to cover both of the aforementioned bands in their awesomely funny lounge slash comedy act.

But, seriously, you really should just come see me and Nigel :)

Don't want to drive to see Radiohead? Shipyard to the rescue!

If you're going to see Radiohead this coming Tuesday at the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa but don't want to deal with the hassle of driving an hour and a half, paying for parking, having an unfortunate designated driver and trudging home after the show, you're in luck! For $25 you can snag a seat on the Shipyard Bus that will be departing from Crooked Bayou at 5:00 PM. And with Shipyard as your chauffeur, you can enjoy complimentary adult beverages the whole way. For more info and to reserve your coveted seat, visit the Beer Bomb Myspace page.

And don't forget about tomorrow night!!! Me and Nigel will be bringing the funk to The Peacock Room so be there!!!



Best flyer ever. \m/

Excuse me, stewardess! I speak jive!

Tonight at the Enzian Theater, you can catch the cult classic Airplane! for only five bucks!!! Recite all the lines with other nerds just like you while eating awesome food and getting drunk! What could be better than that??? The only showing will be at 9:30 and you should probably buy your tickets ahead of time -- these things tend to sell out.

Jive ass dude don't got no brains anyhow!

And speaking of Jive talking:



Check my mad Photoshop skills, eh??? That's right - this Friday I will be spinning with DJ Nigel at The Peacock Room and you should be there because this flyer rules the planet. Word :)

Wet BBQ + Art Opening + Lismore again

The BBQ at Etoile yesterday was amazing! The tarps shielded us from the pouring rain (sort of) and it was one of the most fun dance parties ever, thanks to Kittybat, Diddles and MOT. I love when DJs go all over the board and these guys tore it apart -- hip hop, disco, funk, soul, 80's, 90's, indie, mashups... unreal. Huge thanks to Katie Reynolds for throwing such a great customer appreciation party. We <3 Etoile!


And now on to tonight's festivities. The Peacock Room is hosting the artists' reception for the group show Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World from 8 - 11 PM. The show features works from Terribly Odd, Horsebites, Cathey Miller, Adriaan Mol, Mania, Robt, and Moore. Music will be provided by DJs Nigel and Cub.


After getting your drink on at Peacock, head over to Crush at BackBooth to get your second fix of Lismore. See them for free by getting on the Crush guest list. Mondays are usually insanely packed at BB, so get there early. Or, if you get there late, you can always chuckle at the paradox of the hipster entrance line at BackBooth vs. the homey entrance line waiting to get into the club next door.

Don't judge the party by its horrible flyer

The party at Crooked Bayou on Saturday was totally dope. Here's what I remember: Stoli, tater tots, Irish car bombs, break dancers ruining the dance floor, Jaeger, playing awesome late 80's-early 90's hip hop from 2 am 'til close, Irish car bombs, Armand Van Helden's remix of Hustler by SMD, K.I.M. is totally sick, One Thing Leads to Another by The Fixx could quite possibly be the best song ever made, and Jaeger.

Tonight the amateur Irish antics will continue to ensue (we <3 green beads!) and I would suggest going to The Peacock Room to see DJ Nigel and Think Different.



Note: this is the worst flyer ever -- sorry.

Here's the Armand remix of Hustler to make up for it.
Simian Mobile Disco - Hustler (Armand Van Helden remix).mp3

Today Does Not Exist

Whatever you do today won't matter, since today is The Day That Doesn't Exist -- and the Orlando Sentinel's Kelly Fitzpatrick has highlighted our awesome party in her column today.

As you may know, today is a special day that only happens once every four years, or as The Peacock Room in Orlando refers to it, "The Day that Doesn't Exist." We won't get into the semantics on that statement; needless to say they're throwing a party, and you're invited.

Word. You know the drill -- Peacock Room, tonight, be there!!!