Sep 28, 2008

Rock in the kitchen? Lost in the Supermarket: The Indie Rock Cookbook gets lost in translation

published in Venus Zine on 9/26/08

Melding food and Fenders, authors Kay Bozich Owens and Lynn Owens share a collection of their favorite bands' recipes in their book, Lost in the Supermarket, investigating what they eat and why. The concept is irresistible to those who feel as passionate about food as they do about music. Unfortunately, though the book mimics a cookbook in format, it relies heavily on the prestige of featured bands instead of serving as a culinary guide.

The book has an impressive line-up of notable bands — Sonic Youth, Animal Collective, Genesis P-Orridge, and Belle and Sebastian — making it a natural draw for any music fan. And though there is no claim of idol worship, the book's organization prioritizes a band’s reputation over culinary merit. The problem with this approach for a cookbook is that not all musicians are epicureans, or necessarily have a special relationship with food.

In this day and age, when both bands and cooking are the basis of hip, exclusive coteries, an indie rock cookbook seems like a hushed invitation into the intimate off-hours in a band’s life; the same intrigue that helped foster the popularity of MTV Cribs. The difference between Cribs and Lost in the Supermarket is that voyeurism may be suitable for an hour of cable television, but not when investing in a cookbook. Mainly, the Owenses do not convince the reader why she should try or even care about these recipes.

The book’s recipes often focus on the history of the band as opposed to their connection with the food, with a few snarky submissions, like Xiu Xiu’s “Tofu”: a self-explanatory wash-and-eat recipe without any direct commentary from the band; and Japanther’s “Ultra Healthy Hot Dog”: a peanut butter and banana sandwich. This isn’t to say that all of the recipes sound unappealing or have an ironic tone. Brian Viglione from the Dresden Dolls offers a home recipe for pasta sauce and an anecdote about its history in his family, while the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players share a “Good Morning Bread” recipe and a description of life in New York’s East Village — the type of intriguing entries that would have been an excellent focus for the cookbook.

Trying to cram too many good ideas into one book, or possibly facing a lack of compliance or interest on behalf of the bands, the Owens' project leaves much to be desired. Perhaps there are musicians who are good cooks or have a special relationship with food, but the Owenses had obvious difficulty finding them. And while many of these bands might be lost in the supermarket when it comes to cooking, the point of a cookbook is to make sure the reader isn’t.



ABOUT THE BOOK
Lost in the Supermarket: The Indie Rock Cookbook (Soft Skull Press)
By Kay Bozich Owens and Lynn Owens
192 pages
$17.95


Read the article here.

Sep 22, 2008

Carly Fisher loves the Black Cab Sessions

staff favorite for Venus Zine published on 9/22/08

At least two people recently asked me if I had been on Taxicab Confessions coked out of my mind in the backseat with a random dude. If anyone saw this episode, I’d like to clarify it wasn’t me. However, the bands on blackcabconfessions.com are readily identifiable and significantly less embarrassing, using a back of a taxi cab as a venue for an acoustic gig on the go. Notable indie acts such as Lykke Li, the Futureheads, the New Pornographers, and Spoon, are a few of the contributors to the project. Having just hit its 50th session in July 2008, the project is still truckin’ — er, cabbing.

Read the article here.

Sep 18, 2008

Carnitas El Paisa

commissioned for Centerstage, publishing date TBA

According to restaurant owner Atendidos por Barbarita, Carnitas El Paisa roughly translates to “meats, my friend,” which is essentially what you get at this authentic Mexican eatery — lots of it. And by “authentic,” we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill taqueria. Carnitas El Paisa does offer a small selection of your average tacos, tortas and burritos, but patrons know to come in for the carnitas, chicharron and barbacoa. Unfortunately, Barbarita says most people who are not Mexican have no idea what the items are.

For the authentic Mexican food novice, here’s what to expect: most noticeably are the massive crispy pieces of deep-fried pork belly, which great customers as they walk in called chicharron. Then there are the carnitas, which are juicy pieces of pork that have been marinated for several hours, and barbacoa, which is steamed beef or goat. All dishes are available as entrees with rice, beans and tortillas for $9-$9.50, or sold by the pound. Unsurprisingly, vegetarians are looking at yet another rice-‘n’-beans or cactus salad night.

With only six or seven items featured, Carnitas El Paisa is deceptively simple. Barbarita says she will put in about seven hours of prep work on Friday and Saturday mornings as early as 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. and sometimes more depending on special orders. Despite a spacious and charming dining room, the restaurant is often quieter than one might expect. The reason being that business thrives on carry-out as opposed to dine-in, which is mainly how the restaurant manages to close as early as 6 p.m. on weeknights and 8 p.m. on the weekend. Although not nearly as popular as lunch or dinner, early risers can also stop in Carnitas El Paisa for breakfast — authentic Mexican, of course. “We serve breakfast,” Barbarita says. “But no pancakes.”

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; closed Tuesday

Latin American Restaurant and Lounge

commissioned for Centerstage, publishing date TBA

And yet another contender enters the fight for the title of "Oldest Authentic Puerto Rican Restaurant in Humboldt Park." Opened in 1958, Latin American Restaurant and Lounge certainly has the age to back the claim from current owner Jaime Cruz. Whether or not the restaurant wins the title, it certainly has the sustained long enough to make it a neighborhood staple.

Family is a key component of the restaurant. Cruz inherited the restaurant from his uncle, who founded the restaurant in hopes of bringing family-sized home-style Puerto Rican recipes from his kitchen to the neighborhood table. Despite the notable presence of a pool table and bar that takes up a good half of the restaurant, the atmosphere caters to families with children for dinner time and then casually transcends into a sports bar by late evening.

As far as Latin American cuisine, you're looking at a predominantly Puerto Rican menu — mostly in Spanish — with a few Mexican and American dinner items scattered among the entrees. Vegetarian options are essentially non-existent, so it's safe to say that nothing is vegan either— bad news for the herbivores. Likewise, if you're counting points for Weight Watchers, you might as well break your fast, assuming that everything you are ordering is fried. For the rest of you oil loving meat eaters, if you're totally clueless when it comes to Puerto Rican fare, it's best to start with the steak jibarito (plantain sandwich) with rice for $6.25, or the Chuletas Kan Kan (roast pork) paired with a side of plantain chips or mashed plantains for $9.95. Desserts are only $2.00, so you won't break the bank by tacking on flan or tembleque (Puerto Rican coconut pudding).

Cruz says to expect programs like Monday night football specials and Friday night karaoke to start appearing within the next few weeks, where families are welcome to ditch the babysitter and bring the kiddies. Then again, family restaurants aren’t for everyone, which is why the restaurant also offers the convenience of delivery.

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun-Thu, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri-Sat

Carly Fisher loves Boat Club

staff favorite for Venus Zine published 9/3/08

The problem with an amazing EP is the 10 to 28 minute length tends to leave an unsatisfied craving for more. After being whisked away by Boat Club's dreamy, nautical synths and then awaking to the harsh reality of your constrictive day job, you might find yourself upset that your mental vacation was cut to an EP length. Airy and electronic with retro-inspired beats, the Swedish group's aptly titled and highly underrated 2007 release Caught the Breeze has been on heavy rotation on my iTunes for some time now. When are we gonna see a full release, Boat Club?

Read the article here.

Sep 2, 2008

Caught on tape

published in Venus Zine's 2008 Fall issue

Back when the portable audio standard was the Walkman, a meticulously planned mixtape was the ultimate token of showing that special someone you truly care. Cassettefrommyex.com dusts off old mixtapes and shares the intimate stories behind the plastic from awkward first dates to summers filled with Faith No More, Patty Loveless, and Digable Planets.

The concept is a natural transition for Jason Bitner, co-creator of Cassettefrommyex.com. Bitner formerly worked at FOUND Magazine, which publishes lost-and-found letters and scribbles, providing readers with a vague look into a stranger’s life. For Cassettefrommyex.com, Bitner and his production crew launced the site in March by inviting their creative type friends to write narratives about mixtapes from their ex-boyfriends and girlfriends.

“I was rummaging around in my basement a few months ago when I happened upon a relic of my teen years: Music To Soak Your Toe To,” Bitner says. “This mixtape, compiled for me by my then-girlfriend Kate, stayed with me for 17 years. I knew that if I had kept an old mixtape that most everyone must have one in a dusty shoebox somewhere.”

Stand-out “ex” stories include Magnetic Fields’ Claudia Gonson waxing nostalgic about her high school sweetheart and Dave Nadelberg, author of the MORTIFIED project, a cringe-worthy collection of teenage diary entries. Nadelberg recites an anecdote about an aptly titled “Obliteration” mix from a short-lived fling: “We were at a rave in Ithaca, New York. I was drunk-ish. She was stoned-ish. Despite our inebriated vision, it was lust at first sight-ish.”

Reader of the Week: Abby Schwartz

published in Venus Zine on 9/1/08

Abby Schwartz is leading something of a double life. By day, Schwartz works as a coordinator for the San Diego LGBT Community Center, planning events and referring LGBT women and allies to queer friendly health care services. After hours, Schwartz transforms into budding feminist rap persona MC Flow, busting rhymes alongside big acts like Yo Majesty, T.I., and Clipse, and winning a 2007 San Diego Music Award in the “Best Hip-Hop” category. Schwartz talks here about the challenges she’s faced in becoming a fly femcee, and shows her love for Venus Zine with a few rhymes.

How did MC Flow develop?

I wrote poetry and did spoken word for many years before I started rapping. I hosted an open mic for women in San Diego called Siren for a number of years where I met a lot of local musicians. A few of my closest friends and I decided to put some of my poetry and newly written raps to music. Over time, my band mate Taylor and I got more serious about the project. She put down her guitar and started writing beats, and from there things just took off. We later hooked up with our dancer, GG, and our DJ, Rob Fayder, completing the band. I couldn’t think of a funnier, simpler name for a feminist rapper than MC Flow. I think I had just finished reading Inga Muscio’s book Cunt for the tenth time when I named myself that.

What was your first show like?
My first show was probably embarrassing! I think I wore baggy track pants and an extra large T-shirt, and tried to be the picture of what I thought a rapper should look like. The best lesson I ever learned was just to be myself. Trying to pass myself as gangsta is ridiculous — I’m a Jewish lesbian from Westchester!

How have you evolved as a rapper?

I think I’ve evolved a lot as a performer. I’m a lot more comfortable and confident on stage than I used to be. I have learned to just have fun with it.

What challenges have you had to face being a female rapper?

I’ve faced my share of challenges. I’ve had guys come up to me after shows and ask, “So who writes your raps?” when I write my own lyrics. I’ve had male critics make comments that I get press coverage in San Diego by sucking dick — which is ridiculous, because I’m gay! But I also think being female helps me stand out in my genre. There aren’t many other white chicks that can spit it like I can.

Will you write me something?
Venus Zine, the dopest mag
I read you when I’m on the rag
Feminism’s my affliction
So I better get a fat subscription!

Read the article here.

Aug 26, 2008

Reader of the Week: Bernyce Talley

published in Venus Zine on 8/11/08

Aspirations of becoming a professional comic book artist are often knocked aside as just a pipe dream. But Venus Zine reader Berynce Talley is making her dream a reality. At only 25, Talley has started her own business and published seven books. When she is not teaching art at a non-profit in Los Angeles, she’s busy working on her forthcoming graphic novel, Coffee Cake. Talley takes a break from her carpal tunnel-inducing work to talk about making it in the sequential art world.

How long have you been making comics?

I have been making comics since 2003. Nubian Queen Comics is my self-publishing business. I can't quite quit my day job and work on it full-time, but it's a business of passion. I love what I do, I just wish I could get up every morning and do this full time.

What sort of issues do you address in your comics?

Coffee Cake is an autobiographical graphic novel in the works about my years attending a black college in Georgia. I wanted to show the humor, culture clash, and the struggle to find myself as an individual and black woman. Le Menagerie is my first superhero comic that deals with Africa and Black America, and then there is my pride and joy, La La Land, which is a little zine that shows the struggles of holding down a job, yo-yo diets, dating, sex, and the everyday bout of living in Los Angeles.

What is most challenging about being an artist?

Getting my work out there. I'm always trying to promote myself through blogs, MySpace, conventions, and art shows, networking and hobnobbing with people to get connections and take the next step. I'm hoping my graphic novel will be the launching pad for my drawing and comic career.

Do you wish there was more female representation of comic book artists?
There are a lot of women that make comics out there who are gaining ground in the sequential art world like Becky Cloonan, Jessica Abel, Hope Larson, and Erica Moen. I am involved with an organization that specializes in African American women in comics called the Ormes Society, named after Jackie Ormes, the popular black cartoonist from the ‘50s. We are a small society of unrecognized artists trying to gain recognition from the comics community for our contributions to the art form.

I'm hoping to attract more young African American women and men to my comics. I want people to see things from a minority perspective — that there is someone out there who wants to tell a story about what goes on within our culture beyond the musings of television and music.

Any advice for the budding comic book artist?

If you want to get into comics, don't just sit on your thumbs — grab a pencil and start writing and drawing. You can make zines in your living room or shell out cash for a big publication. Look for any venue to sell your comics. People will respond, just get them excited. I will be at the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco on November 1-2. Come by the Nubian Queen Comics table and chat with me!



Check out Talley’s work at her blog at nubianqueen08.livejournal.com.

Read the article here.

Aug 21, 2008

Bice Bistro

published at Centerstage.net on 8/25/08

Bice Bistro at the Talbott Hotel
20 E. Delaware Pl.
(312) 944-4970
www.bicechicago.com

If you're looking for traditional Italian fare and upscale lodgings in the River North neighborhood, but don't mind tacking on inevitable valet costs or taking public transit, then Bice Bistro might be a good choice for you. Located inside the ritzy Talbott Hotel, a stone's throw away from the Viagra Triangle, an upscale look is to be expected. Yet, Bice Bistro manages to keep prices reasonable, with entrees ranging $10.95-$21.95.

Smaller than its sister, Bice Ristorante, the bistro manages to shine on its own with some original menu items. The Salmone alla Sicliana in Cartoccio is one of the more commonly ordered menu items featuring baked salmon in parchment paper with black olives, capers and vegetables ($19.95). While the two restaurants do not have a Marsha-Jan relationship, Bice Bistro does take after its sister with a few family recipes such as the Funghi Risotto with wild mushrooms and saffron ($15.95). Why mess with a good thing? If you have the appetite and dough for some dessert (pun entirely intended), you can't go wrong with tiramisu ($7.75) or the decadent Cioccolatissimo chocolate souffle with vanilla gelato ($8.50).

Although the hotel lobby space is limited, Bice creates a spacious atmosphere with a wall-to-wall mirror. A handsome mahogany bar centers the intimately sized dining room, inspired with fine Italian accents to create a clubby ambiance. If you don't like inhaling exhaust, but would still like to spend your meal people watching, Bice opens its tavern to the less trafficked Delaware Pl. during the warmer months of the year. And though Bice claims their dress is casual, just try to have a little class when you come in. This isn't the Olive Garden.

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-10p.m. daily

Read the article here.

Jul 28, 2008

Reader of the Week: Em Ledger

published in VenusZine.com on 7/28/08

For the past year, Em Ledger has been building a thriving riot grrl community from the bottom up in Sheffield, UK. Taking influence from nearby grrl collectives such as Manifesta in Leeds and Female Trouble in Manchester, Ledger and friends decided to start their own group by throwing together DIY showcases for musicians and artists. Ledger talks here about how she was able to start her own collective and how you can do it, too.

That's so awesome you have a riot grrl collective! Tell me about your group, Lola and the Cartwheels.
The whole project really started from a real lack of positive grrl events and attitude. I was sick of going to the same indie clubs with the meat market atmosphere and ego-fests. I just wanted to create a safe and fun atmosphere for like-minded people who wanted to collaborate.

We work alone in the events we do but are part of a network called Riot Grrrl North UK that supports touring bands to help them get as much shows and exposure as possible. There are six core members of the group, who ensure the organization, publicity, and general maintenance of the group, and then a whole bunch of people who come together and get involved, which is exactly what we love about this scene.

What does the group do?

Lola was born June 2007 when we put on our first show with some friends. We then went on to set up a monthly showcase of grrl and queer musicians and artists called “Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases,” which featured bands, craft stalls, a zine distro, and a club night afterwards with resident and guest DJs.

We had a regular venue at the Redhouse in Sheffield where we hosted all our events for the first year of Lola, but our club night just finished. Now we are concentrating on some new projects and sourcing a new venue as our usual one is experiencing financial difficulty. This year, we're looking to showcase film screenings, zine and craft workshops, and other community events.

What are some cool things the group has done?
A year ago we never thought we'd get to do half the things we have. We were included in the riot grrl book Revolution Girl Style Now. We put on a show with Partyline and got to meet our idol, Allison Wolfe. Allison was great; she was down to earth and inspiring. It was refreshing to see someone who still has passion and drive after so many years.

We managed to book them through the Riot Grrrl UK network. As soon as one person hears of a touring band, they'll let the band know there are several other collectives around the country, and usually they e-mail with all their dates and we let them know if we can help out. We'd encourage anyone to give it a go — start off small and see where it leads. Put out fliers in your area and see who responds. Maybe you'll meet some new best friends, band members, etc!

How can people get involved?

We're always looking for new projects, ideas, touring bands and artists, and people of all kinds. If you wanna get involved, suggest ideas, play a show, or send us your zine, you can contact us on our MySpace page, MySpace.com/lolaandthecartwheelssheff, email us at lolaandthecartwheelssheff@hotmail.co.uk, or join our Facebook group!



Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Candice Wing Yee Mack

published in VenusZine.com on 7/21/08

From the rough-and-tumble stacks of the Los Angeles Public Library, Candice Wing-Yee Mack is a 4-foot-10 library card–swingin’, information cowgirl. In addition to being a proud bookworm and teen services librarian, she’s also a culture vixen with her own weekly Web radio show. Wing-Yee Mack talks here about the secret lives of tiny librarians and getting kids hooked on books.

Are there enough tiny librarians to form a collective and/or army?
It's fabulous being a tiny librarian! I get the opportunity to work with a huge variety of people and answer a huge variety of questions. The diversity is what makes it fun and challenging. The tiny librarian collective is coming to an information center near you soon, if we're not already there. We lurk on a bevy of online answer services like Yahoo! Answers, ChaCha, Wikipedia, AskNow, Ask A Librarian, etc.

There has to be more to the job than shushing youngsters and telling them to use the online card catalog. Tell me something awesome that’s happened on the job.
A few months ago, on Free Comic Book Day, I saw a teen wearing a T-shirt with a bunch of comic book characters on it and asked if he wanted a gift bag. We got to talking, and it turns out he wasn't really into comic books (he said the shirt had been given to him as a gag gift), but that he was interested in the graphic novel, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.

For those who are not familiar with the book, it is Bechdel's autobiography about growing up, coming out, and discovering after his death that her father was secretly gay. We didn't carry the book at my library, but I happened to have my own copy at my desk because I was going to donate it to my branch. I ended up loaning the teen my personal copy of the book. A few weeks later, when he returned it, he told me how much he enjoyed the book and how he and Bechdel had been e-mailing back and forth. This is just one example of why I love my job and how libraries can impact people's lives.

Tell me more about yourself. What are your off hours like?

I love learning new things and having a good time, so I tend to haunt foodie blogs and sites like yelp and citysearch to learn about the new places to eat and hang out. As a teen services librarian, I need to keep up on pop culture — that, and I love pop culture in general — so, I watch a lot of TV and films, listen to all types of music, and go to concerts and clubs. I also do a show on the community-based Internet radio station imradionetwork.org on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.



Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Marjorie Perry

published in VenusZine.com on 7/14/08

When she decided to shave her head, Marjorie Perry said she just bit the bullet one day and went to Supercuts. That’s it. But for Perry, going with the flow seems to be her M.O. From living in a foreign country to living in her own country without electricity, the 22-year-old is naturally inclined to living life in the moment. The rental clerk at That’s Rentertainment, the last locally owned video store in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, talks here about killing with kindness, living without electricity, and how to eat sea urchin.

What have you been up to?
I guess the most newsworthy thing I've done is the Hug-In. A friend of mine was attacked last semester as he was walking home one night because he was perceived as gay. I wanted to do something really positive in retaliation — a kill them with kindness thing. So, a bunch of us queers took over the same bar-strip space of the campus where he was attacked on a Friday night, and handed out hugs, flowers, balloons, and candy. I organized it, but I had a lot of help. I thought it was really successful because I wanted to get the word out about what happened, since my school really did not address it. I really want to do it next year even bigger and better.

You mentioned in your email you’ve been living without electricity for awhile. How have you been managing to function?

I've been going without electricity since the semester ended — so, about 2 months? I have another month to go, but it's not even an issue any more. I am pretty ecstatic to move into my new apartment though. I know it's going to feel like moving into the Hilton. I will definitely appreciate the things the first world takes as a given: hot showers, reliable power, and modern refrigeration.

You're quite the trooper — and also quite the traveler. What was it like living in Hong Kong for a year?
That was great. I'm kind of a foodie, and I got the chance to try some crazy stuff. I unwittingly ate congealed pig's blood — it was cubed up and put in a soup. I also ate live sea urchin. The lady chops the shell in half and you quickly suck out the inky, spongy inside.

A great perk of living in another country is the change of perspective on what is truly a worry or a problem. When I was living in Hong Kong, I had to figure out a lot on my own and how to work through different problems. So, when I came back, the problems I encountered at home were not so daunting.



Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Craig Hunter

published in VenusZine.com on 7/07/08

Multi-talented craftster and feminist Craig Hunter is a busy dude. Having just moved across country from Houston, Hunter has found a niche within the Brooklyn indie community as his DIY Web site Cubist Literature continues to grow. His interest in women’s literature has fostered the progression of the site, which began as a solo music project and has since evolved into clothing, crafts, and blogging. Hunter talks here about his site, his heroes and how Le Tigre got away with his favorite sunglasses.

What are you currently doing with your bad self?

NOT birdwatching, I can tell you that. That's what I wanted to do when I was five years old. Instead, I run Cubist Literature (or C.Lit, if yr nasty), mostly designing t-shirts these days. Basically, it is a means of expressing myself creatively and artistically — and it also happens to be my full-time job!

Where did the name Cubist Literature come from?
The name came to me while I was home alone on a Saturday night, drinking whiskey and doing homework. I was reading Gertrude Stein for a literature by women course I was taking, and I started reading up on her and found that her style was called “cubist literature.” Think cubist art but made up with words. I felt akin to that name for some reason and that it would be an appropriate name for my solo music project. Gertrude Stein's work is definitely amazing and quite an experience. It's a bit intense and insane, too. That's why I like it.

On your site, you talk a bit about your heroes. Who are they and why are they your heroes?
My heroes are all women!: Miranda July, Kathleen Hanna, Kim Gordon, and Debbie Stoller. I have met Debbie Stoller, Kim Gordon (twice), and Kathleen Hanna — but that’s a story spanning two days and a pair of stolen sunglasses. I still haven't met Miranda July. One day, I hope.

Back up. What is this story about Kathleen Hanna and stolen sunglasses?

So, it was my first time seeing Le Tigre and because I was REALLY excited, I wanted to see both their Texas shows. At the Austin show I was up close at the front and I had been wearing these cool sunglasses. But because it was inside at a show and dark, I had them in my hand, waving them around, dancing to the music. Johanna Fateman was near me for some reason and saw me holding my glasses high up in the air, so she came closer and instead of touching my hand (which is what I thought she was going to do), she grabbed my sunglasses and put them on.

I didn't get upset, because I thought they'd just give them back after the show. During the last song, I ran outside and waited out back so that I could intercept and get my glasses back. But that didn't go down. Instead, JD used the sunglasses as a disguise to run back and forth between the tour buses.

Those thieves! What happened next?

OK, fast forward to the next day in Houston. I went to talk to a roadie about these STOLEN sunglasses (and plus I said I'd really like to meet Le Tigre, especially Kathleen Hanna, because their work and music meant a lot to me). The roadie said normally she'd see if she could get me on the tour bus to meet them, but they were busy getting dressed and ready for their set.

When Le Tigre got on stage that evening, the first thing I saw — I was in the front row again, of course — was Kathleen wearing my sunglasses! And after the first song, I yelled out (not angrily, though), "Hey, y'all stole my sunglasses!" And Kathleen came up and yelled back, smiling, "Nu-uh! You gave them to us!" And so that taunting with sunglasses went on the whole set.

I was determined to meet them this day, so during the second to last song, my sister Windy and I ran out to the side of the venue to wait for them. It took a little bit, but before long I saw the women exit the building and Kathleen said, "Oh, there he is. We found him."

She and Johanna came over to us and said, "Oh my God, you GAVE us these sunglasses! We didn't steal them from you." And by that time, I didn't even care about the glasses anymore. I was just too excited to meet Kathleen, so I said, "Forget about the glasses. You can keep them. I just have to tell you how much you guys mean to me and have influenced me." And we talked and Kathleen had heard from the roadie that I'd started a women's issues group at my small Catholic university and thought that was awesome.

So, did you ever get the sunglasses back?

Le Tigre mention the incident in their blog, but they got the end of the story wrong: they said I made them give the sunglasses back. Lies! I don't own them anymore.



Read the article here.

Jul 3, 2008

Reader of the Week: Jane Hanna

published in VenusZine.com on 6/30/08

In between marketing for alternative weekly newspaper Chicago Reader, ponying with her dance troupe, the Janes, and rocking out with her band, Vamplifier, Jane Hanna finds little time for anything else. The self-proclaimed “train wreck” takes a moment out of her busy schedule to talk about partying, cheeky mini skirts, and finding a niche for her band’s eclectic sound.

What does being a special events and promotions coordinator entail? What percentage of this profession involves partying?
I'm basically the entire marketing department and street team for the newspaper, with the help of my trusty assistant. We have a booth at most of the music festivals and other cool summer events around town, so I get to hang out at those for free. I organize things like the huge bash we threw at Martyrs' back in May 2008 to celebrate our first-ever “Best of Chicago Readers Poll.” But I'm usually too busy being obsessive about the details to actually party at my own parties. I sacrifice my enjoyment so that the guests can enjoy a smoothly run evening. Noble of me, isn't it?

How long have you been involved in the Chicago go-go's group, the Janes? What do you usually do at one of your shows?
I've only been dancing with the Janes for a few months. I got hooked on the go-go aerobics classes at The Flamenco Arts Center (taught by the leader of the Janes), which are so much better than going to the gym. But I have this terrible addiction to the stage, so the gals were nice enough to let me join the performance troupe once they realized I was probably going to start showing up at their gigs in costume anyway!

We do authentic ‘60s-style choreography to songs of the era and perform all over town at benefit shows, festivals, and special events. Sometimes bands will hire us to add a little something to their stage show and we'll improv a set. You really can't go wrong when a bunch of girls with white boots and big hair run up onstage. It just does something to people — they go crazy when we start ponying.

How many inches above the knee does your skirt have to be to participate?

The costumes are retro and cheeky, but nothing naughty sticks out. Although, at my very first gig, I had to borrow a dress from another Jane so I'd match the group, and she's a bit shorter than me (I'm the tallest Jane). Let's just say that the fringe hanging off the bottom hem was about a millimeter away from turning things into adult entertainment.

Tell me about your band, Vamplifier.

I play keyboards and sing some, but I'll be throwing in some guitar once I get a little further in my lessons. We have an eclectic sound, with a lot of different influences. Basically if David Bowie and Marc Bolan had been hanging around Stax Records, and Television walked in with the Clash and they all started jamming to the Doors, it'd be weird and loud. But kinda cool? Let's call us psychedelic, trashy, post-punk, garage pop. PTP-PGP. That sounds good. We're putting out a self-produced EP called Knife Techniques later this summer.

How do you balance your job, your go-go troupe, and your band in addition to your social life?
I don't, actually. I'm kind of a train wreck. But I'm happy. My boyfriend calms me down, my dog cracks me up, and I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I was any less over-booked.

Where can readers learn more about your projects?
Where else but MySpace? You can find the Janes schedule and booking info at myspace.com/thejanesgogo and Vamplifier's show info and CDs at myspace.com/vamplifier. You can also read the Reader online at chicagoreader.com.


Read the article here.

Jun 27, 2008

Indiegrrl conference strives to teach women about the music industry

published in VenusZine.com on 06/26/08

Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a seasoned professional, the First Annual 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference is a two-day, two-night rockin’ retreat for those looking to network, get on board with current trends in the music industry, and receive feedback from respected professionals in the trade.

The conference takes place August 21–24 at the Spencer Penn Center in Spencer, Virginia, featuring songwriting and performance critique rooms, showcase performances from members of Rockin’ Moms, Songsalive, and Females on Fire. The conference also features seminars on music industry issues in addition to workshops such as alternative guitar tunings with Gibson-endorsed solo guitarist Vicki Genfan and learning to book a tour with Robin Hinnant of Onlinegigs.

Indiegrrl organizer Vicki Blankenship says the event is intended to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and educate musicians within the indie community.

The conference kicks off with a buffet-style banquet featuring two keynote speakers: musician-actress Bonnie Bramlett and Molly Neuman, former Bratmobile member and current Donnas’ manager. “I’m planning on speaking about my path in the music business and the constant theme of independence and how it has been enhanced by my passion for women’s issues,” Neuman says. “I’m very excited about the opportunity to speak to women. I hope to share my commitment to women’s activism and independence in music.”

A full pass gains you access to all workshops, panels, the exhibit hall, and live performances and are $100 if purchased by July 31 or $125 at the door. Tickets for the Thursday night banquet with Bramlett and Neuman are an additional $30 and limited to 300 seats. Or if you just want to check out showcasing artists, general admission is only $10.

Banquet and conference tickets are available online at indiegrrl.com/2008conference.html.



For more information on 2008 Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference, check out indiegrrl.com/2008conference.html

Read the article here.

Carly Fisher loves embroidery cards from Sublime Stitching

published in VenusZine.com on 06/27/08

My family is notorious for sending cards for everything: holidays, thank you notes, thank you notes for thank you notes, "Thinking of you" cards, "Do you need any money? We worry constantly!" cards, etc. During a time when sending an e-card is cheaper and faster, receiving a letter that doesn't require payment is often more thoughtful—however, who needs the wasted paper? Sublime Stitching takes a utilitarian approach to a thoughtful card with their new embroidery cards that feature six 5" x 7" postcards in three adorable themes: Chinatown, Gnomes & Fairies, and Forest Friends. Each pattern comes on two cards for sharing patterns without parting with your favorites.

Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Melanie Barrows

published in VenusZine.com on 06/23/08

From Virginia to San Diego, Melanie Barrows has finally settled in the mid-coast and found a home at Chicago’s Second City as house manager. The improv comedy house launched the careers of dozens of skilled actors and comedians, including John Belushi, Billy Murray, Amy Sedaris, Steven Colbert, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell. Barrows talks here about her perilous journey to the Midwest, Second City’s most washed-up cast member, and her eclectic after-hours hobbies.

Okay, so who are you? How did you get here? Did you remember to bring your wallet?
I came to this slowly warming metropolis by driving my little red car in the midst of the winter through the most horrendous snowstorm ever! My wallet — well, that was not so full when I got here — but I still have it and it looks a lot better these days.

Who is Second City’s most washed-up cast member?

Wow, that question could probably lose me my job and then some. So my answer is: I don't believe Second City would have anyone washed up on their cast! They have a really good set of people on both the stages here — and a good group of women are working the shows now too. I especially like a couple of them, one in particular being Shelly Gossman on the main stage. Her precision onstage with improvisation is right on the money, and she can roll with the best of them!

On your MySpace page, you say that you "like sound of the glockenspiel, banjo, and melodica." What is your problem with "mainstream" instruments?

I have no problems with "mainstream" instruments per se; I just really love those instruments. I have been trying to teach myself to play the long-neck banjo, but it is a bit hard and I cannot seem to find anyone to sit down and teach me. The melodica is just a weird and awesome instrument — I mean, it’s a piano you play with the power of your wind! The glockenspiel is just a good word, and you can transport that damn thing with you anywhere!

Will you draw me a funny picture?

I will draw you a funny picture if you send me a picture of someone to draw! I will include some photos of my silly drawings, just to appease you though!

Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Kay Barrett

published in VenusZine.com on 06/17/08

Tell me about your current involvement in Filipina/o American politics. How does that tie in with your work with LGBTQ issues?
I'm dedicated to performance and facilitating workshops that entail LGBTQ, racism, and immigrant rights. Working with various organizations, we try to coalesce these aspects. I'm a believer of Audre Lorde's, "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives."

Like many QPOC (Queer People of Color), I had to struggle with being queer/trans, of color, an immigrant, low income, etc. all at once from an early age. It was only later that I discovered that the Philippines have a vital radical political history, but also a vibrant LGBTQ, anti-U.S. imperialism movement. LGBTQ people are affected in every facet of any community—Latin, Caribbean, first nations, and in my case, Filipino—although, there's denial about LGBTQ people in the Filipino solidarity communities here in the U.S. People want you to put in the sweat, but not talk about straight privilege, much like white feminism alienating experiences from women of color. Being Pinay and queer are intrinsic to my spirit—you can't separate that.

Being that poetry is your forte, how do you prepare for an open-mic night?
For the last few years, I have been performing solo and ensemble work nationally with Mango Tribe at theaters, universities, community organizations, etc., which demands a lot from me in a wonderful way. Since I am terrible at memorization (and always have been), I'm usually the nervous one who is mumbling to hirself behind the stage. Performances and workshops run all year, airport to airport, sometimes for special events like APIA (Asian/Pacific Islander American) heritage month or Pride Month, but mostly out of the basic need for APIA queer experiences to be told.

You seem to be involved in a lot of different projects and causes (Awesome!). But do you ever feel like you spread yourself thin with too many projects? How do you find the time to work with your LGBTQ caucus, Mango Tribe, open mics and having your work published (am I missing some other projects?!)?
Too many projects? Nahhh NEVER! Spread myself thin? Well, yes. All the time. It keeps me going and helps me build with powerful and fly people who believe in art for social change. I was born a busy kid. I've always enjoyed being an educator and working with youth too, but being on stage isn't enough work—I feel we can always do more.

My recent projects include: a contribution to 'Kicked Out' Anthology by Homofactus Press, a one queer show in the works, and a documentary about me entitled, Bring Your Fierce by Say It Loud Productions. Don't get me wrong; I am such a homebody. I like to grill, read, and kick it with my lovely partner and my handsome puppy. I make the time.

Read the article here.

Dirt cheap digs: how to spruce up your place on a budget

published in VenusZine.com on 06/03/08


Before and after: $15 yard sale fix up (Photo by Carly Fisher)

No matter how many times you’ve decorated, cleaned, or rearranged the furniture, it seems there’s always something missing in that quest to make a house a home. But when you’re changing the interior of your living room faster than you can pay the credit card bills, sometimes you have to get financially crafty. Venus Zine shares some tips to help you walk away with twice the items for half the price.

Hit up Craigslist

I know, I know, I’m beating a dead horse by advising people to use Craigslist, but I can't stress how convenient it is to find furnishings — sometimes brand-new, brand-name items — for half price. Before making a trip to another chain department store, check out Craigslist’s "free," "garage sales," and "furniture" categories. Much like the personals section, a lot of what’s listed is crap, but with patience, you could walk away with, say, a brand-new Brita faucet filter and replacement cartridge for $10 or two Ikea area rugs for the price of one (I did).

Take a walk
While Craigslist and online syndicates of your local paper serve as useful tools for locating garage sales, don’t forget that not everyone is computer savvy. Sometimes a simple walk around the block helps you find a treasure. You might discover an additional five garage sales or notice a cool desk someone has left out on the curb for garbage pickup. Besides, you might as well walk off any lingering seasonal depression.

As with most garage sales, going early is best if you plan on competing with other bargain hunters, so rise and shine to get moving around 10 a.m. when most sales start — Saturdays are often better than Sundays for finding the most sales. Find out what day your local garbage pickup is and take a stroll the afternoon or evening before for any last minute throw-aways.

Estate and moving sales
Estate and moving sales are the best for turning someone else's house into your own. As opposed to buying a $5 whisk at the store, you might find a whisk and four other items for the same price. Plus, the “everything must go” mentality gives you more bargaining power because sellers would rather make a couple bucks less than kick it to the curb. On the other hand, while you could very well come across antiques and original artwork, the prices for these items are often hit or miss — particularly if the sale is run by a professional company.

Local newspapers and estatesales.net are good sources for sales in your area in addition to finding out the names of local professional estate sale companies. Many of these companies let you to subscribe to mailing lists for press releases on upcoming sales.

Dollar stores
I bet you pass several dollar stores a day without stepping into one. Though the discount stores carry a lot of random stuff, you can often score all sorts of household accessories such as kitchenware, shower curtains, and closet organizers.

Can’t fit art into you budget but sick of looking at bare walls? The dollar store often has a selection of funky picture frames perfect for sticking in a collage or some cut-outs from the latest issue of Venus Zine (ahem). While my mother, a dollar-store regular, weened me on national discount havens such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General, a great way to find the best dollar stores in your area is checking out reviews on yelp.com.

Liquidation warehouses
Most urban areas have liquidation warehouses because, in addition to high business turnover, there is a lot of pressure within the hospitality market to keep up with the latest decorating trends. Make their trash becomes your gently used room fixture.

Chicago’s Cooper Used Hotel Furniture has complete rooms from national four- and five-star hotels such as the Mirage in Las Vegas or Hotel Allegro in Chicago, according to Marian Miles, the office manager. Find steals like a complete 12-piece bedroom set from $299 to $599. In Los Angeles, Hotel Surplus Outlet liquidates high-end antique-looking items from swanky stays like Casa Del Mar, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Buying in bulk might help you negotiate a better deal, so if you don’t need 20 chairs, try going with a group of friends and split the bounty.

If your city doesn’t have a liquidation warehouse, online outlets such as overstock.com and nationalwholesaleliquidators.com often have half-priced, brand-new items — sometimes with free shipping. Plus, user ratings allow you to gauge how well the item will hold up. If you have a competitive streak, liquidation.com has an eBay-esque bidding forum. Miles says Cooper’s is currently updating the company’s Web site so customers can shop at cooperhotelliquidation.com.

The waiting game
Fallen in love with a coffee table from Crate and Barrel but don’t have the dough to get them now? If you can hold out, you could save up to 70% by waiting until the latest trends become last season’s overstock and are sent to the clearance section and outlet stores for companies such as crateandbarrel.com/outlet, urbanoutfitters.com, westelm.com, and anthropologie.com to name a few.

While shopping online is convenient, rummaging on foot gives you the advantage of checking out multiple bargain bins at once at outlet malls, while also getting a healthy amount of exercise. outletbound.com/usa50.html is a great tool for finding outlet malls in your area.

Patience is key
Just like sifting through items at the local thrift store (also a great place to find dirt-cheap digs), you might not find what you want or need on the first try. Go with the mindset to have fun, and if you happen to land the perfect end table in the process, consider it an added bonus.


Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Jason Hoffman

published in VenusZine.com on 06/02/08

How long have you worked for Dr. Wax CDs and Records?

A little more than 10 years.

Do you ever slowly feel yourself turning into a John Cusack character (from the movie High Fidelity)?
Not really. John Cusack has a kind of handsome that I would describe as a fresh-faced-farm-boy-sort-of-Christopher-Reeve-by-way-of-Mr. Rogers handsome. I feel that I cultivate a more Barry White–esque funk with a touch of Levar Burton. Plus, I lick the decals!

Which part of that last question do you resent the most?
People always think I'm more like the Jack Black character! We all know that true love was on that Sticky Fingers record.

You work in a used record and video store, so tell me about your latest (and worst) finds.
We just found a pile of video CDs that have been sitting in a back room since the Clinton administration. I've been rocking Mindfield starring Michael Ironside to cure my long winter blues. But it's in Thai, so I know I'm missing something.

Who do you have a crush on? Where would you go on your dream date with aforementioned crush?
I'm brutality torn between Lieutenant Starbuck and Bob Saget! Our three-way date would involve Champagne, cake, and Battlestar Galactica. Lots of it.


Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Angelica Negron

published in VenusZine.com on 05/26/08

Why did you move to the Continental U.S. from Puerto Rico? What sorts of challenges do you face being away from home?
I moved to NYC in the fall of 2006 to do my masters in music composition at New York University. It's definitely a bit overwhelming to move to such a huge city from a tiny island, but the change has been good so far. Of course, it was hard at first to catch up with the super fast pace of life and the constant rush, but you get used to it. The weather is also hard to get used to 'cause in Puerto Rico it's summer all year long.

On your latest blog, you talk about drawing music (as in line drawing). What do you mean by that? Where did you find the inspiration to "draw" music?
For me, the most important thing in composing a piece of music has always been the form and I determine that by making a drawing of the piece before I start writing notes on staff paper. Making a drawing allows me to think of the music in terms of texture, shape, contour, gesture, color, and intensity, and also helps me organize my ideas without being restricted to the limitations of traditional notation. Music for me is always tied to colors and shapes.

How many instruments can you play? What goes through your mind when composing for so many instruments?
My main instrument has always been the violin since I was little, but I also play accordion, a little bit of harp and piano, and lots of toy instruments—which are my favorites. As a composer, I think it's very important to familiarize yourself with as many instruments as possible because it helps a lot when writing for them. I love writing for orchestra because the color possibilities are endless, but I also love the intimacy that a small group of instruments convey. I feel like every piece is a microcosm of its own and the instrumentation comes after that. What you want to say with your music will tell you the medium you'll need in order to express it.

What are you working on now?

My main project right now is the electro-acoustic pop band BalĂșn, in which I collaborate with my husband and two other friends, but I've also done two full-length solo ambient albums under the name Arturo en el Barco. In this project, I write lo-fi ambient compositions that are mostly electronic, piano, and strings based.

I'm currently working on an album of my compositions under my name, but it's a more ambitious project since it involves many musicians playing my music and lots of rehearsal time. I started with the idea of making an album of only instruments that I know how to play but I ended up wanting to add more and more instruments so the project is starting to get out of hand…


Read the article here.

Carly Fisher loves Will Shortz's crossword puzzles

published in VenusZine.com on 05/21/08

While casually sifting through Will Shortz's limited collection of only a billion other puzzle books, you might want to consider picking up this particular gem from 2002: New York Times Crosswords For Your Coffee Break.

Is my leisurely pace over the past year a reflection of my weak skills? Who knows! Either way, this book has definitely popped up during times of need. Good times to use this book include: sitting on the phone with the IRS for an hour, avoiding eye contact on public transportation, or realizing you happen to be standing next to Thurston Moore and naturally want a token of this encounter, only to unsuccessfully fumble for ten minutes for the pen you should have kept wedged in the cover and then awkwardly apologize and leave without an autograph.

Read the article here.

Carly Fisher loves doing laundry to Scott 4

published in VenusZine.com on 05/08/08

Perhaps it isn't even laundry. Maybe it's doing dishes or writing out checks that are inevitably going to bounce. Whatever the bane of your existence may be, Scott Walker's crooning vocals on his Scott 4 album somehow make the experience a whole lot better. Don't believe me? Try doing your laundry in complete silence and then surprise yourself by slipping a little Scott Walker in. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Kathleen Neves

published in VenusZine.com on 04/28/08

Where did you get the idea for Xploited?
When I was in college, I was in the video production program, specializing in wakeboarding videos. I had a class where my assignment was to come up with my own video production company. One day, I found myself stuck in traffic, driving behind some dirty-ass truck. On the back, someone had drawn an anarchy sign with their finger in the dirt and wrote, "exploited.” I was really drawn to it for some reason, so I decided that I would use it to name my video production company. I took the "E" off and called it "Xploited.” A couple years later, in February 2007, when I decided to start my own zine, I kept the name.

You fell into debt with the release of your first zine. What sorts of complications did you incur starting a zine?

I had no idea how expensive printing a zine could be. I knew I needed to establish a readership, so I started researching and contacting other zines to do trades. Between having 600 copies of the zine printed and mailing issues out to hundreds of other zines, the printing and postage nearly killed me. When I first started the zine, I already had plenty of debt. Producing the zine put me further in the hole, but I have no regrets. Xploited is a labor of love for me.

What are your plans for your forthcoming zine?

Issue 003 is the Homeless issue. It's going to be all about anything and everything homeless. I have had all kinds of interesting submissions for this issue. San Francisco has a homeless epidemic, and I figured since I run a San Francisco-based zine, it would be a fitting topic. Issue 003 will be out for public consumption in the beginning of June.

Read the article here.

Reader of the Week: Rosemary Travale

published in VenusZine.com on 04/14/08

How long have you been illustrating? Are you able to make a living from illustration, or do you have any side projects you're working on?
I have been doing illustration full time since September 2007, shortly after I finished my B.A. in Illustration from Sheridan College in Ontario. I also like to do silk screening and bookbinding when I get the chance. One of my favorite things to do is make my own sketchbooks — that way, I can be sure to get exactly the size and papers that I want with it.

Yes, I make a living from illustration. I've found that I really have to be dedicated to working on illustration full time for it to work. When I'm not working on an illustration for a client or a gallery show, things like promotion and bookkeeping have to be done. Other stuff like managing my online store, coming up with new product ideas, and brainstorming ideas for other personal projects is also in the mix.

Where do you find the inspiration to come up with these characters? And what's with the pirate fascination?
I have the mentality that if a drawing can make me laugh, it's probably something worth spending more time on. I just like to have fun and be silly with my illustrations, which I think is really important. I like the aesthetics of 1950s-era children's books. Those probably had the biggest impact on me stylistically from when I was a kid and even still.

I really, really like pirates! Nothing beats swashbuckling adventure stories on the high seas. Plus, pirates are weird in the way that they were these loathsome, murderous, and feared group, and now they seem to be these bumbling, comical characters that act as heralds to mini putt parks. And as a kid, I always felt sort of bad for Captain Hook to be constantly annoyed by a little jerk like Peter Pan!

How do you find the balance between commercial and studio art? How do you cope with your role as an artist and an entrepreneur?
I try to work on a personal illustration a little bit every day — even if it is just something like sketching out ideas.

I have been really lucky in that I have never felt that I have had to compromise my work or myself for a client. Every art director that I have worked with has always been willing to work with me to explore the subject matter of the assignment to come up with the best solution for the illustration.

I think the role of being an artist and entrepreneur is a very symbiotic one in the world of illustration. You have to be willing to create work for yourself if no one is giving you any at the time.

What do you love best about what you do?
I think the satisfaction of creating something is what I like best. It's so rad that I make a living off of something I've always done for fun. You really just can't beat that!


Read the article here.

Carly Fisher loves TasteSpotting

published in VenusZine.com on 04/14/08

Do you have a grotesque obsession with food like I do? Then you'll love TasteSpotting's daily dose of food porn from countless food blogs that offers the inspiration to cook, force a friend/significant other to do it for you, or simply drool on your keyboard. The site, which launched in January 2007, has managed to pick up quite a bit of content, which makes narrowing down a recipe both a blessing and a curse. Case in point: while trying to find a recipe for banana bread, I came across an additional 30 recipes I wanted to try. Consider it a delicious distraction from the monotony of your cereal and Ramen lifestyle.

Carly Fisher is a Venus Zine editorial intern.

Read the article here

Side note: TasteSpotting.com is defunct! Wah!