Music seen at Bubba's Sulky Lounge, June 21, 2008
By TODD RICHARD | June 25, 2008
Dancefloors are alive. They are living, breathing, changing animals that are hungry for more. In this context, a right-on DJ serves the role of lion tamer or snake charmer. On Saturday night, a collection of Portland’s brightest DJ talent exercised the most fantastic control over the crowd at Bubba’s.
The event was a benefit for the upcoming Portland Peace Festival (July 14 on the Eastern Prom), and despite a wealth of other events in town, the room churned all night. Host Kris Clark's ability as a promoter is only eclipsed by the fact that he continues to curate the best parties in town. This one started off with the Soul Proprietor, followed by j.hjort, whose days of trying to justify sets of German techno are over. He has arrived at a point where his tastes and technology are running in tandem, putting a smooth sheen on the gritty sounds. Matty T (of Brown Jacket Media) never disappoints, and the dance celebration grew expanded under his able supervision.
The unquestionable winner of the MVP Award that night, however, was Jen "popgirl" 23. I can’t recall ever seeing her so at home and so excited to DJ a set. Her massive shit-eating smile (as big as her cowboy hat) was enough to charm the exploding crowd, and her set reaffirmed her status as Portland’s Most Valuable Popgirl.
Related:
Portland scene report, June 2, 2006, Wide range, Band of Local All-Stars, More 
- Portland scene report, June 2, 2006
Now-Is-Now and Dead Season poised for upcoming releases; F2 Beat Alliance debut Sanford Funk Summit ; Jason Hjort boosts the city's electronic music scene
- Wide range
See what music sites around the country are saying about these Maine-based performers.
- Band of Local All-Stars
Local working man’s bassist Justin Maxwell assembled a phenomenal band of local luminaries especially for the event.
- God bless Micucci Grocery
Sometimes newer isn’t better. Keeping tabs on the new markets and gourmet shops is rough, though thrilling when a new one appears.
- Bands' best
We all have killer stories about our best nights out in Portland, but now is not the time for your stories.
- Esther’s Mixtape Collective
Congress Street was empty of people, and the White Heart had but a half-dozen patrons at 8:30 on Sunday. Perhaps these few were pondering the same question: who is Esther, and what’s up with this mixtape business?
- Sontiago + Gabe FM
Sorely under-appreciated hip-hop DJ Gabe FM is leaving us for the Left Coast, but couldn’t drop off the face without first dropping it like it’s hot.
- West End meals
The West End of Portland is often considered highbrow, high-rent, and full of high expectations.
- Camarojuana
The delicious drunken daze that was the ’80s may have reached its pinnacle with Portland audiences.
- Roy Davis
Roy Davis may be the last great hope of good rock-and-roll in Portland.
- Schools of rock
“You walk in here, and you feel as though you’re visiting your favorite aunt or uncle’s house ... it’s a place where you want to visit and you’re willing to take risks.”
- Less
Topics:
Live Reviews
, Todd Richard
