Yesterday was a typical Block Party morning except for an odd post [1] on the Free Press where editor Omar Afra wrote that this would be the last Block Party until, among other things, they could expand it to be a full street festival and get the city to agree to close off the streets. Let’s hope they make that a possibility because this is one of those homegrown events that make Houston a better city to live in.
Sure, it’s chaotic and a mess, but anything that is exciting and fun usually is. The original block party (until it became a huge vile bilge of corporate sponsors) was one of the events where the Montrose got to show off its weird and wonderful bohemian side. That, of course, drew the attention of quite a few people who liked the idea of art and artists but liked their suburban normality all the more, which led to the Montrose being a mere shadow of what it used to be. The block party has, over the years, brought back some of that much-needed fun and wildness back to the Montrose. While property owners may cringe at the riff-raff, I suggest they embrace it and enjoy the idea of walking around, enjoying the music, bumping into friends and weirdos, as well as all the other wonderful collage of humanity that descends upon the Montrose.
If Omar can make port-o-cans and proper trash pick-up possible, this can be a boon to local businesses and give Houston the kind of home-grown festival it needs. So let me just ask my fellow Houstonians: when Omar makes his request to city council, please show up in droves to supports him and all he’s done for this city’s arts and music communities.
But enough of my soapbox. Let’s take a look at my six hours of festing:
Like all good festival attendees, I packed my two wheeler.
Indie Houston, cables, gasoline.. errr maybe I shouldn't ask?
Caddywhompus, one of Houston's best ADD bands in Houston, kicked things off.
I can’t think of a better way to start the day!
The KTRU-Mobile!!
Nosaprise laid down a sharp set for the early crowd. He also recommended the pulled pork sandwiches. Extra kudos to the soundman who made it possible to actually hear his lyrical acrobatics.
Mr. Castillo on the tables at Avant Garden.
Don't be afraid of the electronics, embrace them with Together We Are Instruments who are easily one of Houston's best and most accessible experimental bands.
Brian Arthur welcomes you to the Super Happy Funland that is the Westheimer Block Party.
Behind Buildings. Meh, they were ok. Good drummer, stiff bassist, and a lot of jangling echo-y guitars that kind of didn't do anything particularly interesting.
Jacob Calle expresses his deep seated hatred of hugs!
Football etc. reminded us why we love baritone guitars so much!
David Lascoe's folk was a much appreciated breezy and low-key respite from all the loud bands. Nice stuff sir.
Don't let the bassist's douche wear frighten you [thank goodness someone dresses worse that me] Searching For Signal have some pretty decent gaze going on.
OH MY FUCKING GOD - IT'S DISSENT!!!!!!!!
Oh wait. You don't believe me when I say that Dissent are one of Houston's best bands? Well, I hated to do this but I think this dude below captures my feelings perfectly...
Wait until about 12 seconds into it. Fucking Sweet stuff!!!!
Lakendra Brown's wedding party were in for a shock when they found themselves serenaded by bands that had been moved over from the Austin Layne to La Strada. Luckily the ladies were as gracious as they were lovely.
Marzi played what you'd expect a dude with hair like that, a Les Paul, and a Marshall would play - straight-up no apologies rock with solos thrown in at no additional charge.
When I see a dude with a briefcase wearing a Circuit City jacket and a accompanied by a two man posse I gotta stop and find out who he is. The man, it turns out, is an artist who goes by the moniker ArtistC (aka Du-Rham). Before I knew it, I had given him the only $20 I had in my pocket and commissioned him to draw Domokos. The result of which was this...
Best fucking $20 I've spent all year!
Dead Roses - gleefully deathing the crowd below La Strada to death.
Sandy Ewen and Lucas Gorham played a lovely improvised set accompanied by dancers.
Here is an excerpt with dancers Y. E. Torres and Erin Joyce.
Little Joe Washington kicks back to Hollywood Floss' set.
Hollywood Floss got the party jumpin'...
...this guy in particular. But wait a picture cant do him justice - Check it!
Hell yes! You go Bro!
Trouble a'brewin' at Numbers. Nobody seemed to know what was going on. Lots of cops running around the block and confusion but no epic drama of note.
The Super Happy Funland Puppet Booth.
Awesomeness of the best variety!
Pay no attention to the paint splattered hippie behind the curtain.
Probably the best band I'd never heard before was Leg Sweeper whose manic and catchy garage assault is something to watch out for.
Alkari at La Strada.
The Local Hot Sauce King, Trevi Biles, was caught unaware as his wife was swept away by this unknown man. If you've seen Becky whooping it up somewhere, please call Trevi as soon as possible.
The Young Mammals fucking owned!
And after so six hours of the festival, I took a break with the intent of coming back to catch Buxton, Rocky Moon, Eastern Sea and a whole lot of other stuff but instead found myself passed out, stinky, and fatigued into dreams of Houston rock and roll and all its awesomeness.
Links:
[1] http://www.freepresshouston.com/archive/2009/11/last-westheimer-block-party.html