Lord Baron Joseph C.R. Vourteque IV
Last night (July 22nd) the lovely KL Kenzie and I made our way to The Abbey Pub for the (at least according to Rasputina herself) the “6 or 7 thousandth and something something” recital of the red haired performer’s band. The show, opening acts and all, had its ups and downs and over all was very eclectic. In an era where bands are typically very loud, fast and accessible or very mellow, strange and accessible, this live show featured something a bit different. The entire thing felt reminiscent of the acts from the late 70′s post-punk era in that each of the sets were thematically connected, but sonically, they were dramatically different.
The first band to play was the Dead Superheroes Orchestra. Though typically they have more members (their up-coming, August 19th show at Martyr’s is said to feature their full band plus a potential choir), this night they performed as a five piece. To begin, there is something undeniably impressive about a band comprised of two cellists, a violinist, a guitarist and a drummer. Though I am in no way an expert with stringed instruments, I can only imagine the difficulty in keeping them all in tune while going between high-energy dance rock and low-key gothic chamber pop. That said, while the band’s strength is in their concept, I felt they were not quite as tight as I would have liked them to be. But I would in no way write them off for this and definitely look forward to seeing this local Chicago band another time; I think as they mature their sound they can certainly find a strong cohesion within themselves.
Continue reading Rasputina Concert Features Eclectic Opening Talent and Steampunk Aesthetics…
Lord Baron Joseph C.R. Vourteque IV
It is that time again! After an extended hiatus full of conventions, BBQs, movie production, sailing and – of course – actual work – we’re back with our biggest Clockwork Vaudeville YET! This coming Saturday July 17th we feature live acts by Sophia Balentine of TARTANIC, Hypnotist C. Morley and the triumphant return of Magician Michael Burke! On top of that we have a guest DJ set by none other than The Chaotic Good (and their giant robot!) and sponsorship by local establishments Quimby’s, UnScene Magazine and the new Wicker Park boutique Sir & Madame!
To commemorate this momentous occasion we’ve sent three questions to the performers and sponsors, here are some of their responses.
The Chaotic Good
They built that robot.
The Chaotic Good are a DJ and production duo that specialize in hard, dark and industrial influenced electronic music. As they are also engineers, they like to build machines that they bring out to shows as accompaniment. Their biggest, and best known to date, is their 8 ft tall, fully articulated robot. For more information visit them on Myspace or Soundcloud.
Continue reading An Interview with the Talent from Clockwork Vaudeville IV…
Lord Baron Joseph C.R. Vourteque IV
by Prof. Joseph Fortesque Mason
It happened when I saw Garo Yellin play with Pere Ubu in the mid-nineties and it happened again with Michelle Morales at Friday, July 2nd’s, The Loneliest Monk‘s album release show. There is just something about a rock cellist bathed in red light that makes you feel like you are in a David Lynch film. Mysterious, slightly on your guard and transfixed.
The crowd was as surprising as the experience, people of all ages crowded Lincoln Hall, but what was surprising was not so much their presence, but that such a wide array of people could relate to the subtle sensuality of the show. Do not underestimate how enticing waltz time can be! Now, admittedly, rock music is associated with sexual congress. Most any popular band is apt to pump out coital 4/4 beats, but The Loneliest Monk is different, they oft employed a more evocative 3/4. This was particularly true when the above-mentioned red-lit cellist has her legs spread ’round the instrument and her left hand quivers a vibrato. Let us just say that she could easily appeal as a solo artist. And though it was an all ages show, I might have been leery about subjecting prepubescent progeny to these sights and sounds.
And as Morales played the drummer, Miles Benjamin, looked every bit the gentleman diamond thief in a black mask and tuxedo. Were any fine necklaces unclasped from the nape of a duchess’ neck when the smoke machine billowed and the lights went low? I can not say, though it would not have surprised me to hear they were. But had such a thing transpired, the good gent’s tight drumming could have both mesmerized and proven an effective alibi.
To finish, The Loneliest Monk is a magical and sensual band. I do suggest it to anyone interested in a more subtle evening of “Steampunk” music. Having purchased the CD and taking it for a spin the following morning, I would say it to be a fine album, perfect for an evening of introspection along with a glass of wine or port.
Joseph F. Mason is a continuing music and arts contributor to SteampunkChicago.com, he lives in Chicago with his lovely wife Liz in a house full of fantastic Tiki stuff. You can hear some of Joseph’s own music on his MySpace Page.
Lord Baron Joseph C.R. Vourteque IV
It’s that time again. Temperatures floating around 90 degrees and then falling to a chilly 75 as apocalyptic thunderstorms roll through. Every other day you have to come up with another way to get from point A to point B because of a street fair with a $5 cover charge. And to top it off, has anyone really figured out what Steampunk summer wear is yet?
I did not think so.
But do not fret my good steampunk-geeks and steampunk-fashionistas, as there are a number of fabulous things to do this weekend – and many of them do not even have to cost you a dime!
Be in the newest video for the band The Loneliest Monk
Are you finding yourself frustrated that there isn’t a taping of a performance of a local band this Friday? Are you doubly frustrated that it isn’t also this Sunday? Are you triply frustrated that it doesn’t somehow involved a steampunk Alice In Wonderland theme?
Well be frustrated no more! Local band, The Loneliest Monk, is offering just that!
Continue reading Music Video Shoots, Art Shows, and Conventions Abound for the Chicago Steampunker!…
Lord Baron Joseph C.R. Vourteque IV
The Midwest has finally burst upon the Steampunk scene and made a notable impression with the fabulous World Steam Expo, held in Dearborn Michigan, just outside of Detroit, land of gears, cogs, machinery and even an old Airship port.
We pulled up to the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan for the 2010 World Steam Expo in a flurry of madness. Traffic had been what one may colloquially posit as “a parking lot” and making good time with a caravan of vehicles is never an easy task to begin with. Suddenly, it was 4:55pm and we had a panel at 5:00pm. Fortunately for us, we made it, produced a well-received panel and thus began a weekend of fantastic fashion, great live shows, big glass elevators and a lot of drinking in our esteemed finery.
Update: Photos from World Steam Expo:
Arty Dawgs
Flickr: World Steam Expo
Pre-Expo Detroit News Coverage
Impressions.
Every con starts with a first impression, and the WSE was certainly no exception. Fantastic relief panels of gears and gear trains, Cthulu sculptures, and fantastic arches dominated the entry to the ticketing booth. Scattered about the main floor were continued panels, columns, statuettes and many, many steampunkers.
The first evening started off well with both our “Steampunking the Home” and “On Airships” panels (stay tuned for details from our panels in a later post). The Rev. Cpt presented hands-on demonstrations of actual Zeppelin mooring bends (knots), while sharing antique books of the historic Zeppelin circumnavigations. Afterward, we went about in our outfits to meet other participants and attendees. There were a few frustrations with the organization of the con, notably that the panelist rooms were on opposite sides of the hotel and there was an irritating lack of signage letting one know when, who or where things would be or take place. The brochures became valuable objects as the convention went on, as they essentially became our only way to navigate both chronologically and geographically the con.
Continue reading World Steam Expo Flexes Muscle for First Year Con…
