Google Tuba Skinny Mexico. There. Click that one, he said beside a wide grin. He being Jacob Miller, that is. Jacob is responsible for introducing me to a humble group of young pioneers that connects cultures, class, and generations, one street corner at a time. There are countless videos on YouTube capturing this band in the wild, the lions share of which were uploaded by an anonymous curator with the handle digitalalexa. But the raw treasure seen here was my first impression. It was love at first sound. For the past four months, life has been consumed with an ambitious attempt to bring Tuba Skinny out to Portland for the 2nd Annual Stumptown Speakeasy. It would mark their first time in the Pacific Northwest, so fittingly, would have been a storybook confirmation. In many ways, the effort carried echoes of securing Closely Watched Trains for a swan song among a sea of support from a legendary stage. Believing in the emotional return of something so much that it wrought anxiety even when the updates were positive. The initial hurdle was getting permission from McMenamins to reach out for potential booking, which was granted after several link-heavy emails led to the conclusion that Tuba Skinny was indeed a worthy addition to the aesthetic being imparted. Next, it was a matter of raising the many funds needed to cover flights for eight to Portland. Its a long story how the dollars came together, and this post will likely become a novella as is, so cliff-notes: travel allowance was accumulated independently and ready to invest in this education for the city. For even while the prized trust to book Stumptown Speakeasy has been gifted, there is no outside fiscal help available towards outsourcing a national act. Each artisan that contributed to the first SS understands that it was about the shared experience, and not the dollar dollar bills yall. Tuba Skinny accepted this concept from the moment contact was made. If timing worked out, and their transport was covered, they were prepared to fly out here and play for nothing more than an eager audience as compensation. Because they understood this endeavor was built for and sustained by the local community. Driven by memory. Not by money. Such principles are rare. And should always be recognized. Let alone respected. I wanted to share the following news, because its important to call out creative people who act with candor and grace. The level of good fortune I have to know so many who fall into this category, most of which are reading this, shall never be taken for granted. Erika Lewis is a kind and genuine force of life. We engaged an idea together. Spent months trying to bring it to fruition. And yesterday, our extensive dialogue finally came to a close. While Tuba Skinny is unable to attend this years vintage adventure, I must thank them publicly, albeit digitally, for their collective efforts working so diligently to try and make it happen. In the end, it was simply a matter of schedules not aligning for the Sunday set. Some might say cmon TS why not just sub said conflict out, or play with a cut-down lineup. Just to relate, Inspirational Beets have turned down our fair share of swell opportunities due to having a man out of town or otherwise unavailable. While we could have brought in a friend to fill out the sound and have some fun, it wouldnt have been the same. Because the chemistry is so strong with those lads. As someone who holds chemistry above all else, even talent, I appreciate and emphatically accept Tuba Skinnys position. The important thing is, the band tried. They wanted it to happen, were excited about the opportunity, and looked forward to sharing time in a historic house with a loving scene. It didnt work out, but if nobody knows about it, the sentiment will be lost. So thank you Erika. Thanks to your brilliant colleagues who are superheroes in sound for the underground, inspiring so many through song and soul. Thanks to all the green. girls who have tolerated my detached demeanor over the summer as stress met an all-time high. Youre the best. And special thanks to the Portland Lindy Society board listed below, for being so gracious as to offer up a fiscal assist towards making this dream a reality. I am so new to that beautiful world. And so very honored to be welcomed into it. The foundation has been built, so its only a matter of time before this acoustic powerhouse makes its way north by northwest to land in this creatively-explosive forest for a spell. If youre unfamiliar with Tuba Skinny, please explore their name. Embrace their message. Without a doubt, you will enjoy whats discovered. They are a viable offering, in a time where such high and happy energy is sorely needed. And hot damn, what a sound. Hot damn, indeed. https://youtube/watch?v=gBLHkBg4OhQ
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 04:47:16 +0000
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