Brooklyn Torch

Yikes, this is embarrassing. Somehow, I was unaware that a project is under way to provide North Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick and DUMBO) with its own paper currency, otherwise known as a torch. This is actually legal and has a long list of supporters and vendors looking forward to accepting torches (1 torch = 1 dollar). I guess I’m not surprised? There’s still a lot of kinks to be worked out, including what the bills will look like (Kyp Malone’s face on a background of American Apparel models?) but word is they’ll will be circulating by Fall 2012. 

Shh

Well, this is awesome. Coming to Portland this weekend, it’s the Quiet Music Festival. Artist and festival organizer Chris Johanson explains: “The idea of the show came because I love music, but don’t like to be around loud music anymore. Quiet music is so calm and peaceful and yin. I find that quiet music is restorative and want to celebrate it through having a concert in a community art space. Sharing it in this context will show how nice it is that music does not have to be so loud to create an emotional experience.”

The line up includes Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio, Tom Greenwood of Jackie-O Motherfucker, Stephen Malkamus of Pavement, and members of the Sunburned Hand of Man. The festival promises “emotional, vibrant, and low volume music” and will most likely just be a huge ego-fest for some members of amazing bands to show off their weird solo projects. Still, glad it exists and a good opportunity for music fans to act like grandparents see some unique shows and not go home deaf.