DISCO INFERNO?
This being my first year actually living in the city of Detroit, I was mildly intrigued as to how the much-maligned Devil’s Night — oh, excuse me, Angel’s Night — would unfold. But aside from several dozen patrolling “security” cars with blinky lights and at least one ID check, it was just another Tuesday in D-town; albeit the streets were a bit more deserted than usual. Fortunately, it seems all the would-be arsonists were busy torching couches at Michigan State.
In any case, I ventured out to the Majestic Theatre for Delicious Vinyl, a devilish masquerade disco. DJ Bone, Theo Parrish and Rolando spun the tunes until the wee hour of 4 a.m, as costumed partyers competed for prizes.
Whitney server Teresa Lafranca was working the ’70s disco theme as she zipped across the dance floor in roller skates (the old-school ones with four wheels), decked out as Roller Girl from Boogie Nights. Much to my dismay, there was no Dirk Diggler accompanying her.
After a brief involuntary repulsion reflex, I recognized the disgusting bloody mess in front of me as City Club doorman Joe Petri. Dripping with latex ickiness, the amateur horror makeup enthusiast was dressed as a bomb-squad member with bad luck. Petri was also celebrating his first paid gig doing makeup for the Erebus haunted house/horror show in Pontiac.
The most eeenteresting costume of the evening award goes to Pete Pado of Farmington Hills, who devised a slice-of-life costume depicting any man’s favorite Sunday-morning hobby. Complete with toilet paper, air freshener and a fake set of legs, Pado’s toilet seat getup illustrated his favorite spot to read the Metro Times. Too bad I didn’t have the Bush/Cheney bumper stickers I’d been handed earlier, in case he ran out of toilet paper.
I tottled next door to the Magic Stick for a punk extravaganza, featuring the Gutterpunx, the Dead Heroes and the Unfriendlys.
A few of the costumed had also drifted over, including Chicago DJ Rob Bedrossian and Detroit zookeeper Tarah Duditch, who were dressed as the Egyptian couple Akhenaton and Nefertiti. Both Michigan State graduates, they turned up clean when questioned about arson paraphernalia.
I also caught up with the super-neat couple representing punk-rock wedded bliss, Dead Heroes guitarist Kirk Morrison and wife Rox. Aw.
The Unfriendlys proved to be quite the opposite; the affable group of nice young men gladly obliged when asked to show off their band tattoos. Singer Jasper Unfriendly, bassist Inhospitable J and drummer Michael Unfriendly are all inked with the band’s logo, a cute little frowny face. Hope they never break up or decide to change the logo.
IT’S NOT A GAPE
Friday night I trekked out to suburban hell in Novi to check out Insomnia, the multimedia beauty event offered by Salon Agapé (that little thing over the “e” means it’s pronounced ah-gah-pay, not a-gape, kids).
Agapé offers a special pre-clubbing hair and makeup package the first Friday of every month — expect loud music, lights, art and photography while you are glittered, teased and airbrushed.
You can also sip the latest megatrend, because what’s a Detroit hotspot these days without the omnipresent Red Bull pushers? This particular set of reps, the highly caffeinated trio of Andrea Bien, Jennifer Drudi and Shana Sistek, were lucky enough to get the full Agapé treatment and were sporting heads of complicated twists, loops and curlicues.
Art on the walls was supplied by jack-of-all-trades Tim Jack, the guitarist, vocalist and hair-and-makeup artist for Blood Sledge Electric Death Chickens, who can also wrap a mean set of French knots.
Stylists Emily Fox and Jillana Crain were caught taking a quick break at the sink chairs; poor Crain was wincing in agony due to her massive hollowed-sole snakeskin boots from Incognito. When asked whether they were comfortable, Crain could only respond with a grimace; but they sure looked cool.
And in the perfect segue to a blatant plug, Agapé will be doing all the hair and makeup for this Friday’s Zones event at the Majestic Theatre. At this evening of fashion and music, you’ll get some eye-popping from Noir Leather, Harry’s Shapes and the brand-new Vain Couture, and some good old-fashioned ear-bleeding from Crud, Broadzilla and Perpetual Hype Engine. Did I mention it’s MC’d by yours truly? Be there or you’ll regret it (yes, that’s a threat)!
WILD CHEESEBALLS
After hearing so much buzz about the geeky goofball anomaly that is the Wildbunch, I had to jet down to the Magic Bag to see for myself. Little did they disappoint; I haven’t giggled that much since the last round of presidential debates.
In between snickering at the off-the-wall intentionally cheeseball lyrics and stage antics, I caught up with CPC graphic designers Denise Lowrie and Lori Yuhas, accompanied by Gene Klein — who bears no relation to either myself, Calvin or Gene Simmons, as he astutely pointed out.
I also jumped on the touching Kodak moment that occurred when sapphire-eyed Chris Peters and Mark Dundon of opening band Six Clips were caught sharing an, er, intimate moment. Well, it’s always nice to see bandmates getting along for a change.
On my way out, I discovered the Bag has the privilege of employing the most polite and well-mannered doorman ever, Gerald Laming, whose mom done raised him right. May the rest of Detroit’s bar staffs learn a lesson from Mr. Laming.
Sarah Klein writes here every other week. Got gossip, party invites, pleas for dates? Write [email protected], or call the tip line at 313-962-5281. Press * then dial
