popwreckoning

Electronica act Innerpartysystem transformed Kansas City’s sold out Riot Room into a wild, sweaty dance party. The band’s catalog is full of electronica rock hits perfect for fans of fellow electronica acts such as the Faint. An intense light show made for a cool musical effect, but a tricky show to photograph. But PopWreck photographer Todd Zimmer still managed to snag these awesome shots recapturing the event:

Last month, Metric took Philadelphia by storm on the eve of Thanksgiving. Attendance initially seemed sparse — it being the night before a holiday, no doubt a lot of people were out of town to celebrate the most delicious holiday of the year with family. I myself, regrettably, showed up just 3 mere songs before openers Band of Skulls left the stage. I blame an early start time, but I may have been a little late to the party. Luckily I didn’t miss the entire reverb heavy set. And it was hard not to compare Emma Richardson to a Ramone.

I’ve been a long time fan of Metric, in particular one Ms. bad ass Emily Haines. Their bouncy indie joints and high energy antics really made the show something special. Em totally owned the stage, running and jumping around in a fantastic sequined, backless LBD (little black dress) with an infectious energy. Touring on their latest, Fantasies, the band tore through a great deal of the record while keeping long time fans happy with key selections off previous albums including Live It Out‘s “Monster Hospital” and “Combat Baby” from Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?

Having gone to the 8th Annual Lebowski Fest in its mecca of Louisville, I was stoked that creators Will and Scott would be stopping in Philadelphia on the Speed of Sound tour — a cross country tour bringing all the things Lebowski to major cities including New York, Denver, Boston, Austin and many more. The two-day party started Friday at the Electric Factory with a performance by the semi-raucous Black Diamond Heavies and a very of the fest’s namesake film. Typically a standing room only venue, the Electric Factory had set up row after row of plastic chairs so as to make the Achievers (fans of The Big Lebowski) more comfortable for the 117 minute duration of the film.

White Russians flowed freely and many Achievers showed up in grungy robes, sunglasses and boxer shorts as an homage to the Dude, bobbed red wigs and green robes as the eccentric Maude Lebowski, and cargo shorts and vests with yellow aviators taking on the quasi-explosive persona of Walter Sobchak. The Factory was fairly empty when I arrived about a half late, in time to see Will and Scott wrapping up an opening chat decked out in their Pin Head costumes. Black Diamond Heavies followed with a short set consisting of some dynamic originals and two covers straight out of Lebowski, Kenny Rogers‘ “Just Dropped In” and closer “Man In Me” by Bob Dylan, both of which received wild applause from the crowd.

Black Diamond Heavies – “Just Dropped In” (Kenny Rogers)

Black Diamond Heavies – “Man In Me” (Bob Dylan)

Tonight marks the last stop of the Speed of Sound Tour East Coast dates down in our nation’s Capitol, Washington DC. Tonight you can catch Black Diamond Heavies, the Pin Heads and a viewing of The Big Lebowski at the 9:30 Club. $20 admission, 7pm doors. Tomorrow night, the bowling party will take place at Strike Bethesda for those 18 years and older. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of. Don’t miss out, buy your tickets now!

The final stop of the Speed of Sound Tour is Austin where on October 9th and 10th.

Lebowski Fest: website | tickets

Tonight marks the debut of Lebowski Fest Philadelphia. The Speed of Sound Tour lands tonight at the Electric Factory (7th & Callowhill) for the movie party, featuring performances by Black Diamond Heavies (a must see!) and The Pin Heads, Lebowski Fest creators Scott and Will. A screening of the movie will follow.

The movie party is all ages (meaning slim to nil chances of any necessary White Russians) and doors are at 8:00. Admission is $20 (get tickets!) — come down for a good night of great music and the greatest movie of all time.

If you can’t make it tonight, definitely be there tomorrow night for the bowling party in Northern Liberty’s North Bowl (2nd & Poplar). There will be bowling, costumes, trivia and other contests. Your ticket — $25 Advance / $30 Day (get tickets!) — includes bowling* and shoe rental. The bowling party is ages 21 and over — sorry kids, you can’t have a Lebowski Fest without more White Russians than humanly consumable — and kicks off at 8pm at North Bowl.

I will undoubtedly be there. In costume on Saturday night, too. The more creative the better. If you read PW and are planning to attend Lebowski Fest, leave some love here on the comment thread. I’ll have PW stickers to give away both nights of Lebowski Fest, so say hey to the brunette with the Press sticker (assuming I’m the only one, who knows.  ha!). Come have fun! Some costume ideas below from this year’s 8th Annual Lebowski Fest in Louisville.

Lebowski Fest: website | tickets

*Bowling is general admission and not guaranteed (so get there early to score a lane!!). Bowling shoes not required with any non-dark soled shoe.