Another onlooker hollered in agreement, also promptly leaving the venue. Jackie Hell continued on, though, as if she didn't hear the vocal protests. Maybe she didn't.
By the time Miss Hell was 10 minutes into her act, the large crowed that had gathered for the first ever all-ages Pho Bang had drastically receded.
If you're familiar with Pho Bang, the now monthly night at Re-bar, then you already know what to expect from the infamous drag queens--raunchy and offensive jokes matched with over-the-top sexual innuendoes and behavior. But if you're new to the Pho Bang experience, like some of Saturday night's crowd, then the trashy queens may have been a bit hard to take. So much so that some people requested their money back, claiming that they didn't want to support Jackie Hell and Ursula Android. (Those who were given their money back gave it directly to the evening's bands, the Gossip and Shoplifting.)
The whole night wasn't a bust, though. Shoplifting started the evening with an insane performance that one (including myself) would have trouble explaining well. I'll do what I can, though:
"Call--Participation!
Response--Participation!"
That's what the fliers read that were handed out moments before the band took the stage.
"Call--Spontaneous insurrection!
Response--Against personal stagnation!"
Friends and fans of the band knew what was about to happen. Just as Shoplifting blazed into their first song, Vera's lights dimmed down low and the Shoplifting Army infiltrated the crowd and stage by means of pink ribbons, flashlights, horns, and fliers, dancing amidst the chaos while doing call/response during the set. Those not in on the plan were left standing speechless, hypnotized by what was happening and loving every minute.
And of course the Gossip weren't bad either. They never are. Beth Ditto, frontwoman and my personal hero, made it a point to remind the crowd that if it was offended at all by the night's events, there was always the option of voicing that opinion. Many did, and with that out of the way, the room filled back up to near capacity, some of the negative energy was lifted, and everyone started dancing again while the Gossip played their hearts out.
Whether Jackie and Ursula will be a welcome part of the all-ages community is still undecided, but it looks like there will always be a place for the Gossip and Shoplifting. MEGAN SELING
