More fun than: Trying to figure out why Gremlins can drink beer yet not multiply.
There is something to be said for the importance of a creative collective, people of similar artistic interests who share a common vision for their community and look to one another for inspiration and support. The impact of such groups can be measured in a number of ways. It is most clearly seen and rewarding when it breaks out of an often insular world and lands casually before a mix of new and familiar faces at a tiki bar just steps from the airport.
Broward's Black Locust Society, renowned for their Swarm parties in the warehouse district on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale, hosted their first monthly event BLS954 at the up and coming Five Points Lounge. It featured performances by local versemongers Protoman, Bleubird, Gaps, and Jabrjaw as well as lambently weightless experimental group Astrea Coropration.
Protoman introduced Gaps as the "Hologram of Tupac" and a shirtless Gaps took the stage sporting a red bandana and a gold rope. "I just got jumped into the Bloods," he later explained before sweating out another rapid-fire track beneath the red lamps suspended over the stage.
DJ Chair Weiner provided music between sets and T-shirts from Jinx Remover were raffled off. The winners were at times difficult to locate as the crowd began to split between the bar and the sidewalk where smoking is permitted. Astrea Coropration was next, bringing a swimming, ethereal counterpoint to a hip-hop heavy bill. They were followed by Jabrjaw and Bleubird, fresh in from a North American tour but not hurting for energy. The party ran long past Five Points' closing time of 2:00 a.m. with Protoman finishing out the night and being joined onstage by Bleubird to trade verses on the maniacal "Guns Don't Kill People, Florida Does."
Anyone can put on a party but it's far more enjoyable when it's hosted by people who are not only musically and artistically creative but are also are proud of where they live and appreciate the potential of a larger creative community. "I think everyone wants to see a unified scene, something we haven't seen in South Florida for a long time," says Carly Astrea of Astrea Corporation. Come what may, Black Locust Society wants to make sure everyone has fun trying.
Critic's Notebook
Overheard in the crowd: "I'm somebody's ex, but I'm not your ex."
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