Issue 253 - January 2010

William Burroughs & Yony Leyser

A Man Within is the upcoming documentary about the life of famous writer, artist and icon William S. Burroughs, the first made since his passing in 1997.  The film, which will have its world premiere at Slamdance 2010, aims to get beneath the character of the legendary man who has had an undeniable influence on countless artists from those associated with the Beat era to modern day writers, artists and musicians.

Team Thunder

Nearly seven years have passed since a long-time group of friends deemed themselves “Team Thunder.” They are now infamous for being one of the most influential local snowboard video production companies, as well as their raw “make something out of nothing” attitude, with zero money from major sponsors.

Localized

Prepare for the thrash/stoner-metal onslaught of the decade Friday, January 15 for SLUG Localized (at the Urban Lounge, natch). Killbot, Old Timer and openers Speitre will storm the stage and melt your face.

Battling H8

It’s only been 14 months since Proposition 8 (a.k.a. the California Marriage Protection Act) sought and garnered enough voters to concur that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” thereby abolishing same-sex marriage and voiding previously conducted nuptials. Director Reed Cowan's new film, 8: The Mormon Proposition, chronicles the Mormon Church's involvement and will premeir at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

Bill Burroughs, I Heart Thee

For my SLUG article this month, I talked the editors into letting me use Burroughs's cut up method. So if this article doesn't make any sense to you, drop some acid and read it again. Trust me, it will work.

Colt Bowden: Missionary Position

Colt Bowden has a deep, throbbing relationship with his skateboard. When asked what motivates his raw-dog approach, he said, “The push.” When he grabs his wood and throws down, you can tell he’s putting passion into every thrust he musters. Bowden likens skateboarding to jazz music. He’s most happy when improvisational poetry is coming out on the streets. Bowden tells me that he is intensely familiar with every crack on his block, and penetrates them often during daily rides.

Photo Feature: Dan Brisse

Dan called me up and told me about a 40-stair straight rail he wanted to do in Salt Lake and I couldn’t for the life of me think of where one of those would be. Every rail in this town has been mapped out and sessioned heavily over the years. Having only lived here a few years, Dan sees things through fresh eyes. That, and he’s one determined dude when it comes to making stuff happen.

Signed & Numbered

Leia Bell and Phil Sherburne’s house is the epitome of simple, artistic comfort. Framed prints decorate the walls and two large, loving dogs are the perfect welcoming party. Seated at their table for four, Bell and Sherburne share the beginning of their local poster and frame shop, Signed & Numbered, currently located under Slowtrain, and what’s in store for their relocation into two new locations, opening up early 2010.

KOI Piercing

Tucked in a small space on the back end of a building on the corner of 1300 S. and 900 E. is KOI Piercing Studio—Utah’s first piercing-only studio. “I wanted my staff to be fully knowledgeable about jewelry and piercing, instead of possessing little knowledge about a lot of products,” Curt Warren, founder and business owner of KOI, said.