Movie Review: Fading Gigolo

In the cinematic tradition of following the lovable and charming man-whore like “Deuce Bigalow” and “Loverboy,” John Turturro dons the responsibilities of actor, writer and director in this enchanting tale of affection and friendship. Turturro stars as Fioravante, a down on his financial luck flower shop employee whose friend, Murray (Woody Allen), convinces to become an escort for lonely middle-aged women. … read more

Musical Humanism: Channeling the Catharsis with William Fitzsimmons

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that William Fitzsimmons has a solid grasp on what it means to be a human being. In fact, he’s dedicated most of his life so far to exploring the human condition. Drawing from his personal life and experiences helping others has rendered him capable of understanding and communicating deeply personal lyrics in a way that is not only unique but collectively relatable. … read more

WIlliam Fitzsimmons @ The State Room 05.13 with Ben Sollee

I left feeling relaxed and emotionally renewed. I can’t remember the last time I felt so many different feelings over such a short amount of time, and I can’t think of any other situation where I would actually be happy about experiencing such a vast array of emotions. All I have to say is this: William Fitzsimmons will make you experience complex feelings you didn’t even know existed, and I mean that in the best possible way. … read more

Floor, Thrones, Hot Victory @ Bar Deluxe 05.14

Wednesday night brought a small but resilient clutch of metal fans back to Bar Deluxe for one more musical beating. I was surprised at the comparatively small turnout, though it was, after all, a weeknight. I arrived early enough to catch the first band, Portland’s Hot Victory. At a glance, Hot Victory, a drums/electronics duo, confirmed what many may have suspected for some time now … … read more

Old 97’s, Nikki Lane @ Urban Lounge 05.15

Something was in the water on Thursday night at the Urban Lounge, and by water, I mean beer, and by beer, I mean whisky. Promises of fierce hangovers were made throughout that night and I’m sure those promises were made good on when it came to the dawn of many clouded Urban Lounge patrons. Despite the hardcore implications of the rock scene, it is in fact the country scene that dominates the guzzling of booze with its seasoned accomplices. Now the pairing of the Nikki Lane and the Old 97’s isn’t exactly modern country, but they allude to a former country back when Waylon Jennings was getting drug raided onstage and Loretta Lynn was passing out on Johnny Cash’s lap. … read more