CCFNWSS - THE RECORD

Power Chords and Blast-Beats Pound the Walls of the Union

By the CCNWSS (Jeremie Jordan)

About eight years ago Reversal of Man proclaimed that “internet and indie-rock are killing hard-core.” Certainly Dayton’s own once prolific extreme music scene has since reached a very stark low. With punk rock bars and venues closing their doors, all-ages shows practically ceasing, veteran hipsters moving away or settling down, and the attempt of major labels to cash in on the pseudo-post-heavy watered down trendy music that passes as punk, metal, and hardcore, the younger bands in the local scene that have any ties to, or play any true form of these styles are very far and few between. Once upon a not so distant past, Dayton was synonymous with creative and ground-breaking music. Our city was known for the quantity of quality music that emerged in the nineteen nineties with such gems as Brainiac, The Breeders, Guided By Voices, The Amps, Twenty-third Chapter, and countless others leading the way and bringing much attention to the energetic scene. The past few years, however, have been marred by bad luck, tragedy, and loss of resources. Continue reading Power Chords and Blast-Beats Pound the Walls of the Union

Art-faggery Loves Company

By the CCNWSS (Mariel Traiman)

Last Friday night up and coming visual artist and community member extraordinaire Lauren Hind debuted her first public art opening at the Sidewinder café in Cincinnati. A handful of Antiochians were in attendance, to support Hind and drink free wine. Record photographer Kari Thompson and I were extremely impressed by Hind’s ability to blend fantasy with reality, and past with present to create art which shows reality beyond a single frame. Hind uses gel medium transfer to take images out of context and place them in a constructed reality which comments on the fluidity of perceived social norms. Overall the event was a classy one, to be remembered, and a wonderful coming out for Hind.

After the event and inspired by the enviable artistry, the Antiochians in attendance hit the streets of Cincinnati with gale force attempting to live the art they never see in galleries. Yes, you can still smoke in bars in Cincinnati, but after dancing, enjoying some first class drag and spending too much money we were left wondering why we go out in public if we’re only interested in hitting on each other.

CCNWSS Retrospective

By the CCNWSS (Mariel Traiman)

It’s been a wild ride Antioch, a rockin’ rollercoaster of unparalleled highs, and unenthusiastic lows. Through it all I’ve been there, diligently reporting on every pulse pounding, bass thumping, hip thrusting, cream leaking minute of party passion. From our nervous and humble beginning at the Swan Island show (remember when you could still buy beer? That was sweet) to the sinful orgy of binary busting debauchery we call Genderfuck. How you’ve watched me grow from back in the good old days of shameful anonymity, to the time I accidentally made the whole school hate me, to the times you’ve come up to me with kind words of encouragement- maybe just to say “thanks for appreciating my dance moves.” So join me for a little trip down memory lane as I relive some of my favorite party quotes and moments of the semester. Continue reading CCNWSS Retrospective

Dapper, Posh Partiers Get Down at Black and Tan

By the Cooperative Council for a Non-Wack Social Scene

Photos By Nicole Bayani

I never went to prom, and I’m ok with that. More now than ever, seeing as I can someday reflect back upon last Tuesday night’s Black and Tan party and let it fill the hole in my heart left by my premature flight from my high schools hallowed halls. Would prom have served tasty Black and Tans, or been open to the kind of experimental fashion technology showcased at last Tuesday night’s party? I think not. Birch space was sauna hot and sex seeped from the dimmed ceiling lights as classily clad co-eds lubed up each others formal wear with homage’s to Dirty Dancing, and Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back�? video. Noteworthy dance pairing Barefoot Frank and first year Bethany were seen participating in some sort twisted collegiate hippy mating ritual which involved theatrical interpretive dance, and the little mermaid. I personally am seeking counseling to help expedite the healing process, as Coolio once wisely sung “Too hot. Too hot baby.�?

The fashion bar was raised, as Antioch students busted out their Sunday best. Some memorable America’s Next Top Model hopefuls were fourth-year Kendlin, who looked something like an empowered Stepford Wife in vintage red and white skirt-suit, Whitney Stark filling in my prom queen fantasies in vintage homecoming court couture later remarked of the event “ The Party was sloppy.�? Morgan Realegaño appeared incognito for the evening, first as an awkward bearded fat man, and later as Megan Homewood. Contrary to Relegaño’s repeated claims, Luke Brennan appeared quite dapper, not at all a “two-bit man in a one-bit suit�?. Lauren Hind, in awards show host fashion was spotted in no less than 3 different outfits, when she wasn’t sprinting up and down the stairs from the commons to her dorm room for fashion rehab, she was spotted dancing fervently with Mariel Traiman, who really enjoyed it by the way… to bad Lauren had to cut the party short to go have a conversation with a toilet bowl.

First years were out in droves, and out to impress- Shea Witzo looked remarkable, and made an amicable dance partner with her assertive gyrations. Emma Emmerich looked wicked hot in polka dots as she was spotted dancing up a storm with Daniel McCurdy, who dressed as Rod Stewart for the event. Kelly Ahrens was quoted as saying of the night “It lead to interesting events…�? with a distant and nostalgic look in her eyes, where as Jayne had a different and uplifting spin on the evening “ I was happy, it was good and healing. Lots of people together can be good.�? I want to send out the following PSA inspired by a first year student who wished to remain anonymous who confided the following to me: “I don’t know if I can handle the pressure, I didn’t know I’d need so many outfits, I think I have to transfer to a regular school.�? Don’t worry kids- if all else fails, just wear your unders.

Black and Tan raised the bar for dance theatrics, leaving eyebrows quirked and gossipy drunken text messages scrawled across LCD screens. Marissa Fisher wanted to voice the following plea to the community “A little less ‘Cowabunga’ a little more chumbawumba.�? And 2nd year transfer Mariel Traiman wished to send out an apology. “ I may have been a little out of hand… you see my hips don’t lie. There were some gratuitous levels of dance floor near fucking that maybe weren’t in the best taste, I guess I watched too many Prince videos when I was a kid… fuck it. I had a great time, I got to make out.�? Her dance partner for the evening Erin Cisewski had a different, more wholesome take on things

“The best part of the evening was when I turned around and all of a sudden Ryan Clover-Owens just appeared, we started spinning and dancing, it was so fun. I cringe to think how many people were dancing barefoot in my spilled Gin and Tonic. I promise next time Mariel and I will have practiced our Johnny Castle, and Baby moves a little more before the party. I was going to transfer, but now after partying in Birch space, I have something to look forward to for the next three years.�? On a more serious note Lauren Hind wished to express the following: “Whoever kicked down my bathroom stall door will be trampled by the hooves of 1,000 horses. Prepare to run or get out your screwdriver and fix it!!�?

An interesting component of the night’s goings on was the cage match competitive crowning of “Best Dressed�?. The award went to a denim clad mystery woman who looked remarkably like our own Wendy- Lynn Zeldin, who was tragically M.I.A. for the evening. I’d like to use this venue to write a poem to said mystery woman:

Though I don’t know your name, political leanings, or dietary concerns- I know that the sight of you in that smokin’ jumpsuit has turned this jaded cynic into an art critic, baby you’re fine like the lite-brite sunsets my fumbling fingers could never replicate. When global temperature rises, I’ll know it’s not greenhouse gasses but your ass… assets that is, because you remind me of fresh greens, roller derby queens, rompin’ through corn fields, and hazy mid-western days when you know every things going to be ok… want to split a bottle of wine and talk love sometime?

Black and Tan… That was more like it, shout out to the events crew for once again turning fantasy into reality by creating a venue for droves of awkward Antiochians to seizure slide across a dance floor of broken dreams, and new hope resurrected. If we get nothing else from our college career we will always have the pulse pounding flirtation ritual that is an Antioch dance party. When your eyes meet across that crowded floor, and lips get bit, winks get exchanged and futures get written in the stars, you know you are truly alive. When hydration is provided by tasty (and well mixed, thanks Kelly!) gin and tonics which strip you of your inhibitions, and create endless avenues of self expression and opportunities for assof- one-self making… you know you have a purpose, and that purpose is- to dance, or find someone to make out with, whatever your into. I’d like to end this weeks article with a personal anecdote; about 3 years ago, this reporter braved the highways between Colorado and Ohio with thumb out optimism, and a head full of tales of the wonders of Antioch to visit a friend. I arrived and was invited to attend a pajama party. I went dressed modestly in pajama pants, and hiking boots and was immediately met with sensory overload. Everywhere I looked there were scantily clad strangers dancing with uninhibited and awe inspiring passion, I could only stare awkwardly and wonder if I could ever be a part of such a wild, and undiluted community of beautiful wack-job individuals- and now here I am, and I can only hope my ample ass shaking will someday inspire some cute young wallflower to grab life by the ovaries and remember- there is nothing to be shy about. Yeah Antioch community, keep on keeping on. Ya’ll are hot.

Community Art Showcased in Pennell House

By CCNWSS

Photos by Kari Thompson

Last Friday night’s art party showcased the talent of a veritable smorgasbord of community artisans. Works ranged from photos, to paintings, to advantageous performance pieces, as Antiochians dropped their pitchforks and Molotov cocktails in favor of wine glasses, and tasty hors devourers. Pennel house was transformed into an art gallery for the evening, and rag tag Antioch students were transformed into hoity toity (fancy pantsy) art critics, and connoisseurs. Some noteworthy pieces included some beautifully restored photographs by Ms. Lauren Hind, Hope Swigart’s jarring and captivating senior project, and some real pretty collective work from the AEG. Props to Erin Winter for her hard work in rounding up and creating a venue for the expression of some really great talent.

Pennel house literally buzzed with hushed chatter, and subtle flirtations. From the porch, where chilly smokers congregated to discuss art, and semantics (is Frumpy really a word?) to the first floor and its effective use of balloon technology- Pennel house provided a more intimate, and sophisticated atmosphere then the more raunchy seedy back alley grinding factory that is the Antioch dance space. Maybe it was this elevated level of mature socialization that enabled Emma Emmerich to keep her ass off me for five minutes. Mahina Embers who was responsible for a sweet series of polaroids was also responsible for a sweet series of broken hearts, leaving us all pondering- where’d you learn to walk in those heels? I also can’t help but wonder Sarah Buckingham, did you get the guy… you know the guy who ran off with your sleeves? Mariel Traiman said of the evening “It was fun, but then I left… to make out.�? Chris McKinless’ nipples were back in action, as he stunned crowds with his JC Penny apparel 3 buttons undone, check my locket flare. Brokeback Perry’s cowboy hat rivaled the artwork for most compliments received throughout the course of the evening, and not to be forgotten was Marissa Fisher resplendent in a lovely green frock, as she performed an avant garde piece in which she provided useful service which ranged from dream interpretation, to nick name christening. Marissa, we wish to thank you for your creativity, and continued spirit- we hope Antioch always has a space available for your shenanigans.

Contributing artist Jeremie Jordan has spent years looking for credit in the straight world, and his travels have landed him here. I was fortunate enough to be able to sit down with this up and coming super star to talk “art�?.

CCNWS: Jeremie, what is art?

JJ: In my personal opinion, the dominant academic view of art is that it is a form of communication. Though sometimes there might be a message in painting, etc. In my opinion, and for me, it’s more about the process than the result. If people like it, they like it, but that’s not why people should make art.

CCNWS: Tell us about your piece

JJ: It’s a glock 45… is that a real gun? But seriously, I did an oil painting of Emma Goldman at 17, because she’s one of my heroes. And I did a painting on a piece of a desk which belonged to my sister, and framed it in an antique cigarette dispenser.

CCNWS: As a real world artist, what do you think of the Antioch art scene?

JJ: It is my experience that there have been two distinct art worlds, the introverted student art scenes where galleries will only host works from local college students, and the art scene of the DIY punk rock variety where people throw shows for each other, and hope to gain attention elsewhere.

CCNWS: Do you feel like being a college student will add to or detract from your art?

JJ: I would say that there are more distractions in school, where before I had all the time I needed to devote to anything I wanted to accomplish. But either way my art is typically inspired by my environment, and the events in my life, so I imagine that they can mutually inspire each other.

CCNWS: In closing, who would you say is the best dressed Antiochian.

JJ: Erin Cisewski, and Alice Philbrick. Emma Woodruff wowed audiences with her vocal range, and guitar strummings. The band Drive By Schiavo wrecked the house with their rip roaring good time rock and roll rhythmic romps. People were seen crowding into the doorways, elated at the prospect of being within spitting distance of these hot on the scene pseudo rock stars, who added to their elusive allure by playing in the near pitch black darkness. Transfer student Erin Cisewski remarked “I’m so bored I could die�? Moments before plummeting out the window as she leaned into the night to light a clove cigarette.

In summation, it’s sometimes nice to give your hips and ear drums a rest from the bumping bass lines, and booty-rap lyricism of yester year to settle down with some nice noise rock, wine, cheese, and good art. Sleep with the angels dear community, this is the Co-operative council for a non-wack social scene.