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Music & Film Fri Sep 29 2006
(Estro-) Jam on It!
“Lesbionic” didn’t die — it just took a ten-year hiatus.
Estrojam 2006 kicked off its first evening of music on Thursday night at the Abbey Pub with a good-sized crowd and some really freaky puppets. Opener Gina Young churned out earnest, acoustic tunes, followed by spoken word artist/activist Andrea Gibson.
All’s well and full of Lilith Fair-type wymyn, right? Not so fast, Sally Mae. Austin, TX, trio The Tuna Helpers took the stage and proceeded to stun/wow/confuse the audience straight out of their collective Converse kicks. Begging the question, “Is it schtick or is it art?,” the Helpers’ show contained the following elements: wacky outfits, demonic puppet shows, interpretive dance, a unicorn, sign language, and Kate Bush operatics. Goodness.
The crowd thickened as it came to bring out the stars of the evening: legendary queercore punksters, Team Dresch. Reunited after a ten-year split, the group recently started touring together again, much to the delight of fans (like me), some of whom have been waiting nearly 12 years to see them play live. It was worth the wait; as the group ripped into the opening chords of “Hate the Christian Right!” from Personal Best, it was obvious that not only did the gals still have the chops, but they still loved playing together (unlike some groups — I’m looking at you, Pixies). Later, singer/guitarist Kaia Wilson (also of The Butchies) told me that they’ve enjoyed the reunion so much, they’re starting to work on song for a new album. Hold your breath starting… now.
Estrojam continues through Saturday, Sept. 30. Other events include workshops, and performers Lesbians on Ecstacy, Nina Hagen, Paradise Island, and Carnie Gal Extraordinaire & Alexandra of Oracle Aerial Dance Troupe.