I almost took off my clothes

So before I get into the insanity of this weekend, I'm going to gloat (I mean, be extremely modest): I already had tickets to see Janet Jackson of the Saturday of Mezzanine's Nelly show, but as we all know, it was canceled so that dude could open for her in Oakland. And let me tell you - I could see that guy's pecks from a mile away (well, the back row of section 105 at least). No "Country Grammar," but "Hot In Herre" is still a fun jam to visualize getting naked too, as evidenced by a crazy old white guy in a pinstripe suit who was dancing to this song in front of us.

Nelly also came on stage with the Goddess herself to do their duet "Call On Me," and they hugged after. So cute.

The Treasure Island Music Festival this past weekend was a success - I danced, I drank, I rode a fucking Ferris Wheel. I also met my new boyfriend:



Isn't he adorable? You can read more about that here if you're inclined.

The free afterparty at Mezzanine was really late, I admit, but I think worth it: I got to hear "Cassius" by Foals a second time, and my friend Morgan got a really nice screenprinted T-shirt outside in the smoking area, courtesy of the folks over at Antics. We were only able to stay for a song or two of Tilly and the Wall, as our healthy and nutrious dinner of Del Taco was starting to catch up to us. And, I still think "The Beat" sounds like Gloria Estefan being contracted to write a song for Disney. Does that make it bad?

Hey! Dirty! Baby I got your money

Such a grand song...

Remember that free shit I promised? Well, here are the details:

I will be running around this weekend at the Treasure Island Music Festival, as well as the sweet afterparty on Saturday at le olde Mezzanine with Foals and Tilly and the Wall (you've RSVP'ed, right?). If you find me, tell me the answer to this question and you will be rewarded with a pair of MSTRKRFT, Brazilian Girls, or Soulwax tickets. Simple as that!

Answer this: why is Treasure Island named so? (Hint: something special is found 'inside' the island...)

Find me and my bright ass hair, and you too can be a winner! See you then!

Partying with hippies and bowlers is actually more fun than you think

Herro! I'm back, lovelies. Apologies that it's been a bit quiet around the Mezzy bloggy, I stalked some band for a while and just am now over my birthday hangover. Will you take me back?

Of course you will. You need a drinking buddy.

So! Saturday! Power to the Peaceful afterparty! I knew I should have eaten that special truffle before I went over. But seriously, even though I was one of the few people who'd actually washed their hair that morning, I was really pleased to see everyone having a wonderful time. I saw lots of people hugging, dancing, drinking, and trying to touch those blown-up balloon creatures that were perched on the rafters. And while I can't say I have a full discography on reggae and jamband music, I was also pleasantly surprised to really like Michael Franti's Spearhead and All-Star Jam Band - I just couldn't do the 19-minute guitar solos. I felt like partying and falling asleep simutaneously.

Kinda hilarious that the night before was the big Lebowski party, no? I wonder if the bar staff ran out of White Russian ingredients. There would have been mutiny.

Anyway, if you have any pictures, stories, love letters, or snips to gripe with me on, send 'em my way to jenz.mezzanine@gmail.com. There's lots in store in the next few weeks on the blog...keep your eyes peeled for free stuff (yeah, I said it).

Such a vibrant thing

Shot by Jeff Luger - how awesome does everyone look in this photo?

More afterparty photos to ensue, per usual.

Come bell rocking on Saturday...

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THE OFFICIAL
ROCK THE BELLS
AFTERPARTY
S a t u r d a y, A u g u s t 1 6

Hosted by NAS & MOS DEF
DJ Set by Q-TIP
Performance by JAY ELECTRONICA
DJ BIG VON spinning all night

Special $10 advance tickets here!

Doors @ 10 PM

The Human League is still, well...human + Hey British guy, way to be lame

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the dude of THL still sounds excellent live. And although I completely was the youngest person in attendance at Mezzanine Saturday (seriously...), I will always love "Human" unconditionally because it sounds like a love song and dancefloor anthem mashed together accidentally, and it was so completely perfect that it was the song that played as I walked up.

Iconic gems like "Don't You Want Me Baby" and "Fascination" also still are superb in all its synthpopnuwavetastic glory. And although the lineup as changed throughout the years and the art of the blips of synth has evolved, the Human League still showed me that my The Ladytrontatat Faints Chip would not exist without them. Plus, blonde backup singer Sharon was so fucking sassy with her sequined dress, I wanted to put her in my pocket.

But the highlight of the night was at the bar; being hungover as hell from the previous night, my friend Vroo and I ordered orange juices to sip on as we took a break from the dancing that started after The Human League took off. We got approached by a tall Brit in a suit who began working out his lines, and as I was trying to politely tell him we weren't interested ("Hey...it's a valiant effort, man, but no thanks"), he insisted he was actually trying to set us up to get to meet his friend. Having never been subjected to a wingman scenario, my interest was piqued and I nodded to have him bring his (presumably hotter) friend over.

"No, really! He's very cool, I think you'll like him. Be right back," he insisted. The Brit then grabbed Vroo and I's shoulders to face the wall, and we waited in silence side by side before we were tapped on the back to pivot around.

It was the same guy.

And I couldn't help but laugh.

Hysterically.

The Brit looked mad hurt, and leaned in between us with his arms around us as his face fell rapidly.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I asked as I wiped tears away. "That was the worst set-up ever, dude."

"What's your comeback?" Vroo inquired.

The Brit seriously stood there for about 15 seconds and then said, "I don't have one."

Burn!

Maybe he listened to "Human" too many times...

Is the Dirty South still dirty?

We just announced the Nelly show in September (on a Saturday, no less - party on, Wayne) - does this mean I have to go buy a box of new white Band-Aids? Wear jerseys in the middle of SF's Indian summer? Or should I just take off all my clothes?

So many questions...

If you go to his MySpace, you'll see an uber-classy picture of said man in a slideshow of pictures of him in front of a bridge, reclining on a chair, and these sweet superghetto spotlights moving back and forth about as fast as caterpillars. Very excellent.

And although I'm not sure I can fully endorse someone with such bad takes at spelling, look at those "knuckles" on the 'Space that are being used to represent Nelly's aptly-named Brass Knuckles tour; are they diamond-encrusted? Super ass shiny? Topaz?

So many more questions...

GET SCHOOLED :: Heidi

Last week we were excited to host Heidi; she's sure to be back soon, so check out the Get Schooled with her below!

--
Heidi (Get Physical, U.K.) - a London-by-the-way-of-Ontario DJ known for her knack of pulling up infectious beats to bring to the dance floor! Playing for us Friday, August 8 with fellow headphone wearers Craig Kuna, Kevin Knapp, and Eric Sebastian.

Check out how New York City partied when she stopped by (courtesy of AirDropTV):

I'm so fucking excited about tonight - also, thanks Oprah!

Mr. Thicke, please don't be upset I said these things about you...

EXCLUSIVE :: Interview with Andy of Hercules and Love Affair

Look at this! A brand spankin' new feature of wonder!

And what else you ask? Why, a new YouTube channel full of derangement and love. This will be the spot for interviews, audio clips, your bootlegs, and all kinds of unknown fun. Bookmark us - you may see yourself one of these days in the crowd.

Our first interview for MezzanineTV is here; check it out!