WINTER ISSUE 2014
HOLIDAY GIVING ISSUE CHICAGO PLAYGROUND AMY MARIE COUTURE MAYBE SUNDAY
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS-WINTER 2014
MUSIC MUSTS Music Box
IN EVERY ISSUE Editors Letter 4
Meet the Team 6
LOCAL OPTIONS
Custom Hair Lounge 30
Live to Support 36
40
Top 10 Albums 44
Top 10 Concerts 46
DJ Cavem 48
THE SPOTLIGHT Donors Choose 52
Upwardly Global 58
2
GROOMING Winter Must Haves 152
Winter Hair
FASHION & LIFESTYLE
156
Winterizing your Skin
Youtube Star: Bre Islar
158
A Strange Twist
64
162
Wine Riot
THOUGHTS & OPINIONS
66
Looks for Less
Chicago Climate Action
68
166
Charity Water
Itshours.com 80
Twil ory Fashion with a heart 86
Brands that Give Back 92
Horoscopes for 2015 96
FEATURES
172
Chicago Street Style
EDITORS LAST LOOK Local Love
360YS Transitional Housing
Etnia Barcelona
Meet Marco Foster
Peace for Pits
100 128 138
Meet Mark Bustos
176
178
180
142
The Cheese Stands Alone 146
3
Happy holidays readers! December arrived so quickly this year. I just wanted to take a moment and reflect on this past year and thank each of you readers, writers, photographers and contributors for your continued support. This publication wouldn’t be what it is without the backbone of amazing people behind it.
Now, this issue is dedicated to the idea of giving. Giving not just of gifts, but also of time, help, volunteering and of oneself to your craft and community. This issue I wanted to share the love with those who are doing
letter from the editor
some good for the world around them. The holidays arrive so quickly and often we fall into the same routine of mindless consumerism. I’m not going to knock retail, because without it we wouldn’t be here, but I want to showcase thoughtful consumerism. I also wanted to share stories of those working through and overcoming the struggle of poverty. You see this thread of an idea woven throughout the blanket of articles in this issue. We are featuring some pretty cool brands doing pretty cool things. Not just making cool things, but also making a difference. The fashion feature this issue is highlighting three up and coming designers in Chicago: Chicago Playground, Maybe Sunday and Amy Marie Couture. Each of these young brands has a buzz about them and I am so excited to feature them in our issue this winter.
I am sure you will end up hearing more about them. The feature was shot on location in one of Chicago’s up and coming art’s district neighborhoods. It’s a hood I knew of long before it became the cool place to be. It was my second home away from Humboldt Park. I went there for the best Mexican food, amazing people watching and a wonderful community. If you don’t know that it’s Pilsen, what rock have you been living under? Pilsen has become the premier art’s district in Chicago and we used it as the inspiration for our street style inspired shoot. We highlighted many
JENNIFER M. LEZAN-VEGUILLA EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER
of the amazing murals found on 16th street and Halsted. It blows my mind to see the beauty we captured in a place where I created so many childhood memories.
This issue is also featuring brands with a mission to give back to the community. Liv shares fashion lines like Twillory and Etnia Barcelona, two
4
online brands we had a chance to learn more about. Perry is bring-
them a forever home. All to often, we forget about our furry
ing us a roundup of local brands based in Chicago that give back.
friends and Pit bulls have even more at stake considering the
Teresa has her usual looks for less roundup and is sharing the latest
propaganda and false information shared about them.
on Chicago brand PRSVR of itshours.com. There is this saying that “you can judge the character of a Thom shares some great features this issue, in particular, a high-
man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” This
light on Wisconsin based cheese brand Sartori who is doing more
holiday season give without expectation and love without
than just making cheese. They are a family owned business that
condition. Remember those less fortunate and find a way to
believes in doing good and putting their money where their
give from your core to those who can do nothing for you. I
mouth is. Last year they donated upwards of $42,000 to the Make-
may not have a lot of money to give, but I have my body, my
a-Wish Foundation.
health and can make time to volunteer. It has been this past year of volunteering that has opened my eyes and has ful-
I had the opportunity to meet with a local transitional housing pro-
filled my heart. It helps me to be a better person, to love more
gram through 360 Youth Services, a local non-profit I volunteer at. I
and to think more about my decisions. It has moved my soul
was able to meet some of those who have been affected by home-
and helps me to teach my young daughters about the power
lessness. I shed some startling statistics in this article and share the
of love and a helping hand. It’s this idea that inspired this
story of a young transgender individual starting life over again.
issue and I hope it inspires each of you this holiday season.
Cora highlights an Instagram star: Mark Bustos who is known for his haircuts for the homeless initiative. We also highlight one of Chicago’s very own altruists: Marco Foster. Marco is known for his battle with brain cancer and for his empowering charitable events.
You will find a slew of great winterizing grooming and beauty tips from Danielle as well as some great music features including our winter album roundups. We have spotlight on DJ Cavem known as the O.G Rapper (organic gardener) who is helping to lead change and educate youth about healthy eating in areas known as food deserts. Stella shares a heart to heart interview with YouTube sen-
Chicago Street Style Feature - pg. 100
sation and Lupus survivor: Bre Islar. Brittany, our health and fitness editor, is featuring Chicago’s own Live to Support organization. Rob shares some insight on Chicago’s climate action initiatives and shares how the community is working to take a stand against climate change.
I close out this issue with a story on Peace for Pits a non-for-profit
JENNIFER M. LEZAN - EDITOR IN CHIEF
dedicated to saving Pit bulls from euthanasia in Illinois and finding
5
jennifer lezan - veguilla
eic & creative dir. @halfstackmag
kate roth
mariana biagi
co-founder
co-founder
PHOTOGRAPHY
DIGITAL TEAM
dwight bejec
director of comm.
& social media strategy
P erry F ish lead photographer
cheyenne hendricks
blogger & writer
alluringchicago.com
aimee jeane elizabeth
lead photographer visual stimulus
HALFSTACK DIGITAL
meet the
teresa espinoza
fashion editor & blogger
cora vasseur
special features digital editor
team rob samuelson
special features digital editor
6
thom olson
culture & lifestyle digital editor
KALI KOLLER Graphic Designer
SAMMY SITHIPONG Graphic Designer
JAMIE L. BREEDEN Graphic Designer
REGULO ALVARAD
Mens Fashion & Style Editor
DANIELLE PULAK Beauty & Lifestyle Editor
STELLA QUIMBY Fashion & Culture Editor
ANNABEL CARRILLO Graphic Designer TAREQ AL SAUD BRITTANY LOHMANN Astrology & Lifestyle Blogger Health & Fitness Blogger
OLIVIA LEMLEY Fashion & Style Blogger
STAFF WRITERS
& DESIGNERS
7
HALFSTACK STYLE ICON SEARCH ARE YOU OUR NEXT ICON? SUBMIT ON IG #HSMSTYLEICON
CLICK HERE
TO LEARN MORE & ENTER! 8
9
@HALFSTACKMAG
DO YOU INSTAGRAM? FOLLOW US & GET AN INSIDERS VIEW! 10
WWW.HALFSTACKMAG.COM LIVE ATTAINABLE GET CREATIVE BE INSPIRED 11
WISHFUL THINKER CLOTHING www.wishfulthinkerclothing.com
12
FUE
DOWNLOAD TODAY >> LATEST ALBUM: GRAY MATTERS ITUNES | WWW.FUEBAND.COM
13
Create your tomorrow A FALL COLLECTION INSPIRED BY THE LITTLE ARTISTS IN YOUR LIVES CUSTOM SCRIBBLE, WATERCOLOR & DOODLE PRINTS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL shop now
www.bellasophiaclothing.com 14
>
bellasophiaclothing
w
bellasophiahq
15
www.annahovet.com
your girlfriends favorite designer 16
BLOGS TO READ
MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE GREAT DIGITAL READS FOR FASHION STYLE, DESIGN & LIFESTYLE MUSTS
17
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! JOIN OUR FREE MAILING LIST TODAY STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR LATEST ISSUE & EXCLUSIVES ON THE BLOG!
CLICK HERE
TO JOIN TODAY, IT’S EASY! 18
19
www.starvedhustle.com| facebook.com/starvedhustle 20
VISIT US ONLINE
HALFSTACKMAG.COM LIKE US
FACEBOOK.COM/HALFSTACKMAG
TWEET US
TWITTER.COM/HALFSTACKMAG
21
22
23
SIDETRACK CHICAGO 24
WWW.SIDETRACKCHICAGO.COM | 73-477-9189 3349 NORTH HALSTED CHICAGO, IL 60657
for bookings visit us online: www.pickaposephotography.com
25
Nature’s Choice Farm offers all natural meat and eggs, including grass-fed beef, grass fed lamb, pasture-raised chicken and turkey, and pasture-raised pork. All our products are. raised naturally.
26
visit us at: www.natureschoicefarm.com visit us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/NaturesChoiceFarm1
27
28
HALFSTACK DIGITAL WWW.HALFSTACKMAG.COM
29
BEAUTY IN THE CITY
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER M. LEZAN
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Lincoln Park stands a stoic building that has stood the test of time, with a bit of a modern touch. Surrounded by historical buildings, it is almost as if you are lost in time within the confines of Chicago’s historical district. Once you step inside, you’re swept into a beautiful minimalistic yet rustic setting: White brick walls against beautifully aged and repurposed wood floors. The salon is filled to the brim with sustainable and recycled materials that are eco friendly and energy efficient. Even the hair coloring, hair and trash get recycled. They use a private company: Green Circle Salons, whose mission is to make the North American salon industry sustainable by 2020. They are doing this in a way that is affordable and achievable and most importantly, impactful. Obviously, Custom Hair Lounge isn’t your typical Chicago Salon & Spa and Nevena Zee and Tania Gilbert aren’t your typical business partners. They are the epitome of girl power and truly have a Cinderella story. They’ve built a salon and team from the ground up that focuses on the customer and takes pride in having a staff of incredibly talented employees. Nevena is from and studied in Bulgaria prior to making her way to the states. Both of her parents were architects, but when it came to her own career she wanted to go down a creative, interesting and fulfilling path. She started off in modeling, but after some time she yearned for the creative control she witnessed that belonged to the stylists. It was at this time she began beauty school and after 4 years of hard work she landed herself a spot on the National Team in Bulgaria. She went on to become an International All Star for
30
American Crew, which is a coveted title at one of the industries fiercest competitions. She eventually found her way to the states and continued to flourish in her field. It was here in Chicago that fate led her to her business partner Tania Gilbert. They both worked in a salon together on the North Side of Chicago while Tania was attending fashion school while Nevena was in school for business. Nevena was living in Naperville and was going through a divorce. At a time when life seemed to be most difficult she saw an opportunity and pursued it. She was searching for a new place to call home and she yearned for the urban setting she worked in daily, but she wanted to still be surrounded by history and meaning. She landed in Lincoln Park. In a small space behind a storefront, she found home. This is where Nevena began her home-based salon. She focused on creating a beautiful space that was inviting, suitable for business and didn’t leave such a huge carbon footprint on mother earth. She was seeing clients in her home, she’d hide her bed and created a lux minimalist feel and her following started to grow. She eventually partnered up with Tania and the duo jumped the gun and took a huge risk to launch a business and never looked back. Years later, they’re still partners and still friends. Nevena dubs Tania the yin to her yang. They complement one another in friendship as well as in business. Where one has a weakness, the other has a strength to build off of and they have helped each other to grow. Nevena always knew she didn’t want to do this alone and Tania was the perfect person to balance this dream for Nevena. Their sisterly bond and the trust they have built over the years has helped them overcome many of the challenges they face as business partners. Nevena and Tania are both incredibly hard working. It’s inspiring
31
there is also John a senior stylist who is a pro at extension, colors and cuts. Then there is Richard, a senior stylist they recruited from New York. His love for advanced coloring and precision hair cutting have built him a loyal clientele, many of whom travel all the way from New York to visit him in Chicago. There is also probably the fact his vivacious personality keeps people coming back for more. Finally, there is the magical Milena – the salon & shampoo assistant. She has hands from God. This spunky young thing gives the most amazing deep scalp massages. It was like receiving a spa service prior to getting a hair cut and style. She also is quite knowledgeable on the products she is using and takes the time to explain what each one is and how it will help ones hair. What was most encouraging about Custom Hair Lounge is the variety of people walking through the doors; young and old alike sitting down for custom services and being treated with the utmost respect. When asked what she was most proud about her team, Nevena explained that she loved, “the fact that everyone is so creative and comes with a wide variety of skills and is able to pitch in from every angle of the job, but they still put the customer first and don’t get blinded by their personal vision.” Senior stylist, Richard, chimed in an explained that, “typically people come in with an idea of a style and we are here to help them realize whether or not that style can work for them and offer it to them in a way that is customizable to their personal needs.” Rather than focusing on their creative vision and pushing that on clients, they assess the client’s needs and find a way to make it work for them, which often times takes a lot of creativity in of itself. This is quite evident as last year the salon was voted as best hair coloring in Chicago 2013 by City Search and Google+!
32
Yet, it is important to Nevena for her team to be able to creatively express themselves outside of the confines of the clients needs. With this in mind, the team completes custom trend challenges throughout the year. They concept out an idea for a photo shoot and style it, do hair and makeup and finalize it into a trend look book that they can share with their clients. This allows them to go outside of their comfort zone and push the limits. Nevena and the team are also constantly collaborating with local Chicago creatives and international talent than run the gamut from designers such as Borris Powell all the way to EDM musicians. She explains that, “supporting each other and our creativity is important to our growth and success.” This is such an important aspect of the Chicago industry in general. Rather than segmenting off, it’s the innovative business owners who connect and are able to grow from it. It’s this type of mentality that broadens the perspective of business owners and keeps them relevant. Nevena and Tania both understand the need to expand and grow. Tania put it best, “I get bored if I’m not doing something. So, I have the skillset as an MUA and we saw a great opportunity to offer on location services for shoots and really grow our bridal side of the business.” This team isn’t putting all their eggs in one basket and has plenty of side projects in the works that compliment their salon. When talking trends, Nevena shared some of the hottest in hair and some faux pas to stay away from this year. With Global experience, she has seen it all. She explains, “I’m a huge fan of the pastel colors, they can be classy and cool when they are done right, but when they are overly done or too flashy they look so tacky!” She’s also has a love of “natural looking styles, things that are complementing to the skin and style of the person because it can really make a huge difference.”
RICHARD
TANIA
NEVENA ALENA
MILENA
JENNIFER
SERGIO
The team consists of Nevena and Tania who act as Co-Artistic Directors, Ina their aesthetician who is consistently booked, Jennifer their senior stylist who specializes in modern cuts for women, Reanne a stylist who is a genius with keratin treatments, Alena another stylist who loves to stay up to date on runway trends and translate them into beautiful wearable looks. Angel is the 3rd stylist on staff who is incredibly versatile; when Halfstack visited he was working with a variety of clients that ranged from a 2 year old to hot 20 something’s. Juan is a senior stylist who is known for his natural feminine cuts,
ANGEL
This family feel is engrained in their staff. Nevena states that, “the team is so well grounded, there’s not much of that typical drama you often hear of.” When you visit the salon, egos are checked at the door. It is a welcoming and inviting space and the people at once make you feel at home. There is no snooty receptionist looking at you like you don’t belong. Rather, there is Sergio, a sweet faced charmer who is ready to help at a moments noticed. Yet, he is not your typical service coordinator, he is a product expert who is there to not just upsell you, but provide you with products that will help ensure you can recreate your salon style at home. It is a breath of fresh air to be surrounded by so many people who are passionate about what they do.
MEET SOME
INA
to see two women working so diligently to make the American dream happen. Tania has found a way to balance being a business owner and mother to her 9 year old son that works for her and still allows her to follow her dreams. Nevena started with just a small apartment to work out of and now they own the building the salon is in outright. 7 years of hard work has truly paid off for these creative entrepreneurs.
OF THE TEAM
33
34
Nevena also highlights that, “Long bobs are definitely the trend right now along with texture and beautiful velvety colors like burgundy and interesting shades of violet and red.” With the guys, “you are very classic looks, beard and crew cuts that have a definite throwback feel, but it is important for guys to be able to maintain them!” These trends are really showcasing how people in the US are becoming less scared about experimenting with their hair. Coming from Europe, Nevena can see the challenge US clients pose when experimenting with hair, but over the years people have evolved their look; especially here in the Midwest. When it comes to color the team steers away from the toxic chemicals typically used in salon settings by using top of the line, natural products. As stylists, the team makes it a point to try everything that is in the salon. This way, they better understand the features and benefits of the product and can make much better suggestions to their clients. Neuma is one of her favorites due to the sustainability factor. The brand was founded with beauty, health and sustainability at its heart – Their philosophy is simple. NEUMA believes that professional performance hair care, health and sustainability need not be mutually exclusive. For the guy clients, she always suggests American Crew, but explains that suggestions are always based on the needs of the clients.
is so important to people in the beauty industry as it is always in flux. Many young stylists do a lot of learning on the job as an apprentice, but they need to continue to gain knowledge year after year in order to stay relevant. When asked for what kind of advice she would offer young people who are entering the field she had the following to say: “Be persistent. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Learn from everyone around you. Don’t give up. Try to be dedicated and try to be your best self. You also have to be willing to put pride aside sometimes. This is an industry based on people and you have to learn to understand those people and give a lot of yourself to those people. It’s a lifestyle; it’s not just a job or a way to make quick money. You won’t be successful if that’s the mindset you are in. Finally, be self-responsible. I think that is the most important thing. In a profession where we can go anywhere and be free, it requires a lot of responsibility on our part to take action and take charge of our consequences rather than blaming our faults on others. Self-disciple is crucial to get to where you want to be.” You can learn more about the salon and book services at: www.customhairlounge.com
They differentiate themselves as a salon by offering each client a special plan that includes services and products that works for them. They’re not just about making the sale, but actually helping the client have the healthiest hair possible. Another way the salon sets itself apart is by focusing on specialty cuts and interior hair cutting. Basically, it helps give your hair extra body and weight without having to chop the hair on the outside. As a stylist, Nevena truly believes in continued education. Being a lifelong learner
35
As the holidays approach many businesses and organizations add to their everyday activities by promoting charitable events and the health and wellness industry are no different. There are food drives, coat donations, and wish lists to fill at many local gyms and studios. However, there is one local Chicago organization that promotes health and wellness as well as charitable acts all year long – Live to Support. ABOUT LIVE TO SUPPORT Live to Support [LTS], founded in 2010, is a Chicago-based organization that seeks to raise awareness and funds for local charities through sports and social events. The organization was founded on the idea that young professionals are key to building a better city and that a better Chicago can be built around an active lifestyle, particularly sporting and social events.
36
LTS uses sports as a means to create a sense of community, one that brings individuals from different ethnicities, genders, backgrounds together to participate for a common goal; however, where LTS differs from regular sports teams is that each individual community works together to achieve much more than a win on the playing field – each team plays to create awareness and raise money for the cause of their choice. WHO THEY ARE & THE STORY It was July of 2010, Mark Biery and Chris DuCharme were following the World Cup. As tournament brought together men and women from across oceans, from different nationalities, and different ways of life, not only did the competition unfold but an idea as well – an idea to use competition and sport, not on a global scale
A Look at Live to Support
WRITTEN BY: BRITTANY LOHMANN
but rather a local one, to bring together the people of Chicago. Little did they know how their idea would grow and expand in the coming years. Biery and DuCharme co-founded Live to Support with the idea to bring young professionals together as a way to promote healthy living through competition as well as build a better community. The idea was to use participant registration fees as a way to create awareness and give to local charities rather than provide participants with another t-shirt or medal. While soccer may have been a part of the group’s inspiration, LTS has expanded its borders to include sports leagues including kickball, soccer, volleyball, dodgeball, softball, and flag football to draw in its participants. In the past four years, LTS has had over 5,000 people, from all
37
“
walks of life, participate in their events to create a better Chicago, and as the group moves forward into its fifth year, they are continuing to grow their organization as well as the opportunities they offer to the public. Opportunities include special tournaments such as the 5th Annual Coed 8 versus 8 Flag-Football Tournament and the 2014 Turkey Tourney, a 5 versus 5-person coed soccer tournament, as well as sports-related social events. As a result of their growth, Biery and DuCharme’s organization has become more than a two-man team. The LTS group has become a partnership of eight different individuals that assist with everything from public relations to league management and charity partnership coordination to ensure that all registered participants are guaranteed a good time. HOW IT WORKS As previously mentioned, Live to Support uses individual and team sign-up fees as a way to raise money and awareness for different non-profit organizations in Chicago. How it works is that upon registration, a list of local charities is provided. The registrant then chooses from the given list or is able to write in a charity of his or her choice, if the one desired is not provided. The amount that is donated to each organization varies depending on the given league or event; it could range from as little to 5-100%, with 7% being the average donation percentage. However, whatever team wins the tournament and/ or league a minimum of $250 is given
38
to the charity of the individual team’s choice. With multiple sports leagues running at a time and registration fees ranging anywhere from $250-650, the amount that goes towards charity quickly adds up. In fact, since 2010, Live to Support has raised $141,500.00 for local and national charities and hoping to reach their goal of $150,000 by the end of this year. WHO THEY SUPPORT While all participants have the option to choose the charity of their choice, Live to Support has established a number of partnerships with 22 Chicagoland organizations, ranging from cancer awareness to childhood literacy to charter schools to youth sports. While each organization and cause is worthwhile in their own right, here are some examples of the diverse issues that Live to Support backs: •Access Living. Established in 1980, Access Living is dedicated to assisting disabled Chicagoland residents lead independent and full lives. •Autism Speaks Chicago to Young Professionals [AS2YP] . This chapter of Autism Speaks creates awareness, raises funds and promotes active participation in the autistic community. •Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is a mentoring program that matches adult volunteers (“Bigs”) with children (“Littles”) as a way of creating a meaningful, positive relationship for
at-risk youth. •PAWS Chicago. PAWS [Pets Worth Saving] Chicago is a large no-kill humane organization dedicated to saving the lives of animals. The group works to educate the public on animal cruelty and care as well as find homes for dogs and cats through adoption. •Renaissance Social Services, Inc. Dedicated to ending homelessness, the Renaissance Social Services uses education, prevention, housing, and other supportive services to assist the homeless in the Chicago area. With 22 notable causes to choose from, as well as the option to enter the charity or non-profit organization of one’s choice, it is no wonder that Live to Support has continued to thrive and grow in the past four years. GIVE BACK Live to Support provides young Chicago professionals with the opportunity to stay active, meet others, and give back to its community through its various sports leagues and events. It emphasizes and promotes the idea that philanthropy and creating awareness for a vast array of causes as something that is yearlong and never-ending rather than a seasonal event. The organization is a positive influence for all of those involved and has made a positive impact on Chicago and its residents.
“
Little did they know how their idea would grow and expand in the coming years.
VISIT ONLINE! http://www.livetosupport.com 39
Midnight Movie Escapades
MUSIC BOX:
Photos & Written by: Rob Samuelson
My heart sinks as I approach the Music Box. The line is wrapped around the block. It’s populated by hundreds of people, but most visible are the scantily clad men, uncomfortable in their one-night-only costumes. There is a lot of fidgeting and even more visible breath escaping their mouths. They’re dedicated, I’ll give them that. But they’re dedicated to the wrong thing. You see, these guys are in line, bearing the early November winds, wearing lingerie and platform heels, rouge and lipstick, waiting for the annual post-Halloween midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For all that effort, they get a movie, and a viewing experience, almost solely dedicated to making fun of something bad. “The Time Warp” is an okay song, but otherwise I don’t see how anyone gets any positive enjoyment out of it. It’s all about feeling superior to something, a way to feel smart while dressing silly. Or maybe I’m just overreacting from the time I was talked into doing the Rocky Horror thing in college. It was a cold, miserable evening spent dealing with eyelash makeup getting stuck in my eye. And now a bunch of people are between me and buying my ticket for the Music Box’s other, vastly superior midnight offering, John Carpenter’s Halloween. But I guess that’s what midnight moviegoing is: a bunch of off kilter peo-
40
41
ple coming together to celebrate films that typically find themselves occupying a space beyond the classic critical constraints of “good” or “bad.” These are moments you must experience as a whole, like riding your first roller coaster or eating a jar of jalapeños on a dare – parts of it might not be so great, but as a whole it’s a pretty cool thing. These are the gatherings for people who love throwing spoons at the screen during showings of The Room, have their earlobes assaulted by Divine in Female Trouble, and take copious amounts of hallucinogens before watching the adventures of a cowboy and his naked son in El Topo. And it’s places like the Music Box that allow for these assemblies, providing a venue of incalculable value for people who want to let loose and get weird for a few hours late at night. And tonight, these Rocky Horror people are pumped. There’s even a guy wandering the crowd doing his best hype man impression to help the queuing people get into even more of a tizzy. I ask him if there’s a separate line for Halloween,
42
and being the shrewd businessman he is – he’s part of the hired Rocky Horror troupe, not a Music Box employee – he spreads disinformation about a competitor. In short, he yells at me and tells me I’m dumb for suggesting someone would want to do something that is not seeing Rocky Horror Picture Show. I see I will get nowhere with this guy, so I jump out of the line, push open the door and sheepishly ask the ticket taker if Halloween is indeed showing tonight, as per the website’s advertisement. Again I am looked at with confusion. “Yes? Do you want to buy a ticket?” she says. “Oh, yes, thank you very much,” I say, fumbling for my debit card. She dispenses my ticket and I head back outside to listen in to the conversations of the excited people in drag. They’re buzzing, some are (badly) singing the movie’s songs, others are saving their energy for the show itself by talking about everyday life, including one dull explanation of a
restaurant’s menu. There are some real goofballs in the bunch, the type of film nerds I can appreciate. They are chomping at the bit for the experience of celluloid projected at 24 frames per second, no matter what tripe is being shown. And when the doors are opened, they eagerly stampede in with the rest of the crowd. As I wander toward the smaller second theater, I’m a little bit sad – but not too sad – I’m missing out on such an exuberant film-going experience in exchange for a more staid, if still plenty appreciative, one with Halloween. And I can’t thank the Music Box enough for shepherding both experiences on the regular, letting nerds like me take in some weirdness at the witching hour, something I will never stop doing. These are moments you must experience as a whole, like riding your first roller coaster or eating a jar of jalapeños on a dare – parts of it might not be so great, but as a whole it’s a pretty cool thing.
” 43