Sunday night at Mai Tai Bar livened up instantly when the DJ played Miley Cyrus. I’m not even kidding. All of a sudden heads were rocking, arms waving. It was a party in the USA. I was like, “Oh, so this is what people are into now,” and even got a little extra smiley myself. I’m way into electro. It’s a killer influence that’s probably embedded in my brain from back when my mom used to play Cameo records. Lately I’m hearing it all over the place and damn it, I’m digging it. From Shakira’s “She-Wolf” to Crystal Castles to Chromeo to, yep, Miley Cyrus, it’s just sound that’s so dancey and wonderful. There were a lot of local DJ heavyweights in the crowd that night–Japan’s DJ Bozu, who was rocking out the mainstream pop, won that round. DJ Delve and Compose were next to me saying “Yes, he is very good.” The event is the first in the five-part series of the second annual Mai Tai DJ Battle. It made me pretty excited to see the next four rounds.

Earlier last week at the Kaleidoscope party, computer software engineer Matthew McVickar debuted his new solo project Lapwing to the regular Tuesday night party, which was more packed than usual. I’ll tell you right now: peoples’ jaws were dropping. I saw it. He had this fluid blend of electronic music, ambient music, field recordings, vocal harmonies and interesting beats, and it worked. After spending most of the night AIMing with Matthew about his music I still have no idea how to describe or understand these newer genres, but I’m happy to report he is currently working on releasing his EP in early 2010. Be ready.

Speaking of Kaleidoscope, it’s been super hit-or-miss since it began. I feel like I’ve been to almost all of them, but I know that’s not actually the case. Nextdoor definitely saw the crest of that scene, but it’s been cozying up nicely at thirtyninehotel recently, thanks to the impeccable attention to sound system detail. Even if on some nights the crowd is mostly just the bands performing and their girlfriends, event organizer Shelly “Catwings” from The808Wonderland isn’t ready to pack it in just yet. Thank God. She’s doing a showcase this Friday. She knows you’re out there, and she’s got two of the hottest local up-and-comers playing to give weekend people a taste Kaleidoscope. The Kaleidoscope Presents! showcase this Friday features, you guessed it, indie rock sensation The Jump Offs and high energy dance-punk power pop band Girlfriends (who are both also playing my birthday party, plug, plug, you’re all invited). This Friday is definitely your opportunity to see what that party is all about if you haven’t yet. If you’re an early Wednesday riser like me, I’ve got good news: the Tuesday event starts early now. Like, 9pm on the dot. I know because last week I was literally racing over from the Mai Tai Rumble to see Painted Highways, who actually did start at 9pm on the dot. I was out of there and in bed before midnight and feeling like a champ the next day. My undying gratitude goes out to Shelly and Ross Jackson and all the people who have kept Kaleidoscope going for this long no matter what. The consistency is key and I really truly believe that if you build it, they will come. Eventually.

---