Split: A Divided America, is the brainchild of Portland filmmakers Jeff Beard, Kelly Nyks and Peter Hutchison. This independent documentary is a nonpartisan look at partisanship. Produced in the aftermath of the divisive 2004 presidential election, Split takes us on a whirlwind road trip across the “divided states of America.” Equal parts travel diary and Schoolhouse Rock episode, Split would play well on OPB rotation during election years.
From the outside, The Artistery is almost unnoticeable. Situated on a quiet block of Southeast Division Street, with a mix of houses and commercial properties surrounding it, the brown clapboard building looks small. It’s easy to pass by–from across the street, there are no visible signs or windows, with the exception of a small “A” inside a cartoon-speech bubble. The building looks as though it may house offices, or perhaps a church.
Jeffrey Lewis’ press kit claims that he is “the hardest working man in show business.” In the past year, Lewis has played over 130 live shows (not counting his most recent U.S. tour), contributed to The New York Times blog “Measure For Measure” and published a new issue of his ongoing comic book series, Fuff.
The members of what would become The Shaky Hands first met at a house party on Northeast Skidmore Street. Bassist Mayhew Hoons noticed Nick Delffs’ band because of their western outfits. “We thought they were going to be some cow-punk band,” Hoons says. “But actually it was just supposed to be a western-themed party … they were just the only ones that dressed up.”
In the past few years, Portland has become a destination for bicycle enthusiasts. We’ve earned the title of “Bike City USA,” thanks to effective urban planning that has resulted in a city with the highest proportion of bicycle commuters in the country. As Portland’s reputation as the Mecca of cycling has grown, so has the number of local bike-related businesses that choose to set up shop here. Portlanders make a living providing all manner of bike-related accessories and services, from sewing custom messenger bags to creating metal cages designed to hold flasks (a Portland take on water-bottle holders).
The Prids’ story begins in St. Joseph, Missouri in the late ’90s. Prids bassist Mistina Keith saw guitarist David Frederickson play at a local house show and convinced him to walk out of his current band and form one with her. At the time, Keith did not play any instruments. This story, and Keith and Frederickson’s subsequent marriage and divorce, are part of Prids’ growing lore.
It’s no small feat, but Mission of Burma has managed to join the ranks of Black Flag, Husker Du and Sonic Youth as one of the most influential American rock artists of the past 30 years.