Lebowski Festival
October 21, 2005
Knitting Factory, NYC
Hair Supply/Bling Kong/Corn Mo/Big Lebowski

I must start off by saying, the idea that there even is such an event as the Lebowski Fest is totally refreshing. It makes me think that there are still some passionate, interesting people in this country filled with apathy. The Big Lebowski is simply one of the greatest comedies ever created, and actually one of the greatest movies ever. It definitely captures John Goodman and Jeff Bridges in their strongest roles of their careers. With that being said, I'll get to the actual festival night.

As I expected, about 80% of the crowd there was men. Why are women not as into Lebowski? I have no clue. It was really not as crowded as I thought it'd be when I go there. Most of everyone was crowded at the bar for the $7 White Russian special, or around the merch table checking out the great Lebowski Festival t-shirts, and the bumper stickers ("Phone's Ringin, Dude." "We believe in Nothing." "Mark it 8, dude"). Suprisingly, I did not see many super fans—you know, the guys who dress up like the characters from the movie. That was quite disapointing to me, although I did see someone dressed up as "The Stranger" (Sam Elliot's character). Cowboy hat and big white mustache. Nice.

The first band on was Hair Supply, a metal tribute to Air Supply, claiming to be the "greatest Air Supply cover band in the tr-state region." The band was somewhat funny at times, but lacked the seriousness needed to make it work. Basically think of the Darkness + Spinal Tap – ability to pull it off. All in all, they sucked even more than Air Supply. Seriously. I thought it was impossible too. Then again, the tightly-packed crowd seemed to enjoy it, so maybe I just didn't get it.

Next up was Bling Kong, the only reason I actually went to the event (although I am a big Lebowski fan). Bling Kong features 3 drummers, 2 guitar players, 1 bass player, 4 cheerleaders (1 male, 3 female), and video projection. Just by the sound of that, you know that you're in store for something interesting. I had already caught them a month ago, on the CMJ Marathon circuit, playing a Redder Records showcase at Trash, in Brooklyn. The band impressed me so much there that I plan to catch every future Bling Kong show in NYC, and I also have devoted my time to getting the name out there for this colossal, spectacular band.

At Lebowski Fesitval, they did not dissapoint. Well, they did not dissapoint me. I can't speak for everyone in the crowd, but from the looks of it, the bulk of the crowd did seem to be enjoying the high energy, cheer-involving performance of NYC's best live band. Yes, I said it. I know, I know. New York City has a lot of great talents, and I've seen a lot of them. Yeah Yeah Yeah's, The Strokes, Stellastarr*, the Walkmen are just a few of the great live bands in this city, but the energy Bling Kong brings to their performances is incredible, and how many bands can you think of that pass out programs to the audience before each performance. And I must ad that the program is not the same for every show, and contains fun games and hillarious sing-along lyrics. And try not to sing-along. You can't. For Lebowski Fest, the band through together a special setlist, featuring special Lebowski-themed covers of the Eagles "Hotel California" and Creedence's "Lookin' Out My Back Door" (which was definitely the crowd-pleaser). Good cheerleader choreography, strong vocal-exchange, solid covers, and a very fine closing with the fantastic "I Want More," gave Lebowski fans a perfect musical interpretation of the word awesome. And seriously, I did "want more." I wish they could have played a few more songs, but I don't think I'll ever be able to get enough Bling Kong.

After Bling Kong's performance, I did what any fine journalist would do, leave. I have the Lebowski at home, so I figured, "no need to sit in a crowded room with other fans to watch." And anyway, I was totally satisfied from Bling Kong.