Slow Car Crash, Belladona & the Drag Show

This whole experience was one I was not expecting. When I first arrived at the show, I thought the drag show had something to do with drag racing. Boy, was I ignorant. I was wondering why there were so many cross dressers in the house when I realized what was up. The overall show was an eye-opener, and at times almost shocking. Not that I have never seen people dress in drag before, it is just something you rarely see in a small town like Chico. The premise behind this extravaganza was for the participants to lip-synch various music selections in exchange for tips. These tips benefited the ISCCD, a non –profit organization.

Promptly at 10:30, Belladonna had the music set to fuel the evening. Never underestimate the ability of local Chico bands to crank out unorthodox shows. Belladonna and Slow Car Crash have similar methods of creating their music, but each act expels a distinct groove, vibe and sound.

Belladonna began their set with a blend of fusion that may have surprised some, but definitely entertained. They boast an unusual collection; a lead guitar, bass and DJ that utilizes turntables and a collection of samplers. Their sound is definitely influenced by electronica, but it is enhanced by the live sounds of guitar and bass. During their first song, the crowd truly did not know how to react, but you could tell they were listening intently. Towards the end of the first song the crowd finally started moving.

The band truly got into the mode and kept the folks at Mr. Lucky feeling lucky. The sounds continued to pump out and Belladonna solidified some techno-drum-laced beats. The most eye-popping thing about this group was that these beats were programmed much like that of a rap group when performing. Their style is definitely a cool experiment that has worked out. By the end of their set, it was beginning to get hot in there.

Once Belladonna cleared the stage, you noticed a black curtain blocking off half the stage. You could hear moaning and other sexual sounds and undertones on the loud speakers.

This interlude proceeded about five to ten minutes. However long that wait truly was, it was worth to see what was behind those drapes once they were torn down.

Bhind the curtains, a red sating bed was revealed, occupied by frontman Omar Escoffie and vocalist Christina Brown. If that wasn’t enough of a shocker, the first words that rolled off of Omar’s tongue were "I like bitches," the first line in "Untouchable," one of the most sensual songs on their debut album. At this moment, Mr Lucky’s reached closer to capacity while many students began to enjoy the last weekend before school. The introduction caught attention and Slow Car Crash continued with sweet mellow soul throughout the rest of the night. Peace to Joe on keyboards and Medi on the Cello, you guys held it together.

– Kevin Perry

– Photos by Alyssa Starkey

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