Thursday, January 27, 2011

Spotlight on Luke Schwartz

Before you watch this video:

Please note that there is mature content (i.e. swearing). Those who are sensitive, you have been warned!

To those who are pursuing sincere journalistic careers, I'm sorry for this "atrocities" of an interview. I'm not even calling it an interview because I had a seriously difficult time keeping my yapper shut. I couldn't help but giggle uncontrollably a couple of times. So, without further ado, here's the introduction to the conversation:

Snow falls gently outside the window as Luke Schwartz and I sit down to do this interview on a lazy Brooklyn day. Anyone that has ever met Luke knows that there isn't any one person like him. He's dry, literal and forthright not only in the context of his standup, but also in his daily speech. He picks up on everything you say and hits you back with a witty retort. It's fun, to say the least, to talk with him, as you can see in this collection of clips from our "interview." He's going to be performing at our February 5th show, along with 2 other comedians. This is the first time the HDC has ever presented standup comedy, and I think its an excellent addition to our repertoire.

The video is about 6 minutes of clips strung together, and the track used is "Vache" by Venetian Snares. (A personal favorite of Luke's)

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Updates, Ramblings, Etc.

Time for another exciting chapter in the life of the Hoover Dam Collective! A group of us just got together this Tuesday for a meeting regarding what to do now that we've got a little bit of a following and a group of contributors. Stick with us, we've got some really exciting things coming up in spring, including:

  • Launchpad Residency shows bursting at the seams with incredible acts.
  • Possible show at the Dining Hall at Purchase College and Culture Shock
  • More shows in Manhattan at the Sapphire Lounge
  • Another show at Station 171 when the sun gets a-shinin', and the birds start singing.
If you want to get involved in any of these, please email us: HooverDamCollective@Gmail.com

In other news, the blog keeps changing as I make it more sophisticated. Please check out the "Events" tab, which features individual events in which friends or members of the HDC are performing / presenting work. The new "Links Out" tab is a list of websites pertaining to the HDC in some way. The "Photos" section has also been revamped, please check it out!

Our next show is another Residency at the Launchpad on Feb 5th, and I will definitely make sure to give you faithful readers the lowdown when it gets a little closer to the show.

Here are a couple photos from the last Residency show at the Launchpad, taken by the wonderful Charlie Winter:

Zach Koeber plays Sax in silohuette.


Hayley Swinburne is cute and plays the ukelele.

HDC Dancers improvise to Archie Pelago

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Kickoff! Video!

If you were walking by 721 Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn last night, you might have peered through the lighted windows of The Launchpad to glimpse some serious artistic fusion. Maybe you saw 5 inspired dancers living inside the music of Archie Pelago, improvising to their visceral, ambient sounds. Maybe you saw the improv-comedy set of the Thunderbirds-4-Life, with the crowd in front of them heartily chuckling. You might have seen a cute redhead with a ukelele, or some weird girl in a hot pink tank top going off, or a great dance party.

Yes, HDC friends, it was a fantastic night, and the high hasn't worn off yet! We are ever so excited to have the Launchpad as our residence on the first Saturday of every month, and we want each show to bring you something new, a smile, and maybe a warm buzzing feeling. (I know I'm not the only one!)

In some enthralling news, this Blog master happens to be unemployed at the moment and had free time today to make this reel using footage from the show:


Friday, January 7, 2011

Sapphire Lounge


Last night the Hoover Dam Collective Dancers, along with Soundhouse Band and Doc Brown Trio, tore The Sapphire Lounge down. We loved the vibe at the Sapphire Lounge and had a great night.
If you missed it, and you need your fill of artistic collaboration, don't miss us again!
Our first Residency Show is on Saturday, Jan 8 (TOMORROW!)
Come check us out at the Launchpad!
Click here for more info about the show.

Posting a couple photos here, more to come on Facebook:

Zach Koeber on the Saxophone playing with Doc Brown

Hoover Dam Collective Dancers gearing up for some improvisational collaboration

Dancing in the Crowd

Thanks to Ryan Mallen for the photos.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

FOLKS! A reminder!

Soundhouse Band Performs at 171 Proof

Don't forget to Dam up your life with The Hoover Dam Collective at their Manhattan debut in just 2 Days!

The HDC is presenting a collaboration between Soundhouse Band and the gorgeous, sexy Hoover Dam Collective dancers. What could be better?

The event goes down at the Sapphire Lounge on Jan 6th from 7:00 - late:
249 Eldridge St #1
New York, NY 10002-1382
212-777-5153

The HDC's set is at 9:30pm and will be short and sweet so make sure you're punctual if you want to see us getting artsy. Cover charge is 5 dollars, but if you're a friend to the collective, we can get you in for free! Get in contact with us and we'll get you on the guest list.

Celebrate!