This was my first time at Club Feral. I don’t really know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t the mix of 50’s man lesbians, PNW indie grandma clothes (and underwear!!) and clippered head punk scene that was going on. It was cool though, those kids are all really nice and I had fun even if I don’t quite get the fashion sense.

It was kind of a weird evening. The Passionistas felt somewhat out of place on the line up with Didimao and Connie Fucking Francis. Actually, I like lineups that don’t sit quite right. But also Aaron, one of their principal song writers and guitarists, was home sick sick sick and they were playing with Elton Tom on drums because Tina was out of town. They’re such troopers.

Because this was a benefit for cutter photozine, there were celebrities in the audience. Its really too bad Aaron was sick, because most notably Gwen Stefani showed up. She said she came because she loves their album, specifically Aaron’s songs and voice, and she wanted to ask him to be on a single she was recording that night. She was totally bummed he couldn’t be there and said it was too bad it didn’t work out. She couldn’t stay long but we did get some photos with her:

Look at her, she’s amazing! Its like a spotlight follows her everywhere she goes. She’s almost larger than life! And she had three costume changes with her. This lady is totally prepared and put together.

Admittedly we were in a daze for the rest of the show, so I’m going to rely on Gwen’s reactions. Didimao reminded her (and me) of being in college, specifically the student union at some punk show. It was totally that nineties unwound kind of sound.

Gwen thought The Passionistas played a lovably disastrous set. They included some of Aaron’s songs, just for Gwen. She thought they did a great job, especially since half of the band couldn’t be there!

Finally Connie Fucking Francis played. Gwen loved the idea of this — bratty punk rock covers of Connie Francis songs. She loved the way it sounded when these kids tore it up. But, I have to admit, after having seen them a few times I love the idea more than sitting through a whole set. I think I’m alone in this sentiment because Thee Parkside was packed solid and everybody was dancing as Connie’s songs were dragged kicking and screaming into the guttter.

see the rest here!

My fellow Passionista Aaron Mayfield-Sunshine broke the news that Gwen Stefani heard our album “God’s Boat” yesterday on his blog MUSIC STANDS FOR COMFORT. This is amazing for our band, The Passionistas, as we’re always trying to get some love. It’s such a dream come true, Gwen is SO one of our number ones!

I’m so happy that Gwen is showing us love. It’s really funny to me that dudes like Jack White and Thurston Moore haven’t been willing to get behind us – even when we’ve had a dude-approved in. Moral of the story: dudes are lame. I feel much more comfortable with the women in this music business. They’ve been willing to listen, give hugs, sign autographs, call back, and generally be cute and professional.

Aaron’s blog is amazing. His previous post describes in detail why he would like to look like Macaulay Culkin! Check it out!