january 2005 editor note

by
Welcome to 2005. Looks just like 2004, eh?

There's changes afoot this month and you'll notice a few small things here and there. Like the cover page this month. I thought it might be a good idea to downsize it a little and add some links. If you have an opinion on this, please... let me know. I'm going to be making some other changes of the same sort and I would really appreciate an opinion or three. Does it help the load time, or hinder it more? Personally, I just got tired of waiting on all those little blocks to load.

We're trying something new too. The "on decks" column now has a mix available for download that you can only get on this site. The idea is to feature one artist every month that wants to do a a mix exclusively for phocas.net and give us a breakdown of his tracks. What do you think? This month's is kind of strange. Bits and pieces of it are pretty good, but other parts... eh... well... everyone has their own tastes. Have a listen and a read and see what you think!

So, the photo I used for this month's cover was actually taken at a dance recital that I attended earlier this year at The Dance Hall inside of Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, MO. I thought it appropriate to use since the lead article this month was Best of KC 2004. That building is definitely one of the best of KC, architecturally. But yea... it's not a huge Best Of list, but more of a drive-by of where the best places were to hear some of the best DJs this past year.

The photo above was taken by Mason at our recent 3rd Anniversary party, "phocas cubed", at Kabal Restaurant & Nightclub. I think everyone that came had a really fantastic time, from dinner and drinks to more drinks and dancing. I can't express my gratitude enough to everyone that helped make this event possible, as well as everyone that has supported phocas.net for the last 3 years.

I would really like some feedback on one of the articles this month. Seriously, is it too cheesy or does it really give you a good feel for things if you had never been to Kabal? I initially wrote it for Xpander, another online Zine. It was just sent to them last week, so I don't know if it's been published or not yet, but check 'em out some time. They've got some good info.

This month was a bit crazy though, what with "phocas cubed" and Christmas and then New Year's. Yes, the photos will be up soon from all of those festivities, as well as some other fun stuff that will be added to the "A Look Back" gallery. Things just got a little delayed and I just ran out of time, heh... but we've got some new people coming on to help out... so... things are looking up!

And jeez... are you about ready for When Worlds Collide or what? There hasn't been anything goin on in that realm for a month or more it seems...

see you at the uptown?
~phocas~

Comments

Post a Comment

popular now

q104 country christmas

by
Image
Jackson Dean is one of our more favorite rising stars just now and this was a rare opportunity to catch him outside of the glitz and glam of an arena show.  Indeed, we had been trying to catch up with him, in just this type of format, for more than a year.  Each attempt was thwarted for one reason or another and we had kind of given up hope.  Then comes Q104 (KBEQ-FM) with their annual Christmas show featuring none other than this elusive musician. Hosted by PBR Big Sky at the Power & Light District, with proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, this proved the perfect opportunity to catch his act, up close and personal, and unplugged.  This is the true test of the talent of any musician, to get up on stage with nothing more than their voice, instrument and stage lighting. Jackson Dean did not disappoint either. A country musician who is not entirely country, he is rhythm and blues, and a little...
read more »

weston wassailing

by
Image
  A random encounter with wassailers in Weston found them shuffling along peddling their vocal wares on the opening day of festivities at Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard .  They had chosen the perfect day, with a bright shining sun and temperatures lurking about 0ºC, though seemed a bit confused about their role. This gang of carolers were attempting to apply house wassailing to the setting.  As this was an orchard, wassailing etiquette dictates they wander about reciting their incantations and singing to the trees of the fields in an effort to promote a good harvest for the coming year.   Shoppers appeared undeterred, mostly ignoring the misguided cretins.  They were entirely too obsessed with the small row of merchant tents where freezing sellers made every effort to hoard what little warmth they could.  In the big house, aka barn, others huddled around the cider tanks, with offered a variety of food, libations, and a more infused sort o...
read more »

a kc rep carol

by
Image
An evening with the  Kansas City Repertory  interpretation of the Charles Dickens tale, "A Christmas Carol," turned out an excellent performance in this 43rd rendition the classic.  A diverse representation of performers stood for nary a slip in their execution.  The narrator stumbled a couple of times but recovered so quick, it was hard to accept that it had really occurred. When you have that many lines, it is hard not to miss one here and there though. Early in the opening acts of the show, a phone voiced its annoying melody.  However, nobody on stage missed a beat, or even blinked, as the device quickly silenced.  Technology is hard for some, I suppose.   It was not for the production though! A revolving set appeared well manicured and suitable for every angle of the production, and actors flowed seamlessly across and between scenes.   Extending into the audience as well, extras sometime enhanced the lighting and sound, prior to thei...
read more »

celebration of the dead in 2024

by
Image
A forecast of little more than continuing rain did not deter our trek over to Central Avenue in Kansas City, KS for the annual Dia de Muertos celebration.  The memories of last year commanded a follow-up on this cultural festivity in the hometown. The afternoon had been relatively rain-free with the sun peeking through from time to time. Arriving around 4:30 pm, we almost immediately wished that we had come sooner.  Within an hour of arrival, heavy rain sent folks scurrying for cover. We were fortunate enough to have stopped about that time to enjoy a little delicious local flavor, under a canopy, and from the very same folks as in the year before.   In spite of uncooperative weather, a general air of warmth and amiability filled the streets of Central Avenue, overcome only by opportunities to enjoy music, dancing in the streets, and some of the most delicious food and treats to be found anywhere. The lineup proved every bit as enjoyable as the y...
read more »

contrasting garden glow

by
Image
This date after Thanksgiving our crew remained a bit more local, visiting the  Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens .  The experience is quite a contrast with the effort last year in St Louis.   Many of the displays stand out nicely, as do a few very intentional arrangements in random locations.  They are well-placed for interaction and photographs. However, sidewalks lined with lighting stretch in random directions without any sort of guidance, seemingly without intent or construct.   The paths occasionally intersect, sometimes through tunnels of light, which is the highest level of interactivity.  Treats are available for purchase at multiple locations, but only one contains enough warmth to encourage folks to linger any length of time. Other fires pale in comparison, making the only other temperature refuge beyond the main building, Santa's workshop.  He was very busy there, enjoying the company and a photo shoot among the y...
read more »

miss hawaiian tropic international model search 2003 kc week 5

by
Image
Entering Week 5 of the contest, competition was getting tight as more and more desired to make name for themselves and their bodies.  This was the last round before the finals, when the winners of this and the last four would be brought back in front of Shotgun Jackson for a final decision.  Of course, after there was the usual drunken debauchery and dancing to beats provided by Bill Pile and Steve Thorell.   view more photos from this event
read more »