#offthegrid

For the second time in as many months, the people of Oakland (in solidarity with cities across the West coast) decided to throw a party at the port. The march started at the site of the former #OccupyOakland site, Frank Ogawa Plaza, and didn't stop until people were climbing on top of trucks in front of berths 55 and 56. Three separate mobile DJ vehicles were blasting funk, hip-hop and dubstep, which gave the dancing masses plenty of variety and cast celebratory vibes through the bleak, industrial landscape.

Last week, Oakland's GA had voted on extending the shutdown to 3 a.m. if any other cities experienced police repression. After word of tear gas and other violence against protesters in Seattle, Long Beach and San Diego, most people resolved to stay until the third shift of port workers was called off. Some of us were wondering if the OPD were going to come down and join the action, but they kept their distance this time. Anyway, regardless of your political affiliation or feelings on the occupy movement, one thing is for certain: when it comes to partying in the streets, Oakland knows how to throw down.

Stepdad, one of our favorite new bands, performs at the Pyramid Scheme with Power, Phantasmagoria, and Flamtronic. Afterward, Mary and I partied with the band and friends in Ultramark's bedroom where--after hunting all night for it--he took some Adderall and passed out like five minutes later.

Their debut EP Ordinaire is currently out on Quite Scientific Records, and their new album (produced by the fantastic Chris Zane) is set to be released on Black Bell Records in April.

Our good friend Julio Gomez, of Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire, played a solo show at Billy's Lounge a few weeks back with Sam Cook-Parrott from Radiator Hospital and Shores' John Massell. Finally, I've gotten around to posting the photos. 

#offthegrid's favorite Juggalo photographer, Nik Walzak has been following ICP on their American Psycho tour, and got us some awesome exclusive photos at the Hammerstein Ballroom during their stop in NYC. For more Juggalo mayhem, check out his website, MONKEYSonCRACK.com.

The Litribune barn says goodbye with a farewell concert and art show, Nathan K. and Petals Rang The Bell performing.

Equal parts art gallery, concert space, writing workshop and hipster flophouse, the Litribune HQ at 110 Fuller has been the cultural center of Grand Rapids for a lot of people in the year or so it existed. I've had a lot of good times in this place, and I'm sad to see it go.

Dominique Young Unique performing at the Pyramid Scheme with A.B!, Dante Cope, Spydre Murphy, Dreas and Schmieder on 29 September, 2011. Also, you can download her new mixtape free right here.

Dominique Young Unique: Stupid Pretty mixtape