October 2010 (PDF) - Antigravity Magazine

ANTI-NEWSHEAVY METAL PARKING LOT: WHAT STYLE’S ROCKART CIRCUS SAYS GOODBYE TO THE GALLERYAfter all these years, it’s hard to imagine L. Steve “What Style” Williamsneeding an introduction. His highly-stylized artwork can be seen regularly atplaces like Juan’s Flying Burrito and even within the pages of this and everyother magazine around town. A truly working artist, his psycho-billy visuals have beenpopping up in advertisements for years, in addition to the work he contributes to themany bands and other underground ventures around town. You might have even seenhim roaring around town in the “Craw Fink,” a totally deconstructed Chevy S10 pickuptruck, though you’d never know it by looking at it. Always a character and alwaysaround, Williams has become as dependable as the week of Fall we get every year.And for the past five years hehas been throwing the “RockArt Circus,” a collection ofart and performance curatedby Williams, featuring artistswho are sometimes betterknown for the instruments theyplay. Past shows have featuredwork by Jimmy Bower ofEyehategod, Exene Cervenkaof X and Mark Mothersbaughof Devo. This year, Williamsthrows a new twist in the plot,removing his annual showcasefrom a “proper” art gallery(probably after being told byone: “Your crowd, your typeof people? What the fuck?”)and teaming up with Juan’s tothrow this year’s circus in theparking lot of their Mid-Citylocation. The format seems tobe pretty much intact, however,featuring a great collection ofrock bands, burlesque dancers,fire-breathers, hot-rods, skatersfrom Humidity skate shop andof course, lots and lots of eyepoppingand irreverent artwork.This year’s guest of honor isSt. Vitus’ (and New Orleansresident) Dave Chandler, withother notable contributionsfrom NOLA RISING,Morella & the Wheels of If(who you can read more abouton pg. 16) and videos by localthespian and the Green Demon’s Todd Voltz. The lineup of bands performing includeslongtime Friends-of-Steve Suplecs, Spickle, Terranova, the Lovey Dovies, WhiteColla Crimes and Felix. Clearly, a day of sensory overload, which seems to be exactlythe point. Williams promises that this new alliance with the Juan’s empire is only thebeginning and with his track record, it’s easy to believe him. —Dan FoxThe Rock Art Circus happens November 6th, from noon to 8 pm at Juan’s Flying Burrito(Mid-City), 4724 N. Carrollton Avenue. Attendance is free. For more information, go to504whatstyle.com6