stacie slotnick presents
the critique of pure reason

doors at 9
music starts at 9:30
$12 suggested donation
experimental alternative-folk, post-punk

devendra banhart (young gods records)
xiu xiu (kill rock stars records)

DEVENDRA BANHART
Devendra Banhart has always used art as his means of communicating. Whether through poetry, painting, or music, the artist’s talent is only surpassed by his eclectic nature. After meeting Bill Berkson, who became a trusted friend and inspiration to Banhart, the young talent would often record songs on shoddy and sometimes broken four-track cassette recorders. The tracks, which sometimes clocked under one minute, were not meant for the outside world and were more stream-of-conscious. But after hearing these tracks, friends began persuading him to make his songs open to a larger audience. After sending out demo cassettes, which were enclosed with a marble and shipped in stationary from the French Treasury Department, Banhart was discovered by Young God Records founder Michael Gira. After thinking of producing Banhart in the proper studio environment, Gira decided to let the songs speak for themselves unaltered. In October 2002, Banhart released his debut album, “Oh Me Oh My” on Young God Records. His vocals have been compared to Nick Drake, Daniel Johnston, and even Tiny Tim. He has performed with (smog) and has performed at venues such as New York’s CBGBs. He is also the author of “The Thumbs Touch Too Much.” (Jason MacNeil) (Tobias Everke photo)

XIU XIU
Taking their name from the 1998 Chinese film “Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl,” post-punk throwbacks Xiu Xiu were formed in San Jose, CA, by Cory McCullough, Yvonne Chen (publisher of the indie zine Zum), Lauren Andrews, and Jamie Stewart. Prior to the 2002 release of their first full-length album, “Knife Play” (released on vinyl through Absolutely Kosher and on disc through 5RC/Kill Rock Stars), the band made appearances on numerous compilations. Shortly after “Knife Play“‘s release, Springman released a 10” collaboration between Xiu Xiu and Deerhoof. Vocalist Stewart has earned comparisons to the Cure’s Robert Smith, while the band itself has been likened to just about any angular guitar band from the late ’70s and early ’80s without any blindingly obvious sources of inspiration. In 2002, the band issued the “Chapel of the Chimes” EP. (Andy Kellman) Tonight’s performance will be Jamie Stewart solo.

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