This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Yesterday, The Hudson Block Party took over the corner of Santa Monica and Crescent Heights for 12 hours of fashion, food, music, and spirits. We were invited to attend and we had a blast! Here are five things we learned at yesterday's event:
1. Hotties Love a Good Block Party
The saying “birds of a feather, flock together” must explain why every beautiful person in L.A. decided to attend the block party. The Hudson should just change the name of next year’s event to “Hottie Convention 2013,” it might be a little less misleading.
2. All of L.A. is obsessed with Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know"
Is this the official song of the summer or something? I don’t know what it is about this song that has every radio station in L.A. playing it every other hour and every DJ incorporating a remix of this into their set. It’s a good song, even if you’ve never had a disarming breakup -- it’s still quite infectious, but after hearing it seven or eight times yesterday, I don’t know if I can ever willingly push play on it ever again.
3. The Eclipse Does Strange Things To People
Yesterday’s historic Solar Eclipse got a lot of different people into a frenzy as the moon partially eclipsed all of the sun, leaving only a ring of fire, sometime around 6:30 p.m. They say that more babies are born during eclipses, but after last night, I might argue that more people get more drunk during eclipses. As Miss Aubrey, a local indie rock DJ, played in between bands on the Churchill Stage, one particularly excited partygoer got up on the DJ platform and performed what can only be described as a provocative interpretive dance for the audience. Fueled by a remix of the aforementioned unofficial song of the summer (and probably some other stuff), the girl’s performance drew a mixed reaction from the crowd. Some approving onlookers shouted, “Get it, girl!” while others yelled, “it’s the eclipse! It’s the eclipse.” Thankfully, I now know what to use as my alibi in case I ever get too drunk and embarrass myself -- too bad the next one is not till 2121.
4. Kevin Barnes is the Boogie Funk Master
Kevin Barnes has always been known for his wild and idiosyncratic stage persona, and unsurprisingly, his 9:00 p.m. DJ set on the Hudson Stage did not disappoint. Debuting his new “Skrillex” haircut, the of Montreal frontman presented a carefully orchestrated selection of songs ranging from classics like Prince and David Bowie to the more contemporary Janelle Monae and Janet Jackson, among other freaky, get-up-get-down jams. Although the stage’s set up was kind of awkward, leaving the dance floor to literally be on a hill, a little uphill boogying never hurt anyone.
5. Saint Motel is Really Good Live
The pop-rockers in Saint Motel appeared to be in top shape yesterday at the block party. Their mirthful ethos is certainly contagious and I think that’s why their music was the perfect soundtrack for a feel-good afternoon. As the eclipsed sun radiated upon all of West Hollywood, singer AJ Jackson chugged Jack Daniels straight from the family/party sized bottle and joked, “There’s no more coke.” The band’s energetic afternoon set consisted of old and new songs, a highlight being “1997” the first single from the band’s upcoming album. With beach balls bouncing about and fans singing along to the band’s upbeat pop songs, there seemed to be a unique sense of reciprocity between the band and audience. If you missed their performance at the Block Party, go to their album release show at the El Rey on July 14th. You won’t be disappointed.
Also, don’t forget that if you attended the Block Party and still have your wristband, you can use it to get a discount at The Hudson’s NEW weekday brunch starting today!
