[An Excellent Metal Band Was in Town: Barishi Performed at Portland’s Twilight Cafe, 1/30/2020, and if you missed them: Shame on you!]
I saw the metal band, Barishi, In Chicago last weekend. Dudes are from Brattleboro, Vermont, and one from MA. I liked their short gig (4 bands on the bill). They are trekking across America to see sights such as flat Illinois. I spoke to the lead singer/guitarist after the show, and he told me they arrived late in Chicago and thus could not sight see. So they went to Lou Malnati’s for pizza. I like thin crust, and the band member shared my taste. He was definitely underwhelmed by the thick crust of Lou’s pizza.
The venue (@21st&State) previously hosted NYC-based sax/composer John Zorn (who rarely plays live outside of NYC), pairing him with Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo and some other guy. I did not know what to expect, tickets were at least $75, and I would have had to drive south through downtown, which has overpass and lane reconfiguration snarling inbound traffic. I missed Zorn. But when Barishi was in town, I made sure that I got there.
I wager their Portland gig was at a very intimate venue. Everyone, including you, dear reader, should have been there!
– Mark Erickson
