Modifiest: Friday the Thirteenth

Apart from a markedly talented five band bill, the first night of the last Modifest brought Modified Arts owner Kimber Lanning to the event’s forefront. After Treasure Mammal completed an invigorating set, Lanning stepped toward the stage and addressed the crowd. “Music is my number one passion,” Lanning said, while refuting rumors, and explaining that Modified will host occasional shows, but the focus will rest on art exhibitions. “If it weren’t for the painting sales, the doors wouldn’t have stayed open as long as they did,” Lanning said. Metaphorically, Modified is a deli where people constantly request a wine list that simply isn’t there, Lanning said regarding the space’s time as a top indie music venue. Acknowledging that there are likely a multitude of questions that need answering, Lanning encouraged anyone in need of clarification to contact her personally. “Just ask me.”

Black Carl and Treasure Mammal finished out the night, after sets from Soft Drink, Liars Handshake and Michelle Blades. One-man dance party Treasure Mammal, Abe Gil, spoke and sang on topical issues, including patriarchy in America, and the ol’ H1N1. The performance was Gil’s last show at Modified, the first venue where he performed the T-Mammal project, before the “changes” occur.

Sammy Sosa’s apparent change in skin color became the set’s recurring theme. “I think some white people should start turning back,” Gil said, subsequently volunteering to do so. “Real Talk” and “Bromance” spurred sing-alongs and synchronized dancing. In the spirit of the night’s Green Streets Festival, Gil had audience members perform massive arm circles to emulate windmills.

Black Carl ended the night with a set similar in its interactive nature. Fans slow danced, jumped about and generally sang incredibly loud along with vocalist Emma Pew.