When I was a teenager in the 80's, I was obsessed with music. I was at the record store every week buying new 45's, albums, and 12" dance singles. I begged the store manager for promo posters and had buttons all over my denim jacket. My bedroom could have been featured in a John Hughes movie with all the posters on the walls. I even made the set of shelves that housed my stereo in woodshop. Shortly after highschool, while attending a local community college, I became an assistant manager at the same record store I'd spent all my money as a teenager. It was heaven. I was in charge of all in-store displays, as well as being in charge of the 12" dance single section. Not only did I get to take home whatever promo materials I wanted, but I became friends with the DJ's from the local dance club by keeping up with the dance charts and offering them DJ discounts. Then I up and joined the Army. My entire musical taste shifted from the pop & new wave of the 80's to soul, R&B and hip hop. I completely lost my affection to that era that was the 80's. And believe it or not, I've never really looked back. Though still a music fanatic, I just never found myself pulling out the 80's music and doing my best Molly Ringwald dance.DJing at Springstreet, we've tested out different musical genres to suit the new lounge like space, but nothing really seemed to catch on for Friday nights. Then one Saturday night, I threw an 80's party and was blown away by how people reacted. It was the first time that I had people clap at the BEGINNING of the songs! They were lined up to make requests and the entire mood at the bar seemed to elevate. So, I took a few weeks to really beef up my collection of 80's music. The past few weeks have been nothing short of an absolute BLAST! I never thought I would have so much fun playing 80's music! It is nothing short of totally awesome. While sipping martinis and chatting with friends, the crowd watches great 80's movies and bops along to the music! As of today, I have over 450 songs from 1980 to 1989! I have pop, new wave, dance, rock, and even a few surprises up my sleeve. If you're in the Portland area, come on down and join us for 80's night! And I'm especially proud of the newest flier I designed.
Here's a pic of Kim, Me and Billy at the bar. I try to wear some kind of retro shirt each Friday night!!
