Tonight’s Candidates Gone Wild event at the Roseland was a roaring success, thanks to a game group of political hopefuls, a randy emcee (Storm Large in her magnetic, pottymouthed splendor), a Randy in Lycra and leather, and a rowdy sellout crowd. Presented by Willamette Week and the Bus Project, this season’s electoral event included mayoral candidates Sam Adams and Sho Dozono, City Council Position 2 candidates Nick Fish and Jim Middaugh, and City Council Position 1 candidates Jeff Bissonnette, John Branam, Mike Fahey, Amanda Fritz, Charles Lewis and Chris Smith. (Commissioner Randy Leonard made a cameo appearance—see video below.)
The political mosh pit before the show (photos by James Pitkin):
This year’s event brought back versions of favorite set pieces from years past: a team quiz show, video interviews with Adrian Chen, grilling on the issues by WW editor Mark Zusman and political consultant Liz Kaufman (Kaufman to third-time’s-a-charm City Council candidate Nick Fish: “Have you considered running for the West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District?”).
But the centerpiece this time, as in the past, was the talent show, which included Amanda Fritz’s take on “Iron Man,” Mike Fahey’s Elks Club comedy stylings, Charles Lewis playing Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry” (complete with waving lighters and cell phones in the audience), Chris Smith fixing a flat tire while his campaign manager “live-blogged” pop-up commentary, and John Branam operating power tools (he made a picture frame onstage).
Far more than Sam Adams’ milkshake-making talent was on display when fellow Commissioner Randy Leonard walked onstage, bare-chested and spandex-crotched, to crank up the pedal-powered blender:
Sho Dozono used his 2 1/2 minutes of fame to enact a challenging three-part commedia involving Dozono, a land shark and a Rap the Vote sho-down. Here’s a snippet:
Thanks to all the candidates for participating, and to the Bus Project, Wieden + Kennedy, Portland Community Media, dBMonkey and the Candidates Gone Wild volunteers. Look for a Candidates Gone Wild wrap-up in Wednesday’s WW, and stay tuned for much more complete CGW footage from Portland Community Media.
Candidates Gone Wild highlight reel (photos by Jonah Schrogin):
Hey, you didn’t include all the candidates so WWeek should name itself as "Rogue of the Week"!
Not including everyone is hypocrisy after slamming others for not including everyone!
Excuse me,,,but let’s get real.
I sat up close and IMO the "centerpiece" was, overwhelmingly,
Storm Large. I did have two beers and, well, my being a middle aged conservative Republican at a not-so-much event may have rendered me less attentive to the activities, but come on.
The fascinating Storm Large deserves a few words. And a fascinating specimen of the female species she is. From head to toe with a fabulous voice.
I can’t vote for any of the candidates at last night’s event but I’ll have to check out a local Storm show. Better late than never. I just never got her greatness from watching a couple episodes of Rockstar Supernova. Maybe she’s better now? Does she perform weekly at a local establishment?
Thanks WW for the centerpiece emcee.
Is it just me, or does Storm Large have the best legs in town?
Dunno, Hal–I haven’t seen your legs.
I had more fun yelling at the TV’s and having wings and beers downstairs with Fred Stewart (running for seat 2). Putting on our own show down below was the way to go.
I agree with the first post. Everyone should understand this whole election is a set-up. WW is no better the the O. Chris Rich 4 Mayor made a good appearance and made the Sam crew look pretty weak. I’m sure I would never use people acting as sex workers and he-she’s holding up my sign to promote my campaign. Imagine what families thought when they saw this when driving by. It shows a real lack of respect for the city office of the people.
Chris, good try but I thought the blond was hot and I am sure my wife and son would too.
What can one say…the ultimate postmodern political debate in the ultimate postmodern City That Jerks! And, typical of most conceptual art, it’s enough just to read a description…actually it’s better
I’m trying to learn the name of the beautiful anti-war song Storm sang at this event. Anyone know?