It’s enthralling, the emotions that evoke when fantasy and reality intersect. As spectator and supporter, we form an image of an artist’s identity from performances, songs, and sound bites. When face to face, excitement settling for a few moments, one gazes at the energy alight in a person’s eyes. Barclay Crenshaw’s read bright and warm. Though the curtain is temporarily closing on his alter ego, Claude VonStroke, Barclay’s dream for creating extraordinary music continues forth.
Following on the heels of Excision’s Nexus presentation December 22nd, 2023, I’m attending Green Velvet’s Lala Land featuring Claude VonStroke’s second to last performance on December 23rd, 2023. You know what that means? Straight to bed Friday night and plenty of sleep. I don’t know if you’ve heard this before, but being well rested is the gift that keeps on giving. We can all use more of that. If restful slumber helps in handling an Excision presentation, I bet it’ll bop for Green Velvet’s Lala Land.
Since Navy Pier’s on-site lots are filled, again, my crew and I arrived at the same parking garage I utilized the night before a skosh after 8:45pm. From here, it’s at least a twenty-minute walk to traverse the distance to the Aon Ballroom inside Navy Pier. At times, I question, how much further? Way past the festival hall that gave me, Emorfik’s motivational words, “Never give up on yourself”. I won’t, but boy, one of those walking escalators would certainly help this trudge. It’s not like it’s a bummer, that I’m not a marathon runner, however this does feel like an endurance contest of sorts.
After climbing a concluding stairwell to a seamless check-in, I finally enter a beautiful space that is the Aon Ballroom at Navy Pier. I gaze at a high vaulted ceiling, with a lovely open area for congregating, dancing, and getting down. The stage sits front and center, complete with decks and a screen for performance and visual display. Technological aspects like lasers and lights are affixed to raised positions throughout the room. There’s a balcony circling the exterior, accessible via stairways to the left and right, and offering elevated views for those with upgraded access. Throughout, you’ll find plenty of friendly bartenders ready to assist patrons with refreshment needs.
A bit before 9:30pm, I make my way to the front right of the stage. Claude nods as he passes by, making way to his green room behind the stage. After speaking with a couple of personnel, I follow a few moments later. Entering, we shake hands and introduce ourselves, then sit for a leisurely conversation, part interview, part review, all good, well, and cool. What does Claude have to say? When I bring up the amazing sounds and experiences he’s created as Claude through Dirtybird, he stops me mid-sentence to remind, “I don’t work there anymore.”
Via the Claude VonStroke identity, Barclay generated many singularly unique tracks. Some would say his productions helped form the sounds of a generation. So much so, Dirtybird releases came to innovate distinctive genres like ‘booty house’. Accurate. When I hear “Slink”, my current favorite Claude VonStroke creation playing on repeat, I get the urge to drop it low.
Something similar happens when I hear “Barrump” and “The Whistler”. I’m taken back to Ever After in 2018, a tidy little electronic festival held on the outskirts of Toronto, Canada. Claude VonStroke’s mixing bird chirps and whistle twerps against the backdrop of a water park. Alternatively, on April 22nd, 2023, I spent six hours with VonStroke @ Cermak Hall. This was a first of its kind experience for me. All Claude and his library of groovy tracks, all night long. That’s trust, baby, and he’s earned it.
Back to tonight’s event, and I thoroughly enjoy observing how music transforms people. Claude VonStroke takes the stage at 10pm and the crowd of spectators applauds. “Comments” begins, and I watch folk of a variety of dress styles and walks of life melt together like sticks of butter, forming the base of a confectionary creation. Claude’s cookin’ and the crowds vibin’. Gals in business attire are gettin’ groovy with guys garbed in street wear. Booties are droppin’, hips poppin’, and shoulders rockin’. It’s a feel-good atmosphere, that’s been prevalent throughout the entire night. Before ending, Claude VonStroke and Green Velvet share the stage as their Get Real collaboration, “Jolean”, plays.
I asked Barclay to detail a little bit about his friendship with Curtis, and he shared this story. “When I was in Detroit, before I was DJ’ing, when we would go out, all the tracks that I liked were by him. I ran into him at an airport in Australia, at baggage claim. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I think that’s Green Velvet.’ And then he comes up to me like, ‘Fucking Stroke!!!’ Curtis is the best. I love him, he’s so positive.”
Green Velvet is positively charged fun. Tonight’s performance feels soulful and vibrant. Sometimes these experiences sense spiritual, and at one point, a vocalist stands on stage gracefully belting out lyrics. Hallelujah!
One of my favorite things about Green Velvet’s stage presence is how he vibes with his audience. He’ll synchronize a sequence, make a few adjustments, then gestures to viewers in a way that indicates, “I know you’re gonna like this, let’s get down.” The epitome of a professional, with a spirit for performance that shows through under any circumstance. Comfortable and composed, he’s cool when it comes to crafting a party atmosphere. For an hour and some change, Green Velvet keeps this energy, to the dancing crowd’s delight.
I’m thankful for my experience at LaLa Land, from beginning to end, even despite the longish walks. By now, 2024 has officially begun and Claude VonStroke has entered hibernation. For how long? One-year. If you’re interested in what the future holds for Barclay Crenshaw, stay tuned for a full write-up of our interview, to be released later, coinciding with his Open Channels Tour in March. From this reporter, on behalf of myself and many of his adoring fans, I’d like to express my gratitude for all the great times and cool tracks. Thankfully, Barclay ain’t finished, and Claude VonStroke will be well rested when it’s time for his return. Remember this for your own journey, the end of one story forms the beginning of another.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
