Chris Funk gets Flashy

A couple weeks ago I got an email from Chris Funk of the Decemberists mentioning his new music project Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble and noting they had an upcoming show at the Doug Fir. I said I was up for the show and we joked a bit about him having to put me on the guest list - only the reason this is called Not on the Guest List isn't because no one ever offers, it's mostly because of events similar to what happened when I arrived at the Doug Fir.
Scene: I present my ID.
"You're not on the guest list."
"Are you sure? I'm supposed to be."
"You're not on the guest list. Do you hear me?"
The Hot Knives and I joked about mutual not on the guest list experiences while boarding YACHT on a yacht and it pretty much defines my life as it did with Marcos dos Santos when he was hoofing it as a music photographer and would show up at venues and not be on the guest list even though he was supposed to be. And in the song, even though the door woman saw him all the time and knew he was supposed to be on the list, she wouldn't relent and let him in.
In Glasgow it got to the point where Brian, the Barfly's manager wouldn't even check the list when I'd appear in the doorway - he'd just wave me in as he knew I was supposed to be on it, but more often than not someone would space in adding my name.
So anyway, after a run around we got in and I went up and accosted Chris for failing to add my name. He insisted on giving me money for the hassle which was comical. I denied his first offer of ten dollars, but accepted the five when he said I could buy a drink with it. Good idea!
They took the stage after Horsefeathers full of strings and complete with a mini-gong! As it must be mentioned, onstage Decemberists participants included Jenny Conlee (who's in Flash Hawk full time) and Colin Meloy. There is also a Point Juncture WA member. (Side note: According to Cary of PDX Pop Now, who I chatted with this past First Thursday - a Point Juncture WA song was licensed just a little while ago after appearing on a PDX Pop Now compilation.)
What I remember most was the haphazard encore that almost didn't seem as though it'd happen, but then they trooped out onto the green lit stage and the focal point of the ensemble was definitely their gorilla mascot who took his place behind the drum kit. He was guided on and off stage by Chris with the help of other band mates too - it was almost like the blind leading the blind - that's how smooth sailing their entrance and exit were. He could barely stay upright while providing the backing beats.
Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble with their multitude of instruments and musicians are clearly about having fun and making music with friends, which is fun to feel apart of which one does in some sense when watching them live.

Their Radiohead Cover:
'Amnesiac' Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble MP3

Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble myspace

Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble are getting some great press! Check it on:
NME - Live review
Pitchfork - Album release item
Willamette Week - Preview