Live Music Review:
EMULATOR @ The Goodfoot Lounge - Portland, OR - 6.7.2012 

    There is something about music that can take you back in time. In some cases, it can be a few bars, or in this instance beeps. This show, took me back decades. If you love old school video games and amazing live music, EMULATOR is the next new band you NEED to check out. Rocking classic riffs from Contra, Mega Man, Zelda, Castlevania, and even a super sweet Mario medley that spans several titles. This is the music that 8-bit game programmers dreamt about. 
    I had the pleasure of catching these gentlemen on a warm Thursday evening in early June, at The Goodfoot. Opening for local funk institution Philly’s Phunkestra, the stage was set for quite a night! I’d been waiting to see EMULATOR for over six months now, and had missed several raved about performances. I finally would not be denied this Nerd’vana experience…
    As the band warm’s up, Gabe Rodriguez (Lead Guitar) wearing a classic Nintendo controller wristband, asks the sound engineer for more volume in the monitors. Someone shouts “Just push select!!!”. Yes, even the crowd is in on it. EMULATOR has a couple of Portland’s hottest young musicians in their line-up. Dave Devornik’s  keys synthesis Link & Luigi’s moves effortlessly. While JP Downer’s shredding bass lines breathe fire into Bowser‘s castle. It’s danceable funk, rock, metal, maybe even notes of bluegrass!? And the music isn‘t the only highlight of the night. Their real time video game visuals are superb, making for an incredible live show! I haven’t wanted to play Zelda this bad since 1989. A sweet trip down videogame memory lane, well worth the price at the door.

-JR Odom
Bridge City Productions

EMULATOR
Dave Dernovsek (keys)
Murray Gusseck (drums)
JP Downer (bass)
Gabe Rodriguez (guitar)
Sam Larson (guitar)
www.reverbnation.com/emulator 

A wonderful review of a beautiful evening...

    I just wanted to comment on The Twilight Room. First off, after we had booked to play there, JR Odom (Bridge City Productions) sent us a poster advertising the show. Can you say it with me... "WOW". Not many places even advertise for your gig a week before the show. JR had this ready weeks (more than four) before the show! Like any good minded business man, we asked for permission to use the poster to help advertise the show. Got an "of course! That is what it's for" response.
    Setting up a 10 piece band can be a bit of a challenge when you play in a new place. No pressure applied to us, we got set up, mics came up, monitors appeared out of no where, and before we knew it, JR was ready for us to kick off his three year anniversary at The Twilight Room. Did a quick sound check...took a short 5 minute break. Came back and started to play. The band was really burning!!! People got up and danced, there was a ton of smiling on stage and off. 
     End of the first set, 20 minute break...all is going great! Startup the second
set, band is still burnin'! This is going to be a great night! Then I notice camera flashes. Not a problem but just really interested in getting those photos! Hey look! Video! Cool! The night ends, the band has completely smoked the place....I mean a hot night. Loads of fun and a good time had by all.
    Drive home, decide to check the website really quick (it's around 3AM mind you) and find out that there are 256 pictures posted on The Twilight Room's webpage. A pic of us, and our two front men (Jake and Elwood) is The Twilight Room's profile picture! How cool is that?!!!! So I decide to ask about using the pictures...know what I get? "Do what you want! They are yours! Great Job!!!" 
     The Twilight Room is the kind of place to play that used to exist all over the country. A place with a booking agent that works hard to advertise to get people in. They don't solely rely on the band's following. They help to improve the band's following. Of course it helps if you do your own work, but with Craigslist and a bunch of other sites, it's relatively easy to notify papers, radio, other bands etc. It helps when both the venue and artist are working together and that is just what Bridge City Productions does. You get treated right, no pressure, and are allowed to do your thing... make music!
 
Thanks so much to JR (Bridge City Producitons) and The Twilight Room for
such a great night!

Seth Zowader
Musical Director
Keyboards
Gimme Some Lovin'
Sept. 12th 2009