Review of Smack Dab, The Castro's Monthly-Open-Mic-Night

      The most indie night I've had in weeks was at Smack Dab, a monthly-open-mic-night that has been running since 2003. While I've popped into other open-mics scattered around the city, Smack Dab was certainly the best-organized and best-lit. Its new location is on the second floor of Strut at 470 Castro Street, the public health clinic smack dab in the Castro (disclosure: I am NOT getting paid by Strut; I just think it's a healthy and interesting new space). Open-mic participants seemed to rally around the theme of public health, praising Magnet (now Strut) at every available turn. The take-away is that Smack Dab is a sober and perky addition to a scene that takes place most often in dim and dank watering holes.
      Facilitated by hosts Larry-Bob, who also keeps the SF Queer List Serve, and Dana Hopkins, promoter-extraordinarie, Smack Dab brings together some of the queerest and wackiest independent acts in the Bay. The level of talent stretches from writers reading original passages from the Best Gay Erotica Series, to stand-up comedy on how chlamydia could spoil an otherwise perfect first date.
      Larry-Bob elaborated on the best and/or most innovative acts that he has been privileged to witness.

 Downtempo Duo, "Promise Kings"

      One is the electronic-downtempo-duo, Promise Kings. "This is the first place they've performed and they've gotten quite big," said Larry. "Another performer is Dr. Dream who does electronic looping with storytelling. It's based on laying down vocals over a backbeat track."
      The increased space of Strut compared to Magnet's old confines has some obvious advantages like additional wall space and a working projector and screen perfect for presenting visual art.

      

      The main act was ostentatious comedian, Jesus U. Bettawork, who joked that the reason Magnet had to find a bigger location is because of all the space needed to record his sexual history. On a more serious note, Anastasia Kuba, a Russian photoessayist living in the Bay Area, created an opportunity for people to strip naked and simply talk about their lives. "Nothing But Light" is the culmination of these intimate encounters. Kuba explained that in their states of undress, subjects, every time and without prompting, chose to talk about their bodies and any trauma they may have experienced. It was quite a moving testimony and Kuba is actively looking for funding to expand the project.

 Jesus U. Bettawork

 Promo Materials

 Local writer, Lloyd

 Comedienne, Ali Littman

 Comedian, Theo Hull

      "Smack Dab" runs one floating Wednesday a month and kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Check their Facebook page for the next session in March. The event, held at Strut on the second floor of 470 Castro Street, is sober and free and open to the public. 

 A few fans and particpants