demo

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Monqui Presents

Gel

Destiny Bond

The Mall

6 pm doors, 7 pm show

$26.50 advance, $28 day of show

All ages welcome

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Gel

Gel

Since the release of Only Constant, GEL — vocalist Sami Kaiser (they/them), guitarists Anthony Webster (he/him) and Maddi Nave (they/them), bassist Mathew Bobko (he/him), and new drummer Alex Salter (he/him) — have been bringing their unhinged live show all around the world, but their busy schedule left very little time for writing new music. "We had to book studio time and make some self-imposed deadlines," explains Webster. "It was stressful but it helped — we just tour so much that it's the only way to force us into the writing zone." The group decamped to a cabin in the woods and began working more collaboratively than ever before, seeking to push their sound and take advantage of the creative confidence gained through relentless touring. "I feel like Only Constant was the cap on us doing that style of hardcore and I didn't want to do more of the same," Webster says. "But I also feel like at this point we just have more of a sense of what a GEL song is and we wanted to apply that to a different kind of songwriting."

To record Persona, the band teamed with producer/engineer Jon Markson (Drug Church, Drain, Koyo, Jivebomb) who was integral in helping them achieve their vision for GEL 2.0. "It was our first time working with someone outside of our immediate camp and it was really fun," says Webster. "He has an ear for things that we wouldn't have immediately had an ear for." The result is a widescreen version of GEL's stomping hardcore, a bold embrace of memorable songwriting structures that never once compromises on the ferocity that makes the band so appealing. "We really wanted to fill out the songs more and make them more nuanced," says Kaiser. "It's a step forward, it's different, it's catchy, but it still really sounds like us."

Persona roars out of the gate with "Mirage," immediately announcing GEL's colossal new direction. Clocking in at nearly three minutes, it's the band's longest song to date and it earns every second — the riffs are crushing, the drums are blistering, and Kaiser sounds ready to take on the world. Elsewhere tracks like "Shame" or "Martyr" highlight GEL's ability to develop their sound while maintaining the primal energy of their earlier work. The songs incorporate phased-out guitar leads that add a sinister texture to the band's driving hardcore, and Kaiser experiments with new deliveries in their vocal arsenal. "I think it really clicked that I was able to do things with my voice outside of just screaming," Kaiser says. "I can vary it and build it up and do things that aren't necessarily melodic but are dynamic." Throughout the EP their voice effortlessly swings from vicious scream to haunting sprechgesang, and even plaintive singing — always with unshakeable intensity.

The title track dials up the tempo to whiplash-inducing speeds as Kaiser lays out many of the lyrical themes explored on Persona: "It's about perceptions and how our awareness of those perceptions can play a role in someone's reality," they explain. "I'm not the type of person that seeks outward perception — in fact I'm typically a socially anxious person — so while all this higher visibility stuff that we've been doing is great, it was never the motivating factor for me creatively." It's an understandable conundrum for a group of punks who started a band with the modest goal of playing as many shows as possible, and in a very short period of time have unexpectedly found themselves with the public-facing occupation of full-time musicians. "Writing the songs is how I find time to process my life and everything that's happened the past few years," Kaiser continues. "Finding a way to take the emotions and feelings and putting them to the music — that's the fulfilling thing. Everything else, any attention, it's all just a side effect of creating something authentically." The band's uniquely cerebral-yet-direct approach is summed up in "Shame" which Kaiser describes as being about, "a type of person who views others exclusively in terms of what they can provide for them and the patterns of behavior that leads to," or as Webster puts it with a laugh: "It's a 'fuck you' song."

The EP comes to a close with "Vanity" a song that perfectly encapsulates the musical and emotional growth captured throughout Persona — and one that also might just be the heaviest GEL have ever sounded. The track is powered by a ten ton riff and a menacingly deliberate pace that matches the determination in Kaiser's lyrics. "Can't change things, don't wanna / This is the way we push through" they bellow, rejecting the baggage of the past and looking forward. It's a massive sounding song that's clearly the work of a band who are truly coming into their own. "I felt like we could get away with things I wouldn't have wanted to try earlier on," says Webster. "We just know that everything we do is gonna sound like us at this point." Kaiser adds resolutely: "We know what we are."

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Events

About Mission Theater

Experience a slice of Portland history. What is now known simply as “the Mission” was originally home to the Swedish Mission Covenant congregation in the early 20th century, and despite its staid, buttoned up appearance, this place now hosts live music, video dance nights and special events on select nights each month. 

For ADA accommodations please contact us by email at boxoffice@mcmenamins.com or by phone at (503) 225-0047. Please note we are only able to accommodate in this section until it is at capacity.

House Rules

As our guest, please respect the house and ensure the safety and comfort of those around you by observing our House Rules. 
  • Backpacks are not permitted.
  • Re-entry policy is determined on the day of the show, and we can't guarantee that re-entry will be permitted.
PATRONS WILL BE DENIED ENTRY OR WILL BE ESCORTED OUT OF THE BUILDING WITHOUT REFUND OF TICKET IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IS OBSERVED:
  • Possession or use of illegal substances
  • Possession or use of permanent markers or paint pens
  • Possession of any type of weapon
  • Possession or use of false identification
  • Willful damage to the property
  • Cursing or verbal harassment towards other customers or staff
  • Inconsiderate behavior towards other customers or staff
  • Any form of inappropriate, racial or physical harassment , including displaying symbols that the venue deems to be threatening
  • Intoxication before entry
  • Consumption of any alcoholic beverage not purchased on premise
  • Smoking in non-designated areas
  • Violence of any nature
  • Thank you for your help in making the Mission Theater safe, comfortable and fun for all.

Box Office

Box Office Information
Tickets for all McMenamins shows are ticketed by Cascade Tickets, and may be purchased at the 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop, Crystal box office (located under the Crystal's awning) and McMenamins Edgefield, by phone at 1-855-CAS-TIXX, or by clicking the "Buy Tickets" link located at the event listing on our schedules.
 
Tickets bought directly at the Crystal box office or any of our ticket outlets will only incur a $2 facility charge. (Please note! Tickets to Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn will incur additional service fees.)
 
Resend Ticket Confirmation Email
 
23rd Avenue Bottle Shop Hours
Sunday–Thursday, 10am - 10pm
Friday & Saturday, 10am - 11pm
The bottle shop accepts cash, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and DiscoverCard.
 
Crystal Ballroom Box Office Hours
2pm on concert days only
 
Will Call
Will call is located at the box office.
 
Refunds
Refund requests may be directed to refunds@etix.com. If a show is cancelled or rescheduled, ticketholders will be emailed with their refund options. We will also post show information on our website (crystalballroompdx.com) and social media platforms. 
 
Accessibility
For ADA accommodations please contact us by email at boxoffice@mcmenamins.com or by phone at (503) 225-0047. Please note we are only able to accommodate in this section until it is at capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have questions about your box office and ticketing … where do I find that info?
Scroll up and check out our Box Office info! If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, you might find your answer below, and if not then feel free to shoot us an email.

What seating is available?
The Mission Theater specializes in open-floor shows, but also has a mezzanine on three sides with seating throughout. Occasionally the main floor will feature seating as well, and we will indicate this by referring to the event as a “seated event.”

The mezzanine sounds cool! Can I reserve seats there? 
No, our seats are all first-come, first-served. 
 
I don’t like to buy tickets online; where can I buy in person at the Mission? 
The Mission does not have its own outlet, but tickets for Mission shows (and any McMenamins music events) are available at the outlets describe above in the Box Office section. 
 
I heard that fees are lower if I buy tickets in person … is this true? Yup, the fee is only two bucks for Mission shows if you buy those tickets in person at our outlets. PLEASE NOTE: Since Crystal Ballroom box office hours are very limited, here’s a pro tip for ya: purchase your tickets at our outlet at 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop to receive the same fee deal. 
 
Help, I can’t find my tickets! Can you resend/email them to me?
Even better, just go to www.etix.com/ticket/resend and provide your email address as well as the last 4 digits of the card used for purchase. A ticket confirmation will be sent to you.
 
I have a printed at home ticket … can you just scan the original email from my phone? 
We’re able to scan ticket barcodes from most phones…. Make sure your brightness is turned up for best results! If that doesn’t work we will be able to enter your ticket’s order number into the system and get you into the show that way. 
 
I can’t make the show; can I get a refund? 
We are not able to offer refunds. If you opted to purchase insurance through our ticketing company as part of your ticket purchase, you should have received an email from Allianz Global  Assistance and you can file a claim with them directly. You are also welcome to sell your tickets.

Someone sold two tickets to me for tomorrow's show. When I arrive at the venue, will there be any issues since I wasn't the original buyer? 
We are unable to determine the validity of third party tickets. Also, a ticket may be scanned only once for entry. If your ticket was purchased from someone who sold the tickets to multiple parties, only the first person who shows up will be granted entry. 

Are there still tickets / VIP tickets to a show?
You can check this by finding the show on the Mission Theater online calendar and clicking the ticket link, where availability information will be displayed. 
 
I couldn’t get a ticket for a sold-out show. Is there any way I can get one?
The best we can say is that sometimes the artist or promoter will release some tickets that they’ve been holding onto. We can’t predict, however, if or when that might happen. 
 
How do you accommodate for ADA?
For ADA accommodations please contact us by email. Please note we are only able to accommodate until the ADA section is at capacity.

I understand there are stairs leading into the Mission’s main floor. Do you have accessibility options? 
Yes, we are wheelchair accessible. We have a ramp leading to our side entrance on 17th Avenue; just let security at the front door know you need ramp access. 
 
Can I bring my camera to a show? 
While we don’t have specific house policy, we do enforce the band’s policies, and we don’t typically know those policies until the day of the show. Usually only phones or small handheld cameras are allowed, but all attendees are subject to the stipulations from the band. Professional camera gear is almost never permitted. 
 
Are Light Gloves allowed?
Yes.

 Is there a coat check?
There is no coat check at the Mission Theater. 
 
What’s your re-entry policy?
Due to a variety of factors in play for each performance, re-entry policy is determined on the day of the show, and we can’t guarantee that re-entry will be permitted. Please see our House Rules (above) for additional important entry-based information.
 
I’m interested in performing at your venue; who can I contact?
You can email booking@mcmenamins.com.
 
I want to work at the Mission Theater! 
We want to hear from you! Please check out our employment page and apply there!
 
I want to hold a private event in that glorious space!
Please visit our private event page for details! We have a dedicated staffer that can help with weddings, meetings, parties, you name it!
 
What is the venue capacity?
300 standing, 200 seated
 
Do you have air conditioning?
We do indeed have air conditioning, but there’s a LOT of air in the room and it can be tricky to keep the space cool. We set up water stations at our shows, and you are permitted to bring your own empty water bottle to fill there so you can stay hydrated. 
 
How do I get my McMenamins passport stamped?
Mission Theater stamps are only provided at the bar in the venue, and you must attend an event in order to receive one! If there’s no show or a show is sold out then you’re out of luck for that night, so plan ahead and pick a show from our fine selection of upcoming events! Another option is to wait for our occasional open houses or other free events, as we issue stamps for those events as well. 

History

The location that serves as one of McMenamins favorite neighborhood theater pubs was the locus of great spiritual zeal beginning in the 1890s. That's when the Swedish Evangelical Mission established its church here....

From a church to a theater-pub to event space, the Mission's history ain't exactly saintly. Click here for more info!

Photos

Use the arrows to scroll through the photos, or click on any image to view the gallery in flickr.


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