Growing up in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington, you would likely find me with my best friend Tanya cruising down I-5 blasting music from the Ramones, Nirvana, or Rancid. I was influenced by the growing punk and grunge movement of the 90s and MTV was my visual source of style inspiration. I found the slept-in, ragbag grunge style to be intriguing, as well as the freedom rockstars had in wearing whatever they wanted.
Fashion designer Anna Sui played an integral roll in amplifying the trend into ready-to-wear. While her initial goal was to “dress rockstars and rockstar’s girlfriends,” her designs expanded into stylish looks for everyone from the artists on stage to the fans in the crowd. To this day she has maintained the rock n’ roll edge in her designs and continues to bring out the inner rockstar in all of us.
When I interviewed Sui during her latest exhibit, The World of Anna Sui at the Mint Museum, childhood memories were ignited. As I strolled through the exhibit admiring each collection, recognizing styles I used to wear, a familiar song played overhead. It was “Come As You Are” by Nirvana, but this time I wasn’t cruising down 1-5, I was on my way to chat with an iconic designer that defined the style of the decade.
Watch our interview and get to know more about renowned fashion designer, Anna Sui by clicking the video below!
With only a few more days left in the Charlotte SHOUT! Festival, we are excited to welcome back Umphrey’s McGee to the Queen City to celebrate Charlotte’s 250th Anniversary.
The dynamic headline band, Umphrey’s McGee, will be hitting the Atrium Health Main Stage at Romare Bearden Park on Friday. I caught up with them to chat before the show to talk about everything from favorite denim to Star Wars! Check it out!
Photo by Abby Fox
Charlotte is celebrating its 250th Anniversary with the SHOUT! festival, how do you feel about being apart of the celebration?
Charlotte has been an important city in the history of our country, as well as important city in the history of Umphrey’s McGee. We’ve played at the Visulite, Amos’ Southend, Neighborhood Theater, the Fillmore & the Symphony Park in Charlotte. So many great venues & memories. We are always thrilled to celebrate iconic events like this and feel like we represent a great cross section of American music history. With our chameleonic musical style, you never know what you’re going to get but we can promise that it will be an energetic and entertaining concert. We’ve often been described as party music for the brain, so it makes sense that Umphrey’s McGee would be tapped to celebrate with the city of Charlotte.
Why is live music important to a city’s growth?
As far as the importance of live music to a city and it’s growth, live music brings people from all walks of life together and builds bridges between people, often creating friendships between fans. In a time when many of us can become isolated in the world, live music brings culture and love, giving audience members and band members alike a life-affirming bond with each other.
Photo by Dave Vann
How does performing at festivals differ for you from a traditional concert?
At a traditional concert, we know everyone there is there to see Umphrey’s McGee. At a city festival, we have the opportunity to often play before new people who haven’t experienced our show before. We love when we have opportunities to show new folks a good time. We’ll undoubtedly be playing for a mix of those who have seen the band many times and those who have never seen us before, so expect something for everyone at our show.
Is there a particular item you wear each show and if so, what is its significance?
Brendan Bayliss, Guitar/Vocal: There’s not really a particular item worn by any of us each night, although Ryan has worn some questionable things on stage. We do all have a Star Wars action figure on our rigs each night — good to have The Force on our side.
Photo by Umphrey’s McGee
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
We spend about 30 minutes before the show warming up together and getting on the same page musically. The idea is that when we step out and hit our first notes, we already feel like we’re firing on all cylinders.
Go-to denim jean brand or favorite pair of jeans?
Joel Cummins, Keyboard/Piano/Vocal: I have a pair of Joe’s that’s survived for almost 10 years, so ‘have to give it to them.
Brendan Bayliss, Guitar/Vocal: Levi 100%. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Ryan Stasik, Bass/No Vocal: There’s only one brand of denim approved by the National Tanning Association: Shinesty. (see photo from our destination event in Mexico)
Photo by Ryan Stasik
What is the process you go through as a band in deciding what to wear before a show? Does it happen the day before, a week ahead?
We talk about what music we want to play and never talk about what to wear. Every guy has his own style, so we just try to embrace that and let it ride.
Can you repeat the same look you’ve worn to a previous show?
Yes, you can repeat the same look from a previous show, just hopefully not the following day!
Photo by Dave Vann
Memorable on-stage wardrobe malfunctions story?
Trying to wear a mask on Halloween has produced mixed results. We had to take them off because we were sweating too much, but more importantly, our shows rely on eye contact. We’ve done shows in masks where we couldn’t see what anyone was trying to do and that made things challenging.
I had an amazing time, styling AND modeling in the January cover and fashion spread for SouthPark Magazine! Click through and enjoy! Hopefully you get inspired for your next outfit! 🙂
The UNCF Annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon is a fundraiser and signature special event of UNCF. At the luncheon, Dr. Maya Angelou, used to present awards on behalf of UNCF to women who are leaders in their respective fields and have brought positive recognition locally, statewide and nationally. Since her passing, the UNCF board continues to recognize women in her name.
The Luncheon also features a Silent Auction, and a highly-anticipated HAT (HAT-i-tude!) and Bow Tie Competition. A scholarship will be awarded to a deserving NC high school senior accepted to a North Carolina UNCF member institution.
Event host, Stacee Michelle interviewed some of the honorees, board members, and celebrity guests Maria Howell and Julian Brittano!
UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $3.6 billion to help more than 400,000 students receive college degrees at UNCF-member institutions and with UNCF scholarships. UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation. www.uncf.org
Style Night Out, one of Charlotte’s premier fashion events that promotes local boutiques and businesses! Proceeds were raised to benefit Carolina Breast Friends (www.carolinabreastfriends.org).
Host – Stacee Michelle @itsStaceeMichelle
Video/Editing – Matt Vivanco
Music/Video – Ray Thomas
My Dress – Pixton Design Group
