This is the story of a little Kitty Katt with a grand vision who eventually found many others willing to help achieve it.
On Saturday, January 2, the brainchild of local artist Jared “Kitty Katt” McKinley became reality when his newly formed group Powhaus Productions put on a terminally hip and fashionable rock and roll dance party and variety show called Clusterf**k.
“I had this idea around ten years ago and didn’t find the support to make it happen,” said McKinley, adding that it would not have come together in January without volunteer support. McKinley was especially thankful for the artistic license given him by Rialto’s event booker Curtis McCrary.
“I said, ‘Hey, can we have scooters drive through the space?’ Curtis was like, ‘Yeah sure, that’s kind of weird, but okay,’” laughed McKinley.
Powhaus is the combined effort of core group McKinley, Clif Taylor, Nadine Roselle Ruiz-Carlson, and Desert Diamond Dallas aka Dallas Reece.
Clif Taylor is known for his documentary “Fuzz: The Sound That Revolutionized the World” and his music act as Chick Cashman. “He’s just a really great rabble rouser” said McKinley.
Ruiz-Carlson, who purchased the tapes for filming, is responsible for editing the entire thing. Andrew Brown of KOLD served as executive camera operator and directed all the other camera operators.
Music was provided by DJ Dan Shapiro, the focus of Clusterf**k, and all future events will be based on playing music that is not commonly heard.
The evening was expertly directed by Jonathan Saupe. Lead photographer Omer Kreso captured everything.
Powhaus also presents The Glitter Ball (a 70s glam show ) on January 29 featuring classics such as TRex and an assortment of rare jewels.
Next Up:
Powhaus presents a Warhol Factory Show, in conjuction with the Tucson Museum of Art at 140 N. Main Ave., on February 26.
Their other shows do not yet have dates but look forward to a Leigh Bowery Night, A Brazilian Psychedelic Night, a Surf Night and soon, a Yacht Rock (70s soft rock) Party.
For information on future events, join the Powhaus group page on Facebook.
