Bob Mould & Richard Morel's BLOWOFF

BOB MOULD and RICHARD MOREL's BLOWOFF is a musical smackdown of a party that has become a destination event for a wide cross-section of appreciative fans. Or as Mould succinctly puts it, "A music-centric gay dance party, drawing mainly, but not exclusively, men in their 30s and 40s."

Originating in Washington, DC, BLOWOFF is an established event in New York, San Francisco, Provincetown, and Brooklyn.  The guys launched BLOWOFF Atlanta on July 4 and are returning to Chicago's Metro on Friday, October 30, after a successful launch here during IML weekend and another great party in August.

When asked how a Chicago crowd differs from, say, a San Francisco or New York crowd, Morel says, "While there are differences in all the cities, the common thread is that BLOWOFF crowds are sexy guys into music, dancing and having fun. Its pretty simple. Not a lot of attitude, just a good time. That said, I think Chicago guys may be taller."

Keenly maintaining the musical emphasis of the BLOWOFF parties, Mould and Morel DJ in tandem, laying down a meaty signature mix of indie rock, electro and house (from Phoenix to Treasure Fingers to Mark Knight to Stonebridge), accented by a series of artfully eye-popping vignettes projected throughout the club. (Visit the "Set List" page at blowoff.us for the most recent BLOWOFF playlists.)

Originally a live and DJ musical collaboration between Washington, DC-based singer-songwriters Bob Mould—formerly of alt rock bands Hüsker Dü and Sugar—and electronic producer/artist Richard Morel, BLOWOFF began over six years ago at DC's Velvet Lounge. Though the venues have changed, the DC party has become a local staple built around the music, great visuals, signature flyer artwork and an enthusiastically devoted fanbase, which now numbers near 1000 at each event. Smart Bar in Chicago, Minneapolis Eagle (a Pride event), Homo A Go Go (Olympia, WA), 2006 Folsom Street Fair (where BLOWOFF was a headliner) have all previously hosted special BLOWOFF one-off events.

BLOWOFF is now a regular bi-coastal event. 2007 saw the highly successful (all parties sold out) launch of BLOWOFF New York, with BLOWOFF San Francisco, Brooklyn and Provincetown following in 2008. The BLOWOFF Chicago event, held at Metro during International Mr. Leather and Bear Pride Weekend, was the highlight of both gatherings. "The first BLOWOFF in Chicago was a blast," says Morel. "The combination of the locals and all the guys in town for Bear pride and IML made the whole weekend great." Earlier this month, BLOWOFF Atlanta launched on July 4, coinciding with Atlanta Bear Fest and BLOWOFF in P-Town drew a crowd of 1400!

The BLOWOFF artist CD was released in 2006 on Full Frequency Music, and is available via the online BLOWOFF store at www.blowoff.us. Click on the cover to check the track list and buy.

For more on BLOWOFF, including the most current party schedule, flyers and DJ playlists, please visit the BLOWOFF website. Hear some BLOWOFF music, see slideshows of BLOWOFF men and the iconic party flyers and more on the MYSPACE page. Fans are encouraged to join the booming BLOWOFF GROUP ON FACEBOOK.

Richard Morel is known for his remixes under the name Pink Noise (he just remixed The Killer's "Human"), co-wrote and co-produced three songs on Cyndi Lauper's "Bring Ya To The Bring" album and released his third solo album as Morel, "The Death Of The Paper Boy," in 2008.

Bob Mould, founding member of the seminal punk band Husker Du and alt-rock favorite Sugar, released his ninth solo album, "Life And Times" (Anti- Records), on April 7.  Mould's yet-to-be-titled autobiography, with assistance from Michael Azerrad, will be published by Little, Brown in fall 2010.

So come on down to Metro and get your sweat on as the BLOWOFF party returns to Chicago. Bob and Rich will be glad to see you. Not ones to hide backstage or spin perched above the crowd, they'll be right down on the floor with you. Says Morel, "Me and Bob DJ on the the floor and when we aren't DJing we're hanging out and having fun with everyone else."