The NYC US Air Guitar Qualifier took place the same night as the Boston one (Boston is always at the same time as something else, although usually it's Kansas City for some reason). While it was a bit of a bummer that people had to decide to go to one or the other, rather than jumping on the Fung Wah bus and doing both, it did increase the ambient amount of air in the world that night. That's scientific fact.
We were kept apprised of the situation there by Philadelphia's own Spud Boy, who was competing as well as reporting (fist bump, dude, I know that struggle). From his man-on-the-spot reports, I can relate that:
- The Marquis competed as a plainclothes air guitarist ("The Mark(ie)"... sadly not "Marquis Mark" as I've been encouraging). He was so plainclothes that he was barefoot. I worry when people are barefoot. First off these stages get covered in crud - glitter, beer, god knows what - and second of all, THAT IS HOW PEOPLE LOSE TOES.
- A competitor named Gary looked like a young Tommy Chong. A young Tommy Chong who was also a pretty lady, because she was one.
- Juris Rocktor! Out of retirement! And also out of his shirt. Ladies.
- Also, there's a picture of Smiley Rod standing on a drum kit that was onstage. There was also a drum kit on the Boston stage, and we got a pre-show LECTURE about not messing with it. We weren't even allowed to put a foot on the monitors, let alone the drum kit! And they got to stand on drums? No fun ever.
Martiqua shows what triumph looks like
Photo credit Richard Anderson
The top 3, advancing to the semi-finals there on July 1, were Gary in 3rd, Martiqua in 2nd, and Smiley Rod in first place!