Machine Girl and The Garden, McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom

Jules Wood

Jules Wood
February 20, 2023

On November 27th, 2022, Explosive electronic powerhouse Machine Girl, and “Orange County Punk-Rock Legends” The Garden made a stop at McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom in Portland during their most recent tour. As a big fan of the artists, I was elated to receive a photo pass to cover the show. Considering this was my second time seeing both projects, I found it very intriguing to see them in a space like McMenamin’s. Being surrounded by three times as many people (most of which were in clown makeup and dressed up like jesters) in a stunning venue like the Crystal Ballroom made the experience even more enjoyable. Powerful and incredibly energetic, Machine Girl’s set captured the entire audience and was a truly fantastic way to begin the night. The Garden’s follow-up set, including songs from their most recent album “Horses**t on Route 66”, continued Machine Girl’s eclectic, dynamic energy. This show was one for the books, and I cannot wait to see these two incredible artists again!

  • Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl opens their set with “This is Your Face on Dogs.”

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  • Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl lays on the ground, the crowd applauds.

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  • Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl adjusts their levels on a synth as they sing.

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  • Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl swings their microphone as they address the audience.

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  • Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl takes a break from singing, and looks down at an awestruck crowd.

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  • Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl passionately sings as they play guitar during a Misfits cover.

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  • Sean Kelly of Machine Girl drums during a particularly aggressive part of a song.

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  • Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl flops down on the stage to crowd applause.

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  • Fletcher Shears of The Garden begins the percussion for opening song, “Haunted House on Zillow.”

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  • Wyatt Shears of The Garden plays bass during their popular song, “Call This # Now.”

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  • Wyatt Shears of The Garden plays bass and sings to crowd during the set opening.

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  • Wyatt Shears of The Garden sings to the crowd.

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  • Wyatt Shears of The Garden plays the bass solo during the song “OC93.”

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  • Fletcher Shears of The Garden takes a break from drumming in between songs.

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  • Wyatt Shears of The Garden passionately sings to crowd during “OC93.”

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  • Fletcher Shears of The Garden drums along during “Call This # Now.”

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