By Ross Owen
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein put on quite a show at Berklee’s Performance Center on Monday, 2/20. In promotion of their hit IFC show, Portlandia, the two stars took their act to the road in an effort to get to know fans and share a bit about themselves.
Upon arrival, it was clear how Portlandia could translate into a live performance. Armisen and Brownstein stress the importance of hanging out with their fans and getting a chance to know who watches the show. Some might wonder, how entertaining could that really be be?
Doubts were immediately put aside, however, as the show opened with a message from Portlandia’s mayor (Kyle McLaughlin), followed by an opening skit by Armisen and Brownstein. As soon as they took the stage, and after the applause died down, the great chemistry between the two took off. At once, the audience was truly chilling with Fred and Carrie – and was not an audience at all.
Armisen and Brownstein followed the opening with musical performances and clips from upcoming episodes of the show, chatting with the audience about whatever the two saw fit. This montage included two of their biggest songs from Portlandia and gave Brownstein, a member of the band Wild Flag, a chance to show off her musical talent.
One of the most amusing parts of the show came in the slideshow, put together by Armisen and Brownstein, to show the most interesting pictures found on each other’s computers. From a poem about blood, written by 2nd grade Armisen, to pictures of baby Brownstein and her mustachioed father, the exclusive look at the pair was hilarious.
The highlight of the night was a performance by Armisen, Brownstein, and their band, featuring the legendary guitarist, J. Mascis, known for his work with Dinosaur Jr. Mascis played a great cover of “Cortez the Killer” and also appeared in a skit featuring the feminist bookstore characters from Portlandia.
The show closed with an opportunity for the audience to ask the two questions, including one that asked how to pronounce “Portland” correctly (apparently “Portlund”). The chemistry between the two was by far the most impressive attribute of the entire evening. Catch more Armisen and Brownstein action in Portlandia, Fridays 10/9 central on IFC.
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