AFTERDARK
SAN JOSE, CA 07/06/2002
REVIEW
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
As just about every sunset by the ocean has it amazing
transitional moments of sunlight leading to darkness, so
too did the Afterdark car show version of Extreme
Autofest by the bay. The show went through a metamorphosis from
sunny skies reflecting sunlight off of chromed out engine
compartments and custom paint jobs to a cool clear
night bouncing laser lights off the ceiling props and
building walls. The show, held at the Santa Clara Fairgrounds in San Jose
took place on Saturday, July 6th, 2002 pulling in some
250 or so entrants plus an additional 50 vendor or
non-competitive vehicles and a responsive crowd in the
ballpark of 9500. Like a good ballgame this show
had plenty of good hits. First and foremost, it was
an import inundation that would leave content any
import fan, the cooperative weather was worthy of
praise, the eye catching and ear pleasing
entertainment on hand was upbeat, the Bikini Jamm
broke new ground, and the cheerful crowd took it all
in.
The show consisted of just about all import class
vehicles. The import enthusiast would have found his
calling at Afterdark. Car clubs that found their way
to the show included Team Light Speed Racing, Backyard
Special, Team Hokori, Team Apokalypse, Team
Contagious, Bay Area 7 Genz, Team Incursion, Team AVR,
Final Phase, Gridline, and the International Allstars.
From full show cars, to vendor vehicles, to street
racers, to everyday drivers, imports of all lanes made
their outing.
The weather this day was perfect for any outdoor activity. From
picnic, to ballgame, to swimming, to a car show, the
weather was picture perfect. While sun block may have
helped deflect some rays of sunshine, nothing could
deflect the good show conditions that resulted.
Showing off their physical conditioning and skills to
slither on the dance floor to some banging beats were
the b-boys battling. With a positive and courteous
crowd on hand, b-boys flowed with dance routines and
gymnast like displays of controlled body motion to awe
and amaze the crowd. An amazing facet of this culture
is the sense of mutual respect for one another and the
competitive friendliness of battling. Even as one of
the finalists saw defeat by the b-boying champion, he
still had the heart to genuinely applaud the winner’s
final moves. Now add to this vibe some good b-boying
sounds and the right mix is formed for the dancing
dudes to seamlessly mix culture, sound and motion.
Mixing sound and song introducing needle to vinyl was
the Dj battle. As one Dj after another took their
shots at the tables one could almost see records
smoking as a few of these contestants were on fire.
Screaming needles echoed the sounds of the Djs’ skills
mixing one cut to another swapping record for record
to a captive audience as if a story were being told.
Also captivating the audience was the bay area’s very
own Dj St. John. Dj St. John, of Wild 94.9 ripped up
the main hall with his finesse and style that some
previous few weeks ago he had employed in the same
venue for House Nation. Those in the house for this
Afterdark set were in for a treat as they walked away
with not just having viewed a car show but also a live
set by this turntablist.
Turning the tables on entertainment, we shift to the
Bikini Jamm. Known for its
crowd pleasing displays of flesh, this event’s Bikini
Jamm broke new ground. Bound by regulations and
statutes contestants hands were tied from revealing
what the mob like crowd yells for. Afterdark found a
new niche in this flesh forum by having the gals strut
sensual and sleek outfits that reveal curvy contours
and give inviting glimpses through the attire to that
alluring voyeur in all of us. It was ambrosia to the
hundreds of pairs of eyes looking to satisfy their
visual palette.
Enjoying a plate full of activities were the attendants.
The three entertainment stages, indoor and outdoor show grounds offerred something for everyone.
All stages drew a crowd. The outdoor stage drew its biggest crowd when a freestyling session took over the stage. Two lads went verbally toe to toe to see who could pull off the best rhyming and best roasting lyrics straight off the tops of thier heads. Wit, sarcasm, and quick thinking was on display by the two talented individuals. The sound off also revealed the talent that went into the earth shaking systems on hand. With a handle on all the entertainment and the vehicles showing, the show goes into the record books with a bookmark.
Be certain to visit EXTREMEAUTOFEST.COM
SEE YA NEXT TIME.
NOTE: THESE PICTURES ARE PROPERTY OF POZEST.COM
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED