A fun, neighborhood bar in Portland's West End, much like being in your own living room! We offer daily specials, live and local entertainment w/ dj's and bands of all genres. We are located 1 block away from The State Theatre & The Cross Insurance Arena. Everyone is Welcome at Flask!
“We are proud to stand with Jessica and honored to be able to match her $2,500 worth of bottle collection with a $2,500 grant. These are real people who have sacrificed everything to open a business, and are now sacrificing everything else to keep it going. Please continue to donate, share, and amplify as much as possible so that we can keep doing whatever we can to help whoever we can. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the help thus far!” –Maine Music Alliance (MEMA)
Q&A w/ MEMA & Flask Owner
Jessica Nolette – Owner of Flask Lounge
MEMA:When/why did you open Flask Lounge?
JESSICA: Flask Lounge opened in November 2007 when I was 27. My goal was to open a neighborhood sports bar, serving homemade pub-style food and welcoming everybody. I quickly discovered my vision for Flask was not in line with the Portland community’s hopes. Only months after opening, the disco ball returned, and we were dancing, singing (def not me), rocking out, and hosting events of everything in between.
MEMA:How did the idea for the bottle drive come about?
JESSICA: Since the pandemic started, our Resident Dj’s and Musicians have been streaming online fundraisers and encouraging donations via our website to help us with operating costs. It’s hard to ask for money, especially when so many people are struggling financially. The bottle drive was an idea I could accomplish as one person and offered a way for people who wanted to help us do so creatively. It gave me purpose and a mission. It’s a little out of the ordinary, but so is Flask.
MEMA:Describe your day when you do your bottle route?
JESSICA: The response was incredible. In one month, I completed 100+ stops from Augusta to Sanford and collected $2,500 worth of returnables. Masked up and gloves on, I met amazing people along the way, some of whom have never been to Flask: “I have a friend that loves your bar, and it means a lot to them. I’ve always heard great things, so I wanted to donate.”
Jessica collected $2,500 worth of returnables making 100+ stops from Augusta to Sanford.
MEMA:Describe the financial reality of your business currently (to the extent you’re comfortable doing so).
JESSICA: The apparent burden is having no financial income to cover costs while being closed for a time unknown. There’s been no insight, even after emailing Governor Mills and the City of Portland. Are we waiting for a vaccine? Why are liquor licenses not being pro-rated? We need truth and straightforward updates to mentally, emotionally, and financially prepare for our futures.
“It breaks me to be inside the emptiness that is Flask right now.”
I am at risk of losing staff who I love. The staff, dj’s, and musicians are the cement that keeps Flask solid and growing. Wondering what’s next and whether I should sell Flask, I have spent the last six months preparing and educating myself toward a new career.
MEMA:What is your favorite memory of Flask?
JESSICA: There have been far too many amazing memories to choose just one. But my absolute favorite part of Flask is the lifelong friendships built between those bricks, including the many friends I have made along the way.
MEMA:What is your dream first show back?
JESSICA: I am most excited about a full rotation of ALL our resident events: Karaoke, Open Dj Night, Sundaze, Monday of the Mondays, Love, Foundation, Friction, Black Friday, Primary, Shank Painters, Rewind, Mainely House, Future Classic, Coven Club (formerly Sub/Merge), Retro Night, Flannel, ThumpDay, Cherry Lemonade (Drag Show), No Gimmicks, As Above So Below Events, Bass Faces, and more!
While I’m extremely eager to reopen, I will only do so when everyone is comfortable and confident with promoting, hosting, and attending events. It breaks me to be inside the emptiness that is Flask right now, but it would be devastating to reopen and risk the health of the Flask staff and community, as well as the health of our patrons.
A team of Maine music professionals and performers working to increase the awareness around the extraordinary live music venues of Portland and the tremendous impact their presence have in our local economy.
Slater Hogan heats up Flask Friday, November 22nd.
You started DJing in 1998. How has becoming a father impacted your career as a DJ today?
It’s almost the other way around. It is DJing, as my career that allows for a flexible work schedule. I was able to be around Jack (my son) all the time during the day. Most parents who work 9 to 5 don’t get that opportunity. Jack’s mom always says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We have a great support system helping out when I’m working the late-night hours.
You’ve performed all around the world. You’ve released 100’s of tracks on various labels. What brings you to Flask Lounge?
My friend Zebo told me how great the vibe was at Flask the night he played, and he put me in touch with Mikey (DJ Phaded), and we were able to work it out. I’ve never been to Maine. So I am excited to see Portland and get down with everyone!
I’m ashamed to admit I had no idea just how prominent he was in the midwest house music scene, so being able to host him as my guest DJ at Flask is extremely exciting.
-Mike Dear (DJ PHADED)
How can small venues, like Flask, help keep the EDM scene growing and vibrant without having access to piles of cash and charging high priced covers?
I am co-owner of the Patron Saint in Indianapolis, and our capacity is only 185. We understand the small club mentality. I think the intimate venues allow DJ’s to go deeper into their crates and play stuff they may not play on bigger stages. When the rave culture started, it was more about the music than it was about LED walls and EFX. The EDM scene has taken electronic music and turned it into a rock concert with all the confetti, CO2, fire, etc. I’d much prefer to play a dark, intimate room with people that appreciate House music.
What lights you up as a DJ, and what makes you roll your eyes and shake your head?
I love it when the crowd recognizes the blend. When I first started playing overseas, I noticed the crowd would whistle when two records were blending together and creating a better groove then the records playing individually. They were so knowledgeable about DJ culture. You don’t get that a lot in the States. I guess my biggest pet peeve would be people who request a song by pulling it up on their phone and shoving it in your face lol.
What’s your favorite track you have produced?
Probably my remix of Truman Industries “Love Plus” It’s a fun, jazzy, disco vibe but also shared remixing credits on that release with Derrick Carter, and he’s always been a significant influence in my style.
It’s a Friday night, and you have no plans. What are you doing?
Finding a dive bar with a great jukebox and deep tequila selection.
Do you have any hidden talents?
A lot of people don’t know that I played tennis at Butler University and have been teaching tennis for 30 years.
What kind of tequila should I buy for your upcoming show at Flask on November 22nd?
Uh oh! Haha. Maestro Dobel Diamante is one of my fav’s. But I also love Fernet.
What are your upcoming shows? Anything I can help promote?
SWEAT @ Flask Lounge in Portland, ME! Let’s blow it up!
I often forget Dereloid’s name. Is it Darryl or Darrell Tapley? 🤷🏼♀️ To most, we know MR. DERELOID as a skilled veteran DJ, loyal friend, and talented graphic artist. Portland, Maine, is damn lucky to have him. If Dereloid is not making you dance your ass off, he’s presumably making you laugh your ass off. Dereloid hosts Foundation Friday (8 years and counting) at Flask Lounge. What makes the Portland EDM scene so unique? What chaps his ass? Is substance, in fact, greater than hype? Advice to upcoming DJs, these answers, and more to some “massive questions!”
Mr. Dereloid No Hype, Just Substance
How do you describe Foundation Friday to a stranger?
When I describe my night to people, it usually sounds like this: I say I play underground dance music. No radio stuff. House, techno, and all tasty sub-genres within. If they don’t know what I mean, I say it feels like a disco for robots. I do play actual disco and nu-disco, electro, breakbeat, afrobeat, synth wave, acid house, acid techno, and on and on. I also tell them the crowd is a nice mix of young, older, open-minded people of all genders and orientations. It is a safe space. Dance culture has always had roots in a welcoming and safe community.
In your opinion, how does the Portland, Maine electronic dance music (EDM) scene compare to cities like New York, Chicago, LA?
Having a long history with this subculture and being involved in it here in Maine since the ’90s, many answers come to mind. I will try to keep this brief to avoid writing a novella. The culture/scene has mutated into a strange tainted animal in large markets, and even here on some levels.
Up until recently, DJ’s were not viewed as rock stars on bright stages like they are now. One had to look around to find the DJ booth. People would get down on the dancefloor and experience the DJ’s sermon on their terms, dancing with other people and alone. Since the internet and social media have infiltrated everything in our society, changes have occurred. People are gazing at the DJ booth and dancing way less or not at all.
Also, It is VERY hard to find success in terms of touring and earning a living from having worthy DJ skills. If one doesn’t get attention from making music, being a producer, and releasing it on labels that get national/international hype, it is EXTREMELY rare to be able to live off being a great DJ.
The most special aspect of Portland’s underground scene to me is people come out and truly get down without being influenced by razzle-dazzle big-name hyped-up headliner events. We haven’t had large budgets or large venues, enabling us to be able to do large scale pricey events. Our loyal followers and community are the real deal Grassroot UNDERGROUND. There are people influenced by the hype over substance approach. But, for the most part, Substance > Hype is the way of the walk here. In large markets, you see locals struggling to fill rooms. You see people coming to events late for the big-name guest and missing the hard-working locals that play early sets. Our followers and community trust that we care about curating quality for them. I value that IMMENSELY. So, if you’re reading this and attend my events. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo
All our lives are continually changing and evolving. Over the past few years, what are some significant changes you have experienced as a human and longtime DJ?
Geeeeez. This is a massive question. I won’t attempt to tackle the part of the changes I have experienced as a human outside of how that relates to djing. YIKES. I can say I no longer take gigs of which I am not fully interested. I realized the fest/rave hybrid scene isn’t for me. I stick to places with walls where I can control the vibe with people who genuinely want my product. A late bloomer, but I no longer get drunk when I DJ. Ha. I don’t book guest DJs out of pressure. I am strict on curating musical experiences through the guests I select.
Tell us what burns your tail feathers?
One thing quickly comes to mind. The 1 am end time here in Maine chaps my ass for sure. It is almost 2020 for crap’s sake. We can handle 2 am, at least. People want it. I am confident businesses wish to have the extra hour of sales too. Many people (who are working!) don’t make it out till 11-11:30 and even midnight. Poof, it’s done. LAME. After hour spots pop up here and there and vanish. I would love to join forces with a group of people to start a petition. Maybe the city would listen.
Yes. I have periodically focused on studio productions over the last decade or more. I am always collaborating with long-time friend, Highkoo. New original works are part of my winter plan. Overdue. We have had music releases on different labels over the years without really trying to develop our sound. This needs to change.
What’s one track guaranteed to light up any dance floor?
Again, a massive question. The overwhelming amount of music I have and continue to get makes it hard to give an easy answer. Here are a few sure shots for me lately.
States Of Mind – Elements of Tone (Richie’s Dream Mix) this is from 1990. Ha
Frits Wentink – Space Babe from this year
Jensen Interceptor – The Fontainebleau – Original_Mix from 4 yrs ago?
And this slow, playful sugary thing – Look Like – B.A.B.E.
Who is your dream B2B partner? What dream venue?
Hmmmmmm. Dream B2B partner(s) Derrick Carter out of Chicago. He dwells in the housier side of the styles I love — any venue but preferably in his town of CHI-TOWN. Then I would say UK og, Paul Woolford, aka Special Request. Again, any venue. He plays Detroit electro style music I love. Both DJ’s are TRUE SCHOOL badasses in the booth. No hype. No laziness. Raw energy. This style is my approach.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of DJs?
NO half-assing it when it comes to the art of djing with emphasis on beatmatching, creative mixing, and use of the eq knobs. Create something new as opposed to lazy transitions to the next songs. And DIG for music. There is so much meh music easily found online. So, AT LEAST DIG DEEP THRU THE CRAP to find the hidden magic out there. Trust me. It is worth it. And lose the hype machine aspect. Let your product and aesthetic and talent do the talking. Also. Don’t be a jerk.
I make sure to be approachable while out at events, and at my own. I am just a person. I care about relationships. Community is a crucial part of this scene and life in general. Say HI if you see me. xoxox
I am djing an all-night, old school styled warehouse event in Providence, R.I., on Friday, November 29th.
Saturday, November 30th, in Boston, MA. An all-night event featuring old school DJ veteran Jason Hodges out of Toronto with other New England vets.
Let’s do this thing y’all. Thanks for the continued love and support. It takes a village.
Blogs are curated by Flask’s Owner, Jessica Lea Nolette. She is also the Founder of My Mindful Motivation, a source for inspirational storytelling, community, and the creator of Mindbosa — a free goal tracking and savings tool.
Love is about to celebrate nine years at Flask Lounge. What does this milestone mean to you?
It means that Time Flies!! It also means it’s about to embark on its tenth year, and that makes me feel proud. Proud that the thing I started is still here, growing, and as much fun as ever.
How do you describe LOVE to a stranger?
It depends on if they’re an Enthusiast (a head) or not, but in general, I say it’s a dance party focused on underground electronic music with a very eclectic crowd. All ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, races, and socioeconomic statuses.
LOVE is the first Friday of every month at Flask Lounge.
How does the Portland dance scene compare to other cities?
Portland has a rich history in the dance club and gay bar culture since the ’70s. Punk, rock, and dance club culture were prominent in the ’80s, and then rave hit Portland in the early ’90s. That’s considerably early in American rave history. It’s real here and has a unique personality that differs even from other New England states. It’s a wicked tiny community due to the population and popularity of underground dance culture.
Do you envision retiring or passing Love’s torch?
No. Not at the moment. My original goal was to try at least and make it ten years, which is coming right up. If there’s still a crowd and I’m still able, I’ll be here doing my thing.
Flask Lounge, Portland Pride. Photo By: Jennifer Breton
Do you remember 180BPM? Aside from Karaoke, I believe this was our first resident dance night at Flask. Caitlin Flynn, best known as Corbin in the Portland DJ circuit, was one of the hosts of 180BPM. Corbin is a member of Resonant Sound, a collection of DJs, producers, and bass aficionados. Corbin and crew host Friction Friday on the 3rd Friday of every month at Flask Lounge. Would Flask have dance music if it wasn’t for Corbin? It’s something I wonder.
Tell us about Friction Friday, and what makes this night so unique?
Friction Friday is a multi-genre night hosted by Resonant Sound where you can get a taste of everything, including Drum & Bass. Our residents are me, G-Force, Undrig, Andromedv, and Moses. We are the only regularly occurring night north of Boston that features Drum & Bass, along with other super talented guest DJ’s bringing house, breaks, dub, and bass music.
The next Friction Friday is November 15th and will feature: Soappy (Tight crew), Andromedv (Resonant Sound) & G-Force (Resonant Sound, NEJunglists, Scientific Sound). Click here for more details.
It’s a rumor that EDM culture is dying. Do you think this is true? How can we keep EDM alive?
I don’t think electronic culture is dying at all; in fact, I believe it’s just coming to the forefront in the USA. All those pop songs on the radio, what’s the beat behind it? Electronic. Lots of house. We may be behind in Maine, but it’s alive and strong in the rest of the states. Keeping coming to shows, bring your friends, dance, and spread the word.
What is your favorite piece of equipment you own?
My Technics. I love my turntables.
Atlantic Event Design is owned by Caitlin Flynn (DJ Corbin) and is based out of Windham, Maine. A hard-working lady DJ providing professional services for all occasions! Learn More About Booking Corbin
Aside from pooping, how do you prepare for a show? 💩
Ahh, yes. My nervous ritual. After I poop 20 times or so, most of my preparation is getting some new fresh tunes and getting up to the decks to wing it. I’ve found if I prepare too much, I’m not reading the crowd. The dancers are why I DJ, and they’re the real reason why we can do what we do.
What advice would you give to an up-and-coming DJ?
Cover your screens and BPM counters and use your ears. LISTEN to the music, feel the music. Don’t let technology do it for you because once you stop looking, you’ll hear things you’ve never heard before on some of your favorite tracks.
If you were free tonight and could see any DJ perform live, who would it be?
Jenna & The G’s .. she’s a Drum & Bass vocalist and has brought a band together to play tunes. Check it out.
What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a DJ?
Favorite: Getting the dance floor hyped on Drum & Bass Least Favorite: People waving drinks above my equipment or hanging on the DJ booth shaking everything. Hands-off and drinks away people!
Sarah Violette, born in Portland, Maine (grew up in Hollis) is a Hip Hop Artist who began writing at age 13 and has been performing since 18. Sarah is not a fan of whoopie pies, or sexism in the music industry, but is a fan of the respectful Maine music scene, and finding that secret spot within that allows her lyrics to flow. You can catch Sarah at Flask Lounge on Saturday, September 14th. A special event presented by Monday of the Minds, a CommUNITY hip hop showcase.
Is there a place inside your head or a physical location you go, to find inspiration to write lyrics? Depends on the song! If I’m writing a song that’s aggressive with heavy flow, then I’m focused on the beat and how to get inside it the best way I can. However, if I’m writing an introspective piece, I tend to let my mind wander into a different dimension and write what I see there. My favorite is when I get somewhere in my head, I’ve never been, and my emotions, my words, and the music all align in a transcendental way.
I read a statistic based on the last 6 Grammy Award Ceremonies. “Out of 899 individuals nominated, 90.7% were men, and 9.3% percent were women.” Do you think gender plays a role in the success of hip hop artists? I’ve always thought it’s harder for women in the music industry, for sure, not just hip hop. Women have to deal with how they look, how they are perceived and treated. Sexism is still rampant, and I have to say I am grateful that a huge majority of men in Maine’s music scene have always treated me with respect and kindness.
Are there any misconceptions about the hip hop community in Maine or generally you hope to debunk? Not really! It’s progressed so much in the last ten years, and there’s so much variety. It’s pretty amazing.
What do you enjoy the most about performing? Do you get nervous? I enjoy so many aspects of performing. I love when everything is still and calm, and it feels like I’m confessing my inner being to a crowd that’s genuinely listening and feeling. I also love when I switch from that to something super upbeat, and everybody is dancing and just having fun. Or when my friend Renée is performing with me and does her weird metal voice to hype up the show and make me laugh. It’s all good for me.
I do get nervous! After all these years I can get anxious and not be able to eat before a show, especially if I’ve had too much caffeine. Haha.
Tell us a secret! What’s one thing, not even friends or family know about you? A secret? Hm. I don’t like Whoopie Pies very much. I think they are overrated.
We have an additional secret! Sarah is dropping new music “World Collide” on September 10th! “Probably the smoothest joint I’ve ever made. 😏”
Where can we see you play next, and how can we connect with you? Casablanca Cruise in Portland on September 13th, at 6 pm. Flask Lounge in Portland on September 14th, at 9 pm. $8 Advance Tickets Here You can connect with me on Instagram! @sarahviolettemusic
Marlena Goller aka DJ Tranzilla She-Beast is a 55-year-old transgender woman who started her DJ career in the 80s in Southern California. She was a master at spinning vinyl and perfected beat matching before most people even knew what that meant. She lived in Portland Maine from 1996 to 2003 and was a very well-known performer in drag shows at The Underground in the 90s and early 2000s. She then moved to Vegas to care for her ailing father and has finally moved back to Portland. She will be DJing her first gig in years at Flask Lounge only one week after landing in Maine! Wil Whalen aka dangerwilrobinson, another one for Flask’s retro DJs, took a few minutes to talk with her to give the Flask community a chance to get to know her.
Interview By DangerWilRobinson
You and I go way back. I remember those days well and I have to say it’s so nice having you back in Maine. When Wayne aka DJ Cougar mentioned he was looking for DJs for his Vinyl Night, I immediately thought of you. I’m so glad you accepted the invitation and I’m beyond psyched to come out that night and support you. You and I have talked a lot over the years about our plight and our journeys as LGBTQ people. I have always had the utmost respect for transgender people. I’m a war veteran and I still think it took you more courage to be your authentic self than it did for me to go to the front lines of a war. You’re a hero of mine. Did you ever realize that you were a trailblazer being the first transgender DJ in Southern California?
I don’t know that anyone sees themselves as a trailblazer. I was just being me, as I’ve always been unapologetically. I just liked music, I loved dance music and I wanted to spin the music I liked to dance to. Learning to DJ just seemed like a natural thing for me to do. I also felt like I really understood all the layers in dance music, as you have to in order to be good at beat matching and keeping a flow going. So once I got to know a DJ, I asked him to teach me how to do it. I took to it quite quickly and even went on to teach other DJs who spun at The Underground in the 90s and 2000s.
Your former DJ name was DJ T-Girl, why change it now to DJ Tranzilla She-Beast? Are you at all worried that other transgender people may find it offensive?
Well, as you know, I am not the kind of person who holds back. Like I said, I’m unapologetically me. I don’t lie and I don’t mince words. I came up with Tranzilla when I joined Instagram, as I would have men flirting with me and I wanted them to know I was a transgender woman right up front. As for the name She-Beast, that’s just me, honey. I am loud and proud and, well let’s just say, I’m not the kind of person you want to put on speakerphone. I’m not easily offended and I don’t really care much about who I offend. Why the name I chose as my DJ name would offend anyone else is beyond me. I am a transgender woman who can be a monster at times and I am definitely a beast. The She-Beast part is also a slight nod to a superhero I love – She-Ra Princess of Power.
You’ve always DJ’d in gay clubs, how do you feel about DJing at Flask, which does not identify at as gay?
Gay bars are closing all over the country because in our quest for equality we got what we fought for to some extent. LGBTQ people are welcome in all bars and clubs these days. Especially in a town as progressive and liberal as Portland Maine and places like Los Angeles, NYC and even Vegas. Gay clubs were our haven back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s because it was the only place we could go and be our authentic selves without fearing for our safety. I remember when gay bars hid their entrances in the alley and you took your life into your hands just getting to the entrance. I often say, “I remember when the back door was the front door.” As for Flask, why would I have an issue DJing in a bar owned by a lesbian that has a really awesome LGBTQ clientele? They have gay, lesbian and bisexual DJs and now a transgender DJ. My friends tell me that a lot of people who identify as queer are big fans of the bar. So, when you get down to it, it not only welcomes people who identify as LGBTQ, it basically employs at least one person who represents every letter in our lovely and ever-growing acronym! Name one other non-gay bar that can make that claim. I’m happy to join the roster of some of the most talented and diverse DJs on the planet. Some of these DJs have followings that extend beyond the borders of Maine and even New England. To be added to a roster like this is an honor. And I think it’s spectacular that there is a bar where people from all walks of life can come in and dance and feel safe and welcome. I’ve heard that there are some naysayers who don’t think it’s gay enough or even trans-friendly, but I know for a fact my friends in Maine wouldn’t frequent a bar that discriminated against transgender people. My friends are that loyal. I’ve also heard that some straight people think it’s too gay. And to them, I say find the nearest sports pub and saddle up to bar, grab a pint and watch your game. In a town like Portland where every other building is a bar, there is a bar for everyone. So, if for whatever reason Flask isn’t your cup of tea go somewhere else. However, I doubt I’ll find a bar as trans-friendly as Flask anywhere.
Are you excited to be spinning vinyl again? Some say it’s a lost art.
I don’t think it’s so much of a lost art as I think it was just that vinyl pretty much disappeared for a long time. Record stores were scarce and artists stopped releasing music on vinyl. But that’s changed and vinyl is all the rage again. I’m really happy to see the resurgence in vinyl sales and popularity because it really is some of the best sound quality you can get with music. And I love the sound of the needle when it hits the record. Also, I’m not tech savvy enough to be a digital DJ. I’m not saying it couldn’t happen down the line, but right now I’m happy for the opportunity to spin vinyl again. I promised you I’d teach you how to beat match, in return you can teach me how to spin on a computer. How’s that sound?
I’m game for sure. What can we expect from your DJ set?
I guess you have to come down to Flask and hear it for yourself. But don’t just come down for me. Come down for all the DJs spinning that night. I can’t wait to meet them all and I’m sure I can learn something from them as well.
Well on behalf of myself and the Flask gang, welcome back to Maine and welcome to the team! We’re super excited to have you on board! I hope that you can inspire younger transgender people to come out and enjoy some good music at Flask.
