A new discussion with the stars o f the show that’s putting Portland on the map
f i l e IFC comedy show “Portlandia” has taken
t Portland and several pockets of America -
Valeria: And minorities?
Carly Bronksi.: Yes, although Portland is so
including Wichita, Kan.; Biloxi, Miss.; and
white, we figured we would only have a small
Spread EOfgle, Wis. - by storm.
percentage of the show dedicated to people of
^t^^^iooi^iasunlea.shedo'u^aceenlertai'iimeni
color. We do have, this African-American woman on
set that brings me coffee, though.
reporter, Valeria Peacock, to interview the show’s
creators, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, about
how they’re reinventing the way Portlanders look at
Portland.
•
with
Valeria Peacock
C arolB row nnserve: I want to sing more.
F erris Arm isinner.: You sing all the time,
Carrie.
S.R.: Isn’t that a little racist?
Carol Brownstain: No, in Portlandia we believe
Almost Hollywood
homeless people, or your stupid cause. Let’s just
say it will be funny, and your readers will really get
kicked out of it.
Hello Street Rooters! Valeria Peacock here. I
recently had the choice opportunity of sitting down
with the creators of “Portlandia,” Fred Armstein
and Carrie Braunschweiger, to chat about their
hilariously over-the-top depiction of our fair city.
You probably know Fred as that guy from “Friday
Night Lights” and Carrie as the female from that
band L-7. Here’s what they had to say:
that all people are equal and that the environment
we create through community and learning from
one another, and understanding the struggles of
minority people and the Earth is something that
we value Very much. We have equity in our show,
and it shows. Look at the numbers.
Valeria: There are already rumors, Carrie, that
you will be posing for Playboy in the coming year -
any truth to this?.
Valeria: In your first season you’ve mentioned
every important newspaper in Portland minus Street
Roots. WTF?
Caraoke Blunderberg.: Absolutely not. That’s
not tiie image that I want to send about myself, or
“Portlandia.” It’s about respecting your body and
image, and making fun of people. Not being a total
slut and having people making fun of me.
Fred Armenian: Homeless people actually
freak me out, so I never even thought about
picking up your paper. What is it again?
C arrie Blankstem: It’s a little too Portland for
“Portlandia.” You know there are some things that
only Portlanders g et
Valeria: Axe you uncomfortable with this
• Carles Bronson: But I want to sing more —
about Portland.
Fez A rmnhammer.: Jesus Christ.
Valeria: Will we see more cameos by local
Portlanders?
F rank Armband: No, we’re going to continue
to bring others in from New York and L.A. to beef
up the skits. Really, I don’t care about Portland.
The mayor was a good cameo for obvious reasons
(laugh). I mean we could have done the show in
Seattle and gotten Courtney Love to play a p art
But honestly, at my age I can’t handle being tied up
for that long off set and doing that much coke.
In the end, I just want New York and L.A. to be
a bit more like Portland, so I don’t have to dress up
and play the role of a comedian all of the time.
Carol Breadmaker: Fred, can I sing about this?
interview?
Cathy Brow beaten A little.
Valeria:-Isn’t that the point of the show?
Floyd Armybase: I don’t even know what
you’re talking about, or saying. Who are you with
again?
Fred Arm istad The point of “Portlandia” is to
poke fun at Portlanders, and other urban dwellers.
Valeria: Where does the show go from here?
.Valeria: Like homeless people?
Fred Armeydick: The ideas are really endless,
but honestly I wouldn’t tell you even if I did like
F rank Arm edandangerous: Exactly
Flip Armapirate.: Sigh.
Valeria:: Any parting words?
Carley Brow: I do care about homeless people,
you know. You never really asked me.
Fred Armisen.: Live from Portland. It’s Friday
night. Wait, wait, that doesn’t work. Tina, Amy,
Courtney, help. I’ve done it again.
Inside
Wu fang clan?
Mayor Adams
announces plans
to run in 2012
A fter m onths o f
waffling, Sam A dam s
says he’s committed to
enter the race.
Page 3
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More embarrasing
photos show pattern in
David W u’s outfits
■
Page 8
»
-to * * '
"Quit yer bitchin.”
Obama sends an open
letter to America.
Page 14