It looks like the venerable BarFly bus tour/pub crawls are getting a little competition, albeit for a more clean-cut, young professional crowd of “networkers and entrepreneurs.” Started by event producer/model Jillian Rabe, these spontaneous party-bus rides have been popping up recently on the social networks, with videos of ecstatic 20 and 30-somethings playing in the snow, popping up at random events, and making ecstatic declarations of how much fun they’re having into a video camera. So far they’ve been more like spontaneous happenings than advertised events, but as the project grows that seems to be changing. I just got word from Rabe that there’s another one happening this Saturday: They’re going to the Blue Moon Diner, then partying at the Queen of Hearts Tavern, where in addition to boozing it up and dancing all night there will be—and here’s where it gets ambitious—a photo shoot for rockabilly-themed clothing line Billie Jo Retro. The idea is for the bus crowd to mingle (and maybe be extras?) with the photo shoot crew, promote the businesses involved and… well, as the press release puts it:
“The Bus Family is a group made up of 56 of Portland’s most networking crazed, entrepreneurial focused, independent business owning, outgoing, social media using kids on the block who come together to pack a luxury motor coach and help make wherever they are headed a memorable event filled with new, lasting relationships.”
It should also be noted that elsewhere in the press release its intended audience is referred to as “thought influencers.” The Bus Family is also looking into being hired to show up to things, which would be pretty amazing—does anyone in Portland get paid to make appearances at events? Danny Glover? Anyone? Anyhow, I’ve never been “on the bus” with these guys, and when you strip away the marketing language it seems like a pretty well-intentioned venture to promote new local businesses and get a bunch of ambitious, like-minded people drinking in the same room with each other, which is the only goal of most parties anyway. And it’s not like a Monster Energy Drink Hummer or anything—it’s all Portland-area business. So does it ick you out? Or would you get on this brilliant marketing bus? It costs $25. Does that make a difference? (If not, you can email Jillian for a spot.)
Isn’t the Queen of Hearts tavern where Mary Volm had her campaign headquarters? Or something like that?
Can you post the full text of the press release? This sounds like it’s full of lulz-tastic awfulness. If I ever meet a self-described “thought influencer”, I hope to punch them in the taint.
Um sure:
56 Networkers and Entrepeneurs known as, “The Bus Family,” Get Onboard to Support and Promote Local Hillsboro and Portland Businesses
Portland OR – Let’s play, create, travel, network, and inspire business growth and development…again and again and again….Born in spring of 2010, The Bus Family is a group made up of 56 of Portland’s most networking crazed, entrepreneurial focused, independent business owning, outgoing, social media using kids on the block who come together to pack a luxury motor coach and help make wherever they are headed a memorable event filled with new, lasting relationships.
Created by Portland producer and model, Jillian Rabe, The Bus Family was born from the premise that networking, collaborating, entreprenureal support AND having the best time ever, are what enables quality business growth to thrive in today’s climate; the Bus Family is a one of a kind experience where the 56 thought influencers on board come together for just that: an experience. As a sponsor, supporter, partner, or guest waiting to get on board, every event carries with it its own theme and energy; giving The Bus Family, and businesses involved, a truly unique opportunity for promoting lasting relationships and a memorable experience.
With several events under the belt, The Bus Family’s next visit is back to the 50’s when: The Bus Family Goes Rockabilly! this Saturday; October 2, 2010. With a particular focus on helping promote local businesses, The Bus Family’s first stop will be a locally owned and opperated restaurant in Hillsboro, called the Blue Moon Diner. Modeled after an authentic 1950 aesthetic, The Blue Moon Diner will be host to 56 new guests which will include a fully stylized photo shoot with Portland fashion photographers, models, and stylists, as well as local garments by Portland designer line, Billie Jo Retro.
The final destination, being on the other end of town, at the Queen of Hearts Tavern in SE Portland; locally owned and operated by Johnny ‘Vegan’ Harris, this (SE 72nd and Harold) bar will also be welcoming the 56 new customers (and photo shoot) to dance the night away with live Portland rockabilly bands and special guests. Known previously as primarily a biker hang out, the Queen of Hearts Tavern is being rebranded as a fun, local hangout for great live music, cheap beer, and no cover, making it an ideal destination for The Bus Family to support. Bands include: Del Ranchos & Step It Up and Go.
Tickets are $25 to get on board and are limited to the first 56 passengers. Your spot on the bus includes: exclusive diner discounts on food and drinks, sponsored onboard beer by The Queen of Hearts and PBR, gift bags and surprise giveaways, video and photography coverage all night, fashion models and crew, a wealth of networking, and of course no driving all night as passengers get chauffeured with 55 new friends on a luxury charter with VIP service. Partnered and sponsored in part also by, Someone Clothing.
DATE: Saturday; Oct 2, 2010. Pick up 7 pm in NW Portland
MORE INFO: Interested passenger or sponsor: Please email Jillian directly for getting on board: jillian@jillianrabe.com
Yuck. I hope they don’t come into my bar.
That blurb sounds really awesome if you imagine it in Patrick Stewart’s voice.
Please never again dignify this abomination with further press coverage.
The part I don’t like about living in a small city like this is that it makes it harder to ignore the douchetools like Jillian Rabe and Leigh Feldman.
I went to watch a Blazer game at Blitz Ladd once against my better judgment. There was a young professionals networking happy hour event wrapping up. It was like watching a train wreck. This reminds me of that…but douchier.
MARJORIE way are you pimping Jillian “Sparkle Pony” Rabe?
Most of the Bus People I know are homeless and smell funny.
As brilliant as these comments are…
I have a few issues with this article. I’ve always considered Portland a place of diversity, of an abundance of creative minds gathering together to come up with new and improved ways to promote the city and people in it. I see that this article is drenched in sarcasm, but the truth stands: This event is a bunch of young entrepreneurs getting together to have a good time and make new connections. This article makes the Bus Family sound like a bunch of frat kids running amok, while the press release makes it sound like a creative new approach to meeting with people who are interested in taking Portland’s fashion scene to another level.
I enjoy writers who have an opinion. However, I do not enjoy writers whose intentions seem to be purely based on ridiculing anything that doesn’t coincide with their specific views. Most of your articles seem to be riddled with constant pessimistic sarcasm, and that has tainted my views of the Mercury in its entirety. And the responses to this “piece” are ignorant and a waste of time.
Sorry but “thought influencers” is funny. I put this up because I think it’s interesting that it’s an all-local enterprise, and one that appears to be gaining momentum. Some people are going to assume it’s douche-y, and some people might want to check it out. Either way now you’ll know what you’re looking at if one of these buses pulls up. What you’re calling sarcasm is more importantly skepticism, which I think is a legitimate feeling to have toward any marketing-heavy enterprise. And hey, Rosy thinks I’m “pimping” it.
Graham and Marry sitting in a tree
I’m not sold personally. I have an idea that far better and more representative of the Portland scene: A bus full of artsy hipsters. They go from bar to bar, and when they arrive they PULL OUT A BOOK AND READ! HA! Then after too many pabst tall boys, they talk to you about Goethe and why Warhol was ironic. Or even give you that insipid” cow at a passing train” look.Ah the revelry! Don’t steal my idea please as I don’t have a bus yet, but I’m working on it. Sadly about 30 PPS students will be a bit disappointed, but well, art has it’s price damn it.