MTV Chief in Portland for Steampunk Themed Sternwheeler Party

Nusrat Durrani is the head of MTV Global. He had a chance to catch up with Intel's David Veneski

Portland, October 8th. A lifestyle story – A rock concert on the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge was the grand finale for a top secret series called MTV Iggy’s Music Experiment. Nusrat Durrani, the head of MTV Global was on board and caught up with Intel’s David Veneski. Sponsored by Intel, MTV staged four concerts in different parts of the country that featured rising stars. The Portland event spotlighted breakout Aussie alt-rockers the Jezabels. (Photo credit, MTV Iggy) Fans spent the weeks prior unlocking clues about the show and where to obtain tickets via Twitter.

Rising Australian band, The Jezabels, posed for photos on the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge.

Guests lined up in their Steampunk finery on Portland’s Waterfront.

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century.

The retro-futuristic scene was the hot ticket in town.

Portland MTV Iggy Music Experiment concert goers smile for the camera.

Portland’s Vagabond Opera played the role of street performer, entertaining the line of fans as they boarded. The band’s smoky, cabaret-style fit the costumed crowd and 100-year-old ship.

Most aboard the Sternwheeler embraced the nautical steampunk theme, sporting petticoats, sailor caps, ornate aviator goggles, and wildly imaginative outfits.

Atop the ship at the main stage, the Jezabels offered a triumphant cap to the evening.

The show was a hit with fans.

The Jezabels performed their hit “City Girl” as fans looked up at undersides of countless Portland bridges.

PortlandSocietyPage.com predicts Steampunk might become the new hot theme for benefits next year.

(Last year’s top theme featured prohibition and speakeasies.)

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.