STROKE Streetwear: You’re Cooler Than Me
L to R: Finkelman & Sulaka
On Friday, September 4, Michigan’s hottest clothing line, STROKE Streetwear teamed up with Studio 4 to bring students a concert full of the hip songs of Mike Posner and Big Sean. Michael Sulaka and Justin Finkelman, the two founders of STROKE Streetwear, were representing their clothing line at their STROKE Street Fam booth and were happy to talk with SHEI.
When asked what their accomplishment of the night was, Sulaka and Finkelman said: “We totally sold out. We’re expecting nearly a thousand people. A full crowd.” And, sold out, is exactly what they did. The problem with selling out the Studio Four venue is that the place was simply not made for that many people, as evidenced by the humidity in the air. Sold out or oversold? Either way, the night was a success for STROKE Streetwear.
There was no doubt that the Posner/Big Sean concert was packed. It was crowded to the point where it was difficult to move, difficult to get a drink, difficult to breathe, but, not difficult to interview a fan, who happened to make it onto stage: “It was awesome, seriously. A lot of crowd involvement, a lot of screaming. I’m hot and sweaty, but this was worth it.”
Big Sean opened the night with a few of his songs, asking the “single ladies to put their hands in the air” and the crowd to “put their middle fingers up.” Baseball caps were flipped and long hair was pulled up. Girls stumbled climbed onto stage, dancing with Big Sean. People were excited, singing along with the tracks, chanting for “Posner!” And, after a short opening, Big Sean introduced the crowd to his childhood best friend, Mike Posner. Sure enough, the voice we all recognized so well was on stage, singing everything from “Halo,” “Drug Dealer Girl,” “Cooler Than Me,” and “Who Knows.” The crowd went nuts when the Southfield, Michigan native came onto the stage. Currently a Duke University student, Posner, just twenty-one himself, put on a great show.
The bartender complained of the fogged up mirrors, the schoolgirl dancers were airing themselves off with tennis balls (don’t ask), and Finkelman himself was feeling the heat, wiping off his brow from time to time. But, the bottom line was that Studio 4 and STROKE Streetwear brought the energy.
Why did the crowd love Posner? Perhaps because he shares many of the qualities of his fans. After an interview with Entertainment Weekly this week, Posner fans learned that he’s your typical, senior frat boy, who loves beer pong. Oh, but did we mention that he’s quickly climbing the charts, touring nationally through October, and has millions of hits on his Myspace?
Pros: Mike Posner, Big Sean, good venue, good friends, great VIP area with private tables and seating next to the stage, a variety of people and drinks, several new Facebook photos (kidding?).
Cons: Really crowded, really hot, really underage.
All in all, the night was a complete success and a wonderful way to prepare for Michigan’s first home opener. Although I left the concert looking like I just fell into a pool, I had gained a new appreciation for STROKE and Studio. Last year, STROKE Streetwear put on a killer show with Wiz Khalifa and we didn’t know if they could do it again. But if last night taught me anything, it’s that the boys at STROKE know how to bring their A-Game to plan one kick-ass concert.
Congratulations on your hard work, STROKE. Thanks for the great show!
Alexandra Foster
