Joe Pagac is a local artist best known for his revolving murals on the side of the Rialto Theatre. He also raises chickens, sews his own parachute pants and spends his free time designing so-far unsuccessful perpetual-motion machines.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
Wyclef Jean at Centennial Hall during his Carnival days. There were only, like, 40 people at the show, so it was kind of underwhelming. He insisted on staying onstage until the cops dragged him off, which they eventually did.
What are you listening to these days?
Around the house, I listen to a lot of exotica and lounge music, like Martin Denny, Quiet Village. When I'm out working, I listen to an upbeat mix of bands like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the Magic Numbers, Scissor Sisters, Coconut Records and MGMT.
What was the first album you owned?
Weird Al, Even Worse, was the first album I remember buying. That piece of wax spun on the record player until I knew every word.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
The saxophone. The recent resurgence bothers me to no end.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Gogol Bordello put on the best show I have ever been to. The energy that they throw toward the crowd gives you goose bumps the entire time. I would love to see them live again.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I still listen to a good share of pop music, and I can sing along to all the new Justin Bieber stuff.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
"Rainbow Connection" by Kermit the Frog.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Sisqó's "Thong Song" got me through some hard times.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Scissor Sisters, Night Work, or Darude, Before the Storm.
