LOCAL Houston | The City Guide MAY 2015 | Page 44

Local May_Final.qxp_002houston 4/23/15 12:20 PM Page 44 40 RSMBERS EA Y by the NU Directed by MARCUS PONTELLO, "Friday I'm In Love" is a documentary currently in production about 40-year-old Montrose mainstay Numbers. The project started two years ago, with the desire to extensively document the history of the club. Pontello approached this project as a beloved fan of Numbers, with a genuine curiosity and respect for that which came before him. The film crosses generations to explore the extraordinary history of a countercultural landmark originally sanctioned as a dinner theater in 1975 and reinvented later as a gay disco – opening as NUMBERS in 1978. For us Generation Xers (and my fellow tortured Rice students, who would cleverly get exact change at the adult book store next door so we could go through the club's side entrance), Numbers eventually progressed into the '80s as an all-encompassing music venue and dance club, becoming a meeting place of various sub-cultures and genres. Throughout the '80s and '90s, Numbers became increasingly known as a home for live alternative music with talent spanning from local bands to national and international touring acts. 44 L O C A L | may 15 From new wave to industrial, from the obscure to the iconic, Numbers is responsible for exposing generations of people to an array of music. The eclectic soundtrack of Numbers continues to attract an equally eclectic audience who gather weekly to dance and celebrate under a “come as you are” attitude. “Friday I'm In Love” will uncover the history of the building while telling a story of survival, community and unmatched authenticity. Production wraps this year – look for the film in late 2016. And forget about the adult book store next door. Like most things in Montrose, it's now a highconcept restaurant. Thankfully, Numbers never changes. By Tim Moloney | Photography Provided by Numbers