Pause.itive

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Terry’s friend Elaine Pasekoff from Miami Beach Florida helped organize Pause.itive, the change with attitude. The one day empowering seminars were held on Saturday September 28th at Art Seen Gallery (2215 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami FL). The buildings in the Wynwood Arts District were covered with graffiti. Mercedes Soler. a news anchor from CNN en Espanol was the host. The seminars touched on topics that matter most to women over 35, Like Hypnosis, hormones, fitness and fashion. Presented by physicians and experts the seminars offered empowering honest dialogues about changes that every woman goes through.

Actress Vanessa Elisse stormed into the room and sat in the lone chair facing the audience, “It is hot in here or is it me?” she said. She began a comical discussion about her life changes. It reminded me of Samantha Jones of Sex and the City who gave a talk to a group of women and then said *%$k it”, as she took off her wig and complained about her hot flashes. It took a few minutes to realize that this was an actress rather that a woman who had barged in late to the seminar. It was a quite effective intro.

Of course things heated up when Nilza Kallos turned the discussion Sex and Intimate Relationships. There were props, like a rather sizable vibrator and laughter helped in making the points. She was hilarious and it was encouraging because she knew she was beautiful regardless of how old she was. It also helped that she had an accent like Doctor Ruth. It was the highlight for me and when I realized I was to only guy in the room except the guy behind the TV camera. The dry medical discussions about hormone therapy were a bit too clinical for my taste. It felt like the doctor thought he was speaking to clinicians at some medical conference. Miami seems to always be the birthplace of trendy health initiatives, like the South Beach Diet that later sweep the nation. These hormone balance therapies seem to be the new hot and costly trend. The psychotherapist offered women the encouragement to accept their bodies and life changes, which contrasted the Fashion experts who were razor thin which is hard to maintain after menopause sets in. Terry seemed upset that medical experts were pushing women to pay big money to always strive for the unattainable ideal. In general though the seminar focused on promoting positive views of the inevitable changes in a woman’s life.

Improv Theater Workshop

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On September 23rd, I went to an Improv Theater Workshop hosted by Richard Regan Paul at Christ Church Unity Orlando (771 W Holden Avenue, Orlando, Fl). This workshop  now meets on the second and fourth Mondays of every month. I sketched at this church once before at an outdoor barbecue held for homeless families. Actors gathered in a small room to the right of the entry lobby of the church. Thankfully, Richard knew of my work and was glad I was there.

Everyone gathered in a circle and began a game of throwing an imaginary knife. The person throwing would glance at another actor, throw the knife and make the “Pffft” noise of the knife slicing through the air. The other actor had to catch the knife by slapping together their bare hands. This would be a bloody proposition if they had used a real prop. They then started throwing a screeching cat and a baby. With all three being juggled by the group, hilarity ensued.

The second part of the workshop focused on default game playback. The actors were split in two groups, the performers and an audience. One actor was interviewed and their experience became the seed for a group improvisation. For instance an actress has been offered a promotion yet she was uncertain about the extra time that the new responsibilities would entail. The group recreated her uncertainty in an improvised scene.

A long form improv followed. As the scene unfolded, actors would jump in one at a time. Once they committed to a character, they had to remain as that character for the duration of the scene. Richard explained that actors had to focus on forwarding the idea. Once that shinny idea was established if needed to be followed. It was important not only to commit to the character but to ramp up the characters energy and drive. It was important to throw yourself in. One actress jumped in as a sassy prostitute which was quite hilarious given the stained glass window setting. Each actor had to give themselves a gift which they could develop and heighten. Actors were encouraged to ignore the big picture of how the story developed. Instead they focused on the person they were interacting with.

A week later, as my wife and I were leaving the movie theater, having just seen “Gravity“, I heard a couple behind us having a similar animated discussion about a fatal flaw in the movies plot and reasoning. Two astronauts are at the end of a tether one astronaut holding on to the others line. It is a typical movie cliffhanger moment. He unclips himself and he quickly floats away. But there is no gravity! The slightest tug on the line would have caused him to float back towards safety. He sacrificed himself for no reason, while defying physics and logic. It was an annoying oversight, a suicide wish from someone who was otherwise persistently optimistic. It turned out that Richard was discussing the same point with his girlfriend Kate O’Neil behind us. By the time I recognized his voice, they were half way back to his car. Kate had a neck brace on. Her car had recently been totaled by someone running a red light. She had to be cut out of the wreckage. I should have shouted out, but I let them float away.

Weekend Top 6 Picks

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Saturday November 2, 2013

6pm to 8pm Run Nona at Night. Laureate Park, Crescent Park, (Lake Nona Tavistock Lakes Boulevard Orlando, FL 32827.) Cross the line into an epic block party fueled by 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Samuel Adams, energetic music and incredible lights. Enjoy 4 Rivers Smokehouse specialties all included in your 5k entry fee! Pulled chicken sandwich, chips and lemonade, sweet tea or beer! For non-meat lovers: veggie skewers or chopped salad. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Tavistock Foundation. The Tavistock Foundation serves programs and organizations in the communities where it has significant business interests.

7pm to 11pm Neanderthal Ball. $150 General Public, $100 Science Center Members. Orlando Science Center (777 Princeton Street, Orlando FL.) Step into the Past as we support the future at the Orlando Science
Center’s Neanderthal Ball! Set amongst the prehistoric setting of
“DinoDigs” and the Ice Age theme of “Our Planet, Our Universe” exhibit.
Enjoy delectable food and wine choices under under the star lit sky on
the beautiful SunTrust Terrace. Chisel out your mark at the silent auction. Dress code is cocktail
fun with an accent on “cavemen couture”, with an animal print necktie or
leopard pattern cocktail dress!

8pm Jessica Earley Art Opening. Free. Buy a beer or some art. The Falcon 819 E. Washington Street, Suite 2, Orlando, Florida

Sunday November 3, 2013

11am to 6pm $3 Greek Festival Saturday and Sunday. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (1217 Trinity Woods Lane Maitland FL). All things Greek!

9pm to 11pm Comedy Open Mic. Free. Austin’s Coffee (929 W Fairbanks Ave Winter Park, FL 32789.) Come out & laugh, or give it a try yourself.

10pm to Midnight Sick Of It Presents: Rancid karaoke cover set. Free. Will’s Pub (1042 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803.) You come up out of the crowd and sing your favorite Rancid songs with a live band…YOU’RE the singer!

Zombie March

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The Zombie March happens every year as part of Spooky Empire’s Ultimate Horror Weekend. This year the convention of horror was being held at the DoubleTree By Hilton at Universal (5780 Major Blvd. Orlando, FL). This is right across the street from Universal Studios which is perfect if people wanted to check out Halloween Horror Nights at Universal.

The Zombie March was scheduled for 4pm on Friday October 25th at Hooters which is about a quarter mile north.of the Double Tree on Kirkman.  I arrived about an hour early and zombies were milling around in the parking lot. Two zombies stood curb side moaning and flailing at passing buses. It was hot in the sun although temperatures are just starting to dip in Orlando. Make up artists were set up on the Porch of Hooters transforming people into zombies.

I sat at a table with a sheriff whose facial skin had been ripped off leaving red bloody pulp in its place. We talked for a bit. He has been coming to Spooky Empire for the past four years and he has seen the convention grow exponentially. He said that the money spent on alcohol probably has kept the convention growing. Attendees can rub shoulders with stars of horror. For instance he bragged that he got to chat with Shannen Doherty one year at poolside. He told me that the make up artist at the far end of the porch was doing the most detailed work, so I thanked him and moved closer to sketch the artist at work.

He was busy adding bruising to the cleavage of a woman who had on a Wonder Woman T-shirt. He had her tilt her head back and then poured blood down her cheeks and neck. Her skin was chalky white and there was a bite wound on her forehead and breast. Zombies don’t understand social boundaries when it comes to feeding. Jason stood rock still watching the make up artist work. Talk powder was added to her hair so she looked like she just rose from the grave.  Wonder Woman put on her red cape and vogued for photographers along with her friend who were all zombie super heroes.

I was still sketching as the make up artist packed away his supplies. I should have come earlier to get several sketches. Zombies got riled up at the sound of a chain saw and they all began to shuffle down Kirkman towards the hotel. Several make up artists remained on the porch painting Day of the Dead ornate flowery skull make up onto the faces of Hooters waitresses. When they all were painted, they posed for photos, being sure to lean forward to showcase their exposed v-necked supple slopes.

White Wolf Cafe

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Paul Horgan posed for the mural I did for the Menello Museum. I had to reconstruct the mural for a book I’m writing on Urban Sketching since the original file was on a now dead hard drive. Paul purchased the sketch I did of him on the evening of the mural’s unveiling. Since he is prominent at the front of the line I felt I deeded to get the sketch back to re-scan. He agreed to meet me at White Wolf Pizza.

White Wolf Cafe, (1829 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL) was once an antique shop but is now a cafe and bar. I sat at the bar and sketched the line of nude ballet sculptures. The bar was empty until Larry finally sat down and started checking his phone for football scores. I ordered a German beer with an orange slice. It as quite good. A saxophone player, Gregory, who is Larry’s son, began to play. He plays at White Wolf just about every Saturday.

All that remains of the antiques are a series of Tiffany styled lamps scattered throughout the establishment. The bar tender was quite intrigued by my progress and wanted to shoot a photo but no one’s smart phone was working. When the sketch was done, I realized that Paul still hadn’t shown up. I got a text from him explaining that the pizza place was down the block. I met Paul and Ed Anthony, half way between the establishments. I believe they were going to check out a show at the Venue. I rescanned his sketch that night and got it into the book. A few days later, I returned the sketch to him by leaving at the Shakespeare theater box office. He is so well known in the theater community that he said I could leave it with anyone and they would know how to get it back to him.

Roger Beebe Multiple Projections

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On September 26th Roger Beebe gave a screening using Multiple projectors at the Gallery at Avalon Island (39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL). The films were often edited in camera with some shots only being 8 frames in duration. One film tracked companies that put A in front of their name in order to get good placement in phone book directories. Pages of phone books were chemically transferred directly to film giving a chaotic, hectic visual. Projectors ran simultaneously projecting on multiple screens.

The experimental films have shown around the globe from Sundance to the Museum of Modern Art and from McMurdo Station in Antarctica to the CBS Jumbotron in Times Square. In these films Beebe
explores the possibilities of using multiple projectors—running as many
as 8 projectors simultaneously—not for a free-form VJ-type experience,
but for the creation of discrete works of expanded cinema.The show
builds from the relatively straightforward two-projector films “The
Strip Mall Trilogy” and “TB TX DANCE” to the more elaborate
three-projector studies “Money Changes Everything” and “AAAAA Motion
Picture” on finally to the eight-projector meditation on the mysteries
of space, “Last Light of a Dying Star.”

Some screens flashed repeated abstract planetary textures , setting the beat like a metronome while other screens showed animated clips of futuristic families. Beebe filmed one gas station using tight shots to create bold abstractions of industrial forms. He returned to the same station to film again, but something had changed, a pole had been removed giving the environment a completely new feel. His work documents suburban and urban sprawl by showcasing the repetitions of form and color that we tend to ignore when we wander the streets. One quick paces sequence showcased everything red, from cars and lights to signs and fire hydrants. Circular red objects pulsed on screen in quick succession.

Take Me Home

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On September 19th I did the last sketch of Urban Rethink (625 East Central Blvd. Orlando FL) which unfortunately has since been shut down. I went to a Filmmaker’s Brown Bag Lunch as part of the Global Peace Film Festival. I assumed I would get to learn about each filmmakers project with some kind of presentation. The dozen or so filmmakers gathered and chatted with each other on the couch and lounge chairs. When the brown bag lunches arrived, they continued their conversations in the conference room and at the scattered tables.

With the sketch finished, I realized that I hadn’t learned a single thing about any of the films. As I was leaving, I stopped to write down some information a poster about some “Shampouch” dog washing event that might be fun to sketch.  A gentleman entered ReThink and glanced around in frustration. I let him know that all the filmmakers had just left five minutes ago. He let out a deep sigh, he had hoped to speak to someone about the film he was involved with. His name is Rick Peete. He had been homeless on the streets of Orlando for two years. Now he helps father John feed homeless people at the Greek Orthodox Church on Robinson Street right across from Lake Eola. In past years, the food sharing program helped 150-200 people a night. That number has swelled to 400 to 500 people a night. On any given evening 15,000 people go to sleep hungry in Central Florida, of those, many are children.

Director Fabian Morales-Botero spent a year and a half producing a documentary film called, “Take Me Home” that interviewed many of the people who make up the homeless population, who find shelter where they can in Downtown Orlando.  Getting to know these people shattered his stereotypes about “the homeless” and allowed him to see them as individuals with compelling stories to tell, with talents and contributions to make to their community and with fates that could befall many of us given the difficult economic recovery. He also got to know the workers and advocates fond dignity,r the homeless, trying to give them the hand up they need. These people may not have a home, but they have heart and dignity.

A week later I saw Rich Peete walking towards the Greek Orthodox church where he helps to make a difference. I remember how his face glowed as he explained to me how helping others changed his life for the better.

Petrified Forest

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Petrified Forest is located on S.R. 436, just 1/4 mile West of 17-92 at (1360 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL). This Halloween, experience the night-time terror of Central Florida’s premier haunted scare trail. Within this Altamonte Springs haunted house, you will find over 85,000 square feet of sheer horror right in the middle of the forest.

While at the outdoor Halloween festival, enjoy live bands, food,
Laser Tag, Backstage Tours, and other surprises.

If you are looking for a family-friendly, Halloween event conveniently located just outside Orlando in Altamonte Springs, this is it! The haunted outdoor trail is not just for adults. Even your younger spooks will find something to entertain them. Outside the scare trail, there are events that your younger family members will enjoy.

I contacted  Nichole Scott, the severed head of marketing in order to sketch a spot on the haunted trail. It was still light when I arrived and I parked in a rutted dirt lot along with what I assumed were the cast member’s cars. The attraction is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through November 2nd. On the evening of November 2nd there will be a total eclipse of the moon so it is a perfect night to be scared. Surrounding the trail is a large wood slat wall. The theme of this year’s trail is “The Museum of Mayhem”. Actors sat at picnic tables chatting before the first guests arrived.

Kimmy Clark, a stage manager shouted out, “Whose House?!” “All the ghosts and ghouls shouted back, “OUR House!” “I didn’t hear you, Whose house?!” “OUR HOUSE!!” “Boo Rah!” They all shouted, like marines. The stage manager explained that if a child had a glow stick, then they should ease up. Do to a new noise ordinance, the attraction could only be open till 11pm. Because of this, actors were told to “Scare forward.” By scaring people from behind, they could keep people moving forward. Since foot traffic is high they can’t afford to stop people in their tracks.

I was walked back to the “Haunted Swamp” by Sylvia Viles Vicchiullo. Dry ice vapors and green lasers created the effect that people were walking through water. When I sat, only my head appeared above the green layer of haze. Guests never noticed me. When the actors were kneeling they were “below water” and couldn’t be seen. They could stand up right next to people and scare them out of their whits. The thing most people said as they entered, was “Wow, cool!” As they enjoyed the effect they would be startled by Spencer or Sam, a reptile skinned girl and a vampire in a top hat. In the cabin at the far end of the swamp, human remains were stored in mason jars as a sort of hicks gift shop.

The battery on my book light died and I had to consider the sketch done. I then walked through the whole forest to experience it all. I joined a group of 6 teens at the entrance. One girl screamed before even entering saying she couldn’t go in. Her girlfriend guided her back out. Little Red Riding hood was in my group and I heard her screaming quite often. One emaciated ghoul shouted “I’m a starving artist!” Artists are often a scary sight. At every turn someone would jump out. I took the lead of my little group not because I was brave but because I knew most shocks would happen as actors rushed up behind us.

The trail was incredibly long with black light effects, chain saws and some startling banging from angry spirits. Just when I started enjoying the artistry involved, I would shout out, having let my guard down. Tickets for the trail are $17, but there are many other options like laser tag and VIP tours as well. You don’t need to go to a major theme park to experience one of Orlando’s premiere haunts.

Leaving was a real adventure. The cast lot I had parked in was blocked off by several cars. Some teenage girls were back in the woods and one had her shirt off, I don’t know what that was about. A parking lot attendant helped me back out and inch my way through a ditch to get out. My little Prius isn’t build for off-roading and it bottomed out but never got stuck. I literally had to drive through the unpaved forest to find a way out. That in itself was worth the adventure in an evening full of uncertainty and fear of being trapped in tight spaces.

The Barber of Seville: Press, Blogger, Tweet Night

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On October 23rd there was The Barber of Seville: Press, Blogger, Tweet Night, at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre (401 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL), which was the final dress rehearsal before the show opened. An usher informed me that there was no photography allowed, but I was ready with my sketchbook. I had to use the book light to see, but thankfully there was no one seated near me. The Orlando Philharmonic’s semi staged operas usually have the orchestra on stage but for this production they have been moved to the music pit. Emily Lindahl, the Philharmonic)s PR person, said that the musicians are much happier down there. For her there is magic in seeing the musicians lit from below like a Degas painting. It feels more like an age old opera. Projections kept the simple set lively.

The Barber of Seville  by Rossini opened October 25. The 3-hour production left me plenty of time to sketch in the first act. Since I was busy sketching, I didn’t have time to read the subtitles. In general the Opera seems to be about a lecherous barber Wooing a married woman. She instantly fell in love when he sang to her as she stood on her balcony. There were several funny scenes where her husband wandered outside and the barber hid by lying on his back like a rug, or pretending to be a bush. The old man must have pretty bad eye sight. No wonder his wife’s attention wandered.

I only know the music because Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd performed in dueling barber chairs. One scene reminded me of the one aria sung by Citizen Kane‘s mousy girlfriend. The opera was actually based on the novel Salammbô by Gustave Flaubert, which was a much more straightforward sword-and-sandals story of a princess, barbarians and that sort of thing. Susan Alexander Kane just didn’t have the chops for the job. In the Orlando Philharmonic Barber of Seville production however the music was sublime. My mind just always wanders as I sketch.

Mark your Calendar! You only hare one more chance to see the Barber of Seville!  

The next performance is October 27, 2 p.m.

Venue: Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre

Address: 401 W. Livingston St.

Phone: (407) 770-0071

Web Site: http://www.orlandophil.org

Price: $20-$82

Weekend Top 6 Picks

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Saturday October 26, 2013

10am to 6pm Central Florida Veg Fest 2013. The event is free! Parking for attendees is $5 per vehicle at the west side of Festival Park. From N. Primrose Drive, head east on E. Livingston Street to the parking entrance at the midpoint of the park on the right. Please carpool or ride your bike to the free bike valet off Festival Way. Orlando Festival Park near downtown Orlando. The event will include healthy living and eco-friendly exhibitors, speakers, and presentations; non-profits; fun and games for kids; dog and cat adoptions; restaurant booths; food preparation demonstrations, and live music and entertainment. Central Florida Veg Fest will draw both committed vegetarians and those who want to learn more about how to protect our health, the planet, and its inhabitants. You can promote your business or group to thousands of people who want to learn more about vegetarianism and the varied products and services that support a veg-friendly and an eco-friendly way of life. All money raised will be used for local vegetarian education and outreach.

11am to 8pm. Spooky Empire. The Double Tree By Hilton at Universal (5780 Major Blvd. Orlando, FL). One day tickets are $45 at the door, or $65 at the door for a weekend pass. Spooky Empire has quickly become one of the most respected horror event
promotions companies in the United States, bringing to life two of the
most popular horror conventions in the nation, with fans attending from
all over the world.

9pm to 2am. The Biggest Halloween Party of the Year Returns! Free. Put on your dancing shoes and do the Monster Mash for a night of dancing, drinks and fun at Eden Bar. We will have horror films on the big screen outside, a DJ spinning all night long, specialty Halloween cocktails and jello shots, and delicious treats like hot dogs, loaded tots and dirty chips. Throughout the night, secret judges will be roaming the party for the best dressed gal or ghoul. Winners will be announced at midnight and prizes will be given to the winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd).   During the party, there will be a midnight screening inside the theater of EVIL DEAD II. Tickets for EVIL DEAD II are $10 for general admission, $8 Students/Seniors/Military and $7.50 for Members of the Enzian Film Society.

Sunday October 27, 2013

10am to noon. Super Joy Riders. Free. Eastern entrance of the Lake Eola Farmers’ Market. Participants dress as superheroes and ride en masse around the city as they check off their scavenger hunt-like list of Do Gooder Duties; collecting litter, helping senior citizens cross the road, returning shopping carts, basically performing small acts of kindness for an hour and a half of hilarity and love. You + Superhero Costume + Bike = Best Sunday Ever

11am Maitland Symphony Orchestra. Free. Maitland Presbyterian Church (341 US Highway 17-92 Maitland FL).

1pm to 3pm Irish Music. Free, just order a beer. Olivia’s in Eustice (108 N. Bay Street Eustice FL).  http://www.oliviascoffeehouse.com/