Art in Odd Places.

Posted on by Thor

Around 2:30 PM on Friday November 10, 2017 Performance Artist Brian Feldman began playing drums in front of the Orange County City Hall on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando. The invite claimed the location to be 300 Lincoln Plaza which is a parking garage and corporate offices. However, Brian was in a much better location across South Street in front of City Call. Drum Schtick was his contribution to Noise: A Visual and Performance Public Art Festival in Downtown Orlando. Brian has never performed on drums in his life, but he will be banging away for 50 hours, the full duration of the Art in Odd Places Festival. Drum Schtick is going to be his longest performance piece to date and he confided to me that it will be his hardest.

When I arrived Brian and his dad Edward were rolling up the side panels to the tent which were billowing like sails. The fellow Brian rented the drum set from was there to offer a few tips until Brian got started and then he wandered off. Online Brian set up a volunteer sign up sheet so people could be at the location with him so he would remain safe, Over the course of the 50 hours he will have to sleep on the drum set in the evening. His dad set up an iPhone which was live streaming the performance. I signed up for a two hour window to sketch but Brian suggested I sketch the very beginning since he might get shut down by police. As of this writing, he is still at it.

During the initial hours, three dancers began to perform inspirational dance to Brian’s beats. Rebekah Lane wore a walkie talkie on her lapel Emma Cotter a choreographer from Brooklyn NY was on the sidelines offering arrive on what dance movements they should perform next. I was impressed they did n amazing job performing with Brian’s first beats. I have to wonder if Brian will become a virtuoso in 50 hours or will he degrade into loosing all sense of rhythm.

Brian should be finishing his performance around 4:30 PM on Sunday November 12, 2017. Be sure to catch his performance before that time.

Orphans at Theater on the Edge.

Posted on by Thor

Orphans written by Lyle Kessler is being presented by the artistic production team at Theater on the Edge (5542 Hansel Ave, Orlando, FL 32809). I am a huge fan of their hyper realistic set designs by the amazing Samantha DiGeorge. The attention to period detail allows me to get lost in that particular place and time. The plays presented in this intimate space highlight an American aesthetic of brutality and unfulfilled dreams. Orphans is set in 1989  in  a two story rundown Philadelphia row house. During the pre show, Philip (Adam Minossa) was mashing cereal in his breakfast bowl and then sat to watch a TV game show. He lived his innocent preoccupied life in the home as the audience filled in. He settled in on the couch to watch TV while hugging a red woman’s high heal shoe. When he sees his brother Trent (Zack Roundy) approaching, through the window, he rushed to clean up  the place and then hid in the closet.

Trent is a terror. He has returned to show off his earnings form the mornings robberies. He likes to taunt his simple brother and a game of tag became a power struggle between the siblings. The red high heal shoe becomes another point of contention and Trent throws it out the window on the front lawn. A painful head lock is the only sign of affection between the two.

On another occasion, Trent returns to the house with a drunk business man. When the man passes out on  the floor, Trent takes his brief case and forces it open on the kitchen table with his knife. Inside are piles of stocks and bonds. Kidnapping this man would clearly be extremely profitable. While out looking to cash the stocks and calling people for the ransom, he leaves his brother to watch the now tied up business man. The ropes are sloppily tied and loose so, Harold, the business man (Allan Whitehead) gets free. He doesn’t try to escape however and goes up stairs to clean up.

Trent isn’t pleased when he returns and there is a power struggle between Trent and Harold. Harold doesn’t play the part of a victim but instead says he likes Trent’s anger and could use hims as a body guard.  Harold grew up as an orphan and he sees a bit of himself in Trent’s deviant behavior. He becomes a father figure to both the boys offering support and affection the boys clearly lacked probably after their parents deaths. He builds Philip’s confidence to the point where the boy is able to venture out into the world alone.

The end of the second act ended with gut wrenching results. When the house lights came back up, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Someone said, there should be a warning before the show begins. All three actors did an amazing job exploring their characters and their underlying motives. The intricate relationships left me wishing there was more time to see what happened next. On the car ride home with Pam Schwartz, I was full of questions. I had a an affection for the characters and couldn’t let go. Perhaps that is a sign of great theater. This show got under my skin exposing regrets and the need for acceptance that seems never realized. I highly recommend this production.

Orphans

Theater on the Edge 5542 Hansel Ave, Orlando, FL 32809

Tickets: $22 to $26

Remaining Show Dates:

Saturday November 11, 2017      8 PM

Sunday November 12, 2017        2 PM

Wednesday November 15, 2017  8 PM

Saturday November 18, 2017      8 PM

Sunday November 19, 2017        2 PM

Friday November 24, 2017          8 PM

Saturday November 25, 2017      2 PM

Saturday November 25, 2017      8 PM

Sunday November 26, 2017        2 PM

Weekend Top 6 Picks for November 11th and 12th 2017.

Posted on by Thor

Saturday November 11, 2017

10 AM to 1 PM. Free. Circling the World in a 24hr Sketch Walk! Disney Springs 1780 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 Planet Hollywood and Coca Cola buildings. Nearly 80 Urban Sketchers chapters around the globe will hold
sketch walks in their cities and towns to celebrate Urban Sketchers 10yrs
anniversary, showcasing sketches from their cities and towns.
Orlando’s Urban Sketchers group is one of them!

 Using social media Instagram network all sketch walks will be followed
starting with the first chapter to see daylight (Auckland, New Zealand)
to the last chapter to see the sunset (O’ahu, USA).
Photos and videos from each chapter will be shared throughout the day.

Where is Orlando in all of this? We are in an awesome place in the middle! With the world’s eyes on us here in Central Florida, we will be showcasing in sketches one of our unique and iconic locations.

The renovated Downtown Disney, now called Disney’s Springs, and the newly added section provide plenty of sketch opportunities. Take a pride in our Central Florida community! Come join us!

2 PM November 10, 2017 to 4 PM November 12, 2017. Free. Sidewalk in front of Lincoln Plaza in Downtown Orlando (300 S. Orange
Avenue). Drum Schtick. As part of Noise, an Art in Odd places production, award-winning D.C. based
performance artist Brian Feldman will embark on his longest project
to date.

For 50 consecutive hours, Brian will remain at a drum kit. Brian has been trying to realize this project since 2007.

Brian is seeking up to 50 volunteers (one hour shifts) to help ensure (1) his safety, (2) the continuity of the live stream (periscope.tv/BrianFeldman),
and (3) answers to attendee questions (to the best of your ability), as
he won’t be speaking during this project. Go to Sign Up Genius if you want to help. Earplugs are provided!

Noon to 4 PM through November 19, 2017. $15 Festival of Trees: The Gift of the Holidays. Orlando Museum of Art (2416 North Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803) The Festival of Trees, now in its thirty-first year, transforms the
Orlando Museum of Art into a glittering wonderland filled with sparkling
trees, vignettes and stunning décor for visitors of all ages.

The Orlando Museum of Art will showcase designer Christmas trees of all
sizes, holiday vignettes, custom hand designed wreaths and table décor, a
gingerbread village, tabletop displays and more. Each piece is designed
by Orlando’s finest designers and is available for purchase.

A glamorous gala night will mark the start of the 9-day event.

The
Festival continues with musical performances, fun family entertainment
and delightful programs for all ages throughout the week at the museum.

View the museum calendar to see all of the related Festival events. Festival of
Trees is presented by Council of 101, a non-profit organization. All
proceeds benefit the Orlando Museum of Art.

For more information, please contact the Council of 101 at (407) 896-4231,
ext. 254 or by email at councilof101@omart.org.

Sunday November 12, 2017 

11 AM to 5 PM. Free. Pagans in the Park. Mead Botanical Garden 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, Florida 32789. A day of connecting, workshops, readers and vendors at
Mead Gardens, Winter Park FL. Please bring a pot luck item to share!

1 PM to 5 PM Free. Family Day on the Second Sunday. The Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803. The make-and-take craft table is open from noon-2:30 p.m., and docents are available to give mini-tours of the museum. Then it’s open house in the galleries until 4:30 p.m.

Noon to 1 PM Donation based. Yoga. Lake Eola Park near the red gazebo. Bring your own mat.

2 PM to 4 PM Free but get a drink. Kelly DeWayne Richards Pop Up Piano Bar. 1212 Country club Oaks Circle 32804.

The Orlando Weekly Best of Orlando Party.

Posted on by Thor

This year I was nominated as the Best Artist of Orlando. Andrew Spear won first place, and Boy Kong took second place. They both certainly deserve the recognition. I came in third place but just being nominated meant I could sketch the Orlando Weekly Best of Party at The Beacham (46 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801). The party of the year is a celebration for winners of Orlando’s
most prestigious awards, Orlando Weekly’s Best of Orlando. It’s a free
party for 2000 taste maker VIP’s: Best of Orlando Winners, Orlando Weekly
clients, select readers, artists, politicians and media.
This is always a blowout event that gets super crowded. Pam Schwartz and I arrived somewhat early and as I sketched the venue filled up to capacity. Only when people left, would more people be allowed to enter.

There were two entrances to the event, a “Winners” entrance at The Beacham, and a general admission entrance at 64 North. A series of bars were interconnected, including The Social, Aero, and The Patio. Different things were happening at all the bars. Lasers and spotlights created a two point perspective grid over the crowd. I sketched the grid and then took it back out feeling it hid too much of the crowd detail. When the live performance started confetti was shot over the crowd. I like to watch the hectic action at the two island bars as the bartenders are swamped by orders for free drinks. Working digitally meant I could catch the amazing lighting of the scene.

With the sketch done, we agreed that we had seen enough. We didn’t venture into the other crowded bars.

Red Black and Ignorant at Valencia College.

Posted on by Thor

Red Black and Ignorant written by Edward Bond is the first installment of a war trilogy. The play introduces Monster, (Daniel Cooksley) an inhuman being who presents the life that he did
not get to live because he was aborted and burnt to death in the nuclear global bombings. Killed within his mother’s womb, the play reveals the
world which would have awaited the unborn child: a post-apocalyptic
society of destruction and war.

The venue was a small circular area with cement benches. The cast uses the benches and the walkway leading to the site. The audience will be seated outside the circle. One cast member saw an animal move in the distance. She said it was the size of a raccoon but might be a possum. All the flashlights surveyed the edge of the woods. The wildlife watched the play unfold from a safe distance.

Daniel is the actor who played my part in O-Town: Voices from Orlando written and directed by David Lee. We hugged warmly as we waited for the rest of the cast to arrive. Jeremy Seghers is directing Red Black and Ignorant. He has a keen eye for staging plays in unexpected venues. He arrived carrying a pile of military clothing. He also had make up for Daniel. Daniel had to to wear colored contacts and black charred makeup. At the start of the play, the entire cast shined flashlights on Daniel while chanting an ominous hum. Daniel crawled up out of an imaginary pile or rubble. Jeremy explained that the set piece is almost done.

The mother of the monster (Blaise Terese Vance) delivered a moving monologue while her wispy frame was being lifted on the shoulders of the monster. She illuminated her own face from below with her flashlight. An imagined lover of the monster (Alyssa Zabel) spoke of what he might have become and seemed oblivious to his twisted self. The son of the Monster (Sean Kemp) found a woman (Anissa Hernandez) trapped under rubble. She screams for help but he realizes that her job would open up were she to perish. He feigns to help but leaves saying he would find help. His father comes across his son as he is debating the woman’s fate. The father takes control of the situation and saves her. While chastising his son. The best position the son manages to find is in the military. He embraces the role. His position gives him a place of power over the monster. This father son relationship was destined to be tragic.

This play explores issues of conformity, social morality, and ongoing
conflict between the individual and society, giving the story a terrifyingly
relevant and timeless tone.

Being an immersive, site-specific work, this is an outdoor show held in
a natural environment. I was advised to bring bug spray which was helpful.  The audience is advised to check in at the box office for a short,
escorted walk to the site. Walking shoes are advised.  Late seating cannot be accommodated.  It is advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to show time. This production will not have an intermission.

What:  Red Black and Ignorant.

Where:  Valencia East Campus
701 N Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL

 Show dates:

Thursday, November 9, 2017   7:30pm

to 8:45pm

Friday, November 10, 2017      7:30pm

to 8:45pm

Saturday, November 11, 2017  7:30pm

to 8:45pm

Sunday, November 12, 2017    7:30pm

to 8:45pm

Monday, November 13, 2017   7:30pm

to 8:45pm

Tickets: $12 General Ticketing; $10 Valencia students/staff/alumni and seniors.

Contact Name: Valencia College Box Office

Contact Email:  boxoffice@valenciacollege.edu/arts

Contact Phone: (407) 582-2900

The Hound of the Baskervillesat at Shakes.

Posted on by Thor

The Hound of the Baskerrvilles, written by Sir Conan Doyle was adapted for the stage by Steven Canny and John Nicholson. The 19 parts are played by just three actors. Steven Lane played Sherlock Holmes and I grew anxious since he didn’t play the part of Sherlock very often. This hilarious  production at times involved the actors breaking character and talking to the audience one on one. They poked jabs at each other for the past productions they had done. Dr. John Watson, (Simon Needham) was a natural at the British accent since he comes form England. The other actors joked that he is taking good paying actors work from American actors. Chris Crawford played Sir Henry Baskerville among other roles. The production involved many very quick costume changes.

After the first act there was an intermission and the second act began with Steven Lane reading a note form an audience member in the center section. It stated that his acting was lackluster and sluggish. The response was for the cast to re-act the entire first act at an insanely accelerated pace. This time costumes were often only half assembled as the actors ran around the stage to hit their marks. This was hilarious and impressive at the same time.

The Baskerville family suffered from a curse that began when a young woman was imprisoned at their Devonshire estate. A huge and vicious hound then attacked the guilty abductor. Since that date the family carried the curse. Each generation would suffer from the attack of a devilish red eyed  hound. The recent death of a Sir Charles Baskerville rekindled the story of the cure and brought in Holmes and Watson on the case. Holmes was busy but sent Watson to the estate to investigate.

There is an escaped convict on the moor and mysterious candle messaged sent at night. Sherlock takes multiple disguises to watch the activity of the state from afar. His several attempts to reveal himself to Watson, are hilarious since Watson is blinded by theater blindness that allows for a costume change to be an absolute disguise.  Myth and mystery eventually give way to thought and reason and the suspect is discovered.

We were seated in the back row of house left which was a great vantage point when the actors left the stage and wandered into the audience. I almost tripped an actor as he rushed out the fire escape door setting off the alarm. I highly recommend the show for a light hearted evening of theater.

The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater, The Goldman

812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803

Tickets are $13 to $50.

Remaining show dates:

Wednesday, November 8, 2017 – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, November 8, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Sold out! There are no tickets available.

Thursday, November 9, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Friday, November 10, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 11, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 12, 2017 – 2:00 PM

Sunday, November 12, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Friday, November 17, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 18, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 19, 2017 – 2:00 PM

Sunday, November 19, 2017 – 7:30 PM

The Perceid Meteor Shower..

Posted on by Thor

The Perseid Meteor shower is supposed to be the brightest meteor shower of the year. According to NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke, the Perseids are perhaps the most popular meteor shower of the year. Typical rates are about 80 meteors an hour, but in outburst years (such as in 2016) the rate can be between 150-200 meteors an hour. The meteor shower’s actual peak was around 1 p.m. on August 12, which means that the night before and the night after will both have good rates; Cooke said the show would be slightly better in the predawn hours of Aug. 12, but that there would be a decent show both nights.

Comet Swift-Tuttle is the largest object known to repeatedly pass by Earth;
its nucleus is about 16 miles wide. It last passed
nearby Earth during its orbit around the sun in 1992, and the next time
will be in 2126. But in the meantime, the Earth passes through the dust and debris it leaves behind every year,
creating the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Pam Schwartz and I traveled to Magnolia Park on Lake Apopka in the hope of getting away from some of Orlando’s light pollution. We arrived at the lake side park just before midnight. Several people were leaving the boat launch area in their SUV and they shouted out that a big gator was lurking there. We found a spot on a dock and waited patiently, seated on my artist stools..

In my nocturne I could clearly see the orange glow of the city light pollution on the horizon. I was afraid that this might hinder our chances of seeing meteors. Another drawback was that it was cloudy. After an hour of sitting on the dock, the clouds started to part and thin out. While I was staring at my sketch, Pam shouted out that she saw a meteor. I stopped sketching and stared at the night sky.

In the reeds near by two beady eyes stared back at me. It was a huge gator watching us and waiting for his chance to lunge. It was kind of hard to look at the sky with those reflective lenses staring at us. I finally did see a streak of light on the horizon. It was just a flash out of the corner of my eye, but I saw it. On a different occasion I saw a meteor that was huge and seemed to linger in the sky like  an open wound. If there were a hundred meteors and hour on this night they must have been only active when it was cloudy. What I remember far more vividly are those ravenous glowing doll like eyes. We left shortly after I saw my one meteor. Although the gator might have wanted blood, it was the mosquitoes that feasted the most that night.

Hand to God at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Posted on by Thor

Hand to God written by Robert Askins, was presented by Generation Productions at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and was an unexpected, hilarious, and irreverent production. In a church Sunday school class, students are using puppets in a morality play. Timothy, a shy boy, played by Jerry J. Jobe had a puppet with plans of his own. The puppet calls out Timmy’s attraction to Jessica (Devan Seaman) in rather lascivious ways. Jason, (Andrew Romano) skulked with crossed arms and was anxious to cause trouble. The Sunday school puppetry teacher was Margery (Rebecca Fisher) and she was also Timmy’s mom.

The play’s title is a bit misleading. From the moment the foul-mouthed puppet on Timmy’s hand spoke for himself the laughs just kept on coming. This is no quiet morality play. The underlying unspoken heartfelt drama came from the loss of Timmy’s dad. The brunt of the action was aimed at resolving the fractured relationship between Timmy and his mom. The stakes got higher when Pastor Greg (Jason Blackwater) insists that Margery present a play at the next service. Timmy, knowing he has no control over what the puppet might say, has to let his mother down.

Both Jason and Pastor Greg made advances on Margery. She was left devastated after her husband’s death and crashed against the rocks. The classroom became a devil’s den complete with a satanic star and a teddy bear, pubic hair included, with an arrow through it, when Timmy and his puppet take over.

One of the funnier moments came when Jessica decides to speak to Timmy’s puppet through her own puppet. The result is a hilarious 5 minute sex scene with the two puppets as she is able to confide in Timmy, all as the distracted puppets bumped together. The production was a blast being a cross between Little Shop of Horrors and the Exorcist. Rebecca Fisher as Margery was fantastic. This was an amazing role for her. Jeremy J. Jobe also did an amazing job as he tried to remove the satanic puppet from his life.

The play was produced by Aaron Safer, and featured direction by Kenny Howard. The set design was by Bonnie Sprung, with costumes by Kyla Swanberg, and lighting design by Amy Hadley.

The Collective presented the Opera Del Sol launch party.

Posted on by Thor

The Collective presented Orlando’s most exciting new performing arts concept, Opera del Sol at the Citrus Club
(255 S Orange Ave, Ste 1800, Orlando, Florida 32801) on August 7, 2017. The evening was hosted by Andrae Bailey and Jon Busdeker of The Collective. That night also happened to be the birthday of  Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. At the party, I focused my attention on sketching the string quartet.

The
mission of Opera del Sol, in partnership with the
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, is to change the way audiences experience opera and
performance art by creating curated, conceptual productions in
unexpected places. They are creating new ways to experience
opera, musical theatre, and visual arts, opting out of traditional
venues, and instead creating alluring productions in unique and intimate
settings. They will combine the visual and performance arts with cleverly
curated foods and beverages to provide those
unexpected thrills.

Founder Nichole Dupre was there to introduce the inaugural season. With venues in both Orlando and Brevard
County, Opera del Sol will open this Fall with
Opera Wars, an original production set in outer space, and close with
the thrilling musical theatre classic, Sweeney Todd.

Keeping with their cross-arts mission, the company will also feature a curated art
show with local artist Peterson Guerrier, and will also perform
Bon Appetit, a one woman opera based on a well known Julia Child
broadcast, accompanied with a five-course dinner presented by Publix.

Mark Your Calendar. Opera del Sol is hosting a Happy Hour fundraiser and Opera Wars
Cast Meet and Greet on Tuesday November 7, 2017, from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Ace Cafe (100 W Livingston St, Orlando, Florida 32801).

 The countdown for Opera del Sol presents Opera Wars in Orlando
begins. Join the cast at The Abbey Friday November 24th and Saturday
November 25th. Show times are at 7pm, with a matinee on Saturday. Tickets
available at: operadelsol.ticketleap.com

Weekend Top 6 Picks for November 4th and 5th.

Posted on by Thor

Saturday November 4, 2017

8 AM to 3 PM – Free. Fourth Annual Chalk the Walk. Winter Park Central Park (251 S Park Ave, Winter Park, Florida 32789). This is the fourth annual street painting event held on the first
Saturday of the month of November. There are adult, high school and middle school artists creating art and competing for prize money in a one day
event. It is always a great event to attend and see artists
enjoying the day.

6 PM to 9 PM – Donations. One Voice Orlando Benefit. Timucua White House (2000 South Summerlin, Orlando, FL 32806). All proceeds to benefit Proyecto Somos Orlando (the funds will benefit Pulse survivors and and also Puerto Rico relief efforts). Includes a screening of my short film, “Finger on the Pulse.”

6 PM to 10 PM – $30. Puttin’ on the Ritz Fundraiser. Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center (203 S Magnolia Ave, Sanford, Florida 32771).  Each year the Densch celebrates a decade: this year it’s the flower power fab-1960’s! The street in front of the theatre will come to life with groovy music, classic cars and entertainment. Supporters of the arts don their favorite 60s look and enjoy food from local Sanford restaurants. Inside the rehearsal hall, you’ll find a far-out silent auction. Be the highest bidder for fun, unique and other must-have items. There will be something for everyone. When food and bidding have closed, the fun is moved inside the historic theatre to view a live multimedia presentation highlighting musical talent from the Repertory Company and video reels helping us find our way back to the 1960s!

Sunday November 5, 2017

10 AM to 5 PM – Free Saturday and Sunday. Fall Fiesta in the Park. Lake Eola Park. The free, pet-friendly event includes artist and craft booths, food
vendors, live music, a huge children’s play area and more.

10 AM to 5 PM – $7-$50 Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Fair. 
(12835 County Landfill Road Clermont. FL). Travel back in time to the middle ages and enjoy food, drink, vendors, games, entertainment, and more.

Noon to 3 PM – Donation. Music at the Casa.  Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, (656 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789). Guitarist, vocalist, composer George Grosman.