A Mid-summer Night’s Dream at the Stonewall Bar.

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I went to sketch a dress rehearsal of the William Shakespeare classic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” presented by Howler’s Theatre and Unseen Images T at Stonewall Bar (741 W. Church St. Orlando FL). While walking to Stonewall y was shocked to see the new MLS Stadium half build in the heart of the Parramore district. Gentrification is spreading fast, west of downtown. Stonewall is right next to the stadium with rainbow colors projected in column on the facade.

The play opens with Lysander (Nick Lubke) deeply in love with Hippolyta, (Tiana Akers). He pursues her, but he heart is not so easily won.  Each time she refuses his affections his adoration grows stronger. When this love is lost, she is confused.

HERMIA

Why are you grown so rude? What change is this,

Sweet love?

LYSANDER

Thy love! Out, tawny Tartar, out!

Out, loathèd med’cine! O hated potion, hence!

These lovers are in my sketch, as Lysander restrains Hermia who is at a loss to see why her lover has abandoned her, and accuses Helenus (Scott Browning) of stealing Lysander away from her.  This production features plenty of gender bending with men taking female roles and women taking men’s roles . This gives the plot a modern twist and ads plenty of colorful fun to the plot.

 Oberon, king of the fairies (Monica Mulder), dressed in black, calls upon Robin “Puck” Goodfellow, (Charlie Wright) her “shrewd and knavish sprite”, to help her concoct a magical juice derived from a flower called “love-in-idleness”,
which turns from white to purple when struck by Cupid’s arrow. When the
concoction is applied to the eyelids of a sleeping person, that person,
upon waking, falls in love with the first living thing they perceive. This potion applied to the wrong eyes leads to lovers previous affections to melt like the snow as they pursue a new love. Both Lysander and Demetrius, (Domino Thomas), fall desperately in love with Helenus and since all three are men, the lover’s triangle becomes as physical as a football match.

Although the
performances will take place outdoors, the audience will be completely
covered from rain and all performances will go on rain or shine. Due to
the location of the show, only guests 21+ will be admitted.

The production will run for 8 performances on the following dates and times:

Friday and Saturday evenings September 2 – September 24 at 7:30 pm.
Please note that the Saturday 9/10 performance will begin at 7:00 pm
instead of 7:30.

Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at:
https://unseenimagestheatre.ticketleap.com/midsummer/

Weekend Top 6 Picks for September 3rd and 4th.

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Saturday September 3, 2016 

 4pm to closing Free but get a beer. MYTHIC. The Hourglass Brewery 480 S Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood, Florida 32750. Fables and Fantasy offer the ultimate exploration of the depth of human experience. Our monsters take the form that terrifies us most–will you meet yours on a Mythic journey?

Featuring ALL NEW works inspired by legendery creatures and archetypes from Morgan Wilson (Lux Nova Studio).

8 pm to 10pm $45.95, VIP UPGRADE $74.84 When Shadows Fall. Takes place in an undisclosed private location in Orlando, Florida. Upon buying a ticket, you will receive the address.

We are located roughly 15 minutes from Downtown Orlando, 15 minutes
from Universal Orlando, and 20 minutes from Walt Disney World. But you’re not just buying a ticket to experience When Shadows Fall. You’re obtaining a visa to become a citizen of Penumbra, leaving your material and spiritual insecurities on the Outside. Penumbra is your new home, your new life.

 When Shadows Fall™ is an exciting new form of interactive entertainment
that combines live performance with high-tech interactions and immersive
environments to create a unique experience like no other. Explore a
hyperreal world with shocking visual elements, live professional actors,
couture costumes, a rousing original musical score, cinematic lighting,
and high-tech interactions that bring familiar video game mechanics to
real life.

8pm to 10pm Free. Shuffleboard at Orlando’s Beardall Courts. 800 Delaney Ave Orlando FL. 1st Saturday of each month. Free fun!

Sunday September 4, 2016 

All day. September 1-10. Free. St. Pete Mural Festival. Check the map to see where international and local artists are painting murals all around St. Pete.

2pm to 4pm Free Yoga. Lake Eola Park, 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL (Near the Red Pagoda). Weekly.

10pm to Midnight Free but get a coffee. Comedy Open Mic.  Austin’s Coffee, 929 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL. Free comedy show! Come out & laugh, or give it a try yourself.

When Shadows Fall, Hawthorn’s agony.

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I have been documenting each performance of When Shadows Fall. Since I’ve become somewhat of a fixture, the cast works around me as if I were a member of the futuristic society of Penumbra. I am cast a a member of the gold cast of society which consists of the intellectuals and artists.  I dress up a bit to look the part. On this evening I focused on Harlan the Engineers lab. Hawthorn (Robert Cunha) is both a pastor as well as an engineer. As I sketched in his lab, I heard him preaching in the chapel behind me. He asked the congregation to close their eyes and imagine what he described. His vision was so cynical and disturbing, that it sounded like the ravings of a madman.

After the sermon, he quickly entered the lab, and grabbed a bottle of booze from the cabinet on the right. He offered me a cup, we were long time drinking buddies. On his stool, was a mechanical device, it was the final piece of something he had been working on for a long time. Two of the new citizens were assigned to his lab. He instructed them on the final steps to complete the devise. Plans on the walls showed all the inner workings. Before the manufacture was complete, or the devise tested, a member of the office came in and confiscated all that he had been working on.

An orange glowing shackle on Hawthorn’s ankle kept him under house arrest in his lab. His assistants however were not constrained. He gave them both walkie talkies and asked them to find a fail safe that could disarm the device.  If the assistants failed, all of Penumbra could be in jeopardy. Harlan’s daughter, Odessa was used as bait, to keep Harlan on task. There were spies, espionage, and at times it was hard to distinguish the new citizens from the cast.

What choices the new citizens made could dictate how the story might unfold. With so many story lines unfolding at once, you never get a complete picture of what is happening everywhere. You would never see the same story if you returned. Some scenes unfold without any witnesses. I was the only person who saw the tender relationship between  Hawthorn and his daughter Odessa, (Cassandra Heinrich). Just as in everyday life, the tenderest scenes can only be witnessed by slowing down and being perfectly still. When Shadows Fall is a truly unique evening of interactive entertainment. I for one, am highly addicted.

First Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art.

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First Thursdays, at the Orlando Museum of Art is held as the name implies, is held on the First Thursday of every month. Each month has a new theme. In November, the theme was animals. David Ramiss had a wonder metal sculpture of a wasp enclosed in a plexiglass case. A beautiful model was showing off a day sculptor in progress, still on the armature. I think the sculptor wanted to work on it during the event, but he was bombarded with so many questions, that he never had time to touch the clay.

The hissing cat was unique. Someone demonstrated that if you put your fringe in the cat’s butt, it would make a noise. I explained this unique feature to several friends who stopped to talk, but they didn’t believe me. No one activated the cat for the rest of the evening. Wine flowed and the room got more and more packed. Brad Micheal Biggs gave me a quartz crystal he had mined himself. Jeff had forgot he his cell phone and he needed to borrow mine. I guess the crystal was a fair trade.

The next First Thursday is titled,

ECLECTIC KNIGHTS

VIII September 1, 2016

8th annual event for the UCF College of Arts and Humanities Alumni
Chapter. This Knight of Art will feature artwork designed exclusively by
UCF alumni, faculty and staff in a variety of media.

Presented by the Associates of the Orlando Museum of Art| which is a volunteer support group committed to expanding
Museum membership and encouraging the appreciation of the visual arts.
From 6-9 pm on the first Thursday of each month, Central Florida has an
opportunity to discover local artists, listen to live music and mingle
with an eclectic mix of people. There are cash bars serving wine, beer,
soft drinks and water, and café offerings from area restaurants.

Admission to 1st Thursdays is $10 for visitors. Admission includes
access to the Museum’s featured exhibition. Parking is free at Orlando
Loch Haven Park and overflow parking is available at the Orlando Science
Center’s parking garage for $5 per vehicle.

Creative City Project

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On October 15, 2016 more than 1,000 artists and performers bring the heart of the city to life!

An adventure of unexpected creative encounters in the heart of the city. As you discover the art of the Creative City Project, artists will
invite you in to become part of the experience. The fusion of
performance and technology extend beyond the stage and into your realm. Find yourself surrounded with inspiration. Just one example is this
performance by the 100 piece CFC Arts Orchestra on 5 stages – surrounding
the audience with an immersive orchestral experience. See
artists like never before. As they unleash their creativity en masse,
the artists of the Creative City Project inspire you to live creatively
everyday.

Last year most of Orange Avenue was shut down in Downtown Orlando to accommodate this explosion of the arts. I sketched these Spanish dancers and then wandered to discover of he amazing performances all up and down Orange Avenue. There were so many act happening at once, so it was impossible to experience everything. 

ODD 4 at Stardust Video and Coffee.

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The October ODD 4 (Orlando Drink and Draw), was held at Stardust Video and Coffee (1842 Winter Park Rd, Orlando, FL). This is y monthly event where artists, well, drink and Draw. There is no model is just artists working together and networking. I ordered a Big Wave beer and started to sketch. About six other artists came out to sketch. The Audubon Community Market was happening in the parking lot outside, so the place was crowded. The clientele at stardust have a layed back vibe. The guy a the end of the bar had waist long Rasta Dreads. I had quite a few beers and then I left the bar and drove home. The problem was, that I started a tab and left my credit card with the bartender. I only realized this when I got back home. It is an hour drive but, I drove all the way back to Stardust. They were still open and several artists were still there.

Wednesday Open Words at Austin’s.

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When I go to Austin’s Coffee, (929 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL), I always order an ice cold “Yak”, which is a flavor full iced coffee along with a Portobello Mushroom sandwich. I arrive a bit early, so I cs watch the Wednesday Open Words hosts clear the stag and set up the sound equipment. Heather was the host for the evening. She read first and I put he at the microphone in my sketch. Other literary types arrived, rehearsing their poetry or prose.

As always it was an entertaining and enlightening evening. I don’t understand how most people can go home from work and then isolate themselves by watching a TV in their dark living rooms. Going to these readings, I get to experience so many local stories. Open Words happens every Wednesday, get out and see what is happening in your community, and if you are brave enough, step up to the microphone.

German Lemus at Artlando.

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Artlando is coming to Lock Haven Park in Orlando on October 1, 2016. They are looking are looking for innovative, interesting, talented visual and performing artists to take part in this all day event.

SPACE COST $125

WHAT YOU GET:

• 10’x10’ space for you to set up your tent, table and art!

• All the art you sell is commission free! You keep 100% of your profits!

• Entry into our competition (if you create on-site).

WHAT’S THE COMPETITION?

ARTLando is an immersive experience for our attendees where they can see art being created.

• We want you creating your art LIVE! Bring your paint, canvas and anything else you need to create your art.

• All artists that paint/create during the event will be judged and
booth fees will be used exclusively in production of the event and to
award $3000 in cash prizes to artists who place in the competition.

Winners will be chosen from a combination of judges panel and popular votes!

SUBMISSIONS DUE BY: AUGUST 31ST

At the 2015 Artlando I had to stop and watch as German Lemus painted y brand new Scion live on the lawn. He was getting close to be done when I arrived, so I sketched frantically, afraid he might put the spray can down and walk away. The car’s surfs was richly textured making a bold statement. I don’t know who drives it around today.

I participated in the first Artlando, but it rained all day long. I am debating about giving it a try again this year.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for August 27th and 28th.

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Saturday August 27, 2016 

11am to 6pm Free. Big Bang Bazaar- Indie Art, Craft and Vintage Bazaar. Central Florida Fairgrounds and Exposition Park 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808. We are pleased to announce that Big Bang Bazaar (Indie Art, Crafts and Vintage Bazaar) will take place on August 27th, 2016! The event is family friendly and appropriate for all ages!

Admission and parking are free to all guests!

Big Bang Bazaar will feature a curated selection of over 200 local Indie artists and crafters, along with a free photo booth, Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls, Orlando Facial Hair Club and movies playing all day! Shoppers will find a wide variety of goods, all handmade by local artisans! Products such as clothing, accessories, jewelry, original art, art prints, housewares and much more will be available for purchase!

For more information about this event, please visit bigbangbazaar.net website, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bigbangbazaarfl

FREE ADMISSION!

NEW INDOOR VENUE!

BIGGER AND BETTER!

Interested in VENDING??

Info can be found on our website!

www.bigbangbazaar.net

8pm to 10pm $45.95 to $74.84 When Shadows Fall. Takes place in an undisclosed private location in Orlando, Florida. Upon buying a ticket, you will receive the address. We are located roughly 15 minutes from Downtown Orlando, 15 minutes
from Universal Orlando, and 20 minutes from Walt Disney World. A thrilling new kind of interactive experience
that introduces gaming elements into a real world open environment,
highly themed and filled with characters to meet and missions to
complete.

In short: This production blends gaming and live entertainment in ways you’ve never seen before.

10pm to 2am Free. Bare Naked Butlers Official Launch Party. One80 Skytop Lounge 400 W Church St, Orlando, Florida 32801. From the Creators of Florida’s #1 Male Revue “Rock Hard Revue,” Bare Naked Butlers Party and Event Service Provides Upscale, Hunky, Male Party Hosts and More to Enhance Events with an Edgy and Modern Touch…
Enjoy:
Male Eye Candy
Pampering
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
DJ Entertainment
Specialty Drinks
… and More!

Free Admission!

www.barenakedbutlers.com


Sunday August 28, 2016

Noon to 2pm Free but get some food. Florida Gospel Jam. Fish on Fire 7937 Daetwyler Drive Belle Isle FL. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday.

3pm to 8pm Free. August Art Critique. The Barefoot Spa 801 Virginia Dr, Orlando, Florida 32803. It doesn’t matter what kind of art you do, we have had oil painters, papermakers, glass artsts, found object sculptors, video artists, watercolor painters, ceramicists, artists who draw and collage, jewelry artists, printmakers, etc. It also doesn’t matter how much experience you have. We have included artists who have never shown and artists who are nationally recognized competition winners. The point is to get people from many different styles, backgrounds, and experience levels together to talk about everyones’ work!
This is a group of artists talking as peers.The discussions have included pricing, finding materials, technique, framing, exhibition opportunities, and, yes, traditional critique. We are trying to mix different artists and get them talking about art! We will be looking at everyone’s art individually, and talk about it for about 10 minutes. I know it is short, but the idea is not only to get other people to talk about your art, but to spend the evening talking about everyone’s art!
We are looking for brand new art. By “brand new”, I mean the newest art that you have. And if you bring more than one, please make them all be part of a series. Or if they aren’t part of a series, make sure that you are prepared to talk about the art as a group.


4:30pm to 6:30pm $10 at the door. Orlando Roller Derby: Straight Jackettes VS. Thunder City. Semoran Skateway 2670 Cassel Creek Blvd, Casselberry, Florida 32707. OPCDG Presents: ORLANDO ROLLER DERBY VS THUNDER CITY DERBY SIRENS

Come watch Orlando Psycho City Roller Derby! Some of your favorite Orlando Roller Derby skaters will be taking on Thunder City!!! Doors at 4:30pm, first whistle at 5:00pm. It’ll all go down in our home rink, Semoran Skateway.

Food and BEER will be available at the snack bar; all beer and wine charitable contributions go to benefit the Greyhound Pets of America, Senior Sanctuary.

We will have a 50/50 raffle, bring some cash! Half goes to the winner and the other half goes to our game charity!

Remember to bring your own chairs; chairs with rubber bottoms are allowed on the track, high heels are not.

And don’t forget, you can take home a piece of OPCDG, with our new exciting merchandise.
After party will be directly after the game, at Friendly Confines Winter Park.

Any questions, check us out.
or email games@orlandoderbygirls.com

West Side Story rumbles into the Shakes.

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West Side Story will be performed in the Margeson Theater at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, (812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL) from September 7th to October 9th. I Stopped into the scenic shop to see the New York City set under construction. Jeff Ferree explained that carpet had to be installed on the second tier of the set, to reduce noise as actors walked. Jeff used the lift to get a roll of carpet up and then three stage hands rolled it out. One corner hung precariously over ledge. If anyone stepped o this overhanging carpet they would fall to the stage floor. Jeff used a carpet knife to cut away the excess carpet. To try and smooth the carpet out, he leaped forward multiple times like a kangaroo to try and stretch the carpet flat. 

At the same time lights were being turned on and off from the lighting booth. Someone with a walkie talkie confirmed when the correct lights came on. A few were out of place and will likely be replaced. The large bridge like structure is part of the set that is lowered into place during the fight scenes. Jeff showed me the set rendering designed by Jim Hunter, and it will look gritty and gorgeous. Large sections of steal mesh fence need to be scavenged for stage right. There is a virtual walk through of the set which is apparently quite impressive. 

West Side Story is based on a concept of Jerome Robbins, a book by Arthur Laurents with Music by Leonard Bernstein and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Idealistic young lovers Maria and Tony find themselves
caught between rival street gangs, the American Jets and the Puerto
Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence,
and prejudice is one of the most beautiful, heart-wrenching, and
relevant musical dramas of our time. West Side Story’‘s legendary jazz,
Latin, and classical-inspired score features the treasured songs
““Something’‘s Coming,“” ““Tonight,” ““I Feel Pretty,” and ““America.“The movie came out the year I was born, and the story is still as fresh, vibrant and reliant as it was back then.” Tickets are between $18 and $33.