The Eye is open on International Drive.

Posted on by Thor

The skeletal structure of “The Eye” is visible from miles away. It is as large as the huge Ferris wheel in London.It is part of a large new development which includes many new stores, restaurants, and an aquarium. When I did this sketch, the eye wasn’t yet completed, but now it has all it’s cars in place and the neon lighting illuminates the structure at night. It is clearly visible from I-4 although it is a quarter mile from the high way The Pirates Cove Adventure Golf course is right next to all the development on International Drive and it was business as usual with families battling with each other for bragging rights. International Drive does tend to showcase an International assortment of tourists. If you sit in one spot for several hours, you will hear languages from around the world.

The water in the lagoons on the course are an u n-natural shade of turquoise even in the cascades of a water fall. I didn’t notice any pirates but their ship had run aground so they must have been either on board, or on the course swilling liquor from the many wooden barrels. Landscaping on the course was immaculate, and there was a steady stream of players.

Underground Vampire Bar brings sexy gore to International Drive.

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I went to the grand opening party for DRIP’s Underground Vampire Bar, 8747 International Dr Suite 102 (Behind Denny’s and Senor Frogs), Orlando, Florida. Through October 31st, 2015, DRIP Orlando, is creating a safe haven for the Vampires and their human friends. Finally there will be a place in Orlando for Vampires to be themselves, sip “Blood” from the Blood Bar, watch dancers enjoy “Blood” baths, take a “Blood” shower, witness human sacrifices, enjoy live music, and full theatrical show featuring performances in paint, sand, “blood”, flying water and more.

The Underground Vampire Bar will be at DRIP for a limited time in October on International Drive just down the street from the New Orlando Eye.

EXPERIENCE:
Limited Edition Vampire Shirts
Killer Paint Station (Complimentary),
T-Shirt Artists ($5 cutting),
Performance artist in Liquid Blood Bath Hammock.
Special twist on a Full DRIP show featuring vampires, live band, red paint, red sand, dancers, flying water and more!
A theatrical story about eternal love and heartbreak.

I sat at the Blood Bar to sketch and ordered a “Bloodyrita” which [ think was a strawberry Margarita. Since I knew this would be a low light situation, (vampires need low light), I used my Cintiq Companion 2 for the sketch. One thing I missed from a traditional watercolor sketch, was the ability to spatter the page with red paint. The tablet was  perfect to catch the day glow blue of all the white T-shirts in the darkness. I was wearing a dark shirt but the zigzag stitching pattern glowed blue making me look a bit like Charlie Brown. The bar filled up quickly. Once vampires started dancing on the bar, I packed the tablet away since it might be destroyed in the bloodbath. Soon the sexy vampires were offering to pour blood into spectators open mouths. The first female volunteer ended up getting drenched when the entire pitcher was poured on her head.

After the main show, a projector showed a 15 minute count down on the wall. The countdown was for the human sacrifice. At the appointed hour, two female vampires took to the stage and beckoned to a young female volunteer. She might have been a bachelorette, because she was with a rather large crowd of friends. She was a willing victim as she gyrated along with the vampires to the pounding bewitching music. Then she was asked to kneel on the bar top, and the vampires began to bite her delicate wrists and neck. Blood squirted everywhere and pooled on the bar. The crowd went wild as the gory scene unfolded. After the sacrifice, men and women danced in the Interactive Blood Shower.  Everyone had raffle tickets for a DRIP “Bloodeaux” Wine giveaway at 11PM.

DATES! 
Open every Friday and Saturday in October, 2015
Doors and activities start at 8:00PM. Show will start a little after 9PM and will be followed by an afterparty until midnight.

Mark your calendar! Closing Party featuring an after party with “The Bloody Jug Band“: Saturday, 10/31 (Halloween).

More details and tickets. . .

The Blend takes over City Arts Factory

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On May 8th. I went to City Arts Factory to experience The Blend. It was a pop up shop experience that featured local fashion Designers, Painters, Artist, Musicians, Singers and hip hop Lyricist, Producers, and the Orlando media in one creative environment. I focused my attention on the D) who kept the beats coming. Across from me there was free cup cake samples. in a note room, Rihanna, sang a couple of songs. No she wasn’t “the” Rihanna, but she could carry tune. She confided that she should probably change her name.

On the walls were black and White photos the documented the history of hip hop music. Some folks took selfies in front of photos of famous of photos of famous hip hop artists. I did a quick walk around to see the art on the walls. Nothing really stopped me in my tracks.  The Blend is a great idea if you want to mingle and meet some of Orlando’s creatives. I hope this event keeps growing and gains momentum

Today, Saturday October 17th, The Blend Orlando Presents ‘4OXO‘. Aero and The Patio, will host the ultimate relationship building phenomenon from 4pm – 10pm. The attendees will gain knowledge and have access to network in a blended environment with the creative elite in the Orlando. The 6 hour experience will host 2 performance rooms, a fashion pop up shop, live paintings, interviews, Art Auction, Dancers and more. The focus is to create a cultural experience while continuing the growth of instilling the importance of these various platforms in our youth.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for October17th and 18th.

Posted on by Thor

Saturday October 17, 2015

4pm to 9pm Free The Blend Orlando Presents ‘4OXO’. Aero 60 North Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida. Aero and The Patio, will host the ultimate relationship building phenomenon from 4pm – 10pm. The Blend is known as a “Pop up Shop” installation that will provide local fashion Designers, Painters, Artist, Musicians, Singers and hip hop Lyricist, Producers, and the Orlando media in one continuous flow.

The attendees will gain knowledge and have access to network in a blended environment with the creative elite in the Orlando. The 6 hour experience will host 2 performance rooms, a fashion pop up shop, live paintings, interviews, Art Auction, Dancers and more. The focus is to create a cultural experience while continuing the growth of instilling the importance of these various platforms in our youth.

6pm to 9pm Free Creative City Project. Downtown Orlando, South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL. La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, Orlando Ballet, Central Florida Community
Arts Orchestra, Orlando City Soccer Club, a 1000 student marching band,
the Downtown Arts District, and dozens of other artists and performers
bring the streets of Downtown Orlando to life.

You won’t want to miss this night of unexpected experiences as you get
up close and personal with artists like never before as the Creative
City Project removes the barriers between art and you.

Find yourself immersed in the music of an orchestra – standing among 100
musicians, Be shaken by a wall of sound from 1000 person marching band.
Stand in awe as a performer from Orlando Aerial Arts flies just above
your head. See visual art come to life before your very eyes. And
encounter hundreds of interesting and unusual surprises throughout the
city’s streets and public places.

Gather your friends and family for a night of your life.

7PM to 9pm. Free. The Orlando Shuffle. Beardall Senior Center, 800 Delaney Avenue, Orlando, FL.The Orlando Shuffle is always free, family-friendly, and fun. It takes place the 1st and 3rd Saturdays every month. Come play, learn, or just hangout 7 to 9 p.m. Retro attire is encouraged.

Sunday October 18, 2015 

Noon to 5pm. Free. Ten10 Art Market. Ten 10 Brewing Company 1010 Virginia Dr, Orlando, Florida. ..it’s been a few years since 7-11 landed on Blank Space. David Charles has turned the page and persuaded Patrick and Mike from Ten10 Brewery to try and resurrect the dead by bringing back to life a regularly scheduled business hosted Art Market. It will be Visual Art-Centric like blank space was (although David, the organizer is down for whatever), one Sunday a month, starting it in the fall, at the new brewery, next to the trail with a big parking lot. Live local music, and old vinyl spinning during day. A set or two from local musicians and everybody promotes and pulls heads Alden Electric Supply (the neighbor) has made the.” parking lot available which enables tons of visitor parking. Their maybe get some interactive art stuff going on. Hopefully this will become a regular place to be outside and get together, surrounded by great local art, music, food, and drink…so if that sounds like good times then, please join us!

Art..music..food..beer …plus other interesting things…

Every 3rd Sunday

1pm to 3pm Free. Yoga. Lake Eola Park, 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL. Every week.

9PM to 11 pm Free. 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.

Clockwork Orange being staged in a Vampire bar.

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Clockwork Orange, adapted for the stage by Anthony Burgess and directed by Jeremy Seghers is being staged at Drip’s Underground Vampire Bar, 8747 International Dr Suite 102 (Behind Denny’S and Senor Frogs), Orlando, Florida. The play, based on Burgess’ acclaimed 1962 novel of
the same title, tells the story of young Alex, played by Anthony Pyatt Jr., and his droogs as they
wreak havoc in the streets of London. When Alex is caught and subjected
to an experimental treatment to “cure” his violent tendencies, all hell
breaks loose, and questions are raised about human nature and the
freedom of choice. 

 The black light inside the Underground Vampire bar mad any white garment shine a bright blue. The performance space is intimate, so the action happens all around you. Just as in the Stanley Kubrick movie,  the violence is intense. Fight Director Jason Skinner, had combatants using  knives, chains and wrenches inches from the audience. During the fight rehearsal, one actor almost walked in the midst of the fight and a heavy chain missed him by inches.

During the experiment, the entire cast knotted them selves into a pyramidal mass to form the torture chair and restraints as Alex watched violent content with his eyelids forced open.  Alex was an anomaly, a cultured thug with a taste for classic a music. He also likes a bit of the old in and out which means rape. Being a smart bloke, he figure he could out whit his captors, but he volunteered for something that even he couldn’t handle.

Due to mature content of the show, all ticket holders must be over the age of 18.  

Show dates: October 15-19, 2015
Thursday and Monday 8:00 pm Industry Night 

Friday and Saturday  11:00 pm
Sunday 3:00 pm

For more info and to purchase tickets, visit ilovedrip.com

 

Bridge of Spies hits theaters October 16th.

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I went to a free preview screening of Bridge of Spies starring Tom Hanks and directed by Stephen Spielberg on October 13th. I arrived several hours early an hours early and decided to sketch this larger than life chess set. A young couple set up the board and began to play. Across the street at the Regal Winter Park Cinemas, two large lines had already formed to get in the theater. I overheard that one was for Goosebumps the movie, and the of he was for Bridge of spies. As I was finishing my sketch, the spies line moved forward into the theater. There was more than an hour before the movie was to be screened, but I went inside to assess the situation.

Two co-workers from Elite Animation Academy were in the lobby. They were waiting for friends and family. Guards were collecting and bagging cell phones so the no one would record video of the movie prior to it’s release on October 16th. I waited with them since Terry planned to arrive minutes before the screening. All the heightened security seemed appropriate for a movie about Soviet and us relations as the  Berlin wall was raised. Everyone was patted down and scanned by y metal detector as we went through Check Point Charlie to go into the screening room. I had purchased a large popcorn and realized the had I hidden my phone in the popcorn I could have smuggled it into the theater.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers’ only hope is New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), recruited by a CIA operative to negotiate his release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man’s freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court. Although Rudolf was clearly a spy, I rather liked him since he was also a rather go representational artist. He seemed unfazed during the court hearing in which he was found guilty. His lawyer kept asking, “Aren’t You worried? to which Abel replied “Would it help if I were?  This became a running joke between them.

At times the film  reminded me of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in which Atticus Finch had to defend a black man in a racist Southern town. Like Donovan, he and his family were threatened for taking the case. Spielberg’s influence can be seen in the interrogation scenes in which the windows are brightly illumined behind the actors. Negotiations in Eastern Germany involved as much strategy as a game of chess. The film is smartly written and brilliantly directed.

Tic Toc Thrift, Vintage and Vinyl Market

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True Serenity at 1100 Montana St. Mills 50, Orlando FL, is the site of a weekly pop-up market with merchandise, fine art, performers, outdoor film screenings, lots was also the of vintage items and a huge selection of vinyl records from Apartment E‘s massive collection. Stop by on Wednesdays, 3-10 p.m. through Novembers 25th.

I rather liked the quiet neighborhood of bungalows around True Serenity, and I was surprised to see several empty lots which added to the open green space.  As I approached I could hear the music, and I knew to simply follow it to the source. Frankie Messina who organized the Tic Toc Thrift Vintage and Vinyl Market, was also the DJ, for the evening, spinning vinyl records and projecting documentaries on a portable movie screen. There was a massage station in the corner near the cascading waterfall. Right next to True Serenity there is a grass covered empty lot, and next Wednesday Frankie plans to project the movies  over there so that bicyclists can just stop by and relax on the lawn and watch a movie. I got to meet True Serenity’s owner, Tara Chiavetta who was our hostess for the evening. If you haven It been to True Serenity, then to u are missing a hidden gem just off Mills Avenue.

Besides the records for sale inside, there were original T-shirts, and some art for sale in the back yard which had a meandering stone path. Overall the space had a rustic soothing as an vibe. True Serenity offers gentle yoga, Chakra healing workshops, energy readings, and Reiki Circles. I looked around inside, and the place is amazing. There is a fresh water fish tank in the front entry and cherry blossom murals covered several walls. The mural was illuminated by a black light which made the blossoms glow a magical iridescent pink. Ray Rodriguez, a local musician gave a pop-up performance on his saxophone. It is spontaneous acts of creativity and kindness that make this type of evening so magical.

As The event was winding down and the vendors started packing up, I got a chance to talk to Frankie and his Co. director Brian Barnett.  Frankie told me that he plans to have a UHaul truck set up at the upcoming Creative City Project in downtown Orlando on October 17th. Plans are still in flux, but he had to give the organizers a title for the installation. His first thought was a patriotic red, white and blue but the exhibit is about how Orlando has been documented over the years. So he blurted out read, write and blue. As he thought about it over night, blue didn’t make sense, so he revised the title to Read, Write and Drew. There will be a staggering number of performances and art installations at the Creative  City Project. La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, Orlando Ballet, Central Florida Community
Arts Orchestra, Orlando City Soccer Club, a 1000 student marching band,
the Downtown Arts District, and dozens of other artists and performers
bring the streets of Downtown Orlando to life.

The Cloak and Blaster brings back board games.

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Justin Heidenreich told me about The Cloak and Blaster (875 Woodbury Rd #108, Orlando, FL), a new pub dedicated to geek culture and gaming. The reason for my trip to the Cloak and Blaster was to research it as the spot for an illustration I need to do for a game box. Latice is a new board game that was designed here in Orlando. A successful Kickstarter campaign means the game is about to go into production. At the very heart of The Cloak and  Blaster dwells an extensive
tabletop game library, which includes board, card, party games, and more
from both indie and mainstream publishers. They also provide dozens of
games funded solely through Kickstarter!

Years ago, over a particularly violent game of Munchkin, owners
Markus and Andrea discussed their love for gaming and craft beer. It
was Andrea’s dream to open a Tolkien-inspired restaurant, and Markus
always wanted to incorporate craft brewing into his career. Naturally,
the idea came about for a place that incorporated quality craft drinks,
ample gaming space, and a themed tavern atmosphere for the ultimate
geek-perience. How cool would it be to transport yourself to Middle
Earth for pints in steins?

The Cloak and Blaster provides the ultimate creative, safe space for
geeks of all walks of fandom to enjoy delicious tavern fare, quality
craft beverages, and great gaming with friends. Hey, you can even make
new ones! Forget the stress of cleaning your house for company or
deciding whose turn it is to host. We offer a one-stop shop for getting
together; your friendly neighborhood pub where you can geek out and game
on.

On the evening I visited the Cloak and Blaster, the next table had a  group of 50 somethings were playing a card game called Horrible People  that had them laughing the whole time. At the end of my table, a young couple was on a date, ranking horror movies and talking about Halloween Horror nights at Universal Studies. I was surprised that she rated Shawn of the Dead as one of her top 10 movies. This is a great spot to sit and sketch, because people eat dinner rather fast, but when they are having fun playing games, they tend to linger and enjoy each others company. I suspect there is a resurgence in people playing board games because it offers people a chance to look up from their phones and interact face to face.

Crawling on Earth Day

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Earth Day happened to fall on the same day as the World Wide Sketch Crawl. I organized the Orlando Sketch crawl to take place in Lake Eola Park so that we could sketch the Earth Day festivities. I had a tent space, so I made that the home base where all the artists could gather. The tent was right next to IBEX puppetry’s tent, so there was Q sketch opportunity right there.

About four artists showed up, and at lunch time, we all went to the food vendors who were set up around a huge Live Oak tree. A belly dancer performed, but I didn’t sketch since I was still eating. Gay Geiger did manage to get a sketch. After lunch I ran across this artist painting a light bulb shaped earth. There was also a woman helping with the painting, but she left before t could catch her. Jeannette McCree stopped to catch this sketch as well.

Researching Ideas, I found out that it is  a media and experience design company using the premise that
powerful stories create powerful experiences.Their vision is of an enriched,
diverse, and flourishing worldwide community connected through stories. IDEAS has announced that after 6 ½ years, it will be moving from its
current home in Downtown Orlando. No immediate timetable or future
location has been determined.

Over all, hosing the sketch crawl at the Earth Day Festival was an amazing experience. Everyone got some great sketches and it was fun meeting new artists.

Phantasmagoria VI “The Darkness Returns” to the Orlando Shakespere Theater.

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I went to sketch the final dress rehearsal of “The Darkness Returns” at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center
812 E Rollins St, Orlando, Florida. Having just returned from 

sold out performances in Orlando and
Atlanta with the touring show “Wicked Little Tales”, Phantasmagoria
Orlando/DiDonna Productions is presenting Phantasmagoria  VI
“The Darkness Returns” to celebrate the 2015 Halloween Season and its
sixth year in Central Florida!

The show will thunder on to the Mandell Stage with all new stories of terror! Live performers,
“Phantastical” dance, explosive stage combat, large scale puppetry,
aerial performance and haunting storytelling combine to create a
tapestry of macabre and whimsical horror!

The evocative troupe of storytellers, dancers, and chorus embarked on their newest journeys through the literary tales of
terror, as well as horrific folk stories, legends, and myths from around
the world. “For 100 years they have not been seen except in fleeting
glances, and now as we enter a new century the power and magic of the
stories return. . . with very dangerous consequences.”

I have had the rare opportunity to watch this show mature over time. This newest incarnation opens with stark black and white images of World War I battle scenes projected on the back wall. The horrors of the tales told are more deeply routed in the horrors of man’s inhumanity to man. The first tale involved a man’s obsessive desire to kill a cat. With the deed done, the cat hung stiff and lifeless from a tree, managing to stay completely still while the tree limbs danced in a breeze. A magician performed for the jaded cast of storytellers but even they were amazed by what seemed like a predictable trick that alluded reason. Their stories are themselves magical because the tales become tangibly alive and viscerally dangerous.

When the cast hits it’s stride, there is a certain whimsical delight as they re-tell the tales of horror. Each character has a back story which has developed over time, but the show holds up as being self contained. Members of the cast often mysteriously appear in the audience and you might be startled as they whisper in your ear. There was a new Russian inspired dance routine in which all the female cast held hands and then each twirled in succession until they formed a tight knit, cross armed line. The aerialists stretched and contorted themselves with a grace causing an awed silence in the theater. There is no better way to warm up to the horrors and chills of Halloween than to see Phantasmagoria “The Darkness Returns”.

PERFORMANCE DATES:
(All Performances begin at 8pm, with VIP show immediately following main stage show)
Oct 10 (Sat), Oct 11 (Sun)
Oct 16 (Fri), Oct 17 (Sat), Oct 18 (Sun) Oct 19 (Mon)
Oct 23 (Fri), Oct 24 (Sat), Oct 25 (Sun), Oct 26 (Mon)
Oct 30 (Fri), Oct 31 (Sat)

(SUGGESTED AGES: Phantasmagoria contains horror of the literary kind,
but is still frightening. Suggested ages are 8 and up with parental
guidance. With all respect, infants, babies and younger children may not
be admitted)

TICKETS:
Student/Senior/Military Admission – $15.00
Student/Senior/Military VIP Admission – $25.00
General admission – $25.00
General VIP Admission – $35.00

(VIP Admission includes Pick of Seating, VIP post show performance,
Take home Souvenir, Download of Halloween night story, Photo Op with
cast and glass of wine or soft drink)
Reserve (for will call cash only at door) 407-328-9005
Credit card orders visit www.OrlandoAtPlay.com