CREAM at the Falcon

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The Falcon Presents: CREAM. The Cream of the Crop, ‘La crème de la crème,’ the cream of the cream, the best of the best. The Best of Orlando of Artists.
The show opened December 12th and runs through January 18th. I have one sketch of a poetry reading in the show. Check out the most talented artists in Orlando! When you buy local art for yourself or as a gift, you support both the artists in our community and the local economy and you get the joy of giving something that is one of a kind. Melissa Felcman was still placing labels under the artwork when Terry and I arrived. We ordered several hard ciders and I watched the bar maid do her multitasking ballet of serving drinks.

At the opening, I did a sketch at the bar. As I worked, the place filled with artists. Kelledy Francis who did some amazing fine art fashion when she was here in Orlando, had moved to Texas and then NYC where she now works at an advertising agency. She used to work as an art teacher at Valencia College and I once visited her class to share my sketchbooks with students. Scott Donald introduced himself. I had sketched Scott once before as he worked on a painting behind Neon Forest Gallery. He had long hair back then, and I didn’t recognize him in a trim suit all polished up. The Neon Forest Gallery unfortunately had to close down several months after I sketched the opening. They used to bring in hot artist talent from NYC and LA but people in Orlando weren’t buying. It is a sad tale I have heard again and again. Ron Marrs stopped by the bar long enough to let me know he was moving to New Orleans.

13 in 13

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Orlando Playwright, Joseph Reed Hayes, will offer audiences 13 artistic projects in 2013. Determined to focus on his artistic passions
in the new year, Joseph will spend the
next 12 months bringing 13 separate creative projects to life. His
“13 in 13” project takes everything he’s learned as a playwright, music
producer, freelance writer, radio guy, spoken word performer,
photographer, voracious techno-geek, and shameless self-promoter to
energize one art-filled year of events and engage and excite Orlando and
a worldwide Internet audience. The first event on February. 5th will be a screening of  “Big Easy Express“, an area-exclusive screening of the
critically-acclaimed, Grammy-nominated movie at the Cobb Plaza 12 in
downtown Orlando. I sketched the theater as the sun set on another business day. The movie tickets to this screening must be reserved by January 30th. As of this writing, 16 more tickets needed to be sold to guarantee that the theater is reserved. Get your tickets now.

The 13 productions in 2013 will be financed in part by a Kickstarter
crowd-funding campaign, which ends January 27th, and will include five
Hayes-produced jazz shows, two of his original plays and a brand-new
live Holiday radio drama, two workshops, a photo exhibit, a movie
screening and a spoken-word performance. In designing this ambitious
year-long project, Hayes will bring his work and the talents of many
local musicians and actors to new audiences in person and online during
live streaming events. Hayes has designed the Kickstarter campaign to help engage theater and
jazz lovers in Orlando.  “I’m asking my audience to help me create this
year of art, and spread the word. I’m excited about what I’m going to
attempt in 2013, and I think together we just might make it happen,” he
said.

Every artist involved — 19 musicians, 11 actors, 8 directors and theater
technicians, 4 writers, 1 chef, a sound-effects person — will get paid,
because Hayes believes talent and art have great value, and that value
should be rewarded. Videos, audio recordings, photo books and posters
will be created for each project, and most of the events will be open to
the public, some at no charge. Many of them will be streamed online, as
was his breakthrough United Arts of Central Florida-funded House
Theater Project in 2012, which staged his play “A Little Crazy” in his
living room and reached viewers as far afield as England, Italy and
Romania.

13 in 13 Events:

1. Feb. 5: “Big Easy Express“, an area-exclusive screening of the
critically-acclaimed, Grammy-nominated movie at the Cobb Plaza 12 in
downtown Orlando.

2. Feb. 9: “Creating an Audience and Shameless Self-Promotion“, a
Downtown Credo Conduit workshop by freelance writers and guerrilla
marketers Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor and Joseph Hayes.

3. April 4: Trumpeter Brian Groder and pianist Tonino Miano — musicians,
composers and educators from New York — conduct a master class in
composition and jazz improvisation at the UCF Jazz Studies Department.

4. April 5: “Jazz in the Real World“. Groder and Miano take their
students from the UCF Jazz program out of the classroom and into a real
world gig.

5. April 7: “FluiDENSITY” premiere. Groder and Miano premiere their new CD of

modern classical/jazz improvisations at the Timucua White House.

6. June 25: “Jazz On Edge Supper Club“. Vocalist Heather Friedman and
her trio perform at Hannibal’s on the Square for a special dinner and
jazz supper club.

7. TBA: “SOLOS.” House Theater Project production of Hayes’ Orlando Fringe Festival hit jazz play.

8. TBA: “SOLOS AFTER HOURS” — a House Theater Project/Jazz On Edge joint
presentation of “SOLOS” with a live band, followed by a cabaret
performance of the Solos Quartet with guest vocalist Lulu Picart.

9. TBA: “Water Cities“, an exhibit of photographs of great world cities by Joseph Reed Hayes at Downtown Credo.

10. TBA: “13in13 Reading Series.” Spoken word performances by novelists
Julie Compton and Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor, playwright Joseph Reed
Hayes and poet Summer Rodman.

11. TBA: Jazz On Edge House Concert featuring the 5th anniversary Jazz On Edge presentation, which will be streamed live online.

12. TBA: House Theater Project will feature the world premiere of “A SLOW RIDE” by Joseph Reed Hayes. Streamed live online.

13. Dec. 2013: “THE LITTLE DICKENS,” An original “radio drama”
production of Hayes’ cracking new Holiday show, presented in front of a
live audience and streamed online in audio and video versions for
enjoying by the fireside.

Punta Gorda Christmas

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Terry and I drove to my sister’s home in Punta Gorda on Christmas Eve. The roads through the center of the state were quiet. We drove through large orange groves and past large juicing factories. 16 wheel trucks were loaded to overflowing with oranges. Some of the fruit actually rolled down the pyramid peaks and down to the street gutters when the trucks hit rough pavement. My sister Pat Boehme and her boyfriend Mike Napalitano had a beautifully decorated artificial tree in their living room. On Christmas Day, Pat gave me a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. It was basically an artificial twig mounted on two planks and one red Christmas bulb.

On the day after Christmas, Pat and Terry wanted to go shopping in downtown Punta Gorda. Our first stop was Pat’s Chiropractor’s office. This large Community Christmas Tree was right across the street. I sat on a public bench and started sketching. Some of those ornaments were the size of basketballs. After Pat’s adjustment, she and Terry drove to a railroad station antiques store. I had sketched the railroad station before so I stayed behind studying the Christmas Tree and sketching as fast as I could. I figured when they were done shopping, my sketch would be done. Some guy exiting the chiropractors office looked over my shoulder and said, “You certainly found a wonderful way to relax this holiday.” I was anything but relaxed.

Circus Protests

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The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida is staging protests at the Amway Center. They are working to educate the public about the abuse used to train circus animals. Ringling Brothers is presenting their 43rd annual production. A barker outside the arena kept announcing “The Greatest show on Earth!” He kept announcing that anyone going to the show would “get a pair of crazy clown glasses!” The protesters want people to open their eyes.” Holding banners and poster boards showing elephants that were chained and being hit with a bull hook, similar to a fireplace poker, demonstrators shouted, “Don’t go to the show, this is what your money is going to!” “Take your kids to the Science Center instead!” One of their posters read, “The Cruelest Show on Earth. Some protesters held electric candles standing in vigil.

Some people strolling to the show were upset. “This is all Shit!” an angry man shouted at the protesters. A very angry woman shouted, “I’ll spend my money how I want! I personally know the trainers!” A flier handed to me stated that in November 2011, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus had to pay a $270,000 fine to the USDA to settle allegations that it violated animal welfare laws in its handling of elephants, tigers and other animals. The fine was the largest ever against a circus. At Ringling Brothers at least 29 Ringling elephants, including babies, have died since 1992.

Animals at the circus don’t perform because they want to, but because they are scared not to.  Training includes whips, ropes, electric shocks and bull hooks. Animals in the circus live in chains, cages and railroad cars never experiencing their natural habitat.

Protests continue this week before every Ringling Brother’s Circus performance outside the Amway Center. Stop out and show your support.

Saturday January 12th- 10:00am, 2:00pm, 6:00pm ( Vigil, please dress in black)

Sunday January 13th -11:30am, 3:30pm

Monday January 14th – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Tuesday January 15th- 11:30, 3:30pm

Wednesday January 16th- 3:30pm ( Help is needed at this show!)

Thursday January 17th – 6:00pm

Friday January 18th – 6:00pm

History of Animation

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Conrad Winterlich came into the 2D Animation class at Full Sail last month to introduce students to the history of animation. He usually gives this lecture when students get to his class much later in the curriculum. This was a test to see if an earlier introduction to the history of animation might offer students more creative options as they planned their work for later classes.

It was a fun lecture going all the way back to French cave paintings and covering animation trends throughout history. After the lecture I further researched Windsor McCay who single handedly animated “The Sinking of the Lusitania.” This propaganda film helped get America involved in WWI.  Of course the first film to use synchronized sound, Steamboat Willie, was shown. Some hooded students started to nod off, but there were so many amazing animated clips that kept most students engaged. I certainly learned a few new things.

Our animation lab just got new Apple computers for shooting and testing hand drawn animation. We also got new software, called Flip book Pro for testing the timing of animation. We tested the software for several hours learning it’s quirks. We will still be getting up to speed ourselves as we introduce January’s students to the new software. I’m actually excited about the new possibilities, applying digital software to make traditional animation faster and easier.

Florida Creatives Happy Hour

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On November 19th, the Florida Creatives Happy Hour was held at The Courtesy, (114 North Orange Avenue Orlando, FL). The Florida Creatives happy hour happens on the third Monday of every month. Things get started at 6PM and go until 9PM or later most months. The Courtesy is a new establishment in an old building riding the “mixology” wave – they make some interesting cocktails and serve up craft beer and wine too. They are in that building that was boarded up for the past few years at the corner of Washington and Orange Avenue downtown. Don’t let that scare you off, it’s a really great new place. 
If you’re not into cocktails or beer, the Courtesy makes their own sodas and carries some excellent Ginger Ales and non-alcoholic delights.

Ryan Price, who organizes the event greeted me as I considered what to order at the bar. He advised me to try a beer and I took his advice. It was a decent ale. Dana Mott joined us at a corner table which had a large birds nest as a light fixture. Ryan was anxious because the Fringe was holding it’s lottery that night to see which shows would go into the 2013 Festival. Ryan submitted a show idea which involved improvisation around a classic Hitchcock Murder Mystery called “39 Steps”, originally a book by John Buchan. It was fortuitous that Dana was there because she had years of improve experience having studied with Jeff Wirth who has since moved to NYC. I sketched as they chatted about the creative possibilities. Ryan had to leave early to get to the lottery. It turned out that he will be in the 2013 Fringe Festival and I can’t wait to see what becomes of the idea. Terry came out to say hello and then she and Dana left and I finished my sketch up on my own. The proprietor saw what I was working on and offered me a free beer. I already had two under my belt and I had to get home so I had to refuse the offer.

On February 4th at Chase Plaza on the 10th floor, come and join some of the passionate creative minds of Orlando in one of the longest-running happy hour meetups in the state of Florida (almost 6 years!). Be sure to check the Florida Creatives website since the venue can change month to month. The goal is to provide a safe environment to share your schemes, unearth passions and meet mentors or co-founders. There is always get a pretty diverse representation – lately there have been graphic designers, lawyers, illustrators, city planners, start up founders, tech folks and a plethora of others.

This is by far one of the best ways to “get involved” in the community. The people at this Happy Hour are plugged in to what is going on and who is doing it.

Eladio Sharron and Carrie Wiesinger

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On November 11th, as part of the Accidental Music Festival, Eladio Sharron and Carrie Wiesinger performed Latin American works for flute and guitar, including Cronicas Del Descrumbiento by Robert Sierra, Fantasia by Inocente Carreno and Histoire du Tango by Astor Piazolla at the Timucua White House (200 Summerlin Ave). There was no visual artist on stage that day.

I tend to like to sketch from the second or third floor balcony, so I climbed the spiral staircase and found a spot to sit. Wendy Wallenberg was busy setting  up the snack and wine table in the next room. She signaled me from the entry gesturing to let me know I didn’t greet her properly.  Paintings by Christie Miga were on display and a large painting with 3D objects sticking out of it was right next to me. I stood and leaned against the wall overlooking the railing as I sketched. I was afraid that I might nudge Christies painting as I struggled with my sketch, sending the painting toppling down hitting audience members below. I don’t know why I always imagine the worst. Nothing horrible happened. Instead I experienced beautiful music in an intimate setting.

Corridor Project at Plaza Live

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Patrick Greene helped facilitate a parking lot performance before the Deerhoof concert at Plaza Live. It was the second Corridor Project production.  When I got there it was just starting to get dark. Patrick had a megaphone and there was some negotiating with the Plaza Live staff to clear an area in the parking lot for a staging place. Having no idea what was to come, I decided to step back and sketch a long shot of the parking lot scene to see what developed. Hannah Miller parked a pickup truck and pulled out a huge tree trunk set piece. A car was asked to park at the end of the row to avoid any other cars from driving into the staging area. I saw brown sheets being unfurled on the pavement and on the tailgates of parked cars. The parking lane was being converted into a forest glen.

An Ibex puppetry kite hinted that the performance was about to start, so I finished the sketch and moved closer. Voci Dance performed with the help of Tiny Waves and The Shine Shed Collective. Performers were all dressed in exotic woodland creature costumes. The dancers moved nimbly between the tree trunks, performing to live music. I sketched a strange bird-like creature with drums before he marched off into the woods. I wasn’t sure if Sarah Lockhard was a fox, beaver or a hound but all the dancers moved with grace. Hip bones became headdress eyes and antlers. It was all very primal. When the performance ended, sheets and set pieces quickly were gathered up and the magic disappeared.

Fireworks

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In the week between Christmas and New Year’s day, all the large tents on Colonial Drive are converted from selling Christmas Trees to selling fireworks. Dry Christmas Trees and fireworks are both explosive with a simple spark. The proprietor of this fireworks tent actually has a little pup tent set up inside where he sleeps at night. You can buy anything from firecrackers to large mortars. Boxed sets are arranged on most of the shelves offering a wide variety of bangs for the buck. A bus stopped, dropping off passengers. They narrowly avoided getting hit by oncoming traffic as they crossed Colonial. A busted strip mall sign was naked allowing the wind to blow through the rusty frame.

On New Year’s Eve, Zorro my pet cockatoo raised his crest in surprise and concern every time a rocket blast echoed down our suburban street. New Year’s Eve isn’t his favorite holiday.  I sat watching a Twilight Zone marathon until minutes before midnight and then I switched the channel to watch the ball drop in Times Square. Years ago I was in that crowd with friends, and we ripped up our Playbill programs from the play we had just seen, creating confetti. In downtown Orlando, a beach ball sized ball was suspended from a flag pole above Latitudes bar. Illuminated with orange Christmas lights, it didn’t pack quite the same punch as the Times Square ball.

Moulin Rouge Gala- A Show Extravaganza

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I went to the Winter Park Community Center, (721 West New England Ave. Winter Park), on December 2nd to the Moulin Rouge Gala. I felt it was important that an artist be at the Gala. Toulouse Lautrec wouldn’t have passed on the opportunity. Every two years Le Salon Zizou works with a local charity and other participates to put together a combination of hair, fashion and entertainment to raise money for charity. This year they worked with the Disability Wellness Center in Sanford to help raise money for the EKSO suit for paraplegics. There are ONLY 20 world wide and this will be HUGE for Central Florida to have the first EKSO suit used for physical therapy when the other 20 are used for studies.

When I arrived, the dancers from Emotions Dance got on stage to loosen up and get used to the size of the stage. Larissa Humiston stood in front of the stage to let them know what worked and what didn’t. After them, a woman performed solo with Hula hoops and large geometric forms that she spun above her head. The ceiling was rather low which resulted in her crashing the huge cube shape into the ceiling beam. A singer discussed her song with the DJ. People in wheel chairs took to the stage. Blinking lights were on the chairs making for quite a display. Then negotiated the stage in a pre-planned choreography.

The twenty or so models arrived with outlandish hair stylings. I noticed model Jenny Coyle, from Sketchy Broads, with her hair bundled up in three huge Princess Lea buns. Le Salon Zizou, in association with the West Orlando Rotary Club, presented their 3rd annual Charity Hair Spectacular.  The real highlight of the evening came when Sarah Anderson got on stage with her wheel chair. With an assistant to spot her, she strapped herself into the EKSO Suit. As she did so, she talked about the day in 2003 when she lost her ability to walk. She was skiing that day and for whatever reason, she had an ominous feeling that she shouldn’t be on the mountain that day. Regardless, a horrible fall on the slope resulted in her becoming a paraplegic. Doctors told her that she would never walk again. She leaned forward and raised herself from the wheel chair.  She walked across the stage as the servos, gyros and computerized pistons responded to her weight shifts allowing each step in succession. Sarah stood onstage during the auction and the bidding got heated. “Never say never!”