Magnifique!

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Magnifique! A Voci Dance Nighttime Glowing Fairy Fundraiser will be held at the Mennello Museum of American Art (900 East Princeton Street Orlando, FL) on Saturday, November 20th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Admission is just $15.

As dusk falls, the audience will gather beneath Orlando’s oldest oak tree for an evening walking tour of the grounds of the Mennello Musuem of Art. Refreshments, wine and a raffle will accompany the performance. All funds go to Voci Dance to support their many performances, workshops and community outreach programs they present throughout the year.

Since I was going to be on assignment in Miami that weekend, I called Genevieve Bernard, the choreographer and founder of Voci Dance and I asked to sketch a rehearsal. She filled me in on the entire rehearsal schedule. When I arrived at the Mennello Museum, I found Genevieve in the parking lot talking to two dancers. Rakia Mikhailenko had just flown in from Seattle for this performance and she was on her cell talking to her children. Leah Marke is the center pin of the performance and she was at every rehearsal whereas other dancers might have conflicts with work schedules. Genevieve explained that there would be seven fairies, including a pregnant fairy, on performance night, but for this rehearsal there were but two. Actress, Sarah Lockhard, showed up, and her roll was as an honorary fairy, helping illuminate the lead dancers.

The hatchback of Genevieve’s car was open and inside were lights, costumes and fairy wings. Leah’s sister Tamara had designed the wings which are made of a light translucent fabric. Leah secured her wings by tying a knot just below her chest and then tying two more shoulder straps in place. Genevieve had made a Walmart run the night before, to get small LED lights which will be used on performance night. With everyone’s wings in place, the dancers walked out to a huge Live Oak tree whose branches gracefully bowed out, touching the ground, then branching back up. The late afternoon sun illuminated this magical secluded cove with patches of warm light.

Leah lead the performance. Her movements were graceful and light. She danced using the tree’s huge branches as a natural staging area. Rakia picked up her moves by following Leah’s lead. Sarah followed the dancers, crouching low and using an LED flashlight to illuminate the movements. The fairy’s approached the main tree trunk, perhaps 20 feet in circumference and they worshipfully raised their arms and arched their backs, their arched fingertips reaching toward the stars. They were a delight to watch. On performance night their wings will glow, adding a haunting element to the already surreal choreography. Genevieve explained to me that she was inspired in part when imagining Magnifique, by the amazing, unexpected work of Henry Darger. Doug Rhodehamel will fill the mysterious cove with glowing mushrooms and DJ Nigel will supply the music. Tell your Facebook friends, this is one evening you do not want to miss!

2011 Fringe Lottery

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The tension was palpable in the circular Patrons Room in the Orlando Shakespeare Theater this Monday night. A single folding table was set up at the front of the room and seats were set up in rows for the anxious crowd of performers, producers, directors and avid Fringe fanatics. For those new to the Fringe experience, it is a 13 day festival founded on the concept of offering 100% unjuried (hence the lottery), 100% uncensored and 100% accessible theater, music, dance, art and madness to all types and ages, where 100% of the box office ticket sales go directly back to the artists. The longest running U.S. Fringe Festival, the misson of Orlando Fringe is to provide an accessible, affordable outlet that draws diverse elements of the community together and inspires creative excellence through the arts. The 20th Annual Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival takes place May 18-30, 2011 in Orlando Loch Haven Park. Nine ticketed venues are located within Orlando Shakes and Orlando Repertory Theatre, along with three Bring Your Own Venues for unique site-specific performances.

Chasmin Hallyburton sat with her laptop open, ready to record the winners of the lottery. Shannon Lacek was in charge of pulling the winning acts from the bucket which was held by Beth Marshall. Beth held up her cell phone and shouted, “Everyone say hello to Brian Feldman who will be tweeting the results from Palo Alto, California!” Everyone shouted, “Hello, Brian.” Once an act was picked from the bucket, Shannon would read the title and then George Wallace would tape the card up on one of the colored poster boards. Each poster board represented a different venue. Some acts drawn from the hat caused massive shouts of delight since performers were in the room. I shouted myself when I heard Dog Powered Robot was going to have its own show! After the lottery was finished, Evan and Christy Miga stopped by to say hello. I expressed how excited I was for them, and then Christy showed me her handbag, and there was Fisher’s tiny furry face. Fisher is the dog behind Dog Powered Robot, and he is a rising star!

I went up to the poster boards and wrote down the shows that had been picked. I couldn’t read my own writing, so check out Orlando Sentinel Theater Critic Matt Palm’s list to start picking the shows you might like to see. So many friends will be performing. Brian Feldman will have an as of yet undisclosed performance in an alternative venue. Jeremy Seghers and Dewey Chaffee, and Voci Dance have shows that remain a mystery. John DiDonna will be directing a dance performance called “Unspoken.” Logan Donahoo shouted for joy when “Trash Cinema 101” was picked. I am so happy for everyone who will be scrambling to push the creative envelope in May 2011. I am busy trying to decide which acts I most want to sketch.

National Cathedral

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Terry and I flew to Washington D.C. to get some time away and to see the fall colors. The Saturday after we arrived, was International Sketch Crawl Day.
I hooked up with the Washington D.C. artists online and arranged to meet them at the National Cathedral.Terry and I got a rental car for the week.
We were given directions to the Cathedral by Terry’s cousins who had put us up for the night. We of course got lost in the maze of D.C. streets but we got to the Cathedral.I jumped out of the car and Terry drove off searching for a parking spot.It was such a gorgeous morning, crisp and cool.

As I walked towards this imposing structure, I noticed someone sitting on a portable stool.I introduced myself. He was Christian Tribastone the Washington D.C. correspondent for Urban Sketchers.Christian was half finished with his sketch of the Cathedral.I was the first artist to arrive. I breathed a sigh of relief. After we talked for a bit, I wandered off searching for my sketching vantage point. I decided Christian had the right idea so I walked further back on the green lawn and started to block in my sketch with Christian in the foreground.

Artists stared to arrive one at a time. A young woman named Meredith sat down not far from where I was working. Terry came back and told me Meredith had a very accurate way of drawing.I wanted to walk over and introduce myself but I resisted, keeping my focus on my sketch. By the time I finished my sketch she had moved on.
I texted Terry and we met near the steps of the Cathedral.
She had coffee that morning so we searched for the public bathrooms which we found in the catacombs under the building. I peeked inside the building, but I knew there wasn’t time for another sketch. Instead, we explored the garden which was beautiful.We found several artists sketching and took a peek as we walked by.

One artist showed me his fountain pen which was called a pen and ink sketch pen from Berkley. Christian texted letting me know all the artists were gathering to move to the next location. I arranged a group photo and then we all hiked down Massachusetts street past all the embassies toward Donovin Circle.We stopped at several embassies but never long enough to sketch. The Iraqi embassy was deserted…

Kevin Maines

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The headlining act at Back Booth was the Kevin Maines band. The place was now crowded and smokey. Kristen Lippens was kind enough to order me an Orange Blossom Beer and sipped as I drew. The sketch was executed quickly, straight to ink with no planning. The room was dark so I had no clue if the color washes were working. People started sitting in front of me, but I didn’t mind, I just leaned to the side to pick out details on stage as I needed them. The music was fabulous to draw to. I seldom got a good view of the drummer since Kevin was usually blocking my view of him. I finished the sketch before they finished playing their set, so I packed the sketchbook in my haversack and then stood to stretch out and start moving to the music. People were dancing all around me and I lost myself in the beat swaying in time. The fluid riffs lasted for an inspired eternity.

When the band finished, I texted Terry and she responded that she missed me. I said goodbye to Dina Peterson who has become my guide and mentor to the best of Orlando’s music scene. I must say she has never steered me wrong. If heaven is a smoke and music filled bar, I had arrived!

Diocious – Back Booth

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Dina Peterson had gotten tickets to Back Booth (37 West Pine Street) for Terry and myself. Terry decided not to go because she can’t stand cigarette smoke. When I arrived I handed over my ticket and was given a smokey gray wristband. I started to walk in, when I heard Dina say, “Hey!” She was seated right next to the ticket lady and I was so focused on the ticket process that I hadn’t noticed her. It turns out we were both on time which for a club, is too early. Inside Diocious was finishing up its sound check. Even Kevin Maines, the headlining act was waiting outside where it was actually a bit cold. I was anxious to start my sketch and we all headed in. I imediately loved the vintage look of the stage with raw wood, billowing drapes of red curtains and a circular stage that jutted out onto the dance floor. Wires snaked all over the stage in apparent chaos.

Dina introduced me to a dozen or so friends and the members of the band. Alex Robertson was on Guitar and Vocals, Josh Hoffman played Bass and Vocals and Partin Whitaker played Drums and Vocals. Diocious described themselves as a psychedelic Funk / Rock band. I found it unique that Partin on the drums often performed as the lead vocalist. They played for well over an hour giving me time to finish the sketch. The room was so dark that I really didn’t see what colors I was using. A flash photo let me see the finished sketch for just an instant. The place became packed. The music had a driving forward momentum with plenty of percussion. I let the music affect how the lines were put down. For me it had a jazz like improvisational feel with occasional sound effects thrown in. It was a great time. Next up was the Kevin Maines Band.

Face Forward

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On the first Thursday of November, the Orlando Museum of Art hosted a group exhibition called Face Forward. Every first Thursday the small gallery next to the lobby is opened to a themed group show. The work in Face Forward was predictably mostly portraits. I arrived early so I could case the space and decide where I wanted to sketch. In one corner, Paul Austin Sanders began playing guitar. The opposite corner is what finally caught my eye. Ashli Szymanski and Sarah Okun from CSStudios, were arranging makeup and foam latex masks. They had to duck tape down some plastic to protect the museum carpeting. Ashli cut off lengths of tape and handed them to Sarah who crawled under the table to tape the edge of the plastic. Facetiously Sarah said, “You are getting better at that Sarah.” Sarah replied, “Thank you, I went to school for it.” A custom blood red mask was glaring out with his face chiseled and skeletal. The model for the night, Jess D.P., arrived with a large backpack full of dresses. After much discussion, the black dress with purple trim and lapels was chosen. Black boots with plenty of buckles completed the ensemble.

As soon as the latex mask was placed on the models face, I began to sketch. They were planning to turn her into a very creepy porcelain doll. The model was beautiful but with the mask her features became swollen and strange. A long time was spent getting the edge of the mask to flow seamlessly into her skin. The model held the small dish of latex or glue that held the mask in place. A young girl complimented my sketch and then sat and watched the makeup transformation transfixed. After she finished her plate of food from Cafe Tu Tu Tango, she started to squirm.

As I was putting the last of the watercolor washes down, they started spreading white make up all over the model’s face, neck, chest and arms. The transformation was almost complete. By now the museum was packed. Allison Stevens was offering Shipyard beer in the main gallery and we spoke for a while about the new brewery coming to town. I am hoping to do sketches as the brewery takes shape. I spoke to Pam Treadwell who had several pieces in the show. She explained that one image had been achieved by pouring chocolate on her son’s girlfriend’s face and watching how it dripped over her features. In the painting the girl looked like she didn’t enjoy the process. Anna McCambridge announced she is now engaged to Marabou Thomas. So much to celebrate!

EDC BBQ

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The Economic Development Corporation has its offices at 301 East Pine Street which is the same building that Broadway Across America has it’s offices. The ground floor lobby was packed and I walked past every one out the back doors where Pine street had been blocked off for the event. I walked around searching for Terry, who had invited me. I was distinctly under dressed in my blue jeans and polo shirt. I was in a crowd of black suits. I decided this bull was a good focal point so I texted Terry and let her know I would be sketching the bull. I had just started the sketch when a police officer approached me from behind. He said, “Are you an invited guest?” I told him, “Yes.” The then told me, “You will have to go back to the lobby where they will check your name off the list and give you a wrist band.” Just then Terry walked up and explained that I was with her. She offered to get the wrist band while I continued to work.

I was introduced to several people who said they would like to help me get more exposure for the work I am doing. When I was introduced to one member of the EDC she knew me since I had sketched a flash mob event at Lake Eola and she had been there. Such a small world. We laughed about the insane events of that day. When I finally got a pulled pork sandwich everyone else had already eaten so there was no wait. All of the BBQ joints in town were here and it was a great opportunity to taste and compare. Suddenly it began to pour. Everyone huddled under the huge tent and the din of conversations grew loud. I was ready to try a second sandwich when I realized all the food tents were isolated away from the big tent. I would have to make a run for it. I decided it wasn’t worth getting soaked to get another bite to eat. Cupcakes on the other hand were in the main tent so I tried a couple.

A colleague of Terry’s sat at our table and the two of them counted business cards. They talked about business and its inherent back stabbing. Then the rain died down to a drizzle. He offered us a ride back to Terry’s car. Terry and I drove off to a surprise birthday party at Redlight Redlight.

College Park Jazz Fest.

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Terry and I drove to College Park where about five blocks of Edgewater Drive were blocked off to make way for two stages for Jazz Fest. Restaurants had tables set out on the street and walkways. Some large tables had been purchased by corporate sponsors. We walked south down the length of the festival. Lawn chairs picnic baskets and bottles of wine were everywhere. Every block people would try and sell orange arm bands. The event was free, but I guess they hoped to get donations with pier pressure and guilt. I planned to meet Summer Rodman at some point since she wanted me to donate a print of a sketch I did at a Kerouac event for a book being printed about Jack’s life in Orlando.

My first order of business was to find some food. A street vendor was offering potato salad and two hot dogs for $5. We found a spot to sit on some steps close to the stage. As soon as I finished eating, I started looking for a vantage point to sketch from. As we wandered in the ever thickening crowd, we bumped into Summer. She didn’t have the release forms we had talked about, but she pointed to an empty corporate table and said she had bought the table and no one was using it. She suggested we sit there. That is when I started this sketch. Terry wandered to look in a ( few stores and when she came back she read a magazine. The music acts were, Miss Jacqueline Jones, The Roadblock Blues Band and The Les Be More Band. Shak Nasty played at the stage at the opposite end of the festival but we never saw his set.

It was a nice cool night with a crisp full moon. The whole event reminded me a bit of the free concerts Terry and I used to attend in New York City’s Central Park. I missed these kind of events which really make me feel like I am part of a thriving community.

VegFest

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Terry and I went to Lock Haven Park to explore VegFest on a sunny Saturday afternoon. We took a look at all the vendors tents and then I picked a shady spot under a tree as my sketching vantage point. I had hoped to sketch Doug Rhodehamel’s paper bag mushrooms. Last year there was a large colorful installation of them. Unfortunately they were nowhere to be found. There were two stages where local musicians performed. It was a family friendly event with a kids zone. People constantly strolled the lawn pausing just long enough to read brochures and shop. Frankie Messina stopped by to say hello.

As I sketched, Terry shopped. I texted her when I was finished and then we looked for some vegan food. I got a heaping plate of rice and vegan egg rolls from Loving Hut. Delicious. We were constantly being given fliers for this cause and that. Terry got annoyed, saying they should save some trees since many of the fliers went straight into the garbage. I kept them all thinking they might offer sketch opportunities.

Poetry in Motion

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Emotions Dance Company held two performances of Poetry in Motion at the Winter Park Playhouse (711-C Orange Avenue, Winter Park). Local poets recited their work as the dancers bought the words to life with expressive dance. I asked Larissa Humiston the dance company’s choriographer and founder if I could sketch in the sound and lighting booth. She agreed and escorted me back through the dressing rooms and up a crude ladder made from nailed together two by fours. I knew it would be dark up there so I got out my book light. The entire show was dimly illuminated with simple spot lights on the poets and the main stage.

Tod Caviness recited a fabulous poem about a Punch and Judy puppet show in a park. “Everyone went home happy. Even the kids with swollen knuckles like wedding rings.” When ever Dion Smith performed, I had to stop sketching and just watch. She has the delicate features of a ballerina but fully embraced the modern dance she performed. Curtis X Meyer’s poem about a disfigured photographer was amazing when accompanied by dance. I had watched this piece in rehearsals and knew that Larissa had to step in to dance the part of the photographer since the male dancer kept missing rehearsals. She had an amazing ability to get completely lost in the music and she immediately made the role hers.

The whole cast did an amazing job. I am so happy I live in a town where such cutting edge, collaborative, expressive work is being created and performed.