Corsets and Cuties Halloween Burlesque

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Corsets and Cuties will be performing a Halloween Burlesque show at Gods and Monsters, 5250 International Drive; Suite E8, Orlando, Florida, on 

Friday, October 23 at 10:00pm.

The She-Devils of Corsets and Cuties dare you to step out of your comfort zone and feast your eyes on the flesh of the damned.

If you have seen the Cuties perform before, you know to expect the
unexpected. However, the voluptuous beauties are bringing a touch of
the macabre to the stage. Demons, Zombies, and Vampires will titillate
your fancy. But be careful. You may leave your heart behind.

This sketch is from a Corsets and Cuties performance at a BASE Orlando body painting showcase.

In this performance, Barbie Rhinestone shyly took to the stage and sat in the chair. She was in trench coat and she seemed surprised to be surrounded by an audience. Babs shouted from the crowd, “You go girl!  The music kicked in and Barbie made a shy half hearted attempt at shaking her shoulders. The crowds wild, encouragement got her to stand up and use her hips a bit. Then garments were discarded with a sensual flourish while her bright pink hair whipped free. Corsets and Cuties performances are always outlandish and hilarious. 

 
Advance tickets. 
Tickets are $15 at the door.
18+
Please park on the south side of Artegon Mall. Gods & Monsters is located directly behind Sheplers.

TXT performance in Winter Park raised funds for Hannah Miller.

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Performance artist Brian Feldman resides in Washington, D.C. He grew up in Orlando, however, and the first time he performed TXT was at the Kerouac House six years ago. In D.C, he performs TXT weekly. In February of 2010 to protest the ban on gay marriage, Brian let everyone on social media know that he would marry anybody who showed up at the Orange County Courthouse on the set date. Three women showed up on that fateful day and Hannah Miller was one of them. He chose his wife with the spin of a bottle of water he got from a courthouse vending machine; the bottle pointed to Hannah. After the wedding Brian and Hannah went their separate ways, but she made the perfect wife since she firmly believed in the cause of equal rights in marriage. Her interviews were emotional and heartfelt. In January of 2011, Brian and Hannah’s marriage was annulled on the grounds that it was never consummated and they were never in love.

The TXT performance on May 5th at the Winter Park Public Library was a fundraiser for Brian’s ex-wife, Hannah. She has become incapacitated by a neuromuscular disease called Myasthenia Gravis
and a chest tumor that her doctors believe is associated with it. She is a
Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome Type 3 patient, also diagnosed with Grave’s
Disease and Refractory Celiac Disease. Hannah is a fun and creative puppeteer, but like most art forms it can’t pay the insurmountable medical bills. This performance was a fundraiser, with 100% of the proceed going to Hannah.  I emptied my wallet, but I know it is just a small drop in the bucket. Hannah and her boyfriend Jack Fields came to the performance and they sat in the front row. This was the first time I saw how Hannah’s mobility was being limited. Despite the medical setbacks she still manages to joke about her situation.

At a TXT performance the entire audience is asked to take out their cell phones and log into anonymous twitter accounts. They all tweet, and Brian reads every tweet out loud while adding some creative flourishes. I remember that one person thought I was taking notes to report on individual’s deprived rants. People were confused and reluctant at first, but once they understood the premise they embraced the creative flow. 

The Eye is open on International Drive.

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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.

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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.