Joysticks Arcade Lounge and Retro Bar in Downtown Orlando

Posted on by Thor

ODD 26 (Orlando Drink and Draw) was held at Joysticks Arcade Lounge and Retro Bar (69 E Pine St, Orlando, Florida 32801). Orlando Drink and Draw ventures to a new bar or restaurant each month to sample beers and sketch. There is no model fee and no instruction. This is just a chance to get out, meet fellow artists and draw. I’m hoping to sketch in Central Florida’s best and most unique dive bars, so suggestions are always welcome.

Joysticks is a gaming bar with retro video arcade machines as well as a full bar. I like the references to Little Shop of Horrors, Star Wars, Jaws, Ghost Busters and there is a Game of Thrones sword throne that is great for photo opportunities. Retro arcade games are scattered throughout and there are themes nooks for friends to gather. The place is a visual fest for the eyes and working digitally allowed me to push the extreme colored lighting in the sketch. Four or five artists stopped out and we sat at the round tables to sketch this unique space. Joysticks is the self proclaimed most popular arcade bar in Orlando, Florida. They have a wide selection of specialize drinks, craft beers, and retro
arcade games.

The joy of ODD is that I always get to meet several new artists and flip through their sketchbooks. Most people feel the eyes are a window to the soul, but for artists it is their sketchbooks.

Thrones! The Musical Parody at Fringe

Posted on by Thor

I binge watched Game of Thrones with Pam Schwartz a few months ago. We were left wanting as another season needs to be written and filmed with the ominous news that “Winter is coming.” Of course in Florida that might not be as ominous. This Fringe show is about a rabid group of Thrones fans introducing a friend to the show. Like the show their introduction is gory, sensual and at times hilarious.

Several woman waiting to get into the show admitted that they had never
seem Game of Thrones. They wanted to see if they could follow the plot
regardless. Since the show is about the fans rather than the entire plot
of the series, they might have succeeded but knowing the story arch
would certainly help going in.

One entire song was themes around stabbing. In one sensual scene Ygritte sings that, “You know nothing Jon Snow.” Probably referring to his virginity. In another scene  Daenerys Targaryen kneels on the arm chair being penetrated from behind by her Dothraki husband Drogo. Her song is about wanting to see him face to face as they make love. In each of her songs she proclaims who she is and her destiny to rule the seven kingdoms. Her repetition becomes a running gag.

50% comedy, 20% simulated sex, 20% song and dance and 10% fast costume changes, and everyone dies, the show was a strange light hearted fun romp.