“Dive-In” Movie Series “Jaws”

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The
City of Winter Park has brought back their successful pool-based
“Dive-In” movie series in the summer, kicking it off with a screening of
cult-favorite, Jaws. The screening was part
of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Family Fun program and was be
hosted at the Cady Way Pool (2529 Cady Way, Winter Park). It was free and family-friendly if your kids
can handle animatronic sharks eating people.

The inflatable movie screen was on the smallish side and we had to wait for it to get dark enough for the movie to start. There was plenty of people watching and I sketched in the pool and life guard before the opening scene. Kids crowded around the screen with pool noodles and one flamingo inner tube.

This is the perfect movie to watch while floating since many of director Stephen Spielberg‘s camera shots are from inches above the water right before the shark attacks. Perhaps some of the shark shock factor has worn off over the years since this is a film screened as often as the Wizard of Oz. But when the driving beat on on John Williams score begins I still get a chill up my spine. I appreciate chief Brody’s problem with residents sitting right in front of him when he is trying to check for sharks. You would be amazed how often people stand right in front of me while I am working, forcing me to look over around or through them to keep sketching.

I loved reading about how this film was made. The mechanical shark seldom worked which might account for how seldom it is seen. Just the logistics of filming on a tiny boat is enough to make anyone sea sick. Then, as well, the weather seldom assisted in the shooting schedule.

What made the pool side screening truly amazing is that there was free popcorn and drinks available. Who could ask for more.

Joysticks Arcade Lounge and Retro Bar in Downtown Orlando

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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.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for July 21 and 22, 2018

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Saturday July 21, 2018

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Commander’s Call. Museum of Military History 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy Kissimmee FL 34746. This ongoing program is held on the 3rd Sat of each month is designed to
appeal to families, military memorabilia collectors, history buffs,
re-enactors and others interested in military history. In addition,
persons interested in displaying, trading or selling their military
items such as honor coins, swords, photographs, military buttons, scale
model boats & planes, military art, uniforms or other equipment
register in advance by calling the museum to reserve a spot. Re-enactors and veterans are welcome to come in uniform to add to the history
& authenticity of the military experience. Non-military booths such
as health care providers, home improvement, local attractions or other
businesses are invited to be vendors for minimal donation.

INFO and Register: 407-507-3894 or to register your table space.

7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Free. The Hate Bombs 25th Anniversary Party! The Veranda at Thornton Park

707 E Washington St. Orlando FL 32801. Your favorite creeps together again! Original lineup — PLUS — 25 years of Bomb-bastic artwork by Greg Reinel, Scott Sugiuchi, Jim Leatherman and more! All ages. Doors at 7pm. Show 8-11pm.

8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Free. Dive-In” movie series “Jaws”. The Cady Way Pool is located at 2529 Cady Way, Winter Park.  The City of Winter Park has brought back their successful pool-based
“Dive-In” movie series this summer, kicking it off with a screening of
cult-favorite, Jaws, on Saturday, July 21.

The screening is part
of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Family Fun program and will be
hosted at the Cady Way Pool. It’s free and family-friendly; if your kids
can handle animatronic sharks eating people.

Free popcorn and drinks will be provided.

Sunday July 22, 2018 

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mount Dora Village Market. Sunset Park 230 W. Fourth Ave. Mount Dora FL. Weekly artisans and farmers market.

Noon to 5 p.m. $7. Florida Wedding Expo. Meet with wedding professionals, enter to win thousands of dollars in
prizes, taste gourmet food and decadent cakes, experience a runway
fashion show, and much more.

Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Drive West Orlando FL. 407-685-9800.

10 p.m. to Midnight. Free. GWADCIP$ Lil Indies 1036 N. Mills Ave. Orlando FL. Lo-fi, beats.

The Orlando Concert Band.

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I sketched a rehearsal of the Orlando Concert Band at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church (2021 West SR 426 Oviedo FL.) Pam Schwartz and I arrived just as the band began to play the Star Spangled Banner. Everyone in the audience was standing so we stood in the back row waiting to scope out a seat. The concert celebrated the music of John Williams and even the Star Spangled Banner was arranged by him. After the usual musical refrain you would hear at a football game the arrangement then expanded as if scoring an important scene in a movie.

The Music Director, Jon Territo, clearly loves the John Willams musical scores and the evening highlighted music from films such as Jurassic Park, Jaws, 1941, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, Catch Me if You Can, Superman and Star Wars. Between arrangements the conductor spoke to the audience about each piece. This was a working rehearsal although the audience was packed. On occasion the music stopped so that a passage could be reworked. The evening was an eclectic mix of scores that have become iconic over the years to scores that supported the drama of less known films.

The Orlando Concert Band was founded in 1989. If is composed of both professional and amateur musicians. The band’s mission is to celebrate and preserve America’s musical heritage through professional level performances of music for concert band, including major symphonic works and a wide variety of traditional contemporary and popular selections.

Mark Your Calendar

The remaining concert this season include:

Saturday February 17, 2018 at 6 PM. UCF Symphony Orchestra. Rising Star a Local Legend – Chung Park Director with guest composer Stella Young.

Sunday March 18, 2018 at 3 PM.  Lutheran Cantata Choir and Chamber Ensamble. A Voice from Heaven – Claire Hodge, Director. Reception for the audience after the concert.

Saturday April 14, 2018 at 7 PM. Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Mozart and Dvorak – Benjamin Hochman, Pianist and guest Conductor.

Free admission to all concerts. For more information.