I'll start with a sidenote:
Rain seems to frequent my blogs, but surprisingly has no negative connotation.
Most people associate rain with dreariness, dullness, or sadness, but I do not. Instead of letting myself be consumed by the darkness that hangs overhead, I choose to view the situation from an appreciative standpoint. There is just something mysterious and majestic about clouds congregating, heavy and full, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash themselves upon the masses; covering the countryside and the cityscape alike, nothing left untouched. Nothing sacred, nothing safe, everyone and everything equal in one main moment, glistening.
That being said, let us begin.
It seems these blogs are taking longer and longer to write...
Settle in, folks, this could be a long one.
- Well, last weekend debuted the second-ever production of the Town Square Players. Entitled,
Around the World in 80... Minutes, TSP is at it again, delivering performances comprised of high quality vocals and choreography, entertaining skits, and hilarious comedic parodies. Follow this talented cast as they take you around the world, visiting locations like Germany, Russia, England, Spain, and eventually making their way back to America. For more info, visit:
www.townsquareplayers.org .
...So I am promoting the show I am in. Shameless promotion comes with the territory. In case you were wondering, it is going well. I am feeling a lot more confident about it, especially now that the first weekend is over and the cast as a whole finally fell into that performance 'groove'. I will say that this year's production has been an entirely different experience than last year, but that could be caused by a lot of things: different cast members which could also mean a different bonding dynamic, personal stress, etc. Don't get me wrong, it has been a good time and I and definitely am happy with how it turned out, it is just... different, that is all. Well, three down, two to go. Hals und beinbruch!
- Holy ham sammitches! I recently auditioned for the Great American Trailer Park Musical and somehow landed the lead male role! This is a big accomplishment for me because at this theatre I am used to being cast in the company or in a supporting role; not to say that those roles are unimportant, because they are important, and landing this role is an even bigger achievement for me. Look for more information as October nears.
- I quickly wanted to mention that after a week and a half hiatus, I have made my return to Facebook. Though I will not be using it as compulsively, I cannot deny the fact that it is amazing for networking, advertising, and staying in communication with those who are not local, or no longer use most messengers, and those who might not even have a phone number. That being said, I will still be using AIM and Skype. If anyone would like that information on how to converse with me that way, contact me.
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| Red Elvises @ Volksplatz - 8/7/11 |
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| Mingo Fishtrap @ Banana Island - 8/11/11 |
- Well folks, it is that time of year again: Musikfest. Despite the stabbing that occurred on opening day and the drunken man that was arrested after falling headfirst into a trash can, I have to say that this year's Fest has personally been the best one I have experienced [possibly] ever. One reason is because the acts MusikFest has to offer are so varied and, in many cases, mind-blowing. I am not even talking about the big-name, big-time concerts that require admission, I mean the less famous, hardworking, often indie, FREE shows. Those shows are, in my opinion, the most genuine shows you will ever see. The artists are so talented, and on many an occasion I have been able to meet said artists/bands because they make themselves available to meet and connect with their fans, and last Friday was no exception. I have seen the Red Elvises at least five or six times thus far and every time I never walk away disappointed, but this year it was not the show itself that made the experience amazing, it was the series of events that ensued after the show. As per usual, the band finished their set and then came out to chat, sign, and take pictures with their fans. Every time the band embarks on tour, there are usually a few new faces on stage. This year there were three new members; a new guitarist, a new keyboardist/bassist, and a new (singing) drummer, all of which we met after the concert.
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| Nate Hassan (drums), me, and Monica Demarco (keyboards) |
*This is where I give credit to my friend Mariel for being the catalyst for what was to follow that night.* As we were talking to the members of the band and taking pictures with them, somehow plans were devised that we would be going out somewhere for drinks, and as luck would have it, we found out we would also be accompanied by a few members of the band! We then left and awaited the band's return at their hotel and then walked up the block to the local pub, joined by our first guest of the evening, Monica Demarco, the current keyboardist/vocalist/bassist for the Red Elvises. After cramming our small group into the already crowded pub, we sat around and shared stories, asked her questions, and, quite literally, drank in the atmosphere. One shot and a mixed drink later, we learned where Monica came from, how she became involved with the Red Elvises, what she went to school for and what she does for a living (such as being in another band called
YaYaBoom!) and that that show we saw at 'Fest was actually her last show on tour with the band. The next day she would be getting on a plane to return to her home state, so what started as a little get together then became a celebration, and I feel incredibly privileged and lucky to have shared that experience. A short while later, donning an Animal t-shirt and watch, we were joined by Nate Hassan, the current drummer/vocalist for the Red Elvises. One beer later, we repeated the same ritual we shared with Monica and learned all about Nate; where he is from and where he lives now, how he became involved with the Red Elvises, other projects he is involved in and projects he plans to undertake in the near future. Let me tell you, on this evening, networking was at an all time high. By the end of the night, most of us had exchanged contact information so that we could stay in contact, amongst other ideas which were discussed. Don't worry, if anything develops, you will be the first to know. Here are a few more photos from that night:
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| Clowning around! Outside the pub around 2am. |
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| Drummers rock! Outside the pub around 2am. |
I think things are finally starting to fall into place...
- One more blurb about Musikfest: If you do not know who the band Mingo Fishtrap is, you are missing out. I highly recommend them, especially if you want the perfect blend of rock, blues, and funk with a raw, unmistakeable 'Nawlins' twist. For starters, here is their
WEBSITE. Check it out; you won't be sorry!
- In media news: back in my younger, less cluttered days I used to have certain TV shows I would watch almost religiously every week. Fast-forward to a few years later, and I find that I barely have time to watch anything on television besides a bit of late night programming and infomercials. It is because of this fact that will say thank goodness for Netflix. Thanks to Netflix, I am able to catch up on shows and/or films that I have been meaning to watch for a long time. In this case, I am talking about the former HBO program
Six Feet Under. I have been getting disc after disc of the various seasons in the mail for the past few months and let me tell you it has been one hell of a ride. You wouldn't think a simple television show could have so much impact on a person, but this one in particular disproves that hypothesis. On monday (8/15) I will be receiving disc five of season five: the final disc containing just the final episode of the series. I feel like that episode alone will tear my heart out, as a few choice episodes did before it. Well, only time will tell, and I am sure I will blog about it in some respect in the future. Until then, I highly recommend this show, even though it is circa 2001-2005, it is still relevant, it is raw, and it is very real in some respects and very surreal in others. It is a hodgepodge of genius and it works.
Too much in one blog? Sorry, Ian Malcolm made me do it.
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| Yes, I bought him. I nostalgia'd so hard. |
One for love. Love for all.
Vince
P.S. - Here is some food for thought: A Haiku you may not realize was a Haiku.
5 | I see you drivin'
7 | 'Round town with the girl I love
5 | And I'm like, "fuck you."
- excerpt from Cee Lo Green's "Fuck You"
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Things I did while writing this blog:
- Watched some of Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- Watched Clerks 2
- Endured a bunch of 'male enhancement' infomercials
- Slept a bit
- Showered
- Packed costumes for performance
- Ate some meals somewhere in there
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