The Big O

MUSIC: Mobile Death Camp and a metal buffet

Miriam Lorenzi — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:11:14 GMT

Fan of METAL? How about Gwar? Check out the metal show tonight at Will’s featuring headliner Mobile Death Camp with front man Todd formerly of Gwar. Joining the lineup are local metal bands Vegan Butcher, Empyrean and Swamplord.

Show starts promptly at 10 with Swamplord, fronted by The Naysayer who also sings for Apocalypse-A-Go-Go. Should be a bloody earfull this evening. Join me in the mayhem, won’t you?

Will's Pub
11/19/2009 9:00 PM
1042 N. Mills Avenue
18+ Cost: $8

EVENTS: Stand-up comedy at Redlight Saturday

Paul Hiebing — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:54:01 GMT

It's not too often that I get out to see stand-up comedians these days. It's not that I don't like to laugh (unless it's to prove how much I hate what you like), but the places to watch a show around here are kind of, well, not my style. It's a reason I don't go to stadium shows - I don't like paying a buttload of money to watch something that feels about as intimate as a public prostate exam.

However, this Saturday there's a show that recalls the good ol' days of 2005, when The Comedians of Comedy Tour strolled through town at The Social (except without all the name recognition). On November 21 at 8 p.m. at Redlight Redlight there's going to be the Orlando appearance of The Beards of Comedy Tour, which means even if you don't laugh at all, you'll still get to see beards.

Tickets are $8 to the show, but that includes access to the free Yuengling keg (until it runs dry), so you can probably drink your way to $8 before it's dead and count yourself even. And there you have it - an intimate space, cheap admission, free beer, and potentially funny jokesters on stage. You know you should go and stock up on as much good cheer as you can before family starts arriving for Thanksgiving and sucking your reserves of happiness away.

Here's a description of the comedians from their Facebook page:

DAVE STONE - A former Radio DJ and band manager, Dave moves audiences and industry alike with his subtle wit and sharp sarcasm, aimed at subjects such as vegetarians, suburbia, and sports radio.

ANDY SANDFORD - Quickly rising to the top of the Atlanta underground comedy scene, Andy's keen observations jump seamlessly from pop culture, to the pretentiousness of philosophy.

TJ YOUNG - Creator and host of the LoftComedy.com showcase in Athens, GA, TJ frames everything from the silly to the serious with an ease and likeability that make him a standout at clubs in L.A. and comedy festivals nationwide.

JOE ZIMMERMAN - Named Charlotte (NC)'s Best Comedian by Creative Loafing Magazine, Joe’s effortless charm coupled with well-crafted, unique material, place him among the rarest new talents emerging in comedy today.

MUSIC: The Down Getters Get Down

Miriam Lorenzi — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:50:39 GMT

Pure Rock ‘n’ Roll, the cure for what ails ya! At least that’s what The Down Getters are saying and rightly so with Jeff Nolan and Brian Chodorcoff dueling guitars and Kaleigh Baker and Joseph Martins singing the blues… or the rocks. Whatever, they’re playing tonight at Will’s Pub and will be joined by special guest Anthony Cole of Mofro. The place will be set on fire, guaranteed. So get your butt out to Will’s and prepare to wiggle.

THE DOWN GETTERS TONIGHT
Wednesday, November 18 at 10:05pm
Will's Pub

ARTS & CULTURE: Come see sexy dancers covered in paint

Sarah Lockard — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:18:44 GMT

Well, now that I've got your attention, I'd like to tell you about an awesome monthly event called Third Thursdays, a fun little art hop to various venues in downtown Orlando. Blank Space Art Lounge, the newest addition to Third Thursdays, is bringing you living art with performances by DRIP: Paint in Motion.

You might have seen the huge banners with the half-naked paint covered dancers as you drive past the intersection of Central and Rosalind and wondered what they were all about. Well, it turns out that a funky new art lounge and coffee shop called Blank Space has opened up in the former real estate office and has merged with local performance art troupe DRIP to offer more culture to the cool kids in downtown Orlando. The décor is modern and minimal, with a little lounge area and a few well-placed neon lights to give it a bit of a club vibe at night. The sandwich board advertises beer, wine and coffee. It's a good place to chill out at after work, or before hitting the bars.

DRIP is an eclectic performance art company, consisting of dancers and artists of all disciplines. Their mission is to mix movement with visual art to create unique, multi-media experiences. For their 2008 Fringe show “Wet,” they combined concert lighting, live electric guitar, liquid light and glow in the dark paint to create their rock-and-roll dance show. They also produced “Fresh,” a romantic Valentine’s Day event, with couples painting workshops, edible gardens, DJ and contemporary dance vignettes. Check out their website to see photos and descriptions of past DRIP events.

Here is some more info on DRIP’s upcoming Blank Space performance:

Back by popular demand, DRIP is performing their Water Box performance with the antique wedding dress that you may have seen last month! They are also premiering 2 new performance pieces. One is an organic and earthy performance in a mound of dirt and the other visually tells the story of a marriage gone bad by freeze framing moments in time with strobe lights and high energy cinematic music.

The 3rd Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Blank Space has become an experimental playground for DRIP. DRIP’s vision is led by creative director, Jessica “Mariko” with the support of a creative team of directors and performers. This month features art directors, Christie Brock and Evan Miga, who are creating the concepts of the vignettes, designing the visuals, building sets & props and training the dancers on how to use the mediums. Performance directors, Linda Eve Elchack (also the director of Nao Dance Collective, www.NaoDance.com) and newcomer, Leah Marke (co-creator of the Macabre Vignettes with the Orlando Puppet Festival), are choreographing the vignettes. Music Director, David Traver (also the resident music director for Blue Man Group Orlando), contributes to the creative vision and composes the music.

This month’s featured performers include Samantha Hudson, Tin Tin, and Sarah Maisano.
Additional support and performance by Megan Boetto, Steven Johnson, Melissa Kasper and Sarah Osborn.

DRIP's performance art night returns to Blank Space
3rd Thursday, Friday and Saturday in November

WHAT:
Enjoy wine, beer and performance art by DRIP in downtown's newest contemporary art lounge, Blank Space.

WHERE:
Blank Space Art Lounge (www.BlankSpaceArt.net)
201 East Central Boulevard, Orlando FL 32801, downtown on the corner of Central and Rosalind.

WHEN:
Thursday, November 19th, 8pm (Creative Industry discounted tickets available for $10)
Thursday, November 19th, 10pm
Friday, November 20th, 9pm
Saturday, November 21st, 9pm

TICKETS: $15. Reserve tickets at www.ILoveDRIP.com or purchase at the door
(Limited to 40 tickets so reserve early. A great list of organic wines, beers and espresso sold separately.)

FACEBOOK EVENT: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=174330609654&ref=ts

MORE 3RD THURSDAY INFORMATION & A LIST OF PARTICIPATING GALLERIES: http://www.orlandoslice.com/page/3rd-thursday-gallery-hop

FOOD: 4 Rivers Smokehouse - so good, I don't want to tell you

Paul Hiebing — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:31:26 GMT

The last couple months, whenever my girlfriend and I drove down Fairbanks Ave. we slowed just a little bit to get a better glimpse at the formation of a new barbeque joint, 4 Rivers Smokehouse. Little by little it all came together - outdoor smoker, patio fans, soft drinks stocked on the counters - until one magical day there was a line outside and the place opened... and then sold out faster than you could say "fried pickles".

It took three tries, but we finally got in to sample the goods the other weekend, and here's the verdict: 4 Rivers is pretty damn tasty. Deliciously smoky meats and tangy ingredients make you forget how to chew like a civilized human and just gobble the food down instead. But, as with all things, they aren't perfect. Here's the skinnee:

Pros

Creative menu items (the Texas Destroyer - smoked brisket topped with onion rings, provolone, jalapenos, and sauce - is a standout sandwich)
Some of the best corn from any barbeque place in town
Speaking of sides, baked cheese grits? Be still, my beating heart.
Zippy, delicious sauce
Super-friendly staff

Cons

The line. You will wait at least a half-hour during lunch.
That the line can easily be mitigated with faster checkout services.
Kinda-pricey prices ($7.50 for a sandwich PLUS $1.50 for two sides? Hm.)
A dearth of sauce variety (I want some spice, dammit!)
The person on the patio filling my fountain drink for me, making me feel like a suspected soda thief. It's a little weird, 4 Rivers.

But they're new - I'll give them some time to work out the kinks. In the meantime, now that I've told you about the place you have to promise me you won't go. I mean, that line? Seriously, do you want to wait in one for some barbeque? And yes, I know this is Orlando and the majority of the economy here is built on waiting in lines, but still.

How about this, you can just trust me that 4 Rivers is good food, and feel secure knowing that it exists without actually going there and clogging up the line and making me wait longer than I need to for a Sloppy Pig sandwich. Deal?

MUSIC: Anti*Pop Days Two & Three Quickieview

Miriam Lorenzi — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:47:22 GMT

Three days, 27 bands. Not bad for one tiny photographer on quest for great music during Anti*Pop 5 music festival. There were many bands that I did want to see but was unable due to my ultra delux jet set lifestyle. But of the bands I did get to see, some more than made up for it. My lasting impression from all of this is that nothing compares to seeing a live performance. Yeah, CD's, DVD's and digital downloads are great but they can not make up for the character, charm and charisma of living human beings giving you their all on stage. Below is a brief statment about the highlights of my experience. If you would like more info than this, get out and go to a show.

My Anti*Pop heros for days two and three:
The Empyres – best high-kicking front-man backed buy Orlando's grooviest Garage Rock band.
Ben Prestage – best whiskey drinking, sock-foot stomping one-man band.
Junior Bruce – quality metal with original style. They’re good at what they do, folks, and you will like them even if YOU are not metal.
Junkie Rush – these guys are pros! High energy backed by tight performance and great music.
Telethon – most evolving artist. Every time I see Tele V. Cheeseburger perform live it’s always a different show & I like it!
S.K.I.P. and Jimmy – Hip Hop with the best of them. Great live performance backed by iPod meets badass bass player coolness.
Solillaquists of Sound – premiered their awesome new video “New Sheriff In Town” and proceeded to burn BackBooth down with a scorching performance.

DAY ONE ANTI*POP DIRT

ANTI*POP DAY ONE PHOTOS

ANTI*POP DAY TWO PHOTOS

Check back on Metromix.com for photos of days three and four.

MUSIC: As Devine as his last name

Lindsay Hansen — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:45:11 GMT

Kevin Devine says he's a simple man, but he's one of my favorite artists for a reason. The soul emitted from his work has long been on my "most played" list on iTunes. Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band played at House of Blues on November 13, and they certainly did not disappoint.

What is your favorite place/venue in Orlando?
I really like The Social and the bar next to it, I forget the name; I've had regularly awesome shows there, cool staff. I also really like walking over to that park nearby the club. There's a lake and a walk that encircles it, sort of like Echo Park in Los Angeles. I like going there for a bit of quiet on tour - a rare and precious commodity.

What were your expectations for the show? Were they fulfilled?
Just to play our music, especially Another Bag of Bones, in the shadow of a Princess Diana photo retrospective on Disney's property. My expectations were absolutely fulfilled. I'm a simple man.

- Anything you want to say to your fans?
Thanks for coming out when we're down here. It's appreciated.

MUSIC: Did you know DeLand had a music festival too?

Paul Hiebing — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:39:43 GMT

You know how everyone right now is all Anti*Pop this and Anti*Pop that right now? All that independent, local music being bandied about everywhere you go - but the whole thing's all stretched out, making it so you can see pretty much any act on any given act in pretty much any given bar downtown. Well, if doing a music festival all at once over the course of single, epic day is more your speed, consider checking out the DeLand Original Music Festival, happening Saturday, November 14. Personall, I like it because the acronym, DOMF, is the sound made when you get hit over the head with a guitar.

Calling itself "the largest one day independent music festival in the southeast", the DOMF certainly has a lot of music lined up. There's over 100 acts on 20 stages performing for around 12 hours (and no, not at once, don't be silly). And the best part? A single, cheap ticket price for the event. If you get the tickets in advance (though there's currently a glitch on the website involving some dude named "404", so you may not be able to get advanced tickets anymore) it's a mere $10, but if you show up tomorrow and get your tickets at the event it's $15.

Actually, now that I look at it, a lot of the information on the website is now a little scant, with whole pages missing (like the somewhat-important schedule page), so you may want to call a venue before heading out tomorrow.

EVENT: Orlando finally hosts an affordable food and wine festival

Kristina Paulos — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:07:05 GMT

For those of you who wanted to check out Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, but weren’t willing to lay down $80 for a ticket (not to mention $14 for parking), there’s a much cheaper option available to you this weekend at Lake Eola.

Starting at noon on Saturday and Sunday, Orlando Food and Wine Fest will return for its second year, offering an extensive selection of amazing wine and cuisines from over 35 of Orlando’s top restaurants. Hue, Dexters, Shari Sushi Lounge, Brio, P.F. Chang’s, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and Tijuana Flats are just a few of the restaurants that will be serving up their food.

But that’s not all that’s being offered. The event will also host live music performances from national recording artists like The Average White Band, Oil Silk, and Nick Colionne with Maysa.

Brighthouse is also presenting a chef’s stage that will host cooking seminars and live demonstrations led by world-renowned chefs like Viviana Altesor, Matthew Price, and Jean-Louis.

Twelve different wine stations will be scattered throughout the festival, pouring wine from many different vineyards and winerys, including Lincourt, Ecco Domani, Mirassou, Sebastiani, Salta Terra, and Vinex.

Admission to the festival is surprisingly cheap considering how much is being offered, and what’s better is that proceeds from the event will help benefit the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation and the Children’s Home Society of Florida.You get to do your philanthropic deed of the week all while enjoying some sweet vino and amazing cuisine.

A weekend pass to the event costs just $15 in advance, and a one day pass is $10. If you wait to get your tickets at the gate, however, the price for one day goes up to $15. Food and wine tickets will be sold seperately at the event and range between $2-$8. You can get your tickets online at orlandofoodandwinefest.com.

1, 2, 3, 4, Deadmau5

Lindsay Hansen — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:35:21 GMT

The techno-artistry enveloping Orlando in the later months of this year is nothing short of disappointing, and Deadmau5's show at the House of Blues last night raised the bar a little bit higher. I now question the maximum capacity of the venue, silently praise my borderline- paranoid self-responsibility, and pray the ringing in my ears is only temporary. Deadmau5's homage to pacman (amongst other old- school video game icons) complemented the masterful light show, which framed the massive anime- esque mouse head atop Joel Zimmerman's shoulders. I had some trouble handing over the $37.25 necessary to participate, but it was worth it.

MUSIC: Anti*Pop Day One Review

Miriam Lorenzi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:58:41 GMT

I’d been warned of the surplus of animal named bands and furry faced front-men and the rumors were true. Day one of the AntiPop Music Festival as filled with just that. Despite the d-bag who tried to run out of the Gibson Show Room's Opening Party with a guitar he’d stolen off the wall, the event is off to a good start. It is spread out a little more this year – Will’s and Peacock Room are also hosting performances – so I won’t be able to catch as many acts as previous years. But I am going to do my best to see a shit ton of bands over the next several days.

THE DIRT:
My Wednesday night winners were Twin Tigers for their great sound, passionate performance, and cute unicorn mascot. I admit I was a little tired while I was out so it’s possible that my lack of interest in The Antlers was due to that fact - or - because all the songs sounded like the same lullaby. Minus the Bear had the largest crowd and all the hip kids knew the lyrics, but I found their performance drab.

Surprise of the night was Pete Yorn. I had listened to his music online and didn't think too much of it. But the live performance was great, the music was good and the band was interesting to watch on stage.

I'm sure there were many other great and not so great performances last night. Love me or hate me, that's how I saw it. Check back tomorrow for more AntiPop dirt.

EVENTS: Post Secret at Stetson University

Paul Hiebing — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:43:14 GMT

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, hipstery cool kids! Everyone's favorite Sunday morning hangover remedy (aside from Real Radio's Sunday Morning Coming Down music selections) is coming to Stetson University in DeLand tomorrow (that'd be Thursday, November 12)! Oh boy!

That's right, Post Secret - that treasure trove of personal angst and disgusting flights of fancy - is having a live event right here in Central Florida. It starts at 8 p.m. at the Rinker Field House at the university, so be sure to line up quick! Unless, of course, you're not a student at Stetson University, because Stetson students get first dibs on tickets. See update below.

Now, I know the whole point of the affair is to talk about repressing one's secret fears and how that can be a destructive force on one's life, particularly in the emotionally tumultuous period that is college, thus making it a perfect inspirational lecture to the kids over there at Stetson, but - come on! I want to hear the goods! I want to be there when people pass up their secrets and Grand Secret Hoarder Frank reads them in front of everyone! (I'm predicting a bunch of coming out secrets and a few about parents snooping and finding sex toys.) Ugh, and the worst part is, apparently not a lot of Stetson kids are interested in going.

Which means, try and go anyway. You just might get in. And if not, just skip on down to The Abbey and drown your damaging, hellish secrets away, like you usually do.

UPDATE: The good people at Stetson have informed me that, should there be seats available, the public is more than welcome to attend this event. Any tickets that are remaining after 3 p.m. today will be able to be picked up at a table in front of the Hollis Center, 600 N. Bert Fish Drive, in DeLand by whoever manages to get there first. Doors are at 8 p.m., the shindig starts at 9 p.m.

MOVIES: How many crying doves does it take to make a cool poster?

Sarah Lockard — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:01:55 GMT

The Enzian has been offering an amazing collection of original limited edition hand screen printed posters to go along with their Cult Classics series. This super cool purple Prince poster is $10 cash and that's a small price to pay to be hipper than your friends. Hurry up and snag one while you can, which happens to be tonight at 9:30 p.m. at the Enzian Theater.

Tickets to Purple Rain are $5 and can be purchased online or at the door. This poster will look good in your house and is compatible with all types of frames, just like the funk master himself.

Music star Prince stars as “The Kid” in this semi-autobiographical film, which follows the escapades of a tortured young musician trying to survive in a dysfunctional environment. He finds solace in the affections of a lovely young singer, but his first love is making his funky, unique brand of music, which he performs at an ultra-hip Minneapolis nightclub. The Kid must also contend with Morris, his nemesis both in music and romance The popular soundtrack of this highly successful film contains many of Prince’s most popular tunes, such as “Let’s Go Crazy”, “When Doves Cry”, and the title song.

EVENTS: Join the Cult Zombie Fest at Cameo Theater

Sarah Lockard — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:39:45 GMT

Vampires might be where it's at, but everyone loves dressing like a zombie. Shambling is easier than walking, groaning is easier than talking, and brains are chalk full of protein. All you pro-zombie people can join the Cult Zombie Fest this Friday, Nov. 13 at 9 p.m. at the Cameo Theater for a night of blood, brains and mayhem... with dancing!

In the past year, the Cameo Theater has transformed from empty rundown building to one of the coolest little bohemian venues in town; hosting a wide range of events, from the eclectic Vibe nights to last week’s Macabre Vignettes installation/performance show. It’s definitely worth checking out, and this event promises to have a little something for everyone, with drinks, dancing, DJ’s, art and of course, zombies. The Cameo Theater is located in the old Cruises Only building on Colonial Drive, across the street from Dandelion CommuniTea. Parking is free and available in the side lot, with plenty of spaces.

Here’s some more info on the Cult Zombie Fest ’09:

If you like zombies and blood and guts...you can't miss the Cult Zombie Fest 09! Part art show, part zombie attack, part warehouse dance party, there's a little something for everyone, dead or alive. There is also a CASH ONLY wine and beer bar at Cameo. There is an ATM at the nearby CVS if you space out and forget to bring cash...so don't forget! Feel free to dress up like a Zombie. This is a Zombie Fest, after all.

Art by:
Laylah Madi
Josh Jackson
Michelle Caron
Celeste Brown
Matias Campos
Nate River
Amanda Berryhill

Sounds by:
Gradient Echo
Joey Paranoia
Chris Wesley

Photos by:
smileforcamera.com

MUSIC: Back for its fifth year, Anti*Pop is set to be bigger (and cheaper) than ever

Kristina Paulos — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:32:28 GMT

It’s that time of year again, Orlando. It’s dark at 6 p.m., it’s almost chilly outside, Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and Anti*Pop Music Festival is on the verge of taking over downtown.

For the fifth year running, the widely acclaimed underground talent showcase is back with an incredible lineup of over 150 local, regional, and national acts taking the stage at 14 different venues in and around downtown Orlando.

The focus is still on highlighting innovative, under-the-radar bands, but there are a couple substantial changes to this year’s edition of the festival. First and foremost: the cost. It’s a recession out there, believe it or not, and the folks who run the festival have taken notice. Accordingly, they did away with the mildly received outdoor stages and cut the cost of the four-day pass nearly in half. Now, you can catch any and all the shows you want over the four days for $25 (as opposed to last year’s $45). Individual shows range from $5-$15, but considering this year’s impressive lineup, it’s a safe bet to spring for the pass.

The other major change is that The Social has been taken out of the venue line-up, which is a disappointing loss, but many more have been added like Will’s Pub, Peacock Room, Redlight Redlight, Park Ave CDs, 57 West, Bar-BQ-Bar, and Stardust Lounge.

Among the extensive list of acts taking the stage this week are local favorites Mumpsy, Gasoline Heart, Sam Rivers Quintet, So Help Me Rifle, and Copeland. Among the myriad of cutting-edge national acts are I Fight Dragons, Minus The Bear, Ky-Mani Marley, Pete Yorn and Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg.

Speaking of Marky Ramone, I caught up with him last week to get the word on what fans can expect from the show and what (if any) new material might be coming their way.

Metromix: How did Marky Ramone’s Blitzkreig come together?

Marky Ramone: Michale Graves [former Misfits singer] and I have known each other for a while and the timing just seemed right. So we decided to play some shows and one thing led to another and here we are. I’ve also played with Alex and Clare from time to time.

MM: With such an extensive catalog to choose from, which Ramones songs can fans expect to hear at your show? Are there any plans for new music?

RM: We play all the favorites. It’s definitely tough with so many great songs, but I think we cover a lot. We are working on new material and already recorded a few songs that will be released very soon, along with some other great products I’m involved with like my own Pasta Sauce.

MM: Are there any other artists you’d like to collaborate with in the future?

RM: There are a lot of artists I admire and you never know if you’ll cross paths. Right now, I’m happy with the new songs this band has been creating. I think the fans will agree.

MM: What do you think of today’s music scene (both Punk, and in general)? How, in your eyes, has it evolved or declined?

RM: I try to stay on top of what’s going on in the punk scene and music in general. There are always a few good bands, nothing groundbreaking, but good.

MM: What attracted you to the Anti*Pop Festival?

RM: It’s starting to get cold in New York so we wanted to go somewhere warm. Kidding, we like to play, so here we are.

MM: What advice would you offer the other bands in the festival?

RM: I would have to say, stick your guns and always remember why you started playing music in the first place. You can’t let yourself get caught up with everything else that goes with it, meaning the music biz, or what’s left of it. Play music ‘cause you love to play. That’s what keeps me going.

You can catch Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg when they take the stage at Firestone Live on Friday at 8 p.m.

For the full schedule and list of bands and venues, check out the festival's official website.

BEERS: Kelly's on SBK Live! tonight

Paul Hiebing — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:02:46 GMT

Hey everyone. If you've been listening to SBK Live! on WTKS 104.1 as often as me, you know that they have a regular Friday feature where they taste test beers, as sponsored by my second home, McRaney's Tavern.

Now, if you are also like me in that you're a beer snob, the hour they devote to this tasting is almost unlistenable. To hear them give beers like Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA a cumulative score of 6.125 is absolutely unbearable. It's not that I'm a snob about beer just to be snobby - it's just that they don't know what they're talking about.

So with that in mind, our own fearless beer drinker, Kelly "Irish Handcuffs" Fitzpatrick, is off to teach them a thing or two about beer appreciation. She's on at 10 p.m., so be sure to call in, 407-916-1041, and show her some love. I'll probably be texting her the whole time, giving her quickie history lessons on all the different styles of beer, like some Cyrano de Bergerac of booze.

And I know that there are other things to talk about, considering the crap that went down today, but now is a perfect time to sit with friends, share a beer, and appreciate the little things in life.

THEATER: 'The Color Purple' Lights Up the Stage

Sandra Carr — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:34:12 GMT

Characters make you laugh and cry during the Broadway Across America tour of Oprah Winfrey Presents 'The Color Purple, The Musical About Love' at the Carr Performing Arts Centre last night. The moving musical is based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about female African-American life in 1930s rural Georgia, hope and the healing power of love. The book was later adapted into the 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg starring Whoopi Goldberg (Celie), Oprah Winfrey (Sofia) and Danny Glover (Albert).

The production's musical score features jazz, blues, ragtime and gospel numbers. The costuming showcases the classes of society of the time period with women wearing long dresses or skirts and hats into town or when going to church and men wearing their Sunday best while field and farm workers are portrayed as wearing old, hand-me-down-looking attire. The rolling stage sets also feature farm houses and furnishing upgrades and style changes throughout the decades.

The musical is about the trials and tribulations of Celie, a woman who bore two children from her father by the age of 14 and is married off to a mean widower nicknamed Mister or 'Big Dog,' who we later find out his actual name is Albert. Celie continuously prays to God for a better life and questions him from time-to-time throughout the story.

Celie and her younger sister Nettie are very close and become separated after Celie becomes Mister's wife. Mister doesn't allow the sisters to see each other after his advances for Nettie aren't reciprocated. Nettie promises to write but Celie never receives the letters and worries that her sister is dead.

Sofia and the three gossiping church ladies bring comic relief to the production and were a riot, causing the audience to hoot and holler whenever they appeared on stage. Sofia and Mister's son Harpo fall in love and their chemistry, including sexually, is felt throughout the piece. She becomes pregnant and the couple marries. Sofia is renowned for not putting up with bullying men and sticks to her motto, 'Hell, no!' Her and Harpo's marriage becomes rocky and she later leaves for greener pasture.

The musical heats up when sexy, big-city singer Shug Avery returns to town and recuperates from exhaustion at Mister's home. Her and Celie develop a special relationship and become everlasting friends. Shug gets her groove back and puts on a snazzy red and gold dress and red feather hair piece and performs at Harpo's juke joint hidden in the woods before going back on the road.

The production features season three 'American Idol' contestant La Toya London as Nettie. Her limited time on stage shines both in acting and song. Kenita R. Miller portrays Celie and demonstrates the low points in the character's life to the fullest and her heartache is felt even more with her powerful voice. Felicia P. Fields (Sofia) is a real dynamo on stage through the good and bad times of her character's life. Angela Robinson (Shug Avery) and her sex appeal and voice turn heads even into her older years. Rufus Bonds Jr. (Mister) gets under your skin throughout the show but also makes you feel sorry for him. Stu James (Harpo) electrifies the stage with Fields by his side. Miller, Fields and Robinson also performed the same roles in the original Broadway production.

The cast ate appetizers and sipped wine while hanging out with theater fans following their performance during an after party at 310 Lakeside in downtown Orlando. The crowd cheered and clapped when Miller and London entered the restaurant. The duo chatted and hung out on the outdoor patio before calling it a night.

Besides the stars, one of the highlights during the cast party was Florida Theatrical Association board member Paula Wayne's birthday celebration. Wayne is a retired Broadway and TV actress and was renowned for performing with Sammy Davis Jr. on Broadway in the 'Golden Boy' in 1964 where she was almost shot one night because of racial prejudice after one of the shows.

'The Color Purple, The Musical About Love' is filled with a lot of heart and features a believable cast that gives their all during the show. Find out for yourself during the musical's run through Sunday November 8 with weeknight and Saturday evening performances at 8 p.m., a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m., a Sunday matinee at 1 p.m. and a Sunday night show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $38-$73. The cast is also collecting donations following each performance to benefit the St. Bernard Project, an organization dedicated to assisting Hurricane Katrina survivors in New Orleans, La.

MUSIC: The sweet music of Jackson Rodgers

Miriam Lorenzi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:19:06 GMT

I’ve always got my ear out for new-to-me music that’s well played, nicely produced, beautifully constructed, thoughtfully arranged, and pleasing to the soul. Seems I got lucky today while browsing the ever-expanding news feed on Facebook when I came across a link to the music of Jackson Rodgers.

I don’t know much about this artist other than he’s currently in L.A. and he seems to do all the work involved with bringing you the music, which is of the rock/roots/folk variety. If you’re into that, listen to this! You will be pleased.

Listen to the music of Jackson Rodgers for free on Reverb Nation

Jackson’s interesting Bio (that I swiped from his fb profile):
Jackson Rodgers' story began shortly after he learned how to write about himself in the third person. Dragged regularly by his father to the church of the New Traditionalists, Jackson learned quickly to heed the lessons of Fathers Desert Rose, Yoakam, Earle, and Stuart, as well as those of Sisters McKee and Carlson. Alas, like all children, Jackson the Rodgers eventually began to yearn for something more; and so he began to seek out the teachings of prior generations, such as those of his namesake, Jackson the Browne. Rodgers' first, fleeting step outside the teachings of his youth enthralled his young mind, and so he strove onward on his quest to acquire more disparate musical knowledge, soon discovering such luminaries as Sirs Jennings and Nelson, as well as His Highness of Broken Hearts, King George. Further excursions would bring him to know the wisdom of the ones they call Dylan, Springsteen, Parsons, Graffin, and Gurewitz. For many years, young Rodgers would languish in the thinking that he could never properly apply all he had learned. And then, one day, 'round the age of 16, he wrote "Satisfy the Need," and he saw that it was good. Thus began his songwriting journey, which so far has culminated in the tracks on this page. Where things go from here, only circumstance knows...

Check out Jackson Rodgers on myspace

Check out Jackson Rodgers on facebook

EDU: Gettin' your nerd on, beer in hand

Paul Hiebing — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:00:45 GMT

Science. That word will either excite or repulse you, since, despite what they say, opinions on science have no shades of gray. Why is science off-putting to some people? This is something I have wondered for a while (because I'm a nerd, and I think about these things), and though it's easy to fall back on the "Science is hard" excuse, I think it has more to do with people feeling a bit pushed around by science. There is no room for opinion when dealing with science - just the facts as determined by how things react with other things (for example, when things go kaboom) and through discrete measurements of things (for example, when people go *yawn*).

But just because you can't make science what you want it to be doesn't mean that you can't get fantastic ideas about what you can do with it. Enter Café Scientifique, where you get to sit down with an expert, sip on a beer, munch on some food, and basically spitball with a brainiac for an hour about the topic at hand. And it's okay if you know nothing about the topic at hand - that's kind of the point of the whole thing.

Sound interesting? The Café convenes every first Wednesday of the month at Taste in College Park. This month's topic is Energy, as presented by a dude named Dr. Michael Hampton, who's going to teach all you need to know about the future of hydrogen as a fuel source? Want to be ahead of the curve? Want to outsmart even your smartiest of smartypants friends? Then you should go to this little shindig this Wednesday, November 4th at 7 p.m., grab a tasty treat at Taste, and fill your brain with glorious knowledge (and your belly with heavenly beer).

MUSIC: Bring on the grind and growls for Halloween

Lindsay Hansen — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:56:31 GMT

Lindsay. Loves. Gore. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and the only reason it isn't my absolute favorite is because no one exchanges presents on such a bloody occasion. No matter, I'll still celebrate to the fullest. Like any other converted Hallmark holiday, music accompanies October 31, as do monster celebrations. I can't think of anything better than curling up with old school bloodbaths after a Halloween show, and that's exactly what I'm going to be doing this year. Lucky for Orlando, there are to be more than a few Hallow's Eve bashes around town. I plan to be at more than one.

Bat Ranch Party
Kegs and haunted houses- don't forget your DD, you animals.
Where:1333 Plymouth Sorrento Road in Apopka
When: October 30 : 7 p.m. for all ages
October 31 : 9 p.m. for 18 and older
Price: $10 donation

The Used
Halloween's a great time for The Used to remind Orlando they're not dead...yet.
Where: House of Blues
When: October 31 at 8 p.m. for all ages
Price: $27.75-$28.75

Monster Mosh
Local bands with badass names: Hydrosonic, Fall of Envy, In Violent Times, Mr. Bella, Black In The Mind, Not Tonight Josephine, The rise of Defiance, Cethkyn, Fathem and Lydia Can't Breathe.
Where: Club Firestone
When: October 30 at 5 p.m.
Price: $5 (now that's more like it) for all ages

Halloween Velvet Sessions with Twisted Sister
Nope, they aren't dead yet, either. It's pricey, but probably worth it. If it's illegal for you to have a beer, you aren't on the guest list.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios
When: October 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Price: $40

EVENTS: Pillow Fright Day gives you 15 minutes of fighting

Sarah Lockard — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:16:54 GMT

Some of you may remember the epic PILLOWLANDO event that happened last April infront of the SunTrust building. Well, this Saturday, Brian Feldman, the man behind the fluffy massacre, is bringing back the action, is a short, 15 minute installment called Pillow Fright Day. The location is top secret for now, and will be announced the day of the event. Keep checking Brian's Facebook page for updates, and show up in your Halloween costume, just for kicks.

Who: PILLOWLANDO

What: Pillow Fright Day

When: Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 5:00 PM (wait for the signal!)

Where: *Location Announced Day of Event* Orlando FL

Cost: Free

Because PILLOWLANDO MMX is still five months away, the pun was too eeriesistible (no apologies), and everyone kept asking “When’s the next one?,” PILLOWLANDO announces a special Halloween pillow fight (pun), Pillow Fright Day. Unlike PILLOWLANDO, held annually on the first Saturday in April for World Pillow Fight Day, Pillow Fright Day is an Orlando only event. For now.

All interested Pillow Fright Day participants should bring a pillow to *Location Announced Day of Event* at 5:00 PM and wait for the signal. “Pillow Fright!” At that time, pillows will swing and whack as those assembled experience a massive urban pillow fight. It’s free and a whole lot of fun.

Orlandoans of all ages who love free, fun, public events like pillow fights, creative interventions, games and interactive art installations are invited to show up and take part, as well as other Central Floridians and curious tourists who find out about it as Pillow Fright Day draws near.

A Few Rules:

Soft pillows only! + Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once. + Do not swing at people without pillows or with cameras. + Remove glasses beforehand! + The event is free and appropriate for all ages. + Wait until the signal to begin. + IMPORTANT: Please, please, please do not use feather pillows! (This is a feather-free fight.) + If anyone has a hard pillow, you should return it to the shop, because it’s faulty. (Halloween costumes and unique pillows definitely encouraged.)

Follow these links for info on the super secret location:

http://twitter.com/PILLOWLANDO (@PILLOWLANDO on Twitter)

http://bit.ly/pfdfb (Pillow Fright Day | Facebook Event)

http://bit.ly/pfdrls (Pillow Fright Day | Google Docs)

http://bit.ly/pfdpdf (Pillow Fright Day | PDF Release)

When referencing on Twitter, please use hashtags: #pillowfright #pillowfight

BARS: Scare an agoraphobe at Plazaween!

Paul Hiebing — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:14:38 GMT

It's inevitable. Every time a holiday approaches, Wall Street goes and throws a party for it. And because it's Halloween, they'd be morons not to capitalize on it, but you'd also be pretty foolish to miss it. Why? Because there's riches to be had (sorta)!

This Saturday (Halloween!), Wall Street is throwing their annual Plazaween party, and for only $10 you and your creative genes (or creative jeans) have a shot at winning the costume contest (whose grand prize is a year's worth of free drinking on Wall Street, worth up to $1,200). Sign up goes from 11 p.m. to midnight, and honestly, if you take a look on their site at past costume winners, you can most certainly do better than that.

There are drink specials as well, though the site only lists the names of the drinks they're having on hand (Fang-Banger, Wall Street Ripper, and Blood Sucker) and not the prices, so drink at your own risk. Party starts at 9 p.m., and you can order your tickets online.

MOVIES: The Exorcist tonight, The Sacred tomorrow and Thursday

Miriam Lorenzi — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:46:01 GMT

With Halloween upon us, it’s spooky movie time!

Go to The Enzian Theater tonight, Tuesday the 27^th, and watch the EXORCIST on the big screen. Only $5! It has been reported by Enzian staff that ‘weird things’ were happening in the projection booth during the Sunday night screening. That movie still freaks me out and might just have to go see what happens at the viewing tonight!

The Enzian Theater
1300 S Orlando Ave
Maitland, FL 32751

One hundred percent locally produced and staffed horror film The Sacred is back for special Halloween screening at The Plaza Cinema Café. It received much praise when originally screened and for this round of viewings, the film’s audio has been remixed and enhanced the projection increased to 4k resolution. This is going to be a red carpet event with prizes and a chance to talk to the filmmakers after both screenings.

Show times at The Plaza Cinema Café are WEDNESDAY Oct 28th at 7:30pm & THURSDAY Oct 29th at 7:30pm. The Plaza is offering pizza and beer bucket specials during the viewing so be sure to set yourself up before the movie starts.

The Plaza Cinema Café
155 S Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32801

THE SACRED TRAILER

THE SACRED OFFICIAL SITE

THEATRE: Ticket deal on a chilling thriller

Sarah Lockard — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:20:56 GMT

Empty Spaces Theatre Company is known for producing edgy, off-beat pieces of theater that really make you think, from biting, philosophical courtroom dramas like "Jesus Hopped the A-Train" and "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot," to Mamet's controversial piece "Oleanna," that deals with manipulation and sexual harassment. Their latest production of Byrony Lavery's "Frozen," opening this weekend in the Mandell Theatre of the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, promises more of the same, with an intense, three-person drama based on the study of a serial killer who murders children. This is definitely not for everyone, but if you are into gripping psychological thrillers, "Frozen" just might be your cup of tea.

Here's some more info:

A riveting and dramatic exploration of the 20th century's last great taboos of pedophilia and serial killing. The mother of a young girl who went missing 20 years before seeks understanding in a confrontation with her daughter's killer, while a psychologist attempts to prove illness, not evil, caused the man's crimes.

It sounds a little bit like a live action "Silence of the Lambs," with a stellar cast of well known local actors Keith Kirkwood, Marty Stonerock and Elizabeth Dean. The show is directed by John DiDonna (probably the busiest man in the Orlando theater scene), with additional direction by Empty Spaces collaborators Kevin G. Becker, Dennis Neal and Seth Kubersky.

Opening October 23rd and playing through November 8th
Friday, Saturday and Sunday night performances at 8:30 p.m. in the Mandell Theater of the Orlando Shakespeare Theater

WEDNESDAY PREVIEW - 50% off general admission tickets! DISCOUNT FOR THURSDAY/FRIDAY - $5.00 off regular General and/or Student/Senior admission! Reserved on 407.328.9005 - cash only at the door.

EVENTS: Halloween Horror Nights 2009 - an opinion

Paul Hiebing — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:26:57 GMT

I've lived in Orlando for over 5 years now, and have gone to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios for just about every one of those years. I love it. I love the great haunted houses, I love going through the scare zones, I love the attention to detail - and it's for all these reasons that HHN 20 is kind of a letdown this year.

To be fair, it's hard to do a Halloween event as massive as HHN, but when you're asking people to pay $70 to get in, plus pretty much requiring that they shell out an additional $40, $60, or $75 for the express pass if they hope to see more than two houses - you had better make it an unforgettable experience. And to that end, this year is kind of lame. Let's take you through the houses:

Wolfman: By far, this is the best house this year. It's lengthy, the sets encompass both the gothic architecture as well as the immersive feeling of being in a fog-drenched nightscape, and the audio design - full of wolfy snarls and shrieks - is top notch. Sadly, none of the other houses use the theme as a diving board for creative scares as well as this one, so it's all downhill from here.

Dracula: Gothy fangs and lots of blood don't make up for poorly-conceived scares (yeah, I totally didn't expect you to pop out at me from behind that coffin) and bad memories of Francis Ford Coppola's film. It's Dracula, for god's sake - this should have been more engaging and less reliant on "boo". The best part are the hallways with portraits of shapeshifting people - more of a focus on transformation and encroaching evil (do scareactors even chase people anymore?) would have helped.

Frankenstein: They recycled those Fly teleporter pods for Frankenstein? Sorry, that comes off as cheap, not an homage. And this is indicative of something that bugged me throughout: a lot of the effects and makeup seemed cheap (I mean come on, does Disney have sole rights to the Pepper's Ghost effect? No. Use it.). Masks? The best you can do for a Frankenstein's monster is a rubber mask?

Leave It to Cleaver: And speaking of masks, all this bizarre paean to wholesome cannibalism has going for it is creepy masks. Seriously, an entire house and we only see one person getting chopped up? Lame.

Saw: Biggest disappointment of the night. The house was not fully stocked with scareactors, so whole sections went by where I thought "I'm pretty sure someone was supposed to jump out at me from there." Also, it's frickin' Saw! I want to see entrails shooting across the room at me, not some person crying themselves to sleep in a cage. The best part is at the beginning, where a video camera puts you on the wall of TV screens alongside other victims.

The Spawning: I didn't go into this one, so it could have been good, but chances are it's just rubber monsters.

Chucky: Aside from the spinning tunnel at the beginning, this one was another blown opportunity. There's a part where you walk through boxes of Chucky dolls and nothing happens. Your anticipation isn't rewarded by something actually jumping out at you, and while you can pull that maneuver off in the movies you can't do that in a haunted house. People want the release and pay over $100 for it.

Silver Screams: This one is actually pretty decent as they did a good job of capturing the feel of an old movie theater and populating it with well-positioned scareactors (I finally saw some actors ganging up on people as they passed by). Try and hit this one.

The scare zones were also light on scareactors when I went, which is just a shame. People are, again, on average plunking down over $100 each to get into this event, so the least that can be done is make sure there are enough scareactors to properly scare the poop out of the customers. I love Halloween Horror Nights (it's one of the reasons I love living in Orlando), but this year was a pretty big letdown for me. I hope next year that I get more than rote haunted houses and cheap rubber masks on the actors - anything less than an otherworldly experience just isn't worth the money.