The Big O

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.

EVENT: The INAPPROPRIATE Costume Party

Miriam Lorenzi — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:34:46 GMT

Have you always wanted to dress in a costume that you thought would be funny but might offend people due to its offensive overtones or political incorrectness? Well tonight you are encouraged to do so AND can even win $100 bar tab for being the most offensive.

Brownsville presents The INAPPROPRIATE Costume Party tonight at the Peacock Room from 10 to 2. People who show up in costume will get in for free, everyone else pays five bucks. I will be there to take your picture – lets make ‘em good, folks!

WHAT??
The Peacock Room
Friday night, TONIGHT! the 23rd
1321 N Mills Ave
FREE if in costume
$5 dressed as a regular shmo.

View the eVite

In their words:
Brownsville Presents The INNAPROPRIATE Costume Party hosted by Cub as "Martin Luther Bling"! You get the idea! Let the sickest part of you ring true and come as something clever and offensive enough to make everyone smile...

All members of Brownsville will be reppin' on the wheels of steel and VJ Kid Kadian will be on the visuals!!!

Free admission to any costumed miscreant judged "INNAPROPRIATE" enough , other than that it's only $5 AND there's a Costume Contest!

FIRST PRIZE-$100 bar tab and a kick in the ass for being such a sick bastard.
SECOND PRIZE-A Free Brownsville House Party* and $50 in custom graphic/vinyl work provided by DESIGNABILITY and noogies from the crew for just not being right.
THIRD PRIZE-Exclusive mixes from the entire Brownsville crew and a half-assed high five for being a punk.

Show us how sick you can be Orlando and come have fun! You know the Peacock Room goes all out for the Halloween month, so your surroundings will be unparalleled! Ish will be ILL kids, and NOW YOU KNOW!!!

*Members of Brownsville will play your House Party for FREE! We'll bring the sound you just add booze and friends!

EVENTS: Brian Feldman commits one of the 7 Deadly Sins

Sarah Lockard — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:08:41 GMT

To some people, wasting time may be the most unforgivable sin of all, and Brian Feldman will commit it for 30 hours, starting this Friday October 23 at 6 p.m. Feldman will park his skinny self outside of the Cameo Theatre where Emotions Dance Company will be hosting their 7 Deadly Sins event - “a sinfully seductive art show of temptation, indulgence and pleasure featuring artwork and performances.” Sloth is the first project in Brian Feldman’s 7 Deadly Sins series.

7 Deadly Sins promises to be an eclectic evening of pleasure, featuring evocative modern dance, body painting, food, music, drinks and performances by:

Emotions Dance Company

body painter - Mystifying Ink

singer/songwriter - Jamesson Beane

visual artist - Palin Perez

poets - Tod Caviness, Holly Riggs, J. Bradley and Curtis Meyer

culinary artist - Tropical Delight & The Crepe Company

performance artist - Brian Feldman (30 hour performance entitled Sloth)

special event kick-off - Jeremy Seghers (Friday Night Only!)

**New Artist Added** mixed media artist - Miriam Melans visual artist - Kayla Prommersberger fashion show - Dechoes visual artist - Jacob Cordell visual artist - Mark Hadley

THEATER: Musical is the Cat's Meow

Sandra Carr — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:08:12 GMT

Furry felines pranced, preened and pounced on stage during the Broadway Across America tour of 'CATS' at the Carr Performing Arts Centre last night. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is based on T.S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.' Webber created the masterpiece, which is one of the longest running show's in Broadway's history, after purchasing Eliot's book of kitty poems in an airport bookstore. The production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical during its 18-year run on Broadway.

'CATS' is a tale about the tribe of Jellicle Cats who celebrate under the moonlight during the Jellicle Ball every year when their leader Old Deuteronomy chooses one of its members to be reborn in the Heaviside Layer. The ball takes place on a junkyard-looking set, complete with tires, hidden nooks and crannies and a license plate with the letters NAP, which was a nice, humorous touch especially, for the cat lovers in the audience like moi.

Munkustrap and the other animated cat characters tell the story through song and ballet-style jumps and cat-like, playful dance moves while wearing slinky, fur-lined costumes and glam-meets-colorful theatrical makeup. The actors also interact with the audience by walking up and down the aisles throughout the performance. There are a few long parts during Act One but cat fans won't mind the extra kitty time.

Highlights include the entrance of The Rum Tum Tugger strutting around the stage and being the center of attention while driving the female cats wild. He also jumps into the audience and dances with a lucky lady on the front row. The Rum Tum Tugger later introduces Mr. Mistoffelees, a magical cat with powers and tricks up his sleeve.

Other notable moments included the 25-pound black cat Bustopher Jones, a glutton who wears white spats and spends his time continuously eating like my black kitty Sid (and thankfully he's not 25 pounds). Villain Macavity looked like former KISS drummer Eric Carr in makeup and causes havoc within the Jellicle Cats tribe during a few scenes. Gus, the Theatre Cat is palsy-stricken but has a chance to reminisce about his days on stage once again, including his role in 'Growltiger's Last Stand' where he portrays a pirate that fights amusing Siamese warrior cats wearing gold and turquoise-looking garb and speak in high voices.

The pivotal moment is experienced when Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, an older feline who once was on top of her game, returns to the Jellicle Cat tribe. She sang a heartfelt and emotional 'Memory,' leaving the audience awe-struck and causing them to vehemently clap after her performance.

Following the magnificent musical 'CATS,' I had an opportunity to hang with the cast during an after party at 310 Lakeside in downtown Orlando. The actors and actresses were out of their costumes and makeup, of course, and chilled out while mingling with the packed house over appetizers and libations.

'CATS' is one musical that's for anyone 'now and forever,' even if you're not an animal or feline fan. See for yourself during the musical's run through Sunday October 25 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 $34-$65.

MUSIC: Silversun Pickups inspired odyssey

Miriam Lorenzi — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:07:49 GMT

Encapsulated in my pod of reality
Surrounded by a cloak of darkness,
the canvass I paint my dreams upon.

There is something magical about blasting a quality car stereo while driving at night. When you’re rocking the good stuff, every molecule in your small space vibrates with the frequency of excitement. Your skin tingles, your shoulders go broad, your spine elongates and even your ears point up.

I recall one specifically blastacular occurrence on an evening back in June. I had just left a very nice wedding and was feeling oddly giddy, rebellious and slightly lucky for (at my age) never haven taken the plunge or produced offspring. The particular song that shook my bones that night was “Growing Old Is Getting Old” from the new album Swoon by Silversun Pickups (SSPU). It starts simply enough: a gripping bass line, a solid repetitive kick drum beat, etheric synth tones, and a delicate flickering guitar melody. Before long a soft voice breathes life into a song about the cycle of life. The song remains steady and practically unchanging for several minutes, all the while secretly building to that moment of uproarious release.

“I want to go see a band that makes me feel like this! I want to see a band like Silversun Pickups TONIGHT!” I shouted when the song ended to my long-time companion/wedding date. Of course it wouldn’t happen that night because, while Orlando is blessed with a wealth of musical talent, there is no other band out there like Silversun Pickups. Four months later, however, I would get my wish and “Growing Old Is Getting Old” was the opening song when SSPU graced Gainesville and Jacksonville stages.

There are so many things to like about this band. They weave compliments and extremes into pulsing tapestries of textured soundscapes. Swoon offers the opportunity to explore weightlessness and gravity, and by virtue of the lyrics, beats, melodies and harmonies I am a spacewalking astronaut tethered to an erupting volcano when I listen. Themes of karma, letting go of fear, relationships, resolution, sex, entrainment to love, and more are all powerfully backed by SSPU’s special brand of trippy, heavy, gripping, subtle sounds. Each musician is his and her own galaxy and together form an amazing universe. Their music nurtures imagination while well-crafted rhythms rouse your core. When I listen, my brain is galvanized. I not only feel really good but I think about WHY I like the music, what pulls me to a particular song or to appreciate one drummer over another. But all that is another story.

Silversun Pickups brought the Swoon tour to Florida at the beginning of October. They played Friday in Gainesville, Saturday in Fort Myers, and Sunday in Jacksonville. My immediate reaction at the end of the Friday night show was: They give so much. They give it all.

From the moment they walk onto the stage Brian Aubert is smiling. He rocks hard, making sure to deliver fierce guitar thrashings to every part of the stage, giving rise to a sense of intimacy that only a live performance can offer. And when the audience cheers, Brian generates a smile that says thank you a thousand times over. Joe on keys and knobs fills the concert hall with otherworldly sounds that compliment Brian’s guitar. Joe also creates the string sounds in lieu of the orchestra that performs on Swoon. Christopher Guanlao’s crash symbol is five feet in the air and it is constantly fun to watch his unique drumming techniques. Nikki, whose bass lines are badass, plays it cool with occasional outbreaks of adorable smiles. I decided a long time ago that Christopher was my favorite drummer. But after seeing them live and listening to Swoon as many times as I have, I now realize that Nikki and Christopher comprise my favorite rhythm section of any band.

“I’m going to the Jacksonville show on Sunday!” I declared to the world after the Gainesville encore.

Flash backward two months - August: “Why the heck not?” I thought as read about a contest on SSPU’s website for a chance to meet and greet the band. So entered and completely forgot about it.

Fast forward to Noon, Sunday October 4th: I’m checking my hotmail when I see a new message with the subject, “SILVERSUN PICKUPS - JACKSONVILLE WINNER.” I immediately think SPAM but open the message anyway.

I still can’t get my head around the fact that I actually won something as cool as meeting my favorite band. What makes it such a thrill is that I got to share the company of artists that do so much for so many by taking the chance to bear their hearts and souls in front of the world. Swoon is a leap forward in many aspects in my opinion, and I can only imagine that Silversun Pickups will continue to expand their music and deliver fresh and powerful substance as we continue to not grow old, but grow.

TONIGHT @ 11/10c on Current TV see intimate, exclusive footage of Silversun Pickups as they released their new album Swoon

Listen and Watch SSPU

SSPU on Myspace

SSPU on Facebook:

Vote for SSPU for MTV’s “Woodie of the Year” award

Photos from the Florida shows

Events: Free tix to Michael Jackson's This Is It

Paul Hiebing — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:24:59 GMT

Oh, Korndogg, you do have a knack for promotions. Tonight at his Rock Band Karaoke at Buffalo Wild Wings in Waterford Lakes, Korndogg is giving away advanced screening passes to the Michael Jackson documentary/post-mortem film "This Is It" (which opens October 28, by the way).

Of course, you have to get on stage and sing a song or play some Rock Band, but if you're really that excited about going to see "This Is It" you probably don't have a lot of dignity to sacrifice anyway (I kid! I kid!). He only has 50 passes to give away, so be sure to sign up fast. If you're not that jazzed about the movie, Korndogg also has shirts to give away as well. Shirts of what, I don't know. You should get back to me on that one.

The raucous musical madness starts at 9 p.m.

BARS: Peek-A-Boo peep show at Stardust

Paul Hiebing — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:36:32 GMT

Buddy Dyer may have recently said that there will be no more strip clubs in Orlando, but Stardust Lounge is making that about as false a statement as they can (while still being legal, that is). This Wednesday (tomorrow!) they keep their Vegas-styled roots alive and continue their revival of burlesque as an art form with Peek-A-Boo (emphasis is on the "boo").

This time it's Halloween-themed, with costumes (as well as a lack thereof) provided by Fairvilla Megastore for your gawking pleasure. I could try to be tactful here and say that it's all about appreciating the lost art of burlesque dancing, but really, you know you're going only to see some killer costumes and taped-up boobies. Don't be ashamed - it's why Peek-A-Boo has been around for almost a year now.

To attend, be snappy and call the Stardust Lounge to reserve a table 407-839-0080 (because they sell out every time). It'll be a well-spent $5 cover.

Arts & Culture: Arte Faire supports our community.

Miriam Lorenzi — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:45:40 GMT

Giving gifts is always a good thing, especially when the gifts are handmade and doubly so when they come from an artist or craftsman that lives in your neighborhood. We give to ourselves when we shop locally because it supports our community emotionally, spiritually and financially. Buying locally tells your neighbor, "I like what you're doing. Your services are vaulable. Here's some money to pay your bills. Keep up the good work! " Plus, staying close to home even reduces carbon emissions. Yep, another bonus.

Tonight you can participate in all this local loving by A - stopping at Will's Pub starting at 6 p.m. to get yourself a brew; while you B - browse the goods of local vendors slinging art, candles, clothing, food, tarot readings and more at reasonable prices while you listen to the sweet stylings of DJ Gomez; and then C - buy something that will put a smile on the heart of you and yours.

Sounds good, no? YES!

Featuring candle making demos from Jilliansays!
Vegan donuts from ’The Fat Vegan’
Pocas Hottest – delicious, locally produced bbq and hot sauces
Charlie Buchanan - Various art and ceramics
Miriphoto - Photography prints and magnets
The House of Abraxas - T-shirts and handbags
Dolla - T-shirts and bomb cans
Noah Howell - Low-brow art plaques
Clock and Balls - custom, vintage inspired clocks
Retail Trash - diy record boxes and jewelry
Liz Langley will be doing tarot readings.
DJ Gomez will be playing music

See you here for Arte Faire:
Will's Pub
FREE!
1042 N Mills Ave
Orlando, 32803

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144349412918&ref=mf

ART: the Rabbit hole by Nyahzul, on display at Tatame Sake Lounge.

Miriam Lorenzi — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:34:24 GMT

Everybody is raving about Nyahzul's solo show "the Rabbit hole" on display at Tatame Sake Lounge now through November 11^th. Nyahzul is a painter of the ultra fem, dark and mysterious realm of wonderment. For this show, she has given us a secret peek into her soul by stepping outside her boundaries to present us with photomantages. The depth of these multimedia pieces goes beyond what we have seen so far from this artist and I highly recommend you go to Tatame and see "the Rabbit hole."

The Rabbit Hole at
Tatame Sake Lougne
223 W Fairbanks Ave
Orlando, FL

Want More?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyahzul/
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141815356304&ref=mf
http://www.facebook.com/nyahzul#/nyahzul?v=info

ARTS: Spoken Word Super-Show Tonight!

Paul Hiebing — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:53:57 GMT

You know, it's Monday, and you're just coming down off the weekend, perhaps you'd like to take things a little easy to help transition yourself into the week, maybe just stay in, catch some Monday Night Football, who knows. Or, you could act like a grown-up and get your brain charged up and firing on all cylinders by listening to a buttload of pithy wordplay at the Elephant Engine High Dive Revival tonight at the Cameo Theatre!

Before I continue I will concede that yes, that is just about the most pretentious name you could assign the thing, but remember - this is spoken word poetry. Subtlety isn't a factor when encouragement is delivered in the form of finger-snapping.

Anyway, tonight beginning at 8 p.m. you get the privilege, nay, the honor of seeing some of the nations finest spoken-word performers doing their best pieces for you, in rapid succession. If you've ever been afraid to go to one of these things because you think it'll be like attending a relative's stand-up routine (where all you can do is force a smile and watch the clock while your loved one dies on the stage), fear not! These folks are pros, been doing this for years, and they know what will make you laugh and what will set your ears on fire.

For a paltry $7 (or $5 if you're a student looking to fill up on credits for catching performances) you get to see heavy hitters like Buddy Wakefield, Derrick Brown, Anis Mojgani, Shira Erlichman, and Robbie Q., all of whom guarantee that you'll hear something you'll like. Well, it's not a money-back guarantee, but you'll like what they've got, just trust me.

As the cooler weather reminds us, the year is coming to an end, so head on out tonight and finally start putting some work toward that New Years resolution of getting more cultured.

MUSIC: Muscians don't want to miss Martin Atkins tonight at Taste.

Miriam Lorenzi — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:44:40 GMT

Martin Atkins, who has drummed for famous underground music groups such as PiL, Killing Joke, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Pig Face, is at Taste in College Park right now! He is promoting his book “Tour:Smart, Break the Band,” a guide which offers invaluable information on the best way to take your band on the road and get your name out there. Martin will be at Taste tonight to sign autographs and talk shop on the music industry. Musical guests, Shak Nasti will perform following the meet and greet.

FREE!
Taste Restauray
717 W. Smith Street
Orlando, 32804

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=311520155064&ref=nf
http://www.myspace.com/toursmart
http://www.myspace.com/shaknasti

MUSIC: I believe in B.o.B

Lindsay Hansen — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:55:45 GMT

What can now pass as musical and lyrical talent sucks. The radio sucks. This is an issue for B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray, but he's not just going to criticize it- his music is going to change it. Well, it may not start a revolution that has the ability to overthrow mainstream media, but what he brings to the table is much more profound than nonsense on mainstream airwaves or another single about Patron and swag. Bobby Ray knows music; great music. It may not be what's popular but it's selling- and his upcoming album under Grand Hustle records is gaining popularity. He's been discovered and heard, promising that we haven't seen what he's capable of just yet. And personally, I can't wait to see what he has in store for us.

Start from the beginning: What happened that brought you to be signed with Grand Hustle?
Well, I actually started out signing with Rebel Rock, and a turn of events led me to this man, and when he heard my music he was really impressed and I remember him telling me that "No matter if they're signing me or not, I want to work with you because I really believe in your music". From that point on I released mixed tape like "Cloud 9" and "The Future" and "Hi, My Name is Bob". When by the time I released "Hi, My Name is Bob" , me and Grand Hustle both were interested in doing a joint venture with Rebel Rock. And Rebel Rock and Grand Hustle are both under Atlantic, so it would be easy to work out since they're under the same family. So, eventually when everything hashed out, we realized that it was a good situation to be in and it showed the best of both worlds of the style of music that I make.

In the mix tape "B.o.B versus Bobby Ray", you talk about your upcoming album under Grand Hustle, that we haven't heard the best of you yet. What can we expect?
The album is really an expansion. It shows the growth. A lot of the music on the mix tapes, the "B.o.B. versus Bobby Ray" mix tape, is pretty recent. The mix tape is like the appetizer, and the album is the main course. People can expect music like what was on the mix tape, but the album is going to expand on that and show even more growth. I feel like listeners are going to be extremely satisfied.

Will the B.o.B. versus Bobby Ray format be followed?
It's going to be more of a consolidated kind of sound. It's too much to sustain both entities separated. I feel like I enjoy doing both styles of music, so I'm going to mix them both and get the best of both worlds.

You talk about how you lost yourself, and how you were going with what was popular. What was that moment where you decided to speak up and be yourself, rather than what the stereotype of rap artists is?
It first hit me on the night that I performed at T.I.'s club Crucial, and when I was there, even though I was performing Cloud 9 and that song isn't your typical song, I still realized that, out of everyone in the open mic circuit sounded similar, and even though it would be more of a challenge for me to sound the same than it is to sound different since I'm just naturally different, I realized then and there that the competition of the field is so large that if I'm not going to make it, I'd rather not make it being myself than trying to fit in to the mold. It was that day that I realized that I can't be what's expected of a rapper to be. In life, there's always a role and an identity and a concept. When you think of a rapper, you think of gold chains, MC, microphones.. I don't want to be bound to just that. It's not necessarily intentional, but what is intentional is my expression of freedom as a person. I steer away from playing a role just to get by in life. I'd rather not live than do what's necessary to get by. I like to explore and embrace the change. The change is what keeps life moving. Artists like Lupe and Gnarles Barkley, these are artists that keep the industry different and keep it alive.

Do you think that the people who listen to rap music daily are receiving the message you're trying to send kindly?
I feel like I get a lot of good comments and a lot of people giving me a lot of love, but more importantly, just as there are people giving me compliments, there are people giving me critiques. I try not to focus on either, because either or is bad to focus on too much. I take the best of both. If there's anything really important I got to see, I'm sure my dad or my managers will tell me. My dad checks my pages more than I do. He's really proud of me. He's probably going to end up reading this interview, so "Hi Dad!"

B.o.B is coming to the House of Blues with Blue October on Oct. 30. Believe me, you are not going to want to miss this show.

MUSIC: Killer Robots + Crater Tater + Gargamel! tonight at the Plaza Theater.

Miriam Lorenzi — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:03:32 GMT

TONIGHT! As always, fun stuff going on all over O-Town! My pick for tonight is The Plaza Theater where Killer Robots + Crater Tater + Gargamel! = musical mayhem and giggly good times. Plus, Killer Robots will be premiering their new film "The Battle for the Cosmic Potato". If you’ve never seen the Robots perform nor seen one of their movies, then you haven’t lived at all. They’re both hilarious and talented, as are all the bands playing at the Plaza Theater tonight!

425 N Bumby Ave, Orl 32803 9PM SHARP

For more info go to
http://www.myspace.com/killerrobots
http://www.myspace.com/gargamel/
http://www.myspace.com/cratertatermusic
http://www.theplazatheatre.com/

BARS: Lagunitas pint night at Redlight

Paul Hiebing — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:31:53 GMT

For the past couple years one particular craft brewery has elbow-dropped pretty much every other craft brews in bars around town. The old stalwarts like Rogue and Dogfish Head have been taken out at the knees, it seems, by a little brewery with a dog for a mascot and bizarre, schizophrenic prose written on each of their bottles. Oh, and enough hops in each beer to alter your genetic makeup.

That little brewery out of Petaluma, California is Lagunitas (their motto: Yes we even over-hop our pilsners, what's it to ya?) and they're pretty much a fixture in any beer bar worth its weight in bottle caps. So tonight (that's Wednesday, October 14), to celebrate, I dunno, just being around I guess, Lagunitas is coming to Redlight Redlight and giving away some swag!

Starting at 7 p.m., a representative named Lauren will be chucking free stuff in your direction, all in the name of getting you to stop complaining about how damn bitter all their beers are and just enjoy it. At the very least, with your first Lagunitas pint you get to keep the glass, which is always a welcome thing in my book (I wouldn't have a cup in the house if it weren't for all my free pint glasses).

So head on down to Redlight (it's Wednesday, what else were you going to do?) and get a hop-splosion in your mouth. And free stuff.

SHOPPING: A night of fun and fashion at H&M

Tanya Hanson — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:08:18 GMT

When the line for the women's fitting room is wrapped around to the men's section, it's a good bet you had a successful VIP pre-shopping event. And VIP it was with more than 400 fashionistas standing on the red carpet, anticipating walking through the doors for three hours of shopping H&M's Fall line last Tuesday. It was a night of affordable fashion with wine and girly drinks at one of three open bars, hostesses serving hors d'oeuvres and a DJ spinning a mix of Top 40 and hip-hop while slipping in a few classics like Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time."

Shoppers filled their arms with the latest styles - short-sleeve sweater coats, cropped blazers, knit hats, chunky sweaters, shiny pants to name a few. Yes, there are men's fashions, too and an upstairs devoted to children from toddlers on up as well as a small maternity section, but much of the first floor belongs to the ladies. There are also small sections for lingerie, shoes, jewelry and accessories.

For those not familar with H&M, expect to buy runway-worthy outfits for incredible prices; I saw many pieces such as sweaters for $24.95 and accessories starting at $5.95. I was sure to make some mental notes of items I'll be trying on after the grand opening excitement is over.

Part of a new 136,000-square-foot open-air section, the Swedish retailer will be one of several new tenants at the Florida Mall; others are rumored to be Dick's Sporting Good, Zara and XXI Forever. Lord & Taylor, which closed in 2007, was demolished to build the new mixed-use outdoor center. It has a different feel from the rest of the mall and that's a good thing.

Here's a bit more directly from H&M spokesperson Nicole Christie:

Question: These are your first two stores in Florida. What appealed to you the most about Orlando area? What was the thinking behind opening locations in the Florida Mall and Seminole Towne Center?
Answer: At H&M we always look for the best locations in the best cities. We are happy to be able to offer the consumers of Orlando two stores opening simultaneously!

Q: Any plans to open stores elsewhere in Florida?
A: At this time there are no plans for another Florida store but we are excited for the two openings this week!

Q: Will your new stores focus on women’s fashions, or will they also include men and children?
A: Both the Florida Mall and Seminole Towne Center stores offer all of our concepts including men, women's and children.

Q: What trends highlight your Fall line? Will either store carry your designer collaborations?
A: Both stores will receive our Fashion Forward collections. The stores will not receive the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection.

Q: What can shoppers expect during Thursday’s grand opening?
A: We will offer T-shirts and gift cards ranging from $10-500 dollars for the first 300 people in line.

Both Florida locations open Thursday, October 15 at noon (the second location is in Sanford's Seminole Towne Center). Get there early, there's certainly going to be a line not only to get in the store, but for the fitting room as well.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2009

Tanya Hanson — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:46:35 GMT

I’ve always viewed Magic Kingdom as a park for the wee ones, so when it comes to annual theme park events, I opt for more adult fare like the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year I checked out Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for the first time — it was not so scary but oh so fun. (Unless you count feeling like the train is going to fly off the track on Big Thunder Railroad as scary, which as a rollercoasterphobe I do.)

As a special event, this isn’t part of regular theme park admission; so you’ll have to pay an additional $53 (ages 3 - 9) or $59 (ages 10 and up); The Halloween night event is sold out. The best part about this is that after 7 p.m. only those with a wristband are allowed to stay in the park and everyone else has to head out. On the flip, if you’re only going to the party, you can’t enter the park until 4 p.m., but you can stay until the park closes at midnight. Eight hours of theme parking is more than enough for me. It's also worth noting that limited people remaining in the park, we had no wait for most rides and only 20 minutes for one.

Here’s what you can expect:

Trick-or-Treating at 13 Goofy’s Candy Company spots throughout the park.
Many of your favorite characters in Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, including those from my favorite attraction Haunted Mansion (and the Headless Horseman leading the way).
The Halloween fireworks spectacular Happy Hallowishes, which can be seen from anywhere in the park.
Dancing with Disney characters during the Character Dance Parties.
Your favorite Disney villains will take part in the Disney’s Villains Mix & Mingle production.
Special Disney character appearances during meet and greets through the park.

Tip: We opted for the second parade starting at 10:30 p.m so we could spend the first six hours getting dinner, trick-or-treating and taking in some of the rides. Also the second parade will be less crowded. Get there at least 20-30 minutes before it starts to claim your spot and get your popcorn and funnel cake.

We only had one kid (age 10) in our group; the rest of us ranged from 15 to 43. The big kid in all of us had so much fun that we would go back again.