So much has happened over the last two weeks. The quick recap. this is long and wordy and filled with pictures, take your time.
SALEM
I arrived in Boston to a soppy, frigid evening and spent it indoors. There was wine and a great chicken crock-pot stew courtesy of Sara Ashodian, one of the gallery owners. We spent the evening talking shop and what not with co-owner Elise Mankes and Sara’s beau Peebadee. Not sure if that’s how you spell it but that’s it phonetically.
The Abandoned Well opening itself was great. Saw lots of new and old faces; sold a few pieces, sold some decks of cards, lots of good discussion. I had wanted T.A.W to be a sort of interactive piece. Something that made people do more than the cursory glances around the gallery and then drink the wine. And I would have to say it, so far, in that respect; it has been a huge success. Watching people go up and read each individual piece and then start associating which ones went with what, or trying to string together a story, it made me all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Maybe it was the wine but I don’t think so.
After the opening a few of us went to Mary Beth and Joe’s apartment for some delicious dinner. Not only is Joe a great filmmaker, but also he’s an awesome cook. Go
here to see some of his work, to eat his food you will need to befriend him. Go
here to see some of Mary Beth’s handiwork with the PEM (she assisted with this exhibition).
I am already planning out my next ‘book’ for the show next year. I gots me an idear. Trying to take the concept of a book to new levels of being a physical ‘work’ on its own, where it can either be displayed purely as ‘art’ or, while on the wall ‘read’ as a typical book. If the physics of what I want to do work themselves out there will be three books in all with additional ‘related works’.
THE MEDICINE THEORYMINI-MINI, MICRO-MINI TOUR
CHICAGO
Ok, one: bands and sports bars do not mix. Two: if you book said bar you may want to actually listen to the bands you’re booking and not get all offended and uppity when they don’t fit into a Jason Maraz/Dave Mathews Band/singer/songwriter/funk show to get the girls dancing and drinking-mold. For us, we played relatively quiet to begin with, but then Jeff was ‘asked’ to turn down about three songs in. And then we had our set cut short because there were time ‘issues’ for the third bands set. Said band then proceeded to do TWO sets of the aforementioned style of music, which included (back to back no less) the same song done twice. One of which the singer referred to as the “album” version, both sounded like crap to me. Aside from making the decision to drive partway to Columbia that night, the best thing of the evening was the
Tealights from Atlanta. If you get the chance go see them or buy their record. Not something I would normally listen to but very good.
COLUMBIA
Columbia made up for all of the bad in Chicago. The Bluebird Music Fest treated us well, as did the venue itself (Eastside Tavern). The soundman, Ray, the bartenders, door guys, and the owner made us feel right at home. Although we were using a backline set up, I was uncomfortable playing someone else’s drums, we played well and from what I was told we sounded good too. Hopefully we’ll make it back there soon.
NIGHT IS THE MIRROR
Saturday night was the theatrical debut of Alacartoona’s movie NIGHT IS THE MIRROR. It is awesome. Brian Hicks, Phil Kinen, the crew, the band…the all did an incredible job with it. Go
here to purchase; you will be glad you did. It truly transcends the idea of a “band movie” and is art unto itself. Also, there is a bit of animation I did for the beginning, so I’m a little biased.
OTHER STUFF
I am now back home working on the new book ideas, finishing up loose ends with the “Zoey” book I’ve been working on (it should be available very soon), started working on a new webisode for Frank Beddor’s HATTER M series (go
here to see the first one I did for him), and trying to cram as much in before my layoff period ends and I have to go back to work at the yearbook plant.
Cheers
T
