We’re kicking off Spring with a wrong turn on our way to develop a new graphic approach for use in the “Stark Charleston” animation project. This was an attempt to add color to the mix. I like this one test, but I’m sticking with black and white for the finished project. This was an attempt at working with a very limited color pallette in high contrast. Click it to see a bigger version.
This week’s video was recommended by little Frankie Panucci, age seven, of South Hills. It’s a darling performance by a wonderful crooner from Russian television. It’s amazing the things you can pick up from that Sputnik thing.
After the jump, you’ll find one of our archived episodes of Radio Free Charleston. Episode 68 features music from Jeff Ellis (coming to The Empty Glass this Thursday) and Marcie Bullock, plus The RFC Financial Report and “Cuticles,” who are due to to return soon. Look for a review of Jeff’s new CD next week in PopCult.
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The PopCulteer
March 19, 2010
Setting the record straight.
Last week I wrote about the proposed production of the musical “Lil’ Abner,” which is slated to star Charleston’s mayor, Danny Jones. There were a few misconceptions on my part, and a couple of attempts at subterfuge by people in the comments section of this blog. Mayor Jones took the time to contact me to clear up a few things, and in the interest of fairness and accuracy, I am going to revisit this topic.
First, I still think the idea of Mayor Jones playing the lead role is a bad one. I also think that billing this as a “reunion” when the original female lead is not a willing participant is a mistake. It would be like holding a reunion of Hall and Oates, without Hall. If you recall, my long-time girlfriend, Melanie Larch, the co-star of the 1986 production of “Lil’ Abner,” was asked to be involved with this “reunion.” She declined. She thought it was a bad idea, but kept quiet about it out of respect to the other parties involved.
The Arts Council of Kanawha Valley will hold a series of public meetings to identify arts organizations, artists and people who want to contribute, be involved and/or learn more about the council.This is a great idea, and can help build bridges between the different organizations and people to whom the arts are important.
A full schedule of organizational meetings can be found by clicking the “read more” link.
This week’s early dose of art is yet another image from the top-secret animation project, set to debut on Radio Free Charleston’s 100th episode in a few weeks. This is shot of the United Bank Building, with a difference. And OH! WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Click it to see it bigger. And don’t forget to watch last week’s episode of the show.
Below, you see the exact images Syd Barrett saw in his mind when he wrote this song (if the video is missing, click here):
It explains so much, doesn’t it.
After the jump, check out this week’s bonus video, one of last year’s episodes of Radio Free Charleston, featuring Blue Million, recorded at Bruno’s, across Lee Street from The Clay Center. Alan Griffith and Blue Million return to Bruno’s this coming Friday night.Try the brick-oven pizza!
The PopCulteer
March 12, 2010
Dogpatch Blues
One of the worst-kept secrets in town over the last few months has been the just-officially-announced “Reunion” production of the musical “Lil Abner” that is supposed to take place this fall. Kanawha Players, an organization that’s been dealing with some pressing money and organizational issues of late, has apparently signed on to stage this musical at the behest of Charleston’s Mayor, Danny Jones (right). Jones is putting up the money for the production, but there’s one big string attached.
Danny Jones wants to reprise his role as Lil’ Abner. A role he played on stage before….in 1986.
I believe that, by the time the projected play dates come around, our illustrious Mayor will be 60 years old. The title character of “Lil’ Abner” is supposed to be 18. Now this should just be a fun little news story about our goofy mayor and his latest misadventures, but it’s taken a darker turn, and I have a personal stake in it.
Radio Free Charleston’s ninety-fifth episode, “Glen Brogan’s Visible Grimace Shirt,” is in the books, or at least in this post, up at the top (and if it isn’t, click here). This episode of RFC showcases new music from Eva Elution and vintage music from Mother Nang. We also have our usual animation and mind-hurting weirdness. Plus we revisit the very first 60 Second Art Show, featuring the art of Felix Krasyk.
We shot our host segments Saturday morning, taking advantage of the gorgeous weather. Our location was Kanawha Boulevard, just East of the latest prolonged blockage of Charleston’s favorite artery.
One of the reasons we picked this location is that it’s near The Boulevard Tavern, where Mother Nang is playing this Friday.
Today’s artistic wake-up call is a digital painting, “Saturn.” It’s an exercise in color composition and black space. The yellow sphere is supposed to be Titan, but I moved it inside the rings because it looked better there. Click the image to see a bigger version.
Swiped from Mark Evanier’s blog,above you see the trailer for a UK cinema event. I’m sure it’ll come out on DVD over here eventually. Fans of Monty Python take note….this one’s for you.
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