by: Jason Ferguson on 11/20/2009
THEATERS AND GALLERIES: SHOWS TO SEE NOW
Recent reviews of current productions and exhibitionsFINAL CHANCEAssassinsJohn DiDonna's young and energetic student cast give us mixed results. While most of the acting is exemplary (especially Michael Sapp as Samuel Byck, the man who wanted to crash a 747 into Dick Nixon’s White House), the director and his crew did miss some of the black humor at the heart of Weidman’s book, as well as some of the pathos of the story’s disturbed loners. And while there are some strong vocal performances, not all of the singers have been able to master the difficult score. Still, Assassins is a beguiling work, mostly because it presents an outlandish menagerie of twisted crazies hell-bent on their own particular murderous pursuits. (Final shows 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday at Seminole State College, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford; $10; 407-708-2040) Full review by Al Krulick.Holy Crap! Jesus Christ, the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus walk into a bar. (Please don’t stop me if you’ve heard this one; trust me, you haven’t.) Ever since his dad abdicated heaven for a lengthy sabbatical, the son of God (Joe Swanberg) has turned into a sloppy stoner, spending his days hawking “Holy Crap!”–branded pop-culture detritus like “Jesus Jeans." His drinking buddy, the Easter Bunny (David Lee), chomps cheap cigars and terrorizes autograph-seeing admirers by distributing eggs extracted from his sweaty underwear. And so it goes in the debut script from Dustin Burton, Taylor Bulloch and Lucas Koester. (Final show 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Parliament House, 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail; $10; www.wanzie.com) Full review by Seth Kubersky.CONTINUINGAndy Warhol: PersonalitiesThis tiny exhibition of Polaroids used as figure studies for Andy Warhol’s register-ringing assembly line of society portraits is valuable as a window into the fastidious methods of a man who (disingenuously) presented his work as a casual toss-off. (through Jan. 3 at Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park; $5; 407-646-2526; www.rollins.edu/cfam) Full review by Jessica Bryce Young.André Kertész: On ReadingThe images taken by photojournalist André Kertész – one of the most influential photographers of the century – capture a timeless depiction of book lust, from a sunbathing reader on a New York rooftop to a Venetian gondolier drowsing under the arch of a bridge. The collection of more than 100 prints has been simply installed to allow total focus on the black-and-white photos, made between 1915 and 1970. (through Jan. 3 at Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park; $5; 407-646-2526; www.rollins.edu/cfam) Fall Guide preview by Jessica Bryce Young.Crimes of the Heart It is a credit to director Aradhana Tiwari that she allows the subtext to come through without camping up Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning script that's already built for laughs. And we do enjoy the absurdities in the dark comedy about the bond of three sisters – and the men who shaped their lives and whose lives have been shaped by the women. (through Nov. 29 at Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden; $22; 407-877-4736; www.gardentheatre.org) Full review by Lindy T. Shepherd. Granted!The biographies of the 18 artists in the group exhibition – all recipients of an United Arts of Central Florida grant – confirms that these artists are indeed the "arts intelligentsia," with heavy representation by local professors, MFAs and members of the professional gallery and museum scene. The resulting show is fine, if somewhat safe in its scope. The artists include: Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, Jolie Spelman, Cathy Hempel, Craig Richards, Doug Rhodehamel, Donne Bitner, Fatima Lotfi Rice and Hye Shin. (through Jan. 9 at Crealdé School of Art, 600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park; donations; 407-671-1886; www.crealde.org) Full review by Rex Thomas.The Japan Craze and Western Art 1880-1920Dragonflies, fish, and other animals were seen anew by American artists through Japanese culture, and joining in the fun was Louis Comfort Tiffany. Indeed, Tiffany lamps flank the tea table set with an exquisite porcelain tea service in the detailed vignette. Also, Tiffany rival John La Farge’s stained-glass Gothic cathedral window is added for depth, as are historic photos of Japan. (continuing at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park; $3; 407-645-5311; www.morsemuseum.org) Full review by Rex Thomas.Jekyll & Hyde To its credit, GOAT has managed to cram the expansive creation into its less-than-cavernous Cherry Street space with a cast of 30 well-costumed performers who sing acceptably and move comfortably in the small acting area. But the seams show – awkward transitions on the stage, the lighting set too dark for the audience to see properly and way-too-loud vocals (thanks to mic'd actors performing only 10 feet away from the audience). (through Nov. 28 at Greater Orlando Actors Theatre, 669 Cherry St., Winter Park; $18; 407-872-8451; www.goatgroup.com) Full review by Al Krulick.Linda Schäpper: Central Florida Folk Art Painter of Historic and Sacred Scenes Linda Schäpper’s visual approach to the west Winter Park community has yielded a rich story line; the individuals, their hardships and involvement with their churches connect on human and spiritual levels to the viewer, reminding us that the sacred is everywhere. (through Dec. 19 at Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park; donations; 407-539-2680; www.hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org) Full review by Rex Thomas. Salt Water Taffy At first the exhibition appears to be all fun and visual games. Barbie-pink vintage cars seem poised over inviting surf in Tammy Rejimbal's pastels, and stormy clouds are boldly decorative bands in Lesley Giles' oils. Edges curl gently upward in boat-shaped vessels by ceramist Robert LaWarre, the varied textures of their quiltlike surfaces begging for the visitor's touch. But the show is serious while still lively and accessible, and at the same time it's a satisfying look at current Florida art. (through Dec. 18 at Atlantic Center for the Arts at Harris House, 214 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach; free; 386-423-1753; www.atlanticcenterforthearts.org) Full review by Laura Stewart.Surrounded 2Put to rest any doubt of the vibrancy of Orlando’s art scene; it’s here and now with talent and creativity still unfolding a year after the original Surrounded debuted at Bold Hype. With mock-ominous implications, visitors again will be “surrounded” by a dark, fatalistic undertone that addresses the Great Recession. In the visions created by 29 artists are new stories and ideas, and parallax views of uncivil horror, from a girl in a wagon amongst rusted-out jalopies to a bloody-handed backpacker in a decayed suburban ruin. (Through Dec. 7 at Bold Hype, 1844 E. Winter Park Road; free; 407-619-1965; www.boldhype.net)Full review by Rex Thomas.
by: Lindy on 11/20/2009
Well, at least this will sorta make you feel like you're on drugs... Like any playground pusher worth his salt, local psychedelic band Strangers Family Band is giving their latest seven-track EP for FREE here. It's a well-played testament to the continuing appeal of substance-induced truth-seeking. Enjoy. With experienced friends preferably.
by: Bao Le-Huu on 11/20/2009
THEATER REVIEW: "CRIMES OF THE HEART"
Crying in their cake: The lovely Magrath sisters(from left, Jennifer Bonner, Meggin Weaver, Britni Leslie)Crimes of the Heart8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through Nov. 29Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407-877-4736 www.gardentheatre.org$22 Even producer Beth Marshall said in her video promotion that this show is for chicks but that guys will get something out of it too. True enough. Crimes of the Heart is a dark comedy that’s caught up in the familial bond of three sisters – and the men who shaped their lives and whose lives have been shaped by the women. Beth Henley skillfully structures the laughs into her famous 1981 Pulitzer Prize-winning script; her story of domestic absurdities is sold to the audience by the believability of the Mississippi characters – the Magrath sisters and their friends and family. Their emotions are real enough to relate to, even when the antics veer into soap opera. There’s the eldest, neurotic sister Lenny (Meggin Weaver); the middle, wild-child Meg (Jennifer Bonner); and the sweet Babe (Britni Leslie). No. 1 still lives at home, taking care of ominous Old Granddaddy, who raised the girls after their mother departed from their lives early on. Life has ridden No. 2 a bit harder; she’s got singing talent and that tickles the old guy, but her rambling ways have taken her nowhere and she hides it. No. 3 is successful by societal measures with her attorney husband – until the upheaval. After which, the sisters are reunited and wounds, old and new, are exposed. It is a credit to director Aradhana Tiwari that she allows the subtext to come through without camping up the production – except for Marshall, that is, who gets to goose the action as a rude cousin who reminds us what we hate about being judged by our families. Otherwise Tiwari puts the pressure on the three leading ladies to deliver the entertainment. As Babe, Leslie nails the essential character mix of being normal and not. She looks right, talks right, but something in her life has gone horribly wrong. And her acceptance of her consequences doesn’t make us feel any better. Her attorney (Jason Horne) also grabs the stage upon his entry, at once a cartoonish Barney Fife and a do-right shy guy. Their scenes together are delightfully awkward. Meg throws her fabulous red tresses around as she chain-smokes (not inhaling) and makes sassy moves, especially on an old beau (William Hagaman) who can’t resist her charms, never mind the tragic past. But Bonner only shows us a hint of her shame and vulnerability, as her Meg plows on recklessly. Weaver warms up to the neurotic ways of elder sister Lenny, and the audience watches a spine grow by story’s end. But here’s where subtlety becomes a devil – too much nuttiness and we won’t feel Lenny’s quiet strength; too small a presence and she fades into the wallpaper of the homey kitchen set (designed by Tom Mangieri). Weaver’s performance wandered the spectrum. The sister bond is a relationship that’s as distinct as the individuals, but you see a common endurance in this trio. In the end, all the mess is elevated to the mysteries of unconditional love and living in the moment – even when it’s as silly as making a wish on the candles of a freshly baked birthday cake.
by: Lindy on 11/20/2009
by: Jason Ferguson on 11/19/2009
POOPTACULAR COMMERCIAL FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO
Steaming fresh footage from the team of Rhett & Link at I Love Local Commercials.
by: Lindy on 11/18/2009
ARE YOU DRUNK? (Y/N) ON MALT LIQUOR? (Y/N)
Fast-food Flowchart: For those nights when you're drunk enough to eat pasta in a bread bowl (but not too drunk to operate your laptop, presumably), Eating the Road comes to the rescue with this binary logic-based approach to getting fat.
by: Jessica Bryce Young on 11/18/2009
UH-OH, MORE D.A.D. MESS: JIM FAHERTY MOVES OUT OF CITYARTS FACTORY
We've got calls out to Jim Faherty, the oldest tenant of the CityArts Factory, and to Monte Olinger, the chairman of the board of Downtown Arts District Inc., to track down the full story, but here's what we've heard.Jim Faherty and Steve Jones of Church Street Concepts & Events LLC., who operate out of Pound Gallery in the CityArts Factory, moved out at the end of October over financial disputes. Pound is still being operated by CAF, but the departure is yet another breakdown in the D.A.D. enterprise explained in the recent story "Dear old D.A.D." It also begs the answer to an unanswered question: Why has the nightclub business been operating in the public art facility in the first place? It had previously been explained to me that Faherty owned Pound Gallery, but then why didn't he take that with him? A reminder: Taxpayer money to the tune of $36,000 per month is spent to rent the CityArts Factory building on Orange Avenue.
by: Lindy on 11/18/2009
by: Jason Ferguson on 11/18/2009
Due to a feared canned pumpkin shortage, the holiday favorite may be hard to come by this year. Do not fret, dear readers, but rather seize the day and dare to break tradition. May I suggest: lemon-glazed gingerbread (via The New York Times) poached pears with Asian five-spice (Delicious Living)caramelized apple tarte tatin (Gourmet)snow-covered holiday cupcakes (Heidi Swanson/101 Cookbooks; pictured)sticky toffee pudding (David Lebovitz)vegan chocolate rum pudding cake (CHOW.com) or the easiest clementine-and-almond cake ever (Nigella Lawson)?Truthfully, it's only Libby's brand canned pumpkin that's running short; if you simply must have pumpkin, do yourself a favor and buy organic.
by: Jessica Bryce Young on 11/17/2009
Hey, so are you as worn out from Anti*Pop as I am? I didn't even make it to half the shows I wanted to, and I feel like I went to twice as many as I did. Good lord I am old. (And, seriously, does anyone know what happened to Saturday night's metal show at Central Station?)Anyway, there are a few shows tonight:
by: Jason Ferguson on 11/17/2009
by: Steve Schneider on 11/17/2009
WHAT YOU'RE BUYING THE REST OF THE YEAR
Well, next week is Thanksgiving, which means that – as far as new releases go, at least – there's not gonna be a whole lot of news. So, "What You're Buying This Week" is gonna take a little hiatus until the release schedules pick back up again. In the meantime, here are a few things that are coming out between now and January that you might be interested in:November 17 Nurse With Wound: Space MusicNorah Jones: The FallThem Crooked Vultures: Them Crooked VulturesMark Matos & Os Beaches: Words of the KnifeScorn: Evanescence/EclipseRobin Guthrie: Songs to Help My Children SleepAnberlin: Anthology (3CD set of all their Tooth & Nail albums)Kraftwerk: The CatalogueNovember 24Jawbox: For Your Own Special Sweetheart remasterLogan Lynn: From Pillar To PostMedeski Martin & Wood: Radiolarians: The Evolutionary SetDecember 1Gatorface: Wasted MonumentsMorningbell: Sincerely, SeverelyR. Kelly: UntitledDecember 8King Crimson: In The Court of the Crimson King 2CD remasterTrans Am: What Day Is It TonightHelen Money: In TuneTricky: Maxinquaye deluxe reissueCluster: CuriosumZelionople: Give It Up
by: Jason Ferguson on 11/17/2009
SLOW NEWS DAY DEATH OF THE DAY
The host of MTV's amazing '80s game show, "Remote Control," Ken Ober, died at 52. No cause of death was announced. "Remote Control"'s emphasis on lazy ambition and sloppy set design, off-kilter structure, hazy game rules and frequent interruptions by a very young Adam Sandler doing god-knows-what made it a must-see for kids like me at the time. In this clip, some guy from Seminole Community College takes on a douchey Zak Penn (future screenwriter of X-Men: The Last Stand and the upcoming Avengers flick).
by: Justin Strout on 11/17/2009
NO MORE SPARKING UP BY THE DUMPSTER.
The New York Post reports that a Subway sandwich shop will be attached to the tower crane of the Freedom Tower going up on the old World Trade Center site, so that construction workers will not have to descend the tower or bring lunch. As the building rises, so will the Subway. Just a thought: maybe a little extra training for the sandwich artists?
by: Jessica Bryce Young on 11/17/2009
Online shopping? Check. Handmade goodies? Check. Irony-free rural weirdness (viz. My Husband's Nuts)? Check.Foodzie sells crazazay amounts of salted caramels, boozy chocolate bars (Single Malt Scotch Bars from BonBonBar), beautifully packaged alfajores; homemade tamales; country ham; dozens of varieties of pickles; confits of shallots, duck, quince, red onion; dried mushrooms; homemade biscuits from Charleston, N.C.; and more than 300 kinds of cookies.The prices range widely, but are generally not dirt-cheap. But the interface is simple and clean, and knowing that you're supporting a small business always feels good. As the holidays approach, Foodzie might come in handy. This æbleskiver starter kit (cast-iron pan, bag of æbleskiver mix, hot pad, etc.; pictured above) would be a good early gist: æbleskiver, like a cross between pancakes and popovers, are a perfect holiday snack.
by: Jessica Bryce Young on 11/16/2009
FIRST SHOT: WAITING FOR THE OTHER BOOT TO DROP
by: Steve Schneider on 11/15/2009
Yeah, our resident performance artist is doing one of those things again. This time, it's called: Pedestrian, or Walking: Impossible The basic premise involves how dangerous our roads have been rated (as if you didn't know). Brian Feldman is going to walk across the 12 most dangerous intersections in Orlando and Kissimmee. Not entirely sure where those are, but you can probably find out at his website. Sure to be a thrill a minute.
by: tifraser on 11/15/2009
ANTI-POP ACTS WE MISSED: THE FINAL DAY
RepublicorpseBy now I'm sure you've noticed that we're a fan of the Anti-Pop (hell, we're downright sponsors!). But as some (three?) of you may know already, this here paper tends to lock down coverage weeks in advance, mainly because the process from Word to print is a long one. This week we tried to give you a little blurb action on all the acts that were confirmed before lock. We think you'll like it. However, many, many, many acts have been added since then. For the complete schedule, well, just throw a rock. It's in our paper this week (page 9, yo!), and it's at the Anti-Pop site. Let's talk about some of the guys we didn't already, which isn't much tonight.SATURDAY:The Pretty Faces (Back Booth) No-frills power pop from South FloridaBeardsley (Tanqueray's) Dive-bar rock out of ClearwaterOnly Thieves (Tanqueray's) Appealingly clumsy pop-rock from a Tallahassee trioBuff Clout (Tanqueray's) Bruising J-ville duo with a hard prog bent1991 (Uncle Lou's) These guys are just fuckin' giddy with the rock spiritRepublicorpse (Uncle Lou's) Another fantastic local grindcore outfitSunny Got Money (57 West) White-boy reggae. Too talented to be doing that.No Circus (57 West) Man, we loved these guys once. As for what happened since, your guess is good as ours.
by: Justin Strout on 11/14/2009
FARM TO TABLE REMINDER: BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW.
Just a reminder! I wrote about Farm to Table on Salivation Army last month and in this week's Selections as well. If you're planning to go — you ARE planning to go, right? — better snap up tickets now. (You can do that here on the Enzian website.) They'll also sell tickets at the door if it's not sold out, but better safe than sorry, right?Farm to Table, 12:30–2:30 Sunday, Nov. 15; Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; $18
by: Jessica Bryce Young on 11/13/2009
IMAGES FROM O-TOWN: FLORIDA FALLEN HEROES QUILT PROJECT
by: Lindy on 11/13/2009
There's a chill outside (finally), retail outlets are ALREADY throwing out their come-hither-and-buy stares and folks are staring at their desk calendars' highlighted vacation days longingly.Including musicians. Yes, it's the holidays and the time when national artists start looking at their bank accounts vs. their ski itineraries and wondering, "Do I really need to play that show in Orlando? I mean, they are a haven for the swine flu, after all."Some local cancellations below. Expect more as the month progresses.Forever Tango (Bob Carr, Nov. 18) – I know, you're heartbrokenQueen Latifah (Hard Rock Live, Nov. 18)Ratt (House of Blues, Nov. 20)Dashboard Confessional (House of Blues, Nov. 28 & Nov. 29)Raphael Saadiq (Plaza Theatre, Nov. 29) – Actually heartbroken
by: Justin Strout on 11/13/2009
FRIDAY'S ANTI-POP ACTS WE MISSED
Bob On BlondeBy now I'm sure you've noticed that we're a fan of the Anti-Pop (hell, we're downright sponsors!). But as some (three?) of you may know already, this here paper tends to lock down coverage weeks in advance, mainly because the process from Word to print is a long one.This week we tried to give you a little blurb action on all the acts that were confirmed before lock. We think you'll like it.However, many, many, many acts have been added since then. For the complete schedule, well, just throw a rock. It's in our paper this week (page 9, yo!), and it's at the Anti-Pop site. Let's talk about some of the guys we didn't already. Tonight is local-heavy.FRIDAY:Michael Parallax (Will's Pub) A strange combo of Peter Gabriel and the Polyphonic Spree that should be transcendent but comes off goddamn annoyingThe Angst (Firestone Live) Pit-ready local punkIdol's End (Firestone Live) Word is they need a singer. That's debatable.Big City Bomber (Firestone Live) Still more local punk!Tooth and the Enamels (Firestone Live) And more. But we like them. And I'm pretty sure I have a rash from Tooth anointing me with blood last night.The New Threat (Firestone Live) More punk! Only this time from St. Cloud. Ahh, a twist.Jason Choi (AKA Lounge) Sensitive acoustic stuffThe Empyres (AKA Lounge) Local Brit Invasion revivalistsAndy Matchett (AKA Lounge) Multi-talented musician that gets passed around the local scene so much it's a wonder he can walk straight. Musically speaking, of courseBob on Blonde (AKA Lounge) We like themVarras Tower (Back Booth) A fascinating hip-hop/electronic audio-visual performanceDJ J Storm (Back Booth) A nationally recognized turntable artistSKIP and Jimmy (Back Booth) Ambitious post-rap with mad crowd appealDivinci and Beef Wellington (Back Booth) It's always cause for alarm (and a great time) when these crazed musicians team upRouse (Central Station) I fully thought this Americana-lite act broke up months agoRug (Central Station) Sincere, foot-stomping jazzy popThe Beauvilles (Central Station) Quickly gaining a rightful reputation as talented but forcedKing Bee (Central Station) Slightly overcooked blues rock out of Miami rendered more interesting by their singer's oddly metallic vocalsThe Future Now (Tanqueray's) Messy melodic rock from GainesvilleThe Still Voice (Tanqueray's) No clue why this pop-rock act is with this crew and not over at AKA with Matchett and friends, but OK.Overdale (Tanqueray's) Local hardcore trio with attitude to spareWatch Me Disappear (Tanqueray's) Reliably face-melting post-hardcore scene vetsThe Royal (Tanqueray's) Headliners and I ain't heard of 'em. Let me know if you have.Furious Dudes (Uncle Lou's) About as loud and rowdy as you could want, this Miami garage-punk group sacrifices quality for aggression and I'm sure they're just fine with that.
by: Justin Strout on 11/13/2009
MIRACLE WHIP: "FUCK YOU GRANNY!"
So if you watch as much TV as we do, you've probably seen it: the EXTREEEME! new Miracle Whip commercial, "Don't Be So Mayo": It's a pathetic attempt to make Miracle Whip "hippp!" (It reminded me of this David Cross bit about advertising to teens, bendy guitar notes and all.) Baby pools! Vintage Polaroids! Chicks with short hair!Stephen Colbert devoted a bit of The Colbert Report last night to ranting about the ad, and made his own version: Keg stands! Mayo tattoos! College chicks in bras smoking mayo bongs! Whee-YOOWWW!But NOW: Well now it seems it's some calculated, "ironic" meta-meta-bizness. Miracle Whip ran full-page ads declaring their intention to buy time in every ad break on the Report tonight, manifesto-ing: "On Thursday, November 12, we will dominate the airspace on your show. With every commercial break, your viewers will be exposed to hardcore Miracle Whip attitude and revelry. You will see our legion of (as you call them) "mayo nay-sayers" snarfing sandwiches topped with our one-of-a-kind flavor in a very cool and totally hip way. They will be in your face and massively dope. It goes without saying, they WILL NOT TONE IT DOWN. And you will begin to see the soft, bland white walls of the mayo empire begin to collapse under the weight of its own whipped-egg pretentiousness. Think about it Mr. Colbert. In a sense, we will own you. We're on a mission. We're taking no prisoners. We're raising Hell, Man. THE BOLD MARKETING TEAM AT MIRACLE WHIP"PWNED! Yawn.After the jump, the Miracle Whip ad, the Colbert Mayo ad, and David Cross' "Henderson Valley Eggs."<@jump>by: Jessica Bryce Young on 11/12/2009
THURSDAY'S ANTI-POP ACTS WE MISSED
Vocal powerhouse Kaleigh Baker (10 p.m., 57 West) is in a class of her own (Photo by Minas)By now I'm sure you've noticed that we're a fan of the Anti-Pop (hell, we're downright sponsors!). But as some (three?) of you may know already, this here paper tends to lock down coverage weeks in advance, mainly because the process from Word to print is a long one.This week we tried to give you a little blurb action on all the acts that were confirmed before lock. We think you'll like it.However, many, many, many acts have been added since then. For the complete schedule, well, just throw a rock. It's in our paper this week (page 9, yo!), and it's at the Anti-Pop site. Let's talk about some of the guys we didn't already.THURSDAY:Orlando Weekly Anti-Pop Showcase (curated by music editor Justin Strout and OW contributors Bao Le-Huu and Jason Ferguson, it's some of our favorite locals)Tanqueray's, doors at 8, acts start at 8:45D. Strange - Exciting local freestyle connoisseuralGARythm - Previous Best Of Orlando finalists for Electronic Act, these guys are supreme purveyors of the weirdJ-Biz & Smash City Gauntlet - Distinct in the area for his gruff East Coast flowLauris Vidal - A DeLand staple, Vidal mixes Americana with genuine guitar skills. And he totally might cancel.Cracker Jackson - An area veteran, the wild geek-rap MC puts on a helluva show.Sincere (AKA Lounge) Local rapper with an intense vocal styleKnaladeus (AKA Lounge) Spiritually minded molasses-drawled MCTunji (AKA) Pretty standard hip-hop out of Los AngelesLooptroop Rockers (AKA) Dance-rap vets out of Sweden, their objective is fun and they get it done. Elephant Gun (Peacock Room) Funk-minded local rockThe New Lows (Peacock Room) We like 'emThe Ludes (Peacock Room) Power-trio rock featuring omnipresent local Jeff NolanKaleigh Baker (57 West) Yep, we like her too!Yacht In-Store (Park Ave) It doesn't get better than these intimate performancesEmpyrean (Central Station Bar) One of the best local metal bands and an OW favoriteFaethm (Central Station Bar) Melodic, if plodding, local hard rockChasing Thrill (Central Station Bar) Warped Tour snots are billed as an acoustic performance here. Smells like trouble.Swansinger (Central Station Bar) Moody radio rock that wants to be loved but pushes us away
by: Justin Strout on 11/12/2009
IN THEATERS AND GALLERIES: SHOWS TO SEE
Recent reviews of current productions and exhibitionsFINAL CHANCEMy Camera Speaks for Me: Photography by Douglas Nesbitt Uncompromising reality has led photographer Douglas J. Nesbitt into nearly every aspect of contemporary photography, from advertising to portraiture to documentation to fine art. When he manipulates certain images, the result creates a completely new narrative. Nesbitt’s recent work, including photos from around Orlando, shows us our own context in a fresh way and brings us other contexts for contemplation and insight. (through Nov. 15 at Albin Polasek Museum, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park; $5; 407-647-6294; www.polasek.org) Full review by Rex Thomas.CONTINUINGAndy Warhol: PersonalitiesThis tiny exhibition of Polaroids used as figure studies for Andy Warhol’s register-ringing assembly line of society portraits is valuable as a window into the fastidious methods of a man who (disingenuously) presented his work as a casual toss-off. (through Jan. 3 at Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park; $5; 407-646-2526; www.rollins.edu/cfam) Full review by Jessica Bryce Young.André Kertész: On ReadingThe images taken by photojournalist André Kertész – one of the most influential photographers of the century – capture a timeless depiction of book lust, from a sunbathing reader on a New York rooftop to a Venetian gondolier drowsing under the arch of a bridge. The collection of more than 100 prints has been simply installed to allow total focus on the black-and-white photos, made between 1915 and 1970. (through Jan. 3 at Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park; $5; 407-646-2526; www.rollins.edu/cfam) Fall Guide preview by Jessica Bryce YoungGranted!The biographies of the 18 artists in the group exhibition – all recipients of an United Arts of Central Florida grant – confirms that these artists are indeed the "arts intelligentsia," with heavy representation by local professors, MFAs and members of the professional gallery and museum scene. The resulting show is fine, if somewhat safe in its scope. The artists include: Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, Jolie Spelman, Cathy Hempel, Craig Richards, Doug Rhodehamel, Donne Bitner, Fatima Lotfi Rice and Hye Shin. (through Jan. 9 at Crealdé School of Art, 600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park; donations; 407-671-1886; www.crealde.org) Full review by Rex ThomasThe Japan Craze and Western Art 1880-1920Dragonflies, fish, and other animals were seen anew by American artists through Japanese culture, and joining in the fun was Louis Comfort Tiffany. Indeed, Tiffany lamps flank the tea table set with an exquisite porcelain tea service in the detailed vignette. Also, Tiffany rival John La Farge’s stained-glass Gothic cathedral window is added for depth, as are historic photos of Japan. (through Aug. 8 at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park; $3; 407-645-5311; www.morsemuseum.org) Full review by Rex Thomas.Jekyll & Hyde To its credit, GOAT has managed to cram the expansive creation into its less-than-cavernous Cherry Street space with a cast of 30 well-costumed performers who sing acceptably and move comfortably in the small acting area. But the seams show – awkward transitions on the stage, the lighting set too dark for the audience to see properly and way-too-loud vocals (thanks to mic'd actors performing only 10 feet away from the audience). (through Nov. 28 at Greater Orlando Actors Theatre, 669 Cherry St., Winter Park; $18; 407-872-8451; www.goatgroup.com) Full review by Al Krulick.Linda Schäpper: Central Florida Folk Art Painter of Historic and Sacred Scenes Linda Schäpper’s visual approach to the west Winter Park community has yielded a rich story line; the individuals, their hardships and involvement with their churches connect on human and spiritual levels to the viewer, reminding us that the sacred is everywhere. (through Dec. 19 at Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park; donations; 407-539-2680; www.hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org) Full review by Rex Thomas. Salt Water Taffy At first the exhibition appears to be all fun and visual games. Barbie-pink vintage cars seem poised over inviting surf in Tammy Rejimbal's pastels, and stormy clouds are boldly decorative bands in Lesley Giles' oils. Edges curl gently upward in boat-shaped vessels by ceramist Robert LaWarre, the varied textures of their quiltlike surfaces begging for the visitor's touch. But the show is serious while still lively and accessible, and at the same time it's a satisfying look at current Florida art. (through Dec. 18 at Atlantic Center for the Arts at Harris House, 214 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach; free; 386-423-1753; www.atlanticcenterforthearts.org) Full review by Laura Stewart
by: Lindy on 11/12/2009
FIRST SHOT: THIS FOO-FOO WILL NOT HEAL
by: Steve Schneider on 11/12/2009
IMAGES FROM O-TOWN: MAIDENS AND MONSTERS
by: Lindy on 11/11/2009
WHAT YOU'RE DOING TONIGHT (ANTI*POP EDITION)
It's all about Anti*Pop, boys and girls. (Unless you're going to see Say Anything at the Social.)Check out our (almost) comprehensive run-down here (as well as an addendum about tonight's shows here).WYDT is gonna check out until next week, because, really, all you need to know about this week's shows is this: BUY A GOD-DAMNED $25 ANTI*POP PASS, read our suggestions, and get your ass out there.
by: Jason Ferguson on 11/11/2009
FORMER HOLIDAYSBURG FRONTMAN ON OPRAH TOMORROW
Frankly, I had no idea that the Oprah Karaoke Challenge even existed (mainly because I don't watch that kind of shit), much less that Orlando boy and former Holidaysburg frontman Rob Weddle is a fucking finalist in it. Well, he is! Instead of busting on him too much for being a part of the soul-rotting ridiculousness of the Oprah phenomenon, I will note that the guy is a powerhouse vocalist. I've often said that the histrionic acrobatics of his voice were always a bit at odds with his country-rock tendencies. But a Journey song? NOW we're talkin'. Just check out this little performance, where he totally owns "Separate Ways." (The entire staff over at The Matador is probably rocking out at the mere mention of the song.) Now that his nut-shriveling operatic ability has got you sold, tune in to the Oprah show (if you can stand whatever emetic content that precedes the performance) tomorrow (Nov. 12) to root the hometown boy on. Turn that mother out, Rob.
by: Bao Le-Huu on 11/11/2009