Month: May 2012

Big Idea Time

Hey it’s good to be back. Where’ve I been? Switzerland? Paris? Bangkok? Nope, Baltimore. Working. Writing. Eating. Riding. Living. Here’s some pics at the American Visionary Arts Museum—I went to the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Awards Ceremony the other day, and saw some of me peers, we laughed it up. Everyone was kind, and as they say, generous in spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

That’s me with Kwame Kwei Arnah, Director of Center Stage. They’re probably not doing a play of mine anytime soon, but it’s good to have a conversation on a breezy night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Alonzo shares some fun with George Ciscle, Curator for MICA. George was actually my High School Art Teacher at Cardinal Gibbons, this was of course when Dinosaurs walked the earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I think this pic says it all about my mood for the entire evening. If I could join the Rat Pack I would. As we participated in a very nice ceremony (it’s great when artists are just hanging out without the threat of “grading” each other), I realized it was time for me to get more involved in the world of big ideas. Preferably, my own. Not that I have to create them, I believe they’re already out there. I just think it’s time for them to be unleashed. TIme for a few more productions. Time for me to meet folks who’ve already been a bit more unleashed. Time, period. It felt good getting another grant. The more I can stay in the arts world and keep my name alive, the better I feel. Upward motion is often hard to define beyond something that goes up. Well, I feel that definition applied to my recent thoughts. I feel as though I’ve had enough spectator time at the races, and now it’s time for my own special event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That’s Jim Carey who worked with me in the Playwrights-In-The-Schools program in another lifetime. Jim is a legend, and someone who showed me the ropes in a gracious manner. What can I say—it was a great night to be an artist.

Hooray for Hollywood! I’ve been back from the TCM Festival for awhile now, but lazy bones me hasn’t come back to my blog. Must be Spring Fever. I had a marvelous time out west. I wish I’d seen even more movies, even though it felt as though I saw lots.

I stayed with my friend Charles Howard—-and his handsome mug is pictured here. But we’re not in H’Wood, we’re at One World Cafe here in greater mid-town Baltimore. Charles came back for his high school reunion, and that’s why he’s looking so dapper. As I’ve told Charles, he’s an AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE. If you need information, directions, commentary, or any correct procedure or protocol—Charles Howard is a legend, in my book. And funny as all get out!

I definitely got the feel for being at a film festival, and having it sprawled about on Hollywood Blvd, (though everything was within close proximity), added to the atmosphere. There was lots of freaks and skin and folks dressed to the nines, and those who were dressed to the dregs. And I got to take a bike ride while I was out there, so what could be finer. Didn’t get a hot dog from Pink’s because they were CONSTANTLY crowded. But I did have the best open-faced turkey at Kate Mantalini’s. I didn’t get to see “Chinatown,” but I did see Robert Downey Jr. sport some serious swag for the opening of “The Avengers”.

(He’s the one looking like he knows how dashing it is to be Robert Downey Jr.). I didn’t get to a swanky LA party, but I did get to see Elvis working the crowd.

I had a memorable time moving from schlocky to classic. I sat next to Robert Osborne (TCM Host) for a hot minute, and I loved seeing movies I love in front of a huge (well-behaved) audience, acting like a huge well-behaved audience. It was fun being at the CLUB TCM Lounge. The Roosevelt Hotel gave you a hint at how decadent and art deco the days and nights of Hollywood must be like.

So all in all, I had myself a time. Now I’m back and working on “B-Side Man”. I believe I’ve got a first act. But we’ll see about that in the days to come……….