So me and the “Telling” cast are back at it. We’ve got upcoming performances at Center Stage on December 5th, 6th and 7th. This is a step up from Hopkins, to be sure. I think they’re all aware of that. I’ve been contacted by the marketing department to coordinate an appearance or two at several Baltimore City Schools. This is WAY easier than organizing things (alone!) at Hopkins.

(Blurb and Picture from Center Stage) 

 

The cast has had much time to reflect on our last performance. A few of us went our for drinks about 3 weeks ago. They talked about how they felt. They’re over the initial jitters of being onstage and I think at Center Stage they’ll “hit it” even more. Also, for me I saw a couple different situations that I’ll change. Actions that will make the flow of things more seamless. I think people think the show was just “there” and I just mounted it. But this production involved editing, revision and DEFINITELY directing.

(More from Center Stage)

“The most direct path to understanding veterans’ experience is person-to-person contact. With the dramatic decline in              the numbers serving in the military—less than one percent of the population over the last eleven years of war—this                contact will not happen through day-to-day life. It must be created and supported. Through performance, The Telling              Project puts veterans and military family members in front of their communities to share their stories. We give                        veterans and military family members the opportunity to speak, and their communities the opportunity to listen.”

Three Performances in the Head Theater:

Fri, Dec 5: 8 pm  BUY NOW
Sat, Dec 6: 8 pm  BUY NOW
Sun, Dec 7: 2 pm  BUY NOW

That’s Aisha (above) who’s gotten two degrees that the military has paid for. And she’s on her way to a third. One of the reactions that audience reaction provided is that — they were pretty surprised at how upbeat the cast was. And they pretty much are. We have one anti-war mother who’s son died, and we have another wife of someone else in the cast who’s survived some pretty horrific circumstances. But as a married couple they couldn’t be any more “precious” if they tried.

I’ve loved my time with them. You can say ANYTHING and they’re accepting and open. Not like the regular world, unfortunately.

 

 

 

My buddy Michael INSPIRED me to write about my main ride. Trust me, I’ve heard it all (“clown bike,” etc) and it’s pret-tee funny. So I thought I’de elaborate on why I love this bike. While it’s a folding bike, I didn’t buy it because it folded. I just saw myself riding something unique. I loved the look of it. Anybody knows me, knows I’m familiar with “unique”. You can really ONLY order them online (though there are shops that sell them, Mt. Airy Bike Shop being one). But it was a real leap of faith thinking that a bike would arrive from the Pacific Northwest (Oregon to be exact) that I’d never ridden before — and this would become my main (top of the line) bike. I have a Kona and a Gary Fisher, both excellent bikes. Have ridden them over many a hill and dale. But the Friday has taken me places the others haven’t.

Seems as though there’s always been a bit of curiousity about my lil Bike Friday. The one ABOVE is like mine. It’s not mine, but it’s LIKE mine. Black, with Schwalbe tires, they’ll go forever and NEVER get flat. 27 gears. Comfy. Sleek. Hot. How do I know it’s hot? Because everytime I pass some “young-stas” — they ALWAYS holla and say how much they “LIKE THAT BIKE!” I’ve never heard any young kids say anything bad about this bike. A drug guy walked by me one day and offered me (cause he had it in his pocket) a WAD of cash for it. “Say your price,” but I was unimpressed.

The one with the pretty lady—that’s a RACER, and she’s got her colors all matched up. Drop handlebars are the biggest difference. These bikes takes hills great and people are ALWAYS surprised. It’s a conversation starter because after about 40–50 miles people start to realize “ohhhhh snap, he’s riding the whole 100!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

This red one is another drop handlebar Friday. But I’m no racer. Folks think these bikes JUST CAN’T be that tough. I’ve had mine since 2005 and my first Odometer stopped (broke down) at around 15,000 miles. The one I have now has 11,000-plus. I would probably have more but, I’ve got two other bikes that get jealous when they can’t go out with Daddy.

 

 

 

 

This is what it looks like folded. I don’t have to get it this folded to get it into our Subaru. But it folds down pretty quick and it’s a breeze if you’ve got a bike friday bag (or the BF hard suitcase).

 

They’re not cheap, but they’re meant to last. If I could I’d buy another. Aside from organized rides, I’ve ridden this bike on the Western Maryland Rail Trail, the B&O Trail, the WO&D Trail (45 miles one way) and the C&O Trail (rode from Harpers Ferry to Cumberland). So it’s tough enough for trails and city. So that’s my story. There’s probably only 3 or 4 that I’ve seen in Baltimore, ran into a couple (hubby and wife) about two weeks ago. When we saw each other you’d have thought we wuz kissin cousins — we were all in shock. I’ve never seen any BF’s on any organized rides. But hey, that’s fine too. I figure that leaves me in elite company.

Yes, I’ve done it again! Completed my 8th 100 mile Century Ride in Onancock, Virginia. This was the 1st time I’ve ever done an organized ride (over 60) with anyone else. I think they call those people “friends,” but don’t quote me on that. I rode with Anne and Dwight Colgan. My buds here in Baltimore. Dwight cramped up really, really bad and only got to about mile 62. Anne was able to finish the ride. I was such a sunny, golden day. After much deliberation, I took my Bike Friday and got nothing but PRAISE all day long. Folks were, of course surprised. Very surprised. But I kept up and made sure to drink my electrolytes. Here’s a couple pics.

That’s Dwight and Anne in line for registration. We planned to do this ride since I did it last year. The homeaway.com house we stayed in was the same one as last year and it was sooooooooo big and comfy. Almost right next to the water. It was so wonderful last year that Nicole and I decided to invite D/A this go-round. The house has the BEST bathrooms and fantastic rooms to stretch out in. Nicole and I walked round Onancock looking at houses for sale, We were having fantasy moments trying to decide if we could live in such a small town. We could, but our income would sure have to be non-dependent on anything in Onancock. Yes, “independently wealthy” terrain.

Me at the finish. Is there a better feeling in the world?! I think not. Always the best experience is right at the end. You realize you’re not exhausted, and even if you are, you don’t feel it now. Ahhhh, a hot shower and a nice dinner are calling my name. Nobody thinks that little bike can roll. Funniest comment: “Oh no! I’m getting passed by the little bike!”

It happens, my friend. 

Yeah, I’m pulling right into the lot. My Friday is a champ. This is the 3rd Century ride I’ve done on this bike and never had a problem. It holds up and carries me through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the artistic horizon, “Telling: Baltimore” will play at Center Stage here in B’Mo on Dec. 5th, 6th and 7th. We’re going to kickstart the rehearsal process (my Telling folks have probably forgotten ALL their lines — from what they’ve told me….over a few beers). Also, it looks as though I could be Writing/Directing a few (“African American Women Who Changed History) profiles to be performed at the Waxter Center downtown. The project is sponsored by the Department of Housing, but I’ll have more on that in a couple weeks. One of my former actors, Tyrone Requer brought me into it. We’ll see how it plays out

Since mid-summer I had what turned out to be a “medical episode”. It was a cancer scare and the cancer was multiple mylenoma, a bone cancer. Well, as events worked themselves out, I didn’t have it. At all. More like a degenerative disc in my lower back. But numerous tests were done (MRI, biopsy, numerous blood and e-rays), and more than anything — the emotional “trauma” was much greater than everything. I thought that Directing the Telling Project might be the last thing I’d ever do artistically. It was like that. I know that’s what cancer does. Wrecks havoc with everything it touches. Being with my mother and going down that path wasn’t a pretty picture. And the journey has certainly had a long-lasting effect.

But sitting here now I can only see my scare through my rear-view window. I got off the pain medication for my back, got out of the FOG from the pain medication and now I’ve hit the ground running. This bike ride was the culmination of months of worry and stress. And as I talked to myself throughout the ride, I spoke about how many gifts in my life. Nicole my wife is a gift. Being able to ride my bike is a gift. Being able to do things I’ve done all my life are gifts. And being able to lay my head down at night in peace is certainly one, too. This isn’t a new refrain, unless you’re somebody who had to take a look at the alternatives. I didn’t find religion or anything that spiritual, but I found a more “inner-outspokenness.”

Riding along in the breeze and the countryside of Onancock and beyond, I felt triumphant as hell.

 

I wrote a one-minute play that I wanted to share. It’s called “HashTag Vigilantes,’ and I wrote it about 2 months ago. Why write a one-minute play? Well, you just never know…..when somebody will want a one-minute play. You gotta have an arsenal.

 

(Lights up. We hear the sound of footsteps moving fast. Finally, Jack arrives on stage and with much drama, collapses from exhaustion. Several moments pass, and then we see Ray and Liz, out for a stroll, quickly rush to the side of Jack)

Jack

(Helping Ray sit up)

He’s hurt—hey—hey fella are you alright? Are you hurt? What happened?

Liz

Were you attacked? What happened? Can you walk?

Jack

They chased me —- they followed me—they’re hunting me down—-!!!

                                                                                Ray

Who—who chased you? What were they after? What happened?!

Jack

I—-I—-I posted an inappropriate tweet.

Ray

But that’s “cyberspace”. Not real life. You’ve just lost track. Blurred things up.

JACK

But they came after me—HUNDREDS! THOUSANDS! HASHTAGS! I SAW THEM—I READ THEM!!!

Liz

Cyberspace isn’t really “out here”— in the open. It’s not reality. What could you tweet that would get you so paranoid?

Jack

I said Lady Gaga has funny hair.

(Ray and Liz slowly move back from Jack. Their expression slowly changes to complete horror. Jack sees the change, leaps to his feet)

                                                                                Jack

Eat my cyberdust Hashtags!

(Jack races off, Ray and Liz in hot pursuit)

The End

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

I posted an entry in The Telling Project that talks about our performance at Hopkins. We have to rev up in a few weeks for our next performance in November, I believe it’s at the Carver Center School in Towson. I could be wrong. We’ll have two less cast members, but should be good to go. I have that feeling, maybe cause it’s fall, that I get tingles about some good news coming my way. I get these tingles most prominently in Spring and Fall. The changing weather seems to affect me that way. I see those times as “anything goes” periods where out-of-the-blue news will catch ahold of me. Particularly when I haven’t had any out-of-the-blue stuff come my way for awhile. That’s my vibe and I’m sticking to it.

Since the performance at Hopkins, I’ve been feeling alot of post-exhaustion exhaustion. I also finished up several other projects related to Hopkins. A “Prezi” (“The Essense of Pam”) for Dean Jeffries. She’s Dean of Digital Initiatives here at the University. My colleague (and the one who actually knows Prezi did the hard labor, my contributions came on the creative end of things. She showed this Prezi at a Robert J. Wood Foundation presentation earlier this month. The Prezi looks at her life from both a family and career perspectives. I also wrote a long passage about her role as mother, wife, teacher, educator. There are some beautiful, heartwarming family pictures and the music (which I hope you can hear) is very soft and reflective. I’m proud of it.

I also finished Directing a video for the Center For Educational Resources at the University. I’ll post it later, it took ALLLL summer and became a labor of love. So between rehearsals and working on these two items I’m mentally rundown. I don’t want any other outside projects anytime soon. I just want to watch sports, read, ride, rinse and repeat.

 

The “Telling: Baltimore” cast performed at the “Spirit of ’45” event this past Sunday. We did an excerpt that went quite well. Here’s who-all performed: (L to R) Alonzo (Director), Jeremy Paris, Susie Cooper, Jim Perry, Karin Haapala-Rodney and Nick Lutwyche. We’re right in front of the “Living Wall of Honor”. This was taken when the even had ended. Good shot of everyone finally relaxing. The event had singing, music and wonderful words to cherish and remember. It was all very heart-warming, as the Code of Support Foundation celebrated veterans who’d served in the military since 1945. But it was really geared towards all the family and friends who also support those who’ve served. I felt privileged to be part of it all.

Happy to say that “Telling: Baltimore” will be performing an excerpt at the Code of Support Event on August 10th, at the National Mall in D.C.

 

The cast will be doing a 5-7 minute excerpt, and everyone (especially Alonzo) is excited to have the opportunity. Here’s the Code of Support website.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes! We were there! Here are several pics — and take a look at my “THE TELLING PROJECT” page to see the latest updates and more pics. As I mentioned, working on this material is like being asked to carry something very fragile and precious. My cast has held onto their stories, memories and recollections of a time in their lives that, looking back, presented so many challenges and moments of crisis. I’m not a veteran and don’t really know any. But now I feel quite humbled by what they’ve seen, heard and done. They’ve already “performed” on a much larger stage. And now, because of their unique interpretations of their journeys —- it’s almost too big for any one person to convey —- the time has come for them to collectively and individually, Tell…..

Above, Lisa Lutwyche and Nick Lutwyche. All smiles NOW, but that was before Nick realized he had to break out a little “Fred Astaire” for the show. And that’s Jeremy Paris and Tracy Miller. Jeremy is our resident raconteur and Tracy is probably making sure it is-or-isn’t time for the Monument Street meters to be fed.

At Artscape we had Samantha Redles from MICA (she’s knows our MICA friends who’re coordinating the exhibit, Emily Russell and Kirsten Poulsen-House), stopping by to share some Artscape vibes — and yes, that’s Jeremy in the background. Jeremy was at Artscape everyday, almost ALL day.

Little did I know that when I started working for VAP I’d be making all these connections. But ain’t that just like life. As the saying goes, ” I didn’t know I could get there from here”.

A few days back Nicole and I went to a bourbon-tasting on Hopkins campus. In this pic is our old friend Fritz Read who used to live on the same alley (Tyson St.) with us many, many moons ago.

Just learned that the location at Hopkins for the Telling Project has to be changed. Oh well, these things happen. Happy to know about this now, and not 2 days before the performance. Our first rehearsal is July 10th and the cast (about 10) seems very excited to tell their story and to be involved. I think sometimes, that it’s just giving people a voice and asking them to “come on inside” opens a boulevard of appreciation. We’ll see what “adventure” comes from finding a new space.

Also, I wanted to “give a shout out” to this theatre company. A little start-up here in Baltimore. I predict good things will come their way. Their home is a place that was a former school that Son-Charles attended back in the day. The father of one of the company creators called me at home after I made a donation. He just wanted to say thanks. After I hung-up I realized how sweet and rare a gesture it was. Like someone had called to tell me how much they like a play of mine. Or something like that……

 

 

 

This project is moving like gangbusters! A few days back I met with Shannon Dunn, Director of the Hopkins Office of Cultural Affairs along with Max Rayneard and BR McDonald from the Telling Project.

Here we are (Shannon, BR and Max) inside the School of Public Health. We were talking over logistics for Sommer Hall and our performance on September 11th. Shannon is who I first talked to about bringing Telling to Hopkins. BR brought me into the project and was my initial contact (he also encouraged me to “keep looking” for funding). Shannon, who I worked with for “East Side Story,” eventually came to our financial rescue. A while back I discovered this little nugget about “East Side Story” and Project Gado in the Baltimore Examiner. Max Rayneard is doing the veteran interviews and from what he gets from the veterans, he then writes the script. We all looked over the space and shared ideas on how things could go. Having this meeting got me very excited about what we were doing. Also, it’s good that my chief concern is JUST Directing, and not getting my panties in a bunch about resources, PR or all the miscellaneous coordination behind having something of this nature at Johns Hopkins.

The next day I met with Max and the two ladies from MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) at MICA. Max was taking a break from the interviews and we Emily Russell (left) and Kirsten Poulsen-House (right) were asking questions about the “making” of the show. Max boiled down the essence for everybody. Emily and Kirsten will be providing an exhibit for the audience to see/witness before and after the performance. They’ve both been in on this almost from the start, and they hope to provide that “organic” addition to what the audience will experience. Since Telling evokes such a strong connection between audience and performer, having a visual compliment (the exhibit) would be like adding a brand new “sense” to the ones we work with now.

I can’t tell you how rewarding this has been. I love having a project like this. The more you work in the arts (in any capacity) the more you appreciate collaborations that aim high. Starting in July I’ll meet the cast and start rehearsals (one day a week till September). I never knew that I’d be associated with something so “large,” in nature. I have many feelings about the rewards that come with age. And patience. All of them good.I expect the next stage of working with Telling with unveil even more for me.

 

Hey, long time no see! Summer has finally arrived and my brain is abuzz with activity. In case you think I haven’t been “here,” that is soooooo not true! I created a page for Telling but, OOPS —- don’t think I told anybody about it. I’ll be sure to add more as we travel down this path. I’m meeting BR McDonald and Shannon Dunn this coming Monday to discuss the logistics for the Hopkins performance. And I’ve met with Emily Russell and Kirsten Poulsen-House from MICA about their contribution to the productions. At this point, they’ll be working on an installation or an exhibit that will lend itself to the entire “audience experience” of the performance. Something that serves as a portal to the world of the presentation.

The Veterans Artist Program works in conjunction with Telling and we’ll be utilizing the resources of both organizations. This, as they say, is a good thing.

I’m also working with the Hopkins Center for Educational Resources to create a video based on their “Preparing Future Faculty Teaching Academy”. It’ll be a 3-5 minute promotional Video that highlights their summer academy workshop.

 

 

 

 

 

For this I’m working with Elizabeth Donadio, my Videographer/Editor. We’re looking to finish up later in June. This weekend I’m riding with a couple of my bike buddies from the Welch Library. We’re doing “Tour Dem Parks”. I can’t remember how many years I’ve done this ride, but I know it’s certainly been a few. My pals Anne and Dwight are the organizers.

Always a great ride. I appreciate more and more of the city as we wind our way through it. This past weekend, I did the MS Ride in Easton, Maryland.

 

 

 

 

I did the 100 mile route and was proud as a peacock. Though I hadn’t ridden on any official “training rides”, I do ride most every day. But would this carry me through 100 miles on windy stretches of the eastern shore?

Well lo and behold, I felt strong the whole day. I got a late start (a little more than an hour after the century ride began), but one of the tour registration folks whispered “just follow the metric century route, it’s the same ride—and then at mile 66 you’ll see the signs to continue onto the century”. So I did. Lucky me too, I didn’t want to ride no stinkin METRIC CENTURY. Not after waking up at 4:30, packing the bike, and wiffee and I making this a grand weekend getaway. Nothing wrong with the Metric, mind you, but I wanted to “go long”. Riding was such a rush, for so many reasons. I had my hybrid KONA which was definitely not the choice most cyclists make. They have sleek 16-20 pound bikes. And 200 dollar shoes and….oh I could go on. The point is, I never felt slow or weak. I felt strong and powerful. What a combination, my friends. That, in itself, is a good thing to know after all these years in the saddle. Coming into the last mile or so, I couldn’t have been happier knowing this ride was now under my belt. What I set out in my mind to do, had become reality. That’s why the beer tasted EXTRA cold, and the steak tasted EXTRA great. (I wonder how many more “great secrets of life” I can pass out today) I find that there’s a synergy of play and work that I must have. On the average day, it might not be transparent, and I have to cultivate it more than other days. But there clearly is an equation. There clearly is a map for me to follow.

Just when I was thinking “What have I been up to? What have I got to write home about” —- Gosh Gee, there appears to be alot.