ArtWalk In Photos With Bonus Video And Music

The PopCulteer
May 18, 2012

We had another wonderful ArtWalk last night, as Charleston's finest galleries opened their doors late so that the denizens of Charleston's art scene could check out their latest exhibits. The Dr. Sketchy's crew was all over the place promotiing this Sunday's Star Wars-themed session at Kanwha Players Theater. That's your PopCulteer's imaginary daughter, Kitty Killton at right, decked out in Wookie gear. That's cameos in PopCult photo essays in two consecutive days for the kid!

Your PopCulteer took in a truncated list of galleries so that he and his lovely fiancee, Melanie Larch, could catch Thursday's performance of The Charleston Stage Company production of Steve Martin's play, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile." It's a great, intelligent comedy with wonderful performances by the cast and deft direction by Tim Mace. You have two more chances to see the play, tonight and Saturday at 7:30 PM at the WVSU Capitol Cente Theater on Summers Street. You should go see it.

We lucked into something very cool just outside of Ellen's Ice Cream on Capitol Street. A stripped-down line-up of Qiet was performing. We were attracted by the musical saw, but were hooked by the bass brass (I want to call it a tuba, but I know that's wrong). Luckily I have a video setting on the camera.

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You can catch Qiet with The Demon Beat and Tofujitsu June 15 at The Boulevard Tavern. We'll tell you more about that in the coming weeks. Now, it's picture time!

Katheryne Hawkins at Roman Associates

[caption id="attachment_8141" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Katheryne Hawkins showed some amazing work at Romano Associates. I expect we'll see more from this talented newcoming in the future."][/caption]

A Chilling Photo Essay

Last night the first launch party for Daniel (heretofore referred to as "Danny") Boyd's graphic novel reinvention of his classic movie, "Chillers," took place at Lost Legion Games & Comics The Rifleman in South Charleston. The place was packed. It ws a rousing success, and our PopCult cameras were there to record part of the action.

Writer and Director Daniel Boyd, Author William (Bill) Bitner, Author Jason Pell, Bus Driver Peterr Jesus (Norman Jordan), Chillers Graphic Novel Cover Girl Erica Martin and collaborators,  Betsy Rayvenn Allen and Jason Pell were on hand, as your PopCulteer popped in with his sidekick for the evening, the world-famous Kitty Killton.

This evening, Danny and the Chillers crew will be at  Lost Legion Games & Comics, The Keep, in Princeton, 5:30 PM to 8. Friday the tour hits Lost Legion Games & Comics, The Castle, in Beckkley, also at 5:30, and Saturday the book tour heads North to Lost Legion Games & Comics, The Vault, in Parkersburg, at 2 PM.

On to the ;photos!

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Chill Out Tonight

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The classic WEst Virginia Horror movie, "Chillers," has made the transition into graphic novel form, and tonight, Director/Creator Danny Boyd, along with contributing authors William (Bill) Bitner and Jason Pell, plus Bus Driver Peterr Jesus (Norman Jordan, seen above with Danny in a photo swiped from Facebook), "Chillers"Graphic Novel Cover Girl Erica Martin and more associated folks from the movie and graphic novel will appear at Lost Legion Games and Comics the Rifleman, 600 D Street, South Charleston, for The CHILLERS Graphic Novel Launch Party! The fun kicks off at 5: PM and at 8 PM moves around the corner to Mojjo's Bar, on Seventh Avenue.

The CHILLERS Graphic Novel is based on the fondly-remembered 1988 Troma film written and directed by Daniel Boyd. This is the first graphic novel to be released in the anthology series by Transfuzion Publishing. The book features eleven horrifying tales narrated by passengers riding a bus to Babylon and how they "earned" their seat on the bus. These are short, horroific morality tales, presented in glorious black and white, just like the classic stories from "Creepy" and "Eerie" magazines, back in the day.It's a fun collection of short horror comics, and a fun readl.

This graphic novel ties in with the soon-to-be re-release of the moviie on DVD, and the hard copy release of Canadian punk rocker Buddy Black's "Chillers" tribute EP, "Wirchfinger." There will be copkes of the graphic novel, hot off the press from publisher, Tranzfusion, so you can get some of the first copies availalble to the public, and get them signed by authors and cast moembers. If you can't make it to tnight's launch party/book signing, keep watching PopCult for news of a screening of the movie, along with a show by Buddy Black, during FestivAll.

Monday Morning Art: Shapes

Today's art is another geometric study in color composition. Stare at it long and hard for deeper meaning and/or to see the pirate ship. Click to enlarge.

Sunday Evening Video: "Blind Date"

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Tonight we present the trailer for  "Blind Date," a short film by James Vernon Brown, starring Sierra Ferrell. This is an example of James' work for his production company, The Liquid Canvas.  You will see more of James' work later this week, when Radio Free Charleston 158, which is devoted entirely to the work of James Vernon Brown and The Liquid Canvas goes live.

Random Thoughts And Notes

The PopCulteer
May 11, 2012

Your PopCulteer is buried under deadlines and hard at work on next week's Radio Free Charleston, so our Friday column will be a little shorter than usual this week.  We're going to start with some random links to cool things, and then wrap up with some neat weekend events and photos.

A couple of weeks ago, "That Conversation," a new Podcast by Patrick Felton, made its debut and it's well worth checking out.  This podcast will focus on arts and creativity in the Kanawha Valley, and the first installment is a long, comprehensive, interview with playwright and director, Dan Kehde, of the Contemporary Youth Arts Company. The second installment should be coming soon, and after that,  RFC fans may hear a familiar voice pop up.

Congrats to Chris Chaber and The Empty Glass crew on their coming expansion into the New China building. The Glass is a legendary venue, but at times it does get to be a little like the Black Hole of Calcutta in there when a popular band is playing. Now, with accomodations for a larger crowd, maybe we can get Unknown Hinson to return to Charleston.

Monday Morning Art: Automotive

Today's art is an abstract piece that was inspired by classic car designs from the 1950s. Click to to see a bigger version.

Sunday Evening Video: More Color Purple

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The Charleston Light Opera Guild production of "The Color Purple" is an unqualified success. You can read a great review of it here, if the Gazette hasn't hidden it behind a non-working registration page like they have for me. You have two more weekends to see this stunning musical. We were lucky to get to bring you rehearsal footage from the show in Radio Free Charleston 157, and tonight we have bonus coverage. First up, in the clip above, you'll see Janelle Williams as Celie, singing "I'm Here," which we had running under the credits on RFC.

After that, you'll get to see the whole cast perform "The Color Purple." We recorded this the same night, but couldn't fit it into the show. Here it is for your enjoyment. I hope this convinces some of you to come see The Color Purple" May 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 PM, or May 13 at 3 PM at The Charleston Civic Center Little Theater.  Check the CLOG  website for more details.

Too Much Stuff For One Weekend

The PopCulteer
May 4, 2012

Jam Packed Weekend

It's another weekend where everybody decided to do everything at the same time in town, so your PopCulteer will do his best to dive headfirst into the events pile and come up with the trendiest catch.

Friday

IWA Wrestling

IWA East Coast Wrestling makes its debut in Clendenin for some reason Friday night, and They're bringing former WWE, TNA and ECW star, Rhino with them!

The Color Purple, Godmode Brodway And A Plea

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That's Radio Free Charleston 157, "The Mighty Thor Shirt," you see up there in the box above this text. This week we are bringing you three songs from the newest production by the Charleston Light Opera Guild, plus we have some new music from Godmode Broadway, and a heartfelt plea from The Tom McGees. Host segments were shot around The Charleston Civic Center.

The Charleston Civic Center Little Theater is the site of the Charleston Light Opera Guild production of the musical version of "The Color Purple." The beloved novel by Alice Walker was turned into a Broadway musical a few years ago by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, with a book by Marsha Norman, and it is the spring offering from Charleston's Light Opera Guild, opening May 4.

Monday Morning Art: Wave Sign Detour

Today's art is derived from my preliminary design for my East End Main Street Streetworks design, which I will be telling you about in the coming weeks. My final design has some elements of this in it, but it's still not quite there. Click the image to see it larger.

In the meantime, get ready for Radio Free Charleston 157, "The Mighty Thor Shirt," with music from The Charleston Light Opera Guild production, "The Color Purple," and Godmode Broadway, plus a heartfelt plea from The Tom McGees. It will be posted here in PopCult later this evening.

Playing Godot, Rock For All Ages And Dancing With The Dead

The PopCulteer
April 27, 2012

Wherein your PopCulteer makes his stage debut...

That's right. This Sunday yours truly trods the boards in the title role of the Alban Arts Center production of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting For Godot." This role is so demanding that a different local performer will tackle it every night. It's an honor to share "Godot" with such area theater veterans as Ryan Hardiman, Timothy Mace and Kennie Bass.

To be honest, it's pretty daunting. Godot permeates every moment of the play, and his entrance is one of the most anticipated in the history of the theatre. I want to thank director, Tara Phares Pauley, for taking a chance on me, and I hope I do a good job. I also want to thank my supporting actors, Adam Bryan as Estragon and Kevin Pauley as Vladimir, for backing me up so well. The cast is rounded out by Chris Baker, John Halstead and Kyle Casto.

Monday Morning Art: An Orb

Today's art is some sort of mystical orb. Actually it's an aborted attempt at my entry in this year's StreetWorks art project for East End Main Street. Click to see it bigger.

Sunday Evening Video: Kenneth Brian Band "Something Better"

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Our video tonight is "Something Better" by The Kenneth Brian Band.  This is the Official Video in HD. Shot live on location at The Jinx in Savannah Georgia. Directed by Joshua Black Wilkins.

Next Saturday, April 28 at 10 PM, The Kenneth Brian Band (featuring Charleston native Travis Stephens) returns to The Empty Glass for the first time since releasing the critically acclaimed album, Welcome To Alabama,"  bringing their trademark high energy Country/Rock in the form of a barn-burning live show! "Welcome To Alabama" has been praised as "a Southern Rock Tour de Force" and shot to #2 on the European Americana Charts! Also, this is Roadblock's birthday party, so it's gonna be a wild night! Be sure to pick up a copy of the new album while you're there!

April ArtWalk Alive!

The PopCulteer
April 20, 2012

It's time for another ArtWalk photo essay. We had near-perfect weather yesterday evening, and a wonderful turnout for all the galleries. On the right you see Robert Royce, K.D. Lett and Jesse Tidquist preparing for an evening that melded art and dance at The Charleston Ballet.

Other cool openings last night included Ian Bode's "The Passenger" arriving at Romano Associates, Allied Artists at The Purple Moon, Emily Roles and Sue Chase's “Friends Among the Hills” at Art Emporium and White Oak Photography and Deborah Herndon at The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.

Good News Mountaineer Garage Gallery featured art from students at Mountaineer Montessori School at last night's ArtWalk.The fourth, fifth and six grade art students at Mountaineer Montessori School have spent the last two months creating woodblock prints, drawings, mosaics, paintings and sculpture depicting the tragic deaths of miners at the historic Hawks Nest Tunnel. Despite the sick jokes that popped into my head

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about this being "children's depictions of death," this was actually a very powerful exhibit, and it showed off some some amazing young talent.

There were also some "Wild and Crazy" folks accompanying Einstein around ArtWalk last night promoting the "Picasso at the Lapine Agile" scavanger hunt, which was shining the spotlight on Charleston Stage Company's upcoming production of the Steve Martin play. "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" opens May 10 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater.

Enough with the words. Here are the pictures...

Funkadelic Zombie Ska Madness On RFC 156

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Radio Free Charleston 156, "Warning Trioxin Shirt," is posted above for your enjoyment. This week we have music from The Renfields and The Tom McGees, plus we have a terrific short docu-drama by Stephen Schmidt. But first, we have some corrections to do.

I'm pleading allergy-induced dementia for this. First, the Tom McGees' song that I call "Be Smart" in the show, and "Be Strong" in the credits, is actually called "Enemy Spy Plane Inbound." I know, it's an easy mistake to make. Compounding the errors, I announce that The Tom McGees are playing the Porkchopp3D Trailer Release Party April 26 at The Empty Glass, when in fact it is our other musical guest, The Renfields, who are going to be playing that show. Aside from the two huge mistakes in the scripting process, I was really happy with the host segments, which were shot outside of Kanawha Players Theater, the location of this weekend's Zombie Prom.

The reason we have The Renfields, or at least three-fifths of them, on the show this week is that their leader, Vincent Renfield, is the Master of Ceremonies for The Kanawha Players Zombie Prom, which takes place at KP, on April 21. It's going to be a fun night of Zombie goodness, with dancing, contests, Zombie Prom photos by Mike Winland Studios, and special guests, RJ Haddy from the SyFy series "Face Off" and Jeremy Ambler from The Walking Dead. It's going to be lots of fun...people are just dying to go!

Monday Morning Art: Beach Blanket Bloodbath

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Last night's edition of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School in Charleston presented nice beach scenes with just a little murder thrown in. Click the images to see them larger.  There's more after the jump.

Sunday Evening Video: The Tom McGees

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Charleston's punk/ska princes play us out of the end credits of tomorrow's episode of Radio Free Charleston, but tonight you get a sneak peek, without the credits rolling over the footage. Thus, the band performs their song,, "Be Strong," live at The Blue Parrot.

Saturday, April 21, you can catch The Tom McGees at The Empty Glass for the Zombie Prom after party, hosted by the Heart of Appalachia Roller Derby folks.  Sharing the bill that night will be Foz Rotten with Charlie Ant Eaterr, plus Hellbound Honky Tonk. On April 26, On May 4 it's time for The Tom McGees to raise money for themselves, to finish their debut album, "This Just In." Which you can also support at IndieGogo.

So there.

Support The Local Scene

The PopCulteer
April 13, 2012

Support The Local Scene

You've heard me say it a million times: "Support the local scene." But what exactly does that mean? Folks, I'm not just talking about music. Charleston has an arts community. We have an overabundance of creative people working in music, art, film, theater, and even in areas that get overlooked, like the culinary arts, and athletic exhibitions.

This week your PopCulteer tells you how you can support the local scene right now!

Sasha Colette and Farnsworth

Tonight, Charleston-area favorite, Kentucky's Sasha Colette (seen above) and The Mgnolia's, with Charleston's own Farnsworth in support, play at The Sound Factory, on Kanawha Boulevard, starting at 10 PM. Admission is a mere five bucks.

The Amorous, Godmode Broadway, DualCore and Stark Charleston Embiggen RFC 155

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Above you see Radio Free Charleston 155, "Love Robot Shirt," featuring music is from The Amorous, Godmode Broadway and Dual Core, plus the return of Stark Charleston. Host segments were shot in the parking lot of the WV Division of Tourism in South Charleston. Our title shirt is a TeeFury design by artist, Rebekie B.

Our first musical guest on this week's show is Clarksburg's The Amorous. An indie-pop band with spiritual leanings, they will be recording their first full-length album this summer. You can catch them next weekend in Wilmington and Bellbrook Ohio, and at the end of the month they're doing a three-night stand at The Horizon's Church in Lost Creek WV. We recorded the band live during Charcon last year, and assembled this video using audio enhanced with a studio recording.