Ornaments from CDs

 Most of us have holidays traditions. We start to decorate just as soon as one holiday is over for the next one. Some people begin decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving dinner or the next day. Some choose a certain day for the family to get together and decorate. Whenever you decorate here is a tip for creating ornaments. Since most of us have gone digital with out music, there may be some CDs lying around and instead of throwing them out, you can turn them into ornaments. If you have a stack of CDs, they usually have a clear disc at the top and one at the bottom. You have several options if you have the clear CD. You can punch a hole at the top or you can run a piece of thread through the hole so that you can hang it on the tree. If you do this, you will want to cover the CD with scrapbook paper, gift wrap, ribbons or whatever your heart desires. That way you are not searching for the hole. I did a few that way and I did a couple where I tied a piece of ribbon from the center. I then covered it with scrapbook paper and then I embellished the CD. You can embeliish one or both sides. There are no limits to what you can create. Most of the ornaments are flat and made out of paper. This makes it easier to store. I have purchased some ornaments that I really like and because they are not a Christmas theme, I leave the out all year long. They are great conversation starters and I don't have to worry about a special box for them to be stored in.

You can check out the video on my youtube channel. www.ArtographybyDlonzo.com

Thanks for stopping by; do come back again and keep an open mind.

One Entry 3 Blogs/Photos from my phone

 Originally this was going to be an entry and I must have had some computer problems so the pictures never got posted. I am using them now just to add some visuals.

Random shots while out and about.

One entry three blogs

It has been a while and I keep trying to do better, but one blog takes more of the focus than the others. There's not a lot happening in my life other than work and watching films, movies and some old television. 

I am trying to figure out my finances because I need to get some much needed repairs done that I have put off far too long. With all of the heat, it seems, I can't be sure, but since I don't keep the central air on the fridge may have been working over time. This is what I heard, but I am not sure. The fridge of course has been here since I purchased the place and who knows how long before that? So it's been 15 years since I have been here and it'll be 17 years in a few weeks that I have been in Texas. I may have mentioned this many years ago. This was never my plan, but it just goes to show you there are things working along side of us that guide us where we are supposed to be even when we don't know it. It's when we try to go against those things that we get into trouble. That's my belief anyway.

So last week I stocked up on groceries because I didn't know how high the prices would be and now that may have been a waste of money as the freezer hasn't been freezing and that means its all going to go bad. I am going to check out Lowes, but I still have to wait to have it delivered when I will be home. So I am at least looking at another week. I don't want to take off from work just to spend the day waiting around. I will eat as much as I can this weekend and then I will go to can stuff if I think certain items have gone bad. If I weren't so afraid to be around people I would cook what I have and invite them over to eat it. At the same token if something has already gone bad, I don't want to be the cause of someone getting sick. 

This is what I get for putting things off. Now there are things that must be done and they are all happening at once.

I am going to start reading Film studies for Dummies as I am trying to see if I can create something. I also need to research film editing programs for my phone. The phone has some very cool features, but if I can't do voice over and editing on the phone with background music then its not going to be very entertaining. When I watch videos on youtube I don't like them to be longer that 12 or 15 mintues tops. Unless the person is very interesting I might tolerate it a little longer, but for the most part they are all amateurs that happen to find a following of people who like them because they come across as the average person and people want someone they can relate too. After all, that is why I subscribe to a few channels because of that. Most of the time I will skip to what I need to see and move on. That's the beauty of the Internet, you don't have to be bored if you don't want to be.

I have watched many movies this week along with episodes of Dallas and The Leftovers. Dallas is a series from the 70's and The Leftover is something from 2014. When I picked up the DVD I saw Christopher Eccelston on the back cover and I hadn't seen him in a lot of stuff, but when I saw his face I figured I would give it a look see. It has religious over tones and Eccelston plays a minister. The first time I ever saw him was  when Dr Who returned after many years, he was the first doctor. I had no idea he would only do one season. It took me a while too get used to the next doctor, but I managed and I was hooked as long as PBS was running it.

 Justin Theroux is the star of the series The Leftovers as the lead cop in the small town as the residents try to wrap their heads around the people that have gone missing. It's interesting, but it is rather slow in getting me to really care for any of the characters. They all have their issues, but they are over the top. Those that have disappeared are being celebrated as heroes when their pasts was very questionable and it doesn't set right with some of the community members.

There are many films and movies as I've mentioned including Triple 9 and The Take. Triple 9 has an all star cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Casey Affleck, Clifton Collins, Jr, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Michael Kenneth Williams, Gal Gadot, but the surprise performance comes from Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet, they are really really good. Kate's role was very different from those she has played in the past.

Here are some other films and movies I've watched. I apologize in advance if I have mentioned some of them before. I have like Crispin Glover ever since I saw The Rivers Edge and then I have seen most of what he has done. I've never read any of his books, but I was interested in trying to see if his publishing company would publish some of mine. Crispin stars in Drop Dead Sexy along side Jason Lee. Crispin always seems to play those unusual characters.

Independence Day Resurrgence was okay, it was good to see some of the original faces pop up, Vivica A. Fox, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsh and Pill Pullman to name a few.

TAG was a fun movie based on an article about friends who continued to play the game of tag throughout their adult life.

Life Like was interesting about a woman who is trying to embrace the future of technology as she tries to adjust to having a life like male robot doing the work around the house among other things.

The Purge: Anarchy. I am not sure how many Purge movies there are, but I have now become obsessed with seeing them. I just pick them up as I see them when I go to the library. They don't really have to be watched in any particular order after you see the original first. Anarchy touches on Donald Talbot being president as the Government has declared The Purge a holiday to get rid of certain people.

The Escape Artist stars David Tennant who was the next Dr Who that I saw and he just grew on me. In this series he plays a Barrister that is very good at what he does. It's interesting with some good moments.

The Take, forget about Idris Elba playing James Bond. Turn The Take into a franchise. The character is much more of a badass than Bond anyway. He plays a CIA agent that plays by his own rules in Paris. Richard Madden costars who is also very good.

Unchartered was quite the suprise. Ever since I saw Tom Holland in Impossible I knew he would be a start, but I wasn't anticipating him becoming Spiderman, but he has the knack for comedic timing. Unchartered in a non stop action packed film with a great cast that includes Mark Whalberg, Tati Gabriel and Sophie Ali and Antonio Banderas. If you like any of the stars mentioned you are definitely going to enjoy this one. If you love action and adventure this has that and so much more.

Wolf was a bit of a disturbing movie starring George MacKay as a young man who believes he is a wolf. His family sends him to a facility that tries to break him of his habits. It makes a statement of how society always needs to put people into a box that they feel comfortable with. Paddy Considine plays the Zoo keeper as the facility is called.

Boot Camp was something I watched on Prime starring Mila Kunis, Regine Nehy and Gregory Edward Smith. In this gritty drama based on a true story during a time when parents were sending their wayward teens to tough love camps to put them on the right track. The kids are brought to an island and in a cult like fashion taught to get rid of their old ways and conform to what the leader feels is the appropriate behavior. It's quite good.

Time to work on some art and to watch more films and movies.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads. 

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

Virtual Turkey Day

 

(Kenny Williams and Roderick Sanford perform on the plaza at ZACH theatre)

For some people, with Co-Vid in the background, you aren't really focused on Thanksgiving or any other holiday, but for those that are be safe. Think about how you want to schedule the day. In most families it all starts the night before. I remember when I was younger helping out in the kitchen, chopping okra with the mandolin, careful not to cut my fingers. Peeling potatoes or eggs for the potato salad. When I got older I began preparing certain dishes. Everyone in the family had their signature dish. Eventually I mastered the potato salad that my sister said was something everyone could eat. Just the right amount of everything. Whenever I would go to NOLA she wouldn't let me leave without making some potato salad.

It seem

(Judy Arnold belting out on the plaza at ZACH theatre)

s despite the CDC asking people to stay home, people want to be with their families and will risk their health to get there. Politicians often say that they don't want to say something to cause a panic, but there are a lot of people who are afraid. The future has an uncertainty. It's always been that way, but this virus makes it all the more realistic.

I purchased two cornish hens. I am not planning to have anyone over, but we'll see what happens. I bought what I needed to make gumbo. I couldn't find the gumbo base so I had to get the mix. I am hoping the shrimp will go on sale Wednesday and I will get a pound or two of fresh shrimp, but if not I have some frozen shrimp already peeled. I use the heads on the fresh shrimp to make my roux for the gumbo. Thanksgiving in 2007 was when I first made gumbo. My mother would always make the gumbo, but I never really made it while she was alive. I had to think back and my sister and nephew came to visit and we got into the kitchen and peeled shrimp and put our heads together to make it the way mother used to make it.

I was looking at a photograph and it seems the last time I was in NOLA was in 2015. I thought it had been longer. Time has a way of getting away from you.

(Patrons on the plaza, social distancing with their own groups, Notice those dark clouds rolling in)

This week I have to start doing a job search in order for me to continue to collect benefits. It seems strange, but I will do whatever is necessary. I just hope things come together and the government helps people out to start off the new year. There may be companies hiring, but how long will that last? Jobs can only hire so many people. I'll see what happens. I am trying to come up with a plan to see if there is something I can do online.

(Roderick Sanford, Judy Arnold and Kenny Williams at the entrance of ZACH's Topfer Theatre, The Motown Groove)

I watched a movie that I had not seen in a very long time. It was a studio copy of the film Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. It starred Michael Rooker who most people may remember from The Walking Dead and The Bone Collector. I believe I originally saw the film at the Prytania, but I can't be sure. I don't even know how I ended up with the studio copy. I don't recall meeting any of the producers or actors. 

(Note: A studio copy is what they send out to be screened when a film or movie is first released. During award season they send them out to SAG members to vote.) At the time the film had a profound effect on me. Human behavior has always been something of interest. The mind of a person that wants to harm other people or animals. Sometimes it stems from childhood traumas, but sometimes it is something in the brain that still amazes doctors.

I need to take my vehicle in for an inspection so I can get my new tag for next year. I took the earliest appointment available. I hope everything goes smoothly.

11-22-20 I went to my first gathering today at ZACH. It was an outdoor concert called Motown Grooves. The day before I decided to drive over just to see what things looked like. Despite Covid, there is still a lot of construction going on and streets were blocked off so I am glad I went so I knew how to plan my driving time. Normally it only takes me about 15 minutes to get to ZACH. I wanted to see what parking would be like and the set up in the area. 

ZACH has done a few of these concerts and they seem to be doing well. This one was brought back because of its popularity. I was skeptical about going at first, but as it got closer I knew ZACH would take every precaution in keeping people safe. Before Covid ZACH went above and beyond to accommodate and protect patrons and staff. Making sure those with disabilities could enjoy performances. Having a variety of price points to fit certain budgets, and making people feel welcomed.

A cold front was supposed to come through and there was the mention of rain. So I packed my backpack and I was prepared for whatever came. I had my large bandana which created several layers, but when I arrived the volunteers said I had to wear a mask. I followed the protocol since there weren't a lot of people around me and I didn't have to wear the mask while seated. The show started a little past 2:30 PM my time, but it wasn't too warm with the sun out and I got a chance to mingle with some people I had not seen since before the layoffs started. Most of the box office staff was able to work from home and I would go in to man the phones.

Everyone seems to be getting along and their spirits were high. There are people I miss seeing and the conversations we used to have, but we'll catch up when we can.

Judy Arnold, with her powerhouse of a voice performed along with the great voices of Roderick Sanford and Kenny Williams. I remember them all being in the show The Gospel at Colonous. I had seen them around before that, but I didn't really get to know them until they performed in Gospel which had been done at ZACH many years prior.

Before the performance began they sound system was playing some music and one of the songs was the O'Jays, Money, money, money and all I could think of was Roderick singing the song in David Steakley's version of A Christmas Carol. This had become a tradition at ZACH and I would see this show every year Christmas night. I wonder if ZACH could sell the show and stream it?

The dark clouds had started to move in and Kenny and Judy sang a gospel song and it all just seemed to pass right over ZACH. Miracles do happen.

Roderick acted as the Emcee of the show and they all got their solo moments to showcase their great voices. The trio has known each other for many years. They all sang in church and have worked together on many occaisions at ZACH.

It was a very pleasant afternoon. It was definitely something that I didn't know I needed. After the show I caught up with another employee who I hadn't seen since March. We had a good conversation and then I headed home. I could see it had been raining, but it never made its way to ZACH.

Poetry

Kicking and Screaming

(c) Dlonzo 2020

There is a poison

seeping through 

the veins of society.

If you fill the air

with lies,

no one will believe 

the truth.

Although no one likes 

to lose,

there comes a time

when you have to accept

defeat.

A demi god

can take over the weak

they want to drink 

the kool-aid.

They will take the leap,

off of that bridge.

They only know,

how to follow.

They can't think,

not for themselves.

When once a winner,

becomes a loser,

one has to be dragged,

kicking and screaming.

It's fake, it's rigged,

it's not over, the fight continues.

I sent out texts to just about everyone in my phone. There are some people that don't texts and some that I plan on calling. I prefer the face to face or hearing the voice, but for some texting is the easier way. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I had a few text conversations and that can really pass the time away. The holidays make you reflect on what you have, what you miss and the great times. There are lots of great memories of all of the holidays. I am truly thankful for all that I have. It's not something I take for granted.

(Next up: Back Inside my bubble)

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Thanks for stopping by; keep and open mind and do stop by again.

Let's Continue to Ramble!!!

Well, the mail in ballots are still being counted, but it looks as if we may have a new president. It's never a good time when this happens, but this year in particular. You have a president that has never believed in a Democracy. Of course certain words to make you believe this comes out of his mouth, but people lie. Most people have told some sort of lie to get what they want. Politics, and the law are the worst, but we have to deal with it.

When Trump first took office I was dissappointed. I did think there might be some things the US could benefit from with him in office since he was a businessman. It turns out he wasn't really that good at that, but he played the system. I had to ask myself, how do I benefit from this person in office? Those who didn't vote for Biden have to ask themselves the same question.

It was such a good thing to see people in line to casts their vote no matter who they were selecting. We all had something in common at that moment. We needed to see a change. I had spoken to two women who were behind me in line, but who we were voting for never came up.

Growing up, politics, religion, and money were subjects I was told to stay clear of. In school we would discuss politics, relgion and money, but never in regards to us as individuals. These were topics of discussion in different classes.

Most of us learned about politics in school when we ran for some sort of office. People make promises even though they know they can't keep them all. In one of my classes we had to survey a neighborhood to see who they were going to vote for. It was the late 70's and New Orleans had a black man running for mayor. My high school was located in the uptown area of the city near St. Charles Avenue. I remember knocking on doors asking whomever answered the door who they would be voting for in that election.

I had gotten pretty good at picking winners so when I was old enough to vote I never registered. I'm not exactly sure why, but I didn't. I had registered for the selective service, but I was never asked about voting. Perhaps because I wasn't driving...

Still, I would be able to pick who the winner would be, but one year, David Duke was running for the governor of Lousiana and I saw how he played dirty politics and managed to get black people to vote for him. That was a very scary thought. Luckily he lost, but that was my wake up call and I had been voting in ever election whether big or small ever since.

When I arrived in Austin, I started doing research and eventually found myself working the voting polls and after a few years I was counting mail in ballots. I've been more hands on with politics here in Austin than I ever was in New Orleans.

As I approach 60 years of age, I am starting to feel uncomfortable I guess. I don't want to say depressed, but I am not completely happy because I have gained weight. I have yet to get on the scale, but I can see the mid section is larger than it has ever been. I want to start with my diet and then get back into a steady routine of exercise. I do realize not having anywhere to go is one factor. I have to push myself to start exercising, but if I don't do it first thing in the morning I just let it go. I can still motivate myself to stay busy, but I need to do more.

I had been reading The Room Where it Happened by John Bolton. It's an okay read, I just wanted to see what types of games foreign leaders were playing with Trump and Putin and Kim Jong Un were certainly pulling some strings, but Trump had an agenda as well. It seems most Republicans were totally against many things that Obama had implemented. They felt a lot of trade deals were not in the best interest of the US.

The people working for Trump were terrified of what he might say in a tweet, but there was no way to reel him in. He would agree to something and then change his mind several times. Even when he would tweet sometimes he would say he didn't. If you are interested in politics and how Trump ran the whitehouse it might be of interest. It is kind of hard to follow as it isn't totally in chronological order. It goes back and forth to events that had happened and there are jabs at many former presidents. I have to note that Obama is under more attacks than any other president.

Trump didn't like him before he became president and once he took office he has been on a mission to get rid of any signs of Obama. You can't rewrite history just because you don't like something. It can only be buried under the rug for so long.

Well Jo Biden is now going to be President number 46, but we still have to wait and see what type of chaos number 45 does within the time frame that he has left to be in office. Some people aren't good at being defeated. He has been trashing the system for over a year and yet he still wants to be president? Isn't there something wrong with that picture?

Sunday evenings I have a routine which includes watching 60 minutes while I have my dinner. I don't like all of the reporters that conduct the interviews, but the topics are of interest.  I also rely on them to give me accurate information to the best of their ability. So, I watch the show and just deal with the editing around questions that seem forced or a comment that shouldn't be made by the reporter. It seems there is a vaccine that is ready and has been set aside to be shipped out. So, that must mean it is waiting to be approved. Not sure who the vaccine was tested on, but they are planning to give it to the people on the front lines. The issue is that not everyone will want to get the vaccine. I know as I get older, my body and my immune system will probably change and I will have to do the best I can to take care of myself.

11-9-20 - This morning I decided to step on the scale for the first time in years. I knew I had gained weight it's visible, but I was not sure how much. It turns out I am at 160 lbs. I have never been this weight before. Now I have to see what I can do to bring it down. I can't let it get inside of my head. I know that there is a lot contributing to this weight gain so I just have to take things one day at a time.

Poetry

Separated by State

(c) 2020

Welcome to the separated states of America.

Most of us are questioning what is going on;

How long?

What if?

The country is being run like a prison.

The Warden has taken the people off of lockdown.

There is rioting on the cell blocks;

Shanking is a free for all.

There is no air and the inmates

can't breathe.

It's up to the people to protect themselves.

Educate each other.

The gates are open, but

the window of opportunity

is closing.

Counting down the days to make a change.

Put on your mask to save you from the gas,

Put on your mask to save your life,

Put on your mask so they do not see you.

(Next up: More on Virtual Holidays and inside my bubble)

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Thanks for stopping by; keep and open mind and do stop by again.

Sharing the Knowledge part 18

I'm still around. I've been having internet issues. I trying to decide on switching or just sticking to using my phone as I am doing now.
I thought things were going well, but a small glitch, if you can call it that, has popped up.
I thought everything was cool with my taxes, but it seems both I and the IRS, messed up.
Then I was trying to see what the procedure would be regarding the house in NOLA. I thought if the taxes weren't paid the city would take the. house, but it doesn't happen that quick.
Now I have to come up with a new plan to not have to deal with the city as far as the house being listed as blighted property.
That means trying to find someone to cut down the weeds and see if I can either find a buyer or raise the funds myself.
Thanks for stopping by; do come come​ back to see where the journey leads.

Computer generated art.

(The Angel, top and the Diva below.)

The Story behind the photographs - A Christmas Carol

The Story behind the Photographs A Christmas Carol

Dave Steakley’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is going into it’s final week at ZACH in the Topfer theatre.

The story remains the same, but there were some tweaking of songs and changes in the cast. Since I had photographed the show last year, I had decided I would focus on the new faces and any of the changes that I could spot.

Some of the new faces were people I’ve been wanting to photograph, but our schedules haven’t permitted that opportunity.

opportunity.Boyce Templin

Who was recently scene in Priscilla Queen of the Desert returns for another production at ZACH. Boyce like many of the actors plays several characters including the Ghost of Christmas Future.

Jaston Williams appears as Scrooge. The first time I ever saw Jaston perform at ZACH was when he channeled Truman Copote in his one man show Tru. Jaston's Scrooge is really great. Roderick returns as the ghost of Jacob Marley.

Roderick Sanford and Kim Stacy bust a move as Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig in one of the get out of your seat and dance moments during the show.

Celeste Castillo and Boyce Templin, part of the Adult ensemble and Below Boyce in one of the many dance numbers.

Sometimes I get lucky and I get a shot that even takes my breath way. I found the show to be very emotional this year. Perhaps it has to do with getting older or the fact that I don’t get to see my family as often as I’d like.

Life is a journey and we don’t know where that journey is going to take us. I am hoping I can push the journey along. I am hoping I can take back the house in New Orleans and create a living space and a place for artists to be inspired and create.

Vincent Hooper, who recently filled in as the Ghost of Christmas Past is quite the performer. He can act, sing and dance. 

Michael Valentine reprises his role as Fred.

 Another moment in the show with Vincent Hooper.

The moment in the show that I found to be very emotional. Anderson Zoll, Megan Richards Wright, Marianel Marquez, Paul Sanchez and Javier Garcia. There are many standing ovation moments in the show and Marianel gets one with her rendition of Halo.

Jaston Williams when he is visited by one of the Ghosts.

Jaston Williams embracing Christmas after he has seen his future.

 Vincent Hooper in one of his earlier moments in the show as a charitable gentleman.

Sometimes I get lucky and I get a shot that even takes my breath way. I found the show to be very emotional this year. Perhaps it has to do with getting older or the fact that I don’t get to see my family as often as I’d like.

Life is a journey and we don’t know where that journey is going to take us. I am hoping I can push the journey along. I am hoping I can take back the house in New Orleans and create a living space and a place for artists to be inspired and create.




Artography by Dlonzo “It’s not just a Photograph, it’s Art!”

If you are in need of an artist/photographer to capture your event from concept to completion contact me, 1960Photo@gmail.com or Photo1960@aol.com

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blogs for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
http://filmlover4pg.blogspot.com
http://artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.
Taking it one day at a time. Keep the faith.

Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).

Check out the links below for some of my videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

Take care

Open Your Mind

Dlonzo

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Artography by Dlonzo, Weddings

I shot my first wedding in late 70’s or early 80’s. I don’t know for sure, but I know it was before 1982.
In November of 1982 Dlonzo Modeling Troupe was born and I had begun photographing my models.

Weddings are not easy to shoot. The ceremony itself can cause a problem depending on the religion and the church, etc. Lighting can also be a problem. And having a flash go off during the ceremony just doesn’t seem right at all. That’s probably the reason I prefer natural lighting. The subject doesn’t always know the picture is being taken and they can be more relaxed.

Since I’ve been taking pictures, I think I may have shot nine, maybe ten weddings total. I learned a lot by doing this. One, if a bride doesn’t have a wedding planner, the photographer steps into that role. Making sure the pictures are taken in a timely fashion and that the couple get to enjoy their special day. There is nothing worse than spending the reception taking pictures and not being able to enjoy the reception.
So you structure a time table of what happens when and as long as the pictures come out, then everyone is happy.

There was one wedding that I did that I didn’t get the best shots because of lighting, so I shifted gears to taking the pictures for the newspaper. Either the engagement shots or the wedding shot.
At that point I realized I could create something unique. Taking pictures after the ceremony in unique locations.

I’ve always been very selective about who I photographed and how I put together the books, it put me in demand strictly by word of mouth. I didn’t want to do every wedding that came along, so I could pick and choose.
I wouldn’t mind doing a wedding or two that are not typical, but I prefer just capturing the couple so that they can have that one picture to display.

The wedding pictures to a couple are only important to them just as all of my photographs are important to me. People might look at them, but that’s just it, they are only looking. They don’t see the story, what is in the subjects eyes. How the sky looked, the expression on the faces. There is more to it.
I came up with a few unique things to put in the thank you cards as well. It was all about doing something no other photographer was doing.


Artography by Dlonzo “It’s not just a Photograph, it’s Art!”

If you are in need of an artist/photographer to capture your event from concept to completion contact me, 1960Photo@gmail.com or Photo1960@aol.com

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blogs for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
http://filmlover4pg.blogspot.com
http://artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.
Taking it one day at a time. Keep the faith.

Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).

Check out the links below for some of my videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

(Chanel Haynes-Schwartz, one of the Divas)

Last night was the Champagne Opening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at ZACH Theatre. Whenever I have the opportunity I like to see performances and see how they progress and the changes from Dress Rehearsal to preview to opening and closing night. By closing night the actors are so comfortable in their roles and with each other that the last show is such a high energy filled with lots of emotion. The same is true for opening night even though they are working over those nerves, as if they are performing for the first time.

I wasn't familiar with the musical adaptation based upon the film of the same name. I brought back memories of seeing the film at the Seattle International Film Festival back in 1994. I remember meeting the film makers during a Q&A. Many people were curious as to how they got Terrence Stamp to play the role of Bernadette. I also learned about getting the rights to music for films. There is a scene in the film where the three main characters go to the top of Ayers Rock, but there is no music because they could not get the rights tot he song they wanted to use.
(You would think people would want the free advertisement, but that isn't always the case.)

In the musical version that issue has been resolved. There is music when they get to the top of the Rock.

ZACH's production is directed by Abe Reybold and stars Joshua Denning as Tick, Jack Donahue as Bernadette and Anthony Vincent Toudjarov as Adam/Felicia.

The musical is high energy, full of color with moments that will touch home with most people. Everyone knows some moment when they feel like an outcast.
Everyone in the production is so talented, but there are always standouts for me. I'm always looking through my camera to pick up on the energy of the actors or dancers and that's where my focus goes when I'm taking pictures.

Chanel Haynes-Shwartz, Jack Donahue, Kim Stacy and Hunter Regian are those stand out for me. Hunter Regain was last seen as a dancer in Mary Poppins, but in Priscilla he gets to shine as the young Bernadette in a musical number from Les Girls.

Kim Stacy was scene in James and The Giant Peach as Aunt Sponge. In Priscilla she steals every scene she is in.

Jack Donahue is excellent as Bernadette. Not to make comparisons, but it happens. He plays the role similar to that of Terrence Stamp in the film version.

Then there is Chanel Haynes-Schwartz, who I first met when she did Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies also directed by Abe Reybold. Not only is she a lovely person, she has an incredible voice. Chanel was a part of the gospel group Trinitee 5;7
When the Divas came out, the first thing that came to mind was the Muses from Hercules. Which always bring me back to the idea that artists do think alike and sometimes what we like we incorporate it into what we do. Artists are inspired by many things.

The choreography is by the talented Dominique Kelley who has choreographed several television shows and many entertainers. Dominique choreographed Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies at ZACH.

Allen Robinson, The musical director gives us the music that makes  everyone wants to get up and shake their groove thing.

The show will run Wednesday - Sunday until October 30, 2016. Check the web sight for more information. Zachtheatre.org.

I really enjoyed the production at ZACH and hope that I can see it a few more times.

Images from Red Hot & Soul 2016 New York, New York

The event Co-Chairs were Bobbi Topfer, Will Coombes, Eric Copper, Richard Hartgrove, Gary Cooper, Dan Jackson, Jeremy Guiberteau, David Kurio, Lance Avery Morgan, Rob Giardinelli, Armando Zambrano and Bryan Gardner.

The images I am presenting here are to tell the story from start to finish. (Note: I am an artist that happens to take pictures) I believe in capturing an event in a way that those who were there can remember it and those who couldn't make it can see what it was like. Red Hot and Soul is the event of the year outside of the performances that ZACH puts on. It's purpose is to raise funds for the education programs. It also gives guests a chance to see what performances will be taking place for the remainder of the season and the new season. 

Everything at ZACH is done by a team of talented individuals.(Kendra Dobson, House manager leads Volunteers to their posts for Red, Hot & Soul.)

(Kyle Sigrest Patron Services Manager, chats with Volunteers before guests arrive.)

(Executive Coordinator, Renelle Bedell at the registration table. A perfect profile).

( Dan Jackson and Jeremy Guiberteau two of the co-chairs of Red Hot & Soul)

(One of the Volunteers in red.)

(Zach staff converse with guests around some of the items up for auction.)

(Nathan, one of the Zach bartenders)

(Rachel Applegate, Chief Marketing and Community Engagement Officer, with Chad Dike Associate Director of Education.)

( Staff and Volunteers gather under the tent to great guests and give them their packets, which included seating numbers and auction numbers)

(Volunteers wait for guests to arrive)

(Charlie Fraser, Chief Development Officer and Cathleen Berdan, Special events coordinator checking things out before the event begins.)

(An overview of the tent and runway into the Topfer)

(Dee Clayes, one of the box office associates looking very fashionable.)

(Volunteers and Box Office staff under the tent where Guests make their first stop to sign in.)

(Beth Warren and other volunteers waiting patiently.)

(An artist drops off a painting for the auction)

(The Big Apple takes the mic. This is me just being creative.)

(Jennifer Young Mahlstead, Pre-Professional Manager walking the runway.)

(Cathleen Berdan, Brittney Woolley, Charlie Fraiser, Liana Putrino and Kimberly Sidey strike a pose.)

(Individual Giving Coordinator, Brittney Woolley walks the runway making final preparations.)

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see more images from the event.