A Blast From The Past - Tampa Theatre

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Sometimes we all wish we could just get into a time machine and go back to the good ole days, forget the present and return to a simpler time. Until they invent such a device, the closest thing we have here in the Tampa Bay area is the nostalgic Tampa Theatre.

Tampa Theatre opened in 1926, and was considered one of the premier theatres in the Tampa Bay area. The designer John Eberson was a master designer of theatres and made only a few around the USA. Having this jewel in our backyard helped put Tampa on the map. 

You’ll see from the moment you step foot inside this theater that it is a work of art. Gargoyles loom around the theater walls, the sky glows stars before the show, the ornate furniture still remains in the theater which is of the time period, and the grand marble steps when you enter will take your breath away. Today it’s one of the only two deck theaters still standing, and one of six John Ebersons still in use. Little has changed since Tampa Theatre opened its doors back in October of 1926.

The theater was built in the silent film era, so it’s no surprise that “Ace of Cads,” a silent film, was the first motion picture on their square silver screen. During the life of Tampa Theatre, Disney bestowed the honor of premiering “101 Dalmations.” Premiers are something every theatre dreams of having at their establishment and Disney, one of the biggest names in entertainment today, chose Tampa Theatre to have one.

Unfortunately with the urban sprawl away from downtown Tampa, and theaters started to have multiple screens in one establishment, Tampa Theatre lost its luster throughout the 1960s and 70s. Within this time, the theatre would close, and remained abandoned for quite sometime. Like most theatres back then, demolition was inevitable, but the citizens of Tampa realized what they had and fought to keep the wrecking ball from destroying this beautiful work of art.

In 1973, the City of Tampa took control over the dilapidated theatre and started to restore the palace back to its original glory. In 1978, the theatre was back to its ways, showing independent and nationally acclaimed movies. It also set a standard on theatre restoration for the rest of the country.

In 1988, Tampa Theatre was deemed a historic landmark, an honor not many places are bestowed and now forever ranks as one of the oldest operating theatres in the US, protected by this historic preservation act. 

Today Tampa Theatre is run by a non-profit organization. They have independent movies and plays and they continue to bring back the old classics that once played on the square screen in their “Summer Movie Classics” series. The mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, which was recently completely restored, plays before each movie as an added treat for patrons, it really is a sight to see and hear.  Tampa Theatre is good, clean, wholesome fun for the whole family, in a museum-like atmosphere which is a work of art in and of itself.

The Band That Goes Bump In The Night - The Ghost Sound

Powerful, fresh, and unique. Those are the words I would use to describe local rock band, The Ghost Sound. Unlike a ghost, this band does not mysteriously go bump in the night, but rocks the night away for all that will listen and enjoy. The band is comprised of three band members: Travis - lead guitar, Dustin (a.k.a. Robot) - Percussion, and Geoff - Bass. Together they make up this band who are anxiously awaiting the day they cross the plains from garage band to superstar, becoming the next successful band to come from Land O Lakes, Florida.

It all started with Dustin and Travis, who founded The Ghost Sound almost 6 years ago. They say their chemistry is so strong that Justin can change up a rif somewhere and Dustin knows exactly what he’s doing and changes with him, without even saying anything. Not long after, they added Geoff on bass guitar, which completed the final piece of their band.

Travis says he always enjoyed playing the guitar, as well as Geoff. They have been playing since they were in middle school. Robot, the drummer, started because he didn’t have many friends living in New York, so his parents purchased him a drum kit, and he’s been playing ever since. With the amount of experience The Ghost Sound have playing their respective instruments it’s no surprise that they’ve written some intense tunes with hit potential.

Currently The Ghost Sound is purely an instrumental act with no vocalist. They don’t like to play covers if they don’t have to. The boys are looking for a lead singer who can enhance their bands already unique sound. They have parted ways with a few lead singers in the past, and said it would be nice to have a the position filled in the future; although for now they are happy just jamming instrumentally for their fans.

The Ghost Sound has yet to cut a record, but look for them to be one of the rising bands to emerge from the Tampa Bay area. With a sound like theirs, it would be no surprise to see their first album turn into an instant hit.

We had the immense pleasure to sit down and talk with “The Ghost Sound” and make a podcast of the interview, plus video a sample of them practicing for your enjoyment. If you haven’t seen or heard of them, this will be a great way to hear the band.  Check it out and let them know what you think by going to their MySpace www.myspace.com/theghostsound

Podcast for this band can be found at the Podcast page, or click the hyperlink above.  To play your podcast on a iPod click and download the .m4a, to play it strictly with QuickTime or Windows Media Player click the .mp4 or .mp3.  You can download their video at the same Podcast link under the movie category.  .m4v will work on any iPod, mp4 and mp3s are for QuickTime or Windows Media Player

The Dollyrots - Because We’re Awesome

“Art sometimes comes from boring places, just look at Buddy Holly; a great artist from the 1950s rock-n-roll scene who came from a small town in Texas.”  That quote is straight from the mouth of lead singer Kelly Odgen, of the Dollyrots. She’s right-on with that statement, but forgot to include one other band that fits that same scenario: The Dollyrots. Luis and Kelly grew up in the small rural town of Land O Lakes, Florida, technically the birthplace of the Dollyrots.

A few years ago they took a risk by giving up the careers that they went to college for to pursue their dream: being in a rock band. They did not know whether this would land them empty handed or rich and famous. ”You really have to risk it. To do anything in life you have to take a risk, that’s the exciting part really. Being successful probably isn’t the best part, it’s working for it.” With that branded in their heads, they took only the clothes on their backs, $2000.00 and left for California to chase their dreams. 

The band had some ups and downs, like any new business does. Their first successful break was when they recorded a track for an HP commercial, used in theaters before the Lord of the Rings. It was through that experience they met their producer and got paid for the commercial, making the deal even better.  Shortly after, they lost their bass player. Kelly picked up the bass guitar and never looked back.  The trouble didn’t stop there, their drummer also decided to leave the band. This was when Chris came into the picture, who came from a band they had previously toured with and was already familiar with them.

Those were probably the hardest times for the Dollyrots. That would quickly change for the better, as they landed a cameo spot on CSI Crime Scene Investigation.  Kelly auditioned as an actress for the spot, but managed to get the whole band in for the scene. Shortly after the cameo, they released their hit song “Because I’m Awesome”. The song was so catchy, that it landed them a spot on Ugly Betty, and was used for the theme of Kohl’s Back To School commercial in 2007. After the Kohl’s commercial aired, the producers of Greek thought it would be a great fit for their show and they had the Dollyrots on to do yet another cameo appearance.

The biggest break for the Dollyrots came when they met Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Kelly gave Joan a demo of their music and Joan hooked them up with Blackheart Records. Since then they’ve been touring across the USA, opening for Joan, and most recently Paramore at Summerfest ‘08 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They are now touring on the 2008 Van’s Warped Tour. The Dollyrots also play a lot of smaller shows in local venues across the nation.

Despite the success they have achieved, Luis, Kelly, and Chris are very humble in every sense of the word. They still make every effort to be personal with their fans: signing autographs, posing for pictures, and showing their appreciation for each fan, for absolutely no money! “We owe it to our fans, without them we don’t exist, our music doesn’t mean too much unless it touches other people.”  It’s an attitude like this, and their bubbly carefree personality that truly makes them live up to their song “Because I’m We’re Awesome”  I purposely took “I’m” out to prove a point, everyone in The Dollyrots is awesome!

The Dollyrots wanted to give advice to those who are trying to follow their dream of being a musician.  They understand the struggles, and dedication it takes and any advice from one who traveled the road is invaulable to anyone following the path.

• Do it, pay attention to everything and learn from your experiences good or bad
• Be yourself
• Don’t do things half way, do it right the first time.
• Don’t follow trends, if it sounds like something you hear on the radio today then it will be out dated.
• If it seems tough, then you know your doing things right.

The Dollyrots have two albums out, their first is “Eat My Heart Out” and their most recent is “Because I’m Awesome.”  If you already know and love these albums, you’re in for a treat because they are about to release another album early next year.  If you want to hear their music, purchase merchandise or get tour dates, go to www.thedollyrots.com or www.myspace.com/thedollyrots

 

New Kids On The “ROCK” Scene - Holes And Hearts

Holes And Hearts is a powerful rock band mature beyond their years. I say this because the group is comprised of two brothers who are 11 and 12 years old, although you’d never know it listening to their songs. When I first saw this band at the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life,” I knew they would make a great story for this magazine, because it’s hard enough to be a child this day in age, but a child and a musician makes it twice as hard. In their interview, on the podcast you will soon realize they are far beyond their years and destined for success if they keep the attitude they hold dear now.

At the interview with Holes And Hearts, I received a sneak peek of their brand new song “11:57,” which is about a divorce through the eyes of a child. I knew from the moment the song started it was going to be awesome. The words to this song are so powerful, it makes you feel as if you are the child, going through this experience. The vocalist delivers so much emotion that it made the hair on my neck stand on end. Holes And Hearts wrote the lyrics and composed the melody all by themselves, something every musician would be expected to do, except the band members are 11 and 12 years old! Boys that age should be worried about zits, girls and having fun, these brothers are doing that and writing really great songs.

Holes and Hearts passion in life is to share their music with the masses. Their mission is to “change the world” with their music, and they’re certainly on the path to getting there. They go to school like any kid would, do homework, rest for a few minutes, then spend the rest of the night practicing and writing new songs in their studio that their dad converted from a garage.

They wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the support, love and promotion of their immediate family, their uncle who produces them, and their fans who keep the flame alive allowing them to continue doing what they love best, singing for people. They don’t care if it’s a paid gig or a charitable event, they just love to play. They did mention they enjoy doing charitable work best. “Sure we don’t get paid, but our work goes for a bigger cause.” said the boys, showing maturity beyond their age.

I hope over the next few years we can watch this talented young band grow and flourish. If they don’t fall into the harmful trends that plague the music industry, they will be fine; although after speaking with them this should not be a problem. Until then, we will all anxiously await the day they release their first record - it should be stellar.

You can see this band play at most charitable events throughout Florida and at some of your local hot spots. For more information go to their MySpace page www.myspace.com/holesandhearts

Podcast interview for this band can be found at the Podcast page, or click the hyperlink above.  To play your podcast on a iPod click and download the .m4a, to play it strictly with QuickTime or Windows Media Player click the .mp4 or .mp3.  

“Casablanca” Showing at Tampa Theatre

“Play it again, Sam.” one of the classic lines from this timeless movie that helped Humphrey Bogart rise to stardom.  On August 3rd, Tampa Theatre will do as told and “play it again” on the square silver screen the movie debuted on.

If you see only one of the “Summer Movie Classic Series” at the Tampa Theatre this year, this is the one.  Bring your family and friends to watch this classic as they did back when the movie first hit the silver screen.

This movie is so popular there are 2 showings, Sunday August 3rd, at 3:00 P.M. and Monday August 4th, at 7:30 P.M.  Cost of admittance is $8.00 for adults, with discounts available for theatre members.

Tampa Threatre is located on Franklin Street in downtown Tampa.  Parking on the street is free, parking garages and private lots will still cost the fee charged.

Don’t miss seeing this movie as it was intended to be seen.  This opportunity comes around once in a lifetime.

MP4s: the New MP3s

Doing video work I tend to send the prototype as an MP4. When my customers receive the file, they immediately call asking, “what the heck is an MP4?” Sometimes it was just out of curiosity and sometimes it didn’t work on their computer, but a simple solution is available. MP4s are the way the industry is going to for video MPEGS and audio files alike.

The MP4, I guess you can say, is the Universal Sign Language to a computer for video. Before 2007 Apple videos and Windows Media files could not be read by each other without a lot of unnecessary configurations. Windows had to install QuickTime, and with Apple well, you were just out of luck. When the anti-trust lawsuit came about with Microsoft, one of the major topics brought to the table, Macs could not communicate with Microsoft content and vice versa.

In 2007, Apple and Microsoft adapted a common video extension called the MP4. It’s playable with Apple’s QuickTime, and Windows Media Player. For the creator, this means they don’t have to save the file as an .MP3 and a .MOV so it can be seen by all computers, creating extraneous work. If someone didn’t want to make the movie into two different formats, they did have the option to make it into Flash. The problem here is, if you don’t know Flash, the option was out of the question.

So with the invention of the MP4 it not long-anticipated and very appreciated, but more functional and cost-effective. You save the movie once as an .MP4 and publish it! The only requirement for viewing is: for a Mac, have the most current QuickTime player and for Microsoft you must have Windows Media Player 9.0 or higher. If you don’t have those, a software update will solve this issue and will cost nothing. If you have Windows, you can also download and install a free version of QuickTime to view the content only. Sorry, but you won’t be able to save it.

The creation of the MP4 has shattered the wall between the two computers, kind of like the Berlin Wall. It unifies the content and ensures that everyone no matter what computer they have can view everything the Internet has to offer, without flash.

Angel Out With a Bang

For years we watched Criss Angel do death-defying stunts on his A&E show, “Mindfreak.” He pushed the limits of life and bodily endurance with his intense illusions, but now he is ready to call it quits for television, and he will do it right here in Florida.

On Wednesday at 10:56 pm, he will perform his last televised act, live, at the Spyglass Resort in Clearwater, which is set to be imploded — with Criss Angel inside. The act is intense and the escape must be meticulously planned. Angel must first escape from police-issued stainless steel Smith-Wesson handcuffs, pick three door locks, and run up four flights of stairs to the roof. Once on the roof, he must grab a rope ladder dangling from a helicopter which will fly him within 1000 feet of the building for safety before the detonators explode, imploding the hotel. He must do this all with 4 minutes. Criss says his goal is to do it within 2 minuets and 30 seconds to have a “safe” act.

Succeed: he will take his place among the illusionist greats; fail: and he will be covered under 4,500 tons of concrete and meeting the real angels. Either way, an estimated 10,000 people will be on Clearwater beach to witness a miraculous escape or grotesque death of a magical icon.

The stage is set, the anticipation rises as the last ever Mindfreak show will be filmed right in our own backyard. If you can’t make it to the beach, you can watch the stunt LIVE on A&E at 10:00 p.m.

THE DARK KNIGHT

The Dark Knight was one of the most anticipated films of the summer, made obvious by the overwhelming box-office records of the opening weekend. The publicity of the film has been tremendous from teaser trailers to a special edition DVD release of the original, Batman Begins. With previous Batman series sequels having been progressively more and more disappointing, we had to hope that maybe this time around, somebody might get it right… and somebody did. The Dark Knight was the single most satisfying film of the summer and will continue to reel in the crowds, including those who have already seen it.

The plot is seamlessly continued from the first film without dwelling too much into the past. A brief cameo by the Scarecrow brings us up to date and ready to demand payment for the clever cliffhanger left to us in the first: Lieutenant Gordon’s delivery of the Joker card to Batman. Fans of the first film, the comic books, and the Batman legend were squirming in their seats with anticipation. Frank Miller’s newer generation of graphic novels is brought to the screen with as much depth and psychologically twisted chaos as one would expect out of director Christopher Nolan (of Memento fame) in 27 shades of black.

Every cast member holds his own to the monumental storyline presented to us by Nolan and his co-writer and brother Jonathon Nolan. Christian Bale returns as the Dark Knight staying true to his original portrayal, with only a slight lapse in the climax to a certain character’s unfortunate end. We would have expected more from Bruce Wayne, at least. Overall, Bale has come back fierce, stronger and more confident in this role attempted by so many, with a few more impressive stunts.

With Maggie Gyllenhall introduced in the character of Rachel Dawes and the new face of Aaron Eckhart as the District Attorney Harvey Dent and later Harvey Two-Face, we see that adding new talents has not hurt the chemistry at all. Gyllenhaal enters the series fresh, picking up where Katie Holmes left off and leaves what is surprisingly, a good impression. She makes the character her own without reminding us that she is a replacement, despite her starkly different look. Eckhart both charms and disgusts us in his well-played transition from town hero to villain.

Michael Caine as Alfred, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, and Gary Oldman as Lt. James Gordon all return in their roles, each bringing something familiar and something new to the screen. Each role seems to pick up right where it left and builds as the movie develops. It is a pleasing to go to a movie that keeps us interested in each character’s individual presence and story. Caine provides witty relief and a father-figure presence and with excellent comic delivery. Freeman’s Fox character evolves and challenges Wayne on an ethical level, bringing the story once again into a deeper reality than other comic-book protégés do. Oldman allows us into the character of Gordon and his personal life, affecting that of Batman’s and continuing on with the classic Batman story. We expect greatness out of such experienced actors, and are happy that they do not let us down.

The performance most anticipated however, and for good reason, was that of the late Heath Ledger in the role of the Joker. His portrayal of the Iconic villain has taken a tremendous leap from the goofy prankster of Caesar Romero and creepy funny man Jack Nicholson, and turned it into something far more sinister and far more raw. Ledger steals the screen away from any sense of safety and brings us to the brink of darkness, dangles us over it with a manic laugh, and then plunges us in. What is perhaps the scariest part of this twisted clown and psychopathic criminal mastermind is how real Ledger makes him in both his speech and his mannerisms. Gone are the days of the high pitched madman and here he is now, in all of his chaotic glory ready to take on the Bat. Bale’s and Ledger’s play off of each other is brilliant. They go through stirring stretches to make the villain and hero not just face off, but “complete” each other as the psychotic yin and yang of comic book epics.

Despite the ominous and pleasing shadows cast by the suspense of the movie, it is not without its brief moments of humor and reasons to smile. The theme of humanity is stressed, even in the darkest of times. The more you watch the more you see the two faces of humanity, the dark and the light, and as you watch them both appear in every character you greater appreciate the depth of it all.

On a technical note, Nolan mirrors the emotions of the story wonderfully once again. We were especially struck by the smooth and dark color scheme as well as the master sound mixing that effortlessly pulls the audience in and then takes us on an audio thrill ride of sorts. The simple roar of the Batmobile or crisp effects under Batman’s glider transport us even further into Gotham City and Batman’s legend and leave us with a taste of modern effect capabilities.

What really makes The Dark Knight a great sequel is that it does not overdo it. It is simple and crisp, from lighting and sound to the graphics and the costumes. It is anchored in a gritty reality and underlined with such depth that The Dark Knight makes other comic book movies seem like just Sunday Morning Cartoons rather than modern masterpieces. Nolan takes what we liked about the first movie and elaborates upon it almost nonchalantly. It just fits. There are things for the old fans and for the new fans, from the bat cycle and a whole new arsenal of technology and gadgets to a new villain and a new Commissioner.

This movie is fast paced despite its length, romantic, tragic, and sometimes sadistic and twisted. The only truly disappointing part is that it left us desperately wanting more and not knowing when we will get it or in fact what we will get. As long as the next movie is as fulfilling as this one, we are prepared to wait.

 

* this review was writen by C. Eversoll and J. Duggan*

Kitchen Nightmares - Season 2!

If you’re already going through Gordon Ramsay withdrawl like I am, then I have some good news for you.  Fox’s Kitchen Nightmares Season 2 starts this fall with more outrageous kitchen situations that seriously make you re-think eating out. Until then Season 1’s re-runs are being replayed on Tuesday nights in anticipation for season 2.

Last season, Gordon Ramsay met with restaurant owners from all over the United States and evaluated their food, decor, management, and cleanliness to see what might be the cause of the failing restaurant.  Every episode, he found violations that would make any normal person’s stomach turn. Whenever he challenged the person in charge about why these situations are around, tempers flared. Ramsay minces lots of food but is not one to mince words, he has no problem getting in your face and telling you what a donkey you are, to put it nicely.

In the end, he usually managed to change the restaurant around and get them back on the right foot.  Sometimes it was just too late despite the changes, sometimes Ramsay found that they went back to their old ways.

Season 2 is going to be a little different, the show is more like the BBC version of Kitchen Nightmares.  Ramsay will go to Mexico, Italy, New York, and more places around the world.  It won’t be a strictly US version.

This show is a must see if you love Ramsay and you are concerned about the kitchens at the establishments you frequent.  Who knows, I hope it doesn’t happen to you but you may find your favorite place on his show!

One Life To Live 7-23-08

Vicky LIVES!

That’s right, Vicki was saved.  I thought it would be the shows potential self destruction to eliminate a matriarch on the show.  Vicki after her crash went through Heaven and saw many of her dear deceased friends, but it was her ex-husband that convinced her she had so much more to live for.

Back on earth, Dorian, a physician was very pleased to know that Vicki was dead.  That is until David Vickers showed up and begged Dorian to revive her.  Leave it to Dorian to make it worth her while, before she would even help Vicki, David had to swear to divorce her sister Addy.  He agreed and continued to beg Dorian, till finally she got her medical bag.  Even Dorian was shocked to see that she had the Effe. shot in there.  She performed the procedure and Vicki returned.

Clint Buchannan Fights for B.E.

Clint has found ways to get B.E. back and over throw Dorian but he realizes that the process will be tied up in court and can last years.  He has another idea, before telling David Vickers he is Asa’s true lost son, he wants to propose to him an offer.  10 Million Dollars to divorce Addy, using Dorian’s money to do so.  Clint does not know that he already signed away his marriage at the hospital to live up to his promise to Dorian.  So how this will play out I don’t know.  Will Clint tell David he is a true Buchannan, making David who is already furious at Dorian, even more prone to fight for what she took from him?  Will he find another way to swindle his company back to the family it was stolen from?  Clint is very much like Asa all throughout.

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