Catholic Church Becomes Performing Arts Center

Under the category "Interesting Performance Venues", here's the Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua, Wisconsin.  

Once a former Catholic Church, it was converted into...a place of employment for the boys and I.  

Beer, wine, soda...sins of omission....comission?

Where the priestly preparations were made. Had to take a shot before show time.

Bus parked in the back.

Stained glass only seen from the outside. Covered up inside.

Catholic Church Becomes Performing Arts Center

Dear Diary...billboard sighting

...saw my huge self on a billboard on the side of the road as we were driving to the venue. I had seen a picture of it on Facebook (see below), but there I/we was/were! The sun must be pretty bright along the Oregon coast! lol

Photo by Sandy & Dennis Dunsmore

Dear Diary...billboard sighting

First Year at Disney World 2006 - Photo Slideshow

This may be slightly boring to everyone but me and my immediate family. ;)
Collected all the photos of my 2006 working (www.HotelCal.com) vacation at Disney World and put them in a (15 minute!) musical slide show. There are some blurry photos, but I don't care, I used every one - my kids took'em okay! Great memories. Less hair (Less gray!). I get a little teary-eyed every time I watch this.

First Year at Disney World 2006 - Photo Slideshow

NEW VIDEO!: In the Eyes of the Banjo Player

Here's another back-of-the-bus production that takes you, the viewer, on a backstage tour and right up on stage.  WOW!

NEW VIDEO!: In the Eyes of the Banjo Player

Travel Highlight: American Pickers, Nobel Prize - Something In Common?

Seen the cable show "American Pickers"? I've watched it a couple times, but I'm not much of a fan of reality TV shows.  As is the case when traveling "had some time to kill" between checkout and load-in (Newberry Opera House) this past February, so I ambled around the town of Newberry, SC to see what I could..see.

As suggested by the Visitor Center desk-lady in a much expected southern drawl, I paid a visit to C.T. Summer Hardware Store, which was indeed featured on an episode ("Possom Trot") of "American Pickers" on the History Channel.

With Bill Shull, grandson of Clarence Summer, store founder

Meet Bill Shull, proprietor and character-extraordinaire. During our nice and hugeley humorous chat, not only did I hear about the visit by the "Pickers" Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, I learned that his dad, Clifford Shull, was a historical recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, 1994!

He gets a lot of visitors in his store due to his Reality TV celebrity-hood, so he was ready to share his articles and photos about his dad.

Established in 1928, C.T Summer is no Home Depot, but it's dripping (or, spilling over) with character.  This is what you see when you first walk in.  Where's Bill!?

Newberry Opera House, Newberry, SC (Why I was in town in the first place)

That's all, folks!

Travel Highlight: American Pickers, Nobel Prize - Something In Common?

Plazas de la Ciudad más Antigua de la Nación!

St Augustine Lighthouse

Or..."Touring the Nation's Oldest City"

A couple days in between shows. Hmmm, what to do?

Found myself in Saint Augustine, Florida. What a cool find!  Lots of history there and I went crazy (sort of) with the camera.  I have been told before that photos are more interesting when there's a familiar person in them, so you'll see lots me! lol

Click HERE to be transported to my very brief pictorial of 2 days in the "Nations Oldest City".

Plazas de la Ciudad más Antigua de la Nación!

Reflections on New York City - Part 1

Looking out the window to my right, I see the corn fields, suburban movie theatres, and other swiftly moving scenes fly by as we bus up and through Illinois to our final stop in Minneapolis before a flight home. Farther and farther west we go from what may be my all-time favorite place to visit, New York City!
Please allow me from time to time on this blog (and probably expect it!) to share with you, as I'm about to do (whether anyone reads this or not) some photos and accompanying poetically drippy thoughts.  If it made me think, or inspired me in some way, that made it worth while enough for me to wait on my...."smart" phone until it was good and ready take the shot.

To many a brave soul  a sign like this may mean drudgery + paycheck, but to the eye of a tourist-ically inclined fellow such as I, it means adventure. Let's take the bus into the city, shall we?

"Interior with a Girl Drawing"


Made it over to the Museum of Modern Art. I stared at this portion of a Picasso painting for a good long time...close up, than far, close, than far...Thought, "What inspires a painter to put the colors where they do?"  It made me think, so I took a picture of it to remember my...thinking.
Think he was thinking outside the box (or...face) with this one?

Ya, think? (Okay, enough!)

"Bicycle Wheel" by Marcel Duchamp

I quote from the MoMA website: "...Duchamp’s first readymade, a class of objects he invented to challenge assumptions about what constitutes a work of art...By simply selecting prefabricated items and calling them art, he subverted established notions of the artist’s craft and the viewer’s aesthetic experience."


I walked around this, chuckling to myself, lest I be booted out of the exhibiit.  But then again, maybe that's the reaction good 'ol Marcel wanted.  The audio tour said he wanted people to "ask questions".  Mission accomplished!




BONUS READING! (for those with more time):
"The 1913 Bicycle Wheel was lost, but nearly four decades later Duchamp assembled a replacement from newly found prefabricated parts and affirmed that the later version is as valid as the original.


Sure would have.....,liked to have seen.....,the.....,"original" one...


Stay tuned for Part 2 and beyond!

Reflections on New York City - Part 1

Huntington, WV & (We Are) Marshall University

And now a quick look back at the site of our show at the Huntington Rib & Music Fest in Huntington, West Virginia along with my day trip meandering around the town in search of Marshall University and the accompanying filming locations of the 2006 film, "We Are Marshall".  Thanks Huntington!

 

Huntington, WV & (We Are) Marshall University

Video From the Road: Will Break For Food & Planes

While stopping for food somewhere in Ohio...

Video From the Road: Will Break For Food & Planes

Little Blessings On The Road

Last week in the local Quality Inn I was feeling a little under-the-weather, medically speaking, managing to do a little bit of music work when I had the energy (Every little bit helps), but there was no way I was walking outside the hotel in the 100+ degree heat. But as my most helpful wife lovingly quipped, "You're not going to stay in that room, are you?!", I was reminded that getting out for a while does make one feel a little better.

Zeno's Menu

Lo and behold the Southern Florida skies brought a full wash of clouds, so venturing out was actually doable. And now looking back, was so very rewarding.

Hidden amongst the sea of medical buildings around the hotel was Zeno's Pizza. However it wasn't pizza I wanted so I ordered spaghetti with meat sauce. I was impressed! It VERY closely resembled our family recipe that I, my sister, mom, grandma, (on down the line) make. And the tag line on the menu, well, that got me thinking!

And to think I strongly resisted even leaving my room! 

Chalk one up for the first posting under "Little Blessings on the Road"!

Life is full of'em. Bon appetit!

Further reading for those who have time: Oh, as things would serendipitously (I like using this word a lot) transpire, the minute I walked in the door of the restaurant, the very first words I heard were: "Don Henley". No lie! So weird. And my first reaction was to look at them like they were talking about me as though they'd seen me perform with the band somewhere. I soon found that was not the case and silently laughed at my pompous self (as I'm sure you are right now) for thinking this. But it was meant to be. That sauce.....yum!

Little Blessings On The Road

The Day I Sat in the Johnny Depp Chair - Part 2 - The Movie!

Okay, here it is!  In continuance of my previous photo post, see me in moving picture-like form sit in the very chair that Johnny Depp sat in when he starred as John Dillinger in the movie, "Public Enemies"!
I tag along as Kevin narrates our adventure. While rolling on the bus I took his video and slapped it all together.

On April 8, 2008 filming took place inside the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL for the movie, "Public Enemies", starring Johnny Depp.
On September 23, 2010, "Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles" arrive there for a day of load-in and soundcheck in preparation for the evening's performance.

The Day I Sat in the Johnny Depp Chair - Part 2 - The Movie!

The Day I Sat in the Johnny Depp Chair! - Part 1

Wanted to write something to try and convey the feeling of performing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL, one recent evening in September 2010.  Of course, to get to stand on any stage is a blessing, but there a few throughout the year that our definitive highlights.

You see, for one day in April 2008, some filming for the movie, "Public Enemies" took place in this very venue.  That would mean Johnny Depp (among many other talented people in the cast) worked as well in this same theatre. (Of course, there are other legends who have performed on this very stage, not just "in a seat", but on the stage, such as Tony Bennett, etc.  That's another subject but just the same of a thrill for me.) 

Okay, this is the way I see it. I admire JD's work ( a lot of it, anyway). He's in show business. I'm in show business (Different, uh, "level", I know, but we both entertain for a living). So it's inspiring to be working in the same place as said sometimes-pirate.  Savy? Kind of like a brotherhood of show biz-like types.

Here's a little story: Our stage manager for the night at the Paramount told us that as she was "just doing her job" during the April shoot, making sure the wrong people were not passing into the sacred inner filming sanctum, this guy tried to get in the side door of the theatre, and she was like, "Excuse me sir, can I help you"?  Little did she know, it was Johnny Depp just trying to get to "his seat" (See photo below).  She didn't believe it was him at first until finally to convince her he belonged he had to say to her, "I'm Johnny Depp". [!]

She told me she didn't recognize him without his pirate makeup!

Here are some photos from that day (Once I get my hands on Kevin's video I'll post that in Part 2. Stayed tuned!).

Sneaking away from soundcheck and looking inconspicuous in the Johnny Depp chair (Sorry, looking the wrong way-see below)

Here he is. There I was.

Once again, me....

....Him (Them)

Was that cool or what?!

~ sp

The Day I Sat in the Johnny Depp Chair! - Part 1

Double Bonus Post! - New Track and Gig Photos

Purposely and lovingly crafted to resemble a certain song from the 80's, I bring you "Chiller" as this year's Halloween Time creative effort to add to my catalog of instrumental "What...?"  Click on the music player to play track.

free music download from Steve Probst

Now this may have been influenced slightly by a performance we did in West Bend, Wisconsin on the evening of July 31, 2010 (this year), where during the day in front of our stage they set a Guinness World Record for the largest "Thriller Dance" in the US.  Here's a pic below.

Celebrate Wegner Park 75th Anniversary West Bend, WI - Cameraman demonstrates his agility over musical equipment

For those of you who would like to see video from this event, click HERE.

Double Bonus Post! - New Track and Gig Photos

What A Night For "Promises, Promises"!

On a whim, I "splurged" and procured for myself a seat to see, well mainly, Krisitin Chenoweth in "Promise, Promises" at the Broadway Theatre this past week.

I am both a fan of Kristin's (since discovering her from "Wicked") and the tunes of Burt Bacharach/Hal David.  To hear them both at the same time was indeed a treat for me!

Of course, a trip to the stage door after the show was in order!  Something that is so easy to do on Broadway since the venues' stage doors spill right out onto the street.  Now, here's a tip (and reminder for me next time) if you want to do the same for an autograph:

Get by the back-stage door earlier right after the show and get right up against the barricade.  I was approximately 2 & 1/2 people behind (not far at all actually).  I was close enough to see Kristin's gracious, smiling face and her perfectly crafted eyebrows, but not close enough for her to reach my Playbill for a quick black-sharpie squiggle of acknowledgement and thanks.

Now I could have been rude and lowered it into the faces of fans in front of me, but that didn't seem right.  And Kristin is quite tiny and I supposed reaching up would have been a little difficult and, quite possibly, a little unsafe for her.  So a gaze upon her presence amidst the hoopla that goes with it will have to suffice.

She signed just enough momentos before being whisked away in a black Audi sedan which sequence of events went like this:

1. All the actors, ensemble, main characters (Sean Hayes being one of them - but hey, I'm a guy, and Kristien's better lookin') exit the theatre.

SIDE NOTE: It's interesting, maybe a little sad, that the amazingly talented ensemble players just kind of saunter out one-by-one in their sweats or whatever street clothes and everyone pretty much just watches them walk out into the late-night NYC city streets.

2. Tall serious-looking guy enters black Audi parked in front of the stage door and starts car, lights on, and goes back into the theatre back-stage door.

3. Out comes KC to fan cheers, with said body guard and another guy carrying her small dog who stands by the car in waiting while she proceeds to sign various sized paper and cardstock items.

There she is next to bodyguard with assistant in background holding her Maltese, "Maddie"

4. Then off she goes "whisked away in a black Audi sedan."


So there you have it.  An inspiring night at the theatre for me!  On broadway, no less!

Next thing on my list,  buy the soundtrack.

What A Night For "Promises, Promises"!

My Adventures in New York City - 2009

A fast-paced slide show of my visit to NYC in the Summer of 2009. I've already been again (2010) so guess I'm a little behind! This may be boring to you. unless you're a family member, but I'll post it anyway for posterity! If you like Wicked, Sinatra, Disney, you'll like the music!

As is my habit all photos were taken with my simple phone camera. I shot numerous angles of some of the same shots and ended up putting them all in, to make it even more boring for you!  Some are blurry, dark, and even backwards, but there ya have it.


I really, really "heart" NYC!

My Adventures in New York City - 2009

Oh, the Places You'll Go! - Photo Moments

Riverfest stage before the "crowdfest" - Watertown, WI


Back behind the stage at Riverfest.


Going into Watertown, WI and the Riverfest. Great folks and hospitality, great crew! All adds up to a great show!


Noticing dinosaurs in floor tile now, am I?


Service with a bang!


So convenient!  Drugs, car parts, and fireworks!


"'Cause this is Thrillahhh!..."


They set a record for the US in front of our stage during the day.


Foellinger Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN after it's all over and quiet. Should have heard things earlier!


At the catalog-favorite Sweetwater store.
I really like this little Taylor 312ce!


OC Fair - Costa Mesa, CA


Country Round Up stage - Winfield KS

a quickr pickr post

Oh, the Places You'll Go! - Photo Moments

Texica or "Monotony Is What You Make Of It" - Video

Another bit of footage from the road.  I was listening to some African music in iTunes while making the day-long trek on I-10 east across Texas.  "Diama  Don" by Issa Bagayogo just fit the mood so well.  I'm sure you've heard it, right? ;-)

Another way to look at it is simply using the most-helpful storage power of YouTube and thereby freeing up space on my hard drive.

Texica or "Monotony Is What You Make Of It" - Video

On being inches away from Picasso and others

A quick photo before melting in the 102 degree NYC heat

Reflecting on my recent visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, it reminded me of a game I used to play with the kids that used as playing pieces little cardboard squares with tiny prints of world famous paintings.  They were merely just that - nice, little cardboard replicas.

Well, it was a different story being just inches away from such works of art. Suddenly, this was the real thing, close enough to touch (though I dare not!!) .  It gave me the chills.   I Never thought I would enjoy it so much!

"Good artists borrow, great artists steal" ~ Picasso

The majority of the time I spent in the special Picasso exhibit and paid for the audio headphone tour (which I highly recommend-I got tired of reading, especially because it was really crowded and hence distracting) (Did you just see that?  The beginnings of art-snobbish-ness).  When it came closing time, there was sooo much I DIDN'T see!

I'm definitely going back and when I get home I'm going to have to pay a visit to some of those museums in LA.

Do you enjoy art musems?  Can't stand'em?  Share your thoughts below.

On being inches away from Picasso and others