Teri Nunn of Berlin belts it out...

... at the Berlin/New Romantics concert Saturday, August 26th at the South Coast casino in Las Vegas. They were great! Not like a 'retro band' that has come back from the vaults of the 80's, but as good as a brand new band with experience to back them up. I've already seen Berlin twice before this and I will see them again and again...

Teri Nunn sings a sit-down ballad...

Teri Nunn sings a ballad with her two great band members..

Teri Nunn of Berlin gets up close and personal with her fans. Concert at the South Coast in Las Vegas August 26th.

A picture of an old building in downtown Nashville, visited there a couple of weeks ago.  

Billy_Idol_Do You Want Me to Cry?

Video I recently recorded at the August 11th Las Vegas show. Short video but sounds good and has clear visuals for the most part. This clip shows that he's a soulful singer and a solid performer. A must-see in concert!

WILD IS THE WIND - DAVID BOWIE (1999)

WILD IS THE WIND - DAVID BOWIE (1999)

A romantic rendition of a cover song by one of my top favorite artists of all time... D avid Bowie..

Billy Idol - Eyes Without a Face

Billy Idol recently performed at Mandalay Beach, August 11th. Here is a classic video of one of his songs, one of my personal favorites.

Utah Shakespearean Festival 2006

The 'star' of H.M.S. Pinafore, Fred C. Adams, former executive director of the festival himself..

H.M.S Pinafore

Gilbert & Sullivan do it again!

Delightful from beginning to end! I rarely laugh at anything these days, the cynicism of our time has so crept into my soul. But along comes H.M.S. Pinafore to blast that cynicism away with its innocence and purity. This Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta written in the 1870's, but set in 1840, takes you back to a time when life was simple. When life was about love and innocence and what size bell you'll ring next. Who says that silly humor can't be funny? It's the funniest of all in my mind. I think we need that more than ever in our day. It's strange how something from 130 years ago can stike such a chord in audiences today. I was not the on ly one laughing. Thanks to Director Brad... who added his own touch - a tribute to Ethel Merman, the 'water ballet' in the middle and the end of the operetta, had me crying I was laughing so hard. Former Executive Director of the Shakespearean Festival, Fred C. Adams was a natural as the self-important Admiral, "Lord of the Water!" The Captain, who 'never gets sick at sea' - "Never? Well, hardly ever.." was fantastic as the noble Captain of the Pinafore. His lovely daughter played by Jane... educated at Cornell, was magnificent as the love-lorn daughter of the Captain of the Pinafore, who alas - loved below her class. But who is to say what the heart dictates? And - her voice - as harmonic as the sea itself.

These are the kinds of things Gilbert and Sullivan brought up during Victorian England - a time of class and convention - but brought it up in such a way that it would offend no one. Fancy that, bringing up the truths of culture in the face of a Queen and still not offending anyone! Free speech at its finest! Those are the kinds of values we so desperately need in our day. If we see something wrong in our society, we should not be afraid to say something about it, yet if we can express it in a creative and inspirational way to make people laugh, all the better! Gilbert and Sullivan succeeded at this so well that their work has expanded well beyond their own century.

Who says that music and movement can't be perfectly timed and matched to create a balance and harmony that orders and calms one's mind and sets your mind and humour free? Silly you say? I think not! Neo-clasical art at its best!

Highly recommended piece of work! You must see this one! Up against Hamlet at the Festival, also a noteworthy and powerful performance, stay more than one day. As they say at the festival, "come again and come often."

Oh, I will... I will...

A photo of a costume from a previous Shakespearean play. Much care and precision goes into constructing a costume at the festival.

Deep quotes by Nietzsche

“I still live, I still think: I still have to live, for I still have to think.”

“Battle not with monsters lest you become one.”

“Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful”

~Friedrich Nietzsche

http://thinkexist.com

Cinevegas 2006!

I didn't think Cinevegas could outdo itself from last year. But it did! Now in it's sixth year, the Cinevegas Film Festival is like the seed that is growing into a fine flower.

Bobcat Goldthwaite was one of the guests at the Most Dangerous Filmakers Lecture. He was so funny, I couldn't stop laughing.
Photo Copyright © Silver Fire Productions, 2006

The Cinevegas party was specatular - put on by Vegas.com, it was set in the massive outside pool area outside a currently undisclosed location - from holograms above the pool to scantily (but tastefully) clad dancers on top of the bridge to celebrities and VIPS.. Not to mention the stars, producers, directors, publicists and press of Cinevegas. Below is a picture of
Deborah Kara Unger from "The Game" and currently "Lies and Alibis" coming out in September.

Photo Copyright © Silver Fire Productions, 2006

Half-life awards were given to the likes of Sylvester Stallone while celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Rocky.
Christina Ricci was a gracious guest during her conversation before the showing of her film The Opposite of Sex. She was funny, personable, witty and had good stories to tell. One - she was working with Johhny Depp and needed to work out her character for a film, she said she felt like punching the wall, but of course one can't do that. But Depp told her, "You do whatever you have to do, punch a wall, whatever..." The interviewer from Premier Magazine asked her how she picks her films. She said, the director picks them for you, they see what's in you and match you up to them. She also said that they exploit what talents you have within you and that one should do exploit their own talents for good. Wise words from a young and talented actress.

New and upcoming films shown at the festival include the modern day comedy Park, starring Billy Baldwin, Cheri Oteri of SNL fame, and Ricki Lake to the very intriguing Shorts, including Induction and Bugcrush to the thought-provoking French film 13 Tzameti, the festival proved it's worth once again. Wild Tigers I Have Known, a coming-of-age film with beautifully rendered images and sounds, originally shown at Sundance, by director Cam Archer proves that the daring spirit of the 'independent' film still reigns. Revisit the 70's space era with Interkosmos, a tongue-in-cheek homage to the dry communist films that used to be made to tout their philosophy. Quite funny. I recommend it. A film by surrealist director Jan Svankmajer entitled Lunacy inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe and the Marquis de Sade leaves you wondering what true lunacy really is. Lies and Alibis, the closing night film, and U.S. premiere, was a perfect ending to an exciting week. Intriguing from the start, it catches your attention and never lets go. Coming out in September, it's one to keep in mind. With a stellar cast including Steve Coogan, Rebecca Rominj, James Marsden, Selma Blair, James Brolin, Sam Elliot, Henry Rollins, Jaime King, John Leguizamo, and Deborah Kara Unger, this is a hit. Watch for it!

The world premiere of G.I. Jesus culminated as the Jury Award winner for Cinevegas 2006. A film about a Mexican national who went to Iraq in exchange for U.S. Citizenship returns to California only to suffer more trauma related to battle experience as well as his family life.

There were many more films here - too many to mention. Cinevegas is certainly the injection of culture we need here in the arid desert of Las Vegas..

Enjoying myself in the pool at the VIP section of the closing night party. What a night! One I'll never forget..

Wila

Since my ancestry is Slavic, I have an interest in Slavic mythology. See this link I found on wikipedia.org (a great online encyclopedia), regarding the wila, "female fairy-like spirits who live in the wilderness and sometimes clouds" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wila). They are basically like Slavic fairies, which I think of myself as in a way.

'Looking Glass Man'

'Looking Glass Man'

Ah, this looking-glass man!
Liar, fool, dreamer, play-actor,
Soldier, dusty drinker of dust-
Ah! he will go with me
Down the dark stairway
When nobody else is looking,
When everybody else is gone.

~Unknown writer

Coachella Music and Arts Festival 2006

Coachella Music and Arts Festival, (April 29th- 30th). First of all, I will tell you that it was a great experience, despite the enormous crowds (30 thou alone crowding in to see Madonna at the Sahara dance tent - a space by no means big enough for that many people, so imagine!). My friend and I careened just to catch a glimpse of her on the big screen and at her on the stage in the distance. We had to step over people and push our way through.. politely of course.

Well, anyway, for those who don't know, the Coachella Music and Arts Festival is a colossal, super-duper festival in the middle of the California desert in a place called Indio, CA (near the well-known Palm Springs). It is usually a festival meant to showcase new and upcoming mostly independent artists, but it has grown to include more mainstream artists as well, such as Madonna and Depeche Mode (the headliners for Saturday and Sunday nights respectively).

Matisyahu - the first and probably only Hasidic (Orthodox Jew) Reggae Rapper was one of the acts on Sunday. Massive Attack, the relatively well-known yet still somewhat underground techno-downbeat oriented British (I believe) band with a laid-back yet subtly intense vibe played on Saturday night. I must say, what I saw and heard of them was very interesting. I wish I heard them more. I was buying their CD (and many others) at the time actually, and sort of missed their live performance. A no-no by the way. Also - Massive Attack have collaborated with Madonna as well as a host of other artists who wanted a lad-back techno remix of one of their songs. Since it is late, I will stop here.

Above picture, Lightning Machine at Coachella 2004
Copyright © 2005, Silver Fire Productions

The Oscars! (78th Annual Academy Awards)

Be sure to watch the Oscars, the biggest show for Hollywood, showing Sunday, March 5th.

Movies up for Best Picture include:

Brokeback Mountain
Capote
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Munich

See http://www.oscar.com/ for more information on all nominations.

Must hear music!

February 2006

I heard him on one of the late shows at night, but didn't know who he was, until I saw his name and likeness recently on iTunes... Matisyahu.. possibly the first Hasidic reggae-rapper. He is an Orthodox Jew who raps in reggae style with some Hasidic chants. Very creative and new. His music has a decidely spiritual undertone with catchy beats and the usual circular rhythms of reggae. It is relaxing, energetic and spiritual all at once. Very uplifting. You should hear it!

December 2005 - Present

Walk the Line, soundtrack to the film, 2005

Soundtrack to the creatively inspiring and brilliant film about Johnny Cash's life, Walk the Line. All songs brilliantly and authentically sung by the stars of the film, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. They do a brilliant job of portraying the musical duo and later, couple in life, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. If you are a fan of Johnny Cash's music, as well as June Carter's music and others of that era, or simply a fan of the film, you must get this soundtrack! Joaquin Phoenix up for Best Actor nomination. Movie up for other Oscar nominations as well. Watch the show on Sunday, March 5th!

Hustle 'n' Flow, soundtrack to the film, 2005

Originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, 2005, and at the Cinevegas Film Festival, 2005, this film about a down and out man finds a way to fulfill his dream and inspire others around him. Star of the film, Terrence Howard, now up for Oscar Nomination.

October, 2005

Just wanted to mention some recently discovered music: The White Stripes, real down-to-earth Detroit or any kind of rock. Recommend the album De Stijl. Also, their new album, Get Behind Me Satan, is a continuation of their hard rock, gritty, down-to-earth sound. Check it out!

The Shadow of the Sun

SHADOW OF THE SUN

As the sun lays its shadow upon your soul
The rays of it take control
Your thoughts are not your own
But to someone else they do belong
Lost you are to the tides of thought
Swirling and whirling inside your mind
Shadow reigns and doubt remains
As the waves of thought engulf your heart

© Elizabeth Aralica
Babbling Brooks Productions 2005

Chimaera

Chimaera

Thou silver-tongued operator!
Dreaming of power, longing for absolution
How inarticulate and glib you are as you chase the chimaera of control…
Taciturn Gorgon, loquacious in turn of mind
Mind the brass lantern of the soul!

Copyright, 2005-2006, Elizabeth Aralica
© Babbling Brooks Productions 2006