24th Yearly Sci-Fi Marathon at Drexel Theatre

The 24th Annual 24 Hour Ohio Science Fiction Film
Festival (affectionately known to those who attend as THE MARATHON blasts off for 24-hours straight of the best in both new and classic scif-fi movies on Saturday, April 14 starting at 12:00 noon at the Drexel Gateway Theatre, 1550 N. High St.


The Marathon will feature four film premieres of award-winning new science fiction features all showing for the first time in Ohio.

Carrie Anne Moss (Matrix), Tim Blake Nelson (Meet The Fockers, Minority Report), and Billy Connolly star in director Andrew Currie's FIDO, which takes place in a the town of Willard, a town forever trapped in the happy-faced façade of the fifties. But this is an Americana in an alternate reality where space dust has brought the dead back to life and young Timm's best friend is a six-foot tall Zombie named Fido. But when Fido eats the next-door neighbor, Mom and Dad hit the roof.

In PUZZLEHEAD, Director- writer James Bai employs special effects wizardry in this futuristic take on the conflict between man and machine. In the near future, technology has been outlawed. A reclusive scientist creates a robot in his own image and names him Puzzlehead who becomes his connection to the outside world. PUZZLEHEAD has been shown in over 20 international film festivals including the Tribeca Film Festival, Sci-Fi London And Cinequest.


Bizarre-looking monsters and supernatural beings from Japanese folklore are just part of the fun in THE GREAT YOKAI WAR, from Japan's master of mayhem, director Takashi Miike. In his most lavish film to date, Miike breathes new life into old spooks in a film that's been called the Japanese LORD OF THE RINGS. Starring Chiaki Kuriyama(Kill Bill Vol. 1) as an evil mistress who is turning the good Yokai into evil bio-mechanical robots to threaten humanity. Wildly inventive, very funny and featuring amazing special effects, THE GREAT YOKAI WAR is like a Miyazaki film reimagined by Sid & Marty Kroft.

The final premiere in this year's Marathon is the highly experimental AUTOMATONS and starring Angus Scrimm (Phantasm). In the distant future The Girl is alone, the last of her people, all others having died in a generations-long war. She continues the fight from her underground bunker with the aid of her Robby-the-robot style mechanical army. AUTOMATONS is about the horrors of war and robots and was filmed in "Robo-Monstervision" according to its director, James McKenney and was executive produced by cult film director/producer Larry Fessenden who also appears in the film.

Classic Sci-Fi hits this year include a rare showing of the 1980's FLASH GORDON starring Max von Sydow as Ming the Merciless; the Roger Corman produced Classic Sci-Fi hits this year include a rare showing of the 1980's FLASH GORDONMINDWARP: AN INFINITY OF TERROR; director Terry Gilliam's 12 MONKEYS starring Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis; the deliriously wonderful CHOPPING MALL about 8 teens trapped after hours in a high tech shopping mall; FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE SPACE MONSTER featuring desperate Martians seeking bikini-clad breeding stock filmed on location in Cocoa Beach; schlock director Bert I. Gordon's KING DINOSAUR, one of the best examples of a movie so Bad its Good about a new planet that enters our solar system; from the director of Sound of Music and West Side Story, Robert Wise, comes STAR TREK: The Motion Picture; and finally, extraterrestrials invade the earth in the 2006 sleeper, SLITHER, starring Michael Rooker and Elizabeth Banks.


Also on tap will be selected sci-fi shorts, vintage trailers and cosmic cartoons plus a myriad of contests, including the annual Marathon Costume Contest!


Tickets for the 24th Annual Ohio Science Fiction Film Festival are $30 until April 8th, $34 from April 9-13 and $36 at the door(if available). Tickets are on sale now at the Drexel Gateway Theatre, 1550 N. High St., the Drexel Grandview Theatre,1247 Grandview Ave, the Drexel East Theatre, 2254 E. Main St. and Laughing Ogre Comic Shop, 4258 N. High St. Phone orders are available by calling the Drexel Business Office at (614) 222-0947, ext. 6 from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. weekdays.


for complete information visit www.scifimarathon.com or www.drexel.net


Contact: Josh Rosenfield, Drexel Theatres Group, Ph (614) 222-0947, Fx (614) 222-0962
Joshua_rosenfield@hotmail.com

Candy Watkins Creates New Neon/Glasswork for group show in Washington DC

Neon and glass artist Candy Watkins just returned from exhibiting new work at the Zenith Gallery, in Washington DC.

29 Artists - 29 Years, Through April 29, 07

The 29th Anniversary Exhibit of the gallerie's yearly group show, features 29 different artists who have exhibited there in the past. Candy's beautiful piece, Meditation, was a highlight.


Meditation - Blown, carved and sandblasted glass with 14k gold leaf, illuminated with bright white, coated neon, mounted on a 12"X12"x12" base with a solid state transformer, internal wiring and a rotating switch. Total size - 12"x12"x24"
Candice Watkins - design and neon
Jason Antol - Gaffer and cold work

Visit Candy Watkin's website

Rosendales - A New Short North Eatery

Ralph Rosenfield likes to eat, among other pleasures he seeks in life. He loves to share his reactions to a new eatery, whenever he tries out a new one. Here are his comments regarding this new restaurant, just recently opened in Columbus. - charlieRosendales
793 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 298-1601
info@rosendales.com


On March 17th we and a small group of friends went to dinner at Rosendales. We were excited to be among the first in the city to experience what Richard Rosendale has worked his whole life (I think he’s 30!) to create.


Let’s start with the built environment. Richard hired Columbus architect Andrew Rosenthal to create the set on which the Rosendale’s team would perform. The space works very well, has enough noise create the bustle and flow you would want a “happening” place to have. My one complaint about the space is that the backs of the booths are too vertical for my troublesome back. The chairs, however, are comfortable enough to encourage you to linger, enjoying the food, the atmosphere and the company of friends. And the lighting is good enough for these older eyes to actually READ the menu - which is extensive, and full of options for almost any palate.


So lets talk about the food; Jan began with the Spicy Red Curry and Eggplant Soup with Lamb Sausage. We have never had an eggplant soup before and this one was explosive with flavor, and texture. Not a lot of spice from my standpoint but I am jaded in that area. Jan loved it. Elliot and Marcia had the “Organized Caesar Salad” This is a cylinder of romaine lettuce , a base and top of parmesan lace, a grape tomato, and a black pepper emulsion. To me this looked great but seemed small. I was assured that the appearance is deceiving and that its taste and mass are worth the $9 cost. Cheryl and I each had the 48 Hour Beef Short Ribs with potato gnocchi in a parmesan scallion butter sauce. Ok, this was well presented, but my first reaction was “where’s the beef?” since there were no ribs, just the two small, perfectly cooked, flavor-packed pieces of beef. Loved it, wanted more. At $12 it seemed a bit high priced, but the flavor was wonderful.
Larry had the Endive, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad with soaked raisins, apricots, candied walnuts, and orange hazelnut vinaigrette. I didn’t get a chance to taste this - Larry has been on these excursions before and has learned to sit as far away from me as possible.



Linda, however, was right across from me and I did have the opportunity to “taste” her Tomato Tart, with olive oil sorbet, balsamic streaks, bacon and endive. The sundied tomato wasn’t like any I have had before and must have been house made - perfectly dried, with none of the toughness that sometimes plagues these tasty treats. The olive oil sorbet was delicious and truly a new experience. You need to try this. A near bargain at $10.



The main course began when Jan’s Potato Crusted Grouper arrived. The fish was perfect and the potato was crispy but not over done. It was good enough that I would consider ordering it on our next visit. The fish was served with asparagus and oyster mushrooms which Jan kept to herself while praising them with every bite.



Marcia and I ordered the Braised Four Story Farms Veal Shank. I was expecting a really TALL presentation, but was informed that Four Story is a BRAND, not a description. It arrived on a soft and delicate polenta with fried leek rings, organic vegetables and a most aromatic jus. This was $30 and worth it. The meat was oh- so-tender and flavorful, and the leek rings a pleasant new item for me.



Gary ordered the Monk Fish, which arrived in a plastic bag (described on the menu as Fata paper) surrounded by shrimp, fingerling potatoes, fennel and red peppers in a bouillabaisse sauce. The fragrant aroma that escaped the opened bag was most pleasant. The subtle combination of flavors and textures that filled this $28 bag of treats was stunning.



Several in our group ordered Elysian Fields Lamb Rib Eye, with sweet red pepper, goat cheese risotto, vegetables, rosemary and olive oil. I was permitted a taste and found the lamb was wonderfully tender, full of flavor and done to perfection - definitely on my list of must-order items for a future visit.



I would ever so briefly like to talk about desserts - we tried several because they ALL sounded TOO good and priced right at about $7 or $8 each. The Sour Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote and Kumquat Sorbet was smooth, rich, creamy. The Grapefruit Panna Cotta with grapefruit gellee, vanilla basil, and steeped grapefruit segments may sound like a strange concoction, but it is a delightfully refreshing combination that works on multiple levels. The Crepes with exotic fruits and coconut ice cream had a super balance of flavors and textures. Finally, Crème Brule prepared in a shallow dish over a layer of huckleberries and topped with almond granola put a new slant on an old standard – like meeting an old friend in a new setting.



There is much more here than I have told you, so you really need to try this new addition to “Fine Dinning” make a reservation, and check out the web site. www.rosendales.com



OtherTips: See “Flannel Pajamas” at the Drexel Main Street – a definite “Drexel movie” as our middle son would describe it. Interesting, thought provoking, “different” from the standard movie fare. And stop by the Hi-Beck Tavern on a Monday night for yummy complimenary pizza when you buy a pitcher of beer.

Jam on Every Second Saturday! at BOMA

Jazz and Eggs every Second Saturday of the Month!
at BOMA

The jam, an on-going jazz tradition that started here over a century ago on the East side of Columbus is staying alive and well and true to its origin, thanks to a core flame of musicians and enthusiasts. About a decade ago the Jazz and Eggs series of Saturday jams started at the Marble Gang, a roucous wonderful and intimate bar that was perfect. When that stopped, there were a number of attempts to revive it in different venues. But none seemed to have what it took and they failed.


After many we may have found a home for Jazz and Eggs! Our first two jams were great, well accepted by the puiblic and the BOMA management agreed that it was just the kind of attraction they had hoped for.

Starting with the next

Jazz and Eggs at BOMA,

Saturday April 14, 2007 - 11:30 am -3 pm.

Here is a 2 minute -long slide/video record ( along with a poor audio track) of our last jam on Saturday March 10, 07. Click on the arrow to start.

The crowd enthusiasm and quality of music were outstanding. Nearly 50 musicians came to the jam and many were brought up to the stage for solos, including the legendary Marcus Belgrave in town for an appearance with the Columbus Symphony. The ever-changing house bands led Gene Walker and Tom Carrol, featured searing solos by Columbus' finest jazz players uncluding Terry and Linda Dactyl, Joe Yancey, the brothers Masters, Wes "Warm Daddy" Anderson, Bobby Floyd, Roger Hines, Debra Tucker, among many more.

enjoy- charlie

Scott McCloud Comics Storytelling

Scott McCloud is an author and comic artist known for groundbreaking graphic books like Understanding Comics, Reinventing Comics and his newest release of Making Comics. He is also the creator of the comic book series Zot!

McCloud and his family are currently in the middle of a 50-state tour celebrating the release of Making Comics. He appears at


the Wexner Center Film/Video Theater
27 W 17th Avenue Mall
April 4 , 07 at 4:30 pm
for a lecture, free and open to the public.

About the book:

MAKING COMICS: STORYTELLING SECRETS OF COMICS, MANGA AND GRAPHIC NOVELS by Scott McCloud

A comics-form guide to making comics, from the influential and award-winning creator of Understanding Comics and Reinventing Comics.

Learn how to choose the right moments to clarify and strengthen your stories; frame actions and guide your readers' eyes through each comics page; choose words and pictures that communicate together; create varied and compelling new characters; master body language and facial expressions; create rich, believable worlds for your readers to explore; pick the tools that are right for you; and navigate the vast world of comics styles and genres.

About the Author: Scott McCloud is the award-winning creator of Zot!, Understanding Comics, and Reinventing Comics. His books are available in sixteen languages. Sin City creator Frank Miller called him "just about the smartest guy in comics."

NOTE: the book is available at Monkeys Retreat 614 294 9511

More info?
scottmccloud.com
cartoons.osu.edu 614 292 0538

Mark Berger discovers historic Autos by Wiswell Covered Bridge

Photographer Mark Berger, has photographed every known covered bridge in Ohio. He often contributes to innerart (see Ohio's Covered Bridges). To update his extensive collection of bridge photographs, he was recently photographing details of newly completed renovations to the historic Wiswell Covered Bridge, when…

"to my surprise a caravan of antique 1930’s automobiles came rumbling through the covered bridge. One driver told me that they were going to the monthly pancake breakfast at 4-H Camp Whitewood just south of the bridge. Maxine & I went to the pancake breakfast, it was wonderful"

Bringing Progressive Radio Back to Columbus?

The Free Press Radio Project needs your contribution

The Free Press has recently acquired a building permit for a radio translator. We need to raise $5,000 by March 26 to translate the FM signal from the local LPFM channel. This is possible with your help.



Currently Columbus is without progressive and alternative radio. Your contribution can make the difference between rightwing reactionary radio and a principled and unwavering voice that stands for human rights and social justice. We plan to bring Democracy Now! to Columbus.



Go to http://www.freepress.org/store.php or mail your check to: Free Press Radio Project, 1240 Bryden Rd., Columbus OH 43205.


Any questions? Contact: truth@freepress.org, subject line: Free Press Radio Project.



Thank you!

Yoga Warriors

YOGA WARRIORS

a drama about a group of people at a yoga retreat, working out their relationships as they do yoga, meditate, sit in the hot tub, walk in the woods, etc.

April 19 -22

Produced by Richard Esquinas, the American Yogi,
in conjunction with WOMEN AT PLAY

The Columbus Dance Theatre

592 East Main St.

Reservations or more info? Email: Burkman.2@osu.edu or call (614) 457-6580

Chris Mohler Works on Exhibit

I received this info from Chad Tooker -charlie

A Gift and a Curse
Through April 27, 2007.

featuring new works by
Chris Mohler

opening reception
March 14th, 5:30-7:30pm.

Fresh A.I.R. Gallery is located Downtown at 131 N. High St.

Fresh A.I.R. Gallery exhibits the works of individuals affected by mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. Through art, we educate the community and work to break down the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse by bringing focus to the artistic vision.

Myken J. Lint
Executive Assistant & Public Affairs Coordinator
Southeast, Inc. Recovery & Mental Healthcare Services
225-0980 ext. 1206

http://southeastinc.com/fresh_air.php

Maui Art Scene.com

My friend Nancy Wasserman, back in good old Columbus, spent many years in Maui, Hawaii, as a ceramics artist. She sent me this info about a cool website featuring that art scene. I agree, it is a cool site. Hope you enjoy visiting it. Images are by current artsist. I especially like the "Free Videos" section. -charlie
Visit: mauiartscene.com

Rachel Z performs at Columbus Music Hall Tonight!

This announcement was sent by my friend and talented drummer Wahru (Barbara Cleveland) - charlie

Met City Jazz proudly presents:

Rachel Z

Internationally-known Jazz pianist, as featured with Wayne Shorter, Najee, and Mike Maineri, touring on behalf of her new cd on Savoy Jazz: In The Department of Good and Evil

Thursday March 8, 9 pm
Columbus Music Hall
734 Oak Street (the firehouse on Broad and Parsons)
614 464 0044
columbusmusichall.com

Call For Submission - Outsider Art

Harry Farkas sent me this notice about a call for artists for an Outsider Art exhibit scheduled this coming July. He got it from his good friend Mary Urbas, gallery director at Lakeland Community College Art Gallery

Gallery 324

The Galleria at Erieview

1301 East Ninth Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44114



July 14 – 28, 2007

Opening reception Saturday July 14 6-8 pm


Deadline: March 31, 2007



We’re interested in submissions of


1. Folk Art - the arts that are taught from the crade within a living tradition. The artists in this category carry on traditions passed on to them in their community or family such as quilting styles, embroidery, painting styles (like on furniture or house murals).



2. Outsider Art - also called self-taught art. This is art produced by the individual who has not received any art training and has been more or less called into producing art by an inner need or compulsion.



3. Psychiatric Art - This is the art that has been produced mostly at institutions or by art therapists or individual psychologists or psychiatrists notable for its authenticity and richness of expression.



4. Art Brut - started by the Jean Dubuffet to both describe his art and to establish a label for much of the art which he collected and exhibited. It is characterized by a rawness and a primitive expressiveness.



If you think your work falls into one of these categories, please send 3-5 jpgs, one picture per piece of work, with a short artist’s bio, with “outsider art” in the subject line, to:



mbales@oh.verio.com
and
markk@deepcleveland.com


Deadline: March 31, 2007

Jazz and Eggs Reprise

Jazz and Eggs - Second Saturday JAM

Saturday - March 10, 2007
11:30 am - 3 pm
at BOMA
Bar Of Modern Art

(The Old First Baptist Church)
583 East Broad Street

$20 at door covers both: Buffet and Jam!
•Musicians who bring their axe, sign in on the jam list to play anpay No Cover.
• full cash bar
• valet parking

For related info, check out:
hottimesfestival.com


artsfoundationofoldetowne.org

Mayumana In BE opens in NYC

If you find yourself in NY City, in the next few weeks, go see this exciting 90 minute off-broadway show! My cousin Alon Neuman, who appears in numerous plays, movies and TV shows in Isreal, was involved with this explosive dance/theatre company. He turned me on to them and appears briefly in this video, but is not touring with them in this current show. -charlie

Be by Mayumana
currently performs, at 8pm

Formal Opening on March 13,

at Union Square Theatre

100 E. 17th St & Park Ave.

Check out this fantastic video !

Check out their website

Tickets? (212) 307 4100