See ‘Blood Shot’ at Megacon in Orlando

January 23, 2012 by

The Megacon Indie Film Expo is proud to present the Florida premiere of the feature film, BLOOD SHOT. This film is based upon the award-winning short film by Dietrich Johnston which originally played at Megacon in the past. Johnston, and the executive producer Andrew Wyly, transformed the positive buzz about the short film into a star-filled full-length production. Brennan Elliot (Strong Medicine, The 4400) and Michael Bailey Smith (The Hills Have Eyes, Men in Black 2), two of the film’s stars will be appearing at Megacon in support of the premiere and hope to meet their fans and make new ones.

“The idea of making a full length feature film in Hollywood is a real dream come true for independent filmmakers,” said Terry Cronin, who is the director of the Megacon Indie Film Expo. “This is a really fun action-packed movie that has incredible potential for a series. A real franchise builder.”

BLOOD SHOT is the story of a cop named Rip, played by Brennan Elliott, whose life falls apart as he chases a terminator-like vampire, played by Michael Bailey Smith, who happens to be a hitman controlled by a CIA agent played by Lance Henricksen (Millenium, Alien) . The great Brad Dourif (The Lord of the Rings) plays a notorious Middle Eastern terrorist who is plotting a major attack on the U.S. that includes detonating a powerful nuke in the heart of Los Angeles; the only thing standing in his way is an unlikely duo formed by the mysterious vampire (Michael Bailey Smith) and the cop (Brennan Elliott) who is chasing him.

Michael Bailey Smith is excited about coming to the show, “It’s great to return to Florida and see all the cool stuff going on at Megacon. I think the fans will love BLOOD SHOT and I hope to meet everyone who comes out to the show.”

The film will show at the Orange County Convention Center as part of the Megacon on Saturday, February 18th from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Brennan Elliot and Michael Bailey Smith will take part in the Indie Filmmaking Panel and will be available for autographs and photos on the show floor of Megacon.

The Megacon Indie Film Expo showcases numerous award-winning independent short films in the genres of action, anime, animation, comedy, horror, superheroes, science fiction, and suspense. The short films will be shown Friday, Feb 17th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. This selection of films is hosted by 3 Boys Productions the founders of the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival and the creators of the horror adventure comic series “Students of the Unusual”. Donations will be accepted for the Hero Initiative.

For more information go to www.megaconvention.com

or www.studentsoftheunusual.com

BLOOD SHOT IMDB- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1196124/

Filed Under: Entertainment, Florida, Things to do Tagged With: , , , , , ,

In Florida Mitt Romney Rips Newt Gingrich

January 23, 2012 by

“ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Mitt Romney landed here Sunday with a simple message: Newt Gingrich is a failure and a fraud. And a disgrace. And a hapless showman.

Standing under a brilliant orange Florida sunset, Romney delivered his longest sustained critique of the South Carolina primary winner to date – ticking through a list as if he were reading off Gingrich`s Wikipedia page, and undercutting each item as he got to it.” Politico.Com

“Eighty-four ethics charges were filed against Gingrich during his term as speaker, all by Democrats. Eighty-three of the charges were later dropped. After extensive investigation and negotiation by the House Ethics Committee, Gingrich was reprimanded and penalized $300,000 by a 395-28 House vote. It was the first time in the history of the House that a speaker was disciplined for an ethics violation.” Wikipedia

Sometimes presidential candidates engage in hyperbole to make their point, but Romney is spot on in his assessment of Newt Gingrich. The former Speaker of the House is a hapless buffoon, a fraud, and a disgrace to humankind.

Newt Gingrich may not have met the legal definition of a lobbyist, but nobody could convincingly argue that he wasn`t an influence peddler. Newt, with a straight face, claims that Freddie Mac paid him an obscene amount of money to serve as a historian for them.

Mitt Romney is finally realizing that when dealing with a bully you throw nuance out the window, and call a spade a spade. Romney should attack Gingrich on every front, he should attack the portly politician on his woeful ethics in the realms of politics and business.

In a speech in Florida Mitt hit Gingrich hard:

He was a leader for four years as speaker of the House. And at the end of four years, it was proven that he was a failed leader and he had to resign in disgrace. I don`t know whether you knew that, he actually resigned after four years, in disgrace.

That`s the ticket, Romney needs to hit Gingrich again and again, until like the typical bully he cries: Uncle.

When facing a huge bully you don`t slap him on the face, that`s not going to knock him down. You pick up a two-by-four and hit him upside the head. Romney needs to pick up Gingrich`s heavy baggage and clobber him senseless.

On the stump, and especially in the debates, Romney must lay out his case against Newt Gingrich. The America public has a short memory, and Romney must remind the electorate that Gingrich is an ethically-challenged fraud.

Gingrich won the South Carolina primary because he bullied the debate moderators (Juan Williams and John King), and his fellow presidential hopefuls. Unlike Gingrich Romney is a gentleman, but if he doesn`t want to lose in Florida, he must go after Gingrich tooth and nail.

Rick Santorum and Ron Paul would be advised to do the same, hit Gingrich hard and often. It would be a disaster for the GOP and our democratic process if a thug like Gingrich wins the Republican nomination.

I`m very liberal, and it would be to my benefit if Gingrich won the Republican nomination, because President Obama would make mincemeat out of him. But as a patriot and a believer in the democratic process, I hope that sanity prevails and Mitt Romney wins.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71802.html#ixzz1kINLyhqy

Follow Robert Paul Reyes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertpaulreyes

Filed Under: Opinions, Politics Tagged With: , ,

John Lennon Imagined: His Beatles & Solo Years Celebrated in Concert at the Sunrise Theatre

January 22, 2012 by

John Lennon Imagined: His Beatles & Solo Years
Celebrated in Concert at the Sunrise Theatre, February 24th

WhyHunger’s “Artists Against Hunger & Poverty” Program To Benefit

When: Friday, February 24th, 2012 at 7pm
Where: Sunrise Theatre, 117 South Second Street, Fort Pierce, FL34950
Tickets: $25 advance/ $30 at the door, available at www.sunrisetheatre.com or 772-461-4775

Among the most unique and compelling interpretations of the late John Lennon’s music are those by The Nutopians, an eight-piece ensemble that will honor the genius and artistry of the icon’s song compositions at The Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce, FL. on Friday, February 24th.

Formerly The John Lennon Song Project, the band is celebrating its prestigious Independent Music Award for Best Tribute Album of 2010, an honor bestowed for its CD Imagined, just months after the band’s debut. The Nutopians are touring the U.S. throughout 2012.

The Nutopians, founded and led by Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare, are also celebrating the addition of its newest band member, 15-year-old “phenom” vocalist Maggie Coffin.

In a show that reviewers have called “magical,” “captivating” and “inspiring,” TheNutopians concertgoers are treated to exquisite lead singing, three-part harmonies and insightful song narratives, plus a host of multi-talented musicians on acoustic, electric and bass guitars; cello; violin; piano; mandola; accordion; chromatic harmonica and light percussion.

In concert The Nutopians perform their acclaimed renditions of many of Lennon’s most beloved Beatles songs, often weaving melody, lyric and song together in a series of singles and mini-medleys. These tunes are given surprisingly fresh treatments that often inspire a whole new appreciation for Lennon’s original lyrics. Selected songs from his solo years are also featured.

The band’s new name was suggested recently by Yoko Ono to honor Lennon’s social and political activism, and the couple’s fictitious country of peace, ”Nutopia.”

The group is also now actively supporting the “Artists Against Hunger & Poverty” program, which raises awareness and funds for WhyHunger, a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food. A portion of proceeds from the ensemble’s performances and CD sales benefit WhyHunger’s grassroots effort to inspire self-reliance and community empowerment.

The Band: Rex Fowler — rhythm guitar and vocals; Tom Dean – six- and 12-string guitars, mandola and vocals; Alana MacDonald — violin and vocals; Jordan Jancz — cello and percussion; Teg Glendon — bass guitar and vocals; Robby Coffin — electric and acoustic guitars and vocals; Gary Schreiner — piano, accordion and chromatic harp; Maggie Coffin — vocals and percussion.

About the Founders of The Nutopians:

Rex Fowler is half of the critically acclaimed folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step (ATS), which burst upon the scene with its self-titled debut album on Elektra Records in 1972. Fowler and his ATS partner Neal Shulman have continued writing and performing songs and releasing award-winning and well-reviewed albums for decades, including 1987’s Living in America (New York Music Award for Best Folk Album), 2005’s Days of Horses and others. Now in their 40th year of touring, the duo has spent a lifetime making meaningful music together. www.aztectwostep.com

For 30 years, Tom Dean was part of Devonsquare, with Alana MacDonald and the late Herb Ludwig. Signed to Atlantic Records by Ahmet Ertegun, Devonsquare toured the United States and Europe and released five CDs. A devoted fan base followed these musicians from coast to coast to hear the shimmering three-part harmonies and award-winning songs that earned them an international reputation. www.devonsquare.com

The Critics:

“With these intelligent heartfelt renditions of Lennon’s best-known songs, The Nutopians ranks right up there with the very best Lennon interpreters ever.” — Pete Fornatale, WFUV-FM

“Absolutely brilliant! I’ve been listening non-stop. I can’t wait to go on the radio and start spinning tunes from it. Album of the year!” — Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM

Website: www.thenutopians.com

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXGfgmpqm5U (Come Together/I Am The Walrus)

Filed Under: Art, Community Events, Community Voices, Entertainment, Things to do Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Indian River Charter High Schumann School for Performing Arts Production of “Cinderella The Musical”

January 22, 2012 by

Charter High Students Gave Sneak Peek Performance of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella the Musical at By the River Affordable Senior Living Community

Make no mistake about it, Indian River Charter High Schumann School for the Performing Arts production of “Cinderella The Musical” is sure to be a hit. The show will be given at the Vero Beach Theater Guild February 2nd, 3rd and 4th at 7:00pm and February 4th and 5th at 2:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking on the “Ticket” tap at wwww.irchsonline.org.

Students performed a sneak peek of some of the popular musical numbers at By the River today and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the residents and guests. By the River is Sebastian’s affordable senior living community. It was the dream and vision of spiritual teacher Ma Jaya to have a place that seniors can call “home” and live comfortably in a vibrant community.

Julianne Zimei and Jernie Talles-Millan

The story of Cinderella has been told for more than a hundred years in countless cultures. Threatre director, Michael Naffziger, said that this year they had so many talented kids that he dual-cast all the roles, except for the Fairy Godmother.

Two of the Cinderellas, Kaitlin Ruby, l0th grader, and Julianne Zimei, llth grader, performed today. They are best friends and have not been competing, but rather cheering each other on. As Kaitlin said, “We tag each other. You’re ‘it’ today!”

Filed Under: Art, Community Events, Community Voices, Education, Entertainment, Featured, Florida, Local People, Things to do, Vero Beach Tagged With: , , , , ,

It’s All About the Birds! Angel Wings Parrot Rescue

January 22, 2012 by

We are a Treasure and Space Coast based Parrot Rescue located in Sebastian Florida, we have been rescuing birds for 11 years and I have fostered for two other parrot rescues.

Due to the volume of requests to take unwanted or unable to keep parrots in my area, I chose to open my own not for profit rescue. We also have a parrot store on eBay as well as an e- commerce store. The store sells parrot related items and food, not birds.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find the correct forever home for our feathered friends. All donations and re-homing fees are for the transportation, vet bills, and care of the parrots. Here we are all about the birds.

If you have a parrot you are unable to care for any longer, or are interested in adopting a feathered friend, or just wish to foster a bird, please contact us…below is a link to our stores, feel free to check it out and look at our feedback.

If you have a unwanted bird contact Kerry Lewis or Cindy Nichols.

Contact:
Cindy Nichols
Manager Kerry Lewis
9969 Sebastian River Dr
Micco, Florida 32769
772-646-0655

Filed Under: Letter to the Editor, Local People, Pets/Animals Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Quail Valley Charities P”ART”icipation Show and Sale at Palm House Gallery

January 16, 2012 by

This show featuring 45 professional artists’s work includes Paintings, Sculpture, Photography and Jewelry. Browse through the gallery, speak with the artists and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’ oeuvres.

In addition, artwork may be viewed and purchased at the Palm House Gallery & Studio, January 17-21, from 10 am to 4 pm. A minimum of 30% of all sales are donated by the artists to Quail Valley Charities, Inc. to benefit 24 non-profit organizations for children and education in Indian River County.

Please call the Palm House Gallery for further information. (772) 231-6816 or view their website at www.palmhousegallery.com

We look forward to seeing you at 6pm on Wednesday, January 18th, at the Palm House Gallery located at 3227 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963

QUAIL VALLEY CHARITIES
2345 HIGHWAY A1A, VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32963

Filed Under: Art, Community Events, Community Voices, Entertainment, Local People, Things to do Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Members of VBHS Marching Band Alumni To Perform at 2012 London Olympics

January 16, 2012 by

Everybody knows that athletes dream of going to the Olympics, but not many people know that musicians do as well. The University of Florida Gator Marching Band is the only college band that has been invited to perform at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. An invitation to perform at the Olympic Games is an honor and the chance of a lifetime, especially for eight proud Vero Beach High School Marching Band alumni. These former VBHS band students are part of the 150 Gator Band members who are planning to attend the trip in July. Starting out on various instruments in 6th grade at Gifford Middle School, all eight students pursued music throughout high school in concert and marching band.

Sarah Piper and Amy Hiser graduated from VBHS in 2008 and have participated together in the Gator Marching Band all four years of college. Piper, an Education major and a trombonist, is currently one of three drum majors at UF. Hiser is an Elementary Education major and a tuba player.

Joshua Lamothe, who graduated from VBHS in 2009, is studying Aerospace Engineering and is a principle trumpeter.

The newest members of the Gator Band, Katherine DiSandro, Kelsey Grabach, Gwendi Lamothe, Samuel Lapeyre, and Gardner Reid all graduated from VBHS in 2011, and performed with the VBHS band at Carnegie Hall in 2010. DiSandro is studying Veterinary Medicine and plays piccolo. Grabach is a Business Administration major and a trombonist. Gwendi Lamothe (sister of Joshua Lamothe) is studying Biochemistry and plays the mellophone. Lapeyre is a Digital Arts and Sciences major and plays baritone. Reid is studying Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and is a trumpeter.
Despite the different majors of these students, they all have one thing in common: they feel blessed to call Vero Beach home. This community has been very generous in supporting student musicians, and these eight VBHS alumni are hoping for continued financial assistance in this new endeavor. The cost of the trip for each band member is $4100, some of which the university is underwriting. It is expected that the individual student will have to contribute $2500-$3500 out of pocket toward the trip expense.

James Sammons, band director at Vero Beach High School for over 30 years says, “I think the Gator Band going to London is absolutely wonderful. We here at Vero Beach High School traditionally have a lot of students in Gator Band, and it makes me very proud that these students have worked hard at the collegiate level and that they are getting this great honor. So not only are they doing the Gator Nation proud, they’re doing Vero Beach High School proud.”
These students will be proud to represent Vero Beach in the 2012 Olympics, and if you are able to assist them financially, please contact Kelsey Grabach at 772-559-2841 or send an email to vero2012london@gmail.com.

Filed Under: Community Voices, Entertainment, Featured, Florida, Local People, Music, Vero Beach Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Join Harry J. Getzov at The Vero Beach Book Center on Jan. 26th

January 8, 2012 by

To all of my Vero Beach (and surrounding area) friends . . .

I will be speaking about my new book, “gOld” at The Vero Beach Book Center on Thursday, January 26 at 5:00 PM. If you’re around that evening, I would certainly love for you to join us. You can click on the following link to get the information which is posted on the Book Center’s website:

HARRY J. GETZOV presents “gOld: The Extraordinary Side of Aging Revealed Through Inspiring Conversations”

What if growing old didn’t have to mean being obsolete or over the hill? What if, instead, it meant being classic, venerable and wise? What if it meant writing the novel you’ve always wanted to write, orpainting, or singing, or teaching, or traveling to a place you’ve always dreamed of?

In “gOld,” Harry J. Getzov introduces us to many of the extraordinary senior citizens he has interviewed from all walks of life as part of the Eldercation project he created to promote the concept of positive aging. Kitchens, living rooms, dens, front porches and offices—these are just some of the settings in which Getzov has visited with hundreds of older individuals—over 1,600 to date. These special visits provide these people with an opportunity to talk freely about lessons learned and wisdom gained, and share their feelings about aging—demonstrating that life after 65 can, indeed, be passionate and beautiful.

Mark your calendars and please join me on the 26th.

Warm regards,
Harry
www.eldercation.com

Filed Under: books, Community Events, Community Voices, Entertainment, Letter to the Editor, Local People, Things to do, Vero Beach Tagged With: , , ,