Diamonds Are Forever

Happy New Year.

Stardust Memories, 2016

So far so good. Last night I checked out the Savoy Soul Club--the premier soul night (a la Northern Soul) in the Capital Region. The other day we caught the movie La La Land-- one of the best films I have seen in some time... bring back the musical!

Speaking of music, WEXT will be re-airing my David Bowie tribute this Monday, January 9, at 11 p.m. ET. It's slotted one day after his birthdate and one day before the anniversary of his passing. I remember my dismay at hearing the news a year ago, and I have been thinking a lot about his musical influence ever since.

With this My Exit special, I tried to pick songs by the artist that had an immediate and lasting impact on me. I only had an hour, so I had to give it a good deal of thought (hard to narrow down). 

As I mention on the show, the first I remember being truly aware of him was during the Live Aid concert in 1985, performing with Mick Jagger in that silly "Dancing In The Street" video. That song was catchy enough, but the tune that really caught my ear was a year later-- his theme song for the British film Absolute Beginners, which he also starred in. 

At the time I actually wondered if he was a retro artist, since that lead me into the 1950s-styled Let's Dance album. 

Digger deeper, I found myself captivated by such moody tracks as "China Girl," "Cat People," and "Ashes To Ashes"-- I was beginning to discover the weird, artsy Bowie, and there was no turning back.

My wife's museum, The Albany Institute of History and Art is currently showing a really nice exhibition of rock and roll photography (Bowie included!) by local artist Patrick Harbron. In conjunction with the show, they held an open mic night tonight. We weren't sure what the turn out would be, so I brought my electric guitar just in case. I have been taking guitar lessons for a couple years now, still struggling to find time and motivation to practice, but I decided to give it a shot. Now I have no problem getting up and singing/performing in front of an audience, but playing the guitar and singing adds another level of complexity. Oof... I probably should have sat it out, but I gave Bowie's "Starman" a try. Coincidentally, the line "that weren't no DJ that was hazy cosmic jive" has some relevance with the current news about the discovery of mysterious radio waves from outer space. David, is that you? "Ground control to major Tom..."

Best In Show: "Diamond Dogs" 2016 Memorial Edition.
©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

More successful for me at Albany Institute was my taking part in a recent album cover design contest (also tied in with the rock photography exhibit). Again I chose Bowie as the subject, and reinterpreted his 1974 album Diamond Dogs. 

I had the perfect model: our dog Trixie. My illustration took things quite literally-- I sprinkled diamond shapes across the vinyl sized design, and Trix was decked out in full Bowie "Ziggy Stardust"-era glam (even the shoulder pads from the "Ashes To Ashes" video). The assemblage was mixed media, with elements of collage, colored pencil, paint, and glitter, as well as type created on the museum's old printing press. You can view some photos of my creative process in this Facebook album.

In addition to David Bowie, the through line for these projects is that they were about me focusing on artistic projects. I wish I could master the fearless creativity that Bowie had--I guess that's a big reason I admired him so. The other attractive part of his legacy is that his work transcended--as if he was the conduit for its creation. Although he is gone, his songs remain... and I think he understood, whatever his obvious fears and demons, that he should get out of the way of being creative. 

My Diamond Dogs reissue ended up winning the cover design contest! I know... it may seem a little fishy with my wife working at the museum, but this was entirely voted on by the public. I even saw a couple of people admiring the work when it was on display (even taking photos). So "bully for you, chilly for me..." I'll try and keep David Bowie in mind, and keep out of my own artist's way in the new year.

Listen Live: exit977.org

Country Setting

Where to go in the Capital Region when you're asked to direct a country music video? Saratoga, of course! 

This proved to be a good call, as I joined musician Joey Sontz for some filming in the resort city's scenic Congress Park yesterday. 

Honestly, country music isn't normally my cup of tea, so I was a little wary about taking on this particular video project when Sontz first approached me about it. What finally convinced me was the idea of supporting a fellow musician/performer in the area, and Sontz's own enthusiasm (Rachel Wellington, his co-star in the video, admired the fact that "he doesn't give up on his dreams"). It also helps to be open-minded when it comes to music—his new album, It All Begins with a Song is actually quite well-produced (Jeff DeBusk of Tennessee's The Music Sanctuary at the helm), with some strong support from Nashville session musicians. 

Joey Sontz on the set of his new
music video. Photo: Jeremy Clowe

Yesterday was another great exercise for me to bring to life a vision inspired by music. The song we worked on is "I Melt," a rather straightforward love song from the album, slated to be the next single. I feel that I managed to capture some artistic moments, without being too cliché. Also, the weather was unseasonably mild, so our wintery "set" literally melted as we continued work (thanks for the visual metaphor, Mother Nature). The footage is now set to edit (yee-haw... where the real fun comes in!). As we wrapped, I took a swig from one of the local mineral springs for good luck.

On a related note: I'm still plugging away on my own music. I've made more advances with my guitar-playing, and look forward to attempting some new things in the year to come.

www.joeysontz.com

Encore!

Exciting news to share: I made it into the finals of the karaoke competition at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill! Around 22 talented contestants took to the Colonie, NY venue's stage last Wednesday, singing to a full house on a cold, wintery night. With both friends and family there to cheer me on, I won myself a spot as one of the lucky ten finalists chosen to advance to the final round next Wednesday night. I say "lucky" because the competition was quite strong—there are some seriously talented singers in the Capital Region... I have my work cut out for me next week! Nevertheless, I have been doing my fair share of practicing, and my stage presence continues to receive high marks... thanks to everyone for the continued support and well-wishes.

Set to rock in Rio! A-ha photographed by
Just Loomis, December 2014. Photo © and courtesy
www.a-ha.com

Speaking of music awards, I was reminded that last week marked the 24th anniversary of my favorite band, A-ha setting a Guinness World Record for largest concert attendance during their show at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium on January 26, 1991. Over 198,000 people attended the concert, which was presented as part of the Rock in Rio II festival. Here is a link to a video of me interviewing band member Magne Furuholmen about the experience, back in 2005.

Brazil's Rock in Rio festival began in 1985, the same year that A-ha had their worldwide breakthrough with the song "Take On Me" and debut album Hunting High and Low (to say those works made an impact on me is an understatement). Late last year it was announced that this year's Rock in Rio will celebrate the 30th anniversary of both festival and band, by inviting A-ha back for a reunion concert. The Norwegian trio, which officially disbanded at the end of 2010, will play together once again for this special September show in the country where they were a household name, with a string of top charting hits. You can read more about the upcoming concert on the band's website.

With friend at Seattle's Music Experience Project, October 2014
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

As far as I have heard, this reunion concert will be a one-off, but who knows... maybe 
A-ha will take us on once more?(there is an offshoot Rock in Rio festival taking place in the U.S. this May but... I won't hold my breath.

Ok, back to my own practicing...

Related Links:

"A-ha Return to Rock in Rio for a Very Special 30th Anniversary Concert," press release, December 4, 2014, A-ha.com

A-ha - Rock in Rio 2, Maracanã, January 26, 1991 (news report), MTV News

A-ha at Rock in Rio II, Brazil, January 26, 1991 (full concert)

New Year's Rockin'

Catching some air time at Seattle's
Experience Music Project, Oct. 2014. ©

Happy New Year! 2015 is off to a great... dare I say, rockin' start.

One of my favorite hangouts, Bourbon Street Bar & Grill has been running a singing competition, picking two qualifiers each week to square off during the finals, with $1000 to be awarded the winner. So, last week I entered... and won, landing a perfect score for stage presence in the process. From here I advance to the semi-finals, to be held next Wednesday, February 4— I love a challenge and, of course, the chance to perform... wish me luck!

This is great motivation, since I have really been concentrating on music lately, actively singing and taking electric guitar lessons since last summer. It's taking some time, but slowly and surely I'm adding songs to my repertoire, while practicing general scales and chords, reading music, and so on.

As I type this, I'm listening to Mark Ronson's latest album, Uptown Special—I have long admired the producer's skill at bringing back retro sounds in a soulful new way (i.e. Amy Winehouse), and this album certainly continues on that promise. Refreshing! Here is the first hit single off the album: "Uptown Funk":

I have only started listening to Uptown Special, but I wonder if it will be on my best album list by year's end? Quite possibly. 

Black Keys turnin' blue in Philadelphia, September 20, 2014.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

2014 certainly had its share of soulful moments. My favorite of the year was the Black Keys' Turn Blue—the album offered a slightly new sound for this veteran blues/rock duo, as it ventured into more introspective territory (for instance, the title track, which I love). Well, I had merely a passing interest in the Keys' music, but I think I finally got it... so much so that we had to head to Philadelphia last September to see them perform live for the first time. They did not disappoint in concert (even covered Edwyn Collins' epic "A Girl Like You"... wow), and I was excited to hear that they will be playing at this year's Mountain Jam in the Catskills—that's a little closer to home, and I'll definitely take them up on it! Keeping guitar rock alive... thank God.

Sean Rowe and opener "Uncle Tony" Prezio
@ Caffe Lena's, Jan. 19, 2015. Photo ©Jeremy Clowe.

Another great album from last year was Sean Rowe's Madman. Originally from Troy, New York, Rowe has already made quite a name for himself in the Capital Region.. but one listen to the single "Desiree" made me realize why there is so much national buzz going on about the guy! In addition to smart lyrics and melodies, one of the attractions is the singer's vocice—sort of a cross between Tom Waits and Otis Redding (the latter I was pleased to learn was an influence). Sarah and I had a chance to catch him during a very intimate concert last week at the historic Caffe Lena's in Saratoga. Rowe is now embarking on a European tour, but I hope to see him perform again in the area, sometime later in the new year... local boy done good.

Looking back at year-end music countdowns from our favorite local radio stations (WEQX, WEXT), I was hardly surprised to see that Irish singer, Hozier's "Take Me To Church" made the top spot for both stations in 2014—the heartfelt song was an instant classic, and one I need to try sometime at open mic:

Anyway, here's to a year of new musical discoveries... can I get an amen, amen?

Related Links:

Black Keys, Live at Austin City Limits (full set), November 17, 2014

"Mark Ronson: How sampling transformed music," TED Talk, March 2014

Laughing...Until It Hurts

Learning about Robin William's death yesterday was unnerving... to say the least. I was already feeling down, trying to figure out an ongoing challenge at work, and here was news that this actor/comedian, who seemed to have the best job and opportunities, had taken his own life. They say that laughter is the best medicine, so how to reconcile the fact that this comedic genius, who brought a smile to so many faces over the years, had been suffering? 

Good Night, Robin:
Promo photo from Touchstone Pictures'
"Good Morning, Vietnam," 1987

Of course I knew about Williams' past troubles with substance abuse; I am familiar with the darker demons that many artistic individuals struggle with. It's just one of those moments that makes you think about the bigger picture—echoing words from A.O. Scott's appraisal in today's New York Times, Williams was one of those gifted entertainers "we sometimes took for granted or allowed ourselves to tire of."  Someone who, regrettably, we always thought we'd have around.

I feel like I grew up right alongside Robin Williams' career. I remember his debut as the alien Mork (from Ork), first on Happy Days and then in the series Mork & Mindy. It was hard to ignore his manic energy... his zany, "all things go" style. His comedy specials made us think he was "fearless."

Later, it was interesting to see this intensity displayed on the big screen—in both successful comedic and dramatic roles. Some of my favorites include Good Morning, Vietnam (1987); Awakenings (1990); Aladdin (1992); Good Will Hunting (1997); the remarkable One Hour Photo (2002); and, of course, Dead Poet's Society (1989), where he playing the unconventional teacher, standing on his desk, inspiring his students to "seize the day."

Photo courtesy Ellen Mazzer. Los Angeles, CA, August 2014.

Sometimes he could be a bit much, but you can't say he never "went for it" as a performer (even in media interviews). Having done my own share of improvisational acting, I admired and recognized his rare talent—I don't recall watching any of his performances thinking, oh that's Robin WIlliams the comedian doing "Teddy Roosevelt" or a doctor, or what have you. He was a comforting presence on the screen (almost like a family friend), and still delivering the goods after all these years. It's heartbreaking to think that there will be no more.


On a human level, it's hard to hear about another individual who battled and lost out to depression. For the sensitive soul, it can seem especially challenging to find people to relate to and ask for support... if you are reading this and feel that way, I urge you to reach out anyway... to friends, family, acquaintances, or professionals. Life is hard, and I have felt that darkness... we all have at one time or another.

Related Links:

"Robin Williams, an Improvisational Genius, Forever Present in the Moment," New York Times, August 11, 2014

"Remembering Robin Williams," WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, August 11, 2014

U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK

Say My Name

Wow. We finally made it through the entire Breaking Bad series. Only a week behind the airing of the final episode... not bad timing, I'd say.

The finale was perfect− a fine ending to one of the best TV shows ever. There were, in fact, so many great moments during the series that it's hard to remember them all... Two of my favorite shows came during the tail end of last year (part one of season five), and epitomize all that I have come to love about the show: suspense, conflicted characters, and deft artistic touches: the visual montage during the end of episode 8 ("Gliding Over All") was amazing... playing Tommy James & The Shondells' classic "Crystal Blue Persuasion" was a delightful tribute to character Walter White's infamous blue-tinged crystal meth empire.

Courtesy AMC.

The episode before that ("Say My Name") was yet another turning point, as White becomes increasingly dark... more confident in his abilities, yet further distancing himself from his one-time associates. If Breaking Bad were a book it would be a page-turner, and I can't get over the consistent level of quality that series creator Vince Gilligan and his talented crew of actors, writers, and filmmakers have brought to the television medium.

Of course with works of art that I love, it will be fun now to analyze the show and figure out its various meanings; one thing that has piqued my interest along the way has been its use of color: from the recurring strain of purple (especially in the character Marie, played by the delightful Betsy Brandt) to the often terrifying use of red (on the floor of Gus' meth lab and the interior of Mike's car)... I revel in the details, and this show had them in spades. 

Finally, Bryan Cranston must be the luckiest actor in the world... to have had the opportunity to play a conflicted character like Walter White, and so effortlessly pull off his transformation into one of the screen's all-time great villains is no small feat. Even during the last few minutes of the show, I still found myself with a touch of sympathy for the devil. The show's recent promos used the phrase "remember by name," and I won't soon forget the monster that was "Heisenberg."

"Breaking Bad" as Heisenberg in a screen test 
for filmmaker Ben Hillman's "Bomb Squad." 
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe.

Recently I had a fun remembrance, that Cranston isn't the only actor with experience "breaking bad" as a Heisenberg. Shortly after starting work in Western Massachusetts over ten years ago, I actually portrayed German physicist Werner Heisenberg (who inspired Walter White’s alter ego) for a local filmmaker working on a musical about the story of the atomic bomb, which Heisenberg played a part in. I donned my best lederhosen as well as a radiation suit for the screen test, which we filmed on a Berkshire soundstage—brave souls can watch the promo here. 

In the meantime, Breaking Bad makes me think about how little is "black and white" in this world. For any future acting, I expect to keep this show in mind as a lesson in how to present rich, nuanced characters. 

Another thing that has resonated with me about this show is the idea of control, power and, indeed, masculinity. In one of my other all-time favorite episodes, "Hermanos" (season four, episode eight), there is a wonderful exchange during a scene that takes place in hospital waiting room between Walt and a fellow cancer patient. As the man explains how hard it is to learn how to give up power over his situation, Walt counters by saying, "Never give up control... live life on your own terms..." His moral approach is obviously flawed, but I think more and more about the idea behind Walter White's sentiment− in terms of life and creativity, I think there is a lot of truth to consider in that statement and this wonderful work of fiction.

Related Links (Spoiler Alert!):

"Breaking Bad" official site

"The Toxic Masculinity of 'Breaking Bad'" (and counter arguments), Wired, October 5, 2013

"'Breaking Bad' Writers: 'This Is It; There's No More,'" Fresh Air, NPR, October 3, 2013

"'Breaking Bad' Color Theory: The Subtle Symbolism And Meanings Behind The Colors In AMC's Hit Series," International Business Times, September 27, 2013 

"Breaking Bad" Cast Interview, Charlie Rose, August 29, 2013

The Best Medicine?

What a difference a week makes. Last Monday morning who could have predicted the events that would transpire in the days ahead? The Boston Marathon bombing... Senate vote on gun control... the Texas fertilizer plant explosion... oy. Hard to find much to laugh about, yet last week also marked my return to performing with the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe, and we had our first rehearsal on the same day we all learned about the bombing.

The Berkshires are not that far from Boston, and over the last ten years I have made frequent trips to Beantown... I have some truly fond memories, both personal and professional, and would certainly count it as one of my favorite cities. So it was unnerving to learn about this attack on a city with such charm and history, during a public event that has come to symbolize such good will.



As an event, the Marathon is also about endurance and triumphing over adversity. Keeping this theme in mind, the city of Boston certainly honored the victims of this tragedy. Last Friday was surreal, as I drove to work and heard news about the manhunt for the bombing suspects and subsequent lockdown of the area. All day long we were glued to the internet or TV trying to keep up on the latest of this very tense ordeal...

Photo courtesy and © Spectrum Playhouse. All rights reserved.

So as the evening rolled around, it was something of a release to join my improv comrades for our show at Lee's Spectrum Playhouse. It's odd... I remember starting RBIT over twelve years ago, right after September 11th, and there was something similarly poignant back then about being able to soldier on in the midst of darkened skies...


I haven't been to a RBIT rehearsal or gig in a few months, and there were a few changes. First, our friend and co-founder Frank La Frazia has moved to Brooklyn to further pursue his career. This meant filling the leadership role which he had provided for most of the last decade. I decided to step up and host the show, which was a new experience... not something I have done too often in this context, but it felt good. We had a meeting this past weekend to talk about the future of the group and it seems there is a desire to keep moving forward.

Waving goodbye to our friend Frank. Photo courtesy and
©Spectrum Playhouse. All rights reserved.

At this point, if I am to remain active with the group, I need to be able to take it to the next level as a performer. I have been checking out some performances recently with Schenectady's resident improv group, The Mop & Bucket Company— these guys certainly know their stuff... dipping into long-form improv, and benefitting from a fairly seamless presentation of their performances. 


My fellow improv buddy Paul and I decided to take one of their open drop-in classes, and it was nice to get some outside feedback on how to strengthen our improvisational skills. The best piece of advice: jump into scenes without knowing what you're going to do. I tend to want to come up with the most clever lines, but that's not what this is about... it's more about being instinctual and truthful, which I understand... it is challenging, but most definitely funny seeing actors react in the moment and try to figure it all out.

Courtesy and ©Spectrum Playhouse.
All rights reserved.

So in the midst of all this uncertainty, our Friday show went great. It felt a bit more spontaneous, while still having the benefit of good rehearsal to support an underlying structure. I think I could actually keep at this for a little while, as long as the rest of the group stays committed... they seem to be. And so we move on... until the next big challenge... unavoidable, but not necessarily insurmountable. 

Post-show, as we celebrated at a nearby pub, news came over one of the TV screens that the second bombing suspect had finally been caught. It was pretty wild how in this new technological age things had been "resolved" so quickly... of course I feel for the friends and families of the victims, who are left with the task of finding some kind of peace...

Related Link:

www.berkshireimprov.com

Fairest of Them All

Switching gears from performing to interviewing, over the past couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of getting to know acclaimed dancer/choreographer Marge Champion. In the 1940s and 50s, she teamed up with her then-husband Gower Champion to become quite an successful dance team, performing on Broadway, TV, and such MGM musicals as Showboat and Lovely To Look At (here's a beautiful routine from the latter film):



One of Ms. Champion's other big claims to fame was serving as the live action model for Walt Disney's first feature-length animated film, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. "Uncle Walt" and the other Disney animators filmed her movements as a reference, which they later used to bring Snow White to life. Only a teenager at the time, it was Champion's first big break: every scene you see of the character in the 1937 film was actually based on her movements, many of which were improvised.

Reference photos of Marge Champion, who at the age of 14, began
serving as a live reference model for Walt Disney's "Snow White and The
Seven Dwarfs." Photos courtesy Marge Champion. ©Disney.

Dancer Marge Champion in New York.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell
Museum. ©Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.

This summer Norman Rockwell Museum is hosting the traveling exhibition, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of this classic 1937 film that is beloved by viewers of all ages. Organized by The Walt Disney Family Museum, the exhibition explores the development of the animated masterpiece− from conceptual drawings and character studies, to watercolor backgrounds and colorful cels that brought Disney's ambitious project to life. 

As you can imagine, Marge Champion has considerable insight into the creation of the film, and I had the exciting opportunity to visit with her at her homes in New York City and the Berkshires (she has a part-time residence in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where our Museum is located) to conduct a videotaped interview and learn more. She had plenty of interesting stories to tell, including the fact that she went on provide model reference for Disney's Pinocchio (the Blue Fairy) and Fantasia (some key insight and ideas for the dancing hippos). She was even married for a short time to Art Babbitt, one of Disney's early animators (credited with the creation of Goofy). I have to thank my friends at CTSB-TV, who allowed me to use their Sony AVCHD camera to conduct the interview− the recording looked great, and I look forward to sharing the material in the coming months to help promote the exhibition.

Jeremy meets Snow White (Marge Champion).
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Of course I also asked her about her career in dance and connection with the Berkshires− she served for a long time as a board member of Jacob's Pillow, the dance festival that initially attracted me to the area. I think the most inspiring thing about Ms. Champion is that she is 93, but you would never believe it. She's mentally sharp and in great shape, reinforcing the idea that keeping your mind and body active over the years has its benefits.

The Museum will be honoring Champion as the guest of honor at a special opening gala for the exhibition on the evening of Saturday, June 8. I look forward to meeting her again at that time, and maybe learning a few new dance steps. I also look forward to seeing the art in the exhibition− my father was a big Walt Disney fan (he even got the animator's autograph back in the day), so here's another opportunity I'm sure he would be amazed to learn I was involved with.



Related Links: 

"The Real-Life Snow White," CBS News, October 13, 2009

"Snow White: Marge Champion, a Model Princess," Animated Views, October 7, 2009

The Final Chapter

Alex Ross, "Marvels #4" cover, 1994.
 Courtesy of the artist. SPIDER-MAN ™
& © 2013 Marvel and Subs.

Well, the day has finally arrived. It's the final hours for the exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross at Norman Rockwell Museum. Long-time comics fan that I am, you know I'll be sorry to see this one go. 

This past week was school vacation week, and I spent it buzzing around the Museum dressed as Spider-Man and meeting the public. I was joined by several other caped crusaders... really, what other job lets you run around in your "pajamas" all day? 

I have said it before, but there was something sweet about having the chance to dress up as Spidey and entertain the kids... it's all come full-circle for me. It definitely gave me a chance to ham it up... you can view some photos from the past week on the Museum's Facebook page.

I also think we succeeded in attracting a whole new audience to the Museum with this exhibition. A photographer stopped in mid-week and was raving about all the marketing we had been doing... he was particularly impressed by the movie trailer we had playing at the local theaters... he went on and on, saying how it was as good as any trailer you see at the movies... until I mentioned that I was the one who created it. Funny how people sometimes find it harder to directly compliment someone on their work... I'm sure Spidey could relate, eh?

Avengers Assemble! Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

So... what now? Well, at the Museum we will be presenting an exhibition of the work of Hungarian-born illustrator Istvan Banyai--it's pretty interesting, expressive art, and seems like a good segue from Alex Ross' work (Banyai has also done graphic novel work, and it seems like a natural medium considering his style). As for me, well... I'm continuing with preparations for my play, and I have a couple other things in the works. So stay tuned true believer... you'll be sure to hear about it here... same Bat blog, same Bat channel!

Make Mine Marvel! Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Putting My Spin on It

...with a little help from the web, that is. 

www.nrm.org/alexross

A reminder that I'll be donning my Spider-Man threads again in the upcoming days for the final week of the exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross at Norman Rockwell Museum. The Museum will be extending its hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for school vacation week, and you have the chance to meet a different superhero in-person every day from 1 to 3 p.m. So far, I'm on tap for Monday, February 18, and Thursday, February 21, but I might not be able to help myself from jumping in on other days to join my fellow caped crusaders... hell, it gets me out of the office! Anyway, I'm looking forward to more "hero worship"− the delight in kids' eyes makes it all worthwhile.

http://exit977.org

Speaking of delight, I'm also quite excited about the re-airing of my Chrysalis Dreams: 30 Years of A-ha radio special tomorrow night, February 18, starting at 6 p.m. EST on WEXT. It's been a long time coming to be able to hear more A-ha on North American radio, and apparently I wasn't the only one patiently waiting... here's hoping that all the national and international listeners don't overwhelm the online stream this time (just in case, I recommend that you download the station's iTunes app... or tune in a little earlier to reserve your space!). Of course listeners in the Albany, New York area will be able to tune in live on their radios... and I have to say, there is still nothing sweeter.

For more details on my endeavors this week, please visit the respective websites. Ok, off to the gym so I"ll be able to fit into my webslinger costume tomorrow... oof!

websites:

Norman Rockwell Museum

Exit 97.7 WEXT

Heart + Soul

Well-suited! Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Happy Valentines Day, dear readers (aka Mom)!

I'm getting ready to meet my girl out for a holiday dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. I have been so busy lately preparing for my upcoming show with Schenectady Civic Players (we just did promotional photos last night), that I haven't seen much of Sarah... it will be nice to spend some quality time this evening.

It sounds like my wife has had a pretty interesting afternoon, teaching a Heart Science Homeschool lab at the science museum where she teaches. I just saw a photo on the museum's Facebook page of her holding a real-life heart (huh... this time it's not mine! It's a cow's heart, I believe). Pretty wild. My day has been somewhat less exciting, although one of our volunteers (of Norwegian descent) brought in a delicious Norsk dessert that she had left over from Christmastime (krumkake). Next tasty Norwegian treat will be a rebroadcast of my Chrysalis Dreams: 30 Years of A-ha radio show next Monday, February 18, 6 p.m. EST on WEXT-FM.

Meanwhile, at my museum I'm gearing up for another week of donning my Spidey suit, in time for school vacation and the final week of Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross.  Yesterday I was interviewed at length by a graduate student about the exhibition for a review that will run in the International Journal of Comic Art— who knew I would become such a sought-after scholar on the topic of comic books? See Mom... all those years pouring over old Spider-Man books really did pay off!

♥ ♥ ♥ 

Kick Off!

So how has 2013 been treating you so far? I've been doing alright. 

Image courtesy Schenectady Civic Players.

I have been busy preparing for my role in the play, Woman in Mind, which will be presented at The Schenectady Civic Players next month (March 15-17, 20-24). Man, that doesn't seem like a lot of time, but we are already busy with rehearsals and I'm trying to memorize my lines. I actually have to speak in a British accent, so my wife's obsession with Downton Abbey has come in handy.

On the topic of performing, I am also scheduled to join The Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe this upcoming Thursday, February 7, for an event at the Italian Itam Lodge in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The show is a benefit for the Berkshire affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and will include dinner, a raffle, Chinese auction and cash bar. Join us for a night of laughs, and help support a good cause! For more details, visit NAMI Berkshire County's website. 

Spidey love. Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Things continue to be busy for me at Norman Rockwell Museum. We're in the home stretch for the Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross exhibition, but that hasn't stopped the interest from press (wish we could continue this show for a few more months!). A couple weeks ago I conducted an interview about the exhibit with the Springfield, Massachusetts PBS station WGBY, for their show Connecting Point. I enjoyed giving a tour of the show and background on Alex Ross' work− the segment is scheduled to air this Wednesday, February 6, and should be available on the station's website soon after. I see that Marvel Comics has also given the show a plug on their site, which includes a photo of yours truly dressed up in my Spidey suit! I am supposed to be reprising my role as the webslinger during our upcoming February school vacation week, February 18-22... I'm look forward to it, but hope the weather holds up (it can be a bit drafty in my Spidey threads!).

In addition to being Super Bowl Sunday, they just aired a nice segment on CBS Sunday Morning in celebration of Norman Rockwell's 119th birthday. Last week I spent time helping one of their producers gather video and still materials for the piece... it's ironic that I spend so much of my time at the Museum helping out other crews, but I certainly have enough insight into what they need to help secure some nice promotion for us. On that note, TV Tokyo is supposed to be airing their show Bi no Kyojin Tachi (Great Masters of Art) this Friday, February 8, which includes an interview they conducted with me last year about Norman Rockwell's work. 

Phew... so that's the latest. Still getting great feedback about my recent show for WEXT, and will let you know when there is a rebroadcast. Hello February...

Related Links:

Schenectady Civic Players

Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe

Facebook: Norman Rockwell Museum