Two "Martins," no waiting....
Steve Martin, onstage at the PAC (Performing Arts Center), said he remembered the unique Continental seating here in North Charleston.
It was designed in Europe, hence the name "Continental."
Wide, curving, long rows with soft, comfortable seats - but no center aisle. It was created for people who never had to pee during a performance.
I had had that thought many times!
It was understood - and announced - that Steve and Martin Short did
not want any recordings during the show so I took a chance and snapped a few still pictures.
But, no video.
My phone cam does not take good telephotos so I apologize for the lack of sharpness of this quick photo.
They both darted around the stage a lot so it was a challenge to catch them close together and relatively still.
The banter seemed harsh at first but then Marty Short explained they were exchanging "Hollywood" compliments.
They sound sincere but each ends with a caustic comment.
Here was a surprise, Steve Martin came onstage with a banjo!
The real surprise - and a nice one for people further back - was the big screen behind them acting as a Jumbotron.
I was in row "J" that meant I was about 12 or 13 rows away so I had a good view.
Billed as both “A Night You’ll Forget for the Rest of Your Life” and “See Them Before They’re Dead!”, the duo proved to have as much zip and relevance as ever as they told jokes, sang songs and reflected upon their lives in show business.
The pair first met 30 years ago on the set of “Three Amigos,” which, of course, was given a nice little tribute as three audience members were brought up on stage and taught the famous Amigos Salute.
Trading barbs and funny comments, they took turns alone on stage and Steve was accompanied by The Steep Canyon Rangers as he and his banjo teamed with a manic fiddle player for a bit of Bluegrass.
Short darted off and onstage in several different personas, the most elaborate as a baby-size Jiminy Glick with his zany and caustic comments.
This time he was NOT wearing a fat suit and appeared as a babe-in-arms held by Steve Martin.
Yes, you really had to be there!
For those not familiar with the Glick character, I have included a link. You have to experience one of his interviews. The one I included is with Mel Brooks.
He also appeared onstage as a busty cowgirl to sing along with Steve on banjo.
There were several standing ovations during the show and even a "comedy encore" at the end.
When they finished, they bowed and went into the wings where they were met by a PAC bigwig who pointed out they had contracted for a show that was 5-minutes longer.
Sure enough, at the end of that "encore,"time, they both stopped in mid-sentence, waved and left the stage.
(Click on the photos and links for more details).
What a delightful and zany evening. Thanks for stopping by.
Labels: a Jumbotron, baby-size Jiminy Glick, Hollywood compliments, PAC bigwig, Steep Canyon Rangers, Steve Martin and Martin Short, The Three Amigos.
"Picture this...."
My Photo Group had a demonstration of portrait lighting on Saturday.
I am pleased I drove to Summerville to attend.
A nice small group as Gary set up his lights and a reflector in a nice size meeting place in Coastal Coffee Roasters.
Had not been in here before and saw a weekend Farmer's Market was clearing out as we arrived.
Gary Eaton pointed out the key light (strobe with a reflector umbrella), and the glowing "hair light"
It did just as you could guess, placing emphasis on the hair to show texture as well as separating it from the background.
A white reflector added as a "fill light" to make sure the shadows were not too deep and dark.
We asked if the vivid background of empty coffee bean bags would be "too busy?"
Gary showed how a wide opened aperture on the camera would cause the bags to blur.
He controlled that blur by moving back or closer to the subject.
We would look at the back of his camera to see the effects of the lighting and positioning after each shot.
He described each step in the process as he balanced the light input, shutter speed and effects on the blurred background.
Starting with shooting film in the 1970s, he explained that now we could look at a digital image right away.
With film, he would shoot multiple images while bracketing exposures to get just what he wanted.
Each of us had a turn posing as the others made note of why and how Gary was tweaking the desired results.
Truly a demo as opposed to a lecture.
We would ask why and he would show us alternatives.
As usual, I used my newspaper experience by stepping back and capturing the whole overall scene.
Gary would show us the small image on the camera back and later, he would take the time to finesse the image into his final version.
These he later posted on the P
hoto Group's Facebook page.
I was pleased the way Gary had positioned me and his instructions to lean one way or the other to make his lighting work on my face.
Usually, I am on the other side of the camera so I knew that he had an image in mind and, by following his directions, together we would create a pleasing result.
In my case, I now had a current bearded photo that I could use to send out to Casting Directors looking for people to be selected as an Extra or BG (Back Ground actor).
Several tv shows - and a movie with Jamie Lee Curtis - are being filmed in Charleston and I have appeared already in some and hope to be chosen for more.
Cameras are not allowed on set so this was a good opportunity to have some new images to send when I apply for a casting call.
Oh, did I mention the Coastal Coffee Roasters also houses
Oak Road Brewing?
I had visited the Summerville brewhouse when on my quest to sample all 23 local craft beer breweries in the Charleston area.
I had visited the 23rd one -
Commonhose Aleworks - on O'Hair Street in the Park Circle area the second week it had opened.
I am diligent so I noted the addition of many new vats at Oak Road.
Brewmaster & COO
Brian Cox told me they had increased their capacity 10 X and were now distributing kegs all around the Summerville and Charleston area.
The t-shirt they had for sale touts the "drink local" concept and continues to promote growth among the growing local brewers population and their efforts.
The photographers who had gathered for the demo wandered in and carried pints back next door.
We are very supportive of a worthy cause.
(Click on the images and links for more details.)
Thanks for following my blog and today's "twofer" of a photo session and sippin' some freshly brewed cold suds.
Click on Brewery to see what I had to say as I visited all of our local craft beer makers sites and sampled their wares.
Stop by often and tell your friends.
Thanks!
Labels: Hop on Board, Oak Road Brewery re-visited, portrait lighting demo by Gary Eaton, Summerville Farmers Market 9 - 3 at Coastal Coffee Roasters
Super Bowl MONDAY breakfast....
OK. The Super Bowl LII is over.
It was an exciting game and the winner was in doubt as the scoring went back and forth.
No "blow out" here.
Quarterbacks - as usual - drew the most attention and the Eagles QB Nick Foles was named Most Valuable Player (MVP)... both for his passing and for his catching!
Yes, I was among the millions who enjoyed a pizza during the game.
Have no idea how many saved a slice for breakfast the next day.
I DO enjoy some cold pizza.
Along with scrambled egg (whites) and a peeled banana.
Watching my figure.
Here's the magic moment when Nick caught the TD pass.
Fast forward to Nick and the ride he caught with Mickey at the Magic Kingdom.
(Click on the photos for more details.)
No, I did not take the last two pictures. Found them online.
Could not be at home eating pizza AND be at the game.
And, I was not invited to "Go to Disneyland!"
Labels: caught a ride with Mickey, cold pizza slice, Disneyland, fake eggs, Philly Eagles QB Nick Foles pass reception, ridin' with Mickey
I had had that thought many times!
They sound sincere but each ends with a caustic comment. 
