It’s shaping up to be a spooky October. Who’d'a thunk it? Here are some events you might want to participate in:

The Darkness Show: Back by popular demand, the third annual “Darkness” show…Bring On The Night!

EnVisions Announces ‘Spirit of Life’ Metaphysical Festival: Oct. 18 & 19, Local metaphysical store En Visions will host a two-day metaphysical festival called ‘Spirit of Life’. There will be more than a dozen vendors including psychic readers, metaphysical merchandise and more; the event will be at the Comfort Inn Conference Center, 1013 E. 23rd St. Cost is $5 for adults, with children 15 & under free. Advance tickets can be bought at En Visions for $3 each. En Visions is located at 231 Harrison Ave. in Downtown Panama City. Details: Contact En Visions’ Mimi Eincholz at (850) 215-3401.

Seeking ghouls:Panama City Jaycees is accepting applications for Haunted House actors and volunteers, ages 15 and up. Information meeting to be held Oct. 4 (10:30 am) at Panama City Marine Institute. Information: jallen@pcjaycees.org or (850)763-8282. Haunted House opens Oct. 10 and will run weekends through Nov. 1.

Got stuff to add? Drop me a line or leave a comment.

Peace.

The montly event at The Gallery Above was fun last night. A low-key affair. When we arrived, host Matty Jankowski was talking with two other brave souls. Others arrived as the night went on, and we eventually had a house of nine altogether. We looked at the “Watercolors” show currently on display and greeted each other.

Matty started the night with some interactive stuff: Text as art that we read aloud and en masse; a list of things we “hate,” again read over each other; some more text pieces that we shared interpretations of.

I followed up with a reading of a short story I wrote the other night as part of my 366 Days project. I picked the piece, about people who are mutating into other forms, in part because of gallery owner Heather Clements’ latest series of pieces depicting a woman with octopus tentacles swirling out of her hair. It seemed a good match. Plus, my son Nathan liked the story.

Next Sierra Latham played guitar and sang a couple of original songs. You can check out her duo Deep Water Point at this link.

Nathan’s friend, Bob, read an original haiku and shared an ancient one as well.

A gentleman whose name I did not get read us some of his song lyrics, which he said should not be confused with poetry. Then he read us a favorite poem from a book he’d brought along.

Nancy Norton shared a poem on friendship. I’d only ever met Nancy online before this evening; she’s very active at PCityLive.com, and comments on all of my fiction work there.

Nathan read a story that’s been in progress in one form or another for half a year, and he and his girlfriend, Ashley sang a cover of “Falling Slowly” from the movie “Once” using Sierra’s guitar. Bob then sang “Brightest” by Copeland, also using Sierra’s guitar.

Her guitar got quite the workout. Another young woman, whose name I didn’t get, borrowed it to try and start an improvisational sing-along, but it didn’t quite take off. Sierra took it up at the end to sing us another original. She said she only knew her own songs, so she doesn’t take requests.

Matty thanked us all for participating and told us about upcoming events at the gallery. Go hit the link above and check out the calendar for more info. There are events there all the time - movie nights, live bands, swing lessons, and more.

Peace.

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And speaking of “peace,” you should check out the new blog by our high school student intern, Simona, whose handle on the site is “LovingPeace.” You can find her blog here. She’ll be with us until December, so be sure to suggest stories or blog topics you’d like to see a student tackle.

So Matty Jankowski has invited me to participate in “Open Mic Night” at the Gallery Above, 563 Harrison Ave. downtown, a monthly event cohosted by Heather Clements, artiste and owner of the space. It starts at 7 p.m. tonight. Suggested donation is $5 (to cover costs of opening, cooling and lighting the gallery, I’m guessing). Call for info: 215.9954.

Everyone’s invited to bring poetry, music, creativity, and voices. As Matty said, “Dig into the archive, or a fresh rant would be great.” And Heather said, “Sing, dance, play, read, shout, move, speak, create, share, rock.”

Let’s see what happens. 

I expect I’ll read one of the short fictions from my 366 Days project.

Peace.

You think writing or drawing is easy? Try doing both and creating a 24-page comicbook in a 24-hour period. Here’s a heads-up from our friend at the Visual Arts Center, Jayson Kretzer:

The Visual Arts Center Opens Registration for 24 Hour Comics Day 2008
When: October 18, 2008 @ 12pm.
Where: Visual Arts Center, 19 E.
4th Street, Panama City, Florida
What : 24 Hour Comics Day is an annual challenge for cartoonists to produce a 24-page comic book written, drawn, and completed in 24 consecutive hours.
Over the years, the 24 Hour comic book challenge has thwarted and rewarded such comics luminaries as Scott McCloud, Dave Sim, Neil Gaiman, Kevin Eastman and many others. On 24 Hour Comics Day, creators of all ages and levels of skill and experience gather at one of the participating sites to encourage each other in completing this creative comics marathon.
This year the Visual Arts Center will be hosting a 24 Hour Comics Day Event . The event will start at noon on Saturday, October 18 and go 24 hours straight thru the night and end at noon on October 19.
Registration for the 24 Hour Comics challenge is $5 per artist. Pre-registration is necessary as space is limited.
Suggested Audiences: Adults (all ages), College, High School, Middle School & Elementary (with a parent).
ComicsPRO will continue to add resources to the 24 Hour Comics Day website. For more information, please continue to check this website.

For further inquiries, contact Visual Arts Center’s Exhibition Manager, Jayson Kretzer at vacexhibitions@knology.net

MEANWHILE, ACROSS TOWN …

Another friend and writer, Chris Arrant, has joined forces with artist Star St. Germain to produce an illustrated tale inspired by Tori Amos’ song “Glory of the ’80s.” It’s part of the 480-page anthology, “Comic Book Tattoo,” in stores now. Here is a story on the project that appeared in last Thursday’s “Entertainer.”

I’ve been putting together my Sunday column this morning, as well as editing videos for the site. Be sure to check those out. Meanwhile, here are some activities planned this weekend you might enjoy:

Gilligan Loves MaryAnn will perform on the mainstage during weigh-ins at the Baypoint Billfish tournament from 6 to 10 p.m. tonight.

The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged) opens tonight at the Martin Theatre, downtown. It’s an irreverent comedy in which three characters make their way through the entire Bible. It stars Jameson Hammond, Mark Duggar and (my son) Nathan Simmons, and it’s directed by Jason Blanks. Click the link to see behind-the-scenes video.

Tupelo nights:

It’s 80s Night this Saturday at The Tupelo Theater: July 12 at 6 p.m. (CDT), go back in time to the era of big hair, parachute pants, and the Brat Pack. Dress in ’80s retro attire, play ’80s trivia and other ’80s games, watch an ’80s movie, and sing ’80s Sing Star. Don’t miss this fun night at the Tupelo. Admission is $10 / $5 for students and seniors / $20 for entire families.

(Tupelo owner/operator Michael Lister’s new book, ANOTHER QUIET NIGHT IN DESPERATION, is now available. You can order it by going here. Also, there will be a review and feature story about the book and the short film based on one of its stories in Sunday’s NEWS HERALD.  Michael will be signing the new book at Books-A-Million in PC on July 19 at 10 a.m. and at Palm Tree Books in PSJ on July 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. There is also a Film Premiere and Book Release Party at the Tupelo Theater in Wewahitchka: The Tupelo Theatre presents the premiere of Another Quiet Night in Desperation, a short film written and directed by Michael Lister featuring Jacob Jackson and Shane McDonald and Cynde Aaron. The film is based on a short story in a collection of the same name, and the premiere will serve as the release party for the book, as well. The premiere of Another Quiet Night in Desperation will take place on July 19 at 7 p.m. at The Tupelo Theatre. Admission is $10 / $5 for students & Seniors / $20 per family. All Admission applies toward the purchase of the book! For more information go here.) While you’re downtown, don’t miss the art: 

From a nice note from Chris and Melissa Arrant: Friday June 27, Melissa debuted ten new paintings in an opening reception for the display entitled “Under Lock & Key” at Strange Brew Coffee House in downtown Panama City. The new paintings are a variety of oil and acrylic work, and the artist has already arranged the sale of one piece.

“It was exhilirating for me to paint all-new works for this show,” she said. “The community has been really supportive of me; especially Tony and David at the News Herald.” (Thanks for the props, Melissa, and you’re welcome, but it’s the least we can do.)

According to the note, the event was well attended, with a variety of guests attending including Panama City Artists President Bill Valle and wife Rebecca, noted flutist Paul McAuliffe, En Visions business owner Mimi Einholz and artists Heather Parker, Jim Davis and Damon Galloway. Long-time local musicians Lucky Mud played during the event.

The exhibit will remain on display at Strange Brew Coffee House (461 Harrison Avenue) for the entire month of July — so do yourself a favor and get down there.

Melissa is a growing name in the arts community: She appeared in a 2007 national campaign about “Inspirational Women” for Wheat Thins, has been featured in several magazines, including House & Garden, Glamour, Self and Domino.

It’s well under way again, this season of concerts in parks and on greens.

Tonight, “Timeless” plays at the pavilion in McKenzie Park, presented by the Bay Arts Alliance. Also on hand each week is a featured artist; this week it’s Paulette Perlman, painting portraits and showing off her “Mermaid Mobile” from 6 to 8 p.m. Concerts begin each Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Here’s the lineup for the remaining shows:

July 3 - Rio
July 10 - Stillhouse
July 17 - F.O.G. Band
July 24 - Dashboard Chihuahuas
July 31 - Emerald County Line
August 7 - Conch Republic
August 14 - St Andrews String
August 21 - Latitude 29

Bring a snack and cold drink, a chair or blanket, and enjoy the show.

Peace.

Barefoot art series

On three Fridays this Summer, learn painting techniques, socialize with friends, and leave with your own work of art. All supplies are provided for you to create your own acrylic painting on 16 x 20 canvas, under the instruction of local artist, Heather Parker. References are provided, or you can bring photos you like and your own ideas- everyone’s painting is an original.Friday, June 27, 6 to 9pm- Sailboats; Friday, July 25, 6 to 9pm-Beach Scene; Friday, Aug 22, 6 to 9pm, Garden Flower. Register in advance at Barefoot Cottages, Hwy 98, Port St. Joe. Workshops are $40 per person. Light refreshments provided by Barefoot Cottages. Workshops are held in the Community Building on the Greens.To register for any workshop, contact: Elayne Pearce, 8am to 5pm eastern at Barefoot Cottages, HWY 98 between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe 850-229-1350; email epearce@southernresorts.com; Questions about the workshop? Contact Heather Parker, Visual Artist and Instructor, Home 850-249-9295, Cell 240-625-7195, Email painterparker@yahoo.com

Shakespeare by the Bay Opens the Tempest July 18

Performances for The Tempest are July 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and July 20 at 2 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Community College Theatre Lab and July 25- 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Oaks by the Bay Park in St. Andrews. Director, Costume Designer and Lighting Designer is Carmen Gomez, Assistant Director and Sound Designer is Nathan Simmons. Stage Manager is Brittany Hartzer.

Cast members are Mat Birmingham, Christopher Coffman, Lauren Coffman, Claire Hanson, Leslie Hill, Melissa Hitzelberger, Tristan McGee, Kathleen McNulty, Troydyn Monachelli, Kristen Pickrell, Andrew Silas, David Simrell, Natalie Sullivan, J Scott Taylor and Kay Thomas.

The Tempest, a comedy written by William Shakespeare is, accepted as the last play written solely by him. While listed as a comedy in its initial publication in the First Folio of 1623, many modern editors have relabelled the play a romance. It did not attract a significant amount of attention before the closing of the theatres in 1642, and after the Restoration it attained great popularity only in adapted versions. In the twentieth century, the play received a sweeping re-appraisal by critics and scholars, to the point that it is now considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest works.

Admission is free. Donations accepted.

“The world is really really dirty.”

Check out this video about a man who makes “reverse grafitti” art by cleaning away the dirt.