CocoGarcia

Midwestern Bob Sighting

The Midwestern bob is a Bill Cunningham moment for me. One of those expressions of style that I notice when I'm out and about on my travels. Women of all ages in the Midwest wear a very chic bob. More so than in any other part of the country. This noticing has been heightened since last night at the film festival where I saw the wonderful documentary on the NYT Street Scene creator Bill Cunningham, who at 80+ still roves the streets and society fetes of NYC snapping wonderful pics of random expressions of personal style. What an artist! What joy!

Zofie and Joey Take to Lakeside Stage

Imagine all of Shakespeare in one play presented by Zofie's 6th grade class.  It was hilarious and amazingly well done last weekend at a private outside theatre on Malibu Lake.  Followed by an even more impressive one-act rendition of a play within a play by Joey's 8th grade class.  Talent, poise, make-up, costumes, sets, all fabulous!  A reminder of the virtues of playfulness.

MFAH Gems Amidst Orchids

What a collection of magnificent paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston!  Don't miss a visit if you are in the area.  As luscious and satisfying as a good meal.

 

TCFF Off to Rollicking Start

The Sixth Traverse City Film Festival kicked off tonight.  What a triumph for this community of 1,000 volunteers and their inspired leadership.  Michael Moore and Deb Lake have created a grass roots film festival that brings $10 million annually into this small community, seeding numerous other movie related projects like the restoration of the State Theatre and formation of non-profit film organizations across this otherwise economically ailing state.  As Michael Moore so eloquently put it, nobody is coming to our rescue, we have to revitalize ourselves.  It is this energy of can do community that draws us back to Michigan every summer to participate in this home grown jewel.  Tonight John Hughes was honored posthumously, visiting Cuban filmmakers were met with a standing ovation in the name of peace, and local leaders recognized for their impact anchoring a revitalized downtown.  Then we all settled in at the Opera House for a view of the young John Lennon in the film Nowhere Man and at the State Theatre for The Kids are Alright.  The Front Street Opening Night Party followed, officially giving start to six magical nights of art and culture among the very people who made it all happen.

Forgiveness, Camelot's Best Message?

   

On Wednesday I had the amazing good fortune to attend one of the last performances for now at the soon to go dark Pasadena Playhouse.  When our friends with extra tickets generously invited us, in my shock at the prospect of such a beautiful historic venue going unused, I didn't pay much attention to what we would see.  It turned out to be Camelot in a beyond superb rendition.  A David Lee production, austere in its set with a minimal cast of 8, funny, melodic, tragic all in one.  What a surprise for the soul.  Much needed, as always.  After the show the cast joined the audience for a lively discussion of among other things the messages embedded in this beloved work Camelot.  The triumph of good in the face of evil.  Staying true to our best self under the most adverse conditions.  Forgiveness.  Choosing forgiveness.  Pretty lofty stuff especially in today's cynical environment.  The bare bones production reminded me of how much we can do with so little.  The closing of the playhouse brought home the poverty of our resourcefulness when we cannot figure out in dire straits how to run a life, a theatre, a country, a planet.  My soul soaked it all up and I'm still musing about it days later.  Yesterday I broke down and bought the music on iTunes.  Today I'm singing!  Art is amazing.