Video: Ashlee Madison “My Escape” Tribute
Friends of Ashlee Madison gathered Thursday to rehearse for a Jazz in June memorial concert, and I thought it would be a good chance to not only film local music but also get some insight into Madison.
She died in April shortly before she was supposed to perform with Oklahoma rapper Jabee at the 2010 Norman Music Festival. I had never seen her perform, but her voice was something special.
Staff Writer Jane Cannon wrote a story previewing the Saturday performance.
-Poppe
Live Nathan: A little teamwork can create beautiful music
Illustration by Nathan Poppe
This column ran in the June 23 LOOK@OKC.
Whenever I wanted to volunteer for something in school, from kindergarten to college, I raised my hand as high as possible.
I think a lot of local bands are doing the same thing.
I recognized this trend after hearing about a fight breaking out in front of the Sooner Theatre in downtown Norman during the 3rd annual Norman Music Festival in April. A fan of The Non wrestled with a security guard in a desperate attempt to see the Oklahoma City instrumental quartet play with an orchestra.
People wanted to see this show, but hundreds were turned away.
This situation is ridiculous and awesome because this rarely happens in Oklahoma. I thought I’d witness a scissor-tailed fly catcher with two heads stealing a baby before I’d see people react to a local show like this.
Cool Quote #3: Jeen Keaf
‘Retardo El Dundo’ was my first movie.”
- Jeen Keaf about her film career and acting in her grandson’s films. Here’s the story she’s in.
How to handle awkward “Situations”
“Thanks for taking one for the team, Nathan.”
I heard those words several times Monday morning, but it wasn’t because I bought breakfast for the entire 9th floor or because I’m good at sports.
Last Friday, nobody could cover the visit of The Situation, the “Jersey Shore” star, to City Walk in downtown Oklahoma City, but I went because I’m always eager to practice shooting with my camera, even in the face of danger.
I got to City Walk early so I wouldn’t miss anything interesting, but ended up getting there three hours before The Situation. So, I filmed and tried not to be awkward.
That wasn’t easy.
Cool Quote #2: Adam Beatty
Hanging out at deadCENTER is like being in Los Angeles except everyone is really nice.”
- Director Adam Beatty on the deadCenter film festival. He’s featured in the video below that I made about the festival.
deadCenter: Recap of Thursday’s opening night
Filmmakers Reilly Smith (left) and Ryan Bellgardt discuss cameras on the roof of the Oklahoma City Museum of Arts during the deadCenter opening night party. Photo by Nathan Poppe
She couldn’t sit through more than a couple minutes of the movie.
Oklahoma City resident Anna Welte quietly exited the IAO Art Gallery screening room during “Down in Number 5,” a short film about the difficulties of raising children with disabilities.
It opened the 10th annual deadCenter Film Festival on Thursday.
The movie hit too close to home. Welte’s sister has Down syndrome.
“The subject matter … isn’t talked about much,” Welte said. “And it’s not unless you deal with it on a daily basis that you have an idea or a clue how much of a struggle it is.”
deadCenter publicist Rob Crissinger said he was excited to have a film festival highlighting unique stories with a purpose. He said even the comical documentary “Biker Fox,” which premiered Thursday, follows a Tulsa bike enthusiast who cares deeply about wildlife conservation.
“It gives people a chance to talk about things,” Crissinger said. “And if you don’t like schmoozing you’ve got a great film to see.”
Photo Slideshow: LCD Soundsystem
I made a quick run to Dallas last night to take some shots of the electronic wizard, James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem.
-Poppe
Column: ‘Oklahoma’ can soothe the savage beast
Artwork by Nathan Poppe
This story ran in the June 9 issue of Look@OKC.
Tulsa native Jack Roberts watched in amazement as a potential coffee shop hire awkwardly turned a job interview into a World’s Strongest Man contest.
Roberts’ interviewee flexed his biceps to answer a question about character growth.
This interview was confusing and inspiring, but nonetheless it sparked Roberts’ writing process for “The Rock ’n’ Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher.” After three years of writing, Roberts migrated from West Hollywood back to Tulsa with his friend and “Duncan” director Justin Monroe to make a movie several muscles influenced.
Instead of staying in Los Angeles, Roberts and Monroe followed their ears in 2008 to Oklahoma in order to film a rock opus about karaoke stars.
And this gives me chills.
Cool Quote #1: Jack Roberts
What could be more awkward than a wannabe rock star relagated to a karaoke competition inside a city like Tulsa, Oklahoma that rock dreams don’t really amount to a whole lot (for a career)?”
-the Tulsa native about his deadCENTER film entry “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher”
I wanted to start a series only on the intern blog that just gives a little insight into a quotes that are interesting but don’t always make it into the paper. Let me know what you think of the idea.
Artist to Watch: Sarah Jaffe
Denton artist Sarah Jaffe is set to play at The Opolis next week with Lou Barlow of Dinosaur Jr. fame.
I’ve read about Jaffe on NPR, Paste and several other blogs. I’m going to chat with her this afternoon.
She’s got some powerful tunes. Give her a listen.
