On the Red Carpet: Oscars 2010

This was pretty cool...

Remember to check out www.ReelArtsy.com 

Fireflight Concert

I had an awesome time at the Fireflight concert over the weekend. I've been wanting to see them for a long, long time and it finally happened. Of course Fireflight rocked hard, lots of head banging on their part and mine. Pillar was the headline band and they had some major rock action going on too.

Below is a short montage of some footage I got at the concert, I overlaid the music track with their song "Unbreakable."



And here's a couple pics from after the show:

(with Pillar)

(with Fireflight)

Definitely one of my favorite concerts!

[Hat tip Kev for taking the photos]

Satisfied...

I was just thinking about how satisfied I am with my overall concert experiences. I've been able to see some of my favorite bands and singers use their God-given talents on stage which are little (and big) dreams come true. And those moments are magical, when songs connect to your heart in ways only music can.

I remember how Jennifer Knapp cradled her guitar in her arms as she sang "A Little More" in her quiet but captivating storytelling voice.

I remember seeing Switchfoot twice. Once front and center at the House of Blues. Then again at a bigger venue after they had their breakout album The Beautiful Letdown.

I remember being in a mosh pit at a P.O.D. concert and standing next to some guy dressed in all black wearing a baseball cap with metal spikes on it (which I eventually moved away from because it was an accident waiting to happen).

I remember sitting so far away from LeAnn Rimes that I couldn't see her as I camped along the Charles River waiting for the 4th of July fireworks to start.

I remember dancing next to my sister at a Stacie Orrico concert and walking away feeling like I had the time of my life.

I remember holding back tears and being overwhelmed with a deep thanksgiving toward God as Fred Hammond sang soul-stirring Gospel tunes.

I remember jumping up and down to the punk rock sounds of Relient K.

I remember riding in the car with a friend for 40 minutes, waiting in line for another 40 to only end up catching the last song of Lights (and that last song was pretty amazing).

I remember feeling completely electrified to finally, FINALLY, see Superchic[k] play after two previous attempts where something always seemed to suddenly pop up just before the show.

Those memories are irreplaceable.

Because our lives do come with soundtracks whether we realize it or not. Sometimes music comes with bright lights and sometimes it comes from a tiny speaker in the sanctuary of our homes. Whatever the case, music is beautiful and it gives us reasons to smile, to gather and to enjoy each other's company as we journey through this existence called life.

6 Little Known Things About Me…

I was tagged by Tiffany at Mulatto Diaries and Martine at Artsy Wings for this meme. Feel free to join in the fun and share six little know things about yourself.

1. I collect calendars, ones that feature different countries and lighthouses.
2. I'm fascinated by wolves. They're such intriguing creatures.
3. I've reread my favorite book (Redeeming Love) over 10 times. It's seriously that amazing!
4. I prefer mugs over glasses.
5. I've played the viola since the 5th grade. It's kinda like the violin, only better.
6. Watching The City on MTV has become a guilty pleasure.

Front of the Class

Great film! Front of the Class is an inspiring story about a boy with Tourette syndrome who battles discrimination to realize his dream of becoming a grade school teacher. If you enjoy Hallmark Hall of Fame movies then you'll be delighted by this one. Front of the Class really knows how to pull your heart strings. And what's even more inspirational is that it's based on a true story. It stars Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and James Wolk (who seriously looks like he could be Kyle Chandler's little brother).

Nicholas Sparks Writing Film for Miley Cyrus

According to Variety.com:

"Nicholas Sparks is writing a new novel and an accompanying screenplay that is being custom-fit as a star vehicle for Miley Cyrus at Disney."

I wasn't expecting this collaboration but it makes sense. Miley has a huge teen fan base and Sparks knows how to make teen girls cry i.e. A Walk to Remember and The Notebook. We all know the story is going to be inspirational and bittersweet. And that's a good thing.

Jared Padalecki as Thomas Kinkade

Jared Padalecki in a Christmas movie is a gift all by itself. I'll definitely be buying The Christmas Cottage on DVD.

Thomas Kinkade is one of my favorite artists, I'm a big fan of impressionism and he's a true example of how Christians can aspire for excellence in their creative endeavors.


The film is about "how the Kinkade was motivated to begin his career after discovering his mother was in danger of losing their family home" (IMDB).

Kristi Yamaguchi Friends & Family

I've enjoyed watching professional figure skating since I was little girl.

It's graceful, poetic and every time they land their jumps I get the tingles. Sure, figure skating can be a little cheesy at times but that adds to its charm. Plus, anyone who can do a triple salcow deserves respect.

This year the Kristi Yamaguchi Friends & Family special featured live performances by the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. It's amazing how seamless teeny-bopper music and ice skating blend together. It's like caramel apples, sugary sweet. To top off all the cuteness you get to watch skating legends share the ice with their kids. It's adorable. Nancy Kerrigan and Yamaguchi are my long time favorites and it's always cool to see them share the rink together.


[Photos via MomsLikeMe.com]

Natalie Portman and Rashida Jones PSA

Because Natalie Portman and Rashida Jones are two of my favorite actresses I had to post this...

See more Natalie Portman videos at Funny or Die

Hopefully they star in movie together. Something artsy.

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High School Musical 3

I'm one of those people who eagerly awaited to see HSM 3 in theaters.

I like everything about these movies, from the dance numbers to the cutesy storylines and right down to Sharpay's over the top mean girl. The High School Musical gang left us with some fun movie moments and HSM 3 wraps up the trilogy quite nicely.

And to think it all started with this...


"We're soaring / flying / there's not a star in Heaven that we can't reach / if we're trying / so we're breaking free"

Actor Spotlight: Anthony Montgomery

Anthony Montgomery has been part of the Star Trek universe, the indie film circuit and now the music scene with his upcoming album. Whether he's soaring space as Ensign Travis Mayweather in Star Trek: Enterprise or running from girls in The Inevitable Undoing of Jay Brooks, Montgomery has all the right ingredients to emerge as one of Hollywood's leading men.

Here's my Q&A with him:

1. Authenticity is an overused word in most art forms. What does it mean to you and how does your definition influence your acting?

I'm a fan of using definitions from the source. Webster defines authenticity as true to one's own personality, spirit, or character. At this point in my life I know who I am. I infuse the essence of who I am into each character, making sure to live in truth, moment to moment, on screen.

2. People get into acting for a lot of different reasons. What drives you?

I'm an entertainer, a performer. I got into acting because performing is in my blood. From the moment I did my first play in college (a children's theater piece) I was hooked. I'm driven to be the best I can be so I continually look for roles that will challenge me as an actor.

3. What's your process for picking projects? What elements have to be in a script to make you say "I have to audition for that role"?

Early in my career, I allowed others to guide my choices and many roles were chosen out of necessity. Now I choose projects that truly move me. I have to see something on the page that makes me want to be a part of telling that particular story to the world. I love character driven scripts. Be it comedy or drama, the characters I'm drawn to need to have depth, exploring a broad array of emotions.

4. What do you do to cheer yourself up when you don't the the part?

When I don't get a part I allow myself to go through the emotion of being disappointed, but being an eternally optimistic person, I don't stay in that space long. I was taught by my mother and grandmother that when one door closes, God opens several more. I believe that when I am meant to have a role it will be mine so I try not to get attached to a part just because I want it. I focus on doing the work. God will handle the rest.

5. Your film The Inevitable Undoing of Jay Brooks might be classified as a black artsy film by some. What kind of films would you like to see developed by minority filmmakers?

I don't know if you know, but the distributer (Image Entertainment) changed the title of the film back to it's original title I'm Through with White Girls. I'm not a fan of that title, especially since that's not what the film is about, but that is their prerogative. As for the film, Jay Brooks was a fun character to play because we don't see characters like that portrayed very much. I would love to see minority filmmakers continue to raise the bar and elevate the images of minorities on screen. As a black man, I want to see more uplifting images of black men depicted in stories.

6. What actors/directors are you most interested in collaborating with?

There are so many amazingly talented actors and directors out there that I just want to continue amassing a solid body of work throughout my career. A partial list of the some of the men I'd love to work are: Sidney Poiter (it would be an honor to work with him in any capacity), Denzel Washington, both as an actor and a director, Don Cheadle, Forrest Wittaker, Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, Ethan Hawke, Will Smith, Francis Ford Coppola (a genius), John Singleton, Spike Lee, Terrance Howard, Peter Jackson, Viggo Mortensen, Matt Damon, Jet Li and John Woo. Some of the women I'd love to work with include: Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey, Mary Harron, Sophia Coppola, Charlize Theron, Thandie Newton, Halle Berry, Liv Tyler, Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightly, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Connelly, Tea Leone, Jada Pinkett Smith, Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei, Natalie Portman, Ziyi Zhang, Maria Bello and Jessie Nelson. Again this is a short list. There are too many list them all.

7. Do you see yourself stepping behind the camera anytime soon?

Directing is an art unto itself. I do plan to get behind the camera at some point but that's going to be a very gradual process for me. I've written a short film that I'll probably direct (at least co-direct) at some point. I figure that'll help me ease my way into the director's chair. Right now I'm going to focus on work in front of the camera.

8. What are some of your upcoming projects?

After Star Trek: Enterprise ended, I took some time away from the entertainment industry and focused on my personal life. When I returned to the industry we were in the middle of a writer's strike so I shifted my energy from being on screen to finishing my debut Hip Hop album, "A.T," which is being released internationally October 17, 2008. The album is being released by an independent record label in Germany (AGR Television Records) and distributed through Universal Music Group. The first single, "Bullskittin'," will be available soon.

While recording the album, I worked as one of the leads in a short film, The Porter (directed by Vincent Singleton) which won the HBO/Chase Legacy Film Challenge. The short will air during HBO's regular programming schedule.

I'm Through with White Girls is currently available nationwide on DVD.

9. Anything else you'd like to add?

Karen, I appreciate you for creating this forum. Thank you for giving your readers the opportunity to get to know me. And thank you to everyone that supports me and my career. I appreciate you all. For future updates please visit: www.AnthonyMontgomery.com or check me out on Myspace at: www.myspace.com/atmusic5.

MESTO: Multi-Ethnic Star Orchestra

It's amazing how music can bring people together.

A few nights ago I watched a documentary about how the MESTO orchestra united Jews and Muslims. The conductor talked about how he started the group to counteract all the turmoil that happens between Jews and Muslims in the Middle East. He believes that this kind of work, the building of friendships and bonding over commonalities will bring about the right kind of change. And I agree with him.

MESTO is based in Los Angeles and they travel the world (particularly the Middle East) performing their unique blend of traditional Western orchestra pieces as well as Middle Eastern arrangements.

PBS Engage

I wish more people watched PBS.

For all the crappy TV shows that get made every year, PBS is the constant work horse that produces quality programming. Check out their new site www.pbs.org/engage

It explores "what role social media can play in public broadcasting."

There are plenty of cool features including links to blogs, documentaries and a section for you to give feedback.

Reel Artsy

A couple of my favorite movies are Garden State and The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. They're quirky, offbeat and fun. Plus, they feature two of my favorite actresses Natalie Portman and Kate Winslet who are prime examples of women who've built solid careers on playing a smorgasbord of versatile characters.

Which brings me to my latest blogging venture. I started up a new supplemental blog to Think Virtue! called Reel Artsy where I will spotlight quirky films by minority filmmakers. I'll be posting short summaries/reviews of cool films that I think are noteworthy. It will include trailers and links to film festivals and such. And at some point I'm hoping to do some brief interviews with the indie filmmakers who are producing these kind of movies.

I'll be covering...black films, Latino films, Arab films, biracial films, Deaf Culture films, Asian films, Native American films, Christian films, experimental films and pretty much anything that aspires to do something a little "outside of the box."

If this sounds like something you're interested in then head over to http://reelartsy.blogspot.com and check out the Bollywood film Drona that I saw in theaters this weekend.

By the way, if you look at my sidebar you'll see that I added a widget that updates you with the latest Reel Artsy posts.

The 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games

I wish the Paralympics got more media attention in the United States. I was only able to catch some repeats of wheelchair basketball on Canadian TV (CBC) and get updates online.

How can our country so easily ignore its athletes with disabilities? They train just as hard as anyone else and they're competing on a world level. It takes devotion and sacrifice to get where they are and the general public should have a chance to be inspired by some of their stories.

Even though the Paralympics took place Sept. 6 - 17th, The New York Times reports that:

"As for conventional television coverage, none will be seen in the United States until Oct. 8, when NBC’s cable sports channel, Universal Sports TV, will broadcast three hours of programming for seven days. Those shows will consist of highlights and features on particularly compelling athletes."

Couldn't they have at least broadcasted some of the events live? Or what about airing it on basic cable channels?

America needs to remodel their strategy when it comes to the Paralympics because the current plan is a real disservice.

What are your thoughts on it?

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By the way, check out the trailer for Murderball. The U.S. wheelchair rugby team won the gold medal this year.

Canadian TV - Sophie

Sophie is probably the best show you're not watching.

Sophie Parker is a woman who's trying to find balance between being a single mom, running her own business and escaping her manipulative mother's plot to hook her back up with her ex. The show is full of quirky characters, funny scenarios and an intriguing plot.

Natalie Brown (Sophie) is a completely charming in the lead role. It's easy to imagine her starring in the next Gary Marshall romantic comedy à la Runaway Bride or Never Been Kissed.

Sophie airs Wednesday nights at 8:30 p.m. (EST) on CBC. The new season starts on Oct. 1st.

Have you ever watched any Canadian TV shows?

Off-Broadway Version of C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters

C.S. Lewis was a great storyteller and his tales still resonate with audiences today.

If you're a theatre buff or simply a C.S. Lewis fan then you might want to check out out the FPA Theatre Company's presentation of The Screwtape Letters coming to Chicago this fall. The play has been performed in front of sold out crowds in New York City and Washington, D.C. plus it's gotten some pretty good reviews from major newspapers.

I'm not a huge theatre-goer but it's good to know that Christians are producing quality stuff for the stage.

The Screwtape Letters tells the story of a young demon getting advice from his uncle on how to manipulate humans done in a comical yet poignant way.

For more info visit www.ScrewtapeOnStage.com

[Hat tip to CPA]

Tina Fey as Sarah Palin on SNL

I can't remember the last time I watched SNL but I did tune in for Tina Fey's guest appearance as Sarah Palin. And I must admit it was one of the most hilarious impersonations I've ever seen! Tina Fey and Amy Poehler nailed the opening skit brialliantly as Gov. Palin and Sen. Clinton. All politics aside, that was a great comedic moment.

Check it out and share your thoughts.

Film Spotlight: Relapse

Subtlety would be the art that most Christian films lack. Many times Christian filmmakers get caught up in trying to drill a message into our head that they forget to craft a quality story that could engage viewers on its own. If you've been in Christian circles long enough you've most likely got sucked into watching one of those sappy, poorly acted films at a church function were the dialogue is extremely bad and everything is neatly packaged in the end. But bad movies aren't limited to the Christian community. If you watch the SciFi Channel late at night I'm pretty sure you'll find a movie just as poorly constructed and made on a bigger budget.

Thankfully, Relapse isn't one of those movies. It's the kind of substantial work that Christian filmmakers need to produce. For a short film, it accomplishes rhythm, tone and character development rather efficiently. We are quickly drawn into the world of a husband and wife struggling with the lost of a child. Newcomer Cassandra Lawson plays the part of the grieving mother, her performance is seasoned with a delicate balance of emotion and depth. Lawson's interaction with the adorable child actor offers a compelling cinematic moment.

However, the chief accomplishment of Relapse is its feel. It treads on waters of dramatic and eerie. Director Ryan Smith understands that sometimes a film's best sequences are when nothing is said. Smith forms scenes that fill the silence with skilled purpose alongside a captivating music score by Jim Daneker that invokes the right heart strings to create a beautiful piece of storytelling.

Yet Relapse is not without its flaws, there are some lines that could have been sharper like the "I'm beginning to think you live here" one. But that's a small pebble in a film that flows quite gracefully.

The DVD includes extra features to facilitate a group discussion. For more info on C2 short films visit www.c2dvd.com and www.seabournepictures.com

Daisy Rock Guitars

I'm really enamored with these Daisy Rock Rebel Rockit Heart guitars, they're wicked cool and their line is especially designed for women and girls.

As The Beatles would put it: All you need is love / love / love is all you need.

[Hat tip to NoonDaySun]

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