Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964): A Holiday Classic

     For me, when it comes to Sci-Fi movies, the worse they are the better. I like using my imagination. I don't need many flashy effects. Plus, they're good for a well-intended laugh. These crappy old films possess a certain naive charm that CGI laden films lack. Part of the appeal is the fact that these people who made the films actually thought they were doing great work, for the most part anyway. The bad acting and lousy effects are sincere and superb. And when it comes to crappy Sci-Fi Christmas movies, one film stands alone... "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" (1964).

     In a nutshell, the Martians are upset that their kids are glum and obsessed with watching Earth TV programs about Santa. Their solution... to kidnap Santa and bring him to Mars to cheer the kids up. Of course, to be expected, there are some Martians with ulterior motives concerning the ultimate fate of the jolly old elf. 

     Watch and see. Who knows? Maybe with imagination and good humor, this odd Christmas hybrid gem will find it's way into your annual Holiday movie lineup. Eh, probably not... but it's worth a shot.

Movie Trailer

Happy Holidays!

Chris Faraone: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Chris Faraone, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     In episode sixteen of the first act of Quiet Desperation,  journalist Chris Faraone shows up to do a story on Robby because, according to Chris: "Robby's relationship is pretty fucked up with the other media. He's exhausted everyone else."

Quiet Desperation Episode Sixteen- "A Line of Traffic"

       Chris is indeed a journalist in real life. He writes for The Boston Phoenix as well as other publications, covering an eclectic variety of topics... everything from politics to entertainment and hip hop music. He has written at least three articles related to Quiet-D that I know of. Check out the links here: 1) Must Flee TV, 2) As Seen on PC and 3) Quiet D Silenced?

     Most recently, he has been diligently covering the Occupy Movement and is compiling those writings into a book to be released next year called, 99 Nights with the 99 Percent  . Read more of his Boston Phoenix articles here: http://thephoenix.com/authors/chris-faraone/.

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

New Illustration: Quiet Desperation #5. (Different Look, Different Format)

     After finishing the last Quiet Desperation illustration, I asked show creator, Rob Potylo, if he had any requests for the next one. He suggested I might try doing stills from my favorite scenes. I liked the idea and went with it. 

Quiet Desperation #5, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     Inspired by old movie posters from the 1940s and 50s, as well as comic book illustration, I decided to change the format from my usual "collage" style and go with a more blocked visual narrative. Using film strips entering and exiting from either side of the picture plane, I wanted to capture the energy and spontaneous, fleeting production of the show in a simple way.

     These stills come from Episode 12 of the first season "Annual Drugs Party", and features Rob Potylo, Tom Dustin, Mehran Khagani and Ira Proctor

Quiet Desperation Episode 12, Season One- "Annual Drugs Party"

Read more about Quiet Desperation here: quietd.com

Ira Proctor: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Ira Proctor, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     Through his role as a frustrated, failing, angry landscaper, Ira Proctor brings a high level of energy to Quiet Desperation. From heckling Robby in the side yard of his building to moving in with Mehran because of the tough economy, every moment of screen time featuring Ira is hilarious and worthwhile.

Mehran's new roommate, Ira: The Sheriff of Butt f*#king

Ira is featured in the first episode of the second season of Quiet-D

     In real life, Ira Proctor is a high-energy actor and stand-up comedian. His website, iraproctor.com , elaborates, "Ira Proctor is a Boston based comedian that has traveled everyplace from Las Vegas to Afghanistan performing comedy. He recently showcased to rave revues at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival, was featured on the Today Show, and finished his second season of NESN's Comedy All-Stars. He's the Boston winner of Sierra Mist's "Next Great Comic Search," become a fixture in the Boston Comedy Festival, and has appeared in Comedy Central's "Laugh Riots." Ira’s other credits include appearances on ABC’s Inside Edition, Fox News, New England Cable News, NBC Nightly News, Chronicle and XM radio along with commercials for Diet Pepsi, Harvey Windows and Bob’s Stores."

Ira doing stand-up comedy

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

New Illustration: Quiet Desperation #4

     Casting over 200 creative-type people in Quiet Desperation, Rob Potylo certainly gave me a full plethora of unique, interesting faces to choose from in these Quiet-D illustrations.
     And here is a new illustration, "Quiet Desperation #4" featuring Rob Potylo, Shaun Bedgood, Ira Proctor, Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola, Josh Gondelman, Rick Jenkins, Dug McCormack, Vic Foresta, Chris Faraone and Duncan Wilder Johnson.

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     In Quiet-D you find the rarity of rarities: musicians, comedians, writers, actors and artists working together, genuinely, focusing their creative energy on a common project. In this age of universal ADD, no one artistic field is truly going to thrive without some help from the others. Combining them all into one awesome package, like Quiet-D, is the perfect way to showcase the abundant talent in the local arts scene. And the successful result is immediately apparent. Watch the first season and you'll experience the full gamut of human emotions- you'll laugh and be confused, you'll get angry and saddened... and most certainly, at some point, you'll be offended. Which is the way it should be.

Read and see all there is to know about Quiet Desperation here: http://quietd.com/

The first episode of the first season of Quiet-D

The first episode of the second season of Quiet-D

One of the commercials for the 2010 MyTV premiere

Bob Dylan's "Christmas in the Heart": The Best Holiday Album in Recent Years

     If you're a Bob Dylan fan, or just a fan of Holiday music in general, pick up a copy of his album "Christmas in the Heart" (2009). I know it sounds strange to mention "Dylan" and "Christmas album" in the same sentence, but it's worth it. Not since the days of Burl Ives has there been a Christmas album so full of sincerity and humor. I imagine Bob knew people would laugh and giggle at the idea, and that's exactly why he did it. Plus, I'm pretty sure the proceeds go to charity.

Bob Dylan- "Must Be Santa"

Bob Dylan- "Little Drummer Boy"

Happy Holidays!

Bob Dylan reads "The Night Before Christmas"

Rick Jenkins: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Rick Jenkins, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     On Quiet Desperation, Rick Jenkins essentially plays himself (with a few twists) as owner/operator of The Comedy Studio in Cambridge, MA. The frustration he faces with getting the comedians to watch their time is equalled by his shady dealings with Tom Dustin.

Quiet-D Episode Thirteen: "The Comedy Studio"

     In real life, Rick's presence at The Comedy Studio has been an integral part of Boston comedy since the 1990s. "The Comedy Studio in Harvard Square has cemented its reputation as the area's top laugh lab. It's also earned a solid reputation among industry heavyweights as a "must-visit" club for anyone seeking cutting-edge performers or writers for future television projects. The Comedy Studio - no better breeding ground around."

-Dean Johnson, Boston Herald, 12.01

visit http://www.thecomedystudio.com/ for more info.

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Shaun Bedgood: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Shaun Bedgood, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     In terms of screen time on Quiet Desperation, only a couple others have had more than Shaun Bedgood. His recurring role as Robby's record producer always sets the framework for a great episode. With the exception of his mild feline fetish, Shaun is one of the comparatively "normal" characters on the show. He has stood by Robby through it all and is determined to record that album. He was on the premier episode of season one, and now he is featured full-circle on the premier episode of season two.

The very first episode of Quiet-D

Episode 1 of the new second season of Quiet-D

     In real life, Shaun Bedgood is a talented actor and stand-up comedian. He performs all over, and is one act you won't want to miss. In fact, Shaun will be performing tonight at Dick Doherty's Comedy Showcase in Worcester, MA. For a full schedule on where to see Shaun, visit his website: shaunbedgood.com

Shaun doing stand-up comedy

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Phantom from Space (1953): Classic B Movies

     Processing the movie Phantom from Space is tough, because it really is a better film than it seems at first viewing. It's hard to pinpoint the moment or scene when it starts to click. In terms of special effects, for 1953, they are really not that bad. Although most of the "invisible" gags were utilized much better twenty years before in The Invisible Man. The script is better than some Sci-Fi and not quite on par with others. The acting is typical early 50's. I don't know, maybe the most likable part of the film, the part that takes awhile to notice, is it's sense of humanity.

     Phantom from Space begins with an object hurling itself toward earth and it's being picked up on radar. Suddenly the object disappears near Santa Monica, CA, and television sets and radios and such start acting screwy. The government sends out a team to determine the cause of all this interference. They discover that two people in separate incidents have died from injuries inflicted upon them by a man, according to witnesses, "in a diving suit". The hunt is on for the perpetrator. He is tracked to a power plant and cornered. His escape is simple... he removes his suit. That's right, this alien is invisible. He gets away, but it is soon learned that he can only survive for short periods of time without having access to his space suit. So, he sneaks into the lab several times throughout the movie to put on his helmet. A friendly female scientist is genuinely interested and compassionate in communicating with him and he tries to reciprocate by tapping out a strange code that they are ultimately never able to decipher. 

     Perhaps that truly is the best thing about Phantom from Space... it leaves you guessing. It addresses all sorts of "who's" and "what's" but never gets around to answering the ultimate question: "why?"

Phantom from Space- trailer

Josh Gondelman: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Josh Gondelman, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     I first saw Josh Gondelman perform at Jerkus Circus, a variety show put on by my friends- The Steamy Bohemians.
     He was featured on two episodes of Quiet Desperation, in which he played an aspiring poet. His character won the winning run in the Artists vs. Executives kickball game. Vengeful after the kickball defeat, Tom Dustin plotted to use his media contacts to dash Josh's poetic dreams and relegate his career to obscurity. Tom exact words, "If I ever have the opportunity to hurt your shitty slam poetry career, I will take it."

Quiet-D Episode Six- "Kickball" (where the grudge started)

Quiet-D Episode Twelve (where Tom exacted his revenge)

     In real life, Josh Gondelman is a mild mannered, affable stand-up comedian. His website, joshgondelman.com , states, "Drawing from his experiences as a preschool teacher and a pretty good guy, Josh Gondelman charms audiences with his good-natured storytelling and cracks them up with his sharp, pointy wit. Josh's comedy touches on topics from rainbows to gangsta rap and makes them all equally hilarious thanks to his terrific writing and performing."

Josh doing stand-up comedy

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

DNFMOMD Video is on TIME Magazine's Top 10 List

Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     Great news for Michael J. Epstein and Sophia Cacciola... their video for "Episode 1: Arrival" by their band, Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling, was honored by TIME Magazine in naming it #6 in their list of the top ten creative videos of the year. They truly deserve this grand recognition. They worked really hard for over two years to make this video- a shot-for-shot remake of the opening sequence of the cult 1960s show "The Prisoner." And the results are impressive.

Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling #6 on Time Magazine's Top 10 Videos of 2011 article

Here's a side by side comparison of the DNFMOMD video with the original Prisoner sequence, just to demonstrate how detail oriented they were in the making of the video:

Read more here: http://michaeljepstein.com/ and here: http://donotforsake.com/

Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Kevin Harrington: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Kevin Harrington, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     In his role on Quiet Desperation, Kevin Harrington plays Robby's downstairs neighbor. He was studying to be a lawyer; uptight, angry and ever-annoyed by the noise emanating from his partying neighbor's abode. With a sense of contempt for Art, his desire to succeed in law translated to him forcing his wife to attend medical school, despite her wish to pursue the violin. Eventually, some magic mushrooms changed all that...

Our introduction to Kevin on Quiet-D

The origin of Kevin's transformation...

Watch episode eighteen forward, to see more on Kevin's transformation. http://quietd.com/

     In real life, Kevin Harrington is an amazing improvisational actor. Capturing subtle nuances of mood and character and mixing them with humor, is just part of the appeal of his acting style. He performs in and around Boston with a variety of creative endeavors. Read more about Kevin here on ImprovBoston's website: http://www.improvboston.com/users/kevinharrington

Here, Kevin performs as Ben Franklin

Quiet Desperation #3, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Marnie Hall: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Marnie Hall, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     Marnie Hall's beautiful visage was first featured on Quiet Desperation episode #16, "A Line of Traffic." She played the subservient wife of a lawyer, Kevin, who was pressuring her into attending medical school, while her true dreams lay in a musical career playing the violin. Living downstairs from Robby, her husband would get enraged at the level of noise generated in the domicile of a musician, and Marnie would get caught in between during the subsequent confrontations.

Quiet-D #16- "A Line of Traffic"

     In real life, Marnie is indeed living the dream of her fictional Quiet-D character. She is a professional musician, playing violin with an astoundingly diverse array of projects... everything from classical to rock music, symphonies to the Liz Borden band. Check out an interesting article here: Rock Violinist Marnie Hall Blazes a Unique Trail. 

Marnie with The Liz Borden Band

Another of Marnie's Performances

Quiet Desperation #3, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

click here to purchase a print of this illustration

New Commissioned Art: The Inebriations Bottle Logo

     I was commissioned to design a bottle illustration for a great new band, The Inebriations, to use as a logo. Please check out their music here: https://www.facebook.com/theinebriations or here: http://theinebriations.com/ and here: http://www.reverbnation.com/theinebriations

The Inebriations, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Tony Moschetto: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Tony Moschetto, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     In his role as "The Tazz" on Quiet Desperation, Tony Moschetto expertly plays a stereotypical high energy,  loudmouth radio disc jockey in need of a tranquilizer. His inclination to inform musicians of their eligibility to win contests, while simultaneously putting them down is matched by his propensity to discuss oral favors, snort adderall and drop the radio station call letters in every other sentence. Tony brings a lot of energy and finesse to the part by way of his fine acting and comedic abilities.

Quiet Desperation Episode 19- "The WBCN Rumble"

Quiet Desperation Act Two- Episode One- "Drawing Up Circles"

     In real life, Tony Moschetto is a very talented stand-up comedian, performing all over. His website, http://site.tonymoschetto.com/ , states " Tony Moschetto is an established stand-up comedian/writer from Salisbury Beach,Massachusetts. Tony's mix of life experience and overall philosophy results in a truly unique, original, offbeat and quirky style of comedy that is getting him noticed from coast to coast. Tony has appeared on Comedy Central's "Stand up Stand-up" as well as "The Really Naked Truth" on the Playboy Channel. Most recently, he wrote and starred in "I Believe In The Bruins", a webisode for Boston.tv. He plays regularly inBoston, New York, Los Angeles and has also performed abroad in London, Shanghai andBeijing."

Tony's stand-up Comedy

Quiet Desperation #3, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

click here to purchase a print of this illustration

Justin Townes Earle: Behind the Illustrations

Justin Townes Earle, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

 
     I was someplace in Providence the first time I heard anyone mention the name Justin Townes Earle. My friend, John McCauley, was talking about him but I don't remember the context or how Justin's name was brought up. "Is he any good?" I asked. "Yah, he's awesome," was the reply. John's opinion on music is one of the few on which I rely and place credence, so I made it a point to give Mr. Earle a listen. I knew he had good musical pedigree, being the son of Steve Earle, and named after Townes Van Zandt. He lived up to it.
     His first two albums, The Good Life and Midnight at the Movies, were excellent, displaying his New Badass Country style with bravado. The more I listened, the more I liked it. So, when I learned that he'd be performing at Hampton Beach, NH in the summer of 2009, I jumped at the chance to see him live. Just before showtime, I was outside smoking a cigarette when Justin came out. I went over and introduced myself and we shook hands. He was very tall and thin, had piercing, steel-blue eyes and a pleasant, gentle way about him. The talk was very brief, though, as everyone was anxious for the concert to begin.

Justin Townes Earle, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     The only criticism I have about that show is that there were too many headliners performing all at once, and I wish Justin had been given more time. Otherwise, it met my expectations, and I won't hesitate to go see him play again. His latest album, Harlem River Blues, is just as good if not not better than the previous two. As long as he keep all his demons in check, his future is bright.

Read more about Justin Townes Earle here: http://www.justintownesearle.com/

Joe Wong: Profiles from the Quiet-D Illustrations

Joe Wong (detail of Quiet Desperation #3), 2011. By Travis Simpkins

     In his role as an unwilling Asian rapper on Quiet Desperation, Joe Wong was against the idea of being stereotyped. His character was being pressured into singing "Ay yi yi yi yi ay yi yi" over and over again on the only track of the rap group, Tin Tin Buffet, called "Revere Beach." He sees little future in the endeavor and goes off to find other ventures.

Quiet Desperation season one: "Tin Tin Buffet"

     In his real life role as a stand-up comedian, Joe Wong has reached millions of people and made them think about aspects of their nature that often go unobserved. For a full biography, press releases and show dates visit his website: http://www.joewongcomedy.com/. His career really has gone into overdrive after appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Ellen Degeneres Show. He was even asked to perform at the RTCA Correspondents Dinner, where he roasted U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. He has won comedy festivals both locally and Nationally.

The Late Show with David Letterman

The Ellen Degeneres Show

The RTCA Dinner w/ V.P. Joe Biden

Congratulations, Joe Wong, on your continued success.

Quiet Desperation #3, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

click here to purchase a print of this illustration

Prints Are Now Available for Purchase

     By popular demand, 12x16 signed prints of some of my illustrations are now available for purchase. The print(s) will be rolled in mailing tubes and you can pay securely with a credit/debit card via Paypal. They can be had for the low price of $15.00 each (plus shipping). Just click on the "Add to Cart" button under your selection on the side column here ----------->>>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

*** PLEASE NOTE: If you are one of the people depicted in the illustrations, contact me directly to purchase- travisliam@aol.com .***

For the time being, only these illustrations have been made into prints. More to follow. I am open to requests as well.

Quiet Desperation #4, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Quiet Desperation #3, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Golden Bloom, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Arlo Guthrie, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Dan Burke, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

The Evolution of Deer Tick In Video

Deer Tick, 2010. By Travis Simpkins

     Many of the musicians I know now, I knew years ago. To think back on their past performances, to trace their development, requires an astute memory. Others, more technologically savvy, have left a video trail to follow. It's interesting and amusing to look at old videos of people you know and see how they've changed, to view their artistic evolution.
     Deer Tick is a fine example. In a relatively short period of time, they went from playing people's apartments to playing Late Night with David Letterman. Still, it's fun to see early camcorder footage of John McCauley compared alongside the more recently filmed performances:

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

     You sure have come a long way, guys!

Read more: http://www.deertickmusic.com/

John McCauley, 2011. By Travis Simpkins

Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me: Thoughts On The Art of Richard Farina

   
     Richard Farina crammed a lot of accomplishments into his twenty nine years, before dying in a motorcycle crash in 1966, just two days after the publication of his first and only novel, Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me. By the time I picked up the book 35 years later, much of what he did had either become a footnote in the careers of other artists or forgotten altogether. Whenever I cite Been Down So Long... as one of my favorite books, only a handful of people have even heard of it. Perhaps I'm traveling in the wrong circles, but it seems a shame to me that such a great work of literature should go unappreciated. It's so good it could be the crowning achievement in any author's life, but to have it be so good as a breakthrough novel leaves the reader with the ominous feeling of "what could have been." Look it up if you want a complete synopsis. Simply put- There's lots of drugs, lots of sex, art and philosophical, introspective thought.

purchase "Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me" here

     All things considered, Richard Farina probably died a happy man. The publication of the book just prior to his death had been the culmination of years of sporadic work on it. In addition, he also found time to become a successful poet, songwriter and musician. He married twice. Both times to beautiful, famous women in the young Folk Movement- first to Caroline Hester, then to Mimi Baez (Joan Baez's sister). The two albums he released with Mimi on Vanguard Records while he was alive, Celebrations For a Grey Day and Reflections in a Crystal Wind, were successful. He almost singlehandedly elevated playing the dulcimer to a true art. And he penned one of my favorite songs, "Pack Up Your Sorrows."

Here he is playing it with Mimi and Pete Seeger

     Other great songs were on both those albums and are still covered by countless reputable musicians. After he died, there was enough recorded material left for one posthumous album- Memories, and enough written material left for one posthumous book- Long Time Coming and a Long Time Gone. Richard Farina definitely has a strong legacy, I just wish it was a more conspicuous one amongst the younger generation. He surely deserves it. 

Read more about Richard Farina here: http://www.richardandmimi.com/