With its gorgeous widescreen compositions and sophisticated look at our American obsession, this stripped-down narrative from maverick director Monte Hellman is one of the artistic high points of 1970s cinema, and possibly the greatest road movie ever made.

“Two-Lane Blacktop” is a classic American road movie released in 1971. starring James Taylor, Dennis Wilson, Warren Oates, and Laurie Bird, the film is known for its minimalist style, existential themes, and portrayal of the open road culture of the 1970s. The film is often regarded as a road movie that goes beyond the typical conventions of the genre. It explores themes of alienation, freedom, and the search for meaning in a vast and seemingly empty landscape. The characters are nameless and largely disconnected from society, living on the fringes and finding their identity through their cars and the open road.

The film follows two car enthusiasts, identified only as “The Driver” (played by James Taylor) and “The Mechanic” (played by Dennis Wilson), who travel across the American Southwest in a customized 1955 Chevrolet 150. They engage in street races and make their living by challenging other drivers to races and betting on the outcomes.

Their aimless journey takes a turn when they encounter a wayward drifter named “GTO” (played by Warren Oates), who drives a brand-new Pontiac GTO. GTO becomes obsessed with racing the Driver’s ’55 Chevy and insists on a cross-country race to Washington, D.C. The two cars, representing different aspects of American car culture, embark on a race with no set rules, reflecting the existential and nomadic nature of the characters’ lives.

Along the way, they pick up a hitchhiker (played by Laurie Bird)

 The sparse dialogue and lack of a traditional plot structure contribute to its unconventional and almost meditative atmosphere. The film’s title, “Two-Lane Blacktop,” refers to the two-lane highways that crisscross the American landscape.

Towards the end of the film, after a cross-country race, GTO picks up a pair of hitchhiking soldiers. He reflects on his most recent contest and reveals that he won his Pontiac in a race behind the wheel of a 150. “There’s nothing like… wiping out one of those Detroit machines,” he says. “That’ll give you a set of emotions that’ll stay with you. Those satisfactions are permanent.”

In that final disclosure, we see a nostalgic, even altruistic nomad looking for a protégé and some company on the open road.

What follows to end the film, as The Driver prepares for another drag race, the sound cuts out. He slams the gas pedal and the image slows, almost to a halt. The celluloid begins to burn up in front of us, as if caught on the projector. It then catches fire and the movie itself disappears.

The End.

An open house event at the North Street Playhouse in Onancock, Virginia, scheduled for September 30th, is a fantastic opportunity for theater enthusiasts and the local community to get a sneak peek into what promises to be an exciting “Season of Firsts.”

Come on out and learn about our 2023/2024 which will consist of 8 plays and musicals new to North Street audiences! We are excited to host a few concerts and special events this season as well.

New to NSP? Come take a tour of our theater and learn about NSP’s history in Onancock!

We will have information about volunteer opportunities – on and off stage and refreshments will be provided!

Here’s some information you might want to know about the event:

Event Details:

• What: North Street Playhouse Open House – “Season of Firsts”
• Where: North Street Playhouse, Onancock, Virginia
• Date: September 30th
• Time: 2:00 to 5:00 PM

Attending an open house at a local theater is a wonderful way to support the arts in your community and get a taste of the exciting productions coming up this season. Whether you’re a long-time theater aficionado or a newcomer to the world of live performances, you’re sure to have a great time. Enjoy the open house!

The influence of drag on fashion and American culture is significant and multifaceted. Drag, which involves individuals dressing in clothing typically associated with the opposite gender for entertainment or self-expression, had a notable impact on various aspects of American society from the 1960s until now.

Case in point: J. Alexander used to go out to Studio 54 in drag. He’d first take the Bx13 bus then the 6 train down from his grandmother’s Bronx apartment, then hop into a cab at 59th Street. “I wanted to look beautiful and glamorous like a couture model,” he wrote in his 2009 autobiography, Follow the Model, but he didn’t want to be a drag queen. Miss J, as he became known, booked a Jean Paul Gaultier runway show in 1984, and afterward was signed to Elite Model Management in Japan with a $20,000 contract. He was 16, and modeled in drag on runways for years before becoming a runway coach for top-tier designers and the women who, many due to his tutelage, became supermodels. Later on, he also became known as a beloved runway coach and judge on America’s Next Top Model.

J. Alexander and other drag queens of the 1990s saw increased visibility and helped push drag culture in mainstream media. Shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race” brought drag into the living rooms of millions of Americans, introducing them to the artistry and creativity of drag performers. RuPaul, in particular, became a prominent figure and an influential voice in both the LGBTQ+ and mainstream communities.

Drag queens are known for their bold and flamboyant fashion choices, and these influences could be seen in 1990s fashion trends. The decade witnessed an embrace of androgynous and gender-bending fashion. Elements such as bold makeup, exaggerated silhouettes, and theatrical styles made their way into mainstream fashion, challenging traditional gender norms.

Billy Beyond, while working in management at the Pyramid Club, modeled for designer Todd Oldham in the early 1990s. He had started modeling in the late 1980s when David LaChapelle photographed him in women’s clothes for a spread in Interview. “Everybody saw it, and that was it. ‘Who’s the new model?’ And I started getting other modeling jobs in drag,” Beyond said. “Once you’re in it, you can’t take it off. Sorry. I’m sorry, you’re not allowed… And beyond that, you will always be a drag queen. Always. Whether you like it or not,” he said.

Todd Oldham loved the precision of Billy’s look, he said, and thought he had a great walk. “When you’re doing a show or casting anything, or taking a photograph, it’s all just about what and who can deliver in these moments, how is the best way to create this. So there was never really like, ‘let’s put a man on the runway in clothing.’

That never ever, ever crossed my mind,” Oldham said. “There was just something about him, especially in that moment, sort of looking back and looking forward all at the same time. And he really just seemed to kind of capture it all for me and made what we made look so much better. Like he could really sell it, so to speak.”

In the 90s, Drag queens and drag culture were increasingly incorporated into mainstream entertainment. They appeared in music videos, films, and television shows. This exposure helped normalize drag as a form of entertainment and artistic expression. Drag culture promoted inclusivity and diversity. It challenged traditional beauty standards and celebrated individuality. This ethos had a ripple effect in promoting greater acceptance of diverse body types and appearances in American culture.

We can’t forget Divine

Divine passed away in 1988, but her legacy endures. She is remembered as a trailblazer in drag culture and an important figure in the history of LGBTQ+ entertainment. Her influence can be seen in the work of artists like RuPaul, who often acknowledges Divine as a source of inspiration.

Divine created an iconic drag persona that was larger-than-life, rebellious, and unapologetically provocative. Her over-the-top makeup, wigs, and costumes challenged conventional notions of beauty and femininity, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive drag scene. Divine’s close collaboration with filmmaker John Waters (an Andy Warhol Protége) pushed the boundaries of taste and decency, and Divine’s performances in them were groundbreaking. She became known as the “Drag Queen of the Century” and a cult film icon.

Drag had a substantial influence on fashion and American culture by challenging traditional gender norms, inspiring fashion trends, and contributing to the broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities. Drag queens and kings played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the decade, leaving a lasting impact on fashion and society.

As fall approaches, the Academy of Lifelong Learning has announced an exciting addition to its roster of classes: “Music & Art from the Baroque.” This captivating course will be taught by none other than  Lee Jordan-Anders, a seasoned expert in the realm of music and art history. Join Lee as she delves into this educational journey that promises to be both enriching and inspiring.

This class will explore some of the common elements in music and art from the Baroque period (Session 1), then look specifically at instrumental music (Session 2), keyboard music (Session 3), and vocal music (Session 4) from the era. Each class session will include both a broad survey of the topic as well as a closer, more in-depth look at one work of art and one piece of music.

• Four Sessions: Fridays, October 6,13, 20, 27, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Location: Eastern Shore Community College
• Class Limits: Minimum 8, Maximum 20

Pianist Lee Jordan-Anders is Professor of Music and Artist-in-Residence Emeritus at Virginia Wesleyan University in Norfolk, VA, where she served on the faculty for 29 years, teaching classes in aesthetics, listening, music theory, chamber music, and applied piano. Lee was the Music Director and Conductor of the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore from 2009 to 2014 and taught at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk from 2014 until 2019. She continues to perform frequently both as a soloist and collaborating pianist.

Whether you’re a seasoned art lover, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about the rich history of the Baroque era, Lee’s “Music & Art from the Baroque” class at the Academy of Lifelong Learning is a must-attend. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a transformative journey through time and creativity. Enroll today and be prepared for an unforgettable fall filled with the beauty of Baroque music and art.

Paint the Shore is a plein air art show designed to bring conservation to the public through visual art. Paint the Shore welcomes artists to conserved land, highlighting both the art of plein air painting and the unique natural environment on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Artists will have the opportunity to capture a brief moment in a changing landscape and celebrate 20 years of local conservation efforts.

Artists will paint on privately owned properties protected by Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust held conservation easements. These beautiful rural and coastal landscapes are not usually open to the public.

Finished paintings will be displayed in an art show at the Historic Onancock School on Nov. 10, 2023.

Paint The Shore Artist Application…

https://veslt.org/events-list/2023/paint-the-shore-artists-application-ysx78

Entry Deadline September 1, 2023

The construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral started in the 12th century, and it became one of the most iconic examples of French Gothic architecture. Bishop Maurice de Sully was instrumental in initiating its construction, and various architects and craftsmen played roles throughout the centuries. One of the most notable figures associated with the cathedral is architect Viollet-le-Duc, who oversaw a major restoration in the 19th century.

Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, and it is a prime example of German High Gothic architecture. The identity of the original architect is unknown, but the cathedral’s construction involved numerous architects, master builders, and artisans over its 600-hundred-year construction period.

Most of these old cathedrals were built by guild members who had been initiated into the secrets of their guild.

In medieval Europe, guilds were associations of craftsmen or merchants that played a crucial role in regulating their respective trades, ensuring quality standards, protecting the interests of their members, and passing down the skills and knowledge of the trade from one generation to the next. Guilds often had initiation processes and held certain knowledge and practices as closely guarded secrets. Members who had been initiated into these secrets were considered skilled practitioners of their craft.

The Freemasons were a secretive and highly skilled guild of stone masons and builders. They were responsible for constructing cathedrals, castles, and other grand structures across Europe. The knowledge of architectural design, geometry, and construction techniques was closely guarded within the guild. The exact nature of their secrets and rituals is speculative.

These trade secrets were not merely things like just being taught how to cut stone or glass correctly, though of course that was part of it.

There is a the mystical aspect…

They were spiritual secrets. How do you create a beautiful and majestic building that is awe-inspiring and artistic?

Well, you do that by understanding geometry, for one, which is a sacred science. Sacred geometry considers the metaphysical meaning of shapes. This is related to the same principles that underlie music and astrology, also both once considered sacred sciences. It’s about harmony and ratios.

These buildings are beautiful because they have been encoded with sacred truths. They reflect the divine.

Modern man, with all his computers and tools, cannot make this. Not because he is incompetent, but because he no longer knows anything of metaphysical truth, let alone how to symbolically encode it into a building.

Furthermore, modern man builds to consume space. Traditional man built to consume time. They built with the purpose to recreate the divine order on earth, as a bulwark against chaos. But in this era, we care only for what it cheap, expedient, convenient, and most importantly, easy to tear down and discard when we tire of it. (See Eliade and Evola for more on that.)

The Shore Summer Theater Camp presents “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” Saturday August 12th at 2 and 6 pm. The performance is at the Cape Charles Christian School and tickets are free.

A beloved fairy tale that has captivated generations through its enchanting narrative, has found new life on the stage. This classic story of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery has been brought to life in a vibrant and captivating play that combines the magic of theater with the timeless allure of the underwater world.

The stage adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” breathes fresh air into Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale, infusing it with song, dance, and vibrant visuals. Audiences are transported to an underwater realm where mermaids and sea creatures coexist in a stunning aquatic landscape. The play captures the essence of the original story while adding its own theatrical flair, making it a captivating experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.