iLuvLocalPlaces.com
Main Street Not Wall Street‚ is that us?
Vulgar acts and politics aside, I am sure most of us identify in some
small way with the frustration, anger and feelings of helplessness on
display in the "Occupy Wall Street" movements across the globe.While I have not found myself in agreement with much of the debate from either side of the political spectrum and until recently didn't see much of a connection between myself and the protestors, it hit me this morning that Janet and I were actually "Main Street Not Wall Street" ideologues before there was such a movement.
I believe much of the fault for our current state of financial affairs in this country ultimately is due to the trend over many years away from the local, hometown mom & pop business to the national corporations.
Because of efficiencies in delivery and power in purchasing, many of the box stores and national financial institutions made it almost impossible for a mom & pop business to survive. In losing the local touch and concern for the community, combined with boards and stockholders demanding every greater profits, we the people have in the end, become the victim of our own desires and made possible the control of more money by fewer people.
At one time the non-local businesses appeared to deliver the goods and save us money and we took the bait hook, line and sinker! I don't think the same is true today, but we continue with the hook of bigger is better in our mouth because we are creatures of habit with nary a thought about why we continue to do what we have always done! Hang with me here, there is a point coming.
Today's mom & pop businesses have become more competitive by forming buying groups, just in time inventories or finding a niche market so that the national competition is not the overwhelming competitor it used to be.
As an example, we recently purchased Rubbermaid brackets for wire shelving. Needing quite a few brackets, price was an issue and we shopped several businesses. The exact same item was priced $2 higher at the national chain than it was a local lumber & hardware store. $2 more is hard to believe when the total price was only $4.98.
Time and again, in buying office supplies, food products or home & garden supplies, we have found locally owned businesses near the same price as their national competitor or in many cases priced lower.
So, if you find yourself thinking "Main Street not Wall Street" or bad mouthing corporate America, then pause and ask "where am I spending my hard earned money"? Not only your money, but where does your workplace spend money buying supplies.
If we are to change our country we have to change ourselves. It is truly up to YOU to make a difference. Why not start today by breaking those spending habits and find a locally owned business to support. You will be doing yourself, your community and all of us a favor!
I Luv Local Places is here to make the process of changing those habits easier. Support the businesses you see supporting us, but also support all the locally owned businesses you can find!
By supporting the locally owned merchants of Main Street with your money, you will protest in the most powerful way possible your dissatisfaction with Wall Street!
Jackson's Cowboy Hero Ty Atchison Performs at the National Finals Rodeo
By Emily Sladek
Small town dreams have led to national notoriety for one local cowboy. Ty Atchison of Jackson will compete in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, NV, starting Thursday, December 1.
The spirit of rodeo has always been part of his life. His parents, Debbie and Clint Atchison, own and run the family's Diamond A Auction Barn where they raise, train and sell horses. "Ty and his sister have been riding horses since before they could walk," Debbie tells us.
Only eight years into bronc riding, Atchison's dream of making it into the NFR didn't rest only on this event. He grew up roping and wrestling steers, and didn't ride his first bronc until just before his senior year in high school. He took his life-long talent with him to college, achieving a rodeo scholarship to University of Tennesee-Martin. He qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in steer wrestling, team roping, and bronc riding throughout his college career, with a second place finish in 2006 in what now seems to be his signature event, bronc riding.
Atchison has several accomplishments, outside of college, under his belt dating back to 2007. During his professional career he has won awards in rodeos and shows all the way from Georgia to Washington and placed as co-champion at the area's own Show Me Center Championships in Cape. Some highlights of his career include victories at the Dodge City (Kansas) Roundup Rodeo, Atlantic City (New Jersey) Boardwalk Rodeo, Livingston (Montana) Round-up, Goliad (Texas) County Fair Rodeo. and, of course, making it to the NRF.
Atchison came into the NFR ranked 12th in the world for bronc riding. "It's like the Super Bowl of rodeo," Debbie said. Boasted as the most prestigious rodeo in the world, the event brings together the top 15 contestants in several rodeo events with each of the contenders competing for their share of the multi-million dollar purse.
Encouraged by the support of his family and friends and blessed with all around talent in the sport according to his mom, Atchison is able to follow his dream. "I always told him growing up to find something you would do for free, and you'll never work a day in your life," Debbie said. "He's fulfilling his dream, and we're proud of him. "
NFR events will run through December 10, and will be broadcast on cable television's GAC. You can catch the events live as they happen.
Click here for TV program scheduling of the rodeo events.
NFR Website
Why i Luv Local Places.com!
"What makes you special?"
Uniqueness and character are traits we like in people. The more you find to admire about a person the more you want to spend time with and get to know them.
Our attitude toward a community is no different than those we have toward people. We rarely frequent communities with nothing special or unique to offer us and we strive to spend as much time as we possible in those which offer the best experiences in dining, entertainment and shopping.
Think for a moment about the places you enjoy visiting the most and what attracts you to those places. What
makes
Beale Street in Memphis, Printers Alley in Nashville or the French
Quarter in New Orleans a destination? Unique places such as Cafe du
Monde in the New Orleans French Quarter, Bourbon Street Blues
and Boogie Bar on Printer's Alley in Nashville and Blues City Cafe on Beale Street in Memphis offer an experience unique to each locale. Both the New Orleans French Quarter and Memphis Beale Street offer dining, entertainment and a certain intrigue, but Beale Street focuses on the Blues where the French Quarter focuses on the French heritage of the region and the music has a sound all it's own.
The cultural heritage of each region influences all
aspects of the places your visit, allowing you to truly experience a community and its people.
When we support our local businesses, entertainment venues and community based activities, the character and culture of our community is strengthened, jobs are sustained or created and opportunity for growth increases. The many locally owned businesses, restaurants and retail stores, as well as, our home grown artists and entertainers, all benefit from your patronage! Local businesses and their employees are the people who work, live and play with our families; we know them, they know us.
Our
area is unique, because of the hard work and contributions of the many
small businesses and their staff. Area charities, schools and civic or
religious groups, are also beneficiaries of locally owned businesses.
Each of us has a significant role in the distinctive character of our area. This is the motivation behind iLuvLocalPlaces.com. iLuvLocalPlaces.com will make finding and supporting‚ "locally owned‚" easy and rewarding. Help us support all things Local! We all win!
The Local Management!
Uniqueness and character are traits we like in people. The more you find to admire about a person the more you want to spend time with and get to know them.
Our attitude toward a community is no different than those we have toward people. We rarely frequent communities with nothing special or unique to offer us and we strive to spend as much time as we possible in those which offer the best experiences in dining, entertainment and shopping.
Think for a moment about the places you enjoy visiting the most and what attracts you to those places. What
makes
Beale Street in Memphis, Printers Alley in Nashville or the French
Quarter in New Orleans a destination? Unique places such as Cafe du
Monde in the New Orleans French Quarter, Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar on Printer's Alley in Nashville and Blues City Cafe on Beale Street in Memphis offer an experience unique to each locale. Both the New Orleans French Quarter and Memphis Beale Street offer dining, entertainment and a certain intrigue, but Beale Street focuses on the Blues where the French Quarter focuses on the French heritage of the region and the music has a sound all it's own.
The cultural heritage of each region influences all aspects of the places your visit, allowing you to truly experience a community and its people.
When we support our local businesses, entertainment venues and community based activities, the character and culture of our community is strengthened, jobs are sustained or created and opportunity for growth increases. The many locally owned businesses, restaurants and retail stores, as well as, our home grown artists and entertainers, all benefit from your patronage! Local businesses and their employees are the people who work, live and play with our families; we know them, they know us.
Our
area is unique, because of the hard work and contributions of the many
small businesses and their staff. Area charities, schools and civic or
religious groups, are also beneficiaries of locally owned businesses.Each of us has a significant role in the distinctive character of our area. This is the motivation behind iLuvLocalPlaces.com. iLuvLocalPlaces.com will make finding and supporting‚ "locally owned‚" easy and rewarding. Help us support all things Local! We all win!
The Local Management!
________________________________
Arthur Lee Land--A One Man Band Genius
By Amanda Helfrich
At first listen, you would assume the heavy beat and smooth sounds of an Arthur Lee Land track were crafted by a group of creative instrumentalists. But the source of the music is actually a one-man-band genius, who is scheduled to return to Cape for an upcoming show.
Arthur's musical interest began when he was only 5 years old. He would tap out beats on his first drum set, and went on to pick up the guitar in his early teenage years. His talents first landed him in various country bands before his vision pushed him toward a recording career. “Lessons of the Heart,” his first official, major album, was released by Arthur Lee & The Next Step.
Years later, Arthur’s diverse musical talent continued to flourish. Today he is known for his unique “on-the-fly” live looping-the art of recording and repeating a short section of sound to create a seamless performance. Forms of looping were first used in recording tracks in the early 1960’s. Today, musicians use digital devices to achieve the popular effect that is well known among many famous artists. Arthur says he combines the gift of looping with eclectic influences of Folk Rock, World Beat and Bluegrass to create a new genre he calls ‘Afrograss Folk Rock’.
“I do mostly original music, with a couple of my unique Afrograss Folktronica arrangements of classic cover songs,” said Land. “People can expect to be thoroughly entertained, engaged and hopefully feeling the joy.”
Fans can catch a sneak peek of his upcoming album “Cracked Open” at Rude Dog Pub in Cape Girardeau on Thursday, September 29th, 2011. The album is expected to be released in early 2012 and will feature original tracks written by Land and his co-writer and wife, Carol Lee.
“This is the album I’ve been wanting to make for years,” said Arthur. “I’ve been able to loop in the studio and play all the instruments and collaborate on arrangements.”
For more information about Arthur Lee Land visit the official website at www.arthurleeland.com
LST 325, A Living Floating Museum Docks At Chester, IL
LST 325, A Living Museum, Docks at Chester, Ill.
By Amanda Helfrich
There’s a big piece of history sailing up the Mississippi River set to dock in a small town in Southern Illinois. The massive USS LST 325 will soon be mooring on the riverfront of Chester, Illinois on part of its honorable River Tour.
The LST 325, a military vessel, was launched on October 27, 1942. The operational vessel was utilized in numerous military missions from 1942-1999, most notably it’s service in Vietnam. The ship was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2009. “They were in use by our services through Vietnam by all of the military branches, so they have wide appeal,” said Brian Congiardo, event organizer. “There are quite a few local Vietnam veterans who can recall being on them.”
Every year the LST 325 participates in a River Tour. This year marks the first time the ship will dock in Chester as part of the annual event. The mission of the living museum is to educate people about the role the LST had in obtaining our freedom. It dually serves as a memorial for those who served our country and lost their lives on the historic vessels. The names of those soldiers are displayed on the ship.
“Previously the tours have been on the East Coast. The ship has sailed by Chester before, up the Mississippi, but this is the first time Chester will be hosting the event and it’s a really big honor,” said Congiardo. The LST 325 is one of a kind and remains docked in Evansville, Indiana when it’s not active on a River Tour. Congiardo said the vessel, that will be arriving to the area on Thursday, September 15th, is the only one left in the United States that has been restored and remains active.
Tours and opening ceremonies will begin on Friday, September 16th at 9 am and tours will continue throughout the day until 5 pm. A WWII living camp with reenactments and a historical military vehicle display will also be available daily throughout the weekend until Sunday, September 18th when the event ends. Visitors to the ship will be allowed to tour the vessel with members of the LST crew located throughout the ship to explain the story of the LST 325, and answer any questions visitors may have.
“The reenactments in the military camps will be setting up camp on the riverfront ,” said Congiardo. “They really get into character and have military gear, haircuts and uniforms specific to that time period. There will also be a military weapons display and later model military vehicles along with support equipment, generators and communication shelters.”
Tours of the ship are free to children under 5; $5 for ages 6-17 and $10 for adults. Family rates are available for $20. Military camps, displays and parking for the event are free of charge.
For more information about the Chester LST 325 historical tour, visit their event webpage at www.lst325chesteril.org.
Laurie Everett of Annie Laurie's Wins Award of Excellence
Laurie Everett and Heather Brooks Receive Prestigious Awards of Excellence at the State Level for Impact on Downtown Revitalization
Staff Writer
Recently, two Missouri Main Street Awards were received by Laurie Everett and Heather Brooks, at the Missouri Main Street conference in Kansas City. They were nominated by Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape. Outstanding Public Official, received by Assistant to City Manager, Heather Brooks, and the Business Excellence Award, received by Laurie Everett, of Annie Laurie's Antiques on Broadway, are the highest home state level awards in this category given by Missouri Main Street.
Marla nominated these women to recognize their accomplishments in going above and beyond in areas of downtown revitalization. She explained that it is important to recognize what is outstanding so the public becomes aware of all the behind the scenes work and planning that goes into shaping the downtown area. "There's so much work at so many different levels you can't see," she said. "I'm always impressed by people that work so hard because they really want to see a better community."
Laurie, owner and operator of Annie Laurie's Antiques on Broadway, was unaware of her nomination for the award. Surprised and excited about receiving the award, she said, "I'm absolutely excited about the future of downtown and will do whatever it takes to improve the area. I'm willing to spend time, effort and the funds to make it happen."
Laurie's outstanding work in promoting Annie Laurie's Antiques in exceptional ways includes partnerships with students, artists, musicians, the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and Old Town Cape for special events and volunteering. Whether it's participating in First Friday Gallery Openings, Old Town Cape's Historic Home and Garden Tour or other events promoting the revitalization of downtown, Annie Laurie's Antiques opens its doors to the community to provide opportunities for fun and appreciation of the valuable downtown culture that connects people to their community.
As a member of the Community Improvement District steering committee, Laurie has worked to enhance the commercial area of downtown Cape Girardeau. She also volunteers for St. Mary's, Lutheran Family Children Services, area veteran's golf tournament and donates to the United Way of Southeast Missouri.
One of her favorite projects was a Dorm Room Makeover she did at SEMO's Welcome Back picnic last year. Any dorm student was eligible to receive a $500 makeover package which included small furniture, bedding and school supplies--everything a new college student needs. She said, "It was great to be able to do something for someone and make a difference."
Her antique business at 536 Broadway is also her home. She and her husband completely renovated the building the business is housed in, which includes an attached apartment the family lives in. "She embraces the challenges of living downtown and uses it as an opportunity," said Marla.
"Heather is our city liaison who goes above and beyond," said Marla. She is on the Old Town Cape board of directors. "All our board members are volunteers," said Marla. Besides serving in that role, Heather has worked with the DREAM Development Team and Downtown Strategic Plan and assists with the Cape Girardeau Downtown Community Improvement District Steering Committee, United Way of Southeast Missouri, River Corridor Connections, Bicycle Committee, Girardeau Goes Green Advisory Board, Zonta Club, and more.
"Heather is so excited about what is happening downtown and taking it to the next level," said Marla. As an outstanding public official, she has continually demonstrated effort and support of local downtown revitalization efforts and has at least 5 years of public service.
Hats off to these two women who work hard at upholding the important revitalization of Old Town Cape.
Staff Writer
Recently, two Missouri Main Street Awards were received by Laurie Everett and Heather Brooks, at the Missouri Main Street conference in Kansas City. They were nominated by Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape. Outstanding Public Official, received by Assistant to City Manager, Heather Brooks, and the Business Excellence Award, received by Laurie Everett, of Annie Laurie's Antiques on Broadway, are the highest home state level awards in this category given by Missouri Main Street.
Marla nominated these women to recognize their accomplishments in going above and beyond in areas of downtown revitalization. She explained that it is important to recognize what is outstanding so the public becomes aware of all the behind the scenes work and planning that goes into shaping the downtown area. "There's so much work at so many different levels you can't see," she said. "I'm always impressed by people that work so hard because they really want to see a better community."
Laurie, owner and operator of Annie Laurie's Antiques on Broadway, was unaware of her nomination for the award. Surprised and excited about receiving the award, she said, "I'm absolutely excited about the future of downtown and will do whatever it takes to improve the area. I'm willing to spend time, effort and the funds to make it happen."
Laurie's outstanding work in promoting Annie Laurie's Antiques in exceptional ways includes partnerships with students, artists, musicians, the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and Old Town Cape for special events and volunteering. Whether it's participating in First Friday Gallery Openings, Old Town Cape's Historic Home and Garden Tour or other events promoting the revitalization of downtown, Annie Laurie's Antiques opens its doors to the community to provide opportunities for fun and appreciation of the valuable downtown culture that connects people to their community.
As a member of the Community Improvement District steering committee, Laurie has worked to enhance the commercial area of downtown Cape Girardeau. She also volunteers for St. Mary's, Lutheran Family Children Services, area veteran's golf tournament and donates to the United Way of Southeast Missouri.
One of her favorite projects was a Dorm Room Makeover she did at SEMO's Welcome Back picnic last year. Any dorm student was eligible to receive a $500 makeover package which included small furniture, bedding and school supplies--everything a new college student needs. She said, "It was great to be able to do something for someone and make a difference."
Her antique business at 536 Broadway is also her home. She and her husband completely renovated the building the business is housed in, which includes an attached apartment the family lives in. "She embraces the challenges of living downtown and uses it as an opportunity," said Marla.
"Heather is our city liaison who goes above and beyond," said Marla. She is on the Old Town Cape board of directors. "All our board members are volunteers," said Marla. Besides serving in that role, Heather has worked with the DREAM Development Team and Downtown Strategic Plan and assists with the Cape Girardeau Downtown Community Improvement District Steering Committee, United Way of Southeast Missouri, River Corridor Connections, Bicycle Committee, Girardeau Goes Green Advisory Board, Zonta Club, and more.
"Heather is so excited about what is happening downtown and taking it to the next level," said Marla. As an outstanding public official, she has continually demonstrated effort and support of local downtown revitalization efforts and has at least 5 years of public service.
Hats off to these two women who work hard at upholding the important revitalization of Old Town Cape.
Cape Splash Soon to Open
 By Heather JenkinsDespite what the thermometer has read the last few days, summer is right around the corner. We better enjoy the unusually mild temps because before too long we are going to be enduring the sweltering Missouri heat. A great local way to beat the heat is to spend the day at Cape Splash. The opening day for this season is coming up soon-May 28th.  Cape Splash has something for everyone, especially families and kids. There is a 700 ft long Lazy River that is perfect for relaxing in a tube and soaking up the sun. There are also Fun Umbrellas and a Swirl Pool. The little guys will love the Spray Pad and the Leisure Pool. If your kids are anything like my little rockstars, they are already squealing with anticipation every time you pass Cape Splash. Got a little one with a summer birthday? There are four different birthday packages with varying amenities for various sized groups ranging in price from $85-$325. Planning a party of another sort? After hours rates are also available for specific areas of the park to the entire park. Rates vary from $200-$1400 depending on the amount of guests and how much of the park you are wanting to reserve. Cape Splash is an awesome way to spend the day (a mini staycation, perhaps?) without spending a lot of money or traveling far away from home. A concession stand, picnic area, family pavilion, and locker rooms make it to where you wouldn’t have to leave the park the entire day. Hours of operation are 11 am to 7 pm daily. Day and season passes are available for kids, adults and senior citizens. Day pass prices are as follows: kids (ages 0-13) $5, adults (ages 14-59) $6, and seniors (ages 60 and up) $5. Season passes are: kids $100, adults $125 and seniors $100. Family passes for a family of four are also available for $200 with each additional family member costing only $20 each. If you have any other questions about planning a day trip, birthday party, or just a few hours in the water, you can find more information on their website. For more information and video click here. Enjoy the summer by supporting local and having a great time in the process! |
Adult "Only" Easter Egg Hunt!
Start a new tradition & support Southeast Hospice too!
By Chris Pagano
Do
you miss the fun of hunting eggs or watching the fun youngsters have
while they're hunting eggs? Here's a new tradition to start that
benefits Southeast Hospice too.
It's the second annual Easter Egg Hunt for Adults. Held from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Bavarian Halle, Jackson, be prepared for delicious barbeque catered by Cook's BBQ & Catering and a variety of entertainment that offers something for everybody.
While you're hunting eggs, music by "Charlie's Music Review" will be on the sound system, there will be a cash bar and an Easter Basket Contest will be held. Besides hunting eggs for candy and prizes, auction enthusiasts can seek out that special item they've been searching for and get in on the bidding.
With over 300 in attendance last year, a change in venue was necessary. But proceeds from the event will still benefit Southeast Hospice, a program with a special approach in caring for individuals who are on a journey though life's final stages. Last year the Adult Easter Egg Hunt raised $11,000 for Southeast Hospice.Tickets are $25. Must be 21 or over to attend.
Click here for more information and details about ticket availability.
Lazy L Safari Park Reopening in April...
Check out the first time ever Safari Egg Hunt
By Chris Pagano
Lazy
L Safari Park, located right in Cape Girardeau, will reopen April 2 for
the 2011 season. Weekend hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during April,
May, September and October. New this year is the first Safari Egg Hunt.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 16. Details are forthcoming.Is your schedule too full this spring? The zoo is open daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Like feeding the animals? It's okay at this zoo. Pygmy goats are hungry and so are the baby animals at the Petting Zoo!
A picnic shelter, and snack shack are on-site for hungry humans. And if you want to relax or shop, there are benches and a gift shop. Visiting guests can enjoy walking through the main barn, petting zoo, animal nursery or gazing into the fields to watch zebras or antelope graze. How's that for getting up close with the animals?
The zoo is filled with hundreds of exotic animals and over 20 different species. Some of the animals on location include alpacas, antelope, aoudads, birds, camels, cavies, deer, donkeys, emus, goats, ibex, kangaroos, llamas, ostriches, porcupines, reptiles, rheas, tortoises, wallabies and zebras.
Group tours and birthday parties are available by reservation from April thru October. A tour guide to enhance the educational experience is available upon request.
History
Opened in 2010, this family owned business is community oriented too. You may have seen Lazy L Safari Park animals at fairs and at special events, including nativity scenes. Some of the animals are even celebs-and have been in movies and commercials!
Lazy L Safari Park is a privately funded and licensed facility. No funds are received from the government or other organizations. All income from the zoo is used for feed, supplies and zoo and operation of the facility.
Want to get more involved?
An Adopt-an-Animal Program is in place for children, families, schools, classrooms, church or scout groups, businesses, or organizations to help care for and feed animals at the zoo. Giving an animal adoption as a gift may be what's perfect for that special someone. All adoptions are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Zoo Memberships are a great way to enjoy unlimited free admission to the zoo for a year. You can come everyday or every week during regular zoo hours. Other benefits include free admission to zoo sponsored special events; subscription to zoo newsletter, invitation to "members only" events, and two one-day admissions passes for guests.
For those of you who miss visiting the animals while Lazy L Safari Park is closed, there's a parakeet exhibit open during November and December at West Park Mall. Over 250 parakeets are available to interact with you and feeding is okay!
Click here for more information.
A Culmination of Expression in Music and Cinematography!
By Chris Pagano
"The video is like a summary of our lives and what we understand about each other…things we mutually enjoy about music, history and life," said Fox.
JACKSON, Mo.--March 8, 2011
The goal of the soon to be released video, My Brother's Keeper, is to be a feature film.The result is a collaboration of the talent from Jefferson Fox of Jackson and Tim Gill of Savannah, GA, creating an artistic video you'll want to watch numerous times. Fox, an eclectic writer who is well known at area clubs also travels nationally to perform as well. Gill is a cinematographer whose client list includes such names as MTV, Food Network, Trading Spaces, A&E, ABC, NBC, FOX and the US Army. Merging the music with visual images in a story plot about human struggles has a powerful effect. The Dockside Banquet Hall in Cape Girardeau was chosen by Fox to debut the video "My Brother's Keeper" and the CD, Chronicles of Harvey, because the musicians who recorded the song, "My Brother's Keeper," are all from the Cape Girardeau area. Fox also said My Brother's Keeper will be used at the National Association for Broadcasting's April convention in Las Vegas, NV--the largest national film convention.
So what can viewer's expect? Well, the scene is set in in all black church in the late 1930s. The lyrics begin with,
The images you see are mainly black and white with an accent of color--for effect--set in really slow motion. The impact of the images you see does not happen in slow motion however. It is a video you need to watch several times because suggested, multiple meanings are being unveiled simultaneously. Besides the content of the video, worth mentioning is the cutting edge technology used in filming the video. The Phantom V641, a camera of high resolution and definition was used. With rental of the camera came a technician too. Only three of these cameras exist in the entire world. The other two cameras were tested at this year's Superbowl.
What's particularly special about the video is that it represents total contentment, a goal not easily achieved by any artist. Whether it becomes a feature film or a video receiving major attention is not important to Fox. The end result of the work of two artists telling a story effectively and showcasing their talents at the same time is what has caused this feeling of contentment according to Fox. "It was like we had the exact same vision from the beginning," said Fox.
When Fox wrote the song, "My Brother's Keeper," he sent the song to Gill's email. Fox said "He called me within 15 minutes. I was playing at a bar in Kansas City. I stepped outside to take the call. He said, "This is the best thing you've ever done!" My reply was, "Thanks for inspiring me to write it." The two had a conversation a few days earlier and as a result the lyrics and music just came to Fox. The lyrics were especially meaningful to both Fox and Gill because they ident
ified
with the symbolism. They both decided it was important to share the
content with everyone else. Incorporating the mystery of Johnson's life
and death was agreed upon almost immediately. Johnson, a wandering
performer who received little success in his lifetime, is said to have died from drinking poisoned whiskey at a juke joint. It was believed that due to Johnson's flirtation with the juke joint owner's wife, the poisoning was planned by him.
An interesting myth that Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for mastery of the guitar surrounded him.
Ideas for portraying the song in video continued over five weeks and in seven weeks they were done shooting. The production of the video was like the culmination of expression in music and cinematography. "The video is like a summary of our lives and what we understand about each other…things we mutually enjoy about music, history and life," said Fox.
Born in Southeast Missouri, Fox lived the life of a military family, changing residence about every three years. The impact of living this type of life may have been a catalyst for his writing career. When he met new people, Fox learned he had to develop relationships faster in comparison to others because his relationships had a limited shelf life. Fox believes this way of processing information about people helped to heighten his sensitivity and awareness of how their situations impacted their lives, making him a a better writer.
The collaboration between Fox and Gill has deep roots. Little did either of them know that their high school musings would someday lead to working so closely and realizing their potential . Best friends in high school, the glue that cemented them together included a love for Zeppelin, Aerosmith and well…guitars. The two also spent every waking moment together, wrote poetry relentlessly and even produced several large paintings.
Their love for the music and story of Delta Blues songwriter and guitarist, Robert Johnson was shared. But like many friendships formed early on, the two went separate ways to explore individual endeavors. They kept in touch though and filled each other in, enjoying each other's individuality and growth.
Seventeen years went by before the two worked on an artistic project together. It was in 2008 that they collaborated to produce Nobody's Fault, a video from the CD, Animule. Fox said, "I called Tim and said I need you to be here. He showed up ahead of time at Los Angeles International Airport and we shot video four hours later." Having the support of your best friend was something Fox really appreciated, but it was then the two began to realize that showcasing their talents might lead to something. "My Brother's Keeper" is where it lead. The two artists are currently working on their next music video. According to Fox they have lots of things brewing including a silent film idea.
"The video is like a summary of our lives and what we understand about each other…things we mutually enjoy about music, history and life," said Fox.
JACKSON, Mo.--March 8, 2011
The goal of the soon to be released video, My Brother's Keeper, is to be a feature film.The result is a collaboration of the talent from Jefferson Fox of Jackson and Tim Gill of Savannah, GA, creating an artistic video you'll want to watch numerous times. Fox, an eclectic writer who is well known at area clubs also travels nationally to perform as well. Gill is a cinematographer whose client list includes such names as MTV, Food Network, Trading Spaces, A&E, ABC, NBC, FOX and the US Army. Merging the music with visual images in a story plot about human struggles has a powerful effect. The Dockside Banquet Hall in Cape Girardeau was chosen by Fox to debut the video "My Brother's Keeper" and the CD, Chronicles of Harvey, because the musicians who recorded the song, "My Brother's Keeper," are all from the Cape Girardeau area. Fox also said My Brother's Keeper will be used at the National Association for Broadcasting's April convention in Las Vegas, NV--the largest national film convention.
So what can viewer's expect? Well, the scene is set in in all black church in the late 1930s. The lyrics begin with,
"Everybody wants to go to Heaven
Even the folks who swear it don't exist
The hardest part about life is searching for excuses
For desire, in lieu of death's kiss…"
Even the folks who swear it don't exist
The hardest part about life is searching for excuses
For desire, in lieu of death's kiss…"
The images you see are mainly black and white with an accent of color--for effect--set in really slow motion. The impact of the images you see does not happen in slow motion however. It is a video you need to watch several times because suggested, multiple meanings are being unveiled simultaneously. Besides the content of the video, worth mentioning is the cutting edge technology used in filming the video. The Phantom V641, a camera of high resolution and definition was used. With rental of the camera came a technician too. Only three of these cameras exist in the entire world. The other two cameras were tested at this year's Superbowl.
What's particularly special about the video is that it represents total contentment, a goal not easily achieved by any artist. Whether it becomes a feature film or a video receiving major attention is not important to Fox. The end result of the work of two artists telling a story effectively and showcasing their talents at the same time is what has caused this feeling of contentment according to Fox. "It was like we had the exact same vision from the beginning," said Fox.
When Fox wrote the song, "My Brother's Keeper," he sent the song to Gill's email. Fox said "He called me within 15 minutes. I was playing at a bar in Kansas City. I stepped outside to take the call. He said, "This is the best thing you've ever done!" My reply was, "Thanks for inspiring me to write it." The two had a conversation a few days earlier and as a result the lyrics and music just came to Fox. The lyrics were especially meaningful to both Fox and Gill because they ident
ified
with the symbolism. They both decided it was important to share the
content with everyone else. Incorporating the mystery of Johnson's life
and death was agreed upon almost immediately. Johnson, a wandering
performer who received little success in his lifetime, is said to have died from drinking poisoned whiskey at a juke joint. It was believed that due to Johnson's flirtation with the juke joint owner's wife, the poisoning was planned by him. An interesting myth that Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for mastery of the guitar surrounded him.
Johnson is credited by many rock musicians as an important influence.
Eric Clapton, for instance, referred to Johnson as "the most important
blues singer that ever lived."
Ideas for portraying the song in video continued over five weeks and in seven weeks they were done shooting. The production of the video was like the culmination of expression in music and cinematography. "The video is like a summary of our lives and what we understand about each other…things we mutually enjoy about music, history and life," said Fox.
Born in Southeast Missouri, Fox lived the life of a military family, changing residence about every three years. The impact of living this type of life may have been a catalyst for his writing career. When he met new people, Fox learned he had to develop relationships faster in comparison to others because his relationships had a limited shelf life. Fox believes this way of processing information about people helped to heighten his sensitivity and awareness of how their situations impacted their lives, making him a a better writer.
The collaboration between Fox and Gill has deep roots. Little did either of them know that their high school musings would someday lead to working so closely and realizing their potential . Best friends in high school, the glue that cemented them together included a love for Zeppelin, Aerosmith and well…guitars. The two also spent every waking moment together, wrote poetry relentlessly and even produced several large paintings.
Their love for the music and story of Delta Blues songwriter and guitarist, Robert Johnson was shared. But like many friendships formed early on, the two went separate ways to explore individual endeavors. They kept in touch though and filled each other in, enjoying each other's individuality and growth.
Seventeen years went by before the two worked on an artistic project together. It was in 2008 that they collaborated to produce Nobody's Fault, a video from the CD, Animule. Fox said, "I called Tim and said I need you to be here. He showed up ahead of time at Los Angeles International Airport and we shot video four hours later." Having the support of your best friend was something Fox really appreciated, but it was then the two began to realize that showcasing their talents might lead to something. "My Brother's Keeper" is where it lead. The two artists are currently working on their next music video. According to Fox they have lots of things brewing including a silent film idea.
