The OC Register featured a story on Farmer Mike’s pumpkin carving at yesterday’s Trick or Treat Festival.  Click here to check it out!

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If I were a poet, would you ever know it?
I think about the many blogs I may write,
But they drink blood, and oh do they bite.
So come see the League of the Vampiric Bards,
And you’ll get quite a fright!

I promise - this group of pale-skinned, cloak-wearing, charming vampires are A LOT more talented than I am.

The League of Vampiric Bards are a group of poets who will bring comedic performances and parodies to the Swap Meet on the 26th based on Vampire themes and the spirit of Trick or Treating. They will be performing at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Westside Stage.

Let’s solve a riddle:

You have roughly 10 pints of it in you right now. It makes up roughly 7% of your body weight. On average, every two seconds, someone in the USA needs it. Money can’t buy it.

 What’s the answer?
a) Water
b) Pizza
c) Coffee
d) Blood

The answer is d) Blood. Did you know that you can help save a life just by donating some blood? Every day across America, there is a demand for up to 38,000 donations.

Though we’re having lot’s of fun this weekend, let’s get away from the costumes and fake blood for a second and focus on the real thing. This is a perfect time to donate blood and help someone in need.

Southern California Blood Coordinators will be conducting a blood drive at the Trick or Treat festival on the 26th near the main entrance from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Swing by and let them “suck your blood” to support local hospitals.

Andrew

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Hey friends - this week, in lieu of a weekly preview for the Swap Meet weekend events, we’re going to be providing daily updates as we draw closer to the annual Trick or Treat Festival on October 26. 

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This weekend we will feature two musicians. Norm Douglas, a Jazz saxophonist, will be playing at the ACE Stage from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Likewise, Mickey Bridges, another Jazz sax player, will be playing on Sunday – same time and place.     

Meanwhile, the Swap Meet is excited to present its first Pet Days. Teaming up with the Animal Assistance League of Orange County, Pet Days will bring entertaining and educational activities to the Swap Meet this weekend including adoptive animals, animal wellness info, specialty rescue shelters, opportunities to “ask the vet”, guest speakers, and Border Collies that can play soccer!

You can find more information Right here.

Please note: Though we love animals, this event is for humans only. Personal pets will not be allowed into the Swap Meet.

The Swap Meet will be hosting its first annual Pet Days during the weekend of October 11th and 12th, during National Pet Wellness Month.

Pet Days will be an outdoor expo taking place during the regular operation of the Swap Meet between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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On  September 27^th, Eddie Wakes is back performing on the West Stage from 10 a.m. until 1. Eddie’s soulful sound was described by Academy-Award winning actor Morgan Freeman as a “New, evocative voice.” Also on Saturday, Norm Douglas, the Jazz Saxophonist is back with his soothing West Coast Jazz. If you missed either of these musicians earlier this month, now is the perfect time the check them out.

Sunday features the Puppets and Players Theatre adjacent to the West Stage. They are a perfect act for families with young children. They will be performing three shows of Scooter’s Circus Adventures at 10:30, 12, and 1:30. You’ll be amazed as you see the giant, handcrafted marionette theatre on the stage, and the impeccable detail and artistry in their marionettes.

Also on Sunday, Marston Smith – an electric cellist – will be performing all day long. Marston plays an electric 6 string cello mounted on a medieval chest plate. He has performed on The Tonight Show and in the Cirque du Soleil. He has also recorded with various artists such as KISS, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart, and The Backstreet Boys. His credentials establish him as one of the best in his field – so this is one opportunity you can’t miss.

This week, Mark Wenzel will be performing throughout Saturday and Sunday. Mark is a mime and juggler, described as a maniacal mischief maker on the prowl. He is the official mime of the Los Angeles County Fair, and served as the mime for the World’s Fair in 1984 and 1986. Marks act is roaming, so he will be wandering the Market Place passing out coupons and passes for Pet Days. You can catch his acts from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

On Saturday the 20^th, Darius Lux – a singer, songwriter, producer, and performer will be playing all day. He is a pop artist with his main influences being reggae and hip-hop. Sunday, Michael SG – a multitalented singer, guitarist, and saxophonist will be playing. He will be performing different songs, most of which are featured on his latest CD – “On The Road”

For the first weekend of shopping in September, four distinctly different artists will be performing at the Orange County Market Place. On Saturday, September 6^th, Eddie Wakes and Dirk K will be entertaining guests. Dirk, a solo artist, will be entertaining guests all day performing Jazz Guitar. Eddie and his rich, melodic voice has drawn comparison to Marvin Gaye and Nat King Cole. He will be performing on the West Stage from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

On Sunday, September 7^th, John Marshall and Duane Michaels will be performing all day. John and Duane are fiddlers that perform the Billy’s. On the West Stage, Desmond Bedlow will be bringing his one-man steel drum band to entertain guests. Born in Trinidad & Tobago, his 30 years experience will make you wish you had a Pina Colada in hand. He will be playing from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

The month of September features a diverse array of musical talent and entertainers. In keeping with the theme of the Orange County Market Place, there truly is something for everyone.

To set the pace, Desmond Bedlow, from Trinidad and Tobago, will be bringing his steel drum, performing in his one-man reggae band (September 7th). Pop artists such as John Stowers (September 14), Darius Lux (September 20) and Michael SG (September 21) will bring their upbeat rhythms and blended sounds to the stage throughout the month. All three of these artists have just recently released CDs.

Slowing things down a bit, all month long various Jazz and R&B artists will be taking the stage. Soulful singer Eddie Wakes (September 6 & 27) will be making two appearances in September, as will West Coast Jazz sensation Norm Douglas (September 13 & 27. Also making appearances will be Jazz guitarist Dirk K (September 6) and saxophonist Mickey Bridges (September 13). Finally, Marston Smith (September 28) will be bringing his electric cello to the stage. He has played on The Tonight Show and in the Cirque du Soleil.

Finally, what would the Orange County Market Place be without a few laughs thrown in here and there? From fiddles to funnies, there are a ton of different acts bringing their unique shows to the stage. Fiddlers John Marshall and Duane Michaels from Billy’s will be playing on September 7^th. Also during the month, Vaudeville comedian Jeff Abbit (September 14) and Juggler / Mime Mark Wenzel (September 21) will be performing on the West Stage, delivering a barrel of laughs and fun for the entire family. At the end of the month, look forward to the Puppets and Players Theatre (September 28) bring their full-size marionette stage to the Market Place.

With September being such a unique month of entertainment, be sure to check back for the weekly in-depth previews to find out more about these great opportunities.