I had a dream last night that I wanted to run away from home and joined the circus as a freak showperformer. I thought I would quit this gig, get into the entertainment business, and pursue my dream. I had it all planned out: my bags packed, my bills all paid off, and I said my last goodbyes. Then, I woke up in a sweat, when Irememberedthis video of The Freak Show Deluxe.
As you can see, I am wide-awake and here sitting at my desk. I think I’ll leave the sword-swallowing and bed of nails to the professionals. Though, you can join me at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the West Side Stage to see the real thing.
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.
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.
Wasn’t our first ever Pet Days weekend fun? Don’t blink, because more fun events are right around the corner.
In the meantime, this weekend we’re bringing some laughs and some unique musical talent.
Both Saturday and Sunday, Mark Wenzel is back! He is a comedian sure to bring some laughs to both young and old. He will be performing his Mad Scientist act as a roaming performer at the Swap Meet. Make sure you catch him as he makes his rounds between 10:30 and 1:30.
At the ACE Stage, two great guitarists will be playing. On Saturday, from 12 noon until 3 p.m. Darius Lux will be performing. He is a pop guitarist with some rock and reggae influence. On Sunday, Dirk K – a Jazz guitarist will be playing from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
This weekend we will feature two musicians. Norm Douglas, a Jazzsaxophonist, 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!
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.
Several non-profit organizations will be present, including specialty rescue centers and other pet related groups offering information on pet wellness, spaying and neutering, training tips, animal welfare and other subjects presented by guest speakers and demonstrations throughout the event.
Erin, and Janelle - two beautiful ladies and stud producer Devin Haman from the reality show “Sunset Tan” on E! are going to be at the Market Place this Sunday (as in, Today!) from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
They will be selling their new calendar, signing autographs, and taking pictures with the lucky fans that show up.
You won’t want to miss this. But hey, don’t take my word for it. Go to their website, www.sunsettan.com and see what you would be missing if you don’t come!
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 7th. 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.
This Saturday young singers 17 years old and younger will compete to be selected for the semi-finals on August 30. If they make it passed the semi-finals they will be attending the 2008 Karaoke Fest held at the Los Angeles County Fair on September 13.
Must be 17 years of age or younger. $5 entry fee. Sign ups 9 am to 10:30 am August, 16. Singing begins at 11 am at the Westside Stage. Six contestants will be selected from each qualifying round to compete in the semi finals on Saturday, August 30. More info call 714-826-2212 or visit www.karaokescene.com
