March 2020, the longest March to date. Civilization was still “normal”-ish when the month came in (like a lion?) and goes out as the plague.
I must admit, if it wasn’t for the general dread in the æthyr now, or concerns about Janice, or Calliope, this would be a pretty fantastic adventure. Suddenly we are on a different planet!
We are on a different planet.
It is a fantastic adventure.
Sad and strange …
However, as optimists, we find ways to press on!
We conclude the month with our first virtual circle.
Me, Visitor Blim, Beachmont Frank, and Other Derek made good use of the Zoom:
Music played via YouTube, we can now share a playable link:
Even in these troubling times, the good times appear.
Last weekend I met Cousin Brian at South Station. We took the train to NYC and met Tech Support at The Blarney Stone. Then trained to Brooklyn to visit Prospect Park.
There we had to search to find “Peter’s Tree”, a tree planted in honor and memory of Peter Steele – a Brooklyn native who worked for the parks and rec department.
We then had a fabulous lunch before returning downtown to check into our hotel.
Had a few drinks and laughs then back on the train uptown:
New board, now functional for 3 or 4 person circles. Far, far from complete, but now usable.
Yesterday we had three three person circles.
The middle circle, songs 13 through 24, we engaged the rarely executed “Hellequin” option. Meaning, we reversed the order of the circle. It took all of our collective mind power to keep it honest and we did, and what great rewards ensued! And then, for the third and final circle, we proceeded as normal. Very interesting curling in and curling out of song selection and stations of the circle.
The Sheriff, The Caliph, and The Professor joined me here, at The New Great Hall by the Sea for the first Circle of 2020. Before we got going awards were given out. First to Visitor Blim for visiting the cats during our spontaneous trip to Vega$:
In Vega$ we had a customized chocolate bar created for a Blim.
Many thanks!
Next was the annual handoff of The Haverhast. Haverhast the Tenth to Beachmont Frank (for F2):
It being January the 13th we were able to toast to Mr Gurdjieff and King Crimson.
And Pay tribute to Neil Peart. Here’s what was played:
Pretty nice, right?
The last four tracks were from an esoteric concert I attended of Turkish music. So beautiful.
Just in time for the final danse round, Chip Adderson arrived. This was followed by the feast and a couple more toasts (thanks to Chip’s gift of Armagnac) to Mr Gurdjieff.
One of the highlights of the year, the annual Christmas Circle. Visitor Blim and the Professor were able to make it. Frank was in the dog house and had to bail.
Here is us enjoying the annual listen of “Red Water (Christmas Mourning)”
What was played:
Tracks 7 & 35 were spontaneous danse rounds via Persephone.
After 13 OFFICIAL New Years Eve Dinner Parties with Concert, here at The New Great Hall by the Sea, a personal “favourite thing to do”, we have, due to poor ratings and lack of “availability” have elected to CANCEL the event.
Pictured above are a few moments from the final event. Below, is the final known work of The Nightmare Ensemble.
It was a good run. May-haps, like the phoenix, it’ll return one day.
The Honourable Mention this year goes to Reek Crudely, aka Derek Curley, aka “Other Derek”. He wins it for feats of acting. In every work he appeared, be it his own Wicked Witch, or Van Benkerstein’s “Mirror Game”, or as the Father of our Beloved Nation (George Washington, pictured above in Haverhast’s most recent critically acclaimed nightmare) or even as a chap in the ruins telling us about Klause the guillotine craftsmen, Derek wins the day!
The Saint’s Choice, the third of it’s name, goes to “Ar – Phrayaxus”. As the first actor to portray “The Saint” (who, was the first of the “psychedelic” characters in the Extentions oeuvre ~or is he the second if we consider “the Jogger in e2?~) is my privilege to pick basically my favourite film of the evening. Not quite The Haverhast, but certainly worthy it’s own due. Some folks may quibble about “editing this or that”, but no one can fault it’s impeccable sound balance, beautiful presentation, and robust mix of characters and story. Not to mention, even though there were “a few laughs”, it’s an absolute nightmare. A spiritual nightmare.
Moreover, if there’s ever been a more touching scene than the George and Augustine one, from the entire collective, well, I ain’t never seen it.
The Haverhast. Most years it is very difficult to single out the film. This year there were 3 serious contenders. Some years it is agonizing trying to scrutinize the slightest standard that will tip the scales to one film or another. This year, although there were 3 contenders, this was and is the clear and present taker of Haverhast the Xth.
“Keep on Smiling, Dear” takes the trophy home.
As many indicated, the over-arching ambition and rather succinct pulling off of this feature helped win the day. Good to see many folks involved. A fine and fertile zone to explore: horror sitcom with commercials. And, although one may think it is “too comedic”, the poetic exposition of the ghastly “father” at the end as he, son, and family unite with the cosmos and eternity, one feels the terror of the infinite and the majesty of a great nightmare that is.
I was looking for a beautiful image to conclude with. It seems fitting.
I also want to applaud Frank for starting with a script. I think the forethought pays off. Going forward, I urge future film makers to start ASAP and spend more time in post production.
Congratulations to the winners, and by that I mean everyone who participated. It’s difficult to find a more fun night in the year. Good Times riddled with fellowship, effort, communion and celebration.
May 14th 