JosephBurke.com

Fayettville, AR & Blue Man Group NAT Launch

// September 6th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

It’s always hard to put into words what exactly it is we just witnessed whenever we’re attending any Blue Man Group venue. How do you explain it? What is ever more difficult is attempting to explain the National American Tour to new and older fans alike. Everything that we know, or have seen about Blue Man Group has been totally redone, re-imagined and brought to new life in a way that only the latest cutting edge technology can deliver. In other words, this show is unlike anything you’ve seen before, period!

Banner at the Walton Arts Center

Before I go any further, I have seen dozens of people assuming this production is like The Complex Tour, MegaStar Tour, brace yourselves folks, IT IS NOT! This is a traveling theatrical show of Blue Man Group’s current and most updated content, many of which the company itself had yet to see until the night of Sept. 3rd in Fayetteville. So there is no VIP backstage pass, or sticker to wear at the end of the show to go backstage. This is a theater style tour, so the lobby will be your main source of photography with the Blue Men and band. Same rules that apply to NYC, Boston, Chicago, Orlando & Las Vegas apply here. Lobby only! If you want pictures with the blue men, you’ll have plenty of time to roam the lobby, take as many photos as you want, and have ample time to interact with the performers. One more time, there is NO VIP treatment here, especially on this tour as different rules apply to different theaters and so on.

The show starts off with a new scrim, much like that of the older Luxor and MegaStar shows, but with dueling strobe effects that let you see two blue men at one time as the strobe effect switches. It’s kind of hard to describe, but this is a very new element, and the song is brand new. It combines fragmets of TV Song with elements of Above, and the new track just hits hard and rocks. Before the curtain goes up, and we see the stage for the first time, a strobe effect that is synced with the music adds to the heightened anticipation as the music builds, curtains fall, and then, bam we’re in the Blue Man’s world!

Merch Booth at the NAT

There are the tride and true skits that we Blue Man fans have come to know and love. Gumballs and Marshmallows, drumbone, Capn’ Crunch, Klein, Utne, PVC IV, Time to Start etc… But this particular new production, each skit has been totally re-imagined to fit the concept of this new cutting edge show. For example, not only is there Capn’ Crunch, but now, the stage illuminates and you see the live sound waves as each blue men chomp down on the cereal. I won’t spoil what happens with the louder Right Blue Man, you’ll just have to see it.

Signs has totally been redone, all new with digital screens that are crisp, clear and in HD. The sign’s wording is not the familiar “Naked Mermaid” material, but all new clichés with modern pop culture. For example there is a reference to Twilight on the left illuminated sign that pokes fun at teen vampires satire.

Rods and Cones is re-imagined, and with a new melody from the Zurich production that most of the US fan base has never heard. Even right down to the backpack tubulum has been paid close attention to as the tubes now illuminate in sync with the music as the Blue Men are playing them. It’s visually one of the most wildest things I’ve ever seen on a Blue Man Group stage. The wording has changed too, and new animations help convey the use of rods and cones in our eyes. A definite highlight.

Rods and Cones

A totally new concept with this new production stems from the idea of gifting people with something special, as a token of friendship and remembrance. The following quote is emphasized heavily within the whole body of the show from start to finish, and is even displayed on the big screen during seating.

Blue Man Group opening screen before the show starts.

“When you first meet people from a foreign culture, a great way to break the ice is to offer a few gifts as a gesture of friendship. It’s always good to choose items that reflect your personal interests, and it’s even better if it’s something you have created yourself. You also need to show a genuine curiosity in their interests and their culture. But ultimately, the very best way to forge a lasting friendship is to create something together: Whether it’s a meal, an art project or just a spontaneous dance party, when you create something with others, you build a connection that lasts a lifetime.”
-International Diplomacy for Dummies

You’ll find this quote a lot on this tour, and referenced multiple times by The Insiders and Blue Man Group on stage. The act of giving away something is the Blue Man’s way of connecting with his audience. So one thing you’ll see after Paint Drumming, Gumballs and Marshmallows is the Blue Men physically walking off the stage and handing the spin art and paint art to audience members. It’s a home run and we know you’ll like this new element to the show.

On a quick note, the staple skits like Feast, Tributes and Time to Start have been re-imagined as well. Without giving too much detail away, just look for the subtle changes in the feast table, background scenery behind the table etc. Tributes also now features multiple revamps as PVC House is now partially played to introduce the Vibra Slap, which leads to Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” Also, you’ll even hear Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” Let that one soak in for a while, on PVC at that!

After Rods and Cones, the show switches pace to Utne Texting Man, I think that’s what they call it. But it shows two of the animated figures texting back and forth, saying various random and funny things. The underlying melody of Utne Wire Man is there, but the song is practically redone, and a sense of hype is built up going into “Stomp Your Feet, Clap Your Hands”. The visual aspect of this piece can be seen in our video footage from the Fayetteville, AR show, but sadly translates poorly to the real thing. What you don’t see in the video is the animated figures changing and rotating rainbow colors, and their wand-airpoles creating a rainbow wave effect as it swooshes through the air. It’s pretty clever.

Utne Wire Texting

Klein has always been the pre-finale staple the Blue Man Group experience, and the NAT production is no different. Typical scenario, Blue Man goes out, combs over the crowd in search for the perfect participant to invite on stage. From here, things switch up, The sound waves from the drums are now visible on the transparent LED’s on the band lofts and the massive backdrop screen. You visually see the drums which is a great addition. The Klein video is all new of course, and is very similar to that of the cruise ship Klein video on the NCL Epic. The newest addition is the pink spray paint that is used to outline the person’s body and form. It makes for a trippy effect, and a more colorful Klein canvas.

And now, the sensory overload moment of the night comes to a massive climactic ending as every part of your brain is triggered. The Zygote Finale is one of the most innovative new concepts we’ve ever seen. It’s also an eco-friendly gesture towards the removal of paper products since Blue Man Group do their best to support “Go Green” efforts. You’ll want to climb out of your seat and shake your “Money Maker” as this catchy new track encourages a lot of butt shaking going on. The highlight is the Ethereal moment when the music calms, and an enchanting, melodic sound is played as the Zygote Balls float and hover over the crowd in almost out of body surreal moment. You glance around, massive orb zygote balls floating around, people bouncing them around, paper flying everywhere, the band are doing some sort ritual dance, and the lights changing vibrant colors will make one feel surreal, and trust me, that’s a good thing!

Zygote Finale

It all ends with Paint Drum Finale, and same as the staple skit, but with an added video effect behind the blue men. It’s kind of a blurred visual effect that as the Blue Men are drumming, you see the colors of their drums as the paint splashes upward on the massive LED screen behind them. It’s an wonderful, subtle touch to something that all fans signify with a show finale. Then we cut to lighted stage, and the band members and crew come out for final stage bow. We are left the DNA image as the Blue Man’s silhouette is all you see behind the screen.

The Insiders (Random Acts of Kindness)

// September 1st, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

Insiders Joe & Alex now have the privilege to gift fans with all sorts of Blue Man Group love, including free show tickets. To show the world what this is all about, we met up with one of our Facebook fans and got his reaction live on camera of him getting free show tickets. Look for Joe & Alex, The Insiders at National American Tour stops all across the country starting this weekend for more Random Acts of Kindness. Special thanks to Blue Man Group Orlando and Universal Studios.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

// August 18th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

This marked Alex and I’s first trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure. It was a great first experience and we got to do most everything in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter side of the park. The Butterbeer was unique and delicious, think root beer, but with butterscotch and shortbread flavoring. Good stuff. The main attraction “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and is one of the most amazing thrill rides I’ve ever had the privilege of riding. There’s honestly no way to explain it, but trust me, you’ll ride and it be just as memorized as I was. Not only was the entire park area amazing to look at, but the attention every single detail detail blows me away. No area within Wizarding World of Harry Potter is left without something distinct from the films. I can’t wait for my next trip back!

Standing in front of Hogwarts Express

Inside Honeydukes Candy Store

Enjoying some ice cold Butterbeer, available only at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogwarts Castle, such a spectacular view

Hogsmeade, the pinnacle of shops, dining and fun

Standing outside of Poseidon’s Fury in the Lost Continent of Islands of Adventure

For more pictures, click here to visit my official Flickr page.

Toxic Lifestyles

// August 8th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

What does the word toxic mean? According to Websters, “anything containing poisonous material capable of causing sickness or even death.” We go about our daily lives, never really stopping to breath, listen and observe the positive side of life and living, or even the fact your alive and well. Instead, we resort to five toxic things in our lives that lead us nowhere, destroys our lives, devours our social life and ultimately leads us down some dark paths that we could have prevented long beforehand. This blog is inspired by the message series “Toxic” preached by Pastor Paul Valo and Christ Church of Orlando. I see so many of my friends online on Facebook, Twitter and “out there” suffering, hurting and questioning their very own life, mortality and happiness. This is for you because I love, care, want you to be happy and live a good life.

#1 – Negative Thoughts
It’s so difficult for us to change our thought processes from negative to positive. We go about our lives asking the questions: “Am I good enough? Why me? Why do I always have bad luck? Nothing I do in my life never goes right, why? I feel ugly! Why can’t I be handsome or pretty? Why can’t I lose a few extra pounds? Why do others get all the glory and fun, and I have nothing?

Thinking negative is the first process of toxic corruption in the lifestyle of the human experience. It’s a natural instinct, we all do it and some of us get completely wrapped around the idea of negative energy and anger. It’s not easy changing the way we humans think. Our brains are wired on a reward system, and when we are rewarded we repeat over and over again and again. For example, you’re fired from your job, and the only thing that comforts of you is a bowl of ice cream, or numb your hurt by drinking alcohol. Even though momentarily these things take the negativity away, it doesn’t cure or resolve what’s still going on deep within your mind. Over and over your brain reminds you that you were just fired, your wife may be cheating, your car died on the freeway, you’re not good enough. You are useless and worthless and there is no way to escape.

#2 – Fearful Thinking
Another toxic mental mechanism is the aspect of fear itself. Example, you look down at your watch, it’s 15 minutes pass time for your wife to be home from work. Psychologically, your running through scenarios; What if she’s in a accident? Will I get a phone call? Is she hurt? What if she’s dead? I can’t afford the doctor bills! Did she injure someone else? Oh gosh, what if she is dead and I have to plan a funeral, I’m just not ready for this!

Another example of fear is our very own health. I have a lot of health issues, and from time to time, I find random weird things on my body that totally boggle my brain. I recently had saliva gland blockage in my mouth, and the result was a black looking hemorrhage under my tongue. Not realizing this was a minor problem, and easily fixed with a doctor’s visit and medicine, I immediately went to the Internet, searched mouth sores, ulcers, blisters and cancer. When I came to cancer, “That’s got to be it!” I automatically assumed the worse case scenario, I had mouth cancer under the tongue, and I was automatically visualizing myself going to the hospital, having surgery, going through chemo and planning a funeral.

We as Christians and as regular living people no matter which faith you practice have the toxic effects of fear reaching into our own lives almost daily. It’s the human condition, human nature to worry and fear. But in these circumstances, we automatically have to assume the worst before we can even see the light of the best outcome. Fear isn’t of God, nor is it part of positive energy. In the example of my mouth condition, a simple doctor visit and a five day round of antibiotics cleared up my problem. But, if you were to ask me during the height of my fear and worrying, I was a goner and was bound for cancer and chemo. All I can do is chuckle and myself sometimes.

#3 – Unforgiving
Unforgiving is anger based, and is a toxic ingredient in the negative energy of our lives. For example: Someone took something of yours that you value, and you felt it was rightfully yours. They stole your happiness, and it should have been you getting the promotion at work! You hold grudges against your friends, colleagues or co-workers for their amazing success or your looming inability to achieve what they have. To not forgive and look past things that we have no control over in our lives, many times we get a sense of unforgiving, anger and resentment towards those things around us. The old saying is true, to be able to forgive is to ultimately forget. It’s not easy, by any means. But we have to take control of our thoughts and tell our brains to rewire and think thoughts of positive reinforcement. If you don’t do this regularly (positively telling yourself there is a brighter tomorrow, better outcomes, peace, love and joy), the cycle in your life of toxic living will eat away at you, and the ability of unforgiving and anger will dominantly preside.

#4 – Discontented
To be discontent with yourself is a feeling of restlessness and feeling always unhappy. Examples: I hate my looks… My body is just ugly and fat… I wish my children would behave and be better. I wish I had a better boss at work. Being discontent keeps you from being happy where you are in your life. By putting yourself down, disconnecting and always wanting something better, and following after what others have isn’t healthy nor does it radiate that positive energy we need.

Never being satisfied and always wanting more and more is severely toxic to our lives and those around us. Our thoughts of wanting something better over time becomes played out in our lives, and often times we don’t even realize it until it’s too late… when the damage has already been done. Do you really need to divorce your wife because your just not happy with her and could find a much better candidate? Do you really want a better boss at work, when you need to realize you are blessed to even be employed in the first place? If you feel you’re ugly, think about this; if you can walk, talk, have all your fingers, limbs and vital parts, should you really be complaining? We’re not a victim of circumstance, we get ourselves into those situations. What we are a victim to, is the fact we always want bigger and better.

#5 – Critical Thought
The most toxic of all, and yet the easiest one to ignore and overlook. Example: I can do that better than him! Wow, he’s way too fat to be wearing those shoes with those shorts. And this is my personal favorite, People Watching. How many times have went to the mall, sat down on a bench and just watched people. Automatically we start critiquing and mentally making ourselves better than they are. Example: Look at that couple… She’s short, he’s tall and they don’t even match. Wow, there’s a real winner, look at that hat with that shirt! Yeah, you look like you need a cookie! I wish they’d just let me do it, I’m so much better at computers than she is. Oh look.. there goes a terrorist!

Critical thought stems from a level of mental perfection that we think we have. We’re always better than others around us, and we deserve all the gifts, glamor and pampering that goes along with a rich full lifestyle. Not so… We don’t deserve anything but God’s grace and perfect love in our lives. Trust me when I say this, “Whatever you look for… is what you’ll find.”

Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Actively take control and charge of your thoughts. It’s the most challenging effort in your life. Many people feel that living life is a struggle and not fair. But the reality is the only real warfare that we wage starts in the mind. We have to take those thoughts of impurity and perfectionism and change them to something more positive. Start thinking of how blessed your life is, that you’re alive to enjoy God’s nature, beauty and grace. All negative entities give a energy of sorts. But it doesn’t give life, rather it drains it totally. People find themselves addicted to drama, and the whole world around it. It’s as if they are living their lives within the lives of others and the chaos surrounding it. And to them, they feel that’s “how they live life.” Take your mind to another place, and not to sound cheesy, but to a happy place. When you have negative thoughts, fear, worry, unforgiving anger, discontented, or being critical of others, take your mind to a time when something amazing, exciting and happy took place in your life. Whether that is when you took your kids to Disney World for the first time, or when you’re at the beach hearing the ocean waves crashing in. The key to cleaning up the toxic waste dump in your own life doesn’t start with fate, karma, drama or unforeseen circumstances. You have to take control of your life, empower your mind, and more importantly, let God do the guiding of steps in your life. BP Oil may have a mess on their hands in the Gulf of Mexico, and scientists say it will be literally decades before it all is cleaned up. You, on the other hand, can clean up your own oil spill by surrendering to a high calling in your life, and changing the way you think. Replace toxic thoughts with God’s Truth!

“Life is like the ultimate poker game… Everyone is dealt a different hand, but it’s up to us on how we play the game called life.” — Joseph Burke (2005)

Appalachian Blues & Soul

// August 4th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

It’s often times rare to see a true form of self expression these days, but one individual in the small foothills of Appalachia has chosen to let his voice and his guitar be the vehicle of song. Combing the blues influences of legendary Robert Johnson and even Howlin’ Wolf, sprinkle in a little grittiness from Bob Dylan and John Prine and you get a concoction destined for talent.

T-bone is unlike any musician/vocalist I’ve ever met, encountered or had the pleasure of listening to. His raw talents stem from his his passion for music and the blues, and that energy is conveyed to audiences on stage when he performs live. From his sultry tunes like “Up On My Feet” and “After All” that will have crowds dancing and clapping to the rhythmic melodies and soulful tunes like “Let It Go” and “Oh No” they all have a place in the life and person behind the title T-bone. His passion for nostalgia and the love of the blues resonates in every song he performs live on stage.

Mid October, 2008, cold nights outside just before the briskness of Winter, on Main Street in downtown Whitesburg, KY is where many performers came to share their craft at Summit City Lounge. One could hear the raw uncut melodies of T-bone echoing out onto the streets of downtown Whitesburg during Wednesday night “Open Mic.” T-bone, along several others got their notoriety performing on the Summit City stage. It just seemed like his music fit the mood and vibe and what everyone in the lounge was feeling at that moment, at that very time. His music not only connects with people, but it makes you stop, listen and think about your own walk in life. To quote one of my favorite T-Bone compositions, “Take me, down the riverside, dip my head in, cool me off, black snake is coiled around the tree again, watch your step now, too late. My Sins they’re sinking to the bottom below, the Devil’s waitin’, back on the shore.” The meaning and depth of his music can have multiple interpretations, and ultimately it’s up to us to decide on what it all means.

It has been an honor knowing, working with and performing on stage with T-bone, and if you’ve ever had the opportunity to see him perform live on stage, you’ll know exactly what this all means. He just isn’t another would be performer, T-bone has lived the life, dove down into the miry pits and come to the surface to write and sing about it. Check out my friend coming up at the Russell County Fair in Castlewood, VA this September 7th, 2010. The fiar runs Sept. 3-11, and features some of the greatest talents from all genres of music. Support your local music festival, go out, enjoy life in song! You won’t be disappointed.

Joseph Burke,
Orlando, FL
(formerly of Neon, KY)

Tbone on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/tbonemusic009
http://www.myspace.com/scratchrivertelegraph
http://www.myspace.com/thebenwaysmusic

Cape Coral Fun July 23-26th, 2010

// July 27th, 2010 // Add A Comment » // Joe's Blog

Sometimes, being able to spend time with family doing nothing is the best medicine for the soul. This was the idea for our trip this time to Cape Coral, FL to relax, don’t plan anything and just see where the trip took us. From the fun swimming in my in-laws brand new in-ground pool to Moonlit walks on Fort Myers Beach, the trip was calming, rejuvenating and most of all relaxing. Thanks to Danny & Mary for always being such wonderful hosts and great family. This video is dedicated to you both, and the love that Alexandra and I both share.

Sunset over Cape Coral, Florida

Swimming fun with Alexandra in the new pool

Me and Alexandra at her Grandfather’s house during sunset

Our family feast at Famous Dave’s BBQ in Fort Myers

An angel in real life…