DEADWOOD BLOG

Yesterday, a whole bunch of BPs returned to Melody Ranch for the Cowboy Festival (if you’re still looking for something to do today, don’t even finish reading this post and get yourself out to the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival at Melody Ranch.) We had a great time; the ranch and main street certainly looked different, but the memories of a great season with some great guys and ladies spun around my thoughts all day. The weather was beautiful (as it is today in LA), fantastic entertainment was everywhere, and around every corner were familar faces (although some were clean shaven) to reminisce about Season 3.

A few absolute highlights of the day came from the Performers on the six stages around the Ranch. You have to check out the Quebe Sisters from Texas; three young girls ages 14 to 17 who pleasantly harmonize both their voices and fiddles–Joyous!  Click on the photos for more info:

A Montana poet, Stephanie Davis, who has penned songs for CW heavyweights like Garth Brooks, Roger Whittaker, Shelby Lynne, Martina McBride, Laurie Lewis, and Don Edwards, charmed the large crowd at the Main Stage. Her style, humor and grace perfectly capped the days events. (hey Odienator: she dazzeled us with homespun western Haikus.)

Sharing the stage with Stephanie was the impeccable Don Edwards. If you ever wonder what authentic western music sounds like, Don Edwards is it.  

There were many fine artists and crafts, one of which was the humble David DeVary; his work, “Hold on Tight” is the official Icon for the 2006 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival. Meeting such a talented and genuine man was a treat–Click Here to see more of his work

Lastly, friends and fellow BPs made it all much fun. I’m pretty sure that Carl, Damon, Jesse, Bob, David, Dorian, Nick, Ed, Rayne, Billy, and others enjoyed it as much as I did, and it was very nice to meet many of the guys’ wives. If you missed the festival this year, it’s worth the effort to get there in 2007.  

                         Matt,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Here are a few things happening around town this week: 

King Straggler is playing a little acoustic set this wednesday, April 26th at 10:30 PM, at Cranes Hollywood Tavern. They’re opening for Lissie and The Tramps but there’s gonna be a whole night of great music. Don’t miss it…

Who?
1.   9:00 PM Secrets on Video
2.   9:30 PM Gene Wilder
3. 10:00 PM Trip Rezac
4. 10:30 PM KING STRAGGLER
5. 11:00 PM Lissie with The Tramps
6. 11:40 PM Scrappy Hamilton

What? A Night Of Great Music..

When? Wednesday, April 26th, Show starts at 9:00 PM, King Straggler at 10:30! LISSIE and The Tramps at 11:00

Where? Crane’s Hollywood Tavern-1611 El Centro Blvd, Between Vine and Gower, South of Hollywood Blvd.

Hope to see y’all there! It’s a free show and a small place, so get there early…

Saturday, April 29
Melody Ranch Swing Dance with The Lucky Stars - 9:00 p.m. ($10)
Melody Ranch Main Stage
The dance is back again at Melody Ranch! Bring your dancing partner and two-step to the sounds of The Lucky Stars under cover of the Melody Stage Tent.

Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30 
Melody Ranch™ Festival Grounds - 10:00 a.m. thru 6:00 p.m. ($15/$10)
                        - Melody Ranch Main Stage (see schedule)
                        - California Music Stage (see schedule)
                        - Dodge House Stage (see schedule)
                        - Pecos Bill Stage (see schedule)
                        - Cowboy Corner Stage (see schedule)
                        - Melody Ranch™ Motion Picture Museum
                        - Street Shows/Art, Gear, & Dry Goods Show/Gold Rush Food Court

http://www.cowboyfestival.org/

,,,and next Saturday: May 6th:

Several BPs have left tips on projects and casting information. In order to keep them all in one place and easily accessible, the link for this post will be listed on the sidebar under “About Us” as “3) CASTING TIP-LINE.”  When you have information to share, list it in the comments section of this post.

Anyone interested can read them here and leave additional info.

Thanks,

Click Here For Casting Info

I have become a firm fan of the writing and analysis of Matt Zoller Seitz at “The House Next Door“; a blog about Film and Television maintained by Matt, Jeremiah Kipp, and the Odienator.

Last month, Matt wrote an insightful piece on David Milch and Robert Altman via their stories of Deadwood and MaCabe and Mrs. Miller. Click here to read McCabe and Mr. Milch. Recently, I emailed Matt regarding his incredible interview with Mr. Milch and mentioned that I wanted to do a post about it here–I think fans of Deadwood will enjoy his post. Below is his reply:

“Deadwood” is the greatest dramatic series in the history of American television. After TV as we know it is gone, this program will still be watched and discussed. I welcome “Deadwood” fans to visit The House Next Door and discuss the show anytime, but particularly in late May, when I will be publishing a series of articles to coincide with the release of the Season Two DVD. The comments section will be wilder than the Gem on Friday night, so by all means, saddle up and ride on over. — Matt Zoller Seitz

Beyond the excellent interviews and writing at The House Next Door, I encourage all to read their “comment” sections where you’ll find a group of astute and articulate individuals.

Mr. Bob Parks sends this brain teaser:

The average person only gets 7 correct.

There are 25 questions about things we see everyday or have known about all our lives. How many can you get right? These simple questions are harder than you think– it just shows how little we pay attention to the commonplace things of life.

This is based on U.S. info. Put your thinking caps on. No cheating! No looking around!

No getting out of your chair! No using anything on or in your desk or computer!

Can you beat 20?? (The average is 7) Write down your answers as you go.

Check answers (by clicking ANSWERS at the bottom–type in how many you got right), AFTER completing all the questions.

LET’S JUST SEE HOW OBSERVANT YOU REALLY ARE.

1. On a standard traffic light, is the green on the top or bottom?

2. How many states are there in the USA? (Don’t laugh, some people don’t know)

3. In which hand is the Statue of Liberty’s torch?

4. What six colors are on the classic Campbell’s soup label?

5. What two numbers on the telephone dial don’t have letters by them?

6. When you walk does your left arm swing with your right or left leg?
(Don’t you dare get up to see!)

7. How many matches are in a standard pack?

8. On the United States flag is the top stripe red or white?

9. What is the lowest number on the FM dial?

10. Which way does water go down the drain, counter or clockwise?

11. Which way does a “no smoking” sign’s slash run?

12. How many channels on a VHF TV dial?

13 On which side of a women’s blouse are the buttons?

14. Which way do fans rotate?

15 How many sides does a stop sign have?

16. Do books have even-numbered pages on the right or left side?

17 How many lug nuts are on a standard car wheel?

18. How many sides are there on a standard pencil?

19. Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc. Who’s missing?

20. How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?

21 On which playing card is the card maker’s trademark?

22 On which side of a Venetian blind is the cord that adjusts the opening between the slats?

23. There are 12 buttons on a touch tone phone. What 2 symbols bear no digits?

24. How many curves are there in the standard paper clip?

25. Does a merry-go-round turn counter or clockwise?

Click Here For Answers

The Deadwood Wrap Party was a blast–Thank you Deadwood & HBO!

Jim Beaver has a Blog and very nice write-up on the Wrap Party.

Click on his photo for a link to his blog.

Click here for his piece on the Wrap Party.

Big John Stapp sends the following:

On the Hollywood OS line today (4/13), Carol Grant Casting is looking for NU Old West Types for a horror film, titled Trail Of The Dead. Filming begins April 24th and runs through May 24th. The age range is 18 - 79, and their shooting in L.A. Some people will work multiple days, and the pay is a flat rate of $75.00 paid at wrap. I’m just passing along some information guys…         

Carol Grant Casting:
5155 W. Rosecrans Ave. Box 1124
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(323) 692-7779
Website: www.carolgrantcasting.com
Email: cgcasting@yahoo.com

…and

Robert “Freddie” Englund has written and will direct a SAG / Indie feature titled, “Killer Pad”; it’s a horror/comedy. Irvin at Background Players is the CD, and they’re having an open call on Tuesday, April 18th at their office from 11am to 3pm. You can also mail a photo in or email one.

Check these lines for more information.
The Background Players hotline is (323) 692-5620.
The info line for Killer Pad is (310) 535-7749.

For Open Call or to Mail Photo:
Background Players
6671 Sunset Blvd., Suite 1585 - 101
Hollywood, CA  90028
or
Email: bg.killerpad@gmail.com
Include all personal info and if you’re SAG or not.

Tonight, Sacred Cowboys will be playing in a showcase for the “Music Industry” at The Highland Grounds in Hollywood.

Billy Block’s Western Beat
w/ International host Billy Block - The best in Americana, roots and rock sounds from the smooth Duane Jarvis to the rollicking Bum Steers and all points in between! Includes Sarah Dashew, Tom Sykes, Kelly Fitzgerald, David Serby, Brad Colerick and the Sacred Cowboys (w/ W. Earl Brown, aka Dan Dority, for Deadwood fans)

HIGHLAND GROUNDS: 742 North Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038

Click on photo for larger image:

Thanks DGA-T Stephen for the photo.

So our season is over, but HBO will begin airing Deadwood Season 3 on June 11th, 2006. 

…AND TO SHERI, TERENCE, BILL AND SHELBY:

THANK YOU!

Okay, you probably saw Rayne’s design being worn around the ranch–for anyone who didn’t get one, click on the graphic for WOW.

Is this photo:

 Our return trip to the Asylum after a day pass?

Our return to DW High for GEDs?

Or our return to childhood by way of rainy day inspired insanity?

 (Thank you Brian Johnson for the photo–I think!)

…and to the Ladies on the bus: Thanks for tolerating us.