Alexandria 2020

 

Alexandria my daughter moved her last things to University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg today. We wished her good luck! Being a single mother has been rough, but today it was worth it.

Interview with Steve Sept 2020

Originally published September 7, 2020 by Writer Andrea Menzies

Donate to the Elysium Go Fund Me page here: https://gf.me/u/yw5dvi

I recently traveled by airplane mid-pandemic to see old friends in Austin, Texas. I managed to run into several artist friends, and interviewed them about their latest projects. Steve Hall was one of the friends I talked to when visiting. Steve also let me take a new selfie with him, and I was happy about this as I had dropped ten pounds since I took the last one with him. I was lucky to run into so many people as the dramatic conditions of the pandemic have increased difficulty in communicating all over the world.

Steve is known by many names. He goes by Steve Hall -O- Ween, DJ Prophet, and just good old Steve. Steve’s job has him working from home these days, but he is still being very productive. His creativity’s productivity has not suffered as well. He has been hosting many online streaming events for friends near and far away. Haven online was his latest project for the Elysium restaurant and music venue in Austin. This regular online DJ event is one of the more popular ones on Twitch TV. Twitch seems to have become a favorite DJ method in the pandemic perhaps due to it’s many connections to the popular Patreon.com funding platform.  Tune in to https://www.twitch.tv/elysiumhaven to check out the stream. Unfortunately ironically I was flying back to Richmond, Virginia that night, and missed the Void guest DJ set, but I will be sure to catch the future streams. I miss Austin, Texas badly, but planes, trains, and RV van trips are sure to keep me visiting the live music capitol of the world often. 

“Tonight! Join us again for more mayhem!” Said Steve Hall promoting the DJ stream. 

For links to future events check out: https://www.facebook.com/steve.prophet.hall/about

Interview with Eddie Sept 2020

 

Originally published September 7th of 2020 by writer Andrea Menzies.

I interviewed screenwriter and guitarist Eddie Santiago about his latest movie project while in Austin, Texas this week. I flew to Texas to see old friends, and I was lucky to run into so many mid-pandemic.

Eddie showed off his latest two guitar purchases before the interview. He considers writing his greatest creative outlet, but has always liked using guitars in addition. 

“Practicing on the Rocksmith Remastered video game to learn guitar relaxes me.” Eddie said practicing with his latest guitar buy. This game is available on PC as well as PS4 Eddie plays on. https://rocksmith.ubisoft.com/rocksmith/en-us/home/ Eddie and I both met as we were both working at World of Warcraft’s Blizzard customer support. We both have Nintendo switch lite game players, and play many video games. Him playing another video game that day as I interviewed him did not surprise me. 

“What is your full name?” I asked him as I noticed Eddie may have been a nickname.

“Edward Santiago.” He said with a smile. 

“What is your favorite art to make and perform?” I then asked.

“I like guitar, but I have won the most awards in writing.” Eddie said.

“What first got you interested in music and books when you were a kid?” Due to this interview being for a book review podcast called “FH7 Book Reviews” on Podbean I tend to like to turn the conversation to book interests. 

“My father used to own a video rental store, and I would love to watch a lot of movies when I was a kid. That started my love of fiction in stories.” Eddie said. 

“How have books of fiction and science fiction had an impact on your art?” I asked next. 

“Fiction is one of my favorite formats to write in. One of my most loved fiction stories is of teddy bears fighting monsters in a child’s room.” Eddie said. 

“Do you like Science Fiction or Medieval Style fantasy better?” I then asked. 

“That is a good question. In my writing I like to take a more Medieval Style fiction approach.” Eddie then said. 

“What is the most important message you would like to leave with fans of your work with on the Internet?” I asked.

“Be open to new cultures and new ideas in your life.” Eddie said.

At the end of my interviews I usually like to ask people if they have any sales URLs they want me to post Eddie does not have any sales URLs on the in a traditional sense. He just asks that people go to see the movies he has written on Facebook. Movie promoters do the sales work for him in post-production. His latest movie in production has been delayed due to the pandemic crisis. Production will continue next year after the quarantine eases production restrictions. 

For more information on Eddie’s latest project checkout Facebook.com/Edward.Santiago.writer for more information.

Elysium Go Fund Me

 

Originally published September 9th of 2020 by Andrea Menzies.

Donate to the Elysium Club Austin Go Fund Me here: https://gf.me/u/yw5dvi

When I lived in Austin, Texas I went to the iconic restaurants, taverns, and dance clubs in the 6th Street Red River downtown district. Due to the pandemic many of the restaurants like the famous Elysium are in big financial trouble. Recently John Wickham of Elysium started a Gofundme, and released interview statements on the Gofundme donation requests.

“It is the oldest longest-running venue in the Red River District.” Said John Wickham.

I am a live music fan like so many people from Austin, and plan to donate soon to the program.