Helping out The Bat Poet

I made an appearance on CH19 Cable Access TV Saturday night... A long time producer of Nashville public access, Joey Bowker, a.k.a. The Bat Poet, has had a number of medical procedures including open heart surgery, and has even found out he has Diabetes, to top it off. Worse yet, Joey has no health insurance.

Well, Joey is one of the longest tenured members of CATV, Nashville's Public Access channel. He is best known for his crazy show, The Bat Poet.


If you aren't familiar with the Bat Poet, it's an insane public access show where anything can and does happen - a fly by the seat of the pants show that is sort of like a train wreck - you can't turn away. Joey appears in a batman mask, and does pretty much whatever comes to mind onscreen. It's nuts.

Well, after so many years of performing onscreen for free, providing entertainment for the people of Nashville, the station decided to hold a telethon to help raise money for Joey. I offered my services to help out in the event, as I started on access, and am glad to help out a long time producer.

If you'd like to help, it's easy -

Checks made out to Joey Bowker should go to:
Joey Bowker Fund
c/o CAC & MEAC
120 White Bridge Rd. #45
Nashville, TN 37209

here's a Nashville scene newspaper article about Joey and the telethon:
http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/pitw/2008/10/the_bat_poet_needs_your_help.php

AND, here's a quick youtube video to make you familiar with this crazy man and his insane show!! Long live The Bat!

GREAT new dvd!

Below is a flier for a great looking new dvd from the fine folks at Alpha Video - it is released on their new imprint, Smash Vision. This dvd is called Dark Dreamers - it's a series of interviews with over 30 of the most influential writers, artists, filmmakers and special effects artists. Just take a look at the list of interviewees - amazing! Everyone from writers like Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison, to directors such as John Landis and Wes Craven, to fan favorites Forrey Ackerman and Bob Burns - this looks like a real treat!!

It's a 4-dvd set, and I can't wait to get my hands on this one and watch it!!

Go Green PSA gets Emmy Nod

The “Trash Day Of The Dead” PSA from the “Go Green With Dr. Gangrene” campaign has been nominated for an Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at the 23rd Annual Midsouth Emmy Awards.

“Trash Day Of The Dead” Writer & Director Cameron McCasland was nominated for writing in the “Advanced Media Writing” category announced earlier this evening at The BMI headquarters on Music Row in Nashville, TN. This is the first Emmy nomination for McCasland, and his production company, New Valiant Productions. New Valiant founders Michael Creason and Cameron McCasland were on hand for the event. When asked about the nomination McCasland stated. “I’m elated! This project has been a love affair from the start for everyone involved. And I’m honored to be in such great company thanks you to everyone at the NATAS.”

“Trash Day Of The Dead” stars Creature Feature's Dr. Gangrene (Larry Underwood) and his faithful assistant Nurse Moan-Eek (Linda Wylie) as they battle against littering zombies on the streets of downtown Nashville. The short has gained multiple honors this year both nationally and locally for its environmentally minded message, including a special honor from Tennessee State Governor Phil Bredesen. The short was shot on location in downtown Nashville, TN. The 23rd Annual Midsouth Emmy Awards will be announced in Nashville on January 24, 2009 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The show will be hosted by Country Music Legend Hal Ketchum. For a full list of this years nominees please visit http://nashville.emmyonline.org/The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a non-profit, professional organization dedicated to fostering excellence in television. The academy has 19 chapters with 15,000 members nationwide.



New Valiant Productions is based in Nashville, TN and is owned and operated by Michael Creason & Cameron McCasland. For more information go to http://www.newvaliant.com/

Happy Birthday Boris

Today is the birthday anniversary of the one and only Boris Karloff - 121 years ago William Henry Pratt was born, better known to the world as his stage name, Boris Karloff. Here's to the King of horror films, a true icon of horror cinema. I'm gonna celebrate by watching some Thriller episodes tonight!

Blitzkid show

Tues night I got out to THE END in Nashville and caught the Blitzkid show. Had a great time - opening for them was The Creeping Cruds, (of which I just caught a few songs but were terrific nonetheless, as always), and The Rock and Roll Hooligans. I had heard of the Rock and Roll Hooligans before but never got a chance to catch them, and was glad to finally do so. They are a great band who really kick ass.

Blitzkid came on last and brought the horror tunes aplenty. There was a good sized crowd for a Tuesday night, and the folks there were diggin it. They played a set of horror tunes and had a misfits kind of vibe working - especially as Dr. Chud from the American Psycho days of the Misfits was playing drums. Great show!

for the record...

I rewatched Spider-man 3, and just have one thing to say...


infuriating.

That is all. I feel better now

Horror Host Graveyard

My good buddy Chris Corpse over at the Horror Host Graveyard blog wrote a nice entry on us today:

http://www.horrorhostgraveyard.com/

Chris does a great job with daily entries on horror hosts past and present. His is one of the few sites I look at daily. I especially like when he digs up clips of retired hosts or presents info on some long gone but not forgotten TV personality. Great job, Chris, and thanks for including us in the Horror Host Graveyard!!