Youtube Video of Leafs vs. Hurricanes

(Courtesy: Toronto Maple Leafs)

This video of the ice rink video projection was amazing. I have only seen brief projections and images displayed on the ice before, but nothing this detailed and engaging. I even enjoyed the use of the song Tsunami by DVBBS. This is surely a good choice for a hockey game as it gets people hyped up before the teams face off. The introductory images were truly cinematic and overwhelming. I rather enjoyed seeing the rink lit up like that, and would like to play hockey with just the projections on the ice. It would make for a great challenge and one of a kind experience. The blend between sports, art and technology have really evolved over the past decade. I can only imagine what the future will bring to societies favorite pass times. It is interesting to think that sporting events are now more than ever reliant on marketing and promoting of certain brands as well as products. 

1965 Yoko Ono Cut Piece

Youtube Video of Yoko Ono's 1965 Cut Piece

(Courtesy: satumtrak)

Yoko Ono's 1965 cut piece was a great example of performance art. She subjected herself to the will of the public. It was a bold choice to let the audience interact with her as a live art installation. Much more credit is given to her for letting the audience cut off her clothes. I don't fully understand the message or original intent behind this performance art, however, I know it provides deep meaning into the life and beliefs of Yoko Ono. Being as prominent of a social figure as she is, this performance art is one to be admired for bravery and impact. The music that accompanies the video is certainly strange enough to make listeners reevaluate what they are watching solely based on the eclectic sounds made throughout the track. It is worth noting that throughout the entire video she maintains a calm and soothing look, rarely phased by the audiences interactions. Overall, I enjoyed Yoko Ono's cut piece, although it is not an approach at performance art I would take myself. 

Banksy Performance Art

Youtube Video of Banksy's Performance Art Piece 

(Courtesy: Tonno Che Rotola)

The performance piece in which Banksy modifies and recreates Paris Hilton's new CD is amazing. I was unaware he even did this, despite knowing about his work for years now. I must applaud Banksy as I share a strong dislike for Paris Hilton along with the rest of the world for having little to no talent. I enjoyed the idea and concept behind this event, however, the quality could have been better. I believe the way in which the CD's were switched out could have been easier. Assuming that this video was taken years ago, I will not critique this video as harshly as I would a modern day reproduction. This was most certainly shot during the age where hard copy disks were as heavily guarded and monitored than jewelry. Nowadays CD's have been rendered obsolete with the popularity of streaming and now store owners would be lucky if thieves stole their hardcopy disks just to free up the space they are taking up. Overall, I enjoyed the performance and hope to see Banksy recreate this old video with a newer more relevant artist.

How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Youtube Clip from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" by Rob Ashford

(Courtesy: CountessKarma)

This blog post is a response to the post made by Ángel at http://angel-stagedoor.blogspot.com.

The cast of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" performs 'Brotherhood of Men' at the 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. After watching this clip, I was rather shocked to see Daniel Radcliffe take the lead role for a musical. I am not particularly a fan of Daniel Radcliffe, but this performance was well done and was a great showcase for the Frank Loesser adaptation. Despite being known for his role as Harry Potter in the Harry Potter movie series, he does a good job taking on the role of J Pierrepont Finch. He definitely has talent after working his way into the hearts of audiences with eight movies, and does a fair job with this performance. As adored as he is with fans, his singing needs improvement. As this is his first major musical, I am sure he will fine tune his voice for future performances. Aside from the criticism I believe this is a great opportunity for Radcliffe to put his hidden talents on display.

Having only seen a few Broadway musicals in my lifetime, I am not as qualified as others to fully critique the clip. The last show I saw was Larry David's "A Fish In The Dark" this past summer. What made it enjoyable was the cast, the underlying humor, and well developed plot. It was a show that I have recommended to others before and will continue to do so as I enjoyed it. So long as Ashford's new adaptation of the 1961 musical can meet similar standard, I am sure it can do well. Overall, I wish Radcliffe, Ashford and the rest of the "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" crew the best and hope they can exceed critics expectations.

Source: http://angel-stagedoor.blogspot.com/2016/01/another-opening-another-show-una.html

Coldplay by Mike Tompkins

Mike Tompkins' A Capella cover of Paradise by Coldplay
(Courtesy: www.tedeschi.mx)

The Youtube video by Mike Tompkins performing Paradise by Coldplay in A Capella was astounding. His voice is extremely versatile and is able to prove he can compose a song on his own. I have seen a few songs performed in A Capella, however, this is by far one of the more eye catching and involved out there. The addition of the multiple camera appearances definitely increases the engagement with viewers. With all of the sounds and movements his mouth makes, viewers can watch all of the effort that went into the making of the song.

The art of opera singing has evolved drastically since its creation in 16th century. Nowadays singers must reach and exceed new heights as they expand their talents far beyond just singing. Mike Tompkins displays this well as he demonstrates his skill beatboxing, singing and creatively imitating instruments as seen in his other videos. The singer of today seems to be well versed in a variety of fields, in addition to drawing inspiration from other talented artists. Even today's artists are somewhat of a technological genius. For someone whose main talent is singing, his videographer skills are impressive proving a true blend of technology and art in this modern age.

With the assistance of Youtube, millions of people are able to broadcast their talents and shared skills with the world. This expanded audience opens up many opportunities that they otherwise would not normally have. Many Youtube stars with a million or more followers started just like any other amateur user did when originally creating an account, with a minimal fanbase and a desire to reach thousands of viewers around the world. If opera in the 16th century had the ability to attract such a vast crowd for free, like Youtube has done for vocalists such as Mike Tompkins, then it would have been bigger in other countries than just Europe. Every culture has their own take on performance art and singing, yet all do not stem from opera itself, rather takes influences from each other and their traditional roots.

Overall, the modern day singers have evolved since Italian theatre and moved to an electronic stage than can be viewed by everyone at all times.