LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Matters |
by Murray Archibald |
Let's Dance!
Sundance 08The Great Day of the Sunshine Rainbow The history of Sundance has been retold countless times over the years that Letters has been in existence, and its story is a familiar one to most Rehoboth Beach residents and more than a few of its visitors. The first one was a tenth anniversary party for Steve [Elkins] and me; this will be the 21st Sundance and, for the record, will mark our 30th anniversary though it hasn't been about that since that first one way back in 1988. The event, of course, is a special one to me for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is the simple fact that we are still producing it after all these years. Who, among the original 18 hosts of Sundance, would have thought that it would last for such a long time and end up raising close to two million dollars for Sussex County AIDS Council and CAMP Rehoboth over the years? Writing about something for 20 years doesn't make it easy to find that which is new and exciting, but maybe that's not where I should start. Perhaps the real beauty of Sundance, at this point in its existence, is simply its tradition and the fact that it has become a part of the fabric of our lives. Not only does it raise much needed money for both benefiting organizations, it also provides a kind of ceremonial end-of-the-summer celebration for all who participate. Dance has played a huge role in the life of the gay community over the years. That's not to say that dance is only a gay thing; it is, indeed, a human oneand an ancient one at that. Still, as the gay rights movement gained momentum, dance was our celebration, our joy, and our release from the chains that had been tightly wrapped around the closets where so many of our brothers and sisters wereand, sad to say, still aresuffocating to death. The suggestion was made recently that perhaps we should just do the auction and not worry about all the effort that goes into creating the dance, but for me, the spirit of the dance is what it is all about in the first place. Certainly, Steve and I rarely go out dancing anymore, and that's true for many in the community, but that's all the more reason why we allmen, women, young, and oldneed to come together for one big summer celebration. Since the very early days of Sundance, it has been "the rainbow party," and every theme has incorporated the rainbow in some form or another. Why? Because no matter how overused and clich it becomes, the rainbow is the perfect symbol of equality. Within the range of visible light, every color has its rightful and equal place in the order of the rainbowand isn't that what we're all dreaming of, not just for GLBT people, but for the people of all nations around this increasingly small planet on which we live? For most people, I dare say, the dance is not a world changing experience. Still, every time we humans come together in celebration and in joy, there is good that comes from iteven if it's only in the simple act of hugging one another on the dance floor and letting go of some of the stress and angst that so permeates modern life. Sundance was born out of a very dark time for the gay community and its dance floor is still populated by the spirits of the many friends and companions who never lived to see the 21st century. When we dance we dance with themand for hope and for joy in a future that is yet to be. Then again, maybe we just dance because it's fun. Whatever the reason, please join us as we celebrate Sundance 21 and The Great Day of the Sunshine Rainbow. Sundance DJMark Thomas Can you tell our readers a little about yourself and how you got into your line of work? I've always loved music. I went to the Hippo in the 70s. Did you play music growing up? And do you mean The Hippo in Baltimore? I played piano as a kid. I actually liked taking lessons. Yes, it was The Hippo in Baltimore. I worked there in the early 80s. Later, I went to New York and was the DJ at Moon Shadow and I was one of the regular DJs at The Saint. Is there one highlight from your career to date that stands out? People got to know me at The Saint and as a result I was offered chances to DJ in Greece and in Australia which I quickly accepted. That was pretty big! How long have you been doing the music for Sundance? I was there from the start, 21 years ago. I just missed two years in all that time. Is there anything that you especially enjoy about the Sundance event? Sundance is the highlight of my year; I look forward to it each year. It is the love that Murray puts into it that makes it special for me. Is there anything else that you would like readers to know? I'm an animal lover. I have a Doberman, a Heinz, three cats and eight fish tanks. International Lighting Designer Paul Turner on Sundance Can you tell our readers a little about yourself and how you got into your line of work? Originally born and raised in Baltimore, MD, I grew up in and around my parents theatrical lighting rental/production company, Baltimore Stage Lighting, Inc. Basically, I have been around the entertainment business all of my life. During the summer of 1985, after I graduated from High School, I started going out on tours as a lighting technician for such acts as Engelbert Humperdinck, George Benson, Miami Sound Machine, 10,000 Maniacs and Liza Minnelli. After three years with Ms. Minnelli, I became her Lighting Director for another five years. I worked for my parent's company full time from 1985 until 1997 when I became a freelance lighting designer and moving light programmer. I am currently forty-one years old and still going strong doing all kind of events from Broadway musicals to corporate meetings to film and video and the Love and Sundance events here in Rehoboth Beach. Is there one highlight from your career to date that stands out? I recently worked on a full feature studio film called Rock On that was shot in Austin, Texas. I was the Lighting Director/Programmer for the "Battle of the Bands" scenes. Vanessa Hudgens and Lisa Kudrow are a couple of the stars in the movie. I believe that it will be released in February of 2009. How long have you been doing the lighting for Sundance? Murray asked me to become the Lighting Director for Sundance and Love in 2000. I had been working with Murray, as a salesmen for BSL, Inc., since 1995. Is there anything that you especially enjoy about the Sundance event? Everything! All the things that it stands for from the fact that it started as an anniversary party for Murray and Steve to what it has become today, an amazing fundraiser that gives back to the community of Rehoboth Beach. All of the folks involved in the event are such wonderful, big hearted people. I am fortunate to be involved with such a meaningful event and such terrific people. Auction Night at Sundance 2008 Auction night is the first night of the two night, Labor Day weekend spectacular known as Sundance. For those in search of a good time, and the chance to shop for something fabulous, it really is a "night to remember." This year, the food for the Sundance Auction is being provided by one of the year's hottest new caterers, Deberah Sutter and her partner Lois Pelligrino of Edible Art Foods. With assistance from Sundance Sponsors Joel Robbins and Michael Linder, they are creating an all new approach to the Sundance "cocktail buffet." As always the Sundance Silent Auction will feature close to 500 items in every imaginable category possible from wonderful meals at area restaurants, to lodging, services, furniture, clothing, antiques, art and collectibles. "Sundance always has something for every budget and taste," says Sundance co-chair and CAMP Rehoboth administrator, Kathy Weir. "I'm always amazed by the variety!" The high point of the evening is the Sundance Live Auction, and again variety is what keeps it interesting. This year will feature a spectacular, 34" x 48" painting by popular Rehoboth/Baltimore artist Rodney Cook. Titled Queen Custard the painting captures the gay spirit of the Rehoboth Boardwalk. Fun In the Sun on Baltimore Avenue, has donated a beautiful Scooter to the Auction. For several years, New Age Spas has given a soft tub to the Auction; this year it's a hard tub. Plus there are trips, including Costa Rica and Taos. Also featured will be Murray Archibald's 1998 Sundance painting, Colors of Life. The original painting was purchased at the '98 Sundance Auction and donated back by Tim Cabrey. The Sundance Auction is Saturday, August 30. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the evening includes an open bar and food by Edible Arts, and a silent and live auction. The Dance is Sunday, August 31, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an open bar all night long, music by Mark Thomas, and lights by Paul Turner. Tickets are $45 per night or $80 for both, and are available at CAMP Rehoboth or at sundancebenefit.com. CAPTIONS: Photos: Sundance 2007: Rod Cook's Live Auction Painting Queen Custard; Hot Tub from New Wave Spas; Scooter from Fun In The Sun.Murray Archibald, Founder and President of the Board of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth, is an artist in Rehoboth Beach. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 12 August 22, 2008 |