LeBlogski

Rollin' Outta Here Naked

8/24/2010 8:57:46 PM

About this time last year I wrote about the fantastically creative and abidingly achieving Vaudezilla group of Burlesque superiority.

If you were at the 2009 Lebowski Fest Chicago Movie Party, you only got a tease (pun appropriate) of what Rollin' Outta Here Naked had to offer. If you saw them at the Bowling Party, for example, you got a slightly better understanding.

Last year I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to one of their performances before they all sold out. This year looks to be even better because it appears to have expanded (judging by at least one of their promotional posters).

I can not stress the following statement enough: Rolling Outta Here Naked was the most marvelous, smart and true, original work of entertainment inspired by The Big Lebowski I have ever seen.

And I haven't even gotten to the fact that they have more highly attractive (and scantily clad) women than a Jackie Treehorn Garden Party. -I'll get to that in a a moment.

The true joy, for me at least, were the original sketches that ran in between the Burlesque sets. We all know the ins and outs of what we saw in the movie, but Rollin' Outta Here Naked presents the what-have-you such as "lost scenes" that occur in between some of our most favorite Lebowski moments. I have to admit that I went there mainly to see a hot She-sus and a big chested Walter, but was more than impressed by the commitment of Dick Dijon and skill of Logan Conner.

Let's not forget, let's not forget, that Vaudezilla features Red Hot Annie, Donna Touch, Maria May I and many more... You'll leave knowing that her life was in your hands and that their clothes were on the floor. Marty's cycle, cute Nihilists and a sexy Pederast - what more could you want? (How about Brandt! He's also there.) Note: if you see it with your special lady friend, it also increases the chances of conception.

The timing is no coincidence. These Achievers are, well... Achievers (how proud we are of all of them). The month was picked to coincide with Lebowski Fest Chicago 2010. Although the Fest is just September 17 & 18 (which will include the talent of Vaudezilla), Rollin' Outta Here Naked is a very free spited show running every Friday and Saturday Night in September. I strongly suggest you buy tickets ahead of time to see them at Chicago's Greenhouse Theater. Don't settle for just their performance at the Portage Theater. Dude, did you get tickets to that yet?[TQ]

An open letter to Achievers traveling to Chicago

8/1/2010 11:49:13 PM

Dear fellow Achiever,

As you know, Lebowski Fest is coming back to Chicago next month! That's my neck of the woods. Another Achiever asked me for advice on a hotel. I saw yet one more had posted on the Forum looking for help as well.

Here's my official response to where you should stay if you're planning on traveling to Chicago for Lebowski Fest: I'm sorry, I wasn't listening...

Look, I'm very sorry fellow Achiever - but I live here. Asking me about local hotels is totally out of my element. To make matters unfortunately worse, the two venues of LF-Chicago (Portage Theater & Diversey River Rock and Bowl) aren't really all that close to one of Chicago's many train lines. In a perfect world, I'd tell you to pick a place downtown - in the "Loop" and take an eL train out to the site. But unless you're willing to walk a mile and half in post midnight (and post White Russian) conditions I think you're better off taking a cab.

If you're looking for a hotel that's within walking distance of the Fest sites (like how we are spoiled with in Louisville), it's not an option. The areas are rather residential, with no hotels in sight.

So when it comes to asking me to track down a hotel possiblity for you -
I've got to uh - tender my resignation or whatever, because uh -

This is leaving you holding a bag of Walter's undeies, I understand. You thought you were getting a hotel recommendation. All I can say is pick a well-known national hotel chain you are comfortable with and go to the 'net to search for one as close to the downtown area that you can afford. The Movie Party and Bowling Party aren't downtown, but you'll want to be downtown to do some sightseeing and general touristy what have you while you're in town.

For the record, if I had someone coming into town to see me - I'd put them at this hotel. It's close to where I live (which means nothing to you), walking distance to the eL to get you downtown. (Bonus point of relevance: it is actually less than 8 miles from where the Movie Party is going to be held.) But also for the record, I can't formally recommend a hotel just off of the Airport because you deserve to have a downtown Chicago experience to get the full experience of the city I love so much.

Feel free to ask me any follow up questions,
[TQ]

My Favorite Picture from the 9th Annual

7/20/2010 7:26:27 PM

Photo credit goes to a Dude named Nader M.
Well, more accurately, some Jesus (he was dressed as Quintana).

I thought I was proud of my "action photos" from the Garden Party, but this Costume Contest action shot should be in a museum. For the record, the "Cash Machine" costume was also inspired. The currency it dispensed was specifically made for the Fest. Multiple colors and multiple designs! My favorite was the design that had a picture of Brandt in the "president position" and was worth $100. Another great design was the rare $1,000 bill featuring Bunny.

All you can say, about this picture and that costume (and it's accessories) is...
"That's marvelous."[TQ]

My Top 5 Garden Party Pictures

7/19/2010 11:26:07 AM

And a good day to you sir!

I call the Monday after the Annual Lebowski Fest, unofficially of course, "Annual Upload Day." I take this day off of work (Are you employed, sir?) not only because I've spent a long day prior driving and sifting through my own photos, but also I love seeing all the pictures others have to share and finding the various media reports.

There's a lot to mention and share, which will be gotten to in due time. Today I am focusing on my top five pictures from the Garden Party. You are more than welcome to view my entire album (of the whole weekend).

However, to appreciate the following five pictures - know this:
I almost became a Lebowski Fest Cliche.

While waiting in my hotel lobby circa 1:30 AM post Movie Party for a pizza, I realized my camera was not my pocket (Could you slide your shorts down Mr. Lebowski, please?). It didn't take me long to write it off for good. Thankfully, it took longer for the food delivery and decided to walk back to the very vacant and more dark lawn. The feeling was more disappointing than anger. I really didn't take all than many Movie Party pictures.

I can see you're anxious for me to get to the point.
After too many minutes of using my phone as a digital lantern to no avail, a security guy asked what I was looking for [and if it was the camera he had earlier found]!

Rejuvenated, I was able to take harder than it appears timed photographs of the Garden Party Games the following afternoon. I don't have a high speed camera, but it certainly performed like one. Enjoy the following action shots:

Beach Blanket Toss -

Valkyrie Ring Toss-

Sheriff of Malibu Coffee Mug Throw-

Marmot fling-

Ringer Toss-

Stay tuned to LEBLOGSKI for pictures of costumes, video and what-have-you.[TQ]