Vermont Monster Guide Extravaganza!
On First Friday, 4th September, 2009, from 5 to 9 p.m. Its Monster Day in White River Junction! If you have ever wondered what Weird and Stomach-Churning Beasts wallow in the somewhat unsavory waters of the White and the Connecticut Rivers; and if you have ever longed to see Real Live Cartoonists, in their natural habitat, spraying ink on each other—or eating crackers and cheese—come and see the Rare Specimens—human, animal and everything in between!
All events are Free and open to the eager Public!
Contents
Schedule of Attractions!
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.:
- On the Main Street Museum Stage—the live tunes, jazz and interpretation of Neil Luke and his combo!
- At the Cartoon School, 94 South Main Street, a short walk from the Museum, The Center for Cartoon Studies Faculty Art Exhibition, featuring a selection of instructor Stephen R. Bissette’s brand new Vermont Monster Guide original illustrations—come and meet and chat with faculty, students, alumni, and to meet and greet Vermont Monster Guide author Joe Citro and artists Steve Bissette and Cayetano ‘Cat’ Garza, Jr.!
- Note: The new freshmen class will also be in town, and there will be lots of eye-candy and surprises. A running video loop of a Steve Bissette inking demo—featuring one of the illustrations that appears in the Vermont Monster Guide!—will also be projected throughout the event. Come and enjoy!
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
- 7:30 p.m., Paul Whiteman's and Billy Murray's 1924 recording of "The Ogopogo", played on the Museum's giant Orthophonic Victrola—The most famous pop song ever written about a Lake Monster—see lyrics, below.
- 7:35, Live Citro & Bissette Vermont Monster Guide Lecture with illuminated slides on the Museum stage, followed by Q&A!
- At the Main Street Museum (a short walk from CCS) see more Vermont Monster Guide original art—and witness, in person, some of the Real Vermont Monsters that appear in the book! Are they alive?! Shocking!
- SEE! The Connecticut River Monster’s Mortal Remains! Is it Champ's Cousin, is it the Last Dinosaur, or did this Odious Chimera come from Outer Space? You decide!
- SEE! The Fantastic Fur-Bearing Trout, or a "pelted perch", these appalling specimens grow fur in Northern climes to stay warm! A Shameful Display!
- SEE! Miniature Replica of The Lake Champlain Monster "Champ" in All Its Glory! Horrific! Shocking!
- SEE & HEAR! Museum staff reminisce about the career and personality disorders of Gulgo Vandersheltz Bargain—Monster Hunter and Expert in "Oriental Taxidermy" We will Tell All — Live! Live! Live!
They Walk! They Talk! They Speak the Unspeakable & Show the Unshowable! They Crawl on Their Bellies Like Reptiles and Hiss and Spit (well, maybe only if they have had too much wine. So be careful people, don't let them have too much wine!
You’ll want to see & hear it all! Don’t be late!
Warning: Individuals with heart conditions, high blood-pressure, or "nervous stomaches" should not attend this event! You must obtain a Doctor's Certificate if you wish to view these Despicable Displays!
References and Links
See Monsters as only a Master of Comics could draw them here at Steve Bissette's own htmlpage!
and see Joe Citro's blogspot page here!
The Ogopogo
Ogo Pogo, Cumberland Clark, Mark Strong. American Interpretation, as sung by Billy Murray, Paul Whiteman Orchestra, 1924-1926. Altho sited on a lake in British Columbia, this version of the Ogopogo seems to be have as natural habitat the jungles of South, Central Asia. A big hit for Paul Whiteman, this Victor record features a vocal by Billy Murray, extremely popular vocalist in the entire first half of the 20th century, who pressed more commercially released recordings than any other singer.
[verse:]
- One fine day in Hindustan, I met a funny little man.
- With googly eyes and lantern jaws, An old silk hat and hairy paws.
- When I said to that quaint old chap: “Why do you carry that big steel trap,
- That butterfly net and rusty gun?” He replied “listen here my son:
[refrain:]
- “I’m looking for the Ogopogo, The funny little Ogopogo.
- His mother was a pollywog, His father was a whale. I’m going to put a little bit of salt on his tail.
- I want to find the Ogopogo While he’s playing on his old banjo.
- I just want to take him, Back home where I’ll stake him, And then I will make him the sensation of a Broadway show!"
[original, English verse:]
- The Lord Mayor of London, The Lord Mayor of London,
- The Lord Mayor of London Wants to put him in the Lord Mayor’s Show.”
[verse:]
- On his banjo night and day, The Ogopogo loves to play.
- He charms the snakes and chimpanzees, The big baboons and the bumble bees.
- Lions and tigers begin to roar: “Play us that melody just once more!”
- Did I hear the sound of an old banjo? Pardon me, I shall have to go!
