Welcome Giant Screen Cinema Association to Austin

Giant Screen Cinema Association Logo When searching for prescient, knowledgeable and soulful people, why not think big. Welcome to Austin the members of the Giant Screen Cinema Association and their 2011 convention hosted by the Bob Bullock Story of Texas Musueum.

The purpose of GSCA is to “advance the business of producing and presenting giant screen experiences.” My hope is that you will find our city fun, exciting and as serious about art as you are. Thank you Tammy Seldon, Executive Director and Kelly Germain, Communications Director for choosing Austin.

Big ambitions often start here in Austin and many times stay here. If you think we are only country music or rhythm and blues, think again. This is Texas, where nothing is small, which I know you can appreciate more than most!

Here are some suggestions for your stay.

  • To hear the best musicians in Austin, visit the Elephant Room. The Monday night Jazz Jam is a “pick-up” big band in your face. Great players offering their best reading and improvisational chops; hosted by Mike Mordecia, trombone session player and good guy.
  • Eat dinner at Fonda San Miguel. Not typical TexMex cuisine, but classy, beautiful with a killer Mango Margarita. Call for reservations though – it’s a big week in Austin; 512-459-4121.
  • Eat lunch or dinner at Jack Allen’s Kitchen about 15 minutes Southwest of downtown. It’s local-grown and ALL TEXAS. Get the Chicken-Fried Beef Ribs if your pacemaker’s battery is well-charged! This is five minutes from my studio, so if you are in the hood, call me and I’ll join you. (512-970-8888) Also, call for reservations lunch or dinner: 512-852-8558

    • This is my first year to attend a GSCA event. I look forward to meeting ya’ll. – Gary Powell

    Follow GSCA on Twitter and Facebook.

    Before the Sun Sets on this Memorial Day

    by Gary Powell
    caribbean sunset

    Memorial Day is the day to reclaim one of our greatest American values,

    “perception becomes reality.”

    No, that’s not it! Professional communicators across all cultures and generations have known and utilized this manipulation – every politician, every manager, every promoter. Decades ago, I had several people in the field of public relations suggest that it was time for me to “build my myth.” I could never understand how they could miss the fact that my musical skills and professional life didn’t need a myth. I did, however, have the need to create my own authority. Although this is the truest of American values, no one suggested it to me. The lesson of claiming my own personal authority was finally taught to me at age forty-two! Although there were immediate benefits, it took another decade before it sank in and became integrated into my being. Utilizing our self-determined authority, if we have earned it, is how we; the talented, the educated, the bold and the caring, win.

    I did have the need to create my own authority. This is the truest of American values for which we have fought and died.

    Only a few will understand that we, ourselves, are responsible for creating and maintaining our own authority. If learned and applied, each of us can now create a professional life which is less encumbered by the weight of the institutional gatekeepers, and there are plenty of gatekeepers who are usurping, borrowing or hijacking our earned authority. You, the individual, with the freedom to hang out your own shingle, creating your own opportunities while prospering through the relationships of your choice, is the kind of pursuit to happiness which can be traced back to the “Magna Carta” in year 1215, to Thomas Jefferson’s “Declaration of Independence” in 1776, to the “United States Constitution” in 1787, and to James Madison’s “Bill of Rights” in 1791.

    Through this eight-hundred-year-old paper trail, self-reliance and self-determination has become embedded into the American consciousness. By awakening this reasoned argument, which we have inherited through the words of these authors, these liberators, we can define the direction of our own destinies even in failure. I have struggled with and yet still continue the great challenge of creating my own life and identity. Nobody owes this to me. The responsibility rests solely on me. If I fail, let it be a grand and picturesque failure for others to either follow or avoid. Today, I will do it yet again before the sun sets on this Memorial Day, in honor of those who even today and for centuries before, fought the good fight for my freedom. Either way it goes, at my final sunset, whatever I have built or have failed in, will be gloriously mine largely due to the sacrifice of others in the cause.

    I wish you all a peaceful and healing Memorial Day!

    (I took the sunset photo above in Alaska on a September afternoon in 2007. This article was originally posted May 26, 2008)

    by Gary Powell
    caribbean sunset

    Memorial Day is the day to reclaim one of our greatest American values,

    “perception becomes reality.”

    No, that’s not it! Professional communicators across all cultures and generations have known and utilized this manipulation – every politician, every manager, every promoter. Decades ago, I had several people in the field of public relations suggest that it was time for me to “build my myth.” I could never understand how they could miss the fact that my musical skills and professional life didn’t need a myth. I did, however, have the need to create my own authority. Although this is the truest of American values, no one suggested it to me. The lesson of claiming my own personal authority was finally taught to me at age forty-two! Although there were immediate benefits, it took another decade before it sank in and became integrated into my being. Utilizing our self-determined authority, if we have earned it, is how we; the talented, the educated, the bold and the caring, win.

    I did have the need to create my own authority. This is the truest of American values for which we have fought and died.

    Only a few will understand that we, ourselves, are responsible for creating and maintaining our own authority. If learned and applied, each of us can now create a professional life which is less encumbered by the weight of the institutional gatekeepers, and there are plenty of gatekeepers who are usurping, borrowing or hijacking our earned authority. You, the individual, with the freedom to hang out your own shingle, creating your own opportunities while prospering through the relationships of your choice, is the kind of pursuit to happiness which can be traced back to the “Magna Carta” in year 1215, to Thomas Jefferson’s “Declaration of Independence” in 1776, to the “United States Constitution” in 1787, and to James Madison’s “Bill of Rights” in 1791.

    Through this eight-hundred-year-old paper trail, self-reliance and self-determination has become embedded into the American consciousness. By awakening this reasoned argument, which we have inherited through the words of these authors, these liberators, we can define the direction of our own destinies even in failure. I have struggled with and yet still continue the great challenge of creating my own life and identity. Nobody owes this to me. The responsibility rests solely on me. If I fail, let it be a grand and picturesque failure for others to either follow or avoid. Today, I will do it yet again before the sun sets on this Memorial Day, in honor of those who even today and for centuries before, fought the good fight for my freedom. Either way it goes, at my final sunset, whatever I have built or have failed in, will be gloriously mine largely due to the sacrifice of others in the cause.

    I wish you all a peaceful and healing Memorial Day!

    (I took the sunset photo above in Alaska on a September afternoon in 2007. This article was originally posted May 26, 2008)

    Texas Singer/Songwriter Donna Dorrell

    in the Studio with Gary Powell

    by Gary Powell


    Let’s tell the story of a woman courting a deep East Texas drawl, Donna Dorrell, who finds and shares a defining perspective from her life through songwriting. Is her disarmingly insightful lyric born from the song-farms of major recording centers, or from somewhere else? That rhetorical question is only meant to wake us up to the idea that people like Donna Dorrell who have lived a conscious and mindful life make excellent artists – regardless of age.

    I am so pleased to share Donna’s first video which we shot in the studio in one take. This is real singing with a real songwriter and great players. I hope you will watch it, comment, shout encouragement and go to iTunes and support it. Otherwise, this talent pool and writers like Donna Dorrell with her gift of perceptiveness, will continue to shrink even further as our most high-functioning writers move their talents to more fertile professions. Congratulations Donna for stepping up and sharing your life. I’m so proud to be a part of it.

    “If You Knew Your Heart”

    (Music and Lyrics by Donna Dorrell)
    Donna Dorrell – Vocal
    Larry Seyer – Guitars and Ukulele
    Luis Coutinho – Percussion
    Gene Elders – Fiddle
    Gary Powell – Musical Arranger/Producer


    “Maybe I’m It – Maybe I’m Not” Reviews

    The reviews below followed Gary Powell’s original one-man show based on his 1982 book “Maybe I’m It – Maybe I’m Not” presented at Zachary Scott Theater in Austin, Texas as originally performed in 1997.

    Maybe I'm It - Maybe I'm Not

    ——————-

    “Inventiveness, range and uniqueness describe Gary Powell’s extraordinary musical talent. In a chronicle of his experience, he removes the normal boundaries of theater by encouraging audience participation. Powell explores musical and human relationships with wry wit, original songs, and poignant personal moments in a “Randy Newman” styled concert guaranteed to delight.”

    — Zachary Scott Theater – Austin, Texas

    ——————-

    “Never having had an experience of performing, I idealize it a lot. It looks therapeutic to me when you are doing you show.”

    — Bill Bruzy, Therapist, Author and Owner of the Austin Men’s Center

    ——————-

    “Your performance last evening will linger with me for a very long time. You said “it wasn’t theater” ….WRONG. It was the highest, most hybrid form of theater – a man exposing his most vulnerable form through his art – And what magnificent art it was. Thanks for the gift – food for the road – and a memory to last forever.

    — Bil Pfuderer, Artistic Director CANTON PLAYERS GUILD (Canton, Ohio)

    ——————-

    “You really did a great job and had everyone in the palm of your hand…your depth of feeling – your willingness to show and and resolve to “do the work” is heartening. You’ve really jumped in and are doing it. GREAT SHOW!

    — Susan Crofts, Artist/Boutique Owner

    ——————-

    “Your performance Saturday night was amazing. I laughed a lot – I cried a lot, I marveled in your succinct performance of communicating so much of what you are, will be….

    — Ruthie Shafer, Attorney

    ——————-

    “…a very unusual show. Like no other you’ve ever seen. And the opening night of Mr. Powell weekend in Zachary Scott’s Z-Cabaret Series…was a shot of Gary Powell’s essence into the hearts and minds of his audience.

    — Jerry Conn, Westlake Picayune

    ——————-

    “I LIKE IT. I had no idea it was going to be so deep. The only thing I worry about is that it might be too smart for your average Joe. Don’t forget how many morons there are out there.”

    — Robin Huston, Singer/Actress

    ——————-

    “I think it has such great value – it’s a different kind of show – a kind that puts a lot of forms together in a unique and innovative way. I found it refreshing and enjoyable in every sense.

    — Dennis Razze, Drama Director/Professor, DeSales University (Allentown, PA)

    ——————-

    “He’s a singer, an instrumentalist, a poet, a composer and an all-around fun guy, loaded with a casual charm, talent and an inclination to relate and communicate.
    So what kind of Z-Cabaret show would Gary Powell do? The answer: a very unusual show. Like no show you have ever seen. Probably like to show Gary Powell has ever done. And the opening night of Mr. Powell’s weekend in Zachary Scott Theater’s Z-Cabaret Series last Friday was a shot of Gary Powell’s essence into the hearts and minds of his audience. Mamy present were friends, several of whom played moving parts in the show by reading sections of Mr. Powell’s poetry to his accompaniment on piano or conga drums.
    Mr. Powell was fun of fun and contradicitons in his humor and his work and, first of all, in his appearance. He said he’s 46, look more youthful and fit — except for white hair which he flaunts by wearing it longish and floating. A denim shirt, tail out whether sport coat or not, signaled his casual style. But mostly it’s his easygoing, ambling, sans souce approach to his show.
    He sings his own songs, which range from serious, searching and even religious, to novelty songs and song expressing irritation with social convention with a few flavored sprinkles of the profane. And htere there’s at least on (my favorite) that potentially and symbolically combined all these qualities — “That’s When I Pee on the Continental Divide.” That’s from his occasional trips by motorcycle to the Colorado rockies to clear the static and cobwebs.
    His songs do have some left-handed flavors of Randy Newman and also some of the quirky humor and poignancy of Roger Miller. His voice is flexible and his singing style has a contemporary style that takes slides and liberties associated with black blues singers. Indeed, on segment of this show dealt with a time when he ws a choir director for femal inmates at a state prison in Huntsville. He playe a tape of one black lady singing and said she really taught him how to sing.
    Amazing and fascinating is that Mr. Powell put together this show in an autobiographical format — that, in less talented and accomplished and people-sensitive hands, would right with a resounding thud.
    But he drew well from an extensive career in music. Presently, he is composing, arranging, designing and demonstrating musical projects for various clients, including the Walt Disney Corporation. He also alluded to adventures, musical and otherwise, working on a cruise ship, singing church gigs while in college, teaching at U.T., and writing a church musical from which he performed a number. A recurring theme, in both song lyrics and poetry, was the coming to his own terms with society’s view of success, turning out, and making it. Another was the coming to terms with those he had loved, girlfriends, as well as his father.
    In this presenting of his personal life, Mr. Powell’s show was a sort of expansion of the Spaulding Gray monologue–but ad lib and with music, and with a little loveable help from his friends.

    — A&E Review from the Westlake Picayune

    The reviews below followed Gary Powell’s original one-man show based on his 1982 book “Maybe I’m It – Maybe I’m Not” presented at Zachary Scott Theater in Austin, Texas as originally performed in 1997.

    Maybe I'm It - Maybe I'm Not

    ——————-

    “Inventiveness, range and uniqueness describe Gary Powell’s extraordinary musical talent. In a chronicle of his experience, he removes the normal boundaries of theater by encouraging audience participation. Powell explores musical and human relationships with wry wit, original songs, and poignant personal moments in a “Randy Newman” styled concert guaranteed to delight.”

    — Zachary Scott Theater – Austin, Texas

    ——————-

    “Never having had an experience of performing, I idealize it a lot. It looks therapeutic to me when you are doing you show.”

    — Bill Bruzy, Therapist, Author and Owner of the Austin Men’s Center

    ——————-

    “Your performance last evening will linger with me for a very long time. You said “it wasn’t theater” ….WRONG. It was the highest, most hybrid form of theater – a man exposing his most vulnerable form through his art – And what magnificent art it was. Thanks for the gift – food for the road – and a memory to last forever.

    — Bil Pfuderer, Artistic Director CANTON PLAYERS GUILD (Canton, Ohio)

    ——————-

    “You really did a great job and had everyone in the palm of your hand…your depth of feeling – your willingness to show and and resolve to “do the work” is heartening. You’ve really jumped in and are doing it. GREAT SHOW!

    — Susan Crofts, Artist/Boutique Owner

    ——————-

    “Your performance Saturday night was amazing. I laughed a lot – I cried a lot, I marveled in your succinct performance of communicating so much of what you are, will be….

    — Ruthie Shafer, Attorney

    ——————-

    “…a very unusual show. Like no other you’ve ever seen. And the opening night of Mr. Powell weekend in Zachary Scott’s Z-Cabaret Series…was a shot of Gary Powell’s essence into the hearts and minds of his audience.

    — Jerry Conn, Westlake Picayune

    ——————-

    “I LIKE IT. I had no idea it was going to be so deep. The only thing I worry about is that it might be too smart for your average Joe. Don’t forget how many morons there are out there.”

    — Robin Huston, Singer/Actress

    ——————-

    “I think it has such great value – it’s a different kind of show – a kind that puts a lot of forms together in a unique and innovative way. I found it refreshing and enjoyable in every sense.

    — Dennis Razze, Drama Director/Professor, DeSales University (Allentown, PA)

    ——————-

    “He’s a singer, an instrumentalist, a poet, a composer and an all-around fun guy, loaded with a casual charm, talent and an inclination to relate and communicate.
    So what kind of Z-Cabaret show would Gary Powell do? The answer: a very unusual show. Like no show you have ever seen. Probably like to show Gary Powell has ever done. And the opening night of Mr. Powell’s weekend in Zachary Scott Theater’s Z-Cabaret Series last Friday was a shot of Gary Powell’s essence into the hearts and minds of his audience. Mamy present were friends, several of whom played moving parts in the show by reading sections of Mr. Powell’s poetry to his accompaniment on piano or conga drums.
    Mr. Powell was fun of fun and contradicitons in his humor and his work and, first of all, in his appearance. He said he’s 46, look more youthful and fit — except for white hair which he flaunts by wearing it longish and floating. A denim shirt, tail out whether sport coat or not, signaled his casual style. But mostly it’s his easygoing, ambling, sans souce approach to his show.
    He sings his own songs, which range from serious, searching and even religious, to novelty songs and song expressing irritation with social convention with a few flavored sprinkles of the profane. And htere there’s at least on (my favorite) that potentially and symbolically combined all these qualities — “That’s When I Pee on the Continental Divide.” That’s from his occasional trips by motorcycle to the Colorado rockies to clear the static and cobwebs.
    His songs do have some left-handed flavors of Randy Newman and also some of the quirky humor and poignancy of Roger Miller. His voice is flexible and his singing style has a contemporary style that takes slides and liberties associated with black blues singers. Indeed, on segment of this show dealt with a time when he ws a choir director for femal inmates at a state prison in Huntsville. He playe a tape of one black lady singing and said she really taught him how to sing.
    Amazing and fascinating is that Mr. Powell put together this show in an autobiographical format — that, in less talented and accomplished and people-sensitive hands, would right with a resounding thud.
    But he drew well from an extensive career in music. Presently, he is composing, arranging, designing and demonstrating musical projects for various clients, including the Walt Disney Corporation. He also alluded to adventures, musical and otherwise, working on a cruise ship, singing church gigs while in college, teaching at U.T., and writing a church musical from which he performed a number. A recurring theme, in both song lyrics and poetry, was the coming to his own terms with society’s view of success, turning out, and making it. Another was the coming to terms with those he had loved, girlfriends, as well as his father.
    In this presenting of his personal life, Mr. Powell’s show was a sort of expansion of the Spaulding Gray monologue–but ad lib and with music, and with a little loveable help from his friends.

    — A&E Review from the Westlake Picayune

    Singer Kenna Chris in the Studio with Gary Powell

    by Gary Powell

    The media loves to tell the story of the naturally talented performer “discovered” by chance. This one myth, however, has done more harm than good in promoting business infrastructures that favor chance over discipline, luck over persistence, and style over substance. Even a more insidious result this myth can cause is to push the truly gifted performers, composers, or artists many times, and understandably, to simply exit the premises to avoid the inbred structure of nepotism and pretense.

    Enter eleven-year-old Kenna Chris into my life and on to the music scene in the spring of 2009. What I’ve learned is different about Kenna, after having been her vocal-coach and music teacher since then, is that she loves to sing so much that she looks forward to the work required of her. Someday, with her permission, I’ll post the video of how she started as a singer. Kenna is also a dancer and actress, and is happy to do whatever is required in developing all her talents.


    I couldn’t be more proud of this wonderful person. Kenna brings light and happiness in my life and I always look forward to her sessions in the recording studio. I’ve written a song for Kenna that will be available on iTunes later this spring.

    I hope you will become involved in supporting wonderful people like Kenna–these singers who come through my studio and life hoping for something more than just mythology. This is real – and in this studio we investigate the idea that music is deeper than fame and that it enriches beyond bedazzlement. Bravo, Kenna.

    by Gary Powell

    The media loves to tell the story of the naturally talented performer “discovered” by chance. This one myth, however, has done more harm than good in promoting business infrastructures that favor chance over discipline, luck over persistence, and style over substance. Even a more insidious result this myth can cause is to push the truly gifted performers, composers, or artists many times, and understandably, to simply exit the premises to avoid the inbred structure of nepotism and pretense.

    Enter eleven-year-old Kenna Chris into my life and on to the music scene in the spring of 2009. What I’ve learned is different about Kenna, after having been her vocal-coach and music teacher since then, is that she loves to sing so much that she looks forward to the work required of her. Someday, with her permission, I’ll post the video of how she started as a singer. Kenna is also a dancer and actress, and is happy to do whatever is required in developing all her talents.


    I couldn’t be more proud of this wonderful person. Kenna brings light and happiness in my life and I always look forward to her sessions in the recording studio. I’ve written a song for Kenna that will be available on iTunes later this spring.

    I hope you will become involved in supporting wonderful people like Kenna–these singers who come through my studio and life hoping for something more than just mythology. This is real – and in this studio we investigate the idea that music is deeper than fame and that it enriches beyond bedazzlement. Bravo, Kenna.

    Red Staple Premiers at SXSW in Austin

    Yes, there is every reason that you, the independent musician, will want to learn about Red Staple, the newest resource for leveling the promotional playing field. Up until now, “LP” content for songs on iTunes has been reserved for major labels; not any more. Red Staple is a fast and affordable tool for LP creation.

    Welcome to Red Staple. We’re helping musicians, film makers, distributors, artists, bloggers and others package content in a unique way for digital platforms.

    Their service provides a variety of templates to which you can add your own design elements. But more important, it is not limited to song releases. Red Staple can also help deepen your audience’s experience for all of your digital projects, be it music, film, photography or blog. It’s also an effective tool for wedding videographers, event planners and for conferences as well.

    Red Staple is the brainchild of my friends Lori Jordan and Dee Jordan who have both worked in the upper echelons of media creation and digital distribution in Hollywood. These are the good guys. These are the people who are providing technology that changes our previously-held and restricted paradigm of who the gatekeepers are. Given this capability, I couldn’t be more happy about supporting this new product.

    At SXSW visit BOOTH 747 and get your act together…..literally!

    Yes, there is every reason that you, the independent musician, will want to learn about Red Staple, the newest resource for leveling the promotional playing field. Up until now, “LP” content for songs on iTunes has been reserved for major labels; not any more. Red Staple is a fast and affordable tool for LP creation.

    Welcome to Red Staple. We’re helping musicians, film makers, distributors, artists, bloggers and others package content in a unique way for digital platforms.

    Their service provides a variety of templates to which you can add your own design elements. But more important, it is not limited to song releases. Red Staple can also help deepen your audience’s experience for all of your digital projects, be it music, film, photography or blog. It’s also an effective tool for wedding videographers, event planners and for conferences as well.

    Red Staple is the brainchild of my friends Lori Jordan and Dee Jordan who have both worked in the upper echelons of media creation and digital distribution in Hollywood. These are the good guys. These are the people who are providing technology that changes our previously-held and restricted paradigm of who the gatekeepers are. Given this capability, I couldn’t be more happy about supporting this new product.

    At SXSW visit BOOTH 747 and get your act together…..literally!