Update for May, the 13, 2016. Friday the 13! Is today unlucky, a sinister and dangerous day? That’s called spice, people. Just a gate we pass through to enter the garden of clarity and exaltation. So rejoice! Because TODAY you’re getting the next to last blast about 53, an evening and early morning of ecstatic awakening at Northern Michigan’s favorite clandestine beach. ONE WEEK AWAY!

When: Friday May 20, 7:00 pm – Saturday May 21, morning

Where: E beach, way south of where the road gets tricky (see Logistics below)

Why: To make magic and body surf bitchin’ energy waves

_

Who: The tribe of Benzie and our extended family, emissaries from nearby and the stars

What: Potluck, camp out, dance party and jam session. We usually fly the Flag of Earth, but because of Bernie there will also be an American flag.

Logistics

Essentials

Towel. Change of clothes. Layers. Warmer clothes. Love. Flashlight. Smiles. Sleeping bag or blankies if you’re overnighting. Tent if dryness whilst sleeping matters to you, or privacy. Open mind and heart. Sense of adventure.

Directions
On Lake Michigan south of the Elberta side of Betsie Bay. Way down the beach.

GPS waypoint (paste into Google maps search or your fav GPS device)

44.62223804789266, -86.23935520648956

This is an *approximate* location. Look for a battered blue Honda Odyssey.

Parking
If your vehicle is not 4 wheel drive, do not drive all the way in. Unless you are very familiar with this beach… DO. NOT. DRIVE. IN. The roads are narrow and the sand is VERY DEEP. After hitting the lower parking lot and passing by speed limit sign (see photo), drive no more than 1oo yards and then PARK. Otherwise your car will be hopelessly stuck and then eventually pulled down and eaten by Shai-Hulud. Grab your gear and walk back, prolly 1/4 – 1/2 mile to the site. Look for the flag of Earth.

DO NOT drive more than 100 yards past this speed limit sign or you’ll be doomed!

About a quarter to one half mile walk from here.
STOP driving NOW. PARK! This is your last warning…

       
Axle broken, oil pan extracted, mired in mud. Leave the car and walk.

You made it, yay!

Weather
Check this page for last minute weather and venue updates. If it’s looking super cold and rainy, another venue will be announced. As of 5/14/16, we’ve got a warming trend through next week.

Camping
The sun shines until 9 or so. If you plan on camping, (and we suggest you do), please come when there’s light so you can set up some distance away from the zany goings on. These are sensitive dunes, so tread lightly, keep a small footprint. Pack out EVERYTHING you bring in.

Bathrooms
Nature. There will likely also be a VERY minimal composting toilet on site.

There used to be outhouses on the beach about 1 mile from the party, BUT this just in from Emily Rudolf Rocker Votruba, there may be supernatural activity in those outhouses…

 FYI the [outhouses] of which you speak (I think?) are NONFUNCTIONING. No one is supposed to go in there. They are supposed to be boarded up, but people keep pulling the boards off. I would recommend digging a hole if necessary. There are probably many diseases in the outhouse, as well as little people from the 70s wearing red raincoats carrying large knives, honey badgers, and albino boa constrictors not made of feathers. These little people are quite dextrous.

Food
If you can bring a dish to share, hurray! Vegetarian is preferred, so anyone can enjoy without having to ask. There might be grills to share, feel free to bring if you got.

Music and Dancing
There will be mp3s for dancing, bring your device to plug in and DJ with, if you got. Otherwise, expect an eclectic assortment of music supporting connected partner dancing, tho you don’t have to have a partner. Impromptu lessons in connected partner dancing will be given as needed by some of the best on this planet. I kid you not.
For you experienced connected dancers, this is dancing on sand, which is a wonderful experience, approved by Mykl Werth and helpful for syncing up with the vital energies which power the cosmos.

The dance floor, just adjacent to the music and ritual performance arena

Jamming
In the natural course of events, there will eventually be music making by the fire. If you’re a player, bring instruments. Dan will likely be sharing a few songs and have some lyric sheets to try and get people singing. These sheets will feature large print for the elderly and/or slightly inebriated.

Here’s Dan’s sing-a-long song list, updated as new ones get assimilated. If you got requests, post ’em to the Facebook event or message me. No Promises!

Costumes / Dress Up
Abso! Changing costumes several times during the event definitely gets you extra credit and cosmic gift certificates. Your birthday suit counts as one, so you’ll likely already have two incarnations just by showing up.

Swimming
Lake Michigan is slowly warming up, expect temperatures between hypothermia inducing and mildly invigorating, depending upon your metabolism and common sense. There will be plunges, bring a suit if you’re shy.

Looking North and South respectively, sweet beach!

Poison Ivy
It hasn’t leafed out yet, but there are small patches getting ready. Another reason to arrive in the light and set up, spotting any teensie sprouts. Don’t be like Ben Woody in 2013 and snuggle up in a patch after dark.

Kids
Our future and always welcome, be advised that there will be adults doing adult stuff, discreetly for the most part. Tuck the little ones in by 10-11. Under 18, please bring or designate a trusted and responsible adult to keep an eye on your ass. We’ll all be watching out for each other, this is a big family after all.

Safety
Be sweet to yourself. Don’t try any crazy shit just because Dan Kelly is doing it, like climbing up onto burning bonfires, plunging into Lake Michigan nude or attempting Prince covers without knowing all the chords. Dan is a trained life professional and also the universe’s special favorite, he can thrive in the most harrowing situations, just ask around about some of his early romantic choices, whoa! We’re in this for the long haul folks, take care of yourself and our fabulous tribe, let the dawn find us fully enhanced.

Fun
Fun is both free and abundant. Nothing is needed except a decision to be available. Have some.

Presents
This party has been expanded to celebrate all May babies, so many including Jordan, Marijke, Ireland, Jason Lome, Sharon Jones, Maia, Jessica, Larry, Jil Johnson, Gretchen… PLEASE NO PRESENTS. You’re presence is our present. May people are very blessed, we’ve got so much already – good looks, talent, intelligence, charisma, adept physicality… Plus we are often very snobby and will likely have to pretend we like your gift. Dan Kelly says kisses are always most welcome.

Have you ever bent time in unusual directions? Can laughter power a starship? Will deeply connected sexual intimacy save the whales? Is the universe tasty?

Dan Kelly is about to begin his 53rd orbit around our local star. Yet another Epic Surprise Party. Friday May 20, 2016, Elberta Beach. Dance, performance and camping extravaganza. The Love of Spring of Love… of Spring!

The universe has decreed that only the most delicious people can pop through the magical magnetic force bubble that will surround the event, so if you’re boring or a big downer, don’t even bother to look for your car keys. However! If you are juicy, wild at heart, bliss seeky and radiant, you’ll likely find yourself with us without having any idea quite how it happened. You don’t even have to know Dan to be invited, you only have to give a thumbs up to people like him being allowed to run loose on the planet. There will be a dawn wake up call for all campers to participate in a special cinematic event. Be prepared to sign a movie release.

Wait, I suspect Dan Kelly has written this. How can it be a surprise party? Through esoteric yoga techniques and sacred herbs, Dan is capable of epic forgetting, even moments before an event. He has that power. Or… maybe you’re the one who’s gonna be surprised. Just maybe.

There might also be miraculous healings.

Nipples.

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Imagine an epic outdoor overnight dance festival, well stocked with love infused community cooking and supplements to sustain serious fun – from dusk til dawn.

UPDATES and REMINDERS

If you’re staying over, come prepared – tent, sleeping bag or cozy vehicle. Currently there’s a 40% chance of rain. Layers. Flashlights.

It’s a potluck, bring something to share! Homecooked, vegetarian, local and organic all appreciated – but not required.

You can share music if you fancy yourself a DJ. Just keep in mind that this is about dancing! Whatever keeps people in gorgeous motion is ok. There will also be plenty of opportunity for live improv – we’ve got a gaggle of musicians showing up.

Our plans to lay a wood floor will likely be jettisoned. The default gravitational interface for movement is a vast expanse of naturally occurring quartz sand, (squeaky).

LOCATION DISCLOSED

GPS waypoint (paste into Google maps search or your fav GPS device)

44.62223804789266, -86.23935520648956

This is an *approximate* location. Look for a battered blue Honda Odyssey MI plates CCP 2589. Alternately, there might be a Flag of Earth marking EAT DANCE CAMP ingress.

This is a VERY sandy two track, arrive while it’s still daylight to find a sweet parking spot with plenty of traction for hassle free egress.

Obsessive weather monitoring is probably contraindicated, but here’s the latest for Saturday as of May 17, 3:00 pm EST. Chance of precipitation is trending lower but whatever – who doesn’t love dancing in warm rain?

Weather for Saturday as of May 17, 6:00 am EST

Weather for Saturday as of May 15…

Going on location…

We’ve prepped about 25% of the EAT DANCE CAMP deployment as of 3:00 pm EST. Stoked!

Along with our local contingent, long lost friends from distant lands will be here to boost the evening’s sparkle.

 EAT DANCE CAMP

A Wilderness Surprise Party
Facebook

FAQ

A party for Dan?

Not for, WITH. Dan Kelly doesn’t want to be the focus of ANY parties, unless if maybe he saved orphans from a burning building or single handedly diverted a meteor from hitting the earth. But birthdays just happen, even half century birthdays. What’s the big deal?

Dan Kelly’s birthday dream is to be with the people he loves – all having a blast – eating, dancing, camping. Your presence is his present.

Will I have to take my cloths off?

Michigan in May, hard to say whether the conditions will be conducive to nudity. However, it’s possible that there could be a bit of skin baring, especially in concert with icy plunges. Use your own discretion.

Is this really a surprise party?

Dan Kelly is totally clueless. Probably fine to post on FB as he’s not very savvy with social media and thinks the internet is a series of tubes.

How can I help build the party energy?

Mark your calendar NOW. Spread the word to Dan Kelly appreciators. IMAGINE a lovely starry night in spring cavorting on the beach in communion with the shining souls of our extended family.

Dancing – on the sand?

Highly likely we’ll deploy one of those wedding dance floors. No kidding.

Can I dress up?

You better. Be sure to have warm cloths on hand tho, just in case.

Are we camping?

Dan will be. The more the merrier. Tents on location and car / trailer parking nearby. Les and Ireland – shakedown your new gypsy wagon. Plenty of places to pitch a camp away from the main celebration too. Although the goddess will likely smile upon this gathering with mild weather, be prepared for any eventuality.

Towels, camping gear if you are staying overnight, layers… If the weather is nice and we’re dancing, heavy jackets can be doffed to reveal flowy dresses and cotton pajama bottoms. It’s a surprise party after all, be prepared.

Weather conditions on May 11, 2013

Can I get all sloppy and maudlin/garrulous?

Are parties a green light to drink too much and become some species of pain in the ass? To clarify – if you are prone to bad behavior and have somehow caught wind of this event, rest assured that the cosmos will intervene to keep you from ever arriving, so just decide to stick with Netflix® that night.

If you’re planning on getting tipsy and making out with Dan, that’s probably fine. No promises, he’s likely to be PRETTY busy that night. Please don’t try to make out with Dan unless you are over 18.

What should I bring?

Make/bring lots of local-ish food and beverages infused with your power. Pack an instrument if you play – there will be canned, kitchy dance music AND a chance for live jams and drumming.

What about kids and family friendly?

Kids will likely be safe from corruption from sunset until about 10-11 pm. The whee hours are wide open for whatever and of course little kids are tucked in tight by then.

When should I arrive?

We’ll be getting ready around 6, show up anytime after. Dan arrives after 9 so try and be there before.

Tell your great grand kids – I was there. May 18 sunset – May 19 sunrise, beautiful Benzie County, Michigan, Turtle Island, Earth, Milky Way, etc.

Facebook

Archival Stuff

The location  has been disclosed, see above.  If you’re into puzzles, here’s the hints… in the state of Michigan, County of Benzie – which Big Lake beach is famous for it’s breathtaking overlook, mostly wild rolling dunes and multiple miles of squeaky sand? If you were a hard core local, where would YOU be likely to spend the whee hours staring into a crackling bonfire that infuses your pile pullover with smokey goodness whilst listening to the lapping water amidst a robust contingent of your adopted tribe? What’s the first letter of Emily Votruba’s name? _ beach.

If you can’t or don’t want to come, don’t write an apology – we actually only care about people who are EXCITED. Cosmic self selection is in play – this is a scene that only the funnest, heppest cats and kittens are going to make. If your ducks are getting sanforized or you’ve got to attend a satanist sacrifice or you’re just going to spend the evening at home masturbating – by all means, have at it, enjoy – but we don’t need to know… unless you’ll be at another all night funeral, then def post the location of same and denomination of the dearly departed so we can send a delegation.

Movie Post-Production— Enhanced Editorial    EEAC749 Led by freelance filmmaker, Dan Kelly, go beyond the basics of editing as you connect with other editors, improve your technical chops, and expand your aesthetic palette. See full description on page 38.

and here’s what’s on page 38…

Movie Post-Production— Enhanced Editorial    EEAC749 Led by freelance filmmaker, Dan Kelly, go beyond the basics of editing as you connect with other editors, improve your technical chops, and expand your aesthetic palette. In a workshop format you’ll critique each other’s work and screen the classics. Basic proficiency in editing software and a passion for story are the only pre-requisites. Although there will be some technical nuts and bolts, this series is more about transcending the “gee whiz” of technology and touching the editorial art. Enroll in either or both options.

Both options 5 Wed., 6-8 p.m.
Opt. 1: Jan. 16-Feb. 13 Code: 12155
Opt. 2: Feb. 20-Mar. 20 Code: 12156

UpNorth TV Studio/LIAA (324 Munson Ave., TC) Instructor: Dan Kelly $175 each option

There’s even a vague bio of me on page 66 too! Registration is a snap, unless you’re a grumbling curmudgeon.

5 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER:
Phone: 231-995-1700 (credit or debit card) Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. toll-free 800-748-0566
Fax: 231-995-1708 (credit card, debit card or purchase order) anytime
Online: www.nmc.edu/ees
(credit card or debit card) need student ID and password for each student
Mail: NMC-EES, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686-3061 include payment (credit or debit card, check, or purchase order)
In-person: Registeryear-round,Mon.- Fri, 8 am-5 pm, at Extended Education in north wing of NMC University Center on Cass Road in Traverse City (between 14th Street and S. Airport Road)

The Enhanced Editorial outline in progress. I trust it’s more intriguing than it is obscure.

Workshop 1: Editorial Research Expedition

• Join the elite team of misfits and longhairs laboring to build a magnificent space ark
• I am my own education
• JKL, IO my! YOUR first silent film
• Fasten seatbelts, A Brief Mind Boggling Tour of Post-Production
• The Mother of all Links – what to watch / hear / read

Workshop 2: Why does editing work? – Part 1

• It just works, that’s all! <- the short version
• Are we allowed to know that?
• Arm chair cognition, the science
• What about art?

Workshop 3: The continuum – Color, VFX, Text, Sound and Why does editing work (Part 2)

Color

• Color in early film… really? George Melies, Cecile B Demille
• Color Grading – fundamental and fancy. Matching scenes OR creating a mood – • • Matrix, Pee Wee’s big Adventure

Text

• What’s text tells – Helvetica, Gary Hustwit, 2007
• What does Jaques Tati Mon Oncle and Jared Hess Napoleon Dynamite have in common?

VFX

• Really Cool / Really Pointless and Absolutely Necessary/ Story Killer
• An exciting career in roto
• 3D and 3D
• Stupid Computer Tricks

Sound – 60%

• music
• ADR
• mix
• foley
• what!?
• Why does editing work – part 2

Everything else

Workshop 4: Invisible Art, not so much

Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Tahir Shah. Feroze to Tahir… “I’m searching for those whose lives depend on deception: for those who conjure miracles for the masses.”

• Classic HW style or Just Say No (to reality), a retrospective
• Where are we Toto?
• Armchair cognition revisited
• Fast is slow
• Stealth vs Surprise

Workshop 5: What is good?

• Appropriate the super organism – Storytelling
• Does it rock? Maybe…
• Make some serious mistakes
• A message from the central office (embrace your mediocrity)
• Come with me if you want to live!
• Beyond editorial – take the first step, you decide, personal hygiene

•••

Though both options will have similar outlines, Option 2 is not a repeat of Option 1. We’ll go deeper into the concepts and practice, covering the fundamentals with new twists and insights.  How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice.

Note – The fourth Wednesday of every month will be moved to the Inside Out Gallery and Enhanced Editing will be merged with the general meeting of the Michigan Movie Makers.

Friday June 29, 2012 at 8 pm until the last quanta of lifetron gently settles. Bring blankets, sleeping bags, tents, etc. Dishes to pass are encouraged. No sobbing maudlin behavior or blacking out forbidden unless spiked with comic relief. Contraceptives available in limited quantities, fun fully stocked.

Artist house, north shore of Crystal Lake, 5 miles from 31 and 2 miles from 22.

Thursday 12/22/11 8:00 pm

Mother Solstice Tangos with Space Virus

When do non-believers dance and feast?
Why December 23 my darling beast!
Just after the longest, darkest night,
eve’s eve of the Baby J and Red Guy fight
sexy humanists have their day
for a rollick, a frolic, a merry make – hurray!
come along, yo
and join the fete
bring a dish to pass
and together we’ll get
down with DNA, evolution and physics
kiss in the shadows, seduce the mystics
with the magic of science and the blessings of life
a dizzy chautauqua late into the night
gorgeous creatures, moving poems
clever apes and their crazy koans
no maudlin drunks will be admitted
just the glorious tribe to fun committed
trust we’ll see you smiling by 8:00
bring a sleeping bag and prepare to sate
your lust for life, thou humane be
we’ll dance well into twenty three
from solstice right through
starting on the twenty two

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Attention: Some or all of the following conditions may prevail – live music, dancing, swimming, home cooked vegetarian exotica, hotness, scintillating conversation, bonfires – all the standard features you’ve come to expect. This time tho, achievement of stratospheric fun levels will be achieved by the inclusion of your new favorite Belarusian, recently arrived from the east edge of Turtle Island. If you missed our prior soirées, there’s still time to catch the curling energy wave as we lift it up and surf…

What to bring… Benzie enlightened potluck, towel for drying and nesting materials if staying over.

This party will not be announced on Facebook.

and yes Jimmy, the piano is tuned!