Video a-go-go

Given the limited color and design palette of the traditional Santa Claus costume, it’s sort of hard to see the point of something like the recent Asheville SantaCon Fashion Show. That is, of course, until you remember to stop being an old fuddy-duddy, cease critically examining things that obviously were never serious to start with, and have some actual fun during the holidays. I mean, does there really need to be a point to dressing up in some variation of a Santa costume and generally having a good time? Clearly not.

Speaking of good fun, here’s a recently unearthed gem of theatrical merrymaking from a 2004 UNC-Asheville production of Shakespeare’s gender-bending comedy As You Like It, resetting the play in the American Old West. It’s a sort of silent-movie prequel approach that can be appreciated from several directions, but the important thing is that it’s an innovative take on a very old play by some very creative local people.

If you’re a regular reader of the print version of the Mountain Xpress, chances are that you’re already familiar with Nathanael Roney’s artwork, even if you don’t know you are. He’s a major part of the paper’s production and design team, and has hand-drawn many of the covers in his signature style. But did you know that he’s also a writer? Or that he’s more than keen to share the stage with the likes of sax player J. Seger? Here’s his reading of “Take Me Out” at his recent art opening at Harvest Records.

While I generally shy away from highlighting commercials here on Video A-Go-Go, this one for Songs Sealed Delivered really can’t go without comment. Largely, this is because the experience they provide is—for me, at least—roughly analogous to advertising a massage clinic staffed by spiders to an arachnophobe. That said, Sarah Nade does seem to be quite good at what she does, and I’m sure tons of people who aren’t me would find her services ideal for their message. Mildly not work safe if moderate profanity in song form is frowned upon at your workplace.

And given the season, here’s an early Christmas present for all of you old-school Asheville rock-scene fans who remember the days before our fair city was considered to be a musical hot spot, and instead had a kind of roll-your-own kind of vibe to it. It’s a new music video by MindShapeFist, a band that has been keeping their hard-rock dream alive for the better part of a decade in a town that has never really been all that interested in the merits of their specific subgenre. Even if you don’t like their sound, the fact that MSF is still around while their harder-edged contemporaries—once popular bands like Estedy and Minivoid—aren’t, says something for their tenacity. So here’s a little recognition, and a nod to those who keep the dream alive.

Each week, dozens upon dozens of interesting local videos are uploaded to YouTube. It’s a lot to keep up with. Did we miss a particularly interesting, recently uploaded local video? Share it by leaving the videos URL (but not the embed code) in the comment fields below. Also, please mark it Not Work Safe if there’s any controversial content to the video.