Arts in the Valley, Saturday, July 21 (8 p.m.) and Sunday, July 22 (2 p.m.), 2012, 1480 KYOS AM, Merced, CA

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Arts in the Valley host Kim McMillon interviews Rachel Bublitz, and Tracey Potter, the creators of the 31 Plays in 31 Days Project, and 60s Merced psychedelic band Crystal Syphon on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 8 pm, and Sunday, July 22 at 2pm.

To listen to Rachel Bublitz and Tracey Potter discuss 31 Plays in 31 days, click onto the link:31 plays

The 31 Plays in 31 Days Project is based on the idea that to become a better writer, you must write. You must write a lot. And you need to practice experimenting with your writing form constantly. The pressure of this goal will allow you to set aside preconceived notions of what you should be writing and how you should be doing it. You will not have time to overanalyze your work, you will just have to write, write, write and be surprised by what comes out of you. You may love your work some days and wonder what happened on others, but by the end of the month, you will have amassed 31 new plays. Instead of waiting for the breeze of inspiration to blow your way, you will see that writing is a craft that can be called on at any time.

When?

August 1st at 12:00 am until August 31st at 11:59pm

Where?

Anywhere and everywhere!

Who?

Playwrights who are crazy enough to write 31 Plays in just 31 short days!

Finally…. How?

Register  at http://31plays31days.com.  They will list your information in the Participating Playwrights section.  If you wish to be eligible for the 31 Plays in 31 Days Internet Staged Reading (details to be announced in September) you must select the daily submission option.

Crystal Syphon, one of the greatest “lost” groups of the West Coast psych scene, came together in Merced, California in 1965. Originally a Beatles / Byrds-influenced unit called the Morlochs, they soon shed their original moniker and moved in a more psychedelic direction, becoming a fixture on the ballroom circuit from 1966-1970. Although their music may nod in the direction of the New Tweedy Brothers and Quicksilver Messenger Service at times, it’s imbued throughout with a distinctive sound that arose from practicing up to six nights a week. The band entertained offers from various labels during their existence, but as they insisted on complete artistic control and ownership of their music, no deals were struck. Now, some 44 years after its creation, Roaratorio is proud to make the music of Crystal Syphon available for the first time ever. Drawn from studio tracks, rehearsal tapes and a live recording from the Fillmore West, Family Evil is released in an edition of 500 copies, with cover art by Norman Orr and extensive historical liner notes on an old-style “tip-on” jacket. Digital download included. 

“Family Evil” is available for purchase on iTunes and as additional pressings of the records become available at http://www.roaratorio.com.

To listen to Crystal Syphon, click onto the link:crystal syphon

Tags: 31 Plays in 31 Days, August 2012, Crystal Syphon, Family Evil, Merced, Morlochs, Play Cafe, Plays, Playwriting, Psychedelic, Writing