Flying to performances is no longer fun; here’s why​

Flying to performances is no longer fun; here’s why​

The struggle is real

Long waits, impersonal staff, delays, cancellations, video screens that are not maintained, and more make flying commercial exhausting and frequently frustrating. I arrive tired and annoyed, which is not the best state of being to give the best performance. It has been my experience that many airports, like Miami International Airport in Florida, have a lot of art. It’s weird but cool when you look at them in the airport as if you’re at a gallery or museum. I’ve often thought it might be interesting to schedule popup speed painting performances at the airports.

What can anyone do?

Getting back to making travel more enjoyable, I download movies on an iPad (in case the airplane’s video isn’t working) and bring snacks —it helps… even better, I enjoy purchasing a hot tasty meal at the airport terminal and bringing it on the plane. Traveling is a little more enjoyable with these two simple changes in my routine. I also bring a sketch pad or iPad to design new works and review the images I will perform! Even if you are not a professional artist, bringing a sketch pad or iPad with a drawing or painting app can make time pass more enjoyable.

My first overseas gig was in Monte Carlo. I’ll never forget the feeling of flying in an actual First Class —First Class domestically isn’t First Class it’s more like economy plus, and it is lame! You get to board first, and the seat is 2-inches bigger than the economy. Oh, and free drinks. It was excellent flying overseas and being asked what type of hors d’oeuvres and wine I wanted in a seat that fully reclined so I could sleep on the trip… they even gave me slippers and a bathrobe. If only they would make domestic flights the same. Nowadays, all you see are people wearing headsets and watching movies. In my opinion, the only good thing about flight these days are… Nope, I got nuthing! I like walking through the airport and looking at the artwork… they always have artwork. The last display I saw was of school kids’ works, and they were spectacular.

I plan and pack things for work, entertainment, and snacks. I use Packr app and TripIt on my iPhone to keep organized.

Once on the way home from an event, I had a connecting flight in Chicago. The flight was canceled… Ok, it wasn’t canceled, I was on time, or at least I thought I was! It turns out you are supposed to be there 15-minutes before take off…LOL. I learned my lesson and had to get a hotel to stay overnight and fly out the next morning. Lucky for me, I met a new friend, and she took me out to visit the honkytonks in downtown Chicago. It was fun and exciting, but after a few hours, I was getting tired and went back to the hotel… my new friend came with me, and that’s another story.

Travel is MESSY.

TV interview for Cinco De Michael for United Way of Natrona County

TV interview for Cinco De Michael for United Way of Natrona County

 
Wherever I’m doing a benefit show, I make myself available to do media interviews to help promote the charity and the event.
 
This was a great interview with Keenan Sanders on Goodmorning Wyoming KTWO for United Way of Natrona County’s Cinco De Michael at the fairgrounds Industrial building. It SOLD OUT and was a super fun night and a successful fundraiser.
 
I was pretty self-conscious when they wanted to call the event Cinco De “Michael.” But, I am proud that my artwork had raised over a quarter million dollars at two previous events, and helped them gain new sponsors.
 
 

Charity Show $110,000+  raised performing in the dark on a milk crate?

Charity Show $110,000+ raised performing in the dark on a milk crate?

Well, I’ve always said my show is the real deal and would work in a field on the top of a milk crate with two boy scouts holding flashlights… I never thought I’d have to prove it but, a while back, I was performing in a clear tent for about 100 people on a very eclectic ranch with a donkey, chickens, and other animals…LOL!

Just as I was about to go to the stage, all the fancy programmed show lighting glitched out. It was pitch black!

My show manager literally put two flashlights on the stage… and we rocked the house or should I say tent. After the show, my art sold for $110,000 to benefit the Glendora Educational Foundation!

Painting with Kevin Costner

Painting with Kevin Costner

Some #WednesdayWisdom to get you over that hump.

Be the energy you want to attract!

See more from past events:
MichaelIsrael.com

PAST | Thank You for Supporting Spectrum Parents Events!

PAST | Thank You for Supporting Spectrum Parents Events!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended our Paint Barefoot on the Beach Concert Event this past Saturday! Thank you to the sponsors and donors! Thank you for the 65 sales in support of Spectrum Parents Events.

A big thank you to the top art bidders —Coach Pete; congrats on adding 3 new pieces to your massive collection! I know you will enjoy the “SEA 3D” when visitors view the 3D effect and Ooow and Awe! Thank you, Mary H; I can’t wait to hear how people comment on your Lennon portrait when you have it displayed on its unique floating mount!

Thank you, Frances O, for purchasing Liberty, Face the Flames, and Superboy and all your support of Spectrum Parents Events! Thank you, Sara C! I know you will enjoy your Heart & Hands, Superboy, and Face the Flames mixed media original works! Thank You, Elizabeth M; your Liberty artwork is spectacular —Please send us a photo of you next to it when you hang it!

Thank you, Dawn H, and welcome to being one of my newest collectors, along with a shout-out to Rhianon G too! Thank you to everyone who attended, and thank you to all of my wonderful collectors who have supported my work over the years, making charity benefit shows possible. Together we’ve helped many children and families and have a lot more to do!