So, what's up with "Bryony?"

Hopefully, a book by October 14!!!

That's the date of "Vamp Fest: Travel Through Time With 'Bryony,'" a Bryony-themed fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

The event runs from 6 to 11 p.m. at Harwood Post, 705 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet and includes "bites and nibbles" from our cookbook (also a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters), Bryony-themed vendors, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, characters from the book, and live music representing the late 1890's and the 1970's, the time "zones" in "Bryony."

In the meantime, "Bryony" has been busy, busy, busy.

This past Saturday, Saturday, "Bryony" participated in the Three Rivers Arts Council's (TRAC) open house, as part of Minooka's annual Summerfest. Then on Sunday, I checked out two Bryony-themed pieces my architect-turned-home-inspector father is creating for Vamp Fest.

One is a large, fish-shaped sign welcoming people to the fictitious Munsonville (where Bryony's action takes place), and the other is a lighted "window" that overlooks the Simons estate (home of Bryony's lead vampire/pianist/composer).

"Bryony" has another pre-release event before Vamp Fest. That will be from 1 to 4 p.m. September 11 at the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life, 206 N. Broadway Street, Joliet, the filming site of the soon-to-be-released "Bryony" book trailer and music video.

Not all the details of that afternoon are finalized, but it will include musem tours and music by James Onohan, Bryony's pianist and composer (www.jamesonohan.com). We hope to see you there!

If you haven't yet become a fan on Facebook, check us out at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. There you will find updates, photos, and quirky posts, all related to "Bryony."

Aug. 27: Two Bryony-Related Events (Plus More to Come)

From noon to 4 p.m. on August 27, "Bryony" will be part of the Three Rivers Arts Council's (TRAC) open house, as part of Minooka's Summerfest. TRAC recently opened a community center in Minooka's former fire station on Mondamin Road. We'll have displays, a photo slide show, and plenty of information to share. For more information, email us at BryonySeries@gmail.com.

Then, at 6:30 p.m., James Onohan will play the "Curl Kids Fundraiser," a comedy dinner show, at Harwood Post American Legion, 705 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet. Dinner/show package tickets are $25; while show package is $15. The event includes silent and live auctions. All proceeds will be donated to the Curl children.

Their father, a single father, was recently diagnosed with lupus coagulant, more formally known as antiphospholipid syndrome, which causes blood clots to form in arteries and veins. He also suffers from colon cancer. Please come support this worthy cause!!! For more information: 815-725-4333.

Then, from 1 to 4 p.m. September 11, James Onohan and I will be featured at the monthly Victorian Tea at the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life, 206 N. Broadway Avenue, Joliet, IL. Tickets are $10 at the door and include a museum tour and refreshments. For more information: 815-723-3052.

Last, but certainly not least, "Vamp Fest: Travel Through Time With 'Bryony'" will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 14. Although this is a Bryony-themed fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties (www.bbbswillgrundy.org), there is a very good chance that "Bryony" and its companion cookbook, will also be released by that date.

We orginally planned to take pre-orders, since the book would not be released until later this year, so cross your fingers that everything works out!

"Vamp Fest" will also include "bites and nibbles" from the cookbook, 1970s and classical-style piano music (thanks to teen band Street Worthy and James Onohan), and other members of the Bryony team offering Bryony-related and other product.

Stay tuned for details!

James' Performance

Channahon arts festival to spotlight pianist - Herald News

Channahon arts festival to spotlight pianist - Herald News

Playing Bryony

When my sister and I were little, we loved playing "dress-up," in remnants of long dresses, hats, pumps, etc., all saved for that occasion.

This afternoon, two weeks from my fiftieth birthday, I get to revisit a little of that.

My dressmaker contacted me for a fitting of the spring walking suit she sewed for Bryony appearances, so we're hoping it's good to go for this Saturday's Three Rivers Arts Council's second annual, Art in the Park.

From 1 to 5 p.m., Bryony will have a display table, which will be shared by Bryony's director of marketing, Dulcinea Hawksworth, who will be doing body painting. James Onohan, Bryony's pianist and composer, will play at 4:30 p.m.

This is the description of my suit--modified to actually make two suits--my dressmaker sent to me on Facbook:

   "I didn't line them so they would be cooler, so a long slip will work just fine. The first is burgundy satin and the second skirt is shimmer blueish purple with a black satin top. I haven't made a winter one yet and with the black satin top, the skirts can be interchangable. Also the bustle is a mock bustle so you will be able to walk and sit, and it ties on so you will be able to remove it to drive if you like. Also to be a little more vampire esque the sleeves come to a point and so does the jacket."

When she measured me a few months ago, we poured through my hat collection and picked out several that seemed "Victorianish," hats that also coordinated with her vision for the dresses. So, naturally, I'll be bringing those hats along--and some really cool gloves--with me, today.

I'm hoping I can persuade my oldest son to accompany me and take some nice pictures I can post tomorrow. I'm also hoping he doesn't mind if his seventeen-year-old sister and her best friend ride with us. Even if they're not dressing up, they want to watch. What girl, of any age, wouldn't?

I can hardly wait!!!

Bryony's First Promo Event is June 25!

From 1 to 5 p.m. June 25, Bryony will be one of twenty artists featured at the Three Rivers' Arts Council's 2nd Annual Art in the Part at Central Park, 24856 W. Eames Street, Channahon.

Bryony will have a display table at the event with Dulcinea Hawksworth, director of marketing, offering a few surprise activities. James Onohan, composer/pianist for Bryony, will perform at 4:30 p.m.

We hope to see you there!

In addition, the event will feature visual art: photography, sculpture, paintings and illustrations. There will also be theatre performances, solo musicians, bands, a farmer's market, vendors, live portrait and mural art and children's art activities.

There will also be a ticket rafflefor a night at Ravinia and Lollapalooza weekend passes. For more information, email the Three Rivers Arts Council at info@three-rivers-arts.org or visit http://www.three-rivers-arts.org/.