VOTE: Skoda and Co need YOUR input on where to go – from Austin to Mobile – for MM’s next web series,

“SHARKJUMP: The Road to Joe Cain”!

SHARKJUMP is a new 4-6 part web series here at Mod Mobilian created by Kris Skoda. Think No Reservations meets VICE Guide to Travel, then add a dash of Jackass and you’re getting there.

The premise is simple: Kris Skoda, partner Allin Kilpatrick, and daring cameraman Andy Vo will begin in Louisiana on Thursday, February 16th. They will arrive back in Mobile on Joe Cain Day, Sunday, February 19th.

Skoda, Allin & Friends

What happens along the way is largely up to you, the audience. You may comment, suggest, and share with your friends where you want to see them go and what shenanigans you’d like to see them get into. Make suggestions of bars, landmarks, weird roadside attractions, restaurants, etc. We want to know, what are the things you think people should see?

YOU, the viewer, is what will help make this web series really great. Skoda, Allin and Andy will take it from there.

Once back in Mobile, our team has their work cut out for them, as they begin a rigorous day of drinking (in the Mardi Gras spirit, of course), visiting Joe Cain’s grave, being in the Joe Cain Procession with the new Mardi Gras organization the Wild Mauvillians, going to live shows, meeting folks, and hanging at the official SHARKJUMP wrap party at web series’ sponsor Callaghan’s Irish Social Club featuring a performance from Grayson Capps. We will be filming the entire thing and will be encouraging folks to show up fully in the Mardi Gras spirit (by way of absurd costumes and friendly spirits).

Mod Mobilian and Kris Skoda would like to formally ask for your help in showing people how awesome Mobile, and Mardi Gras in Mobile, really is.

If you are interested in being one of our sponsor’s, and/or getting your business or event in the web series, email bodskobilian@gmail.com to find out how you may get involved.

Rex Dingler at Wellborn Ideas – Fri Feb 10

Rex Dingler is returning to Mobile in February 10^th for an art show and book release party titled: “ReXism: Interactive” at WellbornIdeas, 365 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36602 from 6-10 p.m. that Friday evening.

The show will highlight his unique cityscapes in both oil and acrylic, an array of his iconic sketches, and oil works listing his “Rexisms”; personal idioms borne from good times and Rex’s riotous living.

Rex Dingler is a New Orleans native that lived in Mobile in the 90’s, where he attended the University of South Alabama for years beyond necessity to obtain his degree.  Though studying political science in grand hopes of one day becoming a lawyer to screw people out of their money, he ended up becoming an “art activist” dedicated to principles of social justice. 

After the Federal Levee Failure following hurricane Katrina, he founded NoLA Rising, a public art campaign that encourages street art to positively interact with the community.

Described by his hometown paper as “a lone wolf braying into the wilderness” for his philosophies on art and its presentation, Dingler’s work is a form of activism that astutely addresses the city’s cultural and civic climate.  His artwork reflects both the man-on-the-street and the streets itself; its cityscape, architecture and geography, which Dingler also explores with architecturally-aligned abstracts and panoramic studies of city skylines.  Author Adam Falik said, “There is a school of thought bordering on mysticism that divines relationship between the shape of buildings and the mental and spiritual health of those who reside within them.  Dingler, likewise, seeks the balance between a city’s denizens and their capacity to accept, and interact, with art.”

Considered a street artist, Rex’s formal art education is limited to interaction with Al Federico, a French Quarter artist, who painted historical street scenes for a living.  Encouraged by Mr. Federico at a developing age to paint with his mind’s eye rather than through traditional styles, Rex took the perspective that art is to be explored through personal growth.  Rex also briefly worked with the late Peter Lobello in what would become his last painting for the Sultan of Dubai.

Rex’s artwork has been on public display in over 30 countries and 100 cities and has been involved in numerous shows, most notably in New Orleans, New York, Los Angeles, London, Tel Aviv and Miami, and wanted by police in many more.

Independent Hotels in the Mobile Bay area

Are you looking for somewhere to stay in the Mobile Bay area that isn’t another big chain hotel? Mobile Bay has a wonderful variety of historic homes that have been converted into inns and bed & breakfasts that offer you a personalized stay and true Southern hospitality.

Malaga Inn – Located in Mobile’s historic district, this hotel was originally built as two townhouses during the Civil War. In the 1960’s they were purchased by the current owners, who turned them into a hotel. The Malaga Inn is privately owned and ensures that guests experience the true gentility of Southern living. It has 39 private rooms that are individually decorated with period-inspired furnishings. The old carriage house serves as a hall for weddings and banquets as well as a general dining area for guests.

Fort Conde Inn – Built in 1836, this inn is the second oldest house in the town of Mobile. It was family owned until the 1980s and just opened as an inn in summer 2011. It is also located in the historic district and is within walking distance of other historic sites, museums, and other sites. Enjoy a stay in one of ten luxurious guest rooms and wake up to a gourmet breakfast each morning.

Kate Shepard House Bed & Breakfast – This Queen Anne home in midtown Mobile was converted into a bed and breakfast by an older couple who had always dreamt of owning one. It has been featured on the HGTV show “If Walls Could Talk” and features a library with historic documents from the early 1800s. Each of the three guest rooms is individually decorated in period style and named after people and places that hold meaning for the house.

Berney /Fly Bed & Breakfast – This cheery yellow Queen Anne Victorian home was actually built in three sections between 1859 and 1895, as it passed through the hands of multiple families. The three guest rooms are decorated in various styles, from French Art Deco to Spanish Bay. Historic relics include an original Victorian stained glass window and tunnels from the Civil War. It is located in Mobile’s historic downtown district.

Dauphin House Bed & Breakfast – This bed and breakfast is further away from the town of Mobile, but its location on Dauphin Island at the entrance to Mobile Bay makes it the perfect getaway. The island was visited by Spanish explorers, then became one of the first settlements of French Louisiana before the area became part of the United States. The Dauphin House has more of a casual beach house style than some of the historic inns in downtown mobile, but offers just as much hospitality.

(NOTE: The writer of this article has no connection to any of the establishments listed above.)

This article was written by Jenna Winkler, who has worked in hotel management for over 20 years. She also owns the site Hospitality Management Degree for students interested in getting a degree in hospitality management.

Yes … we are sweet lunacy’s county seat.

Mod Mobilian’s Tribute to Mobile Mardi Gras & The Conde Explorers
Kris Skoda & Benji ride with the Conde Explorers (www.condeexplorers.org)

All your favorite spots are here: Civic Center, Church St., Malaga, Royal St., Veet’s, Battle House, Bienville Square, Dauphin St., Government, Broad, The Garage, and more!

There’s nothing quite like a first ride … (or second, third, etc.)

Upcoming at Alabama Music Box:

Jan. 27:  1st installment of ELEMENTS which will be bringing together DJ’s, B-Boy’s/Girl’s, Graph Artist, & Mc’s to help show our local community what Hip-Hop has to offer. Rock Most (ATL) will be the first headliner, joined by Mobile’s very own local heroes Mob Towne Revival and DJ Fragment.

Feb. 18: 3rd Annual M.O.O.R.E. Mardi Gras Masquerade. This event has become a part of Mardi Gras in Mobile. For the past couple of years they have brought together our local heroes, as well as many regional and national musicians. There will be several different types of music ranging from folk, jam, metal, hip-hop, & electro/dub-step. Artists to date include Catfish Alliance (Tallahassee), Ashelea Penquite,  Western Lands, Digital Organix.

GIVERS (New Orleans/ Lafayette) at Alabama Music Box 1.13.12

Emily Hayes of ModMobilian.com/92 Zew talks to Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent, also known as Shovels and Rope, before their show in Mobile, AL at Alabama Music Box.

from FilmScramble.org

DIY MOVIEMAKING! the short film competition for everyone.

Don’t miss the CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE Film Scramble.

–the 4th Mobile Bay Film Scramble, presented by ModMobilian.com and the Crescent Theater–

Participants got to choose the path their movie will take and see where it leads…

Films will be screened at the Crescent Theater 11pm Friday January 20

Film Scramble organizer Trey Lane discussing the scramble on Studio10 Friday (Jan 5):

Film Scramble: fox10tv.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact : editor@modmobilian.com

“Like The Head and the Heart and The Civil Wars, Delicate Cutters draw inspiration from American folk forms, yet they show a wider musical and emotional palette than many of their contemporaries.” – Paste Magazine

Mod Mobilian is please to present Skybucket Records recording artists Delicate Cutters (Birmingham) in a FREE SHOW this Saturday January 21, 9pm, at The Blind Mule (57 N. Claiborne).

Delicate Cutters, who have been playing for nearly 10 years, won the 2011 Best Alabama Album MODDY for Some Creatures. This will be their first show in Mobile.

If you didn’t make it out to January’s artwalk, here’s a taste of some of the highlights – still on display in most cases.