open house.

open house.

Today, I was fortunate to get an invite to the opening of Mark Menza's new studio in Dallas. I met up with an acquaintance, Mike (who forwarded the invite to me), after skipping one of my classes (it was a justified sacrifice!).

Situated around downtown, the studio was very nice, dotted with stylish rooms to accommodate clients, sound proof studio rooms, elegant restrooms, and an open kitchen with a pool table. Overall, it had a very modern, but functional appearance, quite aesthetically pleasing. Their equipment setup was lovely, too. Very clean and organized, with wonderful Kurzweils, percussive instruments, and guitars. Quite jealous!

Soon after my arrival, Mike introduced me to Mark and his wife. Both were very pleasant, and highly creative and successful, and I was literally in awe. While Mark mainly dealt with sound design and music composition, his wife is equally talented, dabbling successfully in painting (several of her pieces were hanging in the studio) and skillful at music as well.

There were quite a few people there at this rsvp posh event. There was valet parking (to which I had to roll my seat back for the man. . . I'm much too short him to fit comfortably in the car!), door prizes, a live band, hors d'oeuvres, and an open bar. I also got to watch a few sample clips of some of his work for Jimmy Neutron, The Ant Bully, and various commercials, to which he worked on music and sound design. I talked to Mark briefly about what I'm trying to get myself into, and he mentioned that one of the guests was from Gearbox (unfortunately, I never got a chance to meet her). Aside from that, we chatted a little and watched in awe at the live accordion player (how cool!).

I later was offered a drink from the bar, and nearly giggled at the thought of how I looked like a little girl standing at a bar. The bartender made me a dirty martini (I've never had a martini, let alone a dirty martini), and I was later reminded how I don't like the taste of olives in excess. I took a few tentative sips (as I didn't want to find myself in an embarrassing situation), then after an okay from my body, continued drinking. Of course, I took a few breaks, watching the quartet play and mingling, but then I tried to finish the rest of the drink a little too fast. Skillfully, I smiled and situated myself on a barstool and watched the band while talking with a few people as I collected myself. Goodness! Maybe that drink was a little too strong for me, or actually, I think I drank it too fast. :) But hey, there was no way I was going to not finish the drink. . . didn't want to be rude, ya know? Or. . . maybe that's my Filipino side coming out. ;)

That aside (actually, fairly soon after), I walked around and met the voice actor who did the voice for Big Tex, the giant at the State Fair. He was a very polite and interesting man, whom I chatted a bit with Mike. I really was in awe at the talent that must have been floating around in the room. Perhaps I can one day be at their levels?

I'm really glad that I made it to the event. Though I did not stay too long, it really was a great experience mingling, seeing the setups, and doing a little networking. Moreso, I think it was a bit inspiring seeing/hearing the talent among the guests at studio.

I need to shape up so I can get the ball rolling!