It seems that a few bad eggs have spoiled the experimental omelette. Musician and KAZU DJ Ernesto Diaz-Infante, organizer of the year-old, twice-monthly experimental music and performance art series at Carmel's Martin LaBorde Gallery, reports that the gallery's New Orleans-based owner has cancelled the series and fired gallery manager Robert DeFord, the guy who gave permission for it.

It's a bleeding shame. The series was Monterey County's only regular showcase for experimental musicians and performance artists, and was generating rave reviews from performers up and down the West Coast. Apparently some staffers from headquarters showed up unannounced last Thursday and were shocked to find a bellydancing class going on. Gallery owner Richard Steiner, speaking from New Orleans, confirms that he's suspended the series and fired DeFord. Steiner says he received "complaints" from Carmel residents, including a call from the Carmel Residents Association, who were "opposed" to the series.

"We're an art gallery, we're not an exhibition hall," Steiner says. "We were never informed of the series, and we don't know anything about it." Told that the series features experimental artists, he comments, "Unfortunately, that experiment didn't work out."

DeFord says Steiner's protestations of ignorance are disingenuous. "I let them know there was performance art going on all through the past year," he maintains. "Richard showed up in December and helped me hang a show, and he was OK with it. They just have absolutely no interest in performance art. They didn't see it translate into art sales."

Steiner's representatives began staffing the Carmel gallery immediately, and cancelled all performances, including a poetry reading scheduled for last Friday. DeFord reports that the poet, Carroll Briggs, showed up at the closed gallery anyway and did his performance outside, on the sidewalk, for about 20 people who had shown up.

The good news is, DeFord and Diaz-Infante report, they've found another home for the experimental music and performance art series, at least temporarily. Beginning with next weekend's shows, they will use Deakin's Studios and Design Gallery on California Avenue in Sand City. Meanwhile, Steiner says he's "not opposed" to the series in theory, and "might" consider allowing it back into the Martin LaBorde Gallery. Diaz-Infante isn't holding his breath, however. Anyone who has a permanent space to offer, call him at 641-9814.

Screenwriting Contest Extended

The Monterey County Film Commission has extended the deadline for its Year 2000 Screenwriting Contest to Feb. 12. The contest, now in its sixth year, is open to writers who have not yet made money selling their scripts in L.A. There's a $1,000 first prize, among other enticements, and a chance for introductions to Hollywood muckamucks who make the important decisions. Visit www.filmmonterey.org to download contest information and rules.

Call for Performers

In the wake of the Martin LaBorde series cancellation, local experimental artists should make doubly sure to submit proposals to perform in the second annual Big Sur Experimental Music and Performance Art Festival, scheduled for May 20 and 21 at the Henry Miller Library. The festival is seeking "musicans and performers whose work is experimental, improvisational or avant-garde," says organizer Ernesto Diaz-Infante. Last year's festival drew an overflow crowd, and provided much thought- provoking creativity. Artists should submit a brief statement of their project, a resume, and a sample of their work (e.g. a recording of your music, a video of your dance, or a few poems). Mail before Feb. 11 to 2000 Big Sur Experimental Festival, P.O. Box 697, Pacific Grove, CA 93950; or e-mail bsxmf@excite.com.

--Sue Fishkoff

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