**NELA Cinematic Happening**
“SEA OF MADNESS” PREMIER– LA BELLA DOWNTOWN MONROE
September 28, 2024, Monroe, LA
The premiere of “Sea of Madness” was an extraordinary production. Upon entering Le Bella, I was immediately captivated by the décor, lighting, staff dressed to match the movie theme, food, seating, and music. Mitch Laing and his movie production team have a firm grasp on moviemaking and the business side of things. I got to my seat just in time to see the end of their movie “The Bogman.” Released in 2023, the movie is set in Mountain Bend, Arkansas, where half the town believes in Bigfoot. I noticed in the credits that the song “Lemon Drop” by the Gin Mobsters was included. I love that Mitch worked with a local recording artist. The audience loved “The Bogman.”
Soul Solution 696 took the stage with their high-energy brand of heavy metal. Their set included a brilliant rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall.” Mitch Laing joined lead singer Dusty Fletcher, bass player Kaleb Posey, and drummer Patrick Townsend on stage for “The Bogman Theme.” It was awesome, representing everything the genre is supposed to be. The crowd responded to their high energy with screams and cheers. Downtown Monroe got a much-needed injection of authentic heavy metal from Soul Solution 696. The audience loved it.
Jackson Culp took the stage with his unique brand of soulful rock and blues. In his own style, he gave the audience Motown’s “Heard it Through the Grapevine” and reached back to the Eagles’ “Witchy Woman.” One of my favorites is his original composition “Don’t Call My Name.” It was an awesome performance. Soul Solution 696 and Jackson Culp were the perfect fit for this event. They’re an important part of the Northeast Louisiana music scene.
Mitch proudly introduced the 2024 movie “Sea of Madness.” In the film, the survivors of “The Bogman” and five new acquaintances are stranded on a World War II U.S. Navy ship in the middle of the ocean. A strange new bacterium is discovered on the ocean floor, and a storm causes this “black goo” to escape while the crew seems to be transforming into evil, grotesque mermaids. The audience shrieked and cheered throughout the movie. The Gin Mobsters contributed music to this film as well. The movie’s ending was awesome, I loved it as did the audience. I can’t wait for the next production.
Northeast Louisiana has abundant talent. Investors looking to diversify should consider the cultural tourism sector. There are many established artists and related businesses that might benefit from venture capital and show you a return.
Thank you to all the musicians, painters, sculptors, singers, poets, dancers, storytellers, and filmmakers for stirring commerce in Northeast Louisiana.
Special thank you Sidelines and La Bella for supporting live music and cinema.
Tom M.
Downtown Monroe Main Street Northeast Louisiana Arts Council Monroe Chamber of Commerce Dustin Underwood Soul Solution 696 Gin Mobsters
