“M” is for Mountainfilm + Magical, Mischievous, Memorable Mishky

24 May “M” is for Mountainfilm + Magical, Mischievous, Memorable Mishky

Mountainfilm uses the power of film, art, and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. Mountainfilm’s online schedule is now live, including times and venues for films, presentations, Moving Mountains Symposium, parties, Town Talks, book signings – don’t miss Sunday’s Reading Frenzy – special events, and more.

And here’s a graphic created by Daiva Chesonis of Between the Covers Bookstore, which is producing the “Frenzy.”

Check out Mountainfilm website for more. 

A limited number of Palmyra passes are still available. Buy a Festival pass here now. Remember to check the Festival Alerts page and download our festival app for up to date schedule changes and TBA information.

Local celebrity Mitchell Key, aka, The Mishky is an emcee and featured presenter at Mountainfilm 2017. On Friday, Mishky is leading a stargazing happening. That takes place at Station St. Sophia, Friday, May 26, 9:45 p.m. His other talk is scheduled for Saturday, May 27, 9:15 p.m. at the Off-Width (Black Box at the Palm); Sunday, same venue, 4:15 p.m. and 7 p.m., then again on Monday, May 29, 9:30 a.m. and 11: 30 a.m.

“We’re all in this together, so let’s have a good time,” Mishky, summing up his philosophy of life in an interview back in 2002.

Scroll down to listen to Mishky’s podcast.

The Mishky, by Merrick Chase shot at Mountainfilm.

We know them as Oprah, Bono, Gaga, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Ludacris.

But anyone who goes by a first name only better be good.

In Telluride Theatre’s production of “Urinetown” in 2014, he played Officer Lockstock, the show’s smart-alecky patriarch, delivering his comedic lines, brows V-ed, in his big, booming voice and a style so droll, so arch you could easily drive a double decker bus through each.

In Colin Sullivan’s adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” he starred as Oberon. In our review, we wrote:

“Real life. On stage. Makes no never mind. He enjoys being the center of attention regardless of place or occasion. And through bone-dry wit and spot-on timing, he always manages to get his way…”

Meet The Mishky (aka, Mitchell Key).

Did you know that the smell of citrus can reduce stress?

That the beaver is the national emblem of Canada?

Or that Lady Gaga’s real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta?

Among his many talents, Mishky is a trivia buff.

Every Monday night, you will find him at the Cornerhouse entertaining (and deviling) his crowd with fun facts.

Mishky, a self-described, aspiring astronaut and cult leader, has spent the last 20 years in Telluride trying to do every job in town at least once. On occasion, he drove the Galloping Goose bus. From emceeing the Ride Festival to driving 4X4 tours over Imogene pass, Mishky is never one to shy away from adventure or a challenge.

Over Memorial weekend, at Mountainfilm 2017, Mishky will be telling the tale about how he skipped town and took off to Iceland last year while on a 10-month tour of the U.S. for Weber, teaching people how to grill. It is a true story of ultimate hooky, high adventure, and, well, hi jinx. (After all, it’s Mishky.)

Friday night, May 26, Mishky will be giving laser-guided tours of the galaxy from the top of the gondola, stargazing with the planetary scientists of The Farthest.

And if you want more Mishky, he is theater emcee at both the Sheridan Opera House and the Off-Width (aka the new Black Box theatre at The Palm.)

To learn more about The Mishky, click the “play” button and listen to his podcast.

Mishky & Telluride, the down low:

Mishky & friend. Image, Merrick Chase, shot at Mountainfilm opening party 2016.

Instead of Y2K, at the dawn of the new millennium, Telluride got Mishky.

While teaching astronomy, a life-long passion, (because, as a kid, it gave him an excuse to stay up late at night) at a YMCA summer camp in Michigan, a friend told him about Telluride, saying “Man, you’re goining to like that place. It’s like summer camp all year ‘round.”

After a time in Seattle with his friend Thrax and lots more hitchhiking adventures, Mishky made the move to town Thanksgiving 2000, starting life anew as the doorman at the dearly departed Fly Me to the Moon Saloon.

For the record, after years on the road doing odd jobs – but almost always working as a counselor – and meeting lots of people, Mishky now claims to have three horses, an iguana, 80 dogs, 100 cats, and a goldfish named after him. Oh yes, also a hamster in South Bend.

And what Mishky is proudest of? “Being who I am in spite of it all.”