Friday, September 25, 2009

The Weekend Has Landed – September 25th

Running through Saturday will be the RTP World Series @ The DBAP, where companies face off in a softball tournament.

*Friday*

Live Music @ The MarVell – An all ages early show (starting a 4pm) featuring Phantom Fireworks, 8 Inch Betsy, Emily Pakes, and Raw Dog.

Durham’s 4th Annual Recovery Celebration Block Party – A festival with food, music, and entertainment and a message of addiction and substance abuse as a chronic disease that can be successfully treated. Durham Central Park, 4pm.

Bull City Cruise-In @ Chic-fil-a – From 6-9pm, the parking lot of the Roxboro Rd. Chic-fil-a will be filled with classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks and motorcycles.

Live Music @ Broad Street CaféLouis Ledford at 8pm, Soulless Dogs at 10pm.

James "Blood" Ulmer Trio & Cory Harris Quintet @ Reynolds Theater – Reggae and Blues on Duke’s campus, starts at 8pm.

Brian Regan @ The DPAC – Winner of the 1996 American Comedy Award for Best Comedian, Brian will be performing at 8pm.

At Home at the Zoo @ Common Ground – The play starts at 8pm.

The Italian Actress @ Manbites Dog – Show is at 8:15pm, check out our feature.

Benefit for the Durham Literacy Center @ Duke Coffeehouse – A one hour open mic, followed by sets from Kooley High, Inflowential, BPL, and perhaps a few guests. 9pm.

Live Music @ Papa Mojo’sToo Much Fun takes the stage at 9:30pm.

King and Jeff Dance Party @ The Pinhook - ERACISM: Celebrating the integration of schools on Sept. 25th, 1957 with some serious dance moves!

*Saturday*

Fall Plant & Craft Festival @ Duke Gardens – Guest vendors will be selling a variety of region appropriate plants, and local artisans will be selling garden related gift items. Durham County Master Gardeners will also be on hand to provide horticultural advice. 9am-2pm.

4th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair @ NC National Guard Armory – Featuring over 60 local artists and crafters, including potters, wood workers, jewelers, stain glass works, quilters, kids crafts and more. 9am-4pm.

Woofstock @ Durham Central Park – Demonstrations include flyball, agility, and the DPD K9 unit. There will also be live music, contests, and pet related vendors. Take your dog out for a night on the town!

NC Gay Pride Parade and Festival – There will be a parade, a day festival, and a night festival. Festivities go all day from 10am-5pm.

Brewery Tour @ Triangle Brewing Company – The fine folks at TBC just released their fall seasonal, an Abbey Dubbel. Give it a try for free at 1pm.

Sun Ra Arkestra and Mingus Big Band @ Page Auditorium – Sun Ra and the 14-piece Mingus Big Band will be performing at Duke at 7pm.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Benefit @ Broad Street Café – All proceeds will go to the Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run. It will feature raffles from local business, and performances by Louis Ledford at 8pm and Kenny Roby & Scott McCall at 10pm.

Takács Quartet @ Reynolds Theater – They will be performing the first of Beethoven’s middle quartets, preceded by late Haydn, and followed by mature Schumann. 8pm at Duke.

At Home at the Zoo @ Common Ground – The play starts at 8pm.

The Italian Actress @ Manbites Dog – Show is at 8:15pm, check out our feature.

Live Music @ Papa Mojo'sMel & the Wicked Mojos take the stage at 9:30pm.

Wedding @ The Pinhook - Dan Strieb and Satya get hitched! There will be cake. Live performances by Birds and Arrows at 10pm, The Wigg Report at 11pm, and Blood Red River at midnight.

*Sunday*

Old East Durham Open House Tour – Get more info over at Bull City Bungalow. Starts at 1pm.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The Durham Socialite Calendar [PSAs]

It has come to my attention that some of you Socialite readers may not be aware of the Durham Socialite Calendar. Allow me to explain:

In addition to writing about particular events on this site, we also attempt to keep a comprehensive list of all events in the area (including recurring events) that are related to the Durham social/entertainment scene. This list is in the form of a google calendar which you can view here (links also on the top right of the page). If you, like us, are a regular user of google calendar yourself, you can simply subscribe to our calendar by clicking Add to Google. Then, it'll show up in your list of calendars.

See an event that isn't on there? Well, we try hard, but sometimes we miss some. Simply shoot us an e-mail and we'll be happy to consider it.

The more you know!

Bull City Gridiron Classic


With NC Central University transitioning into Division I football this year, we will see our very own college football rivalry here in the Bull City. Duke and NCCU will be playing this Saturday, September 26.

There is an interesting article the the Independent Weekly that discusses the sometimes sordid past of the two schools and how the game is interesting because it is between "two schools that came to exemplify—rightly or wrongly—the class and racial chasm of a single town."

It is certainly sure to be an interesting game. As a lead-up to the event, tonight both schools are hosting the Bull City Football Fest at the Durham Athletic Park (that's the old Bulls park). It looks like a pretty good time:

Bull City Football Fest Schedule

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. DJs from WXDU and WKNC playing music

6:30 - 7:20 p.m. Pep rally featuring head coaches, football team captains, marching bands and cheerleaders

7:20 - 7:25 p.m. Proclamation by Durham Mayor Bill Bell

7:30 - 9:10 p.m. Performances by student groups from Duke and NCCU
Performances include: The Pitchforks (A cappella), DefMo (hip hop dance), Inside Joke (sketch comedy), Sabrosura (Latin dance) and Stop Motion (break dancing)

9:10 - 10:00 p.m. Concert by The Sammys

10:00 - 11:00 p.m. Concert by The Dickens

There will also be food by local Durham places like Bullocks BBQ and OnlyBurger. The website claims that tickets are available on goduke.com, but I can't find them, so I would suggest purchasing at the door. Tickets for the game on Saturday are still available at goduke.com.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Snuff Films


Okay, not really. Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern is performing The Italian Actress, a play by Jody McAuliffe based on the novel by Frank Lentricchia. The show opened last week at Manbites Dog Theater. Here is the lowdown:
A kinky meditation on our consuming fear of physical and spiritual decay, the story follows a video artist who attempts to reclaim his former glory by making the ultimate transgressive artwork: a snuff film. Oh, and he's platonically dating Italian sex symbol, Claudia Cardinale, with whom he experiences overwhelming performance anxiety. Like we said: kinky.
Don't like reading? Well, there's a artsy video preview of the thing too.

SHOWS:
Thur-Sun September 17-20, 2009
Wed-Sat September 23-26, 2009
Shows at 8:15 p.m. except Sunday September 20 at 3:15 p.m.

TICKETS (online here):
$17 Fri/Sat/Sun; $12 weeknights
$2 Discount for Senior (62+), Military, and Students with i.d.

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Weekend Has Landed - September 18th

Running all weekend long is the 36th Annual Durham CenterFest.

*Friday*

Today is Third Friday Durham. Decide which events to attend using our rundown as a guide.

Summer Concert Series @ Brightleaf – Little Windows takes the stage at 7pm.

Live Music @ Broad Street CaféMysti Mayhem at 8pm, Sweet Lady Craze at 10pm.

Yo La Tengo @ Carolina Theatre – Tickets start at $20 and the show starts at 8pm.

Live Music @ Duke CoffeehouseThe Sian Alice Group, with Polite Sleeper and Distrails. Show starts at 9pm.

Live Music @ Papa Mojo’sKiller Filler takes the stage at 9:30pm.

Live Music @ The PinhookDeath Came Down the Mountain at 11pm, HOG at midnight.

*Saturday*

Talk Like A Pirate Day @ Wine Authorities – Seth and Craig will be in costume, and will offer a special discount to any customer that is dressed or talking like a pirate.

Live Music @ The Hat LoungeThe Crossover Blues Band will play in the store from 4-6pm.

Movie in the Park @ Forest Hills Park – The featured movie will be Robots; food, snacks, and beverages will be available for purchase. 7:30pm.

Live Music @ Broad Street CaféRupert Wates at 8pm, Starlume at 10pm.

“An Evening of Improvisation” @ BCHQ - A monthly sonic and visual performance event featuring acoustic and electronic, analog and digital media manipulation. Featuring: Wave Pool (electronics), Khristian Weeks (electronics, autoharp), Small Life Form (feedback, objects), Andrew Weathers (guitar, laptop). All ages, $5 suggested donation.

Edward Albee’s “At Home at the Zoo” @ Common Ground Theatre – Tickets are $14, show starts at 8pm.

Irving Berlin’s I love A Piano @ Carolina Theatre – An off-Broadway musical where the proceeds will go towards buying a piano for the Carolina Theatre. Tickets start at $32, show starts at 8pm.

The Italian Actress @ Manbites Dog Theatre – Tickets are $17, show starts at 8:15pm.

Live Music @ Duke CoffeehouseThe Future Kings of Nowhere with Birds & Arrows. Price TBD, starts at 9pm.

Live Music @ Papa Mojo’sRebecca & The HiTones take the stage at 9:30pm.

Live Music @ The PinhookSea Cow at 10pm, The Jaguar Club at 11pm, The Huguenots at midnight.

*Sunday*

Edward Albee’s “At Home at the Zoo” @ Common Ground Theatre – 2pm matinee.

Wine Tasting: A Toast to the Harvest @ Duke Gardens – An array of wines and hors d’oeuvres in the gardens. 3-5pm. $10; $15 for couples. Pre-register at 668-1707.

The Italian Actress @ Manbites Dog Theatre – 3:15pm matinee.

Live Music @ Papa Mojo’sThe BOBS make a special appearance at 6pm.

Third Friday Rundown - September 18th

Journeys in Drumming @ CCB Plaza – Guest Host Braima Moiwai presents a drumming journey from West Africa to the Caribbean. 6-8pm.

Art from the Found World @ The Scrap Exchange - An exhibition of work by Walt Vonschonfeld, in the Green Gallery. 6-9pm.

Photography by Caryl Feldacker @ Durham Central Market Office – Carol’s photographs from her HIV prevention travels to India, Malawi and Vietnam will be on display. 6-9pm.

Image by Revere La Noue

Reception for Revere La Noue Exhibit @ Bull City Arts Collaborative – This exhibit will be “Artistic Interpretations of America's College Mascots.” 6-9pm.

Art Hanging @ Kung Fu Tattoo - Featuring the work of Fred Doyle and Niki Litts. Free food and beer from 7-10pm.

Bombed: Panels, Picks and Kicks @ Golden Belt – “Visual Activist” Franco will have his digital illustrations and paintings on display at LabourLove, while Sean Kernick, Matt Scofield, Victor Knight, III, and Greg Davis will bomb the walls with their graffiti. Members of break dance crews “Schizophrenic Octopus” and “Swoon Unit” will also be busting moves throughout the night. There will also be the opportunity to donate shoes to charity, and sample some homebrewed beer. 6-9pm.

Satch Hoyt: Meet the Artist @ Liberty Arts – Hoyt will be presenting the sculptures created during his residency with the Nasher Museum from 7-9pm.

Saba Barnard's "Free Music" @ Broad Street CaféSaba’s paintings are of skeletons that represent the human condition.

Photo by Jay O'Berski

The Italian Actress @ Manbites Dog Theater – It’s opening night for Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern’s presentation of “The Italian Actress.” 8:15-9:45pm.

The Art of Cerah @ Manbites Dog Theater – Drawings by Cerah will be on display in Manbites Dog’s Tiny Gallery before and after the showing of “The Italian Actress. 7-8:15pm and 9:45-10:30pm.

Cliffs (Empty) @ 715 – This is Ken Rumble’s interactive site and time specific work that involves the altered environment of the 715 Washington St. studio space, along with a musical and non-musical performance, which will exist from 7:30-10pm.

Friday, September 11, 2009

The Weekend Has Landed - September 11th

*Friday*

Summer Concert Series @ Brightleaf - Crush takes the stage at 7pm.

Edward Albee’s "At Home at the Zoo" @ Common Ground - It's opening night for the Triangle premier of Edward Albee's "At Home at the Zoo." Presented by Ghost & Spice Productions, they describe it as:
Darkly comic, fascinating, gut wrenching. This riveting full-length play pairs Edward Albee’s landmark 1958 play, The Zoo Story, with its recently penned prequel, Homelife. At Home at the Zoo examines a deliciously revealing and nuanced relationship between a husband and wife, then catapults the husband into a life-changing encounter with a desperate outcast. It demonstrates why Edward Albee continues to be one of our greatest living dramatists.
They are also encouraging that you make it dinner and a show, as they have worked out a deal with blu Seafood & Bar where if you mention the show, you get 10% off your meal. Then if you mention the dinner, you get $2 off the ticket price. "At Home at the Zoo" runs from September 11-20, with most shows starting at 8pm.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Wylie Hunter at 8pm, Jacob's Ladder at 10pm.

Tooth CD Release Party @ Duke Coffeehouse - The festivities kick off at 9pm to celebrate Tooth's final album, along with their final show. They will be accompanied by Grappling Hook and Curtains of the Night.

Live Music @ Papa Mojo's - Wheels of Fire goes on at 9:30pm.

Ricky and Joe Dance Party @ The Pinhook - The party theme is "When I Grow Up," and party-goers are encouraged to arrive in costume of their childhood dream job. The fun starts at 10pm.

*Saturday*

TROSA Mega Yard Sale - Bull City Rising wrote up a great article on this event.

Bird Walk @ Duke Gardens - Cynthia Fox of Chapel Hill's Wild Bird Center will be leading a bird walk from 8-10am.

Harvest and Hornworm Festival @ Duke Homestead - Costumed interpreters will be demonstrating tobacco harvesting, stringing, and curing. In the afternoon, they will hold the only tobacco auction left in Durham, and will run the 3rd Annual Duke Homestead Hornworm Race. The event goes from 10-4 pm.

Heroes, Villians, and Special Effects @ NCMLS - The North Carolina Museum of Life and Scienc takes a look at the science of the movie and entertainment industry. You can meet Star Wars characters, and learn some trade secrets of film making, including stunts and fight choreography, voiceovers and sound effects. Several of Hollywood's experts will be there in person to help share their craft. 10–5pm.

Hawaiian Luau @ Edison Johnson Rec Center - The Durham Parks & Rec sponsored event goes from 4-6pm.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Erin Brown at 8pm, 8 Eyes at 9:30pm, Flava at 10pm.

New Baroque Ensemble @ Reynolds Theater - An all Mozart program played on period instruments, starts at 8pm.

Live Music @ Duke Coffeehouse - The Daredevil Christopher Wright, with Tender Fruit, starts at 9pm.

Harmonica Showdown x 4 @ Papa Mojo's - Four blues harmonica players on the same stage -- RJ Mischo, Johnny Sansone, Mel Melton, and Li’l Ronnie Owens. Starts at 9:30pm.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - Velee at 10pm, Gross Ghost at 11pm, All Your Science at midnight.

Breakfast Club Dance Party @ Six Plates - DJ Dae will be playing songs from your favorite 80's soundtrack, and you are encouraged to dress in 80's attire. The best costume will be awarded with a prize!

*Sunday*

Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show @ Marriott Convention Center - If you are a bride to be, this is the place to be.

Movies in the Park - “Musical Mix-up" @ Durham Central Park - Durham Cinematheque presents a mix up of musical numbers, comedy bits, tragedy, and even some Hollywood history. There may even be some live music to accompany! This is a free event that starts as soon as it gets dark.

Weekend Triangle Theater Roundup


The folks behind Manbites Dog Theater have started a theater blog called The Upstager. The content focuses largely on shows at Manbites Dog, but every week they are doing a wonderful Weekend Theater roundup. Check out this week's roundup here, some highlights:

The Last Cargo Cult – Solo performer/master storyteller Mike Daisey brings his newest work to the Triangle. A must-see theater event. More details here. Opens Wednesday September 16; continues through September 20. Playmakers Repertory Company, Chapel Hill.
www.playmakersrep.org/

Laundry & Bourbon – James McLure’s comedy, staged by Justice Theater Project. This weekend’s shows: Friday and Saturday 8:00, Sunday at 2:00. Continues through September 27. St. Mary’s School, Raleigh.
www.thejusticetheaterproject.org

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Wine Authorities Turns Two!



Wine Authorities is turning two this week, which means a sale and celebration for us all! This week through Friday close, they are holding a "bump" sale, where the discount for cases is upped a level, maxing out at a Just-in-Case for 25% off.

Tonight from 5-7pm will be their second birthday party, and after the huge success of last year's bash, they have taken steps to up their level of readiness. This year's shindig will feature:
  • Bubbly wine samples from a Frenchman & a Spaniard
  • Dolly Mama and her chocolates
  • Roseanne with Toni Biscotti
  • Counter Culture Coffee with Lem pouring the samples
  • Artisan Cupcake samples (our birthday cake)
  • The OnlyBurger truck will be set up selling burgers
  • Locopops will be there selling pops
  • Frank the balloon twister for the kids

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Beer Tasting and Ticket Sales @ Alivia's

Starting tonight at 6pm, Alivia's Durham Bistro will begin selling tickets to two marquee Durham events, the World Beer Festival and the Main Street Event block party. To celebrate, they are offering a special beer tasting that features selections from New Belgium Brewing, in addition to two special mystery beers! The tasting itself costs $12.


The Main Street Event will be a block party on October 3rd from 4-10pm, on West Main Street between Gregson and Morgan Streets. There will be three bands performing live: Destroy All Sweaters, Mixed Greenz and Hobex. Tickets are $5 before the event and $8 at the gate. Proceeds from beer sales will go to benefit Eno River Rugby and the RDU Chapter of AMBUCS, an organization that helps provide therapy and equipment for individuals with physical disabilities.

Friday, September 4, 2009

The Labor Day Weekend Has Landed - September 4th

*Friday*

Warehouse Blues Series @ West Village - Mudcat will play some blues from 6-8pm.

Music on the Lawn @ Ambacco - The last performance of the 2009 concert series, Jon Shain Trio will play from 6-8pm.

Summer Concert Series @ Brightleaf - Johnny White & The Elite will take the stage at 7pm.

Live Music @ The MarVell - The doors open at 8pm with a $3 cover, and the show starts at 9pm where the cover jumps to $4. Featuring Locked on Target, Shoot First, and Wanko Honcho.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Tony Bonar and friends perform at 8pm.

Transactors Improv Presents: City of Medicine @ Common Ground - From the Common Ground website:
Join us for our third season of this completely improvised serial medical drama. Inspired by "Grey’s Anatomy" and "E.R.", this real-life drama is set at Bull City Medical Center, Durham’s finest teaching hospital. Each show the cast is joined by a special guest who is either saved or killed by our doctors. Don’t miss a single episode! City of Medicine: Where who you heal is not nearly as important as whose heart you steal!
Live Music @ Papa Mojo's - The Swang Brothers take the stage at 9:30pm.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - Bicameral Mind at 10pm, Savage Knights at 11pm, Le Weekend at midnight.

*Saturday*

Brewery Tour @ Triangle Brewing Company - Come learn how beer is made, and sample some of their tasty brews at 1pm.

Durham Bulls vs. Norfolk Tides - First pitch at 7:05pm.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Jo Gore and the Alternative at 8pm, Trees on Fire at 10pm.

Marvel-ous Evening
@ The Pinhook - A charity fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society featuring local bands, a silent talent auction and LIVE blind date auction! Featuring Death to Details at 8:30pm, Lions at Lunchtime at 9:30pm, and DurJam Band at 10:30pm.

Live Music @ Duke Coffeehouse - Featuring Throw Me The Statue, The Brunettes, and Nurses. Doors at 8:30pm, show starts at 9pm.

Live Music @ Papa Mojo's - Tad Walters takes the stage at 9:30pm.

*Sunday*

Durham Bulls vs. Norfolk Tides - First pitch at 5:05pm.

Live Music @ Duke Coffeehouse - Sleepy Sun with Strangers Family Band.

*Monday*

Durham Bulls vs. Norfolk Tides - It's the last game of the season for your Durham Bulls. First pitch is at 1:05pm.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Special Wednesday Tasting @ Wine Authorities

Wine Authorities will be hosting a free wine tasting this evening, featuring special guest Lydia Nastberger of Anton Bauer winery. From the Wine Authorities email list:
Meet Lydia from Anton Bauer winery all the way from Austria. At the store, live and in person, from 5 to 6:30 PM sampling Bauer wines. Free and open to the public for anyone 21+. Seth spent two days with Anton Bauer and Lydia in Austria earlier this year. You may have tried one or two of Tony's wines, but now you can taste a full line-up and hear the back story on every bottle.

Everyone who attends is welcome to enter to win a Magnum of Anton Bauer, Cuvée 12 2006. No purchase necessary. Must be 21.
If tasting all of that wine helped you to work up an appetite, there are plenty of fine Rockwood area dining establishments a short walk away, including Thai Cafe, Rockwood Filling Station, The Original Q Shack, and Nana's. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with Local Yogurt!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The Missoula Oblongata, Experimental Theatre @ BCHQ

This Wednesday at 8pm, the Bull City HQ / Durham Bike Co-op space will be transformed into a theatre venue. The Missoula Oblongata will be performing their fourth full-scale touring production, The 50 Greatest Ladies and Gentlemen.

Here's a description of the play from a previous stop on their tour:
The 50 Greatest Ladies and Gentlemen takes place just after the Treaty of Versailles. A veteran who is genetically predisposed to cowardice searches for his brother from whom he’s received a mysterious letter. When the veteran comes upon the town from whence the letter came, he finds that his brother (and the rest of the town) have been caught in a dance mania—a hysterical mass tarantism. With no one else around, the veteran befriends a spider—likely the one who is responsible for the tarantism, and together, they go up against the town doctor who believes that breakfast (and everything ordinary, for that matter) is beneath love.
And here is the company's mission statement from their website:
The Missoula Oblongata is an experimental theatre company dedicated to creating and touring original work. Our lights, sound, and sets are all homemade, transportable, and operated by the performers themselves. This allows us to perform in venues which are accessible—financially and geographically—to a larger population than the regional theatre system serves. We meet unlikely audiences in their neighborhoods, their parks, their favorite music venues, and their homes—and transform these spaces into temporary, anarchistic theaters.

It’s Wine for Change @ West End Wine Bar

H/t to Horse and Buggy Press, who posted this announcement from the Durham Bike & Ped listserv:
Hello fellow Durham cyclists and pedestrians,

I wanted to invite you guys to “It’s Wine for Change” a silent auction fundraiser this Thursday Sept 3, 5-8pm at the West End Wine Bar in Durham (601 W Main Street).

The event is raising money for Climate Ride 2009, a 300 mile bike ride from NYC to DC to promote renewable energy, climate change action and cycling as a viable method of transportation. Tickets are $7 pre-sale, $10 at door and include a glass of wine, food and a raffle ticket. We’re hoping to get lots of locals, particularly people interested in climate change action and cycling, together and we’ve got some great items up for bid; local art, a rainbarrel, dinner/movie packages and some bike gear as well.

Email me directly if you’d like a pre-sale ticket, otherwise hope to see you there! Ride your bike there and get extra raffle tickets!

Keep walking/cycling and stay safe!
Gabrielle
Check it out when you get off work to help support a worthy cause and a local establishment, even if you have to drive to get there.
 
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