Thursday, March 31, 2011

Full Frame Documentary Festival

Spring is here and that means the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is happening in Durham. This is one of my favorite events of the year. I love the films, but I also love seeing downtown Durham bustling with activity and people. This festival brings thousands of visitors to our city and showcases some brilliant filmmakers. Last year the festival sold over 27,000 tickets and featured over 100 films. The estimated economic impact on the city of Durham is nearly $2 million.

This year's thematic program is "One Foot in the Archives" and features several films that use archival video footage. The thematic program is being curated by archivist and filmmaker Rick Prelinger.

The festival even has their on iPhone App this year to help you keep track of all the goings on (sorry, no Android app).

Tickets go on sale at 7AM April 4 (that's Monday morning!). You can also, as always, get day-of tickets and last-minute tickets.

Should be a good festival!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Tap Project and Cabaret Weekend

Durhamites can look forward to taking a step back into the past, as this weekend we'll have not one, but two vintage style events. These just so happen to coincide with the opening of Dolly's Vintage at 213 West Main Street - do your shopping before the weekend lands!


First off, on Friday at Motorco we have the third annual Triangle Tap Project Benefit Dance. Featuring an epic battle of the bands between two of the best swing bands in the Southeast: the Atomic Rhythm Allstars and the Russ Wilson Swingtet. This is probably the first battle of the bands featuring swing bands in Durham since the 40's. For those that would like to brush up their swing dancing skills, Joe Jackson of the Hot Club of Durham will be providing free beginners swing dance lessons before the bands start. If you're not tuckered out from all the dancing at Motorco, head over to the Trotter building for a late night dance session.

There's a $10 suggested donation at the door, but all funds raised go to the UNICEF Tap Project, UNICEF’s campaign to provide clean water and sanitation to children in developing countries. Dance lessons will be at 7pm, live music at 8pm, and late night dancing from 11:30pm till 3am.


Saturday, Cuban Revolution will be recreating the supper club atmosphere, with the help of Chifferobe Caberet and a bunch of local talent. Comedienne and chanteuse, Miss. Wensday, will be accompanied by pianist, Clark Stern, who has worked with many of the best artists in jazz and blues, including The Cab Calloway Orchestra. This is the first collaboration between the Providence-based femme fatale and Triangle Area-based musician. A bit of dancing and burlesque is on the menu, courtesy of Joe Jackson, Joei Reed, Meka La Crem, and Kristen Minsky.

The doors will open at 9pm, with the show starting at 10pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Vintage attire is encouraged and really helps to set the mood for the evening. I must say that Miss. Minsky has treated me to Chifferobe shows in the past and they were all real swell.

So, don your favorite fedora or prized pearls and head out on the town for some quality dancing and entertainment. Stay classy Durham!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

To Paddy or Not To Paddy

With St. Patrick's Day falling on a weekday this year, it seems like we've been seeing green all week. Whether you'd like to be Irish for the day, or if you are allergic to Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 5, there are places to find like minded folk.

*To Paddy*

Paddy’s Irish Cover Band Party @ Casbah - Casbah has lined up three Irish cover bands, and will also have karaoke and a costume contest. 7pm doors, 8pm show, $10. Bands will be:
  • Thin Lizzy (by Decoration Ghost)
  • The Stiff Little Fingers (by The Bastages)
  • The Pogues (by the Magnolia Collective)
St. Patrick's Day @ Broad Street Cafe - Broad Street
will have a beer tasting from the Strangford Lough Brewing Company at 6pm, with the Irish Wolfhounds taking the stage at 8pm.

St. Patrick's at your Local Pub - Both the James Joyce and Bull McCabe's are sure to be packed tonight, with the Joyce hosting live bands, including Mixed Greenz, all day long.

*Not To Paddy*

Ain't Paddy's Day @ The Federal - The Fed will be celebrating the day Southern style, with Southern food, beer, and music. They are offering a pint of High Life and a shot of Mellow Corn whiskey for $5, and all NC drafts. They will also have an epic list of Southern food specials, including:
  • Country Fried Steak Burger with Pimento Cheese, Bread and Butter Pickles
  • Fried Chicken Liver Sliders with Maple Bacon - Shallot Marmalade
  • Pulled Pork Sandwich with Carolina BBQ and Savoy Cabbage Slaw
  • Cornmeal Crusted Catfish with Carolina Gold Rice Grits, Slow Cooked
  • Shrimp Burger with Old Bayo
have some non-themed drink specials, and will have a free cover charge if you are not wearing green. Along with a non-Irish DJ, Durham band Prisms will be performing a live psychedelic improvisational soundtrack to the cult classic El Topo from 10-11pm.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Fat Tuesday Durham

Helloooo Mardi Gras! This year, you don't have to go all the way to New Orleans to celebrate. We've featured three local Fat Tuesday fests; if you know of more, drop a comment!

Mardi Gras Party @ Papa Mojo's - What better place to go than Durham's own cajun roadhouse. They'll have two party rooms, four bands, a mask contest, face painting, caricatures and an art gallery. They are also offering VIP admission, which includes a free drink, no lines to get in, VIP seating, and an after party with a midnight breakfast buffet. 6pm/$10 gen/$40 VIP. The band schedule will be:
  • 6:00 Bull Town Strutters
  • 7:00 Justin & Nikki
  • 8:00 E Train & the Rusted Rails
  • 9:30 Jim Quick & Coastline
Fat Freaking Tuesday @ Motorco - CROSSOVERDRIVE will be headlining with their funk, soul, rhythm and blues. Also featuring Joe Hall, Grass is Green, and Dirty Dishes in the Garage. Motorco will also be serving Red Beans & Rice, and have created a special "Motorcane" cocktail. 6pm/FREE.


Mardi Gras Dance & Costume Ball @ The Pinhook - This event combines Cajun dance lessons with music from a new local Cajun band. The party starts at 8pm with Cajun dance lessons taught by Jack and Sandra Wolf, then at 9pm the Shamu Garcon band takes the stage to play some high octane Cajun dance music! FREE.

Friday, March 4, 2011

The Weekend Has Landed - 3/4 Friday Night Features

"The Others" Pt. 2: Durham Crisis Response Center Benefit @ Motorco - A multi-genre music revue showcasing the talent of minorities, women, and LGBTQ performers. Proceeds will benefit the Durham Crisis Response Center, which works with the community to end domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education, support and prevention. 8pm/$10. Artists include:
Dance Music For Nerds @ The Pinhook - The theme will be "80's Prom Night," so keep those clothes loud and that hair large. They'll have a black backdrop for prom pictures, and vintage video games up on the big screen. $4 before 11pm, $5 after.

Pre-Mardi Gras Celebration w/ Skeedaddle @ Broad Street Cafe - Skeedaddle is an energetic six piece band playing Hawaiin, hokum, and viper tunes, with some special guests joining in for a few Cajun tunes. The dinner specials will be New Orleans inspired, so bring your beads and crazy hats to get in the spirit early! 8pm.
 
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