NASA Bound

My original concept for this blog was to feature all the fun and cool things to do in the Raleigh area, especially those that benefit charities or are not very expensive.  This week for instance you will have to choose between two of my favorite special events:  Drag Bingo and The Carolina Rollergirls.  (See their links below for more information).

I have been spared the agony of choosing between the two events, however, because I was selected by NASA (in a Twitter contest) to be an "Official Twitter-er" at the launch of the next Space Shuttle, STS-132.  This is an amazing opportunity and one that I am looking forward to with great anticipation.  The launch is scheduled for 2:19 pm on Friday, May 14th. The weather looks good right now so launch is on schedule.  I will be participating in a pre-launch "TweetUp" that involves special programming and tours so expect lots of interesting reports from the Kennedy Space Center.  We will be located with the international press so look for me!  I'll be in the red polo shirt!

Drag Bingo

Carolina Rollergirls

Movies by Moonlight

The summer Movies by Moonlight schedule for the Koka Booth Amphitheater has been released and what a great line up for this summer! I can already tell that I will be wishing for no rain every Thursday to make sure I won't miss a film. The great thing about the summer film series is that the Koka Booth Amphitheater allows you to bring in coolers so you can bring a picnic with the beverage of your choice. The cost is only $3.00 person and kids 12 and under are free. The gates open at 7:00pm and the movies start at dusk (~8:30pm).

• June 3rd - - Sherlock Holmes - PG-13
• June 10th - The Blind Side - PG 13
• June 17th - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - PG
• June 24th - Casablanca - NR
• July 1st - Christmas Vacation (National Lampoon) - PG 13
• July 8th - Dirty Dancing - PG -13
• July 15th - Couples Retreat - PG 13
• July 22nd - The Sting - PG
• July 29th - 2012 - PG 13
• August 5th - Taming of the Shrew - PG
• August 12 - New Moon - PG 13
• August 19th - How to Train Your Dragon - PG

These Cats Play Some Mean Jazz

This Friday night you can experience some of the hottest jazz around...around 90 years old that is. The Atomic Rhythm All All Stars, who celebrate hot jazz of the 1920's and 30's, are playing at the Music on the Porch series at Seaboard Station. The event runs from 6:00 to 9:00pm and is free and open to the public.

Be prepared to dance!

Event info - http://www.MusicOnThePorch.com
Band info - http://www.atomicrhythmbigband.com

Bulls+Duke B-Ball = FUN!

It is opening weekend for the 2009 National Champion Durham Bulls!  Finally!  This is one of the best entertainment deals in the Triangle and full of fun, special events.  I am cribbing the rest of my copy from the Durham Bulls e-Newsletter because I want to get it all correct. This weekend you will get to cheer our National Minor League Champs along side our National Basketball Champions, The Duke Blue Devils.  Plus there will be fireworks on Friday.  Get your seats now!

Opening Weekend honors National Champion Bulls, Blue Devils Blue Devil Basketball Team to appear at Thursday Night Celebration Durham Bulls vs Norfolk Tides, Thursday-Sunday Thursday, April 15, 7:05pm - Opening Night Presented by the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce Opening Night - an American tradition.  The Durham Bulls open the 2010 baseball season with $1 Sabrett hot dogs, french fries and popcorn.  Bring your family and friends to celebrate the official start of baseball season in the Triangle.  JUST ANNOUNCED - the 2010 National Champion Duke Basketball team will be on hand for the big game on Thursday.  Duke seniors Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek will throw out the first pitches and the entire team will be honored during the third inning.  The Blue Devils' National Championship Trophy will be on display and available for photos with fans. Friday, April 16, 7:05pm - First Fireowrks Night of 2010The first Fireworks night of the 2010 baseball season.  Come out and enjoy the beautiful weather and new food and beverage selections at the ballpark.  In addition to the new Carolina Brewery stand serving our very own Bullpen Pale Ale, you'll find Jersey Mike's great subs, Ricky's NY Pizza and Rita's - serving Ice, Custard, Happiness.  Get Seats

The Ethnographers at The Brewery

Helping a young Indy band find an audience is a pleasure when it is a band as polished and fun as The Ethnographers. (Full disclosure: my niece is one of the singers). They have a great sound on their CD. They have complex harmonies and an interesting sound that is both unique and familiar. They will be performing at The Brewery on Monday, March 29th at 7:30pm. The Brewery is located at 3009 Hillsborough St. in Raleigh, NC.

The War of Northern Aggression---Again

This weekend the War between the States is reenacted in honor of the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville. This is a rare chance to see the largest reenactment of the largest battle fought in North Carolina.

There will be tickets available on site at the Visitor's Center. Prices are $10 for Adults, $5.00 for children aged 7-12 and children 6 and under are free. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes as you will need to walk 1/2 mile to view the battle.The 145th anniversary reenactment at this State Historic Site will be March 20-21, 2010. The event runs rain or shine.

Get Your Irish On!

This is the week when everyone is Irish and there are plenty of opportunities to show the "wearin' o the green". Here are just a few of the great bands playing in the area this week.

The Ghosts of Erin: Tra-Li Irish Pub

Wednesday, March 17th

A favorite Irish band of the Triangle pub set, The Ghosts of Erin a locally based with traditional Irish in their blood.
Click here for more info

Music from noon to 2:00am: Tir-Na-Nog

Wednesday, March 17th

Gerry McCrudden

The Irish Wolfhounds with The Belfast Boys

Mitch Ferguson

Tir-Na-Nog Session Players

Wake County Pipes & Drums

PLUS  w/ I Was Totally Destroying U2 (U2 Tribute band)
Click here for more info

Battlefield Band: The Arts Center of Carrboro

Thursday, March 18: Named after the Glasgow suburb of Battlefield, where the group was formed nearly 30 years ago, Battlefield Band helped create and fuel, the great revival in Scottish music.  When Mike Katz’s mighty bagpipes kick in, you’ll feel a mighty rush of power sweep through the Earl & Rhoda Wynn Theater. 

Click here for more info.

Solas: The ArtsCenter of Carrboro

Friday, March 19: Seamus Egan and Solas make mind-blowing Irish folk music, maybe the world’s best” –The Philadelphia Inquirer.  Although Solas can play undiluted traditional Irish music as well as anyone alive or departed, they are always varying the mix of fire tested tradition and contemporary sensibility with an ease and naturalness that is as astonishing as their overwhelming musicianship.  .  www.solasmusic.com. 

Click here for more info.

Two Dollar Tuesdays at The Alley

Having fun with friends is even more fun when you can do it on the cheap. I heartily recommend getting a gang together and heading over to The Alley (formerly known as Western Lanes) on Tuesday nights for $2 Tuesdays. Games and beers are $2.00 each. The grill is delicious too so plan on getting sliders, cheese fries or a Ruben. Plus check out the beer list:

New Belgium - Mothership Wit

New Belgium - Hoptober

Magic Hat - #9

New Castle

Stella Artois

Sierra Nevada

Sam Adams - Octoberfest

Bad Penny

Blue Moon

Widmer - Hefenweisen

Breckenridge - Oatmeal Stout

Fat Tire

Angry Angel

See you at The Alley!

The Alley
(919) 832-3533
2512 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC27607

The Alley

Janet's Fun List for week of Feb 15, 2010

Check out these events for the week of February 15th:

• The Seafarers - Burning Coal Theatre
• The Ethnographers - Free Concert!
• Red Riding Hood Alert! Let's Go "Into the Woods" 
• The Princess Bride - Part of Cool Classics 

The Seafarers - Burning Coal Theatre

Burning Coal Theatre presents:

The Seafarer

On Christmas Eve, the boys have gathered at Sharky's place for their weekly poker game. But one of them has brought a stranger into their midst. And there will be Hell to pay.

February 4 - 21, 2010

Valentine's Day Party & Raffle

Come see our production of Conor McPherson's beautiful Irish play "The Seafarer" and stay after for a big Valentine's Day Party on the set of the play.

Venue for All Shows

Meymandi Theatre at the Murphey School

Show Times

Thursday-Saturday  7:30pm
Sunday  2:00pm

Tickets 

Regular  $20
Discount*  $15
Thursdays  $10
Group* (per person)  $12
Student Rush* $5

The Ethnographers - Free Concert!

Join the cool kids next week for a free concert at The Pour House featuring three up and coming bands. Nova Stella, Gossip Grows on Trees and The Ethnographers. (Full disclosure - I am proudly related to a singer in the band).

The Ethnographers are a great little band with a new CD release. The doors open at 8:00pm and the first show starts at 9:00pm. Don't be late!

http://www.myspace.com/theethnographers

Red Riding Hood Alert! Let's Go "Into the Woods"

NC State's Theater department is presenting one of Stephen Sondheim's most delightful musicals, "Into the Woods". Featuring fairy tale characters and a twisted story starring the most classic fairly tale characters in a way we don't quite remember. Tickets are only $15 so get "Into the Woods" - I am sure you'll survive - but maybe not with your funny bone intact. 

 

University Theatre presents Into the Woods

Book by James Lapine
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Cockeyed characters in a fractured fairy tale, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, delight audiences in this favorite musical. The Baker and his Wife are cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door. Breaking the spell requires embarking on a quest for special objects, and by the end of Act One, we’ve met Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Prince Charming, Rapunzel and Jack of the Beanstalk, but not like we remember them from our childhood. At the end of Act One, wishes have been granted, but Act Two brings the consequences of their actions.

“What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of “The Princess Bride” becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. (MTI)

By special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Wednesday-Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 3 pm

www.ncsu.edu/arts

Ticket Central 515-1100

http://www.ncsu.edu/theatre/0910/intothewoods/index.html

The Princess Bride - Part of Cool Classics

A great film, memorized by all but fun to see on the big screen.  If you have any energy after seeing The Ethnographers on Tuesday, then how about a $5 movie on Wednesday?

COOL CLASSICS AT THE COLONY - each show is only $5.00

THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987)
Wednesday, February 17th 8pm

RATING: PG. Starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Robin Wright, André the Giant, Wallace Shawn, and Peter Falk A young boy listens to while his grandfather reads him the adventures of Buttercup (Wright), the most beautiful woman in the world, and Westley (Elwes), the man she loves, in the fairy-tale kingdom of Florin. 98 min.

This film is number 50 on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies" and number 88 on The American Film Institute's (AFI) "AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions" listing the 100 greatest film love stories of all time.

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/raleighmovies/calendar/12531613/

Erol Josué, the Prince of Haitian Roots Music

Pilgrimage: A Haitian Benefit Concert
featuring
Erol Josué, the Prince of Haitian Roots Music

Saturday, February 6
8 pm, Baldwin Auditorium, Duke University

Composer, choreographer and Haitian Vodou priest Erol Josué comes to
Durham for a special benefit concert. (Erol Josué): "This performance of
song, drumming and dance is meant to support Haiti in the wake of the
earthquake. We take this road in order to sing our country, to embark on a
new pilgrimage, and gather together as we seek to change the destiny of
our country." (The New York Times): "Josué engages in what he calls
"electro-vodou," which means juxtaposing voodoo-ritual chants with
synthesizer tones, overdriven thumb-piano riffs, Afro-funk guitar rhythm,
echoey textures."

The performance will feature Josué accompanied by musicians from New York
and Miami.

This is a free concert. A $10 donation is requested. Donation/tickets at
http://www.tickets.duke.edu
All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross relief efforts to help
provide immediate assistance to those affected by this tragedy. *

Here are links to more about Pilgrimage:

In the Duke Chronicle:
http://dukechronicle.com/article/other-prince-haiti-comes-duke

Durham Magazine:
http://www.durhammag.com/blog/2010/2/5/pilgrimage-haiti-benefit-concert.html
Benefit concert blog:
http://blogs-dev.oit.duke.edu/globalfrance/2010/01/28/benefit-for-haiti-february-6th/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=292379564458&ref=mf
Erol Josué: http://www.cyclopsmultimedia.com/complex/erol/index.html
Duke University Haiti website: http://www.duke.edu/haiti
Sponsored by Duke University Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts, Duke
University Office of Academic Affairs, Department of Cultural
Anthropology, Department of Music, International Comparative Studies
Program, Center for French and Francophone Studies, Duke Engage, Duke
University Haitian Students Alliance, Duke University Stores, Duke
University Box Office, and with additional support from Poster Guys, Whole
Foods, The Independent Weekly.

*Flex ticket/donations go to Duke University Haiti Relief fund.

"As You Like It" - and I do like it

"All the world's a stage..." Those famous words written by William Shakespeare and spoken countless times will again be heard, this time at the Center Stage of NC State. Performed by a popular touring theater, Aquila, they will perform both "As You Like It" on February 3rd and "An Enemy of the People" by Henrik Ibsen on February 4th.

To quote the NC State website "The second performance is a thrilling new production of Ibsen’s classic play, an influential work that has generated many adaptations, including Arthur Miller's 1950 film adaptation, An Enemy of the People, and Steven Spielberg's legendary film, Jaws."

Tickets are $28 & $24 for each show. The $24 seats are just as good as the $28 so save a little money and go to both shows!

Click here to download a PDF of the concert playbill.

As You Like It: Pre-show discussion with a member of Aquila Theatre Company,

6:45pm, Talley Student Center Ballroom.

An Enemy of the People: Pre-show discussion with Dr. Anita Kerr, who teaches literature in the NC State Department of English. 6:45pm, Walnut Room.

Snow & Hulu

It is snowing in Raleigh which means the whole world has come to a complete stop. YEAH! The best thing to do now is to play! If you like the snow - get out there and make a snow woman, snow angel or snow fight.

The alternative plan (which is my plan) is to sit on the sofa, update blogs, read e-mail, play on Facebook and watch all the new shows I never heard of on Hulu. Watching "Human Target" right now. 

Go - have fun - do nothing.

Flintstones Bowling for Vitamins

Dress in your best "cave man or cave woman" attire (or just leopard skin) and join the Flintstones Bowling Party to help children in Moldova - (its a real country in Eastern Europe). A local group of dentists and dental hygienists are traveling to Eastern Europe to provide free dental care. To support their mission we are gathering together to donate children's vitamins (or the cost of of a bottle of vitamins). In true Fred and Barney fashion we will gather at the Western Bowling Lanes on Hillsborough St on Tuesday, February 9th for $2.00 beer and $2.00 frames of bowling at 7:00pm. Don't bowl? Just come and hang out!

Waltzing (No Matilda)

The strains of a Viennese waltz, long flowing dresses and the feel of another time and place. The Duke University Wind Ensemble invites you to a 36 year tradition beloved by vintage dancers. The annual Viennese Ball will be held on Friday, February 19th from 7:00pm to Midnight at the Durham Armory at 222 Foster Street in Downtown Durham (across from the Carolina Theater and the Marriott).

Tickets are just $12.00. Check the link below for more information. I hope they have dance cards!

http://www.duke.edu/web/windsymphony/ball.html

Nothing Rhymes with Woman

Friday night brings a great rock band back to the Triangle. Carbon Leaf is a great band whose latest album title is philosophical as well as funny; "Nothing Rhymes with Woman". This 10 year old band is still waiting for their big break but the benefit for us is $14 tickets (in advance). $17 at the door. The band is playing at the Lincoln Theater this Friday night. Doors open at 8:00pm and the show starts at 9:00pm with opening band "Knock Out Roses".

http://carbonleaf.ning.com/