Life is a Banquet

NASA Bound

2010-05-11T14:12:00.000-04:00

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

2010-04-28T22:41:00.000-04:00

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

2010-04-28T21:35:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-04-13T14:47:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-28T22:45:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-16T21:48:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-03-14T12:49:00.002-04:00

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

2010-03-07T14:57:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

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

The Seafarers - Burning Coal Theatre

2010-02-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-02-13T15:45:00.000-05:00

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"

2010-02-12T21:07:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-06T22:46:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-05T15:35:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-01T10:21:00.000-05:00

"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

2010-01-30T14:38:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-14T23:33:00.002-05:00

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)

2010-01-14T23:17:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

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/

New Year's Eve - The Clockwork Ball

2009-12-28T20:48:00.000-05:00

Now here's a unique way to spend New Year's Eve if you like to dress in costume, love all things Victorian/Edwardian and think Jules Verne is the bomb! The Davenport Sisters, two of the most fun club DJ's in the Triangle and who host a radio show (WCOM 103.5 LP-FM Carrboro/Chapel Hill) are hosting a Steampunk New Year's Eve celebration at Mansion 462 on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill featuring a live performance by Dexter Romweber & the New Romans. Jazz, Blues, Swing, Dark Cabaret, Gypsy Punk, & Dance music from times gone by or times that never were.
Music begins at 10pm
Admission: 18+, 21+ to Drink;
$10 without mask, $5 with mask
Appropriate Attire is Encouraged
MANSION 462
462 West Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
http://www.mansion462.com
For more information:
http://www.clockworkcabaret.com

http://tinyurl.com/ClockworkBall

New Year's Eve - Black & White Ball

2009-12-25T15:38:00.000-05:00

Dance fans, here's an event for you. The Carolina Dance club is hosting the Black and White Ball for New Year's Eve. It is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event so you can dance all night in your black and white finest. No partner is necessary although last year we had a group of 10 folks and it was lots of fun. Admission includes a party favor, yummy desserts and a (non-alcoholic) toast at midnight. The Black and White Ball is being held at Temple Beth-Or 5315 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC (1/2 north of Crabtree Valley Mall). The doors open at 7:15PM and there is a free Swing lesson at 7:30pm. Social dancing from 8:30pm to 12:45am. This is a benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Admission is $18.00 but get your tickets as soon a possible as it may sell out.

For details and tickets and details: http://www.musicanddance.com/cdc/special.html

New Year's Eve - First Night

2009-12-24T19:26:00.000-05:00

There are so many choices for ways to spend New Year's Eve in Raleigh. The best $9.00 value in town is First Night Raleigh. It is a grand celebration of music, art and community that lights up downtown Raleigh. There are dozens of musical performances throughout downtown from Blues to Country to Classical. There are also comedy performances, Shakespeare and Magic shows. Coupled with all the amazing music is Artsplosure - a fantastic arts festival featuring over 170 artists. Watch the weather forecast and be sure to bundle up if its cold or carry an umbrella because you won't want to miss a moment.
Tickets are discounted through December 30th so buy your pin early.

http://www.firstnightraleigh.com/home.html

Found Some Found Art

2009-12-22T16:27:00.000-05:00

If you don't know what Found Art is; its the ultimate in recycling. Taking "one man's junk" and making it "another man's treasure". Found art was the foundation of my holiday giving this year as I re-purposed old hats, swimsuits and jewelry into cool and useful presents. And they got rave reviews too!
Coming up January 9th the North Carolina Museum of Art is not letting being closed stop them from some interesting programming. They will host a free event at the Cameron Village Public Library at 2:00pm, The Art Hour: Found Objects. While it is a program for kids, I find those events targeted to children to be very engaging and inspiring. Registration is required. Click the link below for more information.
After their event, head off to the Scrap Exchange in Durham for more "junk to treasure"!
http://ncartmuseum.org/interim/events.php

Carolina Rollergirls are loved!

2009-12-22T14:46:00.000-05:00

I love the Carolina Rollergirls. They are sassy, fun and marvelous athletes who know how to show thousands a good time. Check out the fans choice award winners while we wait for the 2010 season to begin. See you at Dorton Arena!

http://carolinarollergirls.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/fans-choice-winners/

Plus you can tryout to be a roller girl in just a couple of weeks. I don't have the knees for it (although probably the hips) but you might! Strap on those skates and get in shape! Tryouts are Saturday, January 9th at the Skate Ranch in Raleigh.

http://carolinarollergirls.com/events.htm

Gone With The Wind -In more ways than one!

2009-12-17T12:55:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel sorry for the newer generations who are stuffed full of sensory experiences all day long from multiple sources of input. I specially feel sorry for those who have never had the experience of waiting all week to "go to the movies" on Saturday and see a big screen, grand Hollywood production of a cinema classic. Now let's be clear, "Gone with the Wind" was my parent's movie experience (or even their parents first run experience) but in my small town with just one screen (the fabulous IOKA Theater) it was a BIG DEAL to see a movie like "Gone with the Wind", Dr. Zhivago" or "Lawrence of Arabia" - with an intermission with beautiful soundtrack playing.

So here is your chance. Go to the Carolina Theatre's EXCLUSIVE 70th Anniversary presentation of "Gone with the Wind".

The last showing is December 23, 2009 and there are weekend matinees.

Tickets are $8.00 ($6.20 for matinees). Shows are at 7:30pm and weekends at 2:30pm & 7:30pm

The web site is below and remember "Frankly Scarlett, I don't give a damn" (The first movie swear word approved by the censors! Blame it on Rhett!)

http://www.carolinatheatre.org/onscreen/

Nuts for Squirrel Nut Zippers

2009-12-12T17:55:00.000-05:00

Plan ahead music lovers! Next Friday night the Squirrel Nut Zippers are taking the stage again in Raleigh at the Lincoln Theater. The opening acts are Sol Driven Train and The Neverhads.

Friday, December 18th

Doors open at 8:00pm and show starts at 9:00pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 day of the show.

http://www.lincolntheatre.com/schedule.htm
http://www.snzippers.com/
http://www.soldriventrain.com/

Destroy All Sweaters

2009-12-12T16:09:00.001-05:00

There is an amazing amount of high quality music in the Triangle area. We are fortunate to have a large number of bars, concert halls, university arts groups and professional and amateur performers and theaters. So - You are NEVER allowed to say in my presence "There's nothing to do". No whining about being bored with the same old-same old. Go online and see what's up! Read this blog. Pick up The Independent - an amazing newspaper that needs your support. So break out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Tonight, I will step out of my musical comfort zone (just because I am not familiar with the band) and am attending a concert of a "Weezer" cover band recommended by friends. "Destroy All Sweaters" is playing at The Pour House tonight at 9:30. Come on out!

http://www.the-pour-house.com/

222 S. Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

"Arrgggh, matey! Prepare to be boarded"

2009-12-05T12:34:00.000-05:00

A celebration of all things Pirate is going on at the North Carolina Museum of History. "Knights of the Black Flag" is a wonderful exhibit and it will be ending January 3, 2010 so time is running out to see it. On Wednesday, December 16th the NC History Museum will join forces with the NC Museum of Art (closed until spring while they finish their new construction) for a Yo! Ho! Ho! Holiday Event. The party runs from 7:00pm - 9:30pm. The ticket price includes two drink tickets and admission to the exhibit. For more information click or copy the links below.

http://ncartmuseum.org/interim/events.php#yo

http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/wgo/Programs.html

"And bells on her toes"

2009-11-30T22:19:00.000-05:00

I attended the Jingle Ball last year and had a blast. My gang of guys and gals all appreciated an evening to dress up that did not cost a fortune and we all had fun. Admission was just a $20 child's toy (new & unwrapped) and boy was it worth it. Fabu food from Rocky Top Hospitality, a band with a wild spirit and lots of pretty, pretty dresses. It was so nice to see lots of folks having fun and it looks like there were lots of groups of people attending.

Here's the scoop (thanks to the Downtown Raleigh Alliance for the info):

16TH ANNUAL JINGLE BALL

Location // Marbles Kids Museum & IMAX Theatre
Date // Thursday, December 10
Time // 6:30 pm-10:30 pm

The 2009 Jingle Ball presented by the Capital City Clauses is fast approaching! Admission to the event is an unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more, or cash/check in the amount of $30 at the door. All toys are donated to The Salvation Army of Wake County's Christmas Cheer Program.

Come enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres by Rocky Top Hospitality, open beer & wine bar, and live music by Doug Clark's Hot Nuts.

Shop til you Rock!

2009-11-30T14:36:00.000-05:00

How cool is this event? Rock music and holiday shopping. No droning elevator music lulling you into a shopping fuzz - you will get energized into a shopping frenzy at this event! The Rock & Shop Market supports both local bands and 65 local artisans so all your holiday purchasing is like giving to two people! Support your local artists!

THE 10TH ROCK & SHOP MARKET is at All Saints Chapel in Raleigh on Saturday, December 19th from 1:00-5:00pm. Entry is $3.00. Only Burger is providing edibles and the Aviation Brewing Co. is providing beer!

http://www.rockandshopmarket.com/
Directions to All Saints: http://www.allsaints1875.com/

"Crazy" Christmas

2009-11-29T21:16:00.000-05:00

Patsy Cline is one of the most enduring icons of country music. Her voice was haunting, her style ahead of its time and her tragic death in a 1963 plane crash solidified her legend. You can experience the music and persona of Patsy Cline at "Always...Patsy Cline" at Theatre In The Park, 107 Pullen Road, Raleigh. December 10-12 at 8pm and December 13th at 3pm. Tickets are $20. For more information hit the website: www.realtheatre.org

Light Up for Christmas

2009-11-29T20:36:00.000-05:00

Creating a Currier & Ives holiday spirit is easy if you plan to visit Historic Oakwood in Downtown Raleigh during the 38th annual Candlelight Historic Homes Tour. You can visit 13 beautiful historic homes on December 12th & 13th from 1-7pm. It is a perfect way to join with friends and enjoy a classic holiday tradition.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the tour. Check the website link for ticket ordering information. The tour is held rain or shine.

http://www.historicoakwood.org/candlelighttour2009.php

This is the South, right?

2009-11-28T22:46:00.001-05:00

I guess I can't complain as a transplanted Yankee but it looks like there will a white (or ice) Christmas in part of Downtown Raleigh. The Winterfest Celebration kicks off on Friday, December 4th with lots of music, crafts, Santa & Scrooge. It looks like something for everyone including a real ice skating rink. Look for Date & Skate nights every Thursday through January. Details on the grand opening celebration from the web site are below or follow the link.

LOCATION:
The AT&T Raleigh Winterfest Ice Rink will be located in City Plaza situated on the southern end of the 400 block of Fayetteville Street.

http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/raleighwinterfest/general_info.htm

RALEIGH WINTERFEST KICKOFF EVENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009 from 5pm to 11pm

HEADLINER MICHELLE BRANCH LIVE IN CONCERT

Other Entertainment Includes:

• Figure Skating Performances
• Local Dancers and Choirs
• Live Music
• Ice Sculpting
• Sledding Ramps
• Free Carriage Rides
• Visit from Santa
• Ice Rink Open to the Public
(Admission and Skate Rental: $6)
• Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

Crafters and Artisans:
• Ahpeele
• Annelore's German Bakery
• Autumn Spirits Photography
• JustNeem
• Raimbow Tree
• Stitch/Holly Aiken Bags
• Stampin Up
• SSD Jewelry
• Sweet T, a Cakery

The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and the Christmas Wish Program will be accepting donations during the kickoff event on Friday, December 4. To help these causes, you can bring canned food for the food bank and a $1 donation to the Christmas Wish Program.

Retrofantasma at the Carolina Theatre

2009-11-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

The Carolina Theater in downtown Durham (next to the Marriott) hosts a wide variety of movies, concerts, plays and light opera. One of the movie programs I look forward to, aside from the Escapism Film Festival, is a year round film festival, Retrofantasma! Showing some classic horror and Sci-fi movies on a real big screen, look for their films early in the month. For many viewers these movies have only been seen on TV or DVD so even the most campy film is a fun experience on a full sized screen.

ALIEN: The Director's Cut
(US, R, 1979, 116 min.)
Saturday, December 5th
Cinema One
7:00 p.m.

LEVIATHAN
(US, R, 1989, 98 min.)
Saturday, December 5th
Cinema One
9:30 p.m.

http://festivals.carolinatheatre.org/retrofantasma/

First Friday in Raleigh

2009-11-28T21:12:00.001-05:00

One of the most fun activities there is in Raleigh is the First Friday Art Walk. Galleries, Restaurants and Shops open into the evening and it is an opportunity to meet some of local artists while enjoying a glass of wine.

http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/firstfriday/index.htm

Durham celebrates their Art Walk on the third Friday & Saturday. I am not sure of plans for December in Durham as the web site has not been updated yet.

http://www.durhamartwalk.com/about.php

Much Ado About Nothing

2009-11-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

While this is an excellent title for a blog post on any number of topics, it is actually Shakespeare's play that I want to mention. This week, the Burning Coal Theater opens my favorite Shakespeare play, "Much Ado About Nothing". The Thursday performances are just $10.00 - a great bargain.

Burning Coal's new home at the Murphy School at 224 Polk Street is a great venue that provides an intimate environment for a live performance. Their last production, "Hair", brought audience members into the play and onto the stage. It was a unique experience.

The show runs December 3-20 at 7:30 pm Thursday to Saturday and 2:00pm on Sunday.

http://www.burningcoal.org/

"Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death".

2009-11-28T17:35:00.001-05:00

This quote by the irrepressible Mame Dennis of "Auntie Mame" fame challenges me to grasp life to the fullest. I have been lucky to live in a great location that provides a huge diversity of things to do, places to visit, concerts, theater, classic movies and events. The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area is so rich in activities and events that I am hard pressed to spend time quietly at home.

A few years ago I spent an amazing weekend with two close friends road tripping to the North Carolina Highland Games at Grandfather Mt. We each had a great time listening to Celtic rock music, watching the athletic games and celebrating history with my Scottish Clan, The Kennedys. We had such a good time that we vowed to keep seeking out new and fun things to do and to include more friends in our adventures. As we attended events, concerts, movies and more we me more fun people and soon our group grew to include a wide variety of people in a 30 year span of ages and diverse interests. The group grew in part because we would be telling people about our activities and they would say "I wish I had known about that! Why didn't you tell me about it?" I had a problem remembering which friends wanted to attend which events. As the circle of friends has expanded an e-list is not enough to keep up with all the abundant choices out there to live a rich and interesting life. So this is the birth of the Banquet Blog.

When I find interesting things to do I will post them and hope you will find the time to play. Feel free to pass back any upcoming events, links or ideas for local fun.