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.