The Durham Socialite

A Train To Two Cities

2010-03-09T16:02:00.009-05:00

Having a sister that lives in Manhattan, I don't get to see her as often as I'd like. This past weekend, I headed up to the city that never sleeps for a long overdue visit, but this time was different. I decided to take the train.

When searching the Amtrak website, I pleasantly discovered that one train, the Carolinian, went from the beautifully renovated Durham Station, all the way to Penn Station in Manhattan. Booking a week and a half in advance, I was able to find round trip coach tickets for $166.

The passenger experience was quite pleasant. The train ride is very smooth -- with more leg room, hip room, and isle room than your standard airplane. You don't have to wear a seatbelt, you can get up and walk around whenever you like, and there are two restrooms on every car.

For a change of scenery and seating, you can mosey over to the Cafe Car, which has a selection of sandwiches, microwave entrees, snacks and soft drinks. They also have a variable selection beer and wine; on my trip they had Miller/Bud Lites, Sam Adams, Heineken, Chardonney and Cabernet.

There was plenty of space for carry-on baggage, but there is also the option to check. It was nice to be able to retain some of my personal rights and dignity -- there were no metal detectors or strip searches. A photo id and ticket check provided an appropriate amount of security screening.

The only potential down side is the time, as the ride is approximately 10 hours. This is a rough equivalent to the time it takes to drive, and the cost of gas, tolls, and parking makes the train fare become suddenly affordable. The air travel option makes more sense if you are either short on time, or are able to find a cheap flight.

It was a liberating experience to take public transportation all the way from my place to my sister's, with a walk to Durham Station, a train ride, and walk from Penn Station. In a way it makes the distance feel not quite as far. Of the 3 modes of trainsport I have taken to NYC, this was by far the least stressful. I was able to get a bunch of reading done, had some good chats with fellow passengers, and got to gaze upon the gorgeous countryside.

The Weekend Has Landed - February 19th

2010-02-19T15:57:00.009-05:00

Running all weekend is the Nevermore Film Festival, check out our feature.

NEIGHBORHOOD 3: Requisition of Doom @ Manbites Dog Theatre - Kids is a suburban neighborhood immerse themselves in a sinister online game, but when the lines blur between reality and fantasy, fear takes on a life of its own. A dark satire written by Jennifer Haley and directed by Jeff Storer. Shows are Friday and Saturday night, 8:15pm/$17.

Boys and Girls @ Common Ground - Bare Theatre’s presents: Boys and Girls: Three short plays by contemporary playwrights. Shows are Friday and Saturday night, 8pm/$15.

*Third Friday*

Sci-Fi Digital Photography @ Durham Central Market - A sci-fi digital photography series by local artist Alan Welch. 6pm.

Third Friday @ Golden Belt - Opening of The Confessional by Carole Baker in Room 100, Lori Vrba's SafeKeeping in LabourLove, OnlyBurger and open studios in Building 3. 6pm.

Jim Tignor Exhibit / Open Studios @ BCAC - Jim Tignor's In Search of the Burning Bush. 6pm.

Mixed Media Opening @ Rock Paper Scissors - Alison Tharp's Umbrella Man. 6pm.

Willa Brigham Quilt Show @ Scrap Exchange - 6pm.

Jimmy Alexander Benefit @ Monkey Bottom - From the Ground Up, music, food, and an art show to benefit Jimmy Alexander.

Art Opening @ Kung Fu Tattoo - Durham artists Kohen Meyers, Martin Loomis, and Corey Woods, with works from DURTY and music from Tree City and The Dregs. 7pm.

Photography Opening @ Manbites Dog - At Home in the World, photographs by Ann Arbor. 7-8pm.

Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile @ Reynolds Industries Theater - The Punch Brothers blaze while Grammy-winning mandolin genius Chris Thile, formerly of Nickel Creek, leads gospel and high-lonesome harmonies. $24/8pm.

Triangle Brewing Company Cask Party @ Tavern - Live Music from Mike
Babyak, featuring guitar by Will McFarlane from the Bonnie Raitt Band, & keyboards
by Dave McCracken from Donna The Buffalo.

Live Music & Art @ Broad Street Cafe - Chris Bryant at 8pm, Embarrassing Fruit at 10pm, Transmography at 10:30pm, La Snacks at 11pm, Pistil at 11:30pm. Art by Heather Angelika Dooley. 8pm.

Mighty Lester @ Papa Mojo's - Soulful R&B bedroom ballads, down-n-dirty blues, and thumpin'-pumpin'-jumpin' jive wrapped in a Big Band sound. $8/9:30pm.

Hayti Heritage Film Festival Opening Reception @ Cotton Room - Join filmmakers in celebrating the opening of Hayti Film Festival. Featuring live Jazz music by Kim Pacheco followed by Joey the DJ. $15 includes opening night screening and reception. Festival Passes are $50 for the entire weekend. 10pm.

Schooner CD Release @ Pinhook - The Popular Kids at 9pm, Velee at 10pm, Erie Choir at 11pm, Schooner at midnight.

*Saturday*

Composting Workshop @ Holton Career and Resource Center - Sunshine Garden Group is for both new and experienced gardeners to learn and share about flower and vegetable gardens, edible landscaping, urban gardening, container gardening and healthy food. 10:30am/FREE.

An Evening of Entertainment Presented by Durham Public Schools @ The DPAC - Hundreds of talented students from schools across the DPS district will be featured in An Evening of Entertainment, a fundraiser for the DPS Scholarship Foundation. 7pm/$10.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Paul Daniel at 8pm, Jocelyn Ellis & The Alpha Theory at 10pm.

Live Music @ Duke Coffeehouse - Screaming Females, JEFF the Brotherhood, Whatever Brains. 9pm/$5.

Thrashatorium @ BCHQ - Thrashitorium Presents: Acid Reflux(NY), Devour(NC), Stripmines(NC), Total Wreck(RVA), Crooked Teeth(RVA) :: 9 p.m. All ages, no alcohol. $5 suggested donation.

Buzzkillz @ Papa Mojo's - The Buzzkillz can't be pegged into any one genre mixing REAL Rock N' Roll, Skanky Blues, Rockabilly, Boogie Woogie and Country and Western. 9:30pm/$8.

Jubal Kane @ Tavern - Roadhouse blues rock & roll band w/ harmonica.

Live Music @ Pinhook - The Dynamite Brothers at 10pm, Bull City at 11pm.

*Sunday*

Flying Hippo @ Broad Street Cafe - Silly Joyfulness - Music, Poetry, Art, Drama, Dance, Story Telling, Improv. Exploring the wonder and connectedness and joy of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, & Equality. Kids Songs for Adults, Adult Songs for Kids. 4:30pm.

The Nevermore Film Festival

2010-02-17T15:10:00.010-05:00

The house lights will go down and the screen will run with blood. Yes indeed, it is once again time for the Nevermore Film Festival.

Their 11th year running, this festival provides an amazing selection of both short and feature length horror films. It proves just how deep and diverse the genre can be, ranging from campy and comedic to dark and diabolical.

The 23 films that will be screened were honed down from over 100 submissions, coming from across the globe. They will be divided across the three different screens at the Carolina Theatre, with a few repeats to help fit everyone's schedule. On Saturday night, some of the filmmakers will be available after the show to field questions from the audience.

We here at Durham Socialite have been attending this festival for a few years now, and this year we decided to use some technology to help us come up with our movie list for the weekend. I am pleased to present the unveiling of the Durham Film Festival Calendar.

It lists the show times for Nevermore in an easy to read calendar format, which can be paper-savingly imported to your favorite mobile device.

We plan to reuse this calendar for the other Durham based film festivals, including Full Frame, Retrofantasma, Escapism, and the NC Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Let us know what you think!

The Weekend Has Landed - February 5th

2010-02-05T12:25:00.010-05:00

*Friday*

ArtSLAM @ LabourLove Gallery - The slam consists of three, 20 minute rounds. The audience contributes ideas, and one is randomly pulled from a hat. The artists create their best interpretation of the suggestion, and the artwork is auctioned off at the end of the night. This time they will be including an Iron Chef like “secret ingredient” for one round. 7pm/FREE.

Gil Scott-Heron @ Carolina Theatre - Poet, musician, spoken-word sage, Gil Scott-Heron was a man ahead of his time, who will make you open your eyes to the world around you. 8pm/$22.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - RJ Adams at 8pm, Soulless Dogs at 10pm.

Peter Serkin @ Reynolds Industries Theater - This renowned pianist will be performing selections from Brahms, Debussy, György Kurtág, Charles Wuorinen, Bach, and Chopin. 8pm/$30.

Mama Juggs: Three Generations Healing Fractured Body Images @ Common Ground Theatre - A Princess Dragon Productions presentation. Written and performed by ‘rie Shontel, Mama Juggs is a powerful monologue in four parts about female body awareness. 8pm/$25. Tickets can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets, and here is the trailer:

Live Music @ Duke Coffeehouse - Toro y Moi, Dogbite. 9pm/$5.

Cyril Lance @ Papa Mojo's - Cyril Lance combines deep song writing and roots grooves with engaging and spontaneous improvisation that makes him at home in both the blues circuit and the jam band scene. 9:30pm/$8.

Organos CD Release @ The Pinhook - Ye Old Shoppe w/ members of Wild Wild Geese at 10pm, Birds and Arrows at 11pm, Organos at midnight.

*Saturday*

Solar Solutions for your Home @ Holton Career and Resource Center - Learn about hot water and solar heating options. Interactive workshop with local experts and agencies. 10:30am.

Princess Katie and Racer Steve @ The DPAC - Rock & roll for kids. Shows at 11:30am and 3:30pm. $10.

Orion String Quartet with Peter Serkin @ Reynolds Industries Theater - The program will include selections from Bach, Leon Kirchner, Beethoven, and Brahms. 8pm/$30.

FatMouth Improv @ Common Ground Theatre - Short and longform improv based on audience suggestions. 8pm/$8.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Davis Coen at 8pm, Old Avenue at 10pm.

Live Music @ Duke Coffeehouse - Caltrop, Death Came Down the Mountain, Hog. 9pm/$5.

Bobby Hinton @ Papa Mojo's - A regional icon, this legendary bluesman has delighted audiences around the globe for years, playing both original and standards with heart and finesse. 9:30pm/$8.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - BaroN at 10pm, The Back Pockets at 11pm, My Magesty in Oxygen at midnight.

*Sunday*

Family Day @ Nasher Museum - Celebrate exhibitions and explore faces in art with hands-on activities, a gallery hunt and more! Paul Miller of Flow Circus will perform a juggling and magic show in the Mary D.B.T. Semans Great Hall at 1pm and 2:30pm. Before, between and after the shows, Paul will perform roving close-up magic. Hands-on activities include silhouette self portraits, creative clay heads and a neon face mural. Activities are designed for kids ages 3-12 and their accompanying adults. All ages are welcome.12pm-4pm/FREE.

Claire Ramsey (storyteller) @ Broad Street Cafe - Claire Ramsey is Wake Forest, NC's premier storyteller and current president of the NC Storytelling Guild. Stories With Claire specializes in costumed characters and entertaining, educational stories for all ages. 4:30pm/FREE.

Caricature Exhibit Opens @ Nasher

2010-02-04T12:11:00.006-05:00

Admission to the Nasher Museum of Art is free every Thursday, 5-9pm, and today will mark the opening of the new Lines of Attack: Conflicts in Caricature exhibit. Also currently running is the Big Shots: Andy Warhol Polaroids exhibit, which provides some insight into Warhol's creative process, and includes some paintings of the Nasher family themselves.

Tonight will also afford the opportunity to meet Chris Lamb, professor of communications, College of Charleston, and author of Drawn to Extremes: The Use and Abuse of Editorial Cartoons in the United States. A reception will follow, and they will have a cash bar.

Visitors will also have the chance to react to the show on a webcam at the Free Speech Booth outside the gallery. Nasher will then publish the videos on their YouTube channel.

Thursday, February 4
10 AM Exhibition opens to the public,
"Lines of Attack: Conflicts in Caricature"
5:30 PM Cash bar
6 PM Talk with Chris Lamb

IMAGE: Kevin KAL Kallaugher, "Florida," 2000. Pen, brush and india ink, 16 x 20 inches, Appeared in "The Economist," July 17, 2004.

PSA - Duke Performances Honoring Tickets from Saturday Night

2010-02-01T13:00:00.002-05:00

Duke Performances is offering to exchange tickets from Saturday night's performance for upcoming shows due to the "winter event." Details:

Given such extreme weather conditions, we would like to honor tickets held by those of you that chose not to come out on Saturday. We are offering to exchange your tickets for either the LINES Ballet or Orpheus Chamber Orchestra for tickets to any of the following upcoming performances:

- Peter Serkin, piano -- February 5
- Miguel Zenon Esta Plena Septet -- February 11
- Rudresh Mahanthappa's Indo-Pak Coalition -- February 12
- Ravi Coltrane Quartet -- February 13
- Dean & Britta - 13 Most Beautiful... Songs for Andy Warhol's "Screen Tests" -- February 18
- Nora Chipaumire featuring Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited -- February 26 & 27
- Rafal Blechacz, piano -- March 5
- Farber Foundry - Molora Based on the Oresteia Trilogy -- March 20 & 21
- Kronos Quartet -- April 10
- Rosanne Cash + Mark O'Connor -- April 15
- Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Julian Rachlin, violin -- April 16

To claim your tickets, send an email with your name and the concert you'd like to attend and the number of tickets (the exchange is one ticket for one ticket) to tickets@duke.edu. Ticket exchange requests honored via email only.

The Weekend Has Landed - January 29th

2010-01-29T11:55:00.013-05:00

Given the impending winter event, there may be a few cancellations or reschedules. Most notably, Wine Authorities' Pork and Pinot event has been moved out to February 6th. Updates as we receive them, will be posted to our twitter feed.

*Friday*

Save Our Arts Benefit Concert @ Trotter Building - This is an all-star line-up of local bands, including Hammer No More The Fingers, The Beast, Megafaun, Midtown Dickens, and Tea and Tempests. There will be a silent auction, and Triangle Brewing Company will be pouring their tasty brews. Best of all, proceeds go to the Central Park School for Children. 6pm/$10 suggested donation.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Mandolin Orange at 8pm, The Hummers at 10pm.

Transactors Improv Presents: City of Medicine @ Common Ground - The latest episode of their "completely improvised serial medical drama." 8pm/$12.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet, featuring Jason Moran's Bandwagon @ Reynolds Industries Theater - The first piece is King’s brawny, sinuous overhaul of Ballets Russes’ icon of dance modernism, Scheherazade — here in its American premiere. The second has Moran’s trio playing live, lighting up a score the pianist wrote for King’s troupe. Friday and Saturday at 8pm.

Live Music @ Duke Coffeehouse - Max Indian, Ryan Gustafson, Light Pines. 9pm/FREE.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - Fin Fang Foom at midnight, Free Electric State at 11pm, Gray Young at 10pm, deVries at 9pm.

Matt Walsh @ Papa Mojo's - Matt Walsh is hailed by Blues legends like Bob Margolin and Paul Oscher for his talent, original Blues and raw, intense performances. 9:30pm/$8.

*Saturday*

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Mister Felix at 8pm, The Will McBride Group at 10pm.

Minor American Reading Series Listening Party @ THE SPACE - Featuring fiction author Brian Evenson, journalist/poet Brian Howe, and poet Jonathan Locke Hart, with music by Secret Boyfriend. 8pm/FREE.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Angela Hewitt & Christopher Taylor @ Page Auditorium - Conducted by the musicians themselves, the 20-piece Orpheus is an experiment in radical democracy that is also among the finest orchestras on earth, turning out collaborative art that joins visceral energy with keen interpretive balance. 8pm/$25.

FATE presents an evening of short plays by local playwrights @ Common Ground - Get familiar with some of the Triangle’s most loved and prolific writers, and their works. The pieces will be staged by several directors, and read by some of your favorite local actors. 8pm/$5.

Willie Painter Band @ Papa Mojo's - Playing a mix of blues with a nod towards swinging jazz and an eclectic selection of rock tunes, the Willie Painter Band consists of four veterans of the Triangle music scene that are known for consistently delivering inspiring and electrifying performances. 9:30pm/$8.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - Duncan of Hammer No More The Fingers at 1am, Veelee at midnight, Gary B and the Notions at 11pm, Imperial China at 10pm.

*Sunday*

Have a Heart Valentine Wine Tasting @ Rigsbee Hall - Independent Animal Rescue invites animal and wine lovers to enjoy phenomenal wines, fantastic food, and funky music while perusing and bidding on truly unique silent auction items. This year's tasting event will explore notable artisan wines of the south of France including wines from the Rhone, Provence, Languedoc, the Southwest, and Roussillon. Additional wines from around the globe will be available by the glass. 100% of Have a Heart profits will aid in the rescue and care of homeless, abandoned, and abused animals. Tax-deductible tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. 3pm-7pm.

Henry Vogel (storyteller) @ Broad Street Cafe - He has performed as a regional teller at the Wake County, Vance County and Oxford Storytelling Festivals. He has also performed at local schools, the Storytelling Bookstore and at Halloween festivals held by the city of Burlington and Harris Lake County Park. 4:30pm/FREE.

The Weekend Has Landed - January 22nd

2010-01-22T15:54:00.010-05:00

SPENDY Productions presents the Strange Beauty Film Festival @ Manbites Dog Theatre - A new festival showcasing adventurous and striking short films from around the world, including fiction, documentaries, experimental, and wholly unclassifiable works. Presented in three program blocks over two days.

Hoof 'n' Horn Presents: REEFER MADNESS @ Sheafer Lab Theater - In a high school classroom, The Lecturer tells the assembly of anxious parents about the evils of marijuana. Jimmy Harper is a fine upstanding youth, blessed with the love of the fair Mary Lane. However, across town, the weed-pusher Jack, his moll Mae, and his cronies, Sally and Ralph, are living in the depths of depravity, and they are waiting to lure young Jimmy into their clutches. A single encounter with "The Demon Weed" is all it will take to send Jimmy to incredible "heights".

*Friday*

An Evening With Vince Gill @ The DPAC - Nineteen-time Grammy winning country musician Vince Gill. 8pm.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Jon Shain Trio w/ The Grandsons and special guests The Gravy Boys. 8pm/$10.

Anton Kuerti @ Reynolds Industries Theater - Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 81a, “Les Adieux”; Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata”; 33 Variations on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli in C Major, Op. 120. 8pm/$30.

Beer and Comedy @ Carolina Theatre - Help raise money for the Carolina Theatre, taste beautifully-matched chocolate and beer pairings and enjoy a performance by Steven Wright, one of America's favorite comedians.

Tad Walters @ Papa Mojo's - Tad is a bluesman who has honed his skills as a guitarist, bassist, harp player and vocalist. Backed by TA James (bass) and Kelly Pace (drums). 9:30pm/$8.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - Honcho at 10pm, How I Became the Bomb at 11pm, The Huguenots at midnight.

*Saturday*

The Solstace Project @ The Hat Lounge - Live jazz from 2-4pm, and a raffle for a free fedora.

LabourLove Art Party @ Golden Belt - An adult art class for beginners! Kelly Dew will show you some of her tricks for mixed media painting in a relaxed atmosphere with a glass of wine to break the ice. Great appetizers and a cash bar will be available from Triangle Catering. 6pm/$20.

Benefit for Girls Rock! NC @ Duke Coffeehouse - Scientific Superstar at 8pm, Princess and the Criminals at 9pm, Heart of Glass at 10pm. $5 suggested donation.

Live Music @ BCHQ - My Majesty in Oxygen, Tunnels Under the Citadel, Elfowl and Last Years Men. 8pm/$5 suggested donation.

Karaoke for Cy @ Bull McCabe's - $5 per song, which gets donated through Cy Rawls Has A Posse to the Tisch Brain Cancer Center. 8pm.

Luciana Souza with Cyro Baptista & Romero Lubambo @ Reynolds Industries Theater - Returning to Duke after an entrancing 2008 show, Souza’s piercing, crystalline vocals are backed by Baptista, who’s cut percussion for David Byrne and Yo-Yo Ma, and Lubambo, who by now needs no introduction. 8pm/$24.

The Four Bitchin’ Babes present Hormonal Imbalance™ @ Carolina Theatre - Performing original songs and stories, the Babes offer both poignant views and unbridled comedic commentary on the joys and dilemmas of everyday life. Enjoy an entertaining evening with these outrageously funny and multi-talented musician galpals as they examine and celebrate the lives of ordinary men and women in our quest for balance. 8pm/$28.

Mel Melton & Wicked Mojos @ Papa Mojo's - Mel Melton is one classic blues harmonica musician who is known for his rare & impeccable Zydeco & Cajun song writing. 9:30pm/$10.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Mysti Mayhem at 8pm, Bleumatics at 10pm.

Ta Ta to the Tatas Benefit for Colin Mauger @ The Pinhook - Up and Down Escalator at 10:30pm, Beloved Binge at 11:30pm, River City Ransom at 12:30pm.

*Sunday*

Dine Out For Haiti - Indulge in your favorite food with good conscience! This Sunday (or Monday), several area restaurants are donating 10% of their proceeds to the relief efforts in Haiti, either through the remarkable organization Partners in Health or the inspirational, locally-run Family Health Ministries. Eat out, enjoy, and contribute to a worthy cause!

"The Wizard" will be at Tyler's Tonight

2010-01-19T12:58:00.003-05:00

Ray Whitney, the leading goal scorer for the Carolina Hurricanes, will be at Tyler's Taproom this evening. He'll be joining Mike Maniscalco as they do a live broadcast of Canes Corner on 99.9 FM The Fan ESPN Radio. 6pm.

The Weekend Has Landed - January 15th

2010-01-15T14:04:00.021-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Third Friday has arrived, and with it some amazing weather. Check out our feature on the Freeze Your Balls Off Scooter Rally.

*Friday*

Two New Exhibits Opening @ Durham Arts Council - Transient Memories: photographs by Steven Gregory (Allenton Gallery) and Under the Influence, abstract paintings in acrylic by Don Mertz (Semans Gallery). 5pm.

Reception for Jim Tignor Painting Exhibit @ BCAC - Jim Tignor's In Search of Burning Bush. Jim is an Occupational Therapist in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro City Schools, and the paintings depict his spiritual journey as a Quaker. 6pm.

Exclusive Photograpy Exhibit Preview @ Through This Lens - Preview Side by Side, an exhibition of sixteen large-scale, photographic diptychs by Isabel Chicquor. 6pm.

Multiple Art Openings @ Golden Belt - Sarah Spencer White’s installation of new ceramic pieces, Spill, explores the ever shifting barrier between the industrial and the hand made. SafeKeeping is Lori Vrba's first solo show in the U.S. She has studied with internationally recognized photographers Keith Carter, Tony O’Brien and Sarah Meghan Lee, and her photographs have been nationally recognized. 6pm.

Three New Installations by Julia Gartrell @ DURTY - Julia's installations are meditations on American consumption and perception. 6pm.

Heironymus Bosch Meets Three Artists @ Scrap Exchange - Charron Andrews shrine assemblages are a garden of earthly delights made from the cast offs of daily life. Leigh Werrell offers a strong line up of riveting portraits that are quietly compelling studies of ordinary people. And the Scrap Exchange’s own Sara McCreary turns discarded house paint and recycled canvas into wildly undulating patterns of color that make you want to dance. 6pm.

Art Hanging @ Kung Fu Tattoo - Featuring the works of Anthony Hicks and Rick White. Rick is a photographer and custom car and bike builder from Raleigh, Anthony Hicks is an artist from Youngsville who works in multiple mediums, ranging from the twisted to the mundane. 7pm.

Retrofantasma @ Carolina Theatre - The monthly film series of double-features dedicated to bringing classic horror movies back to the big screen in 35mm. Ghost Story at 7pm, It Came... Without Warning 9:30pm.

Sticks (Light) @ 715 - A one night only installation with pine trees; rope; hooks; windows; spot lights; fabric; fire extinguishers; wood; studio space; pedal steel, acoustic, and electric guitar; bass guitar; theremin; fiddle; chimes; keyboard; cello; organ; piano; ektara; saw. 7:30pm.

Art and Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Featuring the works of Alisha Arneth. The NJ native is also a reflexology practitioner here in Durham. She paints primarily with oils and acrylics, creating abstract and surreal paintings with organic and cosmic symbols. Live music will be provided by Paul Edelman at 8pm, Mary Rockers Johnson at 10pm.

Will McFarlane @ Papa Mojo's - McFarlane pulls from blues, R&B, rock, and country, and blends it into his own keenly personal and expressive delivery. 9:30pm/$10.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - The Moaners at midnight, Lonnie Walker at 11pm, Liza Kate at 10pm.

*Saturday*

Grand Opening @ Beyu Caffe - Coffee cupping at 10am, wine tasting at 3pm, and live jazz featuring the Brian Horton Trio at 9pm.

Preservation Durham Walking Tour - No reservations are required, simply meet your guide at Preservation Durham's sign at the Durham Farmers Market in Central Park, on Foster Street just north of Downtown. The tours take approximately 1 hour and return to the Farmers Market. 11am.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Tim Stambaugh at 8pm, West Trinity at 10pm.

Dinner and a Show @ Common Ground Theatre - See Prelude to a Kiss with dinner provided by Blu Seafood. 8pm.

Swang Brothers @ Papa Mojo's - This three-piece outfit can turn on a dime, playing an all-out rockabilly rave-up one moment, downshifting into a country ballad the next, followed by a burning instrumental number. 9:30pm/$7.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - Clawform at 10pm, Cantwell Gomez and Jordan at 11pm, Grappling Hook at midnight.

*Sunday*

Italian Gardens: Contrasting Classical and Contemporary Garden Style @ Duke Gardens - College professor Greg Pierceall has been making a special study of Italian gardens, touring each summer with landscape architecture students. It will be a review of how classical techniques and design strategies are reinterpreted to serve contemporary garden goals. 2pm/$15.

Big Bang Boom @ Broad Street Cafe - What happens when professional musicians become parents? They play and write children's music. This is the path taken by Big Bang Boom, a children's music group from Greensboro. After 20 years touring clubs and playing parties, Chuck Folds (younger brother of piano rocker Ben Folds) and Steve Williard decided to expand their horizons and play for kids. Together with drummer Eddie Walker they have become the parent friendly kid's rock band alternative. 4:30pm.

Freeze Your Balls Off: Scooter Rally Rolls Through Durham

2010-01-12T11:49:00.005-05:00

Expect to see increased two wheeled traffic this weekend, as The Incriminators Scooter Club holds their annual rally. If you'd like to marvel at the cavalcade of motor bikes, they have posted the itinerary online.

The headlining event will be a FREE BYOB show held at the soon to be opened Fullsteam Brewery, featuring live music from The Toddlers, Killer Filler, and Blood Red River. Lord Thomas and Midnight Cowboy will then take over the reigns, spinning soul records into the night. Doors open Saturday at 8pm.

Free Film Screenings - Oscar Nominated Documentaries

2010-01-11T12:22:00.005-05:00

Starting this Wednesday, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival will be holding some screenings of films shown at last year's festival.

The Academy's 15-film shortlist of Oscar nominees is out, and Full Frame is proud to see a number of 2009 Full Frame Alumni on the list. They are celebrating by giving those who didn't get a chance to see them at the festival (or want to see them again), the opportunity to do so.

Screenings are FREE at the Bay 7 Cinema at American Tobacco – Second Wednesdays at 7pm. Here are descriptions of the upcoming three films, which are considered Oscar frontrunners:

BEACHES OF AGNES
Wednesday, January 13

This cinematic autobiography by celebrated French filmmaker Agnès Varda unfolds in a luminous series of recollections from her extraordinarily rich life. Now in her eighties, Varda takes stock of her childhood, her marriage to fellow French New Wave filmmaker Jacques Demy, and her brilliant career as a photographer, experimental filmmaker, and installation artist as she confronts the unfathomable idea that life is drawing to a close. Using the beach as both a visual and a metaphoric conceit, she interweaves old family photographs, footage from her vast body of work, intimate anecdotal voice-overs, and present-day sequences in a stunningly cinematic expression of the creative life. In one sequence Varda returns to the Mediterranean beach of her youth and of her early films and sets up an elaborate collections of mirrors to capture her reflections, both literally and figuratively. Whimsical, witty, eloquent, poetic, Beaches of Agnes is as transcendent as the life it recollects.

THE COVE
Wednesday, February 10

This white-knuckle spy thriller of a documentary uncovers a horrifying secret in a little seaside town in Japan. To the unsuspecting, Taiji looks like the dolphin capital of the world, with dolphin images dotted all over town and the real creatures cavorting in its picturesque cove. But what few know is that beneath the calm surface of the water lurks a devastating practice—the systematic capture and slaughter of thousands of dolphins a year, their mercury-laden meat sold in markets as another kind of seafood. Enter Ric O’Barry, the former dolphin trainer renowned for his work on Flipper, National Geographic photographer Louie Psihoyos, and a team of intrepid filmmakers, specialists, and free divers, who set out with undercover cameras and underwater microphones to expose the ugly truth behind this seeming paradise. They keep you on the edge of your seat until the film’s final moments. You will never look at a dolphin or a plate of seafood in the same way again.

FOOD, INC.
Wednesday, March 10

Looking beyond the pastoral images gracing grocery store shelves, director Robert Kenner serves up a revealing look at the way food is produced in America. From factory farms to cornfields to patented seeds, this film skillfully untangles the twisted knot of farm policy, lobbying, engineering, and corporate greed that has drastically altered the landscape of American farming since the 1950s. Exasperating stories reveal the heartbreaking consequences of an industrialized food system: we meet, among others, a woman whose young son died of E. coli poisoning, a chicken farmer dragged into debt by Purdue, and a small-town seed saver being sued by corporate giant Monsanto. We also meet pioneers actively working to change the system: Polyface farmer Joel Salatin champions sustainable agricultural practices, while Gary Hirshberg, founder of Stonyfield Yogurt, proves that a successful business can be earth-friendly. Featuring authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Food, Inc. is a film with an activist edge.

The Weekend Has Landed - January 8th

2010-01-08T15:33:00.007-05:00

A relatively quiet weekend here in the Bull City, this week's edition is being composed within the comfy confines of Beyu Cafe.

Tonight is opening night for Ghost & Spice Productions presentation of Prelude to a Kiss by Craig Lucas. You can catch it at Common Ground Theatre both Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and the show runs through the 23rd.

*Friday*

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Spencer Sholes at 8pm, Bob Funck and the New World Heroes at 10pm, 8 Eyes at 11:30pm.

The Insubordinaires @ Papa Mojo's - A collaboration of Roadhouse musicians, including Lark Stern (from Will Mcfarlane’s band), TA James (from the Wicked Mojo's & Tad Walters band), Kelly Pace (from Blues World Order & Wicked Mojo's), and Scott Sawyer (from Nnenna Freelon’s band). 9:30pm/$7.

Ricky and Joe Dance Party @ The Pinhook - Kicking off the New Year with the Queerlympics. Dress like your favorite Olympian.

*Saturday*

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Jo Gore and the Alternative at 8pm, Sea Cow at 10pm.

Shirley Jackson w/ Dave Harrison & the Carolina All-Stars @ Papa Mojo's - Maple Leaf Blues Award-winning sax player Shirley Jackson is making an appearance here in Durham.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - Billy Sugarfix at midnight, Now You See Them at 11pm, Wembley at 10pm.

*Sunday*

Bring Your Own Vegetable Garden to Life @ Duke Gardens - For tips on garden planning, deciphering seed catalogs, starting seeds, creating raised beds, composting, organic backyard farming and more, join Durham County master gardeners Charles Murphy and Darcey Martin. 2pm/FREE (reg req).

Robin Kitson (storyteller) @ Broad Street Cafe - Robin Kitson loves taking an audience along with her. Her trips of the mind are much like those she heard as a child in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans where stories roll down the river clothed in fog.

And So The Decade Begins

2010-01-05T17:18:00.002-05:00

We're back from our holiday hibernation, returning to a freshly minted year and decade. Tonight is only a Tuesday, but you could catch an art opening, perform at an open mic, play some trivia, or even have the mayor serve you a drink.

Thank you Durham and Durhamites for all that you are. In 2010 we'll keep doing what we do, and perhaps add a feature or two.

The Durham Social Calendar has been populated for January, anything you'd like added shoot us an email (ideally with an .ics).

The Snowy Weekend Has Landed - December 18th

2009-12-18T13:32:00.007-05:00

This month's Third Friday is a snowy one; now's your opportunity to check out some of your favorite spots with a lovely white backdrop. There are three theatrical shows with varying start times, including:

Phantom of the Opera @ The DPAC - A Broadway favorite. Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm/8pm, Sun 1pm/6:30pm. $25-$82.

A Trailer Park Christmas @ Common Ground - Local filmmaker Jeffrey Moore and Common Ground Theatre owner Rachel Klem team up to present this interactive, holiday entertainment. Set in West Durham, A Trailer Park Christmas follows the Dodson/ Hussy family as they grapple with crazy neighbors, ghosts, fruitcakes and a holiday tornado. Fri & Sat 7:30pm. $15-$17.

Jane Eyre @ Manbites Dog - Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern presents Jane Eyre, based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë, adapted by Melissa Lozoff and directed by Tom Marriott. Fri & Sat 8:15pm. $17.

*Friday*

Artists' Sale (and live music) @ 1202 Home Gallery - This new Old North Durham home gallery will be featuring original and affordable fine art and crafts by local artists for sale. Local singer and songwriter Shawn Deena will be performing. 5pm.

Annual Holiday Party and Iron Craft Night @ The Scrap Exchange - They will have food, a 1/2 keg of Big Boss beer, other drinks and music. Iron Craft Night is a DIY craft competition that will go throughout the evening. They will also have a cake walk fundraiser, and a hands on craft: make your own greeting card table. 6pm.

Celia Gray Encaustic Paintings @ BCAC - A teacher and studio artist living in Asheville, Celia's method of the wax medium is one that invites scraping, scaring, melting, and rebuilding. 6pm.

Durham History Paintings by Robert Olason @ Durham Central Market - A new painting series by local artist Robert Olason, about the history of Durham. This series is titled: "Studies and Ephemera for 'The Birth of Hattie Scarlotte's Child'." 6pm.

One-stop Holiday Shop @ Golden Belt - Check out our feature. 6pm.

Planet Hangout @ Rock Paper Scissors Salon and Gallery - Art opening and grand opening party. Art by local poster makers Ron Liberti and Matt Hart, both collaborative and individual works will be shown. 6pm.

Third Friday Trunk Show @ The Pinhook - Durham-based designer Jamie Powell's Revamp is an eco-conscious, vintage inspired clothing line for women featuring ultra-soft organic cotton tops, skirts, dresses, and accessories including clutch purses made with vintage fabrics. This trunk show will feature special holiday pricing. 6-8:30pm.

Youth Open Mic Party @ BCHQ - Participate in a brief open mic, enjoy snacks and connecting with area youth. $2 suggested donation to benefit BCHQ and fund the party. If you play, you don't have to pay. 7pm.

Art and Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Check out art by Mikel Robinson, and music from: 8 Eyes at 9pm, Three Days in Vegas at 10pm, and The Mercators at 11pm.

Funky House & Live Percussion @ The Republic - DJ Summa will start spinning at 9pm.

Big Mama E and The Cool @ Papa Mojo's - This 5-piece band has their own brand of original rock ‘n roll with a southern R&B twist. 9:30pm/$8.

Live Music @ The Pinhook - Gray Young at 10pm, Free Electric State at 11pm, and Fin Fang Foom at midnight.

*Saturday*

Preservation Durham Walking Tour @ Durham Central Park - The last walking tour of the year! 11am.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Chris Bryant at 8pm, It is rain in my face at 10pm, and Lake Inferior at 11pm.

Milagro Saints CD Release Party @ Papa Mojo's - They are promoting their new album: Songs on the Live Wire following last year's Warm Soul Sunshine which garnered rave reviews in the US and Europe. 9:30pm/$8.

Saturday Night Live @ The Republic - Live DJ & Percussion by DJ Summa, starting at 10pm.

Cinco de Knox @ The Pinhook - Celebrate the five year anniversary of 307 Knox Records, a major contributor to our amazing music scene. 10pm.

Golden Belt Will Be Bustling on Third Friday

2009-12-15T17:07:00.004-05:00

Third Friday Durham: December Edition is fast approching, and Golden Belt will be a hive of activity between the hours of 6 and 9pm on the 18th. Check out their press release:

What's that? You need a compelling reason to shop local and one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday? Here's one: bottom line, they're way cooler. And you can feel good supporting your neighbors and the planet in a green, save-on-shipping kind of way. So bring your friends and come help us celebrate the last Third Friday of 2009! Enjoy food and a cash bar as you shop the amazing art, jewelry, handmade textiles, and more locally-inspired goods at Golden Belt.
In Building 3, shop 43 inspiring studio artists under one roof and a compelling one-night show, Make Believers, offering screen printing, collage, film, paint, photography and more. The deeply moving and poetic Hiroshima: After Aftermath, a powerful exhibition of work by elin o'Hara slavick will continue in ROOM 100.
Ongoing group show Natural Selection illuminates the walls of LabourLove Gallery, featuring contemporary artists with ties to Eastern North Carolina exhibiting adventurous mixed media paintings, sculptures and fiber works. Also on hand in the gallery: brand new t-shirt designs, prints, and more.
In The Cotton Room, LabourLove Gallery presents Time, a beautiful and serene collection of fine art photography from Daniel J. Pesta. These pieces are printed in extremely limited editions and will sell out fast.
Let’s toast to an incredible year of growth at Golden Belt while we support the inspiring work of local artists this holiday season!
Hooked? Click here for more information.

The Weekend Has Landed - December 11th

2009-12-11T16:11:00.005-05:00

Greetings citizens of Durham! Our writer who usually does Weekend Has Landed is currently at The Down Under Pub and doesn't want to do his usual post from his phone (besides, with $4 Kamikaze shots currently on special, who knows what it would end up like). So, since I've finished my work for the day, I agreed to do it.

There is a lot of theater going on this weekend (See The Upstager's weekly list, sample below):

Jane Eyre – Return to Thornfield Manor! Little Green Pig’s new stage adaptation of the Charlotte Brontë novel about a rebellious heroine determined to succeed against all odds. This weekend: Wednesday-Saturday 8:15, Sunday 3:15. Continues through December 19, atManbites Dog Theater, Durham.
littlegreenpig.com
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby – David Edgar’s massive two-part adaptation of Charles Dickens other novel, presented in rotating rep. This weekend: Part 1 – Wednesday 10:30 and 7:30, Thursday and Saturday 7:30. Part 2: Friday 7:30, Saturday and Sunday 2:00, Tuesday 7:30. Part 1 continues through December 19, Part 2 through December 20. Paul Green Theater, UNC campus, Chapel Hill.
www.playmakersrep.org

I saw Jane Eyre last weekend, it was a good time. The Nicholas Nickleby show sounds cool too. DBL happened to be doing some unrelated work with one of the actors yesterday and heard more about it. Then we read the wikipedia article, and now we are enlightened.

Screw this linear crap, I'm just going to jump around now. This sounds cool, Guglhupf Bakery is hosting a German Christmas market from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday:

The star of the Christmas market is Guglhupf's stollen, which they describe as "a dense leavened bread made from a sweet dough with citrus peel, raisins, almonds, and a complex blend of spices." They add that the bread is dipped in butter and rolled in sugar, which seals the loaf and gives it a protective coating, and is finished with powdered sugar which looks like snow.
The market also will include arts and crafts sellers from the Durham Craft Market, The Ginger Young Gallery and Outsiders Gallery.
Shoppers can drink mulled wine or cider while shopping.

Hmmmm... Guglhuph. I still need to try their dinner service, I've heard mixed reviews.

There's a new bar open downtown, The Republic. I checked it out last Friday (http://tweetphoto.com/5843376) and it was pretty cool, still too soon to tell. But you should all go and support them since they just opened!

There's also (as always) lots of really good live music. Check out the calendar. Of particular note is a Durham Socialite favorite, Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovlies (pictured at top) at the Pinhook Saturday night.

Best of Both Worlds Cask Stout

2009-12-08T09:36:00.004-05:00

'Tis the season to be drinking dark beer.

And Triangle Brewing Company will be tapping a cask tonight (Dec. 9th) that is a beer to remember. It's their "Best of Both Worlds," a rich stout prepared with local coffee, Godiva dark chocolate, and raspberries.

It was also featured at the Black Friday Cask Festival. So if you were out of town or your taste buds were too distracted by the other casks, this is your chance for redemption. And for those of you who want to like beer but don't, this here's a great starter beer.

Don't believe me? Go try it for yourself. The cask will start pouring 6:00pm sharp, at Alivia's Durham Bistro.

The Weekend Has Landed - December 4th

2009-12-04T13:32:00.008-05:00

*Friday*

Durham Gay and Lesbian Happy Hour @ Whiskey - Check out our feature. 7pm.

Super Sounds for Saving Lives @ Broad Street Cafe - Check out our feature. 8pm.

Catherine and Kathy’s 20th Anniversary Toys for Tots Party! @ Club Steel Blue - 8pm

Humble Tripe CD Release Party @ Duke Coffeehouse - The CD release party for Humble Tripe's debut album, Counting Stars. They will be accompanied by Midtown Dickens and Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes (of the Carolina Chocolate Drops). Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm. FREE/BYOB.

Funkuponya @ Papa Mojo's - It's time to get your funk on with this instrumental quartet hailing from Raleigh. 9:30pm/$7.

Yep Rock and Red Eye Dance Party @ The Pinhook - Observe how record labels and distributors rock out. 9pm.

*Saturday*

Holiday Festival @ Brightleaf Square - The Caroling Party will be providing holiday cheer from 12-2pm, and singer-songwriter Tad Dreis will be performing from 2:30-4pm. For the kids, there will be face painting with Zoe the Clown from 1-3pm, and Santa Claus himself will make an appearance from 1:30-2:30pm.

Scientific Superstar CD Release @ The MarVell - The show will also feature Beloved Binge and Battle Rockets. 6pm/FREE.

Retrofantasma Film Series @ Carolina Theatre - Alien: The Director's Cut at 7:30pm, Leviathan at 9:30pm.

St. Lawrence String Quartet @ Reynolds Industries Theater - The quartet will be performing Beethoven's String Quartet in C Sharp Minor, Op. 131 and John Adams's String Quartet (2008, St. Lawrence String Quartet Commission). 8pm/$30.

Live Music @ Broad Street Cafe - Flava at 8pm, The Gravy Boys at 10pm.

Mystery Hillbillies @ Papa Mojo's - A country music quartet that draws from styles that range from the 40s up to present day. 9:30pm/$8.

Lip Syncing Competition @ The Pinhook - Jeff and King present "Puttin' on the Hits," a Lip Syncing Competition and dance party. 10pm/FREE.

*Sunday*

Chef Shirle's Vegan Brunch @ The Pinhook - This month the menu includes shepherds pie, garden salad, fresh fruit and coffee. Bloody Marys and Mimosas will of course be available. 12pm/$7.

Holiday Bawl III @ Carolina Theatre - A benefit for the Durham Branch of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC and Independent Animal Rescue. Admission is FREE with a donation of canned goods for the food bank or cat food for IAR. It will be a 35mm David Lean double feature, including Brief Encounter at 2:30pm and Summertime at 4:30pm.

BSC Kids @ Broad Street Cafe - Featuring storyteller Robin Kitson and balloon artist Steve McDonough. 4:30pm/FREE.

Super Sounds for Saving Lives

2009-12-02T18:18:00.003-05:00

If you're into listing to good music and supporting a noble cause, then check out this Friday's fund raising benefit for the Eastern NC Chapter of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

The live music line-up is composed of Tad Dreis, Soulless Dogs, Roxcetera, and Pistil. The $10 door fee (a donation to L/LS) also includes a raffle ticket, with prizes from Whole Foods, DogStar Tattoo, Vaguely Reminiscent, and others. It'll run from 9:30pm-2am at The Broad Street Cafe.

The End of the Year is Near

2009-12-02T17:48:00.003-05:00

With a few hours of manual labor, the aid of some automation, and a few caffeinated beverages, the Durham Social Calendar as been populated for December!

If there is anything you, our well informed readers, would like to add -- shoot us an email. Attachments in the iCalendar (.ics) format would color us impressed, but plain 'ol text or flier images work as well.

Hope y'all enjoy the season that makes it easy to stay out after dark!

Express Yourself: Open Mic at The Pinhook

2009-11-30T23:58:00.004-05:00

You're sitting at work. Or at home. Or in a fighter jet. And you're thinking, "Gee, it's Tuesday, what is a person to do tonight?" Well, here's your answer: put all of your creative marbles into one bag and strut your stuff at The Pinhook's Open Mic Night.

The MC is one Jonathan Thompson, a master of music and vocals who could fill an entire night with a comprehensive history of folk. Bring your experimental prototype material, bring your obscure or embarrassingly popular covers.

But whatever you do, bring yourself. Open mic is your time to shine.

Holidays By TROSA

2009-11-30T14:20:00.003-05:00

"Buy a tree... Help save a life"

TROSA, a local charity that works with substance abuse, is selling Christmas Tree's this year. You can find out more information, and get a coupon at their website: holidaysbytrosa.com

Durham Gay and Lesbian Happy Hour

2009-11-30T10:50:00.004-05:00

Will Elliott writes us about a Gay and Lesbian Happy Hour that he's been organizing for a few years now in Durham. The group meets at a different place once a month. He says:

It started off as me just inviting my friends and now we have almost 700 people on our Evite list. This is completely grass roots - no organization other than me. And that's sort of the point - there's no agenda other than making new friends and enjoying each other's company.

This month's gathering is at a Socialite favorite, Whiskey:

Durham Gay and Lesbian Happy Hour

Friday December 4th - 7 PM to 10 PM

Whiskey - 347 W. Main Street Downtown Durham

Triangle Brewing Company's 3rd Annual Black Friday Cask Festival

2009-11-24T18:33:00.012-05:00

Whether you get all your Black Friday shopping done in the morning, or avoid retail outlets all together, reserve your evening for this epic event.

Breweries from across The Old North State are converging on our fair city, and they will come bearing gifts in the form of their finest cask ales. These special beers reveal flavors you don't normally experience, and the small batch sizes makes them a true craft brewing treat.

A mere $30 will gain you entry to Triangle Brewing Company's Pearl Street headquarters, and includes the beer, food from some local Durham eateries, and a commemorative glass. Live music will be provided by The Dirty Little Heaters, Rat Jackson and Pink Flag.

The event runs from 3-8pm. Tickets can be purchased at Bull McCabe's, Alivia's, or online. They will also be available at the door, but the price jumps to $40.

Here's the latest line-up of participating breweries:

Triangle Brewing Company (Durham)
Big Boss Brewing Company (Raleigh)
Boylen Bridge Brewpub (Raleigh)
Aviator Brewing Company (Fuquay-Varina)
Carolina Brewery and Cafe (Chapel Hill/Pittsboro)
Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery (Chapel Hill)
Lone Rider Brewing Company (Raleigh)
Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery (Farmville)
Hamm's Restaurant and Brewhouse (multiple locations)
Huske Hardware House Restaurant & Brewery (Fayetteville)
Natty Greene's Brewing Co. (Greensboro)
Foothills Brewing (Winston-Salem)
Olde Hickory Brewery (Hickory)
Olde Mecklinburg Brewery (Charlotte)
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery (Charlotte)
Liberty Steakhouse and Brewery (High Point)
Greenman Brewing Co. (Asheville)
French Broad Brewing Company (Asheville)
Highland Brewing Company (Asheville)