Bars, decks and all that is golden. Which begs the question again, what makes for a good summer time bar? I’m going to keep asking until we get a conversation going, and I know there are people out there who like to enjoy beer and assorted cocktails.
Looks to be a big weekend movie-wise. Down in Vermont the people of Springfield apparently should start dying their skin bright yellow. Of all the Springfields in the country, they were lucky enough to be named the Simpson’s hometown. Elsewhere, Springfield, Ma, isn't happy.
Bud Cort, of 70s cult classic "Harold and Maude" fame, will be receiving the Midlife Achievement Award (which has to be better than a lifetime achievement award – less pressure.) and there are countless movies to see.
The docu-comedy "Face Dance" seems possibly interesting – they say it’s "breakdancing, but with your face." But the animated short it’s playing with: "I am Pig, not Pork" is described as:
"A singing pig raps his case for not being seen as mere meat in Dave Poole’s delightful animated short."
Also screening David Wain’s "The Ten" – a film about the Ten Commandments, which has got my attention because Paul Rudd’s in the cast. Oh, also Famke Janssen, Winona Ryder, Gretchen Mol. Jessica Alba, Adam Brody, Liev Schreiber, Justin Theroux. If you enjoyed "Wet Hot American Summer" (another movie by Wain – a member of Stella, which also included Michael Ian Black) then you should have no problem with this.
Who do I have to yell at to get press credentials to this? I’m a big-time blogger and columnist for Maine’s largest newspaper, do you know who I AM?
FRIDAY
Wheels of Steel:The Maine Roller Debry is holding a fundraiser tonight at Bleachers in Portland. The Vacationland Vixens are in the process of raising money for their first season to be played in Portland. This fall the Vixens will be holding bouts at the Portland Expo.
Soul Party: I don’t know much about the Slavic Soul Party going on at Space Gallery tonight, but this much I do know – I like soul music, and I like parties.
The nine-member brass band has a little bit of it all, Gypsy, Eastern European, Latin and of course good-old fashion soul. Tickets are $10, show begins at 8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Musical chairs Good collection of shows around town tonight, just about something for everyone if you look. Here’s a few:
For the hip-hop heads, over at the White Heart DJ Mayonnaise and Thel (of Dirt Coalition fame) will be mixing it up starting around 9 p.m.
If punk is more your thing and you’re looking for a sound that’s maybe more moody, or perhaps angry, just down the street at Geno’s. Covered in Bees,Confusatron and Pig Boat are playing at 9 p.m. SWAMPMAN!
For more of the straight-forward rock, head over to the Big Easy for Lost on Liftoff’s CD release party for "Mixtape Blackouts" and will be playing with Headstart. Show begins at 8 p.m.
SUNDAY
A man who needs no introductionSage Francis is playing at The Station tonight with Buck 65 and Alias. Sage is currently touring for his newest album, "Human and the Death Dance," a tour that coincidentally includes Portland’s virtuoso (she has been known to play the ukulele as well as the saw.) Dilly Dilly in the backing band.
If you want to talk about a strong underground following, Sage has it. Coming out of Rhode Island, Sage went from battle rap kid to a fierce, funny and at times brutally honest lyricist. It takes a one of a kind guy to be able to talk about the Bush administration in one breath and Natalie Portman in the next.
Tickets are $18 and $20 at the door. Show starts at 7 p.m.
Interesting note – Sage and Jedi Mind Tricks, who are also coming to the Station later this month, are on the bill for Rock the Bells, one of the summer’s biggest music festivals. They’ll be sharing the stage with people like Cyprus Hill, Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, Brother Ali, The Roots…and oh yeah, Wu Tang Clan.
And now your moment of Zen. With all the frenzy over the latest installment of Harry Potter, it seems that life for kids who couldn't make it into Hogwarts is not so good. For part II of this investigative series go to This Just In.
What makes a great summer bar?? Decks are key or at least ourdoor seating that isn't a foot away from a street with heavy traffic. Actually it' s okay to be near the traffic if the bar has taken steps to create a buffer, see the Great Lost Bear's hidden patio for an example. Drink specials are also important. Shay's hooks me all the time with their chalkboard announcing some refreshing concoction for a mere five dollars.
Justin is a former newspaper intern and has the scar tissue to prove
it. Justin has been a staff writer for the Portland Press Herald/Maine
Sunday Telegram since 2003, and in 2004 began writing a weekly column in the
Monday Magazine.
If he had to pick a label, the column would fall under "youth culture,"
covering everything from high school dance etiquette, dealing with college
debt, the resurgence of Roller Derby and Portland's one-of-a-kind music
scene. This of course has not stopped him from answering letters to Santa
Claus or writing about his experience riding shotgun in a drift car.
Justin is an export from the Midwest. He is a graduate of the University of
Missouri and is originally from Minnesota. He enjoys bacon, cheap beer,
redheads, Burt Reynolds jokes and wondering what the soundtrack to his life
would sound like.
When he grows up he wants to be an international art thief. Or Captain
America.
Until then he'll be bringing you dispatches about "the young people" and
what they do.
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