In last week's column, I previewed Fred Fest. Although I have lived in Fredonia for the vast majority of my life, I had never actually been an active participant in the phenomenon that is Fred Fest. This year, I intended to rectify this and indeed I did. Now, let me break it down for you.
As I predicted, the unseasonably warmth and sunshine plus the festivities were a recipe for disaster. Everyone was out of control to the point of obnoxiousness, the bars were so packed that you could barely move (and it was way too hot for that), let alone order a drink. Just like the Chautauqua County Fair, it seemed to bring out all of the crazies and creeps who otherwise spend their time in their parents' basements. I also didn't understand why everyone was so dressed up! This is not a New York City nightclub with a velvet rope. Leave the sequins and sky-high heels at home. It's only Fredonia.
In little more than a week, this will be a completely different town; next week is finals, followed by graduation. I think the college is great - I'm a proud alum - but there's nothing I love more than BJ's on a summertime Tuesday.
WATCH THIS
Mother's Day Film Fest
It's Mother's Day on Sunday and I have two film recommendations that are most appropriate for the holiday and great for watching with mom.
First, watch "Mildred Pierce" (1945) on Turner Classic Movies at 1:15 p.m., the quintessential classic about a complicated mother-daughter relationship. It stars the fabulous Joan Crawford as a mother going to great lengths to secure her daughter's (Ann Blyth) place in society. Just a sidenote: Kate Winslet is starring in an adaptation of the film, currently in production, to air on HBO.
I scoured the TV listings for my next Mother's Day movie suggestion, "Mommie Dearest," (1981) which used to be on the We network on an almost constant basis, but sadly couldn't find it. Oh, well just rent it, and I urge you to view it immediately after "Mildred Pierce." The film depicts Joan Crawford's relationship with her adopted daughter, Christina, based on Christina's scathing memoirs. It basically makes Joan look like a monster. It's so over-the-top and fantastic, Faye Dunaway nails it as Joan and Christina's bleached-blonde-Little-Orphan-Annie 'do is almost as frightening as that scene wherein Joan beats the living daylights out of her daughter after she dares to put her clothes on wire hangers by far my favorite part of the whole film. I've seen "Mommie Dearest" at least four times and it gets better with each watch.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Heenan's in downtown Fredonia will celebrate their 20th anniversary on Friday, May 7, starting at 3 p.m. and continuing until close, with drink specials and hors d'oeuvres.
41 West will have karaoke Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 9 p.m., as per usual, and will feature live music by Rinky Dink from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.
Punk rock band the Outsiders will host a concert fundraiser for Adams Art Gallery on Saturday, May 8 at 8 p.m. It will be held in the basement of the gallery, located at 600 Central Ave. in Dunkirk; expect dancing, food and drinks.
DRINK OF THE WEEK
A Frozen Amaretto, courtesy of my sister, Hilary, my own miniature Martha Stewart: Take a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Place it in a glass. Pour amaretto over it. It's milkshakey and delicious. In fact, try putting it all in a blender and make a proper milkshake out of it.
Hilary recommends serving it with almond toast ("I once did that at a fancy dinner party," she said, naturally) and perhaps dunking it in the drink.
GET OUT OF TOWN
Inugami play the Tudor Lounge in Buffalo on Saturday, May 8. This Rochester-based trio is made up of singer/guitarist Nick Walter, bass player Paul Phillips and drummer Jeff Thomson. Phillips is a former resident of Dunkirk. The band's sound is influenced by The Replacements, Dinosaur, Jr. and early R.E.M. Patrons of Sweet and Gifted Children are also scheduled to appear.
The show starts at 9 p.m. and is over 21 only. The Tudor Lounge is located at 335 Franklin St. in Buffalo.
WHAT REALLY GRINDS MY GEARS
What happened to two of my channels? I recently noticed that the Style Network, in addition to another channel, had unceremoniously disappeared from the lineup. I have Time Warner Cable in Fredonia and I demand an explanation!
April Diodato is the OBSERVER Lifestyles editor. Give her the dish on what's happening at aprildiodato@gmail.com. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!
