As summer ends each year, I go through the five stages of grief. I apparently have a long way to go, according to the Kubler-Ross model, because I am buried so thick in denial (stage one), I actually thought I would have another few weeks before I'd have to pack away my summer stuff for good. Not so. It may not say so on the calendar but it simply feels like fall.
Things seem to change drastically in Western New York after Labor Day seasonal businesses shut down and I really have to start scrounging for events to fill this column with. This weekend, however, is an exception.
REEL TALK
"Machete"
Finally! A movie that delivers on exactly what it promises. "Machete" is everything I wanted it to be and so much more. Danny Trejo completely dominates in the title role as an ex-Federale on a revenge mission, fulfilling every vigilante fantasy possible. Shooting a gun with a dismembered hand still attached? Sure! Scaling down a wall using intestines as a rope? Why not?! Taking on dozens of guys at once with a giant machete while wearing a jacket adorned with as many mini-machetes that can possibly fit? Absolutely! And nobody could look more natural engaging in all of this merciless slaughter than Trejo as "Machete."
It's supposed to be over-the-top. It's supposed to bring maximum gore, sex and violence. If you can't understand or appreciate this, you have no business going to see "Machete."
Of course, I was psyched to see Lindsay Lohan, who I have this strange affinity for. Her role was small but it packs a punch. Can she make a comeback? You betcha. See: Downey, Robert Jr. There's nothing the celebrity culture-loving American public adores more than to put someone on a pedestal, knock them down, rip 'em to shreds, and then build them back up again while swearing that they always knew they were great. I'm not sure (allegedly!) nudging a baby stroller with your Maserati is the best way to get things started post-jail and rehab, but if she can manage to avoid having her picture taken stumbling out of a club for at least a month, there may still be some hope for her yet.
"Machete" is now playing at the Dunkirk Movieplex.
WHAT REALLY GRINDS MY GEARS
Trailers that show the entire movie. I've been noticing a trend: movie trailers are getting longer and longer, and also less interesting. They tell the entire story with the exception of the very end, while still implying how the movie ends, so there is absolutely no reason to actually go see it. How about a little mystery? Why not try to actually sell it? With all of the moronic, asinine trash that Hollywood is cranking out these days, it would help to employ a little artistry with a movie trailer. That way, we won't know the second it's advertised that we wouldn't even bother to watch it when it eventually airs in an edited-for-TV format on TBS.
If you'd like to see what sparked this rant, Google the trailer for the movie "Train."
THE PLACE TO BE THIS WEEKEND
It's Red, White & Blues this weekend in Fredonia. My favorite thing about the festival is the juxtaposition of local folks with the already-downtown college students that are so puzzled by the sudden influx of people their parents' age, swarming the streets, boozily jamming out to the blues. It's a beautiful thing.
Of course, it's all about the music. Here is a list of musical acts taking place at the Red, White and Blues event this weekend in Fredonia.
At 7 p.m. Friday, Red Rhythm performs at the Fredonia Beaver Club.
On Saturday:
Noon - Gazebo: The Paul Mercado Band
1:30 p.m. - Gazebo: Chris Gardner and Friends
2 p.m. - Coughlin's: The Electras
2:30 p.m. - The White Inn: Steve Swanson's Bluze Inn; East Side Grille: Harvey and the Hurricanes
3:30 p.m. - Lil Magill's: Mark Winsick Band; Muldoon's: Willie Fuentes featuring Gina V
4:30 p.m. - Gazebo: "The Sauce Boss" Bill Wharton
7 p.m. - DeJohn's: Dr. Z. and the Blues Remedy
7:30 p.m. - Old Main Inn: Dirty Murphy
8 p.m. - 41 West: Red Rhythm
8:30 p.m. - Sunny's: Side Effects
9:30 p.m. - Valentine's: Lizzy K and the Royal Teez; Ellicottville Brewing Co.: Jony James Blues Band
The fest also includes the Red, White and Hot Treasure Hunt and best bartender costume contest on Friday; and on Saturday, wine tasting, a barbecue cook-off, Art in the Park, a 9/11 Remembrance Run, and presentations on the History of Female Blues Artists at Wishberry at 1:30 p.m. and one on Home Brewing 101 in the West Park at 2:30 p.m. Visit www.festivalsfredonia.com to learn more.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Music on the Pier comes to a close tonight, with Elevation: An International U2 Tribute at 6:30 p.m., followed by fireworks.
The Boardwalk in Dunkirk will have live music on Friday by Left Of Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Walleye Willies live music lineup is as follows: Big Tone on Thursday, 3 Amigos on Friday and D.J. Felony on Saturday.
41 West is back in action, with a new trivia night on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. and karaoke on Tuesday/Thursdays starting at 10 p.m. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
The Merritt Winery Septemberfest is Saturday, Sept. 11, from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 12, from noon to 6 p.m. at the winery in Forestville. It's the 30th annual event, with Angola-native and Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta helping to raise funds for his self-founded charity, the HITS Foundation. Also at Septemberfest: a classic car and motorcycle cruise hosted by the Lakeshore Streetrods, free winery tours and wine tasting, craft vendors, a 2010 Roush Ford Mustang raffle, water dunk tank, Chiavetta's barbecue chicken dinners and Merritt's Sangria Wine Slush; live music by Us, Underground Stamped, Sean Patrick McGraw on Saturday, and Side Effect and Black Widow on Sunday.
The Local Music Showcase in downtown Jamestown on Saturday benefits the Infinity Performing Arts Program. Some of the region's best bands will be playing throughout the evening, starting as early as 6 p.m., at Cooper's, Forte, the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, The Pub, The Q, Reg Studio Theatre, The Labyrinth, Mojo's, Shawbuck's, Suburban Blend and the Wine Cellar.
There will be two opportunities to see the work of local artists in Dunkirk/Fredonia, both on the same night. The "Fredonia Showcase," a display of SUNY Fredonia student works selected by faculty members in the Department of Visual Arts and New Media, opens with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday in the art gallery lobby at Rockefeller Arts Center. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit runs through Oct. 17, and again, is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Adams Art Gallery Members' Exhibition opens Friday with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. The juried exhibition will include the following categories: figurative, landscape, abstract/experimental and three-dimensional work.
Wishberry will have live music by acoustic acts Caitlin Lusk and Mike McKay starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, with doors opening at 9:30 p.m.
April Diodato is the OBSERVER Lifestyles editor. Give her the dish on what's happening at aprildiodato@observertoday.com
