The Filtered Excellence: June 12, 2014
Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Here are this weeks picks of the best things to watch, the most interesting things to do, great things to try, the best picks to read, our favorite things to listen to and more:
WATCH THIS:
The 2014 FIFA World Cup. The eyes of the world are on Brazil for the next month. The planet’s most beloved sport is back on its biggest stage. It’s nation versus nation as each country’s patriotism swells to a fever pitch to see who will be crowned the world’s best in football (soccer). This week starts the group stage and starting on Friday, there will be at least three games each day for the next two weeks. Must watch games coming up this weekend include Spain versus the Netherlands on Friday at 3 pm et on ESPN, England versus Italy on Saturday at 6 pm et on ESPN. And then into next week, it’s Team U.S.A versus Ghana on Monday, June 16th at 6 pm et on ESPN and Brazil versus Mexico on Tuesday, June 17th at 3 pm et on ESPN. All games will air on ABC, ESPN and ESPN 2 throughout the group competition.
American Pharaoh. Here is a great primer going into the 2014 World Cup. American Pharaoh follows the efforts of the Egyptian national soccer team as they try to qualify for World Cup competition during the political unrest and upheaval going on their country. The unique part of their effort is that they are being led by an American, Coach Bob Bradley. The documentary follows the team as they strive to win despite the political problems they run into and leads to a pivotal game against Ghana. American Pharaoh premieres Monday, June 16th on PBS. Check local listings for times.
David Beckham Into The Unknown On Showtime. In this new documentary, soccer star David Beckham has just retired and is wondering what his next life move will be. So he and three friends decide to go to Brazil, but not to promote the upcoming World Cup. Instead, Beckham and his crew travel by motorbike and boat to explore the local communities, culminating with a trip through the Amazon rainforest and a meeting with the remote Yanomami tribe. While its fun to see Beckham roughing it in the jungle, its also a great look into a world that very few have seen, much less experienced. If you’re looking for a nice World Cup curve ball, check out this cool new doc. David Beckham Into The Unknown premieres June 13th on Showtime.
Evergreen: The Road to Legalization. This new documentary is being called “definitive film on the legalization of marijuana in Washington State”. For anyone on either side of the legalization issue, “Evergreen” follows all the arguments for and against legal recreational marijuana and the road to the voting booth in Washington. The film also researches the loopholes that still exist even though bill I-502 passed in Washington and the way law enforcement is navigating this brand new territory. The Washington vote has set the precedent and “Evergreen” shows how pot legalization could play out on a federal stage.
The AFI Award: A Tribute To Jane Fonda. The American Film Institute is giving out its highest honor and only for the 42nd time. The AFI Award is going to Jane Fonda in a tribute special airing Saturday, June 14th. The two-time Oscar winner for “Klute” and “Coming Home”, will be honored by her peers including Peter Fonda, Michael Douglas, Meryl Streep, Catherine Keener, Sally Field and Penny Marshall. Jane Fonda is no stranger to the AFI Award. She was there when her father Henry Fonda received it and she was selected to present it to Bette Davis. The AFI Award: A Tribute to Jane Fonda airs this Saturday at 9 pm et on TNT.
READ THIS
One Way Out: The Inside History Of The Allman Brothers Band by Alan Paul. As a nice to tie-in with the band’s 45th Anniversary, journalist Alan Paul – who have been covering The Allman Brothers Band for 25 years – interviewed every living member (past and present), managers, roadies, and contemporaries to tell the most comprehensive oral history/bio to date. In a straight forward, no BS style, Paul and the band cover everything from their formation, their left field success, overcoming the deaths of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley; rampant drug and alcohol abuse; how Gregg Allman’s relationship with Cher made him fodder for the gossip pages; the criminal case that broke up the band; the first stunted comeback attempt in the late 70’s/early 80s and finally, the stunning return to form in 1989 that still continues today. It also gives a full account of the circumstances that led to the departure of founding member Dickey Betts. This is the definitive story on The Allman Brothers Band told by those who were closely involved in the band’s history. A fitting look at one of America’s greatest rock n roll bands.
is available now through Amazon.com and other outlets.
LISTEN TO THIS:
Lazaretto by Jack White. For his second solo album, Jack White draws from the same deep well of American music that has influenced him throughout his career. There’s amped up, fuzzed out blues-based rock (‘Three Women’, the instrumental ‘High Ball Stepper’ and the title track), country-rock with a splash of gospel (‘Temporary Ground’, ‘Entitlement’ and ‘Want And Able), raved up power pop (Would You Fight For My Love, Alone In My Room, I Think I Found A Culprit) and of course, full on rock n roll (That Black Bat Licorice). It’s a worthy follow up to his Grammy Award nominated album Blunderbuss and don’t be too surprised if his name comes up again at next year’s ceremonies. He’s on that kind of creative roll.
by Jack White is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major music outlets.
DO THIS:
NEW YORK CITY: An Evening with Reggie Watts. Comedian and musician Reggie Watts brings his one of a kind show to Town Hall in New York. The best part about going to see Reggie live is that no one will ever see that show again because no two are ever alike. The co-host of Comedy Bang Bang on IFC improvises on stage using a looping machine and his amazingly versatile voice. Reggie Watts is appearing at Town Hall on Wednesday, June 18th at 8 pm. Tickets are still available.
NEW YORK CITY: Dave Chappelle at Radio City Music Hall. In his first NYC engagement in over a decade, Dave Chappelle is returning to the stage with a block of shows at one of New York’s legendary venues. As soon as the shows were announced, the first 5 sold out in minutes. New shows have been added. The extra shows will feature a musical guest each night. Special guests appearing with Dave Chappelle include The Roots, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, Janelle Monae, DJ Premier along with a full orchestra. Tickets are still available for some shows.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pulp Fiction at the Electric Dusk Drive-In. Here’s a chance to see Quentin Tarantino’s film masterpiece in a way that the director would love – in a drive-in theater. The Electric Dusk Drive-In in downtown Los Angeles plays host to QT’s 1994 classic. The car spaces have sold out already, but their are spots available to sit and enjoy Pulp Fiction on the drive-in’s astroturf. The Electric Dusk Drive-In screening of Pulp Fiction is Saturday, June 14th at 8:30 pm. Gates open at 7 pm.
NEW YORK CITY: Phenomenal Woman: Maya Angelou (1929-2014) at The Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture through June 30th. The literary world lost on greatest voices when Maya Angelou passed away on May 28th. In 2010, Angelou donated her significant amount of her archives to the Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture, and as a tribute to the late writer and poet, some of work will be on display at the famed Harlem library through the end of June. Among some of the featured items: Handwritten and typed drafts of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and “On the Pulse of Morning,”, which she read at President Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration; letters from close friends Malcolm X and James Baldwin; and a portrait of Angelou in Ghana in 1963. It’s a fascinating look into the creative process of one of the greatest writers this country has ever produced. Plus, admission is FREE. Phenomenal Woman will be at The Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture through June 30th.
Want more excellence? Read last week’s The Filtered Excellence and visit The Interrobang Recommmends
