The Filtered Excellence: August 13, 2015
Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Once a week we take a break from comedy to bring you 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:
Mistress America. The latest collaboration between Noah Baumbach and Greta Grewig (Frances Ha) is a modern take on the screwball comedies of the 30’s and 40’s. It stars Lola Kirke as Tracy, a college freshman whose expectations of an exciting collegiate life in the big city are quickly met with the cold realities of life. Things change when she meets her soon to be step sister Brooke (Grewig), a city resident living multiple lives. One minute, she’s a math coach, the next she’s an interior decorator. Brooke is also a singer, spinning instructor and a restaurateur, whose ultimate ambition is to open a place that would be serve as a cafe, hair salon and a convenience store. Tracy finds inspiration in Brooke’s drive and quickly transforms into next big thing status at college. Things come to a head between the two after Tracy writes a not so flattering piece about Brooke, and a visit to a Connecticut mansion puts them in contact with people ready to give them a much needed reality check. Grewig gives another great performance as the always moving Brooke, as does Kirke, as the slightly more grounded Tracy. Baumbach, who is clearly on a creative roll (he’s written and directed four films in the last five years), once again keeps the pace brisk, crisp and concise. It’s pretty clear that working with Grewig gives him a chance to show the lighter side of his artistry. Loose, light yet keeping in the spirit of his earlier work, Mistress America is another winner from one of the Baumbach camp. It opens in select theaters on Friday and rolls out nationally on August 21st. You can go to www.mistressamericathemovie.com for more information.
Show Me A Hero. This six hour HBO mini-series is the latest work from David Simon and William F. Zorzi (‘The Wire’). Based on the book by former New York Times writer Lisa Belkin and directed by Paul Haggis (‘Crash’), the series look back at the political firestorm that erupted when a federal judge ordered that the city of Yonkers must build 200 low to middle income housing units on the east side of the city. At the center of it all is Nick Wasicsko (Oscar Issac), the newly elected mayor of Yonkers (and youngest Mayor in the nation), who, despite initially opposed the plan (and was elected largely on that position), changed his position to save the city from financial disaster. The shift only added to the political, racial and economic tensions came with the court order, with tremendous ramifications on all involved. As with most Simon-led projects, the script looks at all perspectives: Wasicsko, elected officials, bureaucrats, activists and ordinary citizens. It’s also an biting, yet necessary look at how the deep racial and economic divides can even tear apart, a mid-level city. With an great cast that includes Catherine Keener, Alfred Molina, Winona Ryder, LaTanya Richardson-Jackson, Bob Balaban and Jim Belushi, Show Me A Hero is another winner from the David Simon canon. It premieres Sunday night at 8pm on HBO. You can go to www.hbo.com for more information.
LISTEN TO THIS:
Momentary Masters by Albert Hammond, Jr. The third solo album by Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr, finds himself revisiting the sound that made the first Strokes album so memorable: Slinky guitars, loopy bass and crisp melodies. Songs like ‘Side Boob’, ‘Drenched In Crumbs’, ‘Touche’ could have easily made its way onto a Strokes album. But, thanks in part to producer Gus Oberg, Hammond also throws in touches of 80s new wave (‘Losing Touch’, ‘Power Hungry’) and even Beach Boys pop into the mix. There’s even a sly cover of ‘Don’t Think Twice’ that puts a fresh take on the Dylan classic. While there’s no plans for a new Strokes album, Albert Hammond, Jr has delivered a strong solo album that will keep their fans more than satisfied. Momentary Masters is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major music retailers. You can also go to www.alberthammondjr.com for tour dates and more information.
DO THIS:
New York City: Harlem Week. The month long celebration of one of New York City’s most cherished and beloved areas is winding down, but not slowly down. This weekend’s events will feature among other things, performances by Doug E. Fresh, Kenny Lattimore and Deborah Cox; a dance class with Alvin Alley instructor Robin Dunn, and an outdoor screening of the Bill Withers documentary, ‘Still Bill’. For those looking to seek higher learning, there will also be representatives from over 50 colleges, universities, technical and trade schools providing information on admissions, scholarships and financial aid. With events ranging from auto shows to a children’s festival, Harlem Week has something for everyone. One of the crowed jewels of the city’s festival season. Harlem Week will run August 15th through the 22nd. Go to www.harlemweek.com for a complete of events and more information.
New York City: The Jazz Lawn Party. Now in its 10th year, The Jazz Lawn Party on Governors Island takes you back to the Roaring Twenties when booze was illegal, the Lindy Hop and The Charleston lit up dance floors, men wore spats and flappers fired the first shot in the women’s lib movement. This is a straight up garden party complete with antique cars, live jazz orchestras, dance lessons, vintage vendors, food and drink from the era and much more. A trippy trip back in time that’s a lot of fun. The Jazz Lawn Party happens this Saturday on Governors Island. You can go to www.govisland.com for tickets and more information.
Chicago: Illinois State Fair. A summertime staple, the Illinois State Fair has managed to retain many of its traditions, yet also been able to add events in line with the times. There will still be a wide range of food, rides and events for the entire family, but there will also be a solid lineup of live entertainment throughout the 10 day events. Sammy Hagar (fronting his new supergroup, The Circle), Fall Out Boy, Rascal Flatts, The Fray, Collective Soul and Hank Williams, Jr. are just some of the acts scheduled to play the fair’s legendary grandstand, which has hosted events there since 1927. Good music, good food and good times. The Illinois State Fair runs August 13th through the 27th. You can go to www.illinois.gov for more information.
Want more excellence? Read last week’s The Filtered Excellence and visit The Interrobang Recommmends
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