The Filtered Excellence: August 23, 2012

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Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Here are this weeks picks of what to WATCH, what to DO what to TRY what to READ what to LISTEN TO and more:
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WATCH THIS:

Sleepwalk with Me.  Comedian Mike Birbiglia’s feature film directorial debut is semi-autobiographical, and based on his one-man stage show of the same title.  The film follows a stand up comic who is dealing with some major life issues, including sleepwalking.  Both funny and sad, as well as deeply personal, this is a terrific indie and a nice change from the rest of this year’s summer lineup.

Samsara.  Go see this on the big screen for a completely unique experience.   In Sanskrit, Samsara is the word that signifies, “the ever turning wheel of life.” Filmed in dozens of countries all over the world, over a duration of about five years, this unconventional documentary seeks to echo this concept of connectivity which flows through all existence. Without narration or added text, we are taken on a journey which visually transports the viewer to scenes of humanity and nature; birth, death, and rebirth. Revealed are visions of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial cities, remote villages, and awe-inspiring scenes of natural wonder. Sound familiar? Fans of Baraka (1992) will certainly dig this stunningly beautiful film as Samsara reunites the director Ron Fricke and producer Mark Magidson, whose award-winning films have been highly lauded for their stirring brilliance. Continuing in the tradition of these films, Samsara combines powerful imagery and music, wordlessly emmanating far reaching experience. With only our own internal perception of the visuals to guide us, Samsara is more a gorgeous exploration and meditation than travel documentary.  It opens limited August 24, 2012.

Homeland Season One on DVD.  If you don’t have Showtime, or if you missed season one, now you can snag it on DVD and Blu-Ray.  One of our favorite dramas currently on tv– in fact it’s one of our favorite dramas on tv in recent history.  You’ll probably want to watch the whole season straight through since the end of episode cliffhangers are pretty outstanding, but you’ll be emotionally exhausted if you try, so space them out!  Tremendous performances by Claire Danes and Damian Lewis Season Two starts on September 30, giving you just enough time to catch up.

Little League World Series.  The second greatest world series on the planet.  Watch the kids play their hearts out for the title.

  • The International Championship Game – Japan versus Panama – Saturday, August 25 at 12:30pm on ABC / ESPN3D
  • The U.S. Championship Game – Tennessee versus California- Saturday, August 25 at 3:30pm on ABC / ESPN3D
  • Consolation Game – Losers from the Championship Games – Sunday, August 26 at 11am on ESPN /ESPN3D
  • Little League World Series Championship Game – This is the one to watch if you’re watching only one.  Winners of the International & U.S. Championships – Sunday, August 26 at 3pm on ABC / ESPN3D

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LISTEN TO THIS

Woody At 100: The Woody Guthrie Collection. Woody Guthrie is one of America’s most celebrated songwriters. He’s a direct influence on artists ranging from Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp to Tom Morello. To coincide with what would have been his 100th Birthday, Smithsonian Folkways has released, Woody At 100: The Woody Guthrie Collection. It’s an elaborate set featuring a large format book and 3 CDs of his seminal songs (including the unedited version of ‘This Land Is Your Land’), 21 previously unreleased performances and recently discovered first recordings. None of his songs have lost their bite – they could’ve been written yesterday. This is the essential introduction/retrospective on one of our country’s greatest voices. Woody At 100: The Woody Guthrie Collection is available now.

The Glorious Dead is the new album by The Heavy and it’s out everywhere now (released 8/21).  It needs be given a listen!  The third full-length release by the British soul-rockers. Recorded in Columbus Georgia with a backing gospel choir, this is a record that blends rock and revival. You got ya driving rock riffs, funky bluesy jams, harmonies and jubilant hand-claps. The four piece’s sound is as throwback-yet-current as ever and it’s a really fun listen. Great tracks include: “What Makes a Good Man,” “Curse Me Good,” and, “Be Mine.”

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BROWSE THIS

Professor Blastoff. (available from iTunes)  It started out as a podcast of comedians talking about science and philosophy. Then host Tig Notaro, after recovering from a life threatening illness and losing her mother, found out that she had Stage 2 breast cancer. Notaro speaks frankly about the illness, bringing the listener in to her anxiety over being tested for cancer, her feelings about her diagnosis and her fears about her upcoming treatment. She handles it all with aplomb and humor and through it all reveals a deep desire to recover. It’s compelling listening that will make you root for her on her journey.

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DO THIS

Afro-Punk Festival @ Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn August 25-26. After getting washed out last year by Tropical Storm Irene, Afro-Punk Festival is back with a hurricane-like force. Scheduled performers include TV On The Radio, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Reggie Watts, Toshi Reagon, Alice Smith, Gym Class Heroes, Gordon Voidwell and many others tearing up the Black Indie Rock scene.  In addition to all of the great music, there’s also a skateboarding competition, art walls, a custom bike show, food trucks and much more.  Afro-Punk Festival is FREE so get there early.

The Landlord starring Beau Bridges and directed by Hal Ashby @ Brooklyn Academy Of Music 8/27. During the 70’s, the films of Hal Ashby – Harold And Maude, The Last Detail, Shampoo, Bound For Glory, Coming Home and Being There helped define Hollywood’s last great golden era. Ashby’s films managed to be a step ahead of the times as well, addressing then-new issues like age discrimination, the flip side of the sexual revolution, the plight of returning of Vietnam soldiers and corporate roles in politics. As part of the ‘Brooklyn Close-Up Series’, BAM will screen Ashby’s debut film, The Landlord. Beau Bridges stars as Elgar Enders, a wealthy young man who decides to buy a Park Slope building in order to renovate it and make it home for himself. The tenants, however refuse to leave and Enders is forced to confront his feelings on race relations, gentrification and his relationships with his very WASP-y family. It’s a stunning debut from one of America’s greatest, yet most under appreciated directors. The Landlord will screen on Monday, August 27th.

WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND THE COUNTRY THIS WEEK!?

  • Phoenix, Arizona – Hell City Tattoo Fest ( August 23rd-25th), Show off your Ink and not just any kind of ink, but any kind of ink but the ink of the devil and everything that has to do with hell.  So come show off your ink and maybe get some new ink yourself made by the best of the best in the hell.
  • Michigan City, Indiana – Michigan City In-water Boat Show (August 23rd-25th), What better way to view a boat then in their natural habitat in the water.  Come tour them and maybe take a boat out for a test ride in the beautiful Michigan Lake.  It’s a fun filled event for all of your families and friends.
  • Gueydan, LA – Gueydan Duck Festival (August 23rd to 25th), Come take part in everything and anything duck.  Participate in duck and goose calling contest, an outdoor cookoff with nothing else but duck and of course a skeet shooting contest. Don’t forget to end the festival in the best way by attending the annual parade.
  • Askov, Minnesota – Askov Fair & Rutabaga Festival (August 23rd- 25th), Come Celebrate the best of Minnesota with one of their favorite products the Rutabaga.  Enjoy the many food stands a pagaent, parade, folk dancing contests, and everything else that makes a small town great.
  • Mexico, Missouri –  Soybean Festival (August 24th-25th), Come check out a Missouri Tradition carried on by the Mexico Jaycees and celebrate their small town, agriculture and fun.  Don’t forget to check out their live entertainment, the BBQ cookoff, an Antique Tractor Show, and run in the 10 K race.
  • San Antonio, Texas – San Antonio Hunters Extravaganza (August 24th-26th), Who doesn’t love to go hunting in the summer, the camouflage, the guns, and of course the tasty meat at the end of the day.  So come and celebrate the best of Hunting with the texas Trophy Hunters Association.
  • Austin, Texas – Austin Bat Fest (August 25th), Come celebrate the night of the bat.  Where over 1.5 million bats will emerge from under a bridge at dusk, also eat the delicous food and drinks, listen to the live music, participate in the bat costume contest and other bat activities!

 

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Interrobang Staff

Interrobang Staff