The Filtered Excellence: July 5, 2012

Published by Interrobang Staff at July 5, 2012

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:

Singing in the Rain in Theaters. One night only, July 12, 2012. Plan ahead to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of one of the most beloved movies of all time. Singing in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds is turning 60 and TCM is giving the classic a nationwide celebration. 475 theaters across the country will show the film at 7pm local time, with an introduction by Robert Osborne, behind the scenes features and an interview with “Singin’ in the Rain” star Debbie Reynolds. If somehow you’ve managed to go this long without seeing Singing in the Rain, you this is a must-event for you. If you know the film, then you won’t need us to talk you into it.

Goon. This little movie was given a limited release earlier this year with little fanfare, which is a shame, because it’s actually pretty good. Based on a true story, it tells the store of an aimless, dim-bulb, natural fighter who gets recruited by a minor league hockey team as an enforcer. Sean William Scott plays the lead and is well served by dialing down his normal screen persona and plays it more wide-eyed and sweet. Liev Schrieber is great as the veteran enforcer who serves out a suspension in the minors to end his career who inevitably will cross paths with his younger self. Available on Netflix streaming.

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LISTEN TO THIS:

Oshin, by DIIV. Beach Fossils’ latest project, DIIV, artfully distills 80s alt-rock like the Smiths and The Cure into laid-back, shimmering and gorgeous dream pop for a new millenium. Give it a few spins and let it seep into your subconscious.

Buy it on Amazon.com.

Debo Band by Debo Band. Check out the Boston neuftet’s (that’s a nine-piece!) self-titled album that will be released July 10th. Founded by Ethiopian-American saxophonist Danny Mekonnen, the group of nine is comprised of eclectically influenced musicians; you’ll hear accordion, electric guitar, fiddle, a sousaphone (!?), and more. In each track the band blasts out a blend of funk-infused big brass, swing, and traditional 60’/70’s era-tinged Ethiopian music that is all grooviness. This album is a good time, and some great music. Be on the lookout for Debo Band live in your town too- they’ll be on tour starting 7/11/12- amazing live music!

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DOWNLOAD THIS:

Trivie – Battle of Wits! The popular trivia iphone app was just updated and they added a social feature. Like Draw Something, Words with Friends, Hanging with Friends and many other apps, you now can challenge friends, acquaintances and strangers to good old fashioned trivia. The results are surprisingly addictive and lots of fun.

Here’s where to Download.

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DO THIS:

New York City: Dick Gregory @ B.B. King’s Blues Club. July 6th. Before Pryor, Cosby, Murphy and Maher, there was Dick Gregory. By blending comedy with social criticism, Dick Gregory forever changed stand up. Gregory has also been on the frontlines in the civil and human rights struggle since the 60’s. Gregory turns 80 in October, but as you can see, he has no plans on slowing down. He’ll bring his wit and wisdom to B.B. King’s in New York on July 6th. Come out and hear a pioneer in every sense of the word. You might just learn something too. Go to www.bbkingblues.com for more information.

New York City: The Lowdown Hudson Blues Festival @ World Financial Center Plaza. July 11-12. Spread out over two days, this festival is going to flat out smoke. Day 1 will feature the one and only Buddy Guy, Quinn Sullivan and the British Blues great John Mayall. The festival will close out with singer-songwriter extraordinaire (and Twitter fave) Neko Case and Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires. The best part is the price: FREE. The shows run from 6-9:30pm, so be sure to get there early so you don’t get left out.

Here’s where to get all the info.

New York City: Nona Hendryx @ B.B. King’s Blues Club. July 14th. As the principal songwriter for LaBelle, Nona redefined the ‘girl group’ sound with songs that directly confronted such issues as Black female sexuality, racism and identity. As a solo artist, she’s blurred the lines between funk, rock, and R&B. She’s also an outstanding businesswoman, developing and nurturing up and coming talent on both sides of the Atlantic. She’ll be appearing at B.B. King’s on July 14th to celebrate the release of her first full length CD in nearly 20 years. Mutatis Mutandis,. Her live shows are pretty explosive, so be prepared to sweat! Mutatis Mutandis will be released digitally July 10th and on CD July 31st. Go to www.bbkingblues.com for ticket information.

SUMMER FESTIVAL ROUND UP: MORE TO CHECK OUT ALL OVER THE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Sawdust Days, July 3rd- July 7th. It’s always nice to celebrate your heritage, and the town of OshKosh, Wisconsin holds their annual fair Sawdust Days to remember back when they were know as the Sawdust City. There is food, fireworks, a parade and everything you could want in a classic hometown festival- and helps everyone remember why their families traveled to Oshkosh in the first place!
Cadott, Wisconsin, Nabor Days, July 5th-July 8th. Well, Nabor days is meant to help celebrate some of the people you appreciate most in the hot summer months- your Neighbors! So grab all your neighbors and head to Nabor days to celebrate your great relationship, and have fun with food, games, and music!
Seattle, Washington, Seattle Beer Fest, July 6th-8th. This may not be the perfect festival to bring the kids too, but you can get a chance to celebrate all of the great local beer joints in and around the Seattle area. In case the beer isn’t enough to draw you to Seattle this weekend, then maybe all the great live local music acts can.
Newport, Rhode Island. Newport Comedy Nights, Starts July 7th. Starting with comedian Joan River’s the town of Newport is bringing a different famous comedian to Rhode Island every Saturday night. Everyone loves to laugh so you should bring the family and head out to see these great comedians every Saturday night.
Roseburg, Oregon, Graffiti Weekend, July 6th- July 8th. No I’m sorry people won’t be running around with paintcans tagging everything they can see- it is actually one of America’s biggest auto shows. Whether you have an classic car, a brand new car, or a car that’s barely running everyone can appreciate a great car show.
West Jefferson, North Carolina, Christmas in July, July 7th. Santa Clause is Coming to Town – -well there are still six months to presents, but Santa will be making an appearance at the Christmas in July Festival. Get your Christmas spirit ready and celebrate almost everyone’s favorite holiday- six months early!
Buffalo, New York, Taste of Buffalo, July 7th-July 8th. The largest two day festival in the country is happening this weekend in Buffalo, New York! Get ready to eat, eat, and eat some more as local restaurants get together to give everyone a little tast of everything. And of course there will be plenty of the food that made this city famous- buffalo wings!