Night & Day Events
Thursday, August 4
If we had a nickel for every time our sister checked out the drummer (or the bassist or the guitarist or the cowbell player) for a band and said something sugary like, “That is the man I want to marry,” well, we’d have a lot of nickels. If your posse is similarly goo-goo eyed over the rock stars of the world, we suggest packing them — and their “Support the Arts, Sleep with a Singer” T-shirts — into Westport tonight to catch whatever act they’ve deemed most swoonworthy at the Pitch Music Showcase. Twenty-six bands, four clubs: We’d say the odds are looking good tonight. See the insert in this issue of the paper or www.pitch.com for more information.
If our sis is feeling particularly cocky about how things might go down tonight, it might behoove her to stop by the Watkins Community Museum of History (1047 Massachusetts in Lawrence, 785-841-4109). For the Preserving Wedding Dresses Workshop, curator Kerry Lippincott shares tips on caring for veils, shoes and gowns for the just- and soon-to-be married alike. She doesn’t say anything about whether serial brides are allowed, but we’re pretty sure J. Lo can come if she wants.
Friday, August 5
Just because Dripping Wet is the name of Jill Flinton‘s solo show doesn’t mean Super Soakers are involved. Or water balloons. Or a wet T-shirt contest. (We leave that to our colleague the Night Ranger.) And we presume Flinton’s pieces are dry already, not damp. But we do know that one of Flinton’s paintings is called “Yellow Submarine,” which leads us to think that this art teacher and artist has a thing for water. Flinton’s opening is tonight from 5 to 9 at Barbershop Gallery (415 East 33rd Street, 816-200-4698), and her show continues through the weekend, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.
Saturday, August 6
Our sister, poor gal, is probably already mad at us for mentioning her tendency to crush out (see Thursday). So as a goodwill gesture, we want her to know that if nothing panned out at the Pitch Music Showcase, well, we’ve got another way for her to meet Mr. Right. How about … The Bachelor? The eighth edition of the romantic reality show holds an open casting call today for its next installment — wait, eighth edition? Either we’re getting really old really fast, or ABC is now showing these three times a year. The next season does take place in Paris, which sweetens the deal slightly, so eligible bachelors — who should be “handsome, successful, funny and charismatic” — and bachelorettes — who don’t have to be handsome or funny, just “beautiful, successful and charismatic” — should get their blindingly white smiles ready from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Suites on the Country Club Plaza (770 West 47th Street). Call The Bachelor hotline for more information at 866-739-3150.
Sunday, August 7
The Epsten Gallery at Village Shalom (5500 West 123rd Street in Overland Park, 913-266-8413) brings the Crossroads to southern Johnson County with UrbanSuburban, which opens from 2 to 4 p.m. today. Sprint curator James Martin, along with Stretch and Jerry Nerman (the former representing the urban, the latter the suburban), have chosen more than 100 pieces of art to be exhibited, then sold at a silent auction in September to support the gallery. Head south.
Monday, August 8
The reason for all the fuss about heirloom vegetables? These old, open-pollinated varieties have gained new popularity because of one simple fact: They taste really, really good. Starker’s Reserve (201 West 47th Street, 816-753-3565) celebrates these living artifacts of the garden at tonight’s heirloom vegetable dinner, produced in cooperation with Gordie’s Heirlooms of Barnard, Missouri. Chef John McClure has crafted a menu to maximize these summer flavors, and it already has our mouths watering, with dishes such as Gordie’s tomato salad with grilled semolina, fresh goat cheese and tomato jam. The five-course dinner and wine pairing costs $75 (tax and gratuity included), and dinner is served at 7 p.m. — but arrive at 6:30 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres.
Tuesday, August 9
How to Write a Novel and Work Full Time? Actually, we’d just like the energy to pursue any goals (like, say, putting away our laundry) while working full time. But we are far lazier than the participants in tonight’s class at the Genealogy and Local History Library (317 West 24 Highway in Independence, 816-252-7228). Surely they’ll be led to novel-completing glory by author Evan McNamara, who wrote a book while holding down a full-time job. Overachiever. Expect stories of famous part-timers like Mark Twain and John Grisham as well as helpful hints on discipline and goals. The class starts at 7 p.m.; reservations are requested.
If you’d rather take writing advice from someone who’s more of a household name, John Irving speaks at Unity Temple on the Plaza (707 West 47th Street) tonight at 7. If you haven’t read his books, you’ve probably at least seen one of the many film adaptations of his work. Like The Door in the Floor, which was first a novel called A Widow for One Year. Rainy Day Books requires that you purchase his newest book, Until I Find You, for $27.95 to gain admission to the event, but unfortunately, Irving’s not signing autographs. Find out if he’s a Mac or PC guy, though. We’ve always wondered.
Wednesday, August 10
We were never cheerleaders, which probably explains our fascination with the sport. Yes, it is a sport now. If you’ve never seen any of the cheerleading competitions on late-night ESPN, you’re missing out. Seriously, Bring It On was just the tip of the iceberg. And the stunts that the kids are doing these days? High splits, Swedish falls, something called a scorpion — well, we’re just glad we’re not in high school anymore. But youngsters looking for a holier way to pursue their passion for cheerleading may want to head to Cheerleading Camp, which starts today at Northland Cathedral (101 NW 99th Street). We’re guessing that the sexy dance moves are a no-no here. Call Judy Ledene at 816-455-2555 for more information.
