Happy Funtime Friend Service

Everyone is always asking how we know what’s going on around town.  I like to say “The Force” because it sounds cooler than telling people that I spend hours trolling ticket and theatre sites, going through print and web calendars, and (gasp) actually listening to people talk about what’s coming up. 

And in case I already didn’t have enough text messages because of Twitter, there’s a new site to help keep you up to date on what’s going on.  Their tag line is “be in the know” and they have customized content for a variety of cities - happily, DC is one.   I’ve signed up for the indie music alerts, but there’s also fashion, weather, hip-hop, and something to do with kids (but HappyFunTime is no expert on what to do with children).  They nicely limit themselves to one text message per day with the most relevant information and then you text back to get additional details.  Visit 80108 to sign up or learn more.  I’m looking forward to their adding additional authors and topics in the area.

 And in the interest of full disclosure, I learned about 80108 from BzzAgent - a word of mouth marketing group that I participate with.  No money involved but I do get samples of products to try and tell people about.  (Another good way to meet people, by the way.)

I know it’s short notice, but if you wake up and are surprised to find that it’s nice outside (contrary to yesterday’s weather report) then mosey over to Adams Morgan and Kalorama for 86+ Yard Sales because you can never have enough crap.

Our friends over at Speak Easy DC have a matching grant from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities. The only catch is that it’s a matching grant - they are halfway to their goal but need to raise another $13,000 by September. And while that seems like a lot, if only 300 people each donated $50, they would exceed their goals. Donations are tax-deductible, details are available at the Storytellers DC site, and money spent on their classes and attending events counts toward their goal as well, so plan to attend June 12’s Open Mic night on Teachers, Gurus & Senseis over at Cada Vez (1438 U Street).

And that’s the tagline for Happy Funtime Friend Service that my illustrious (and now academically pedigreed) co-author came up with.  When my parents were in town last weekend, it happened to coincide with Servathon DC and we joined a project that involved cleaning the World War I Memorial and the grounds between it and the World War II memorial.  It was a beautiful day and it was great to get out and do something with other people and for the area that I enjoy so much.

And then today I got an email from DC Cares reminding me that there are plenty of groups in the area that need help all year round.  Helpfully enough, they’ve compiled a list of such organizations.  And particularly if you’re the sort of person that has trouble meeting new people, what better to meet like-minded folks than involved in supporting an organization you believe in?  I’m telling you, it’s how I met most of the people I consider my closest friends (illustrious co-author included).

So, take a look at the list, find a worthy cause (and worthy is worthy to you and of your time and energy), and get out and do something.  You’ll feel better and you might make a new friend or two.

Contrary to popular belief, the DC Film Society is not as exclusive as, say, the Sacred Order of the Stonecutters. In fact, the Film Society is now accepting new members - $45 gets you a regular-flavored membership and $70 gets you Gold, which opens the door to exclusive screenings sometimes with the Hollywood types (one year it was Q&A with Kevin Costner, and the following year it was Kevin Spacey). Gold members also get in free for the Film Society’s Coming Attractions (aka: Trailers) night, which would be a great deal if it weren’t for the fact that it’s hosted by the living dead… ok, ok, the Film Guys. If you can deal with the two boorish pedants extolling film minutiae, then hey, you’re in luck - Trailer Night is only $8 for nonmembers:

Trailer Night: Summer 2007
Landmark E Street Theatre
Tuesday, May 15 - 7:00pm
http://www.dcfilmsociety.org/trailers.htm

If you’re like me, you grew up with three kinds of cheese in the house - balls, logs, and maybe processed cheese food slices. I still have a special place in my heart for a good old-fashioned ball of wine cheese rolled up in some stale almond slivers. Nothing says happy holidays more than a heart-arresting cheese marbleized with neon red “wine” flavoring. Num num num. Pass the Triskets!

Of course, the elitist foodie types may disagree with me, which is why I’m only friends with blue-collar foodies and also why I’m posting about the Cowgirl Creamery’s cheese classes for May. This Thursday’s class (May 17) is all about the blue (bleu) and I’m sure it’s already booked up. However, the next class is billed as “An Evening with Everona.” For $35, you can get some special learning right from the uhm… head cheese. Sorry… couldn’t resist.
An Evening with Everona
Pat Elliott from Everona Dairy
Thursday May 31, 5:00-6:30 PM

The Cowgirl Creamery
919 F Street NW
Penn Quarter
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202)393-6880

Our friends over at SpeakEasy DC offer a 4 week Storytelling class and coaching that includes class time, personalized coaching, admission to SpeakEasy, a guaranteed spot at an open mic, and a DVD of your performance. Hell, I’d pay $150 for some people I know to learn how to tell a story that ends.

If you want to tell a better story and don’t think you’re cut out for the stand up comedy classes at the Improv, go see Amy and Stephanie. They’ll teach you to find, craft, refine, and tell a compelling story.

Update - They are trying to decide whether or not to offer a summer class, so if you’re interested, drop them a note and let them know.

I’ll be out of town, but make reservations now at my favorite small movie theatre for Ladies and Gentleman, the Fabulous Stains at the Library of Congress Pickford Theatre for next Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.

 A movie nearly lost to studio mishandling and deemed “too repellent for release” it’s the early 80s story of an all-girls punk band.  Diane Lane stars with appearances from Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast, Mr. French in the Departed and soon to be Beowolf) along with members of the Clash and the Sex Pistols.  As often happens with such things, it’s now a hard to find classic.

Call 202.707.5677 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday to make a reservation up to one week in advance of the screening.  Check out the rest of the Jazz Series while you’re there.

I’m trying not to be intensely bitter or disappointed now that the line-up for the Virgin Festival has been announced and the pre-sale has begun.  Oh, my disappointment isn’t over the line-up… how could it be?  The Police, Beastie Boys, 311, Velvet Revolver, Wu Tang Clan, TV on the Radio, Interpol, the Fratellis, Amy Winehouse, oh did I mention THE POLICE? are all going to be just up the road at Pimilico.  Okay, my disappointment might be at the $175 (ouch) ticket price and the fact that at the moment, only 2-day tickets are available.  One-day passes will go on sale at a later date, availablility pending.

No, my disappointment is that I will be flying back from India on the first day of the festival, Saturday, August 4 and not getting to Dulles until 7:00 p.m.  And I have severe doubts at my ability to rally for a concert the next day, even if I could get a one day pass for Sunday.  Okay, if it were U2 I’d be there, but I don’t see it happening.

If you have the pre-sale password, tickets are onsale now at Ticketmaster through 10 p.m.  Otherwise, the general onsale is Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m.