SEM WEEKEND FIVE / 7.23-25

We’re heading into the dog days of summer, but you can beat the heat (or at least try to ignore it) by checking out the best weekend events. Read on!

1.

Book it to the library

The Brentwood Library is holding its summer Friends of the Library Book Sale in Meeting Rooms A & B. There’s a large selection of fiction, history, biography, business, gardening, cooking, children’s and more to choose from. Harcovers are only $3, so it’s a great way to stock up your home library. Hours are Thursday til 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.brentwood-tn.org/library

2.

Zoo cool

This Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is Regions Ice Day at the Nashville Zoo. Popsicles for the animals and free Blue Bell ice cream for humans are part of the fun, as is an ice cream eating contest, a water slide and a “winter wonderland snow tent.” www.nashvillezoo.org

3.

Mountain homecoming

Opening this weekend at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre is the latest in the ever-popular Smoke on the Mountain series, Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. Set in October 1945, Homecoming features more fun and music from the crew at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. These shows are always big sellers so be sure and get your tickets early. The show runs through August 28th. www.dinnertheatre.com

4.

Come to her (ticket) window

Melissa Etheridge will be in concert this Sunday night at the Ryman in support of her new album Fearless Love. Etheridge has been cranking out rock for two decades, winning two Grammys and an Oscar. Her Sunday show is sure to please longtime fans and create new ones. www.melissaetheridge.com  www.ticketmaster.com

5.

Have some ‘Salt’ with your popcorn

Salt begs the question: is Angelina Jolie’s Evelyn Salt an above board CIA officer or a Russian spy? Ramona and Beezus adapts Beverly Clearly’s beloved series, centered on little Ramona Quimby, to the big screen.

Safe and happy weekends to all,

JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE: 7/16-18

Summer’s flying by, so enjoy the seasonal Middle Tennessee events while you can! Read on to find out what’s going down this weekend in the 615…

1.

Deep-fried fun

It’s mid-summer, and that means it’s time for Bethlehem United Methodist’s annual Fish Fry. This year marks the 36th for the perennially popular event, the area’s largest fish fry. Held on the church’s grounds off Old Hillsboro Road in the Grassland area, the 4:30 to 8 p.m. event features bluegrass music, a bake sale, a children’s game area with inflatables and, of course, lots of farm-raised catfish fried up crisp and golden. Tickets are $10 for adults through July 15 and $12 the day of the event. Children under 10 get in for $5, and proceeds go to several church missions including Kathy’s Backpacks, which helps provide school supplies and backpacks for Williamson County children in need. Carryout is available too. www.bethlehemumc.com

2.

Where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain

The Pull-Tight Theatre Youth Guild’s production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical Oklahoma! kicks off this weekend, with performances Thursday through Sunday. The show runs this weekend and next. Be sure and get your tickets early. www.pull-tight.com

3.

Night of ‘Miracles’

Mary Chapin Carpenter‘s new album is called Age of Miracles, and she’ll be in concert in support of the album, this Friday night at 8 p.m. at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall, where she’s sure to sing songs from her new project as well as dig into her deep catalog of past work. www.tpac.org

4.

Bring your fam to the Tams

The popular Atlanta, Georgia vocal group The Tams have been making music since the 1960s and they’re bringing their vocal stylings to Brentwood this Sunday night at 7 p.m. as Crockett Park closes out its summer concert series at the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater. Don’t miss the chance to hear some fabulous music and your last chance this summer to enjoy a concert picnic under the stars at Crockett.

5.

Make it a blockbuster night

Two major blockbusters are duking it out this weekend at the box office. Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard, is the latest mind-bending movie from Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Memento); and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice stars Nicolas Cage, Alfred Molina and Jay Baruchel in the latest from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turtletaub (National Treasure).

Safe and happy weekends to all!

JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE/7.9-11

Your weekend could include a trip to Verona, a ‘Mockingbird,’ a Michael Jackson tribute, some haute couture and one really ‘Despicable’ villain. Read on…

1.

Haute & ‘Golden’

The Golden Age of Couture is a fascinating exhibition from the Victoria & Albert Museum, featuring 1940s and 1950s haute couture from Dior, Balenciaga and more. The Frist Center is the exhibition’s only U.S. stop on its current worldwide tour. Fashionistas won’t want to miss this exhibit. It’s here until September 12. Visit www.fristcenter.org for more information.

2.

‘By Thy Man Stand’

The Tennessee Shakespeare Festival puts a distinct Tennessee spin on a Shakespeare classic with their production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, on stage at The Webb School in Bell Buckle through Sunday. Shakespeare’s Italian setting is transported to 1960 Verona, Tennessee and the two gentlemen are now aspiring musicians. The show even includes rockabilly and country parodies like “By Thy Man Stand.” Shows are at 8 p.m. and the picnic grounds open at 6. For more information, visit www.TennesseeShakespeareFestival.com or call 615.397.1597.

3.

‘Mockingbird’ at 50

Harper Lee’s masterpiece To Kill A Mockingbird is turning 50 and celebrations will be going on across the country, including here in middle Tennessee. Head over to Davis-Kidd Booksellers this Sunday at 1 p.m. for a birthday celebration. Six local authors will read favorite parts of the novel and all purchases support Room to Read.

4.

A ‘Thriller’ of an evening

Brentwood’s Crockett Park summer concert series continues this Sunday at 7 p.m. with Who’s Bad, a popular Michael Jackson cover band. Head over to the park for some singing, dancing and celebrating of the late great King of Pop.

5.

‘Despicable’ ‘Predators’

While there are still a number of holdovers like Toy Story 3 and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, two new wide releases are vying for your attention this weekend. Despicable Me is a new animated film that uses the voice talents of Steve Carell in the role of Gru, a villain concocting a plan to steal the moon, from his secret hideout in the suburbs. Predators stars Adrien Brody, Topher Grace and Laurence Fishburne in a reboot of the Predator film franchise.

Safe and happy weekends to all,

JT

-JT Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE: STARS & STRIPES EDITION

The summer season hits its festive peak this holiday weekend with families and friends gathering nationwide to shoot fireworks, barbecue hamburgers and eat desserts involving blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream  - all to celebrate our country’s independence. And since the 4th falls on a Sunday, many of us have Monday off – which means you have extra time to recuperate from all the weekend’s fun festivities!

1.

‘Funny’ times at the Barn

Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre has two shows running currently. Funny Money is a hilarious British farce from playwright Ray Cooney that is sure to have you in stitches; and Cinderella 8.0: Truly, Truly, Truly Outrageous is a new original children’s piece written by local authors Dietz Osborne and Nate Eppler that spins the classic fairytale in a distinctly 80′s direction. It may be for kids, but come to think of it, adults should get a kick out of the classic 80′s songs in the show. For info and tickets, visit www.dinnertheatre.com.

2.

A Franklin Fourth

Franklin on the Fourth is back with entertainment, activities for the kids, food, a kid’s patriotic costume parade, fireworks and more. The event, presented by the City of Franklin and the Franklin Lions Club, runs from 12 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, highlighted by a Lorrie Morgan concert at 7 p.m. and Franklin’s annual July 4th fireworks display. The festival is free. Check out www.franklinonthefourth.com for more info.

3.

A Brentwood Fourth

The City of Brentwood’s own popular 4th of July festivities are once again happening at the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater at Crockett Park this Sunday from 7 to 10:30 p.m. A Kadillacs concert kicks things off at 7 p.m., with fireworks at 9 and more Kadillacs music at 9:30. For more information, visit www.brentwood-tn.org.

4.

Total ‘Eclipse’

Like any Independence Day weekend, the box office should be hopping. The Last Airbender is the first in a hoped-for (by the studio at least) franchise based on a popular Nickelodeon series. It’s directed by M. Night Shyamalan. But, unless you live under a rock, the big story this weekend is The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the third installment in the insanely popular vampire/werewolf saga. It’s already breaking records since opening at midnight Tuesday night.

5.

Grill it up

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than a classic summer barbecue cookout with family or friends. Gather your loved ones together and bask in the sun and fun of the summer holiday. And don’t forget the flag cake.

Safe and happy weekends to all and a Happy Fourth,

JT

-JT Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE/6.25-27

This weekend is packed to the gills with events all over the midstate. Read on to find out the cream of the crop…

1.

Arts & Flowers

The inaugural Arts & Flowers event, benefiting the ALIAS Chamber Ensemble, will be held this Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the penthouse at the gorgeous Terrazzo in the Gulch in Nashville. The event will feature wine and other beverages, entertainment from ALIAS and the pairing of local artists and florists in the creation of competitive works of art that will be displayed during the party. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door. For reservations and more information, check out www.aliasmusic.org.

2.

Everything’s coming up roses

Brentwood’s Towne Centre Theatre continues their summer run of the classic Broadway musical Gypsy this weekend with four performances through Sunday. Visit www.townecentretheatre.com for tickets and showtimes.

3.

A little night music

The Carnton Summer Concert series kicks off this Sunday night with Satisfaction: International Rolling Stones Show. There are only three sunset concerts this summer at Carnton so this is not to be missed. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Check out www.carnton.org for more info on this historic plantation.

4.

A little more night music

Meanwhile, across town at Crockett Park in Brentwood, the WannaBealtes – with the aid of the Cool Springs Youth Orchestra – continue Crockett Park’s own summer concert series at the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater. The festivities kick off at 7 p.m.

5.

‘Knight and Day’ at a ‘Grown Up’ B.O.

A couple of major films will be trying with all their might to dethrone Toy Story 3 this weekend. Knight and Day teams Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in a new romantic action comedy caper while Grown Ups puts Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, Rob Schneider and David Spade together to see what laughs they can coax from audiences.

As always, safe and happy weekends to all,

JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE: 6/18-20

It isn’t even summer on the calendar yet, but tell that to the sweat dripping down your face when you stand outside. Read on to find out the best ways to have a cool weekend…

1.

‘Nine’ and cheese

This Friday marks the opening night for Nine - the latest musical offering from the Boiler Room Theatre. And to kick things off, the BRT is holding an opening night celebration: Nine and Cheese at SouthGate Studios in the Factory. The 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. event benefiting the Boiler Room Theatre features wine tastings, cheese pairings, a silent auction and mingling with cast members. $35 gets you into the soiree, $50 lets you stay for the opening night performance. For tickets for this special event and all Nine performances, visit www.boilerroomtheatre.com.

2.

Tale as old as time

TPAC closes out it’s 2009-2010 HCA/TriStar Broadway Series in earnest this weekend with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The new classic, based on the 1991 Academy Award-winning film, is back in a new national touring production helmed by Rob Roth, the director of the original Broadway smash. For tickets, check out www.tpac.org.

3.

Jam it on the 19

This Saturday is the annual Blackberry Jam at Boyd Mill Farm, from 3 to 10 p.m. The 7th annual event benefits The Boys and Girls Club, Waters for the World and Hard Bargain Mt. Hope Redevelopment. The WannaBeatles headline and Trina Hamlin, The Carter Brothers, Kevin McKendree and more perform as well. For all the deets, visit www.theblackberryjam.com.

4.

Toys are us

It’s been 15 years since we first met cowboy Woody and space ranger Buzz Lightyear and their band of fellow toys in the original Toy Story. This weekend, Toy Story 3 lands in theaters in both 2D and 3D formats, and as is always the case with Pixar films, it’s not to be missed. Also opening is the latest comic book to film adaptation, Jonah Hex, starring Josh Brolin, Megan Fox and John Malkovich.

5.

Remember, Henry, it’s Father’s Day

Sunday is Father’s Day so show your dad some extra love this weekend – take him to a movie, to brunch, or treat him to a round of golf. Or at least let him take a nap in peace.

Safe and happy weekends and Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads out there,

JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE: 6/11-13

If you’re not one of the thousands of music lovers making the trek to Manchester this weekend for Bonnaroo, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Music City this weekend. Read on…

1.

Country fanfare

Formerly known as Fan Fair, the CMA Music Festival has become one of middle Tennessee’s biggest events, drawing locals and people from around the world to downtown Nashville for concerts, fan club parties and more. Check out what’s available to you at www.cmafest.com.

2.

‘Doubt’ and a ‘Father’

There’s a couple of great choices for live theatre this weekend in the midstate. Through Sunday only, catch John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer-winning play Doubt at the Shamblin Theatre at Lipscomb University. The production involves several local theatre companies including the Tennessee Rep and Amun Ra Theatre. Call the Lipscomb box office at 615.966.7111 for tickets. Also, Pull-Tight Players in downtown Franklin continues their season-concluding run of the classic comedy Father of the Bride, with performances all weekend. Tickets are at www.pull-tight.com.

3.

Joyride

The Harpeth River Ride is back for the 15th time, this Saturday. There’s a bit of modification due to affects from the recent flood, but the ride is on! Check out all the details at www.harpethriverride.com.

4.

Music al fresco

Sunday nights, all summer long, the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater at Crockett Park in Brentwood will be alive with the sound of music. Each Sunday evening will bring a different musical act. Grab some picnic fixins’ and head over for the 7 p.m. concert this Sunday.

5.

Totally 80′s

It’s an 80′s-era showdown at the multiplex this weekend as two stalwarts from the era of neon, cabbage patches and little ponies duke it out for number one at the box office. The A-Team stars Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson, Sharlto Copley, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Jessica Biel in a brand-new adaptation of the hit TV series. And The Karate Kid reboots the popular 80′s martial arts franchise, this time starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.

Safe and happy weekends,

JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE / 6.4-6

The bristling heat and afternoon popcorn thunderstorms are all you need to know that summer has arrived. Take a look at what’s up in middle Tennessee on this first weekend of June…

1.

State of the art

Art Fusion 2010, produced by the Arts Council of Williamson County, takes place this Friday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Factory in Franklin. The free fine arts and crafts festival, the 4th annual in fact, features work from over 50 artists, live entertainment, food and wine. Visit www.artscouncilwc.org for more information.

2.

House parade

The Heritage Foundation 35^th Annual Tour of Homes is this weekend, kicking off with a 6 p.m. dinner at Historic Carnton Plantation, hosted by New York Times bestselling author Robert Hicks. The evening will consist of dinner, wine, music and tours of the plantation and the 1847 Garden. Tickets are $45 and available by calling 615.591.8500, ext.18 or visiting www.historicfranklin.com.

3.

This might be what you’re looking for

The Long Players have created a great local reputation for recreating albums in whole in a live setting. This Friday, they’re setting their sights on U2′s classic 1987 opus The Joshua Tree, which features iconic songs like “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “With or Without You.”  Tickets for the 9 p.m. Cannery Ballroom show are $15. Call 615.251.3020.

4.

Come together

The WannaBeatles are performing a free concert this Sunday at Harlinsdale Farm, form 6 to 8 p.m. If you haven’t heard this fantastic Beatles tribute band, you’re missing out! A children’s concert kicks things off at 4 p.m. Donations of non-perishable canned food items for the Graceworks Food Pantry are encouraged. Call the event hotline at 615.550.6947 for more information and check out www.thewannabeatles.com for more info on the band.

5.

A ‘Killer’ box office

The box office is stuffed with new releases this weekend, and there should be something for everyone. Killers is a romantic comedy/adventure caper starring Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. Owen Wilson provides the voice for Great Dane comic strip favorite Marmaduke in a big screen adaptation. Jonah Hill and Russell Brand star in Get Him to the Greek, continuing the exploits of British rocker Aldous Snow – first featured in the hit comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall. And Splice is a sci-fi/horror hybrid starring Oscar winner Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley.

Safe and happy weekends to all!

-JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE – Memorial Day Edition

Well, it’s here, folks. Ready or not, the summer season will unofficially kick off this weekend, with big movies at the box office, hamburgers on the grill, trips to the lake and a day to remember those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms…

1.

Cures are sexy

Slip on your best Louboutins, Choos or Blahniks and gussy yourself up for Sexy for the Cure, benefiting Women Rock for the Cure, this Friday evening in Green Hills. The $40 ticket gets you admission to the pre-part at Yolo’s Restaurant, a movie ticket to Sex and the City 2, admission to the after party at Crow’s Nest, a swag bag and a drink ticket. For more info, check out www.sexandthecitynashville.com and www.sexyforthecure.eventbrite.com.

2.

Mix it up

This weekend is your last chance to catch Mixed Nuts, from 3Ps Productions, Backstage at the Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre. The comedy features one of the finest casts around. You don’t want to miss it. Visit www.dinnertheatre.com for tickets.

3.

Idol rock

Daughtry, led by popular “American Idol” finalist Chris Daughtry, hits Bridgestone Arena this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Lifehouse and Cavo open. Tickets are $29.50 – $39.50 and are at www.ticketmaster.com.

4.

Strawberry fields forever

Head over to the Nashville Farmer’s Market at 10 a.m. this Saturday for the Strawberry Jubilee. The berries are ripe and there will be entertainment, recipes and more.

5.

Four sexy ladies and a prince

The big news at the box office this weekend is a battle of the blockbusters as Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a film adaptation of a video game, starring Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, and Sex and the City 2, which reunites Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall for more fun and flirty adventures.

Safe and happy weekends to all,

-JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE: 5/21-23

We’re inching closer and closer to summertime. Read on to see how you can heat up your weekend plans…

1.

Topdog/Underdog

Esteemed local actor Jeff Obafemi Carr and former Tennessee Titan Eddie George bring Suzan-Lori Parks’ 2002 Pulitzer-winning two-person drama Topdog/Underdog to the TPAC Polk Theatre stage for a one-night only event benefiting Art to Africa 2010. Following the performance on Friday night is “A Royal Allure,” featuring a jazz band, dancing and a silent auction. Visit www.tpac.org for more information and tickets.

2.

Night of the troubadours

Two of music’s most legendary singer/songwriters, James Taylor and Carole King, have joined forces this spring, and they make a one-night stop at the Bridgestone Arena Saturday night . This is sure to be one of the live music highlights of the year. www.ticketmaster.com has your tickets.

3.

Artfest

Saturday and Sunday marks the East Nashville Arts Fest, featuring the works of over 70 artists from across Tennessee and beyond. The festival, which is free, operates both days from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And while you’re there, take the opportunity to indulge in some of the great eateries of the area. Brunch at Marche is a great place to start.

4.

Brooklyn story

The Boiler Room Theatre continues their run of Neil Simon’s classic tale of 1930s Brooklyn, Brighton Beach Memoirs. Check out www.boilerroomtheatre.com for more info on the show and to purchase tickets.

5.

An ogre’s swan song, an extra-long SNL skit and a true clasic

The summer movie season steamrolls ahead this weekend with the release of the fourth and final Shrek film, Shrek Forever After, featuring the voice talents of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy among many others; and Will Forte, Kristen Wiig and Ryan Philippe attempt to turn the “Saturday Night Live” MacGruber skit into a full-length feature. And if you want a taste of how great really great cinema can be, the Belcourt is screening the Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece North by Northwest this Saturday and Sunday. Check www.belcourt.org for showtimes for that Cary Grant chestnut.

Safe and happy weekends to all,

JT

-JT Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief