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