Goodbye, blue eyes

This weekend was like riding a roller coaster -- there were a lot of ups and downs and it left me with a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Friday night, I ducked the Bike Night crowds and headed to the first CapLive show to see Hoots & Hellmouth. The band burst onto the stage with its foot stompin' blend of folk and blues. I kept using the word "hootenanny" to describe the experience since it contained "hoot." Did I ever mention how clever I can be after two $4 beers?

The band performed sans a drummer and relied on wooden boards and tambourines for percussion. The lead singer, Sean Hoots' powerful vocals rivaled those of any R&B diva. I was bummed to see that the crowd was a bit sparse. i was glad that those who did attend not only clapped, but got up and danced.

Posted in Bars & Clubs Celebs Erin McCracken Local Music Music Nightlife Random stuff TV

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My beloved friends are scattered all over Central PA and beyond. Many of them are close enough that we can meet in the middle for dinner, which I do often.

In fact, tonight I am meeting my best friend Kelly who lives in Palmyra. Even though it's not quite in the middle (it's closer to her but who cares), we decided on the Lancaster Brewing Co. on Eisenhower Drive in Harrisburg (yes, it's in Harrisburg).

I met my other Palmyra-based friend there earlier this year and it was TASTY!

Check back tomorrow to see how the meal goes. It's her treat. She made me promise I wouldn't order a chicken sandwich or turkey sub. That shouldn't be too hard. Look at the menu.

Posted in Food Nicki Lefever Random stuff

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Bars are for beers, not for feet.

I know the roundup is running late this week. Monday totally snuck up on me, so back off. But seriously, last weekend was packed and writing a recap seemed a bit daunting. Here goes.

My freaky Friday began with a drink at the Westgate Lounge in West Manchester Township. It was strange to be at a bar outside the city. It was also kind of weird how much equipment the band Second Guess was trying to cram into such a small space. Talk about some serious sound check.

Posted in Bars & Clubs Erin McCracken Local Music Music Nightlife Random stuff TV

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Apparently, I have something in common with President James Buchanan.

We both love(d) sauerkraut. I'm not sure if he would approve that I eat it cold out of a can, but he might. Who knows?

Anyway, to celebrate the former president's love of the rotten cabbage, Wheatland in Lancaster County is holding President Buchanan's Second Annual Arts & Sauerkraut Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27 and noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 on the Grounds at Wheatland, 1120 Marietta Ave., Lancaster.

You can eat sauerkraut, listen to music or watch the sauerkraut cook-off which is sure to feature some crazy recipes like the chocolate sauerkraut cake from last year. The competing chefs have to cook on site over a charcoal grill. Sounds like fun. The cook-off begins at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Festival admission is $5; children ages 8 to 11 are $3; children under 8 are free. For details, call 392-8721 or visit www.wheatland.org

Posted in Food Nicki Lefever Random stuff

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Rihanna makes rain look good.

After a week of writing up a storm about the York Fair Breaking Benjamin and ZZ Top concerts, I was looking forward to a chill weekend. (Excuse all the shameless plugs.)

With another dreary day on Friday, I got my wish. I grabbing some grilled cheese at Cobblestones, splashed around in some puddles and went to see the new Coen Brothers comedy "Burn After Reading."

Posted in Bars & Clubs Erin McCracken Movies Nightlife Random stuff

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Gavin DeGraw's hoop dreams:
I continued the trend of starting the weekend out on Thursday night to help my friend celebrate her birthday. We hit up the Harp & Fiddle for dinner and drinks. Besides making a hand-crafted super hero cape and tap dancing, I tried to catch some of John McCain's speech. I got distracted from reading the captions by local jam band Mad Banter.

Posted in Celebs Erin McCracken Movies Nightlife Random stuff TV

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Git-R ... oh, nevermind, you know how it goes. Larry the Cable Guy, redneck comedian extraordinaire, will return once more to the Grandstand to kick off this year's York Fair.

Larry has transcended the stage during his career as a stand-up, finding success in multiple mediums including movies, comedy albums, a book and multiple television specials.

Tickets are $40 and $45, and the York Fairgrounds is at 334 Carlisle Ave. in West Manchester Township. For details, visit www.yorkfair.com.

Posted in Celebs Laura Randisi Random stuff

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I rented "There Will Be Blood" the other day. According to a co-worker, I'm into "fancy" films such as this one. I have to admit, I'm a sucker for movies that dig at the depths of human flaws, that unearth the greed and rivalry in people, that feature a crazed Daniel Day Lewis screaming about drinking milkshakes.

See this music video for a sneak peek into the deep drama of "There Will Be Blood." You'll be moved by its profundity.

Posted in Ellen Minsavage Movies Random stuff

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I rushed home last night to catch the two-hour premiere of "90210" the strange re-make of the now-classic 90s hit "Beverly Hills 90210".

I'm not ashamed of it.

OK I'm a little ashamed of it. My fiance, who was (and let's face it, still is) Brandon Walsh's No. 1 fan got me hooked to the original a couple years ago, when it was finally released on DVD (sans the original music, which probably made the show even more likeable).

I've since looked forward to each new season. And while I can't relate to the likes of Brandon, Brenda, Kelly, Dylan and the rest of the gang, the reliably over-dramatic plotlines keep me coming back to the teen soap opera.

While the CW's re-make contains the ghosts of the West Beverly gang, I'm just not sold on it.

Posted in Random stuff Sue Haller TV

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