WILMINGTON: Art on the Town

Art On The Town is a long-standing tradition in Wilmington. It's gone through it's ups and downs, but I think there is a real creative surge happening at the moment, with DCAD, the Queen, and an upsurge in local music and theater. It's on for this weekend and I would be remiss in not giving it a plug. You can get a big dose of what is good in the arts this weekend between this and the Delaware Art Museum's Studio Instructors Show.
For info on the Art Loop:
http://www.wilmingtonde.gov/artloop/brochure/04_april.PDF l.PDF


And again, for info on the Delaware Art Museum event:

Delaware Art Museum Studio Instructor Art Fair 4/3/2011

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=xequovcab&v=001AOTdCtwnZM_Td-xhnEuCg0nRHcUbd6IN5HqABbukpxYjYzy02ee5c3g945Wcqjzl-LoSZ2hKXzLoiXux-rnCEbz6Mn-fbDWiofb8adU8IpMYydD9NjKzKA%3D%3D

APRIL: It's that month of showers...so get your umbrellas out!

Because the events are worth getting wet over!

Jesus Christ Superstar, 5 shows only, beginning this weekend! Delaware Children’s Theater Company

http://www.dechildrenstheatre.org/

Jr. League Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour, 4/2/11

http://www.jlwilmington.org/?nd=kitchen_tour

Brooklyn Day at Terrain at Styers (sorry, in PA…but worth the trip!)

http://styers.shopterrain.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/calendar.month/month/4/year/2011

Also at Terrain: GOAT DAY!

http://styers.shopterrain.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/calendar.month/month/4/year/2011

ARTS, MUSIC  & FESTIVALS

I know there has been a lot of talk about the 4W5 jams...it looks like it is an official GO at the Queen!

http://queen.worldcafelive.com/

Delaware Art Museum Studio Instructor Art Fair 4/3/2011

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=xequovcab&v=001AOTdCtwnZM_Td-xhnEuCg0nRHcUbd6IN5HqABbukpxYjYzy02ee5c3g945Wcqjzl-LoSZ2hKXzLoiXux-rnCEbz6Mn-fbDWiofb8adU8IpMYydD9NjKzKA%3D%3D

(My metalsmithing instructor is included, Maggi DeBaecke. Her totems can be seen on the far right in the picture)

A WHOLE MONTH OF THEATRE N:

http://www.theatren.org

Weekend of April 1- 3:  

Another Year

Kaboom

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead- Sunday only

  

Tuesday, April 5th at 6:30 pm:

Barney's Version- Encore show!

  

Thursday, April 7th at 7 pm:

Indie2Night Comedy and Music Showcase

   

Weekend of April 8-10:

Carancho

Heartbeats

Ballet in Cinemas: Don Quixote (Bolshoi)

Wednesday, April 13th:

The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film

Weekend of April 15- 17:

Certified Copy

3 Backyards

Shakespeare in Cinemas: As You Like It (Globe Theatre, London)

Weekend of April 23- 25:

Bill Cunningham New York

Potiche

Opera in Cinemas: The Magic Flute 

  

Friday, April 29th:

The Royal Wedding shown live starting at 5 am 

  

Weekend of April 30- May 1:

Super

Poetry

Opera in Cinema: The Magic Flute (Mozart)

And coming in May...

http://www.xpn.org/concerts-events/non-comm-2011

STAR STYLE: Elizabeth Taylor

I wanted to share my "brush with greatness" moment with Elizabeth Taylor, one, if not the, most influential, beautiful and stylish women of the 20th Century.

photo credit to Abacus

But let me start with a Gramma story. I have many of these stories, because my Gram was one of the most influential women in my life. One summer, I mentioned to her that I wanted a "Bermuda bag" and the next thing I knew, we were on a ship heading out into the wide blue sea to go to the actual island of Bermuda to find me a bag. While on the ship, one of those host type guys, told Gram that I looked just like Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet. Unfortunately, this happened on the first day of the 7-day trip and from then on, Gram introduced me to everyone as her granddaughter, who LOOKED JUST LIKE LIZ TAYLOR.  For a thirteen year-old, that got-old, very fast. But in the back of my mind I was thinking...how cool is that, looking like Liz Taylor!

But the brush with her came many, many years later when my little brother was competing at the Scottish Games in Alexandria, VA. It was when Liz was married to John Warner, then running for Governor of VA. The two of them came at the end of the day and helped give out awards. Quite a risky venture for Miss Taylor, after a bunch of bawdy, brawny, burly Scotsmen had been playing/drinking/in the sun all day. One after another would climb the stage and grab her in a bear hug and a lip-lock. She took it all in very good humor and with much graciousness. She wore a bright red dress that day.

I always picture her in bright red.

The Queen of Hollywood? Long live the Queen.

IT'S THE WEEKEND! Given all that mid-week celebrating, I almost forgot!

But before I get to that, let's take one short detour...I saw my first 3D movie today! I know I know, laugh all you want, but I admit to geekery when it comes to cultural dancing. Well, dancing in general, really. I saw Michael Flatley's King of the Dance.


Now, just stop laughing right there. As it turns out, I have nothing to compare it to, so I really can't judge, but I do have some observations. I would have liked to have seen Riverdance instead. I liked the dance and music so much more. LotD is kinda, well...Vegas. But, that said, I can see a purpose in this kind of 3D filming. Spending $12 to feel like you are sitting just off stage is a hell of a lot cheaper than whatever live tickets go for these days...$412 per? 
And if you can forget you are wearing big oversized glasses, you do *sorta* feel like you are right there...but for one tiny little bit of oddity. And I do mean tiny. I don't know if is just something that happens in 3D videography, or whether it just happened in this film, but the people in the foreground appeared really, really tiny. But it was fun to have things fly out at me and when they dropped confetti at the end, I thought some landed on me. But it won't be in theaters long, so go see it this weekend if you haven't quite gotten over the green yet.


There was a trailer for the next Pirates movie...3D...already on my agenda. Johnny Depp in 3D? Yeah, I'm there.


OK, so that said... I have a few odd-ball items on the list for this weekend, as follows:


In appreciation of former Gov. Russell Peterson, take a trip to the DuPont Environmental Education Center at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, right near the Blue Rocks stadium on the riverfront in Wilmington. Great place to take kids.  Info:  http://www.duponteec.org/


Saturday, March 19th (Happy 89th Birthday, Mom!):

In Lewes: 

Women’s Clothing in the 18th Century; Zwaanendael Women’s Club, 3rd St. & Savannah Rd. Lewes, 302-645-1148.

Wilmington: 

Theatre N: Bhutto, A film by Duane Baughman & Johnny O'Hara 

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT

Saturday, March 19th at 8 pm

Sunday, March 20th at 3 pm

Info:

http://www.theatren.org/Films/2011/March/Bhutto

Sunday, March 20th:

In Newark:

Winter Farmers Market, at the Newark Natural Foods 

http://www.newarknaturalfoods.coop/calendar/818/winter-farmers-market?utm_source=Co-op+Weekly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=6e13c54bf2-Enews_3.11.11&utm_medium=email

“Tips Toward Better Photographic Portraits” 3-4:30 PM, $10, Newark Arts Alliance, 276 E. Main St., Newark.

www.newarkartsalliance.org

Get your tickets now for the One Act Theatre Festival at Tatnall, on the 26th:

 http://www.dtafest.org/FAQ1.htm

THE WIND'S AT MY BACK: St. Pat's Part Two; Crabby Dick's

Mid-afternoon and the Irish (at least for today) eyes are smilin' at Crabby O'Dicks!

Green Beer! Red Hair! Smilin' Eyes!

On my list of go-to's for today because of the advertised specials...$3.17 Irish Coffee, Shepards Pie and Corned Beef and Cabbage. I had a hard time believing I saw the price correctly, but correct it is.

And tasty. We had two helpings of the pie, and added some soda bread to the mix. Not that I would partake...but Irish Carbombs are also on special for $5 for those who enjoy that kind of thing...

Corned Beef and Cabbage, tasty!

Well worth the trip to Delaware City, and the weather is even nice enough for the deck. The place is going to be hopping tonight, the Irish tunes are playing and the deck is freshened up and looks great for the upcoming season.

Shepards Pie...at $3.17, two helpings is easy! 

Soda Bread, $1.99

Next up, we'll pop in on the Fiddle Crawl at McGlynns in Peoples Plaza. You know, not being Irish myself, this is the most I do believe I've ever celebrated St. Pat's!

SAINT PAT'S EVE: Limber Jack Jig Contest!

KB HOPES this becomes an annual event. Penn's Place, on Delaware Street (across from the Court House) in Old New Castle, hosted a charming event this evening in their bistro, Traders Cove. I imagine Esther and Matt Lovlie (proprietors) of Penn's Place had to coerce the locals for this first event, but I think it could very well take wings.

First off, I had one of my favorite "light" foods, a curry chicken salad sandwich with cranberries, served with sweet potato chips, made fresh and reasonably priced (with a mocha latte, under 10 bucks).

The Guinness was flowing, mandolin playing, Irish songs singing, spoons keeping the beat. All-in-all, probably more pub-like than most Americanized Irish bars. And you know, I don't know that it was planned that way...I think it was a spontaneous group of the right people, charming hosts and good timing.

Take a look!

Don't be afraid to go down the cobblestone alley. It will take you to Trader's Cove!

A little music.

A little food...

A lot of laughing, singing, Guinness










Some contenders....

And finally...






A winner!

Tomorrow; I'll give an early report on some savin' o' the green at Crabby Dicks in Delaware City, 

and later...I'm looking forward to the Fiddle Crawl!

Remember...if you've had too much of the Green Beer...PLEASE don't drive.

BECAUSE IT'S A SAVIN' O' TAE GREEN...A once in a lifetime free ad.

$3.17!!!!!

OK, guys owe me one.

www.crabby-dicks.com

SEARCHING FOR SPRING: It's just around the bend

I saw a glimpse...the first flower...in my yard today. After a winter of snow, cold, rain, snow, snow, rain, cold and grey...GREEN is good.


And better yet, a trip to my favorite "go see something pretty" and "OH, this tastes' good!" spot...WILLEYS farm market just south of Odessa on old Rt. 13. Going to Willeys always makes me feel better about everything. It's my own personal therapy. And I got some Irish potatoes while I was there.


OK, no more yapp/typing. Just looky here:

    

enjoy this lovely weather.

best, KB

BREAKING NEWS! Exciting NEW St. Pat's Event

I don't as a rule go out on what I like to call Amateur Nights; you know, those nights people hit the town who don't know how to behave LIKE GROWNUPS, but I might have to make an exception this St. Pat's for this:

St. Patrick's Day Fiddle Crawl

Thursday 5:30pm at McGlynn's Pike Creek, McGlynn's People's Plaza, Deer Park Tavern, Newark, DE

Time to get your Irish on...David O'Poland on Irish fiddle and Mark McUnruh on guitar tour the finest Irish pubs in Newark, DE on St. Patrick's Day. It all starts at 5:30 at McGlynn's in Pike Creek, followed by McGlynn's People's Plaza at 7:00, wrapping up at The Deer Park from 8:30 to 9:30. Guinness and bagpipes will abound, not to mention the inevitable troop of pre-teen girls with ringlet-ed hair step dancing in plaid kilts and knee highed socks. 

Sorry, no requests for Danny Boy will be honored.

BEST BRUNCH! Bellefonte Cafe

If I lived in N. Wilmo, I'd be a habitual Sunday bruncher here at the Bellefonte Cafe. Not only is it "comfy" and friendly, it serves great food, greater Bloody Marys (and I don't even LIKE Bloody's, except for these) and on Sunday, Betty and the Bullet (and the Boy from Boston) are in residence, along with various musical friends. You never know if it will be an extra fiddle, or Harmonica Pete, or some guy playing a cardboard box for a drum. What you do know is that it will always be excellent and foot-tapping and a fun way to forget that the work-week is just around the corner.

A few selections from the menu; from the top;   a mango quesidilla with salsa, the famous BLOODY MARY, grilled panini with prosciutto, a Valostini: tomato basil honey mustard bacon avocado YUMMINESS, black bean soup and a portobello and brie panini.  It's ALL good...




NOW, a word to the wise. It gets crowded on Sunday. This is a "sit around and enjoy the day and your company" kinda place. Don't expect fast service. Donna makes the food fresh and as it is ordered, so it takes a while. Go on in, grab a menu, order your Bloody and some coffee. When that comes, ORDER YOUR FOOD IMMEDIATELY.


Then sit back and enjoy the music...your friends...the day.

I couldn't find a website; but you can google it. It's smack in the middle of a very nice eclectic little shopping district...you can spend an entire afternoon here.

Address: 804 Brandywine Blvd., Bellefonte, DE

Phone: 302.761.9175

QUICK TO-DO'S for the next few days...

TONIGHT:
6-8 PM, the Goodwill Fashion Show, $20 includes snax & wine! http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventoeidk=a07e3aomg3795d82c5c&llr=xouxcycab


8-Midnight: Escape Artists at Carney's Pub, 1313 McKennons Church Road (998-0692). I can't seem to find a website, but I'm feeling a little "pubby" so I might head out to this, especially since the band called me to remind me they were playing. On the actual telephone! That deserves a look-see in my book...


SATURDAY:
Although it may be a little overcrowded with students (have they left for spring break yet??), Homegrown Cafe has Chapel Street Junction on Saturday night. The food and drinks at HG are awesome if you've never been...

http://www.homegrowncafe.com/

And heading towards that day when all of a sudden EVERYONE is Irish...there are the favorites; Logan House, the Parade (which kicks off at noon, btw), etc., here are a couple of lesser known events you might want to try:

Mythica will perform on Saturday, March 12th at noon: Shenanigans Irish Pub on Market Street in Wilmington. 

http://www.shenanigansonmarket.com/

NEXT WEEK:
Looking forward to Monday and seeing God of Love AND THE REAL LIVE OSCAR at Theater N...

http://www.theatren.org/Films/2011/March/God-of-Love

Apparently it is SOLD OUT but they will contact you if tickets become available.


On Wednesday, March 16th: Penn's Place in old New Castle: Here is a place I've been wanting to visit, and now I have a perfect excuse...A JIG DANCING CONTEST. 
http://www.pennsplace.net/Deal_of_the_Week.html


If I lived in/near (hint to friends who do!!!) Rehoboth, I would be buying up some BEER CUPCAKES. I bet they are really really REALLY good! 7 S. 1st Street, Rehoboth Beach.
http://www.cakebreakrehoboth.com/

My favorite boy band at SXSW!!!

Design on a Dime...KBLynnCREATIVE studio re-hab

Happy International Women’s Day!  

What better day than that to announce the official grand opening of MY NEW STUDIO.

Who knew it would take this long? I certainly didn’t 

do it in 2 days like those design shows do…and I didn’t have a $1000 budget like they do. I had a $400 budget to cover desk, chair, lighting and storage.

So here is the breakdown:

Chair: $35 (Old Glory, Newport)

Desk: $35 (State of DE surplus sale, Gov. Bacon)

Lamp: $35 (OG, there seems to be a theme going here, but wait…)

Bookcase:  $93 (DE Estate Sales, New Castle)

Total: $198!

I hesitate to show the before pics…lets just say it became “that” room…you know the one. The one that is a bigger version of the drawer set aside in the kitchen and labeled the “junk drawer”.  

But, here goes:

Ok, now that's over. 

The bottom line:Half of what I planned to spend! So, needless to say, I decided on a few more objects…a second comfy reading chair for $15 (UO, on sale but the shipping was another $15!), a taboret @ $46, (on sale as well and cheap shipping) and a rug, $80. After an exhausting online and local search, I walked into my local Target and found exactly what I was looking for. It was the one and only full price item I bought.  So, we’ve added another $95 which left me with $51 for let’s just say, accessorizing. Bits and pieces.

Inspiration corner.

(What I did in the 80's. I want to remember how to DRAW)

The desk and chair were in perfect shape, but I needed to update them to bend to my “design will”.  Some sanding, some painting, some reupholstering.

New bookcase...otherwise known as a
repurposed china hutch.

And then I went shopping in my own house and surprised my own self. 

I discovered that I live in gift shop.

Target rug...

That once empty corner, now functional with my sturdy desk and updated paint.

Not really, but I have a lot…A LOT…of STUFF.  I turned my brain to “black/grey/yellow” and went on a hunt.  My grandmothers (one a businesswoman and one creative) would be very proud and I have included them both in my design.

Voila, it’s done.  Now it’s time to get down to the real work.

KBLynnCREATIVE is open for business.

You’ve come this far…now, here is the kicker! 

To celebrate, I am announcing a CONTEST!

If you sign on to follow, a random WINNER will be chosen from the list on Friday, March 18^th  and will win a hunka hunka piece of burnin’ jewelry or mini-painting, 
handcrafted by ME, valued at oh, let’s say AT LEAST $15!

So do a girl a favor, sign on, click on my sponsors, (I recommend the thundershirt, dog owners!) and help me get my subscriptions up!

Best;

Kristina B

NOTE TO SELF: Do adds belong in the middle of your blog? Hmmmm. Talk amongst myselves...