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Let’s see Santa do this—actually, let’s not. Tasteless, yes, but in an intriguing kind of way.
FRIDAY DEC. 14
FRIDAY DEC. 14
’round the holiday pole
awful
OPHIDIA DANCE STUDIO WINTER SHOWCASE
EVERYTHING IS TERRIBLE Existential angst is traditionally the pur view of philosophers. From Jean-Paul Sartre’s bleak opening obser vation in Being And Nothingness—that a thing is merely the sum of its appearances—to Albert Camus’ The Stranger, which confounds high-school seniors to this day, the existential school of philosophy seems to pride itself in miring obser vers in confusion and despair. If you’re looking for proof of the nothingness of being but haven’t time to explore an 800page book your philosophy nerd friends will insist you don’t understand, look no further than Everything Is Terrible, the traveling viral-videos-condensed-from-VHS show hosted by Spacebar Arcade Friday, Dec. 14. The name of the event alone should be enough to illuminate the core tenets of existential philosophy, but if a skeptic you are, $5 gets you into the show, which features absurd, weird and hilarious viral-style videos culled from Everything Is Terrible’s vast cache of VHS tapes. Everything Is Terrible describes itself as “seven furry, lovable Internet monsters who live in a cave full of VCRs and solve mysteries,” editing tapes down to a humorous mish-mash, burning the whole project to DVD and traveling the country to expose the VHS age for what it was: a carnival of tom-foolery, low production values and souls bared in front of enormously expensive analog cameras. It’s fitting that the event is taking place at Spacebar, a venue that prides itself on sniffing out ancient arcade games for Boise’s sentimental gamers. 9 p.m. $5. Spacebar Arcade, 200 N. Capitol Blvd., Boise, 208- 918-0597, spacebararcade.com.
SATURDAY DEC. 15 classy HANDEL’S MESSIAH As the 12 days of Christmas approach, holiday burnout looms large: Santa Claus at the mall,
Santa Claus at the parade, Christmas trees on top of and in front of buildings, the radio’s constant stream of singalong carols and twinkly lights hanging from nearly ever y corner of the city. Half of the problem with the season is the tackiness factor. From the white doll hair adorning the mall Santa’s face to made-in-
20 | DECEMBER 12–18, 2012 | BOISEweekly
China plastic ornaments adorning made-in-China plastic Christmas trees, the season has none of the deep snow, blazing fireplaces and per fectly fitting sweaters you see in the commercials. On Saturday, Dec. 15, the Morrison Center will host a per formance of Handel’s Messiah, a pro-
Santa may be a hero driving a pack of reindeer as he blazes from rooftop to rooftop at cruising altitude Christmas Eve, but, well, he’s chubby, ruddy and beard-y. Hot cider and gingerbread cookies are about as close as he gets to spicy. If Spanish coffees and hot buttered rum aren’t keeping you warm this season, try basking in the glow of Ophidia Dance Studio’s Winter Showcase. Ophidia’s students and instructors are turning up the heat and artistry with acrobatic performances involving poles, hula-hoops and fire, all choreographed to music. Pole dancing may have finally joined Crossfit in the pantheon of organized exercise routines, but it’s also mesmerizing to watch—think of it as sugar plums dancing ... on a pole. Some highlights of the evening include lap dancing, pole acrobatics and poi. Or if flying through the air suspended only by strips of fabric sounds more exciting, an aerial yoga demonstration might be the highlight of the night. The evening’s raffle prizes are as extravagant as the dances. Imagine learning to perfect the challenging and expressive pole dancing moves in the comfort of your own home—which the lucky winner of his or her own pole will be able to do. Of course, that person might end up having to awkwardly explain an injury to an ER doctor. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. 8 p.m., $10-$12. Ophidia Studio, 4464 Chinden Blvd. 208-409-2403, ophidiastudio.com.
foundly un-tacky traditional Christmas event that may just redeem the season—at least for one night. The concer t will showcase the works of Boise Philharmonic Music Director Rober t Franz and Master Chorale Music Director Jim Jirak, with guest solos from Maire O’Brien, Korby Myrick, Matt Morgan and Troy Cook. Though it was originally composed as an Easter offering, Messiah has become a Christmas favorite be-
cause of its strong religious themes. Since its debut in 1742, the oratorio has awed audiences with its piercing lyrics and striking arrangement of string overtures and vocal solos. Messiah offers all the goodness of Christmas without any of the sugar- (or plastic-) coated pretense. 8 p.m. $21.50-$61.50. Morrison Center, 2201 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, 208-426-1609, boisephilharmonic.org.
SUNDAYTUESDAY DEC. 16-18 no xcuses XTREME HOLIDAY XTRAVAGANZA With New Year’s just a few weeks away, the time has come to take advantage of the trappings of the season. For most, good WWW. B O I S E WE E KLY. C O M