weekender FRIDAY 3.6.15 | VVDailyPress.com
DAVE SNOW
HOSTS FUN-FILLED KARAOKE PRODUCTIONS
2 | Friday, March 6, 2015 |
CONTENTS
ON THE COVER
COVER STORY ENTERTAINMENT
‘This is not your grandma’s karaoke’
Weekender
3 | MOVIE REVIEW 4 | NEW ON DVD Releases available in stores this week
5 | MUSIC Reviews of albums released this week
6-7 | BEST BETS Selected events of interest
8 | LOOKING AHEAD Other top picks of upcoming events
10 | BOOKS Other top picks of upcoming events Dave Smith, right, accompanies a karaoke singer at a recent Karaoke Night in Victorville. COURTESY OF DAVE SMITH
11 | DINING OUT Reviews and listings of local restaurants
Dave Snow puts on quite a show at Johnny Fingers he makes people happy. It’s great that he infuses karaoke and dance.” Dave Snow knows he’s Snow says that he is good. He has a small different than other VJs army of karaoke singers because he turns his that follow him around. venues into small proHis new gig is hosting a ductions. And he knows Karaoke Night at Johnny how to be professional Fingers Sports Bar, in and have fun. Victorville, a venue that “This is not your recently changed hands. grandma’s karaoke,” Co-owner Jennifer SarSnow said. “It’s like a gent says she sought him production and I am the out because his reputadirector. I have the best tion precedes him. singers. I have some “Business has defihard-core singers and nitely picked up,” some amateurs who just Sargent said. “We have a like to have a good time.” good customer base and Snow prides himself By Jeff Cooper
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Weekender Editor | Gary Brodeur | 760-951-6245 | gbrodeur@vvdailypress.com SUBMISSIONS: Send items to weekender@vvdailypress.com and cc gbrodeur@vvdailypress.com. Deadline is two weeks prior to the event. ON THE WEB: ............................................................ www.VVDailyPress.com TO ADVERTISE:.............................................................................. 760-241-7744 ON THE COVER: VJ David Snow plays at Johnny Fingers Sports Bar in Victorville. DAVID PARDO, DAILY PRESS
MORE ONLINE Patricia Sanchez covers the music scene in Southern California in her blog 505 Reasons to Believe the Hype. Follow her on our website at www.vvdailypress.com.
For Weekender
on production value but also insists that anyone can try it out for the first time and be welcomed. “We encourage new singers,” Snow said. “But the first thing they have to do is step up and grab the mic. We treat good singers and new singers equally.” Rodney Kregel, of Apple Valley, is no stranger to the music business. He is one of Snow’s avid followers. “I’ve been in the music business all my life,” Kregel said. “I always tell people to just get
Karaoke Night with Dave Snow When: 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Where: Johnny Fingers Sports Bar, 15863 Lorene Drive in Victorville. Cost: No cover; must be 21 and older. Information: Call 760-241-0804.
out there and have fun. That’s what it’s all about.” Michelle Hunt, of Victorville, says that SEE KARAOKE, A9
More Content Now
For its first 20 minutes or so, it looks like “Chappie” is paying an awful lot of homage to “Robocop” (the original, not the remake). There’s havoc in the city streets, there are robotic cops trying to control it, there are point-of-view shots from those robots. There’s even a big bad robot cop named Moose that looks very much like “Robocop’s” iconic ED-209. OK, even writerdirector Neill Blomkamp (who made “District 9” and just signed to direct the next “Alien” film) admits that Moose is a direct nod to ED-209, but everything else feels new and fresh and original. Well, expect for the fact that “Chappie” isn’t exactly original. It’s an expanded version of Blomkamp’s 2004 short “Tetra Vaal.” It’s exactly what he did with his 2006 short, “Alive in Joburg,” later turning it
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Chappie the robot (Sharlto Copley) from Columbia Pictures’ action-adventure movie “Chappie.”
into Johannesburg-based “District 9.” Blomkamp is back in Johannesburg with this one, and it’s that city’s streets that are overrun with crime, until the Tetra Vaal weapons company, with its brilliant designer Deon Wilson (Dev Patel), comes up with the robot scouts who, alongside human police, patrol
and clean up the streets. They’re a big success. But things, as they do in movies such as this, go wrong. The titanium scouts are effective, but not indestructible. A properly aimed missile or perfectly exploded bomb will send the remains of a scout for reprocessing. There are also human things going wrong. Would-be thugs Ninja
and Yo-landi (the South African rap-rave duo Ninja and Yo-Landi Visser, aka Die Antwoord) and Amerika (Jose Pablo Cantillo), get on the wrong side of some much badder thugs
over a money dispute. Meanwhile, weapons company Tetra Vaal’s CEO Michelle Bradley (Sigourney Weaver) is funding Deon’s scout program by taking money out of the Moose program, headed up by former military man Vincent Moore (Hugh Jackman, sporting a mullet, and speaking in his Australian accent). Vincent does not like Deon or his scouts. There’s a lot of setting up in this film, accompanied, near the beginning and near the end by fantastic, furious, all-hell-breakingloose action sequences that are, at different
points, loads of fun and extremely violent (parents of young viewers SEE CHAPPIE, A9
Friday, March 6, 2015 | 3
By Ed Symkus
|
‘Chappie’ is charming sci-fi with a violent edge
Weekender
MOVIES
4 | Friday, March 6, 2015 |
MUSIC
Rockdiscs: ‘Piece by Piece’ reveals a calmer Clarkson By Glenn Gamboa NEWSDAY (TNS)
Weekender
Kelly Clarkson has been on a roll in her personal life. She married artist, manager and pilot Brandon Blackstock in 2013 and became a mom to his two kids. She gave birth to River Rose Blackstock last year. And Clarkson recently told People magazine that she now finds herself at peace. That’s great news for the ever-likable original American Idol, and she even shared her happiness in “Heartbeat Song,” the upbeat first single from her new “Piece by Piece” (RCA) album, by posting an adorable video of River chair-dancing to the track. However, Clarkson’s successful home life seems to have quenched much of the fire that fueled her previous successes. Rather than the rage of “Since U Been Gone” or the sass of “Walk Away” or even the wrenching pain of “Because of You,” we get a much calmer, less excited Clarkson on “Piece by Piece,” her first pop album in four years. The closest we get to any of Clarkson’s previously brassy attitude is on the gorgeous “Someone,” a lush synth ballad that caps the tale of an imploding relationship with the tag line, “I’m sorry I’m not sorry.” In its place, Clarkson offers more stately, assured ballads like “Invincible,” co-written by Sia, that seems to put Clarkson atop a synthesized wall of sound in some sort of ivory tower. It sounds elegant, but
New in Stores
Hot Song
■ Brandi Carlile’s “The Fire-
Nate Ruess’ debut single, “Nothing Without Love” (Fueled by Ramen), is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the fun. frontman — an achingly plaintive, pianodriven ballad that takes the most personal of feelings and pumps it up to the grandest of scales. Ruess, with help from Lykke Li on backing vocals and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Josh Klinghoffer on guitar, stretches the fun aesthetic to even more dramatic lengths, proving that emotional and potent are not mutually exclusive.
watcher’s Daughter” (ATO) ■ Rixton’s “Let the Road” (Interscope) ■ G-Unit’s “The Beast Is G-Unit” (G-Unit) ■ Asleep at the Wheel’s “Still the King” (Bismeaux) ■ Third Day’s “Lead Us Back” (Essential)
— Newsday/TNS are also about a decade removed from today. Too much of “Chasing Yesterday” finds Gallagher mastering for himself what others developed so many years before. The result is admirable, but kind of unnecessary — nowhere near as essential as when Oasis arrived on the scene ready to out-rock and outmaneuver anyone in their way. When Gallagher returns to his well-worn path on “The Dying of the This CD cover image released by RCA/19 shows “Piece By Piece,” the latest release by Kelly ClarkLight” or “The Mexican” son. AP PHOTO/RCA 19 it becomes maddening, especially considering how THE GRADE: B also isolated — far, far holds it back. good “Ballad of the Mighty BOTTOM LINE: Settling into a away from the sweaty No one mines Britpop’s I” sounds. That’s where more grown-up phase of pop past better than Gallagher dance floor anthems of Gallagher’s vocals really “Stronger.” — not even brother Liam come to life, stretched Sometimes, Clarkson’s — and it shows through‘CHASING YESTERDAY’ warm vocals bridge the out “Chasing Yesterday.” over a solid bass groove, gap on “Piece by Piece,” There’s a bit of Pink Floyd Johnny Marr guitar flourFlying at a safe ishes, and a lush string especially in the extremely height thrown into the Oasis section. The way he welds personal title track, which jangle for “Riverman.” “Definitely Maybe”-era Noel Gallagher couldn’t There’s a glorious bit of Clarkson wrote with Oasis to vintage R.E.M. producer Greg Kurstin, as have picked a better name “Major Tom”-era David on “Lock All the Doors” for his second solo record. Bowie in “The Girl With she passionately pro“Chasing Yesterday” claims, “Piece by piece, X-Ray Eyes,” while “In the is pretty thrilling as well, (Sour Mash), as a title, he restored my faith that Heat of the Moment” sug- a sure sign that Gallagher could make a mark on perfectly encapsulates a man can be kind and a gests that Gallagher has the future if he applied what it is the (slightly) less familiarized himself with father could stay.” himself. combustible Gallagher If that’s the new plateau the work of Franz FerdiInstead, he spends his brother from Oasis does Clarkson is reaching for, nand and Kaiser Chiefs. time in his comfort zone well. It also captures what it will be well worth it. Sure, those may be more chasing yesterday. She often comes up a little gives his album, credited contemporary influences THE GRADE: B to Noel Gallagher’s High short on “Piece by Piece,” than “White Album” BOTTOM LINE: A look back in Flying Birds, its consider- Beatles and “Beggars offering good, but not able charm as well as what Banquet” Stones, but they anger and melancholy great.
‘SPIRIT OF ‘67’
Vanilla Fudge’s new spin on the Sixties On “Spirit of ‘67” (Cleopatra), Vanilla Fudge takes on some of 1967’s biggest hits and basically reworks them into songs the band can claim as their own, a wild mix of progrock, metal and funk. And they pretty much go 10-for-10 on an eclectic slate ranging from The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” to Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale.” Their thrilling metallic twist on Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks of My Tears” may not be as groundbreaking as their take on “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” but it is certainly in the ballpark, with Mark Stein’s great, soulful vocals and Carmine Appice’s inventive drumming taking the spotlight. We can only hope this “Spirit” starts a series. THE GRADE: ABOTTOM LINE: Reinventing an eclectic mix of 1967 classics in their own image
in two parts, with the wrap-up a later this year. This structure leaves the first part lacking as the action comes to an abrupt ending. Movie making is all about the money, but this division of a finale creates a sense of frustration that lingers between the parts. The DVD hits stories Friday.
‘Outlander: Season 1, Volume 1’
‘The Captive’: Man must unravel the mystery of his daughter’s disappearance.
‘Blacula/Scream, Blacula, Scream’: Double feature featuring the ‘70s movies.
‘Understanding Art: Baroque & Rococo’: Documentary that looks at two influential art periods.
‘Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast’: A fable creature comes to Pixie Hollow.
‘Da Vinci’s Demons Season 2’: Florence is thrown into chaos in the wake of the Pazzi conspiracy. ‘A Place to Call Home: Season 1’: Australian period drama full of secrets and passion.
‘Bubble Guppies: Fin-Tastic Collection’: Includes six underwater learning adventures.
‘The Better Angels’: Examination of the early life of Abraham Lincoln.
‘Champions: New England Patriots’: Look at the Patriots win over the Seahawks in Super
‘Victori: The Truth Just Can’t Be One Thing’: Father, son work together to bring attention to long art career.
‘Lalaloopsy: Festival of Sugary Treats’: Lalaloopsy friends are back in their sweetest movie yet.
‘PAW Patrol: Marshall and Chase On the Case!’: Eight rescue missions are featured.
‘The Dog Who Saved Easter’: Zeus’ daycare is put in jeopardy by a rival business.
‘Longmire: Season 3’: Includes all 10 episodes in the cable series starring Robert Taylor.
‘To Write Love on Her Arms’: Young woman battling depression learns value of friendship.
‘Let’s Kill Ward’s Wife’: Buddies must help when a friend’s wife ends up dead. Amy Acker stars.
‘Kiss Me Kate’: Restored version of the 1953 Cole Porter musical.
New DVD releases this week range from the continuation of a popular film series to a film that produced an Oscarnominated performance.
‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1’ Grade: B
Director Francis Lawrence, the man
Grade: A-
The cable series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history and adventure as it follows Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a married British combat nurse in 1945 who mysteriously falls back through time to 1743 Scotland. She becomes torn between her husband
Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), a Scottish warrior who comes to her rescue. This is a beautifully written, filmed and acted production that brings to life the novels by Diana Gabaldon.
‘Foxcatcher’
Grade: C
Except for an oddly interesting performance by Oscar-nominated
Steve Carell, this is the slow-moving story of two brothers who, during the late 1980s, become wrestling champs and the pawns in the life of multi-millionaire John du Pont’s life. Director Bennett Miller becomes too involved with the physicality of wrestling when he should have been dealing with a script that never fully embraces the insanity of the true life events.
ALSO NEW ON DVD ‘Transporter TV Series: Season 1’: British ex-commando Frank Martin (Chris Vance) is a high-stakes courier.
‘Believe Me’: Four college seniors set out to scam goodhearted churchgoers.
‘Drumline: A New Beat’: Alexandra Shipp stars in this sequel.
‘Beginner’s Bible’: Animated introduction to the Bible for children.
‘Hill Street Blues: Season Four’: Cop drama from Stephen Bochco.
‘Life Partners’: Friendship is tested by a new love. Gillian Jacobs stars.
‘Innocence’: Tragic event haunts student. Sophie Curtis stars.
Bowl XLIX. ‘Sesame Street: The Best of Elmo 3’: It’s a trip down memory lane with Elmo.
— The Fresno Bee
FREE Concert US Air Force Band of the Golden West Commanders Jazz Ensemble Friday, March 20, 2015 Tuesday, March 24, 2015 7pm 7pm Barstow College Performing Arts Center, 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow CA
Granite Hills High School Gymnasium, 22900 Esaws Avenue, Apple Valley, CA
Free tickets available at the Desert Dispatch, 130 Coolwater Ln, For more information call 760-256-4140 and Barstow College Presidents Office in the Admin. Building. 760-252-2411
Tickets available at The Daily Press, 13891 Park Avenue, Victorville and the High Desert Community Foundation, 16000 Apple Valley Road, Suite C3, Apple Valley.
Sponsored By
Limit 6 tickets per customer
Friday, March 6, 2015 | 5
behind “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” continues to show an even-handed approach to both the emotional and big-action scenes. The main thing is that he is smart enough to boldly display the impressive work Jennifer Lawrence does from start to mid-finish. It has one inherent problem that even Lawrence can’t fix. The finale is presented
The Fresno Bee
|
DVD & BLU-RAY By Rick Bentley
Weekender
DVD
8 | Friday, March 6, 2015 |
LOOKING AHEAD MARCH 14
Music Formula
Weekender
The Music Formula band will perform at J&D’s T-Bird for an annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. Enjoy live music, food and drink specials. When: Starting at 4:30 p.m. Where: 3936 Phelan Road, Suites D1-D2, in Phelan. Cost: No cover charge; must be 21 or older. Information: Call 760-868-3272.
MARCH 14
Mojave Moon Band Join Victor Valley-based Mojave Moon Band for a St. Patrick’s Day party as the band plays classic and contemporary country, rock and blues. Members are Jerry O'Connor, lead guitar/ vocals; Darlene PackardMossman, bass/vocals, and Jessica Gonzalez, drums/ percussion. When: 9 p.m. March 14 and 1 p.m. March 15. Where: Big Rock Inn, 1828 Highway 138 in Pinon Hills. Cost: No cover; must be 21 or older. Information: Call 760868-6615 or go to www. mojavemoonband.rocks.
MARCH 14
Junior fishing workshop San Bernardino County Regional Parks is offering several fishing workshops for children during the 2015 trout season. Kids 7 to 15 can learn to fish from park experts. Participants will rotate through five stations that introduce them to the basic fundamentals of trout fishing, and then will be given the opportunity to test their skills in
a two-hour open fishing session. All equipment and tackle is provided and each child receives a souvenir T-shirt. The workshops are sponsored by Friends of Regional Parks www. for-parks.org and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. When: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Mojave Narrows Regional Park, 18000 Yates Road in Victorville. Cost: $8 per child due at time of registration (at least five days before the workshop) with a $10 vehicle entry fee; children must be accompanied by an adult. Information: Go to www. sbcounty.gov/parks, or call 909-387-2461.
MARCH 14
Metropolitan Opera: ‘La Donna del Lago’ The broadcast of Rossini’s “La Donna del Lago” will present bel canto superstars Joyce DiDonato and Juan Diego Florez, who join forces for this showcase of vocal virtuosity and set in the medieval Scottish highlands. Based on a beloved novel by Sir Walter Scott. When: 9:55 a.m. Where: Cinemark Jess Ranch, 18935 Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley. Cost: $24 adults, $22 seniors and $16 children; part of a series. Information: Call 760-247-5871.
MARCH 14 Cirques Mechanics: 'Pedal Punk’ “Pedal Punk” is a steam punk experience that will charm you with its story and thrill you with its daring; a rowdy circus where the mischief is on
wheels. The group’s work has been called “The most important contribution to the American Circus since Cirque du Soleil” by Spectacle Magazine. When: 8 p.m. Where: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in Lancaster. Cost: $12, $27 and $35. Information: Call 661-7235950 or go to www.lpac.org.
MARCH 14 AND 15
Train Days Enjoy two days of Train Days at Victor Valley Museum. When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15. Where: 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and military personnel, $2.50 for students and children, free for children 4 and younger and museum association members. Information: Call 760-240-2111.
MARCH 14
'Fiddler on the Roof’ "Fiddler on the Roof," the Tony Award-winning musical that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, will be staged for two performances only. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, it has been praised by critics again and again as a classic piece of musical theater that magically weaves music, dance, poignancy and laughter into an unforgettable theatrical experience. When: 2 and 8 p.m. Where: California Theatre of SEE AHEAD, A9
KARAOKE From Page A2
the driving difference in Snow’s attitude is that he cares and helps every singer that steps up on stage.
AHEAD From Page A8
the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St. in San Bernardino Cost: $38.50 to $75. Information: Call 909-885-5152 or go to www.worldwidetheatricals.com or www. californiatheatre.net.
MARCH 14
actors by clearly expressing himself via short bursts of words and very expressive ears and a mechanical unibrow. Chappie’s a friendly, gentle fellow that Ninja wants to turn into a combination South African gangsta (some good slangy comedy there) and killing machine (dark turns in the film), while Deon just wants him to be able to think, and Vincent, going the villain
route, wants him destroyed so his Moose can go online. The story ends up being about Chappie having a very bad time of it, even as Yo-Landi starts developing motherly instincts toward him. Chappie wants to live, but in going for that dream, things turn even darker. Good news: Blomkamp somehow pulls off an outof-left-field upbeat ending. Yes, there’s a lot going on
here, but it never lags.
“I have been following Dave for five years,” Hunt said. “We make sure that we applaud for everyone.” Snow affirms he does give personal attention to every singer. When a singer is performing, Snow can always be seen
using his equalizer to enhance and assist every voice. “I always sprinkle a little salt and pepper to your voice,” Snow said. “I will try to make you sound the best you can.” Snow also prides
himself on filling the dance floor. “You’re not going to just sit and watch people sing all night,” Snow said. “Expect to get up and dance. To have a dancefloor full or people while you’re singing — it
doesn’t get better than that.” He also sends out a message to people who may want to try it out but are a little shy. “Don’t worry if you’re new,” Snow said. “I sing with people sometimes
— and don’t forget that the words are right there on the screen.” Snow hosts 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday night karaoke at Johnny Fingers. He also is at Fat Jacks, in Apple Valley, at 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Screening nationwide, this captivating story of a beautiful woman transformed into a swan is a heart-rending tribute to the power of love. When: 7 p.m. Where: Cinemark 16 Victorville and XD, 14470 Bear Valley Road in Victorville. Cost: $18 for adults, $17 seniors and students, $16 children; part of a series. Information: Call 760-243-2037.
Championship
organization. When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Cost: Free. Information: Go to westcoastartists.com.
Time presentation with Michelle Lawhead at the Victor Valley Museum. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Unless otherwise indicated, all programs are included with paid museum admission. When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Where: 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for military members and seniors, $2.50 for children; members of the San Bernardino County Museum Association and children 4 and younger are admitted free. Information: Call 760-240-2111 or go to www.sbcounty.gov/ museum.
in Riverside. Cost: $32 to $67.50. Information: Go to riversidelive.com.
Woodworking Show
MARCH 20 TO 29
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware will host a one-day woodworking show featuring seminars and product demonstrations with representatives from major tool companies and woodworking guilds. The store also will offer special deals on wood and tools, and provide free refreshments. When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 83 S. Rosemead Blvd. in Pasadena. Cost: Free. Information: Go to www.rockler.com or call 626-356-9663.
‘Broadway Broads’
MARCH 19
The Royal Ballet: ‘Swan Lake’
The Community Arts Theater Society stages a musical revue, “Broadway Broads of Big Bear,” featuring offbeat, rare and unusual Broadway show tunes performed by the Big Bear Broadway Broads. When: 7:30 p.m. March 20, 21, 27 and 28; 2:30 p.m. March 22 and 29. Where: CATS Theater Warehouse, 1117 W. Big Bear Blvd. in Big Bear. Cost: $20 a person. Information: Call 909-585-4757 or go to bigbeartheater.org.
MARCH 21 AND 22
Percussion & Winds
The Western Percussion & Winds Championship event brings together premier percussion and winds teams in the region to compete for top honors. Winter Guard International Sport of the Arts brings together youth nationwide for extraordinary performance and competition through nationwide color guard, indoor percussion and winds regional competitive events. When: Times to be announced. Where: Coussoulis Arena at California State University at San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway in San Bernardino. Cost: $10 for non-finalist backside seating; $17 preliminaries, $20 finals, $32 combination package. Information: Call 866-589-7161 or go to wgi.org.
MARCH 21 AND 22
Desert Arts Festival More than 100 artists display their works in all media at Frances Stevens Park. The festival benefits Desert Art Center, a nonprofit
MARCH 22
Passport Travel Series: ‘Lumberjack in Alaska’ Don Cooper and his family present the second segment in Victor Valley College’s Passport Travel Series 2015, “Lumberjack in Alaska.” Learn what life was like for the early pioneers of this great land and catch a glimpse of an Alaska rarely seen by modern commercial tourism in this special encore screening. When: 2:30 p.m. Where: 18422 Bear Valley Road in Victorville. Cost: $8.50 general admission, free for VVC Associated Student Body cardholders. Information: Call 760-617-1448.
MARCH 22
Story Time Enjoy an egg-themed Story
MARCH 25 AND 26
‘RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles’ The Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside Experience an all-new show when the internationallyacclaimed Beatles concert, “RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles,” returns to the Fox Performing Arts Center. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: 3801 Mission Inn Ave.
—Ed Symkus covers movies for More Content Now.
CHAPPIE Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp With Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, Ninja, Yo-Landi Visser Rated R
MARCH 26 TO 30
Circus Vargas America’s favorite traveling big-top circus continues to thrill and enchant children of all ages with the new and amazing 2015 edition, “ArleQuin!” Steeped in tradition and devoted to all things magnificent and happy, Circus Vargas features aerialists, acrobats and clowns and the ballyhoo of nostalgic Americana. Arrive 30 minutes early for an exciting, interactive pre-show where children can create their own magic under the big top. When: 7:30 p.m. March 26 to 28; 1 and 4 p.m. March 28 and 29; 7 p.m. March 29 and 30. Where: Bear Valley Road, across from Victor Valley College, in Hesperia. Cost: $10 to $55 each, 11 and older; free for children 1 and younger; discount for seniors 60 and older. Information: Go to www. circusvargas.com or call 877GOTFUN-1 (468-3861).
Friday, March 6, 2015 | 9
should take heed; the violence is why the film earned its R rating). It’s a human story, it’s a robot story and it’s a combination of the two. The bad guy trio needs money fast. They decide to find out who builds the scouts, steal what they’re sure is a
it’s the same night that our idiot trio kidnaps him, and his ruined robot. Threats are made, deals are made, the robot, dubbed Chappie (Sharlto Copley in a terrific motion capture performance), comes alive as a kind of robotic child, amazed and confused and a little scared of the new world around him. Copley, as Chappie, keeps up with his fellow human
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remote control, and turn them off, thereby making it easier to commit crimes and get money. Meanwhile, Deon, who is as bright as the trio is dumb, has been attempting to give consciousness to his robots, to allow them to think for themselves. So he steals a damaged, readyfor-reprocessing robot, and brings it home to work on. Wouldn’t you know it,
Weekender
CHAPPIE
10 | Friday, March 6, 2015 |
BOOKS/MOVIES BOOK NOTES
Weekender
Childhood through an adult’s eyes By Rae Padilla Francoeur More Content Now
“My Sunshine Away” By M.O. Walsh. Amy Einhorn Books, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 2015. 320 pages. $26.95. For the boy coming of age in Baton Rouge in the early 1990s in M.O. Walsh’s gorgeous novel “My Sunshine Away,” his moment of reckoning, his summons to his higher self, pivots on his realization of all the times he had not helped his loved ones in times of great suffering. A child growing up with eyes wide open sees a lot of suffering. It is inevitable. But he turns
a selfish, helpless eye, as children do. Slowly he realizes his plight, weighs helplessness against rage. Opts to act, or not. And that’s the genesis of adult consciousness. Of free-ranging guilt. It’s all here in Walsh’s ode to Baton Rouge, to the depth of childhood experience, to love. The boy who moves through his final years at a private school for the privileged, uppermiddle class kids in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in “My Sunshine Away,” is not named. He is the storyteller and no one addresses him by his name. He is telling his story to someone he
cares about — a “you” he’s working to be honest with — but we don’t know who that is. The book is full of big mysteries, which is why it will take only a sitting or two to devour this nearly perfect novel, perhaps a southern novel but surely a wise fiction we will reread, share and remember. We learn immediately that Lindy, the irrepressible athlete with the muscled legs and free spirit, has been raped, and the protagonist is one of our suspects. The investigation is short-lived and fruitless. No one is arrested, but life on Piney Creek Road
cannot be lived in the same way. Real menace is afoot. Neither girls nor boys are irrepressible. Walsh’s foreshadowing, ever-present and perhaps too much so for some, is as much a facet of adolescence as it is a device of a writer turning
the screws. We learn, as well, that Lindy, despite protective and loving parents, is secretly watched by men and boys equally devoted in their obsession. The beautiful girl, full of self and spirit, can have no peace. She knows the narrator in this story spies on her. She calls him “weird” but, despite her scorn, she does not entirely dismiss his relevance in her childhood. Other neighbors, a psychiatrist and his wife, take in troubled foster children the neighborhood tolerates with admirable patience. The psychiatrist is a huge and ugly man, a deviant in his
moods and behavior, and as suspicious as some of the foster children. But menace comes in all shapes, and when the narrator’s parents divorce he learns that his father’s new love interest is a young and somewhat vapid girl/woman. His lovely, beautiful mother does not relinquish her love of the man who fathered their three children, and she accepts the sadness of this decision. Not all bad things are foreshadowed, which is clever and mean and real as life itself. Some bad news comes at us when we’re not paying attention; when we’re not braced for it.
MOVIES
Warhol’s family making movie about their ‘Uncle Andy’ By Marylynne Pitz Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
PITTSBURGH — Like any great actor on the world stage, Andy Warhol played many parts — prince of Pop art, celebrity, filmmaker and provocateur. To the seven children of Paul and Anne Warhola, he was Uncle Andy. That is why fashion photographer Abby Warhola, the artist’s great-niece, and her partner, artist Jesse Best, are making a feature-length documentary titled “Uncle Andy,” in which Warhola family members recall their famous relative’s boyhood
in Pittsburgh, memorable visits to his New York residence and the many stages of his commercial success and fame. To finance the featurelength documentary, the couple are planning to launch a Kickstarter campaign this week with a goal of raising $175,000 in 31 days. They have been interviewing family members for eight years. “Everyone still has their family. That’s the one area where they let their guard down and they are themselves,” Best said in a telephone interview last week. For the past eight years,
the couple have lived in Pittsburgh in the home where Warhol resided with his parents, Andrej and Julia Warhola, and two older brothers, Paul and John. After Andrej Warhola died, Paul Warhola became the family patriarch and looked after his younger brother, encouraging him to become an artist. Before Paul Warhola died at age 91 in January 2014, the couple recorded 10 hours of interviews with him. “He would tell us these really great stories that no one had ever heard before. We wanted to preserve it and turn it into something
greater,” Best said. Paul and Anne Warhola’s seven children — Paulie, Eve, Mary Lou, George, Madalen, Marty and James — have all been interviewed. Madalen Warhola Hoover, who lives in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, is Abby Warhola’s mother. “They saw every level of progression of fame that he experienced. We can share that,” Best said. Best, 37, studied film at Edinboro University. In 2000, he was a script supervisor on “The Bread, My Sweet” and also worked as second unit script supervisor on “The Mothman Prophecies.” He
worked on “Unstoppable,” the Denzel Washington movie that was shot in Pittsburgh in 2009, and “The Road,” which starred Viggo Mortensen. Best and Abby Warhola, 30, have a 7-year-old daughter named Veva. Best, a professional artist, works in a studio in an old Victorian-era building near their home where Andy Warhol grew up at 3252 Dawson St. It’s a tall, narrow three-bedroom house with original woodwork and floors. Best has not applied for grants or accepted money from people who offered to help finance the project
because he said the family has been exploited in the past. “We wanted to wait until we could do this completely independently. We could just tell their story without any other intentions.” The film also will describe the mentality of blue-collar workers in Pittsburgh and how that mindset shaped Warhol and his work ethic. The couple usually shoot digital footage on a Canon Mark 3 but also have used Bolex 16 millimeter, the film Warhol used to make his famous screen tests at The Factory in New York City.
760-256-8888 www.thespurs.us BR, W, C, CM, CC, FB, R, $$$
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FAMILY DINING
BOSCO'S DINER 15429 Anacapa Road, Victorville. 760-843-6888 CC, DS
15080 Seventh St., Unit 1B, Victorville. SEE DINING, A12
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LEGEND
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Order The Grinder from The Brass Pickle Deli. DAILY PRESS FILE PHOTO & LOUNGE 12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville. 760-241-6973 CC, DS, FB, S, SB, $$-$$$
LIL’ BIT COUNTRY CAFE
14335 Hesperia Road, 101, Victorville. 760-243-4171 BR, BW, CC, DS, S, $$
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MARIE CALLENDER’S BAKERY, RESTAURANT
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FINE DINING
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BR Banquet room BW Beer/Wine B Buffet CM Children’s menu CC Credit cards DS Daily specials D Delivery E Entertainment FB Full bar O Outdoor seating S Salad bar SM Senior’s menu SB Sunday brunch Su Sushi bar R Reservations recommended $ Most entrée items — $1-5 $$ Most entrée items — $6-10 $$$ Most entrée items — $11-15 $$$$ Most entrée items — $16 +
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Friday, March 6, 2015 | 11
BAKERIES
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HIGH DESERT RESTAURANT GUIDE
Weekender
DINING OUT
12 | Friday, March 6, 2015 |
DINING OUT DINING From Page A11
Weekender
760-243-4222 www.gridironpizza3.com CC
JULIANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 12052 Hesperia Road, Hesperia. 760-949-0595 FB, CC, O, $$
LOUNGES
MARIE CALLENDER’S BAKERY, RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville. 760-241-6973 CC, DS, FB, S, SB, $$-$$$ MEXICAN
DON GARCIA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 14343 Main St., Hesperia.
The tasty Gyro Sandwich from Maxwell’s. DAILY PRESS FILE PHOTO 760-244-3973 BW, FB, G, CC, C
LOS TORITOS Two locations: ■ 4264 Phelan Road, Phelan. 760-868-5266 ■ 14962 Bear Valley Road, Victorville. 760-245-1811 BW, B DS, $$-$$$
SANDWICH
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15617 Roy Rogers Drive, #103, Victorville. 760-241-4846 $$
TAKE-OUT ONLY
Cavatappi Pesto Pasta from Fat Jack’s Bar & Grill. STAFF PHOTO BY KATHY YOUNG
MAC & CHEESE
D'VINE WINE
18375 Highway 18, Unit 3, Apple Valley. 760-242-2200, 760-953-9784 www.reneeallensmacandcheese.com
14845 Monarch Blvd., Ste. C,
RENEE ALLEN'S
WINE BAR
out how to be included in the listing, call the Daily Press Advertising Department at 760-951-6288.
Victorville. 760-843-3888
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