Morris Towns
A mountain woman who dispensed folk remedies and political opinions. A psychic who worked the case of a 19-year-old’s disappearance. A Mennonite man who sought a court-ordered injunction after the church shunned him, leading to his wife’s refusal to sleep with him. These are just a few characters in American Berserk: A Cub Reporter, a Small-Town Daily, the Schizo ’70s (Sunbury Press). It’s recently been published by Bill Morris, author of three novels and a former columnist and reporter for Greensboro’s News & Record, and author of three novels. Morris, who now lives and works in New York City, will read from Berserk at Greensboro’s Scuppernong Books (304 South Elm Street) on Saturday, September 30 at 7 p.m. with music from The Difficulties. The autobiography covers Morris’s days as fledgling writer for the daily newspaper Public Opinion in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, but the story starts and ends in Greensboro, where he worked at the Record Bar in Friendly Center in 1976 — and where he returned to work for newspapers at the News & Record a few years later. — M.J.
Vogue One
Make that “Vogue Three,” as in the third year of Greensboro Fashion Week (September 20–24). Jeansboro Day in LeBauer Park downtown kicks off the events, which will include a national brands showcase, a young designers competition, a show of outerwear courtesy of Kriegsman and Mack & Mack, and the highlight: a celebration of Wrangler’s 70th anniversary as a brand —with a show featuring a recreation of designer Peter Max’s 1970 denim line. All shows will be held at the Elm Street Center (203 South Elm Street). Tickets: greensborofashionweek.com.
Noteflix
To open its season, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra is doing something a little different this year. The first concert of the Tanger Outlets Masterworks Series on September 28 and 30 at the Carolina Theatre (310 South Greene Street) is more than a concert. Sure, Dmitry Sitkovetsky will make the strings on his violin sing. And yes, the program includes Haydn’s Overture Lo speziale, Mozart’s Volin Concerto in G Major, Chopin’s Prelude No. 15 for string orchestra in D flat major and Borodin’s Symphony No. 2. But each of these will be interspersed with video vignettes featuring Greensboro musicians and conductors, civic and business leaders and Gate City native and Page High alum Ken Jeong (of the television show Community and The Hangover movie franchise). The combined vignettes, produced by filmmaker David Donnelly, will tell a story alongside the music, in what GSO is billing as a “Not So Classical World Premiere.” So come on out to the red carpet and pose for the paparazzi — but save your best smiles for the program that awaits. Tickets: (336) 335-5456, ext. 224 or greensborosymphony.org.
Ogi Sez Ogi Overman Most of the September Songs the past two years have been sung at the National Folk Festival, and this year is no exception. Believe me, I am not complaining, but my task is to remind you that there are 27 more days this month and that music will fill the air for most of them. Here are the top picks for kicks.
• September 1, Blind Tiger: The month gets off to a running start with Michael Franti and Spearhead. Mixing social activism with brilliantly crafted world music, he has become the voice for the oppressed, the disenfranchised, the marginalized, while still making you want to dance. No mean feat. Just feet. • September 9, White Oak
Amphitheatre: Speaking of dancing, break out your best two-toned dogs for Morris Day and The Time. This might be the outdoor party of the summer. No word on whether Jay and Silent Bob will be in attendance.
• September 10, Cone Denim
Entertainment Center: After playing the New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2010, one scribe called Lettuce “the funkiest band on the planet.” And that came after a gig with the best of the best in NOLA, the funk capital of the world.
• September 22, Carolina
Blue Period
And we’re not talking Picasso but good ole American denim made right here in the Gate City. See how the fabric, most of it manufactured at Cone Denim’s White Oak Plant and donated by Wrangler, is used as an artistic medium at 50 Shades of Blue, an exhibition that opened last month and continues through October 13 at the Greensboro Cultural Center (200 North Davie Street). Among the 80 works by 27 artists, you’ll find visual pieces, wearable and decorative art, sculpture and works defying categorization. Wrangler donated the material scraps as a part of its commitment to sustainability. And what better purpose for repurposing than art? Info: (336) 373-2712 or greensboro-nc.gov
The Art & Soul of Greensboro
TOPS ‘N’ BOTTOMS BY ALEXIS LAVINE, IS PART OF THE “50 SHADES OF BLUE” EXHIBIT
Theatre: One of the last members who can rightly claim a direct lineage to the Temptations, Bo Henderson is keeping their magical legacy alive. He sang with the Temps from 1995 to 2001 and his Temptations Revue is the closest you’ll ever get to the real thing.
• September 26, Blind Tiger: I hate to double-dip the BT, but this is too huge to omit. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood might be the finest rock ensemble not playing arenas today. Oh, he’s played in plenty — as cofounder of the Black Crowes. I rest my case. September 2017
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