Nashville for Free

Alfred Hitchcock. The man knew how to scare people. He got inside our heads and made us terrified of the things that were just off the screen. It was all about psychology, the idea that the monster you create is sure to freak out you more than anything another person could spring upon you.

Alfred Hitchcock directed 66 full-feature films and shorts, including Psycho, The Birds, North by Northwest, Vertigo, Dial “M” for Murder, and Rear Window.

The 1950 crime thriller Stage Fright might be best known for two things: a lying flashback and Christian Dior. That’s right, Christian Dior. Marlene Dietrich, the star of the film, refused to wear anything other than genuine Dior during filming. She wasn’t about to let herself be seen on film in anything less than glamorous couture.

That brings me to why this film was chosen by the Frist. As you may remember, right now the Frist has an exhibit called the Golden Age of Couture, and Marlene Dietrich’s wardrobe is a great example of what couture looked like in real life, how it moved on a person rather than how it sits on a mannequin.

As for the film’s plot, here’s what NetFlix says:

Alfred Hitchcock takes Selwyn Jepson’s novel, preserves all the thrills from the page and adds a dash of his own. Eve Gil (Jane Wyman), a drama student studying in London, learns that a friend, John Cooper (Richard Todd), has been implicated in the death of the husband of his lover, actress Charlotte Inwood (Marlene Dietrich). John has a plan to prove himself innocent, but needs Eve’s help, not to mention her talent. Can they pull it off?

Free movies make for a great night out. This should be good. This event will take place at the Frist on Friday July 9th at at 7pm.

-Emily

When you think about bees you either think about honey or the fear of getting stung. Honey is a pretty miraculous substance. It’s the only thing we eat that was physically manufactured by another animal, consuming local honey can help make you stronger against local allergens, it’s a natural sweetener, and it tastes great in tea.

But honey isn’t the only reason we need bees. Bees are relied upon to pollinate crops worth $15 billion every year. That’s a lot of food. The problem is, the bee population is dwindling thanks to parasites, pesticides, and modern agricultural practices. This is bad news, and is the topic of Pollen Nation, a film that follows one commercial beekeeper throughout a season. This film gives you the chance to see a looming crisis firsthand. If the bees go, then what will happen to our food?

Warner Parks Nature Center is screening Pollen Nation for free tonight, July 6th at 6:30pm. It’s free, but you have to register first. You can do so by calling (615) 352-6299.

I’m going to take a wild guess and say that when you think about Nashville schools you probably don’t think about the Nashville Film Institute. It doesn’t have a huge campus in the middle of the city and there aren’t a ton of commercials for it on TV, but trust me, it’s there.

It might not be more than a blip on your RADAR, but tonight you might get a little more familiar with NFI. I say this because tonight they’re hosting a free double feature of two big cult hits.

The first of the films is David Lynch’s classic and iconic film “Eraserhead.” The only thing I know about this movie is that the dude’s hair in the poster is awesome, and that the movie is supposed to be REALLY messed up. I don’t mean a little, I mean disturbing on epic proportions.

The other movie is Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 From Outer space,” which I’ve heard is just completely terrible in a hilarious way.  One reviewer on IMDB says “this movie maybe be awful, but it’s the best!” which is our favorite kind of film here at N4F.

It sounds like a pretty solid double feature. I hope you’re ready for some weird shit going down if you choose to go, because it will go down. It will.

This event starts today, Saturday June 26th at 4pm. It takes place at The Factory at Franklin. Seating is limited so show up early. Also, anyone younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

-Emily

There’s serious trouble in Appalachia. The practice of mountaintop removal mining is destroying the region’s mountaintops, all in the name of coal. This is taking a toll on the people who live in Appalachia. Their health, homes, and culture is suffering, and now they’re fighting back.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) presents Movies Save Mountains, an evening of film, music and discussion celebrating the power of people coming together to defend their communities and the mountains we love.

On Thursday, May 20th you can head on down to The Belcourt where the acclaimed new films Deep Down and Coal Country will be shown. Both are documentaries that go into the details of the effects of mountaintop removal mining on the communities around them. The makers of both films and other activists will be available for a Q&A after the screenings.

In addition to that Kathy Mattea will be giving a special performance. That woman knows a lot about coal. She wrote a whole album about it, and it’s awesome. I saw her a few years ago and she’s someone you don’t want to miss.

This event IS free, but you have to reserve tickets as seating is limited. You can do that here. Doors are at 5:45 and the whole thing gets down at 6:30.

I’m sad to announce that this week is the last week for Vanderbilt International Lens Series. International Lens has brought dozens of free foreign films to us since last fall, just like it does every year. In my opinion it’s one of the coolest series of free events in Nashville, and without a doubt one of the most prolific, with at least one film being shown per week. Each film is shown at Vanderbilt’s Sarratt Cinema at 7pm.

This Tuesday International Lens is showing Jesus of Montreal. Here’s some info about it:

When attendance at a church’s annual Passion Play flags, a troupe of young actors stages a modern interpretation of Jesus’ teachings. Their version brings the house down, but also brings down the condemnation of the church’s hierarchy, creating a strange parallel between the actors, now persecuted believers, and their play. Winner of the 1989 Cannes Grand Jury Prize and 12 Canadian Genies. In French and Italian with English subtitles. Rated R. 118 minutes.

Then, on Wednesday, International Lens is showing Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part Harmony. Here’s the info for that one:

Does song have the power to communicate, motivate, console, unite and, ultimately, beget change? This documentary of black South African freedom music reveals the central role it played in the battle against apartheid. Archival footage, interviews, musical numbers, and reenactments celebrate the resilience of the human spirit throughout this decades-long struggle for civil rights. In Zulu(!) with English subtitles. Rated PG-13. 108 minutes

I hope some of you get out to one of these movies, because it’ll be the last of them until the next fall.

-Emily

Tonight, Friday April 9th brings us the Better World Film Festival. It starts at 7pm and will go into the morning at 1pm.

This is the first free outdoor movie event (that I’ve heard about) of the season, and that’s exciting! Also, since the rain washed so much of the pollen away maybe my itchy eyes won’t destroy my soul.

Anyway, as the name suggests, the movies being shown tonight are all about how to make a better world. Films shown include Sons of Lwala, The TOMS Shoes Story, One Peace at a Time, The 11th Hour and Food Inc..

As you can see, it’s a wide range of different films, so you get a well-rounded picture of some of the problems in the world and the things YOU can do to fix it.

Sons of Lwala is about a Vanderbilt student overseeing construction of hospital in Kenya, the TOMS shoe story is about children who don’t have shoes (and how TOMS seeks to fix this), One Peace at a Time is about the possibility of providing basic rights to every child, Food, Inc. is about how disgusting processed food from big farms is, and the 11th Hour is about, among other things, global warming and humanity.

It seems like it’s going to be a really positive night, and hopefully you’ll find yourself inspired to help bring better things to the world. So bring a low lawn chair, blanket, pillow, dinner, and friends, and have a good time.

Sponsored by: Global Poverty Initiative (host), Vanderbilt ONE, TOMS Shoes Club, Students for Kenya, Spear, VIVA and the Anthropology Department

What: screening of Fish Out of Water
Where: Vanderbilt’s SLC Board of Trust Room
When: Tonight, March 22nd, at 7pm

A Fish Out of Water is a critically acclaimed documentary exploring the seven Bible passages most frequently used to condemn homosexuality and justify marriage discrimination. The director’s journey was prompted by her own coming out experience at Vanderbilt. The film blends animation, LGBTQI community interviews, and expert analysis from theologians across the country, rendering this polarizing subject accessible and non-threatening.

Followed by a discussion and reception with Vanderbilt alumna (Class of 2000), producer/director Ky Dickens.

The film is presented as part of Rainbow ReVU, sponsored by Lambda Association.

Monday

Rock’n'Roll Trivia at the Mercy Lounge – 7pm
Usually I just group this in with 8 off 8th because it’s pretty standard fare, but this week the Mercy Lounge is shaking it up a little bit! In addition to the bar/The Groove prizes on random team (not necessarily a winning team) will win a pair of tickets to the following shows: Yacht Rock Revue & Space Capone 3/19, Hockey 3/23, Who’s Bad – The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute 4/9, Roman Candle 3/27, and Naked Without Us 3-day pass 4/22-24. Other than that follow @rocknrolltrivia on Twitter for final round clues.

8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge – 9pm
This week’s 8 off 8th has been dubbed “The Party Edition” and is hosted by Coach. You’ll get to boogie to Coach, Hands off Sam, Potamus, Brandon Eaves, Ducko McFli, DJ Chris Step, Jane Dupree, and D.A.D.

SXSW Bands Heading to Bonnaroo at the Basement – 8pm
Just incase playing SXSW wasn’t validation enough, the Basement offers you a night of SXSW bands who are also heading to Bonnaroo this June.  Be sure to check out Justin Jones, Inlets, Pearl and the Beard, Emily Long, Peter Matteson, and Hot Rails.

Jennie Bentley signs and discusses Plaster & Poison at Davis-Kidd Books – 7pm
I picked this as a highlight because of the event description: “While renovating an old carriage house on behalf of a soon-to-wed friend, former New York designer Avery Baker stumbles across a lifeless body–a person known all too well by the blushing bride. Includes home renovation and design tips.” Because I’m always disappointed when my murder mysteries don’t give me ideas for redecorating my house.

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Monday

Rock’n'Roll Trivia and 8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge – 7pm & 9pm
Show off your mad trivia skills in an attempt to win prizes from The Groove and the bar, then stick around for some rock. This week’s 8 off 8th features The New Protestants, The Lake, Goldroom, Cobra Cheetah Tiger Viper, The Kingston Springs, Downtown Handshake, My Tyger, and Hanzelle. Brought to you by We Own This Town.

Who’s on 3rd at 3rd and Lindsley – 9pm
Free show with Bryan Sackenheim, Paige Bainbridge, Heather Wiggins, Stacey Donahue, Greg Walters, Kevin Masch, Jer Gregg, Cat Beach, Risa Binder.

A Chopin Celebration at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music – 7pm
Chopin will be 200 this year so go celebrate his awesome tunes.

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Monday

Rock’nRoll Trivia & 8 off 8th Road to Bonnaroo at the Mercy Lounge – 6:30pm & 9pm
Okay, I think it’s officially been established that the Mercy Lounge is the place to be on a Monday night in Nashville if you are 21+ and poor/hip/both. First it’s Rock’n'Roll Trivia with prizes from the bar and The Groove record shop. Hey, you might even see some N4F’ers there, who knows? After the trivia it’s 8 off 8th Road to Bonnaroo. Of all the bands who play these special 8 off 8ths one will be selected to play at Bonnaroo. Last year it was Heypenny and though I didn’t see them at either I was told it was great. The winner will be decided through a fan and judge vote. Anyway, this week features, Born Empty, Kyle Andrews, Moon Taxi, Mona, The Non-Commissioned Officers, Parachute Musical, Ponderosa, and The Privates.

Master Classes with the West Point Academy Wind Quintet at Blair School of Music – 4-6pm
Master classes are always great. I used to go to them all the time for jazz guitar. I know, right? Call 615.322.7651 for more info. Here’s where’s what:

• Flute Master Class with Julie Williams Ditzel, Room 2190.
• Oboe Master Class and Reed-Making with James Mullins, Room 2192.
• Clarinet Repair Workshop with John Parrette, Room 2109.
• Bassoon Master Class with Christian Eberle, Room 1167.
• Horn Master Class with Troy Messner, Instrumental Rehearsal Hall.

Belmont Camerata Musicale: Celebrating Schumann’s Bicentennial at the Belmont Mansion – 7:30pm
Belmont Camerata Musicale will feature music celebrating the bicentennial of German composer Robert Schumann. The program will include Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44, Fairy Tales for Clarinet, Viola and Piano, Op. 132 and selected songs.

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