Get Out June 14 2012 by The Times

Mitch Farmer June Jam celebrates a giving man, page 6

2 weekends of great music World-class performers come to N. Georgia for chamber festival

page 5

Thursday June 14, 2012

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on the web www.reference.com

Your inner-librarian will be delighted! Here you will find dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, atlases and an assortment of other helpful resources — all for free.

arts

Check out some interpretive dance out in nature with the Sautee Nacoochee Center’s Lawn Party. PAGE 7 If being outdoors isn’t your thing, head over to the Quinlan Visual Arts Center for the latest exhibit on the splendor of folk art. PAGE 14

movies

Feel like ditching all your worries for a couple hours of laughter? Then “Rock of Ages” is for you. Unless you hated the ’80s and never want The Associated Press to see a man with feathered hair ever again. PAGE 10

on the cover

A lineup of nine world-class classical musicians will gather over the next two weekends in the North Georgia Chamber Music Festival. PAGE 5

outdoors

Head up to Clarkesville for the first ever Soque River Festival. Paddle up the Soque and then enjoy food and music. PAGE 15

Thursday, June 14, 2012

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Thursday, June 14, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

FAMILY events This Week

Arts Council Movies on the Green, Gainesville. Dusk. June 14 “Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.” The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center lawn. $5 adults (nonmembers), $3 members, $3 students; $3 chair rental (optional). Upcoming: July 3 “Top Gun;” July 13 “16-love.” 770534-2787, www.theartscouncil.net. “Alvin & the Chipmunks ChipWrecked;” Movies Under the Stars, Buford. June 16. Mall of Georgia. Film at dusk. Guests encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs. 404-233-3993 or jworrall@bravepublicrelations.com. “Kids Bowl Free” summer program, Gainesville. Through Aug. 31. National program gives two free games of bowling every day of the summer, seven days a week during selected time to kids younger than 15. Gainesville Bowling Center, 2317 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville. 770-536-5563, www.kidsbowlfree. com.

Upcoming

Friday Night Flicks, Clarkesville. Film at dusk. June 22. “Adventures of Tin Tin.” Sam Pitts Park. Free. 706-7542220. “Dolphin Tale;” Movies Under

the Stars, Buford. June 23. Mall of Georgia. Film at dusk. Guests encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs. 404-233-3993 or jworrall@ bravepublicrelations.com. “We Bought A Zoo;” Movies Under the Stars, Buford. June 30. Mall of Georgia. Film at dusk. Guests encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs. 404-233-3993 or jworrall@ bravepublicrelations.com. Mall of Georgia’s 10th annual Fabulous Fourth, Buford. 2 to 9 p.m. July 4. Mall of Georgia. Fireworks display begins at dusk. “Sherlock Holmes 2” shown post-fireworks. Guests encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs. 404-233-3993 or jworrall@bravepublicrelations.com. Friday Night Flicks, Cornelia. Film at dusk. July 13. “Hugo.” Cornelia City Park. Free. 706-778-8585. Summer Movies Under the Stars, Dahlonega. Dusk. Second Fridays through September, Hancock Park. July 13 “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island;” Aug. 10 “The Lorax.” Presented by Chestatee Regional Hospital. Bring your own blanket or low-back lawn chair. Concessions available. Proceeds from concessions benefit the Lumpkin Youth Leadership Program. www. Dahlonega.org. “Monte Carlo;” Movies Under the Stars, Buford. July 14. Mall of

etc. events This week

The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Flowery Branch. 6-7 p.m. June 14. Spout Springs Library Branch, 6488 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch. The Hall County Library System and the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter educational program. Reservations preferred. 770-532-3311, ext. 198. The Georgia Wine Country Festival, Dahlonega. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 16-17, June 23-24, and June 30. Music, tastings, dining. Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery, at 439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega. Free General Admission. www. ThreeSistersVineyards.com. The Mountain Laurel Quilters Guild, Clarkesville. Noon June 19. Clarkesville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Nationally known quilt artist Ellen Anne Eddy will present a program and a workshop on June 22. New memberships encouraged. 706-878-1898.

Upcoming

ARRL 24-hour Field Day Event, Braselton. 2 p.m. June 23 until 2 p.m. June 24. Braselton Town Hall. Tri County Amateur Radio Club. Free and open to the public. The Lanierland Amateur Radio Club annual Field Day

Georgia. Film at dusk. Guests encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs. 404-233-3993 or jworrall@ bravepublicrelations.com. “Glee: The Concert Movie;” Movies Under the Stars, Buford. July 21. Mall of Georgia. Film at dusk. Guests encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs. 404-233-3993 or jworrall@ bravepublicrelations.com. “Soul Surfer;” Movies Under the Stars, Buford. July 28. Mall of Georgia. Film at dusk. Guests encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs. 404-233-3993 or jworrall@ bravepublicrelations.com. Friday Night Flicks, Clarkesville. Film at dusk. Aug. 11. “The Lorax.” Ruby C. Albright Aquatic Center. Free. 706-754-2220.

Ongoing

“Waters of Time: The Chicopee Woods Story,” Gainesville. Learn about previous eras and inhabitants of Chicopee Woods. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. $5 adults, $3 children age 2-12; age 1 and younger and members free. 770-535-1976. Story times, Hall County. Children can listen to stories, sometimes read by special guests. Various days and times at libraries in the Hall County Library System. Free.

exercise, Oakwood. 2 p.m. June 23, Oakwood City Park on Railroad Street. The club will begin erecting antennas at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday morning. 770 536-0964. Northeast Georgia Charity Horse Show. All day June 29-30. Chicopee Woods Agriculture Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville. Featuring American saddlebreds, Hackney ponies, standardbred horses. Also classes open to any breed. Silent Auction. Free. Dedicated to 5-year-old cancer survivor Jay Love.

Ongoing

Historic Downtown Farmers Market, Gainesville. 2:306:30 p.m. Fridays. Downtown Gainesville Square. www. gainesville.org. Hall County Farmers Market, Gainesville. Tuesdays 6 a.m. until sellout, Saturdays 7 a.m. until sellout. Through October. East Crescent Drive and Jesse Jewell Parkway by Interstate 985 Exit 24 in Gainesville. www.hallfarmers. org. Old Jail tours, Dahlonega. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Through July 30. Downstairs rooms have a collection of period memorabilia in photographs, interesting objects and tools. Lumpkin County Historical Society. Learn Conversational Spanish. Free. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Goodwill Oakwood Career Center, 3715 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood. 770-538-4209

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If you would like your event listed in Get Out, here’s what we need to know: n The name of the event, or a short description n The time and date of the event n The location, street address or a short description of the location n Admission and contact information

Email your information to getout@gainesvilletimes.com. The deadline to have your event listed in Get Out is the FRIDAY before the next publication. If you would like to place an ad, call Betty Thompson at 770-532-1234 or email bthompson@gainesvilletimes.com

Dahlonega Farmers Market. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 27. West Main and Waters streets, downtown Dahlonega across from The Holly Theater. 706482-2707, rebeccashirley@dahlonegadda.org. Legacy Link Living Well Workshop, Gainesville. 1:30-4 p.m. each Wednesday through May 30. Chronic disease self-management program from Stanford University. Free. Gainesville-Hall County Community Service Center, 430 Prior St., Gainesville. 770-538-2650, lshoward@legacylink. com. Spout Springs Farmers Market, Flowery Branch. 47 p.m. Thursdays through October. Spout Spring Library parking lot. Fresh and local produce and crafts. SSLFarmersmarket@gmail.com Community garden plots, Clarkesville. Community plot still available. Tools, water, fertilizer, mulch and some seeds provided for 10-by-10 plots. Clarkesville Greenway. 706754-5290, www.soque.org. Friendship Woman’s Club, Flowery Branch. Meets every fourth Thursday. Flowery Branch Depot, Flowery Branch. 404-394-9865 or SallyWeatherbee8@aol.com. East Georgia Genealogy Society, Winder. 7 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 36 Sims Road, Winder. www. eastgageneology.com. American Business Women’s Association, Gainesville. 6 p.m. fourth Tuesday each month, Ryan’s Family Steakhouse, 2415 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville. 770-967-3352.

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Classical visionary creates chamber festival 9 world-class musicians to perform on NGCSU campus From staff reports A lineup of nine world-class classical musicians will gather over the next two weekends in the North Georgia Chamber Music Festival. The event includes four programs, two each on Fridays and Sundays through June 24 on the campus of North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega. The festival was conceived and is directed by Cecylia Arzewski, renowned violinist and former concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Krakow, Poland, native studied music at the Krakow Music Academy, the Tel Aviv Conservatory, Juilliard, the Meadowmount School of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music. In 1978, after receiving a prize at the Bach International Competition, Arzewski played a debut recital at Carnegie Hall consisting entirely of Bach unaccompanied violin works. “My first acquaintance with the magic spells of chamber music came when I was a student at Juilliard in 1962. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of being swept along by the powerful

concert calendar This Week

North Georgia Chamber Music Festival, Dahlonega. June 15-24. Gloria Shott Performance Hall, North Georgia College & State University. $30. www.northgeorgia.edu/ chambermusic. Mitch Farmer June Jam,

currents of the most intimate form of music making,” she said. “The solitude in chamber music shapes its visions over the hall. Everyone is alone, yet together at the same time. Listeners are pulled into the quiet, sometimes painful, sometimes blissful space created within us.” Arzewski has served as assistant concertmaster or concertmaster for symphonies in Boston, Cleveland and Atlanta. She also has performed as soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Boston Pops and played regularly in chamber music concerts throughout New England. She has appeared in concerts with the Georgian Chamber Players and in recitals throughout Europe. Arzewski served as concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony for 18 years and left in 2008 to concentrate on teaching, performing and recording projects. She was honored with the Hambidge Distinguished Artist Award for 2009. The event under her direction features four programs over the next two weekends in Gloria Shott Performance Hall, a 162-seat intimate setting. The festival begins with a

Gainesville. 5 p.m. June 16. Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville. All proceeds benefit Hall/Dawson CASA program. $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, 12 and younger free. Featuring The Allen Nivens Band, Vertigo, Kurt Thomas, Sandra Hall and local songwriters. 678-316-5796, www. mitchfarmerjunejam.com, www.gacasa.org.

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North Georgia Chamber Music Festival When: June 15, 17, 22 and 24; p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. Sunday Where: Gloria Shott Performance Hall, 322 Georgia Circle, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega. How much: $30 per concert, discounts for multiple concerts More info: www.northgeorgia. edu/chambermusic

performance by The Vega String Quartet, the quartet in residence at Emory University since 2006. The group features Domenic Salerni and Jessica Shuang Wu on violins, Yinzi Kong on viola and Guang Wang on cello. Considered on the cutting edge of chamber music ensembles, the group has been praised by the L.A. Times and the New York Times and has performed in venues such as the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. The next two concerts feature four members of three Atlanta orchestras; violinists Kenn Wagner and Olga Shpitko and violist YangYoon Kim are with the Atlanta Symphony and cellist Charae Krueger is with the Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet orchestras. Krueger also plays with the Atlanta

Family Summer concert, Flowery Branch. 6 p.m. June 16. Band of Gold will be performing new and old favorites. $4 per person; children 3 and younger free. Sterling on the Lake, 7005 Lake Sterling Boulevard, Flowery Branch. Free parking. 770-965-3980, Activities@Sterling-Life.com, www.Sterling-Life.com. Lawn Party and Outdoor concert, Sautee. 6 p.m. June 16. Sautee Nacoochee

For Get Out

Cecylia Arzewski, renowned violinist and former concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, will direct the North Georgia Chamber Music Festival the next two weekends.

Symphony. The four Atlanta musicians will be joined by renowned pianist William Ransom for the final concert Sunday, June 24. Ransom has collaborated with musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Richard Stoltzman, William Preucil, Robert McDuffie and Stephen Isserlis. The festival will feature

Community Association, 253 Ga. 255 N, Sautee. $10 adults, $5 kids 12 and younger. 706-878-3300, www.snca.org. Swinging in the Vines Music Series, Sautee. 2-5 p.m. June 16, Sautee-Nacoochee Vineyards. Wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, music. 706878-0542. Anita Baker. June 16. www.deltaclassicchastain. com.

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pieces from Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Bach, Handel, Mozart, Debussy and Stravinsky. Tickets are $30 for each concert, with discounts available for multiple concerts. Tickets may be purchased online, along with information on directions and accommodations, at www. northgeorgia.edu/chambermusic.

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Jammin’ at Chicopee Saturday’s Mitch Farmer concert bigger and better BY BRANDEE A. THOMAS bthomas @gainesvilletimes.com

With a new venue, the Mitch Farmer June Jam promises to be bigger and better than ever. This year, the annual concert will be held Saturday at the Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville. Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 per person at the door. Kids ages 12 and under are free. Organizers have planned to hit the ground running. The gates will open at 5 p.m., when the event will begin with an hourlong Local Songwriters Jam. At 6 p.m., the main event will begin, including performances by the Allen

Nivens Band, the Kurt Thomas Band and the Vertigo Band. Thomas, a Dahlonega native, has recorded four CDs and has opened for country music superstars like Kenny Chesney and Sugarland. Nivens, a Hall County native son, is a local favorite singer-songwriter. The “Empress of Blues” Sandra Hall will also be performing. She has worked with musical legends like Otis Redding, The Temptations and Gladys Knight and the Pips. With musical influences ranging from Tina Turner, to Etta James and her own mother, who was a gospel singer, Hall’s shows appeal to a broad audience. The concert will benefit Hall-Dawson

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Upcoming

Music of The Night; The Best of London’s West End Musical Theater. June 22. www.deltaclassicchastain.com. Third annual Rivermist Concert Series, Helen. 7 p.m. June 23. Rivermist Lodge, Ga. 75, next to Habersham Winery. Country, Southern rock and Americana music. $10, free for children younger than 10. Camping available at Yonah Mountain Campground. 706-754-0067 or Rivermist Concert Series on Facebook US Army Ground Forces Band: The Jazz Guardians, Gainesville. 8 p.m. June 29. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center lawn.The Arts Council Summer MusicFest. Free. Dinner tickets extra, call for prices. 770-534-2787, www.theartscouncil.net. Coldplay, Atlanta. July 2. Philips Arena. Gainesville Symphony Orchestra Patriotic Pops Concert, Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. July 3. Gates open at 6 p.m. Brenau University amphitheater. $20 adults, $18 seniors 65 plus, $5 children age 7-17, children younger than 7 are free. 770-532-5727. Vertigo, Gainesville. 8 p.m. July 3. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center lawn. The Arts Council Summer

Mitch Farmer June Jam When: Gates open at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 16 Where: Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville How much: $25 per person in advance or $30 at the gate Contact: 678316-5796, www. mitchfarmerjunejam. com

Court Appointed Special Advocates. The family-friendly event will also include a kids area with bounce houses, face painting and balloons. There will also be a raffle and silent auction for prizes such as an iPad and the use of a 2012 Nissan Cube for one year. A percentage of the

SCOTT ROGERS | The Times

Allen Nivens, left, and Bill Hardman perform the Van Morrison classic “Tupelo Honey” during the Mitch Farmer June Jam last summer at the Brenau University Amphitheater.

proceeds from the raffle, silent auction and the kids zone will go to Olivia Farmer, daughter of the late Mitch Farmer. With a big but ailing heart, Mitch Farmer worked to organize the inaugural event in 2007, and again in 2008. The event was

MusicFest. 770-534-2787, www.theartscouncil.net. Furthur featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. July 10. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. www.vzwamp.com Diana Krall. July 11. www.deltaclassicchastain.com. Summerland Tour featuring Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit and Marcy Playground. July 13. www. deltaclassicchastain.com. Miranda Lambert with special guests Lee Brice and Thomas

organized as a fundraiser to help local charities. He was unable to get June Jam off the ground in 2009 due to declining health that stemmed from a lifelong heart condition. He died later that year. Attendees can bring their own refreshments or

purchase them on site. June Jam will be hosted by radio personality Moby from “Moby in the Morning.” Currently, there’s only a 10 percent chance of precipitation on Saturday, but the show will go on rain or shine.

Rhett. July 13. Aaron’s Amphitheater, Atlanta. www. livenation.com. 404-443-5000. Crosby, Stills & Nash. July 14. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. www.vzwamp.com Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & The Monsters and Cracker. July 16. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. www.vzwamp.com

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gainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, June 14, 2012

Ballet gets close to nature Lawn Party offers food, music under the stars From staff reports A night of food, fun, dance and music is in store at the Sautee Nacoochee Center’s summer Lawn Party starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the outdoor stage for an evening of entertainment. Performers will include the Community Chorale, “Headwaters: Didja Hear?” cast, Atlanta Ballet’s Wabi Sabi and The Kenney-Blackmon String Band. Wabi Sabi was created by Atlanta Ballet veteran company dancer John Welker in 2011. It seeks to push the boundaries of ballet through new works by the next generation of choreographic talent. Performances are public, world premiere concerts performed at Atlanta Ballet’s Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre and other venues. Athens-based acoustic group The KenneyBlackmon String Band updates a traditional bluegress genre with fresh rhythms. The group includes Jason Kenney on vocals, guitar, mandolin and banjo; Noel Blackmon on vocals, guitar and mandolin; David Blackmon on fiddle; and Chris Enghauser on double bass. The event includes face painting for the kids and raffles. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under. SNCA members are free.

For Get Out

Lawn Party When: 6 p.m. Saturday, June 16 Where: Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee How much: Adults $10, ages 12 and under $5, SNCA members free More info: 706-878-3300, www.snca.org

Fresh barbecue chicken plates with potato salad, green beans and dessert will be available for $10 per

plate. For tickets, call 706-8783300 or visit www.snca.org for more information.

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theater events THIS WEEK

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“How I Became a Pirate,” Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 13 and 14. Gainesville High School Warehouse. Adults $10, children 2-18 and seniors $5 plus sales tax. Pam Ware Children’s Musical Theatre Workshop presented by Gainesville Parks and Recreation. Tickets on sale in Parks and Recreation office at Gainesville Civic Center, or at the door. “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged),” Demorest. June 14-17. North Georgia Theatre at Piedmont College. $20 general admission, $15 groups of eight or more, $18 seniors; Piedmont College students, faculty and staff are admitted free. 706-778-8500 ex. 1355, www.piedmont.edu/FA. “Dearly Beloved,” Clarkesville. 7:30 p.m. evenings, 2 p.m. matinees, June 14-16. Habersham Community Theater, 1370 Washington St., Clarkesville. $13, adults; $8 children and full-time students. www. habershamtheater.org, 706-839-1315. “Miss Firecracker Contest,” Dahlonega. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through June 24. $15, The Historic Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. www.hollytheater.com.

Upcoming

“Nunsense,” Demorest. June 21-24 and June 28-July 1. $20 general admission, $15 groups of eight or more, $18 seniors; Piedmont College students, faculty and staff are admitted free. 706778-8500 ex. 1355, www.piedmont. edu/FA. Fifth Row Center theater camp, Flowery Branch. July 9-13. Sterling on the Lake.

TOM REED | The Times

“How I Became a Pirate” cast members Ashley Houston, top, Julia Truelove, bottom and Brooks Hylton, right, rehearse a scene. Ages 6-16. Experience stage and special effects makeup, juggling, singing for the stage, acting for the stage, stage combat, acting for film class. Classes taught by trained professionals. Halfday and full-day sessions are available. www.fifthrowcenter.com, info@ fifthrowcenter.com.

Ongoing

“As You Like It,” Atlanta. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 6:30 p.m. Sundays through July 1. The New American Shakespeare Tavern, 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. www. shakespearetavern.com. 404-874-5299.

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movies

music

outdoors

pAge, 5

A lineup of nine world-class classical musicians will gather over the next two weekends in the North Georgia Chamber Music Festival. The event includes four programs, two each on Fridays and Sundays through June 24 on the campus of North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega.

North Georgia Chamber Music Festival.

Fun at the Fort, Winder. 7-9 p.m. June 15, 22 and 29. Antique methods including candle dipping, brick oven bread baking, card loom. Fort Yargo State Park, 210 South Broad St., Winder. $3, $5 parking. 770-867-3489.

“Rock of Ages” cobbles together a story out of song lyric fragments, and features one mash-up musical number after another. Surprisingly, it works pretty well. Our small-town girl living in a lonely world is Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough). She introduces herself as a singer, but she never actually tries singing as a career. Instead, she becomes a waitress at The Bourbon Room (a stand-in for the famed Whisky A Go-Go). Club owner Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin) is going broke and is counting on a gig with rock legend Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) to save his club. “Rock of Ages” succeeds by embracing the absurdity and debauchery of the ’80s metal scene. The movie contains the requisite musical numbers built around love ballads, but rather than aiming for

‘Rock of Ages’

pAge, 6

This year, the annual concert will be held Saturday at the Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville. Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 per person at the door. Kids ages 12 and under are free. Organizers have planned to hit the ground running. The gates will open at 5 p.m.

Mitch Farmer June Jam.

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

weekeND plANNeR

Northeast Georgia’s entertainment guide

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The Lanierland Amateur Radio Club annual Field Day exercise, Oakwood. 2 p.m. June 23, Oakwood City Park on Railroad Street. The club will begin erecting antennas at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday morning. 770 536-0964.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Review, 10

absurdity and debauchery of the ’80s metal scene. The movie contains the requisite musical numbers built around love ballads, but rather than aiming for the usual saccharin sweetness, each of those scenes combines the heartfelt song with ironic sight gags.

Story times, Hall County. Children can listen to stories, sometimes read by special guests. Various days and times at libraries in the Hall County Library System. Free.

lOOkING AHeAD

“Kids Bowl Free” summer program, Gainesville. Through Aug. 31. National program gives two free games of bowling every day of the summer, seven days a week during selected time to kids younger than 15. Gainesville Bowling Center, 2317 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville. 770-536-5563, www. kidsbowlfree.com.

“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged),” Demorest. June 14-17. North Georgia Theatre at Piedmont College. $20 general admission, $15 groups of eight or more, $18 seniors; Piedmont College students, faculty and staff are admitted free. 706-778-8500 ex. 1355, www.piedmont.edu/FA.

ONGOING:

Fifth Row Center theater camp, Flowery Branch. July 9-13. Sterling on the Lake. Ages 6-16. Experience stage and special effects makeup, juggling, singing for the stage, acting for the stage, stage combat, acting for film class. Classes taught by trained professionals. Half-day and full-day sessions are available. www.fifthrowcenter. com, info@fifthrowcenter.com.

Historic Downtown Farmers Market, Gainesville. 2:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays. Downtown Gainesville Square. www.gainesville.org.

Watercolor workshop by Tony Couch, Gainesville. July 16-20. Gainesville Civic Center. Presented by Gainesville Watercolor Society. 786-2084320.

JUlY 9-13:

Holiday Gorge Floor Hike, Tallulah Falls. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 30. 3.5 miles. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. Tallulah Gorge State Park. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

JUNe 30: JUlY 16-20:

JUNe 23:

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Celebrating rock in the age of hairspray JEFF MARKER jmarker@gsc.edu

Film Review “Rock of Ages” is proof that whatever is edgy and threatening initially will someday become mainstream and benign, especially if it is adapted it into a Broadway musical. In the 1980s, heavy metal and L.A.’s Sunset Strip music scene were seen by many as the (next) decline of western civilization. Punk hadn’t destroyed all the children, but surely a bunch of partying dudes who looked like ladies would. It was a time of loud music, raging testosterone, substance abuse and soaring stock prices for anyone who made hairspray. Subversive and dangerous at the David James | Warner Bros. Pictures time, it appears quaint and naive in hindsight. Alec Baldwin as Dennis Dupree, left, and Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx in New Line Cinema’s rock musical “Rock of At least, that’s how “Rock of Ages.” Ages” pictures it. The movie cobbles together a (Tom Cruise) to save his club. the board, especially Cruise. those scenes combines the story out of song lyric fragments, The opening act falls through The oft-maligned actor nails heartfelt song with ironic sight and features one mash-up at the last minute, though, so Stacee’s affected intensity and gags. musical number after another. Drew’s band fills in. nonsensical detachment. It’s a I highly recommend looking at Surprisingly, it works pretty well. Meanwhile, a number of style of humor we have never the movie’s soundtrack before Our small-town girl living in a subplots provide a rich backdrop seen from him. seeing it, because if you don’t lonely world is Sherrie Christian of characters. But what will leave your jaw like the music, you won’t like (Julianne Hough). She buses The mayor (Bryan Cranston) hanging open is Cruise’s voice. the film. Not that the soundtrack out to Hollywood to pursue her and his wife (Catherine ZetaHe does all of his own singing, truly captures the era. It contains dreams, whatever they are. She Jones) are trying to save the belting out vocally challenging as much classic rock as ’80s introduces herself as a singer, children by cleaning up the Strip. tunes like “Paradise City” and “I metal. but she never actually tries Russell Brand spews hilariously Want to Know What Love Is.” Nor does the movie attempt to singing as a career. snotty lines as Dennis’ right hand Say what you will, but lend any insight into what turned Instead, she becomes a man. Paul Giamatti hits smarmy Cruise continues to grow as the Sunset Strip into a brief waitress at The Bourbon Room heights as Stacee’s ruthless a performer. There might be Camelot of excess, androgyny (a stand-in for the famed Whisky manager. nothing the guy can’t do. and hedonism — in the midst A Go-Go) and arm candy Malin Akerman plays a Rolling “Rock of Ages” succeeds by of an extremely repressed, for Drew (Diego Boneta), a Stone journalist trying to break embracing the absurdity and politically conservative period in bartender and fellow singer. through Stacee’s rock god debauchery of the ’80s metal American culture. Drew does get to chase his facade. Mary J. Blige shows up scene. The movie contains This is extremely light rock and roll dreams. Club owner late in the film as an exotic club the requisite musical numbers entertainment. Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin) is owner and outclasses the rest of built around love ballads, but The movie also ignores going broke and is counting on a the cast with her vocals. rather than aiming for the usual the fact that, despite the gig with rock legend Stacee Jaxx The cast is great across saccharin sweetness, each of embarrassing fashion and

‘Rock of Ages’ Starring: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Paul Giamatti, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige, Alex Baldwin, Tom Cruise Rated: PG-13, for sexual content, suggestive dancing, some heavy drinking, and language Runtime: 2 hours, 3 minutes Bottom line: Light fun for hair metal fans

regrettable sexism, the metal scene produced a slew of outstanding musicians. This is mostly a nostalgic movie about the L.A. metal scene for people who only experienced it from afar and avoided the era’s dark trappings. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But for a period that proved so dangerous to so many people, this is a very safe movie. This won’t be a movie for the ages, but it is fun for those who don’t need nothin’ but a good time. Jeff Marker teaches film and literature at Gainesville State College. His reviews appear weekly in Get Out and on gainesvilletimes.com/getout.

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Bargain shows denoted by parenthesis ( ).

Hollywood Stadium Cinemas 770-539-9200 120 Green Hill Circle, Gainesville

Battleship (PG-13) Thu. 1:00-4:00-6:459:45 Fri.-Sun. 1:00-4:00-6:45-9:30 Chernobyl Diaries (R) Thu. 12:00-2:15-4:307:15-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 7:30-10:00 Dark Shadows (PG-13) Thu. 1:45-4:15-6:4510:00 The Dictator (R) Thu. 10:00 For Greater Glory (R) Thu. 12:45-3:45-6:459:15 The Hunger Games (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:453:45-6:45-9:30 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:00-1:00-2:15-4:30-5:307:00-9:15 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 3D (PG) Thu. 12:30-2:45-3:15-5:00-7:30-8:00-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 12:30-2:45-3:15-5:00-7:30-8:309:45 Marvel’s the Avengers (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-3:30-6:30-9:30 Men in Black 3 (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:002:30-5:00-7:30-10:00 Prometheus (R) Thu.-Sun. 1:00-4:00-7:009:45 Prometheus 3D (R) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-3:306:30-9:15 Rio (G) Thu. 10:00 Rock of Ages (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. 1:15-2:004:15-5:00-7:00-8:00-9:45 Short Circuit (PG) Thu. 10:00 Snow White & the Huntsman (PG-13) Thu. 12:00-1:00-2:45-4:00-5:30-7:00-8:30-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 12:15-1:00-3:15-4:00-7:00-9:45 That’s My Boy (R) Fri.-Sun. 12:00-2:305:00-7:30-10:00 What to Expect When You’re Expecting (PG13) Thu.-Sun. 1:30-4:30-7:15-9:45

Regal Mall of Georgia Stadium 20 678-482-5858

3333 Buford Drive, Suite 3000, Buford

Battleship (PG-13) Thu. 1:10-10:20 Fri.Sun. 2:00-7:30 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG-13) Thu. 10:45-1:40-4:35-7:30-10:20 Chernobyl Diaries (R) Thu. 11:05-4:40-10:15 The Dictator (R) Thu. 11:10-1:20-3:30-5:407:55-10:10 Fri.-Sat. 10:55-1:10-3:30-5:407:55-10:10-12:20 Sun. 10:55-1:10-3:305:40-7:55-10:10 For Greater Glory (R) Thu. 1:20-7:05 The Hunger Games (PG-13) Thu. 1:15-4:257:30-10:35 Fri.-Sun. 12:50-4:20-7:3010:35 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) Thu. 11:00-12:10-1:20-2:30-3:40-4:50-

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gainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, June 14, 2012

‘Madagascar 3,’ ‘Prometheus’ pack movie theaters

LOS ANGELES — The animated sequel “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” was the most-wanted movie for audiences, debuting at No. 1 for the weekend with $60.3 million. Ridley Scott’s “Alien” offshoot “Prometheus” opened strongly in second-place with $51.1 million. The top 15 movies at U.S. and Canadian theaters Friday through Sunday, followed by distribution studio, gross, total gross and number of weeks in release, as compiled Monday by Hollywood.com are: 1. “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” Paramount, $60,316,738, $60,316,738, one week. 2. “Prometheus,” Fox, $51,050,101, $51,050,101, one week. 3. “Snow White & the Huntsman,” Universal, $23,058,790, $98,537,475, two weeks. 4. “Men in Black 3,” Sony, $13,895,720, $135,901,094, three weeks. 5. “The Avengers,” Disney, $11,249,738, $572,300,463, six weeks.

6:05-7:10-8:20-9:30-10:40-11:55 Fri.-Sat. 11:00-12:10-1:15-2:30-3:40-4:50-6:057:10-8:20-9:30-10:40-11:50 Sun. 11:0012:10-1:15-2:30-3:40-4:50-6:05-7:108:20-9:30-10:40 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 3D (PG) Thu. 11:35-12:45-2:00-3:05-4:155:25-6:35-7:45-9:00-10:05 Fri.-Sat. 10:30-11:35-12:45-2:00-3:05-4:15-5:256:35-7:45-9:00-10:05-11:20-12:25 Sun. 10:30-11:35-12:45-2:00-3:05-4:15-5:256:35-7:45-9:00-10:05 Marvel’s the Avengers (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:20-3:50-7:15-10:25 Marvel’s the Avengers 3D (PG-13) Thu. 10:40-1:50-5:00-8:15-11:30 Fri.-Sat. 10:45-1:50-5:10-8:15-11:25 Sun. 10:451:50-5:10-8:15 Men in Black 3 (PG-13) Thu. 10:50-1:304:10-7:10-9:40 Fri.-Sat. 10:50-1:30-4:107:05-9:35-12:05 Sun. 10:50-1:30-4:107:05-9:35 Men in Black 3 3D (PG-13) Thu. 12:20-2:555:30-8:00-10:30 Fri.-Sun. 11:30-5:0010:25 Prometheus (R) Thu. 10:40-11:25-1:402:25-4:40-5:25-7:40-8:20-10:40-11:15 Fri.-Sat. 10:45-11:25-1:40-2:15-4:40-5:257:40-8:20-10:40-11:15 Sun. 10:45-11:251:40-2:15-4:40-5:25-7:40-8:20-10:40 Prometheus 3D (R) Thu. 12:15-1:00-3:104:00-6:20-7:00-9:15-10:00-12:01 Fri.-Sat. 12:15-10:00-1:00-3:10-4:00-6:20-7:009:15-10:00-12:10-12:45 Sun. 12:15-10:001:00-3:10-4:00-6:20-7:00-9:15-10:00 Rock of Ages (PG-13) Thu. 12:01 Fri.-Sat.

6. “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” Fox Searchlight, $3,267,156, $31,040,735, six weeks. 7. “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” Lionsgate, $2,788,226, $35,823,598, four weeks. 8. “Battleship,” Universal, $2,276,410, $59,820,215, four weeks. 9. “The Dictator,” Paramount, $2,242,563, $55,281,103, four weeks. 10. “Moonrise Kingdom,” Focus Features, $1,559,670, $3,731,001, three weeks. 11. “Dark Shadows,” Warner Bros., $1,410,207, $73,785,840, five weeks. 12. “The Hunger Games,” Lionsgate, $1,072,213, $400,272,535, 12 weeks. 13. “For Greater Glory,” ARC Entertainment, $928,321, $3,522,518, two weeks. 14. “Chernobyl Diaries,” Warner Bros., $832,424, $16,942,685, three weeks. 15. “Bernie,” Millennium Entertainment, $820,177, $4,840,407, seven weeks. Associated Press

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5:00) 8:30 Men in Black 3 (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (1:004:30) 7:20-10:10 Men in Black 3 3D (PG-13) Thu. (1:15-4:00) 7:00-10:05 Prometheus (R) Thu.-Sun. (1:15-4:10) 7:0510:00 Prometheus 3D (R) Thu.-Sun. (12:30-3:25) 6:30-9:30 Rock of Ages (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. (12:30-1:003:25-3:55) 6:30-7:00-9:25-9:55 Snow White & the Huntsman (PG-13) Thu.Sun. (12:30-3:30) 7:00-10:00 That’s My Boy (R) Fri.-Sun. (1:30-4:20) 7:25-10:15

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10:35-11:20-1:20-2:10-4:05-4:55-7:007:45-9:45-10:35-12:30 Sun. 10:35-11:201:20-2:10-4:05-4:55-7:00-7:45-9:45-10:35 Snow White & the Huntsman (PG-13) Thu. 11:00-12:00-1:10-1:55-3:10-4:05-4:556:15-7:00-7:50-9:10-9:55-10:40 Fri.-Sat. 10:40-12:00-1:35-3:20-4:30-6:30-7:259:25-10:20-12:20 Sun. 10:40-12:00-1:353:20-4:30-6:30-7:25-9:25-10:20 That’s My Boy (R) Thu. 12:05 Fri.-Sat. 10:40-11:45-1:20-2:25-4:05-5:10-6:457:50-9:30-10:30-12:15 Sun. 10:40-11:451:20-2:25-4:05-5:10-6:45-7:50-9:30-10:30 What to Expect When You’re Expecting (PG13) Thu. 11:40-2:25-5:05-7:45-10:25 Fri.Sun. 11:40-2:15-4:55-7:35-10:25

Movies 400 678-513-4400

415 Atlanta Road, Cumming

Battleship (PG-13) Thu. (12:30-3:35) 6:409:45 Fri.-Sun. 6:40-9:45 Chicken Run (G) Thu. (10:00) Crooked Arrows (PG-13) Thu. (12:45-3:20) 6:15-9:15 Fri.-Sun. (12:45-3:30) Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-2:25-2:55-4:50) 7:157:45-9:40 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:30-1:00-3:25-5:20) 6:058:30 Marvel’s the Avengers (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-3:15) 6:30-9:45 Marvel’s the Avengers 3D (PG-13) Thu. (1:30-

Habersham Hills Cinemas 6 706-776-7469 Ga. 365 at Cody Road, Mount Airy

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG-13) Thu. 3:00-5:50-8:30 Fri.-Sun. 2:50-8:05 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) Thu. 2:00-4:20-6:35-8:50 Fri.-Sun. 1:454:00-6:35-8:50 Marvel’s the Avengers (PG-13) Thu. 3:507:15 Men in Black 3 (PG-13) Thu. 3:30-6:20-8:45 Fri.-Sun. 5:40 Prometheus (R) Thu. 2:10-4:55-7:35 Fri.Sun. 2:00-4:45-7:35 Rock of Ages (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. 1:30-4:207:10 Snow White & the Huntsman (PG-13) Thu. 2:25-5:15-8:00 Fri.-Sun. 2:25-5:15-8:10 That’s My Boy (R) Fri.-Sun. 1:20-3:45-6:108:35

Dawson 400 Stadium Cinemas 706-216-1622 189 North 400 Center Lane, Dawsonville

Chernobyl Diaries (R) Thu. 12:05-2:10-4:157:05-9:10 Dark Shadows (PG-13) Thu. 1:15-4:10-6:509:40 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:00-2:15-4:30-6:55-9:10 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-2:45-5:00-7:25-9:45 Marvel’s the Avengers (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 1:00-4:00-7:00-10:00 Men in Black 3 (PG-13) Thu. 12:00-2:454:50-7:15-9:40 Fri.-Sun. 12:00-2:25-4:507:15-9:40 Prometheus (R) Thu.-Sun. 1:00-4:30-7:2010:00 Prometheus 3D (R) Thu.-Sun. 12:55-4:006:50-9:35 Rock of Ages (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. 1:10-4:057:05-9:50 Snow White & the Huntsman (PG-13) Thu.Sun. 1:10-4:20-7:10-9:55 That’s My Boy (R) Fri.-Sun. 1:05-4:10-6:509:20 What to Expect When You’re Expecting (PG13) Thu.-Sun. 1:00-4:05-7:00-9:30

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NOW SHOWING Movie reviews from Associated Press and McClatchy Newspapers. Stars out of four.

openING ‘Rock of Ages’ ■ Review, 10

continuING ‘Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted’

HH (PG for some mild action and rude humor.) Ben Stiller’s Alex the lion provides a review so we don’t have to. Halfway into the third animated tale about New York City zoo animals on their overseas adventures, Alex tells some new circus friends that their act was not too entertaining for families “because you were just going through the motions out there.” So, too, for this latest sequel, which goes through a lot of motions — explosions of action and image so riotously paced that they become narcotic and numbing. With Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, creators of the first two “Madagascar” flicks, joined by a third director in Conrad Vernon (“Shrek 2”), the filmmakers just cannot stop stuffing things, to the point of distraction, into “Europe’s Most Wanted.” The result: A cute story about zoo animals running off to join the circus becomes overwhelmed by a blur of color and animated acrobatics. The pictures certainly are pretty, but the filmmakers apparently are unwilling to risk the slightest lapse of audience attention, so they put the movie on fastforward and let centripetal force hurtle viewers along from start to finish. Joining Stiller are returning voice stars Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer, Sacha Baron Cohen and Cedric the Entertainer, plus newcomers Frances McDormand, Bryan Cranston, Jessica Chastain and Martin Short.

‘Prometheus’

HHH (R for sci-fi violence, including some intense images, and brief language.) Nothing could possibly satisfy the fervent expectation that has built for this sorta-prequel to the genre-defining “Alien,” Ridley Scott’s return to science fiction for the first time in 30 years, but “Prometheus” comes close. Strikingly beautiful, expertly paced, vividly detailed and scary as hell, it holds you in its grip for its entirety and doesn’t let go. You’ll squeal, you’ll squirm and you’ll probably continue feeling a lingering sense of anxiety afterward. That’s how effective it is in its intensely suspenseful mood. But the further you get away from it, the more you may begin to notice some problems with the plot, both nagging holes and a narrative fuzziness. Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba and Logan Marshall-Green lead a crew of space explorers to a remote moon in the year 2093 hoping to find answers to the origin of mankind on Earth. (Don’t they know they should have been looking in central Texas? That’s where Terrence Malick searched in “The Tree of Life.”) But when they arrive at this gorgeously severe land, they (naturally) stumble upon secrets and perils they never could have imagined. Scott and writers Damon Lindelof (executive producer of “Lost”) and Jon Spaihts vaguely touch on the notions of belief vs. science and creation vs. Darwinism,

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Malin Akerman as Constance Sack, left, and Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx in New Line Cinema’s rock musical “Rock of Ages.” Read Jeff Marker’s review on Page 10.

but these philosophical debates never feel fleshed out fully. Still, the performances are excellent, especially from Michael Fassbender as a robot with the looks and impeccable manners of an adult but the innocence and dangerous curiosity of a child.

‘Snow White and the Huntsman’

HHH (PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and brief sensuality.) Astonishingly beautiful and breathtaking in its brutal imagery, thrilling and frightening in equal measure, yet as bereft of satisfying substance as a poisoned apple. Director Rupert Sanders’ revisionist take on the classic Brothers Grimm fable upends expectations of traditional gender roles while simultaneously embracing what a fairy tale should be. It’s dark and dangerous, vicious and violent. And yet the performances — notably from Kristen Stewart as the title character — don’t always live up to the film’s visionary promise. First, there’s the problem of casting anyone who’s supposed to be fairer than Charlize Theron as the evil queen. But beyond Stewart’s distractingly inconsistent British accent, she simply lacks the presence to serve as a convincing warrior princess. Theron, meanwhile, gets too screechy; with her imposing height, deep voice and mesmerizing beauty, she’s far more powerful when she dials it down. Still, the look

and the energy of “Snow White & the Huntsman” keep it engaging. Theron, as the magical and manipulative Ravenna, has married (and quickly killed) the widower king, locked his daughter Snow White in a tower and plunged a once-peaceful realm into a wasteland. Once the princess comes of age and earns her fairest-ofthem-all status, Ravenna’s power is threatened. This sets the film’s chase in motion: Snow White escapes and Ravenna hires a veteran huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to find her, but instead this tormented soul becomes her reluctant protector.

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gainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, June 14, 2012

‘Men in Black 3’

H½ (PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and brief suggestive content.) There’s a moment early on when Will Smith’s Agent J sits down next to his longtime partner, Tommy Lee Jones’ Agent K, and bemoans the fact that he’s too old for this sort of thing — for running around New York in matching dark suits, chasing down aliens and zapping them with their shiny metal weapony doohickeys. We’re paraphrasing a bit. But unfortunately, that’s an excellent observation. We’re all too old for this sort of thing — the shtick itself has gotten old, and it has not aged well. Fifteen years since the zippy original and a decade since the sub-par sequel, we now have a third “Men in Black” movie that no one seems to have been clamoring for except maybe Barry Sonnenfeld, the director of all three. Long-gestating and written by a bunch more people than actually get credited, the latest film shows the glossy style and vague, sporadic glimmers of the kind of energy that made this franchise such an enormous international hit. But more often it feels hacky, choppy and — worst of all — just not that funny. And of course, it’s in 3-D for no discernible artistic or narrative reason. Smith and Jones don’t seem to be enjoying themselves, either, in returning to their roles as bickering secret government agents. The plot requires J to go back in time to prevent an old alien nemesis of K’s (Jemaine Clement) from killing him during the summer of ‘69. This prompts all kinds of obvious jokes about the era but also introduces the best part of the whole movie: Josh Brolin as Young Agent K, channeling Jones in eerily dead-on fashion.

slacker and troublemaker at the film’s start, he joins the Navy at the insistence of his older brother, Stone (Alexander Skarsgard). A certain gorgeous blonde named Sam (Brooklyn Decker) also provides some inspiration. Flash-forward and Alex is a lieutenant on one Naval destroyer while Stone is the commanding officer of another. Both answer to Adm. Shane (a withering, well-cast Liam Neeson), who happens to be Sam’s father. They’re all taking part in some international war games off the Hawaiian coast when — oops! — a satellite signal sent to a newly discovered planet that looks a lot like ours in a neighboring galaxy provokes some angry extraterrestrials.

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their unabashed worship of the buff, shirtless jogger who frequents their neighborhood park, livens up what is a rather predictable and cliched depiction of pregnancy. A likable, good-looking cast of popular actors can only do so much with material that’s superficial and sitcommy. This is “inspired by” the advice book of the same name. But director Kirk Jones’ film merely uses the title of a familiar nonfiction book as a leaping-off point to explore various relationships, ostensibly for hilarious comic effect.

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Will Smith stars in “Men in Black III.”

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’

HH (PG-13 for sexual content and language.) In theory, seeing Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighy share the screen should be a delight. In reality, this seriocomic romp merely has its moments, but more often feels heavy-handed, sappy and overlong. Sure, it’ll seem warm and crowdpleasing but probably only to crowds of a certain age, who may relate to these characters who find themselves in flux in their twilight. It too often spells out too much, and features painfully literal symbolism like a bird taking flight at just the right time. Still, Dench does some of the loveliest work of her lengthy and esteemed career here as Evelyn, who’s recently widowed after 40 years of marriage and struggling to establish an identity on her own. She’s one of several elderly Brits who travel to a resort in Jaipur, India, that advertises itself as an elegant destination for

retirees. In truth, the place is empty and falling apart, despite the best efforts of the enthusiastic, young manager who inherited the hotel from his father (Dev Patel of “Slumdog Millionaire”) to turn it into a palace. Each character experiences an obligatory moment of truth in this colorful, bustling city, but the plot machinations in the script from Ol Parker, based on the novel “These Foolish Things” by Deborah Moggach, feel rather creaky.

‘Battleship’

HH½ (PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, action and destruction, and for language.) This is big, dumb fun that knows it’s big, dumb fun and enthusiastically embraces its big, dumb, fun nature. Director Peter Berg has crafted an almost fetishistic homage to Michael Bay — like the “Transformers” series, this is yet another action extravaganza inspired by a Hasbro product — with its epic set pieces,

swaggering bravado, panoramic skies and cheesy romance. It doesn’t lean all the way into parody, but rather feels more like an affectionate and knowing approximation of a very specific, muscular genre: one of those the-world-isending-we’re-all-gonna-die movies. And because it’s a little cheeky and doesn’t seem to take itself totally seriously, it’s more enjoyable than one might expect from a movie based on a board game created in the 1960s. Taylor Kitsch gets more to work with here than he did earlier this year in “John Carter” as Alex Hopper. A

‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ HH (PG-13 for crude and sexual content, thematic elements and language.) If only the entire movie had focused on the dad’s group and didn’t just drop in on them a handful of times, we might have been onto something here. Chris Rock, Thomas Lennon and Rob Huebel are among the dudes who meet regularly to push their kids in tricked-out strollers, tote them in high-end carriers and talk guy stuff in a confidential setting away from the wives. Their no-nonsense banter, and

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Thursday, June 14, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

Exhibit is ‘Just’ awesome Quinlan launches folk art shows with reception From staff reports A reception is scheduled tonight at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center for three new exhibits celebrating folk art. The “JUST FOLK” Folk Art Meets the Quinlan exhibit at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center will showcase the work by 30 contemporary folk artists such as Billy Roper, Cate Larkin, Pami Ciliax, The Cap Man and Blacktop. Also on exhibit is “Happy Birthday Mr. Miller,” marking the 100th birthday of late local artist R.A. Miller. Until his death in 2006 at age 93, Miller lived his entire life on the same land where he was born in 1912. After decades working as a farmer and cotton

arts events This Week

“Just Folk: Folk Art Meets the Quinlan,” Gainesville. June 14-Aug. 11. Reception 5:30-7 p.m. June 14. Showcasing the work by 30 contemporary folk artists. Quinlan Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $5 per session. 770-536-2575, www. quinlanartscenter.org. “Happy Birthday Mr. Miller,” Gainesville. June 14Aug. 11. Reception 5:30-7 p.m. June 14. Celebrating R.A. Miller in honor of his 100th birthday. Quinlan Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $5 per session. 770-536-2575, www.quinlanartscenter.org. Folk Potter’s Festival, Homer. June 16, Banks County Middle School gym. Steve Turpin, 706-677-1528, steve@ turpinpottery.com.

Folk art exhibit reception When: Opening reception 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, June 14; exhibits run June 14-Aug. 11 Where: Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St., Gainesville How much: Free More info: 770-536-2575, www.quinlanartscenter.org

mill worker, he retired in his early 60s and created artwork to spread his spiritual message. He used paint and magic marker on tin to create whimsical pictures and colorful tin cutouts of bizarre and ancient animals, dinosaurs, flags, self-portraits, angels and devils. Also featured will be Around Round Back at Rocky’s Place Satellite Show. Located in

Upcoming

First Friday, Gainesville. 5-10 p.m. July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7. Live music and art on display. Meet the artists. Downtown Gainesville square. www. gainesville.org. Pottery On and Off the Wheel, Helen. 1-4 p.m. July 12-Aug. 16. Learn how to create hand-built pieces using pinch, coil and slab construction techniques and/or thrown pieces on the potter’s wheel. Instructed by Hilton Hill. $150 plus $25 materials fee. Helen Arts & Heritage Council, 25 Chattahoochee St., Helen. Free. 706-8783933, www.helenarts.org. Watercolor workshop by Tony Couch, Gainesville. July 16-20. Gainesville Civic Center. Presented by Gainesville Watercolor Society. 786-208-4320. “Sights and Sounds of Summer,” Helen. Reception 5-7 p.m. July 19. Helen Arts & Heritage Council, 25

Dawsonville and recognized as one the country’s premier folk art galleries, Rocky’s Place is a visual link to the preservation of the history, culture and values of Southern heritage. Now entering into its 10th year, Robin Blan and Tracey Burnette began as personal collectors. The primary focus of the gallery’s collection is Southern culture and regional heritage, from Georgia,

Chattahoochee St., Helen. Free. 706-878-3933, www. helenarts.org.

Ongoing

“Merge,” The 2012 Hal B. Rhodes III Student Exhibition, Dahlonega. Through July 30. North Georgia College & State University’s Library Technology Center, 3rd floor. Annual juried exhibition of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics, textiles and weavings created by students. Free. 706-867-2832. The Olde Cannery Market, Dahlonega. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays through October. Sponsored by the Dahlonega Arts Council. Items featured include handmade cottage goods, natural soaps, paintings, woodworking, ceramics, pottery and jewelry. 706-864-8960 oldcannerymarketplace@ gmail.com. Third annual North Georgia

For Get Out

Works by famed folk artist R.A. Miller will be part of the folk art exhibit on display at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center.

Alabama, North Carolina, South Caroline, Tennessee, Louisiana and Kentucky. The reception for each show is set for 5:30-7 tonight at the arts center. Included will be a performance by “The Mossy

Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, Dahlonega. Through March 2013. North Georgia College & State University’s campus. Free. 706-867-2832. Open Studio at Gallerie 110, Gainesville. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Aspiring artists will meet, mingle and work on endeavors. Gallerie 110, 224 Main St., Gainesville. Free. 678-9365153, www.gallerie110. com. Friday Sketch Club, Gainesville. 2:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays. Bring supplies. Quinlan Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $5 per session. 770-536-2575, www. quinlanartscenter.org. Drawing Class, Sautee Nacoochee. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Sautee Nacoochee Center Art Studio, 283 Ga. 255, Sautee Nacoochee. $20 per class, $25 one-time materials fee. 706-8783300, www.snca.org.

Creek Gypsies” and an artist demonstration by Bob McGill. A free children’s folk art clay project is offered from 4:30-5:30 for ages 5-14 in the pottery studio. For reservations, call 770536-2575.

Watercolor Painting Class, Sautee Nacoochee. 1-4 p.m. Thursdays. Sautee Nacoochee Center Art Studio, 283 Ga. 255, Sautee Nacoochee. $35 per class. 706-878-3300, www.snca.org. The Georgia Art League, Gainesville. Noon third Thursday each month, Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. All artists are invited. www.

georgiaartleague.org. North Georgia Arts Guild, Clayton. Third Thursday each month, coffee and discussion. 60 Main St., Clayton. Georgia Heritage Arts & Fine Crafts Gallery, Helen. More than 30 artists’ work on display; occasional demonstrations. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ThursdayMonday, Alpine Village Shoppes, Helen. 706-8921033.

CMYK gainesvilletimes.com/getout •

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Festival celebrates Soque BY BRANDEE A. THOMAS

bthomas@gainesvilletimes.com If you aren’t familiar with the nuances of Clarkesville’s waterways, you don’t have to continue to float up the creek of knowledge without a paddle. Instead, you could make plans to attend the inaugural Soque River Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The centerpiece of the festival is a two-mile paddle trip on the Soque River, beginning near Farm Hill and concluding at Chatteron Place. “Over the last few years, the community has expressed more and more interest in opportunities to get out and enjoy the Soque River,” said Justin Ellis, director of the Soque River Watershed Association, which organized the event. “That’s the goal of the day — to give as many people as we can the unique opportunity to experience the river up close.” The trip will last for about an hour and will include paddling instructions, a guide and a laminated map of the river. It costs $10 per person. That fee includes the use of the boats, paddles and adult-sized life jackets. Children will be allowed to participate in the beginners-rated trip with a parent, but they must bring their own life jackets. The river rides will be conducted every

outdoors events This week

Fun at the Fort, Winder. 79 p.m. June 15, 22 and 29. Antique methods including candle dipping, brick oven bread baking, card loom. Fort Yargo State Park, 210 South Broad St., Winder. $3, $5 parking. 770-8673489. Wildlife Show, Winder. 6-7 p.m. June 16, 23 and 30. Live wildlife demonstration featuring native and exotic animals. Amphitheater in Campground 1. Fort Yargo State Park, Winder. $3, plus $5 parking. 678-963-8891. Soque River Festival, Clarkesville. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 16. Two-mile paddle trip on Soque River beginning just north of Clarkesville at Farm Hill,

Soque River Festival When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16 Where: Chatterton Place, farmland next to Pitts Park in Clarkesville How much: Free festival and bike ride tour; $10 per person for the 2-mile paddle trip Contact: 706-754-9382, www.soque. org

half-hour from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and participants must preregister by contacting the watershed office or visiting the group’s website. As the paddlers are making their way to Chatteron Place, which is located beside Pitts Park on LaPrade Street, festival attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy other activities like live music and sampling treats from food vendors. There will be a kids zone with swimming, face and rain barrel painting and a bug hunt. The river festival will also include a free bike tour of the proposed Clarkesville Greenway. The ride begins at 11 Saturday morning. Participants must register in advance and bring their own helmet and bike. Children will be allowed to participate in the twowheeled tour at their parent’s discretion.

ending at Chatterton Place just downstream of Pitts Park. Open to individuals and families. $10 per person. Registration limited to 150 boaters. Festival at Chatterson Place is free. 706-754-9382, www.soque. org.

Upcoming

Ongoing

Junior Rowing, Gainesville. 8-10 a.m. June 4-27, July 16-27. Junior learn to row camp. Ages 12-18. 3105 Clarks Bridge Road. $75/

week or $200/month. 785770-7888 laklanierrowing. org. CCC Wednesday evening rides, Gainesville. 6 p.m. Leave from Frances Meadows Aquatic Center parking lot. Chicken City Cyclists 770-534-7075, or UNNOLDL@Charter.Net. “Come Try Its” and Boat Rentals. 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays May 12Sept. 30. Lake Lanier Olympic Venue. Come try out recreation boats and receive valuable tips to get started from trained staff. Closed Sept. 8. 770-2877888, www.lckc.org. Triathlon Club, Gainesville. No experience necessary. Meets 7 p.m. second Tuesdays, Fit 2 Tri Store, 1292 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. 770712-9129, fit2tri@gmail. com.

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Thursday, June 14, 2012