Beer At The Movie Theater

When I moved here 9 years ago, I happened upon Mission Valley Cinemas and was stunned...no, shocked...to discover they served beer at the snack bar.  Not just beer, craft beer...and this was before the craft beer revolution hit the Triangle.

This past holiday weekend, I visited Six Forks Station Cinema to see "The Avengers".

Same owners as Mission Valley, and still serving good beer at incredible prices!  You expect to get ripped off at the movie theater - yet here you can get a 24 oz. Sierra Nevada for $6.  That's value, my friends.  They aren't the only theater selling beer, but all their prices, including food and the tickets themselves, are very reasonable - and they've done the nearly impossible...keeping an old theater relevant with first run movies in an era of fancy multiplexes.

You can take your long lines, overpriced candy, and tiny screens and stick em you know where.

I'll take my blockbuster flicks with a tall cold one, thank you very much.

Foster
Radio 96.1

Why the 80's is the greatest decade

As we're about to kick off our Randomly 80's Weekend on Radio 96.1, I'm waxing nostalgic.

Or, as some younger than me might say, sounding like an old fart.

I know, every generation thinks the time they grew up was the best time ever....and in 1980 I was in 2nd grade,  while graduating middle school by 1989.  So these were undoubtedly my formative years.  But let's be honest:

"Breakfast Club", "Pretty In Pink", "Ferris Bueller", "Sixteen Candles" and "Back To The Future" vs. "American Pie" and "Clueless" (and I liked the latter two, but c'mon.)

We made mix tapes, played with Rubik's Cubes, watched MTV when it played videos, and took brightly colored fashion and ripped jeans very seriously.

Technology has certainly made our world a different place.  Do I prefer having a cellphone than not? Yes.  Do I like having Facebook? Usually.  Would I rather have cassettes than an ipod?  No chance - but I do miss vinyl.

But I guarantee the Randomly 80's Weekend will bring back a LOT of memories...hopefully good ones like mine!

Foster
Radio 96.1

What's a lung transplant??

A few months ago, I got an e-mail from Harry Collins regarding the Lung Transplant Foundation Golf Tournament in Durham.  Would Radio 96.1 be interested in being a part of this year's event?

Truth be told, I only recently learned that a lung transplant is even possible, and for good reason -  it's a relatively new procedure used for illnesses such as COPD and Cystic Fibrosis.  Harry, who is on the Board of Directors of the Lung Transplant Foundation, was himself diagnosed with COPD and underwent a lung transplant at Duke in 2010.

The good news?  Many people receiving lung transplants are returning to active lives quickly after the procedure.  The bad news?  Long term prognosis so far is discouraging.  Funds are needed for research and medical advancements.

I'm proud to be playing in and hosting the Lung Transplant Foundation Golf Tournament on June 10th at Duke University Golf Club to raise funds for this very worthy cause.

Will you join me?

http://lungtransplantfoundation.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=6

Foster
Radio 96.1

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates...

...you never know who you're gonna meet.

I'm lucky, in this business I've had the privilege of meeting a lot of talented musicians, both national acts and local legends.  But I'm always shocked when someone approaches my boyfriend and not me to slip a CD into his hands.

We were at Sam Ash this past weekend, and the guy that was helping us buy a gig bag was hysterical.  His name was Neal, "Neal D. Bluesman" he said, as he spun a yarn to us about becoming the Bluesman and his band.  He told jokes and we listened politely.  He even gave my Brit a special guitar pick:

This was just not any guitar pick.  It's a pick with the dude's face on it AND devil horns.  Then, Neal D. Bluesman told us a funny story about how the man keeps him down and he's not allowed to use the devil horns pick.  (Yeah, we didn't know, either.)

Then the moment came:  he asked my Brit if he liked music, if he appreciated rock and roll and blues--and handed him a CD.  Usually we put things like that in a pile to listen to at a later date; but this time, because Neal D. Bluesman was so funny and kind and genuine--we popped it in the CD player in the car.  Boy, were we ever glad we did.

This guy can WAIL.  He is AMAZING.  He's got great songs, even better guitar licks, and he sings like nobody's business. Click this link to listen to yet another amazing Raleigh musician--a local guy trying to catch a local break.  I think you'll be glad you did.  And, if you go to Sam Ash, ask for Neal D. Bluesman to sell you something, anything.  He'll tell you lots of silly stories while you check out.

Bluesman's Music!


Alli


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The Trader Joe's Effect

A few days ago, I was driving a friend around Raleigh when he spotted a store familiar to him from his home base of Pennsylvania - Trader Joe's.

I knew just the tone he was using to imply that he was impressed we had our very own TJ's.  The underlying message was: "You've got a Trader Joe's, that means your town is a happening place".

There's something to that - Trader Joe's has a certain mid to upscale hipster meets hippie vibe that doesn't work in every city.  It may not have worked in Raleigh 10 years ago, but it certainly works today.  With additional stores in Cary and Chapel Hill, the Triangle is well covered.

It reminded me of the time I brought someone in for an interview when I lived in Buffalo, and he used that same tone to describe Starbucks (as in "wow, that's cool, you've got a Starbucks).

Now almost every Target has a Starbucks.

How times change.

Foster
Radio 96.1

David Beckham in Cary??

It could happen.

It's true that most of us in the Triangle are not familiar with Major League Soccer.  It's true that most of us have never even been to a Carolina Railhawks game (I went to one and loved it).

It's also true, however, despite our limited soccer knowledge that we know who David Beckham is.

I mean, they made a movie with his name in it.  He's married to Posh Spice.  He plays for the LA Galaxy, an MLS team made up of all-stars that includes Landon Donovan, one of the greatest American players in history (you might remember him from the World Cup runs).

If the Carolina Railhawks defeat PSA Elite, a team from Irvine, CA this coming Tuesday, the Railhawks would then host the LA Galaxy the following Tuesday at Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary as part of the US Open Cup.

That, my friends, would be a BFD.  Maybe we'd even get a Spicy spotting.

Foster
Radio 96.1

A VERY giving community

I had a terrific time at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary on Saturday night, when over 4,000 people showed up to see the B-52s, Southern Culture on the Skids, and Big Something.

How great it was to see a check presented by Band Together to Urban Ministries for $552,000!!

Band Together is a non-profit that helps various local charities and they've done a remarkable job over the past decade mobilizing Triangle businesses to donate and putting on concerts to direct additional funds towards worthy causes.

Raising money through music?  That gets a BIG Radio 96.1 thumbs up!

Foster

What to Do, What to Do?

This weekend in the Triangle, there's a LOT going on.  Here are some of the highlights:


TONIGHT:


 Catch Mike Doughty, formerly of the band Soul Coughing (Super Bon Bon, Circles, late 90's singer) at the Casbah in Brightleaf Square in Durham.  He's reading tales from his new book, taking Q &A from the audience and playing songs, too, as he chronicles his addiction, career, and the rise and fall of his 90's powerhouse band.  Tickets:  $16 w/ $3 membership. For more info:  Casbah Website

Also Tonight:

Jason Adamo Band plays the Lincoln Theatre, opening for  House of Fools and the Ryan Montbleau Band.  This is the JAB's Raleigh stop on their month-long country-wide tour.  Don't miss 'em.  Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door.  More info at: Lincoln Theatre.

More Tonight:

The Pour House in Raleigh hosts the Mighty Lester with special guests, local faves the Will McBride Band.  Get info here:  The Pour House.


All Weekend:  Duke vs. UNC Baseball, at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.  Go check out the biggest rivalry in the history of college athletics. Get info here:  Durham Bulls Website.

TOMORROW:

NC Beer and Band Festival, at the Lincoln Theatre.  Check out the details on how you can see local bands and drink local beers for a great price:  Lincoln Theatre.


By the way:


Sunday is Mothers' Day.  Take your mom somewhere nice--the Triangle is full of great places to go!


Alli

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Fireworks and Fayetteville Street?

This Fourth of July, a display like this could be over your head in downtown Raleigh.  Yep, you heard right:  those fireworks you've flocked to previous years at the State Fairgrounds are being moved downtown.  Fayetteville Street will also host bands, kids' stuff, a wine-tasting event, and more. 

I'm trying to envision how fireworks can be set off downtown where everyone can see them.  Will they block off City Plaza?  How do you not shoot out the windows of the people who live in the PNC Building?  I'm sure the powers-that-be have this all figured out already--because if they didn't, then the fireworks would just stay at the Fairgrounds.


I, for one, feel this is a great idea.  Why?  Because Raleigh has come a LONG way over the last ten years.  I've only been here for 4 of those, and this city is constantly evolving and changing, coming up with new ways to attract people to its downtown restaurants and shops, be it Shop Local Raleigh, or Hopscotch, or fireworks on the Fourth of July.  It's exciting, it's new, and it's yet another step into the right direction.


Alli


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Vote! Do it!

Tomorrow is a pretty big day here in North Carolina:  it's election day and the day that you can vote either for or against Amendment One. 

This is not a post to sway you one way or another; the controversial Amendment One has been in the news a lot as of late, and tomorrow is the absolute last day you can make your voice be heard. 

No matter which way you feel about the Amendment, you should vote.  Because if you don't help decide, then you can't complain about the outcome.  Make your voice be heard.  Exercise your right to say what happens in your state.  Amendment One has put North Carolina in the national spotlight.  If you don't know where to vote, check your voter registration card.  The address of your polling place is right on there. 

Here's a link or two where you can familiarize yourself with the bill.  Get out.  Be heard. 


http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2012/05/06/1175530?sac=fo.local

 http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/North_Carolina_Same-Sex_Marriage,_Amendment_1_(May_2012)




Alli


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A WICKED Great Time

When your kids are little, it's hard to envision them growing up because you're so consumed with changing diapers and trying to keep them from injuring themselves.  Then, before you know it, they are actual people you're having actual deep conversations with and you're taking them to grown up things like musicals (and by musicals I don't mean "The Wiggles" or "Go Diego Go").

As a friend told me last night, to not like "The Wizard of Oz" is un-American.  "Wicked", the story of what happened before Dorothy dropped in, is innovative, fun, and is unsurprisingly one of the world's most popular musicals.  It is yet another superb statement about our region that a show like "Wicked" is beginning a month (!) long run at Durham Performing Arts Center with performances of the highest caliber.

As great as "Wicked" itself was, for me the real treat of the night was getting to spend time together with my daughter.  Mellow Mushroom and "Wicked" couldn't be a more perfect combination.

Foster
Radio 96.1

History! Catch it!

I spent a lot of time immersed in history last weekend, as I spent some time at Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown.  I got a lot of chances to walk around and see all that cradle of liberty stuff, and I have to say:  I enjoyed it, even though it was cold and kind of rainy.  And, we went on the worst ghost tour in the world, but still...it was fun.

Now, I never realized (I don't know why since I can totally read a map!) how close we are here in North Carolina to all the history that is in Virginia.  But there's so much history here, too!  We're one of the 13 original colonies, and we've got plenty of history right here in North Carolina.  That being said, it was really cool to go up there, not have to drive too far, take a free ferry at Jamestown and get a quick weekend away.  We really ARE three hours from everything here in the Triangle.  Whether you're hitting the beach, the mountains, or cradle of liberty stuff, you seemingly can get there in three hours or less.  That seems like some sort of magic that takes three hours, but still...it IS magic.  Now, if the Triangle could get me to Hawaii in three hours or less, THAT would be amazing.

Life's Greatest Indulgence Is....

Look, I fully intended to get the lemonade with my Spicy Chicken Wrap at Chick-Fil-A today. (sidebar: is there ever not a line all the way around the drive-thru at Chick-Fil-A besides Sundays?)

But then on the menu, there it was:

"Banana Pudding Milkshake Available For A Limited Time".

I had one of these last spring when they debuted and nearly went into sugar shock as I fell into a coma of delight.  I don't know how they get those crumbled Nilla wafers small enough to go through the straw, but they do.  Don't want to know how many calories there are in that massive twist of whipped cream on top.  All I know is I want one, I got one, and for my diet and sanity it's probably a good thing it's only available once a year.

Foster
Radio 96.1