Henry Miller Memorial Library

Big Sur, California
We do not talk - we bludgeon one another with facts and theories gleaned from cursory readings of newspapers, magazines and digests.

Archive for May, 2011

Think Big Sur needs more sushi, art, music, film, and poetry? In one night? Then there won't be much in this blog that you'll disagree with

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As anyone who has been the Big Sur can attest, we who are fortunate enough to live here really do have it all.  Stunning views, fantastic hikes, pristine beaches, emotionally-developed people with no issues whatsoever; I mean, the list goes on and on…

That doesn’t stop us from complaining, though, particularly around two things: the sad dearth of sushi and pizza.  It’s really hard to find good sushi*, and literally impossible to get a steaming, dank, cheesy, saucy ‘za delivered to your treacherous mountain doorstep at 2 am to electrify your very-stoned tastebuds.  What’s up with that?

Well, while pizza may remain the Rosetta Stone of our collective prelapsarian experience, you can stop complaining about sushi, at least for the time being.  That’s because there’ll be sushi at this Thursday’s Cinemapoetry event!  So stop whining.  You’re embarassing me.

Of course, there’ll be a lot more than just sushi. 

In fact, it’ll be the very first movie-night to feature our brand new screen.  In fact again, we just got the schedule of the night and it looks fantastic: the first hour includes alternating short films and poems, followed by an intermission, followed by a second set of poetry.  There’s also live music by Big Sur’s own laid-back country pickers Songs Hotbox Harry Taught Us.  (And seriously, they don’t play none of that soft-pop fluff poses as country nowadays.  They’re ”real” country; in fact, I heard the tall foreign guy – German, I think - actually spent some time in San Quentin.)   

The event is by donation and starts at 7 pm.

All pretty cool, right?  So much so that upon reflection, you’re probably realizing that the whole sushi stuff was a rouse.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, there will be sushi, but I just used it to get your attention.  It is – as we say in the industry – the “hook” (fish-pun very much intended.)

The fact of the matter is, as we all know, art and poetry is where it’s at.  It’s far more nourishing than sushi - less sodium – and while you should all come to Cinepoetry solely for this proverbial artistic feast, we are human, and we rapaciously crave sushi, so if sushi brings you down to the Library on Thursday, I guess that’s fine too.  We won’t turn you away. 

Heck, by now maybe you’re even feeling guilty for getting more excited about the sushi then the poetry and movies.  If so, then my job here is done.

Now if we can only get a pizza truck parked outside of the north-west Molera turn out!**

 * You can get sushi at Treebones

** Total Big Sur inside-joke

The new Henry Miller Library *movie screen* debuts May 12th and then the 19th!

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While it’s true the Henry Miller Library’s Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series doesn’t officially start till June 9th, movies are nonetheless coming early to Big Sur.

We are proud to announce the first two movies of our summer season, featuring our brand new screen and brand new stage!

May 12 – Cinepoetry Festival

This will be a magical night of movies, poetry, music, sushi (!), and more.  Sponsored by the Library and Ping Pong Magazine (the Library’s literary magazine), the Verruckter Schwanz Cinepoetry Festival will feature selected short films that explore the intersection of cinematic and poetic expression.

Live music provided by Big Sur’s Songs Hotbox Harry Taught Us and fresh sushi (in limited quantity) from South Coast Snacks.  This is event is by donation.  http://henrymiller.org/events.html#cinepoetry

May 14th – Movie “Hot Tubs” and live music by Gabe Rosenn Band w/ Big John Hurt!

“Hot Tubs” premiered at the 26th Annual Santa Barbara Film Festival in January 2011 to rave reviews. The film is a warm-hearted look at the hot tub scene of Santa Barbara in the 70′s, and the book Hot Tubs, published by indie publisher Noel Young (publisher of Henry Miller and Raymond Carver) which gave rise to the modern day spa industry.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and can be purchased at http://henrymiller.org/events.html#hottubs

In a way, we feel bad for the new movie screen.  Our new stage got all the press this winter, but our new screen is bigger and better than its predecessor – it even allows for 3-d films!

So at the least come out and support the new screen, formerly the ugly step-sister of the stage, but now poised to spread its wings like a gorgeous translucent cinematic swan.

Big Big Big Sur Fashion Show update! (May 19th)

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Man, we are exicted about this one.  The Big Big BIG Sur Fashion Show captures all that is good in Big Sur: brilliant creativity, an abundance of talent, music, dance, fashion, partial (male) nudity, fire, and people selling handmade stuff.

In other words, it is a creative community showcase of couture clothing art, designed using non-traditional materials. This year’s theme is “Back to the Future”.  Infer what you will.

Here are the details:

The evening starts with a masquerade Pre-Show from 6:30-8:30 pm, with food, drink, local vendors selling handcrafted and unique wares, music, and interactive art projects.

The… Show itself will start at 8:30 pm and finish up by 10.

Official After Party begins at Fernwood Resort at 10 pm.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here!

See you there!

 

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