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Arts & Life
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
LOWER LAKE – the weather was great for this first Day of Enlightenment in Lower Lake as the Clear Lake Park Symphony Orchestra with Karen Priest and Tony Jarvis played some original and modified old tunes on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Phil Mathewson sang his original Lake County songs and Charlie Rand belted out a few oldies while playing Karen’s guitar. Hand drums were also played by the participants.
Lorna Sue Sides, founder of the Poetry and Music Interlude, did some slam poetry and William of Inner Skies recited some poetry including the Lady of Shallot.
Mathewson also displayed some of his original art work including canvases, gourds, magnets and crosses.
This is the first of many Days of Enlightenment that will be held around the County. Watch www.lakeconews.com for the next scheduled event.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
On the surface, “Dan in Real Life” has a less-than-auspicious premise for a comedy starring Steve Carell, the leading man from “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” A widowed family-advice columnist coping with three rambunctious daughters, Carell’s character falls into an awkward relationship during a family getaway at the Rhode Island seaside. The annual family outing is the gathering of an extended clan, where a long weekend spent in the close quarters of a crowded house filled with quirky, prying relatives seems vaguely reminiscent of “The Family Stone.” Fortunately for us, the chemistry in “Dan in Real Life” is so much better that the inevitable family tensions are easier to take.
Steve Carell has developed an Everyman quality that serves him well in his film roles. His advice columnist Dan Burns, widowed the past four years, is able to dish out family counseling with ease, while nonetheless finding it difficult to maintain order in a household of rebellious girls.
He’s coming close to the Steve Martin territory of the cinematic clueless patriarch. Dan’s kids want nothing to do with a road trip from New Jersey to the New England coast, perhaps because dad is so overprotective. Oldest child Jane (Alison Pill) is anxious to use her driver’s license. Middle child Cara (Brittany Robertson) is delirious about her devoted boyfriend, while the youngest Lilly (Marlene Lawston) is only mildly tolerant of her father’s quirks.
Once arriving at his parents’ beach house in a quaint Rhode Island village, Dan has managed to alienate all of his kids, something that does not go unnoticed by Dan’s mom (Dianne Wiest).
Taking a timeout by heading off to the local second-hand bookstore, Dan is mistaken for a store clerk by an alluring, cultured woman named Marie (Juliette Binoche). Going along with the deception, Dan offers questionable advice on an odd assortment of books as suitable reading material.
Soon, the sales pitch has to do with more than books, and Dan feels real, live sparks that he imagined would never be revived since the death of his beloved spouse. The mutual attraction is undeniable, and after a lingering conversation over coffee, they go their separate ways with an unstated expectation of meeting up again.
As fate would have it, that reunion occurs all too suddenly and most awkwardly. After returning to the family home with a gleam in his eye, Dan enthuses over the girl he just met, only to soon find out that Marie is the new girlfriend of his younger brother Mitch (Dane Cook). Oh, talk about embarrassment and discomfort. In a house with very tight quarters, Dan and Marie are thrust into a tricky situation as they try to squelch and cover up their growing mutual attraction at every turn, leading to some comical situations.
And just when things couldn’t get more uncomfortable, Dan’s family sets up a blind date for him with a long-forgotten classmate. It turns out the girl has blossomed into an attractive sexpot (Emily Blunt), which only serves to stir up jealousy on Marie’s part.
“Dan in Real Life” hardly falls into the sitcom mode of farcical contrivances, though it apparently struggles near the end for a convincing resolution. Nevertheless, the film is touching and funny in all the right ways. An awkward moment like the shower scene plays for laughs without getting cheesy.
One might ask about the film’s poster, where Steve Carell’s head is resting forlornly on a stack of pancakes. This image is fraught with symbolism, which only makes sense after seeing a breakfast scene during which Juliette Binoche deftly wields a spatula.
The beauty of “Dan in Real Life,” full of wry humor, is its uncanny ability to wring some laughs from some very ordinary situations.
DVD RELEASE UPDATE
Since we’re talking this week about a new movie in which Dane Cook is the cuckold, maybe it’s only fitting to feature the DVD release of “Mr. Brooks” in which Cook had a supporting role as the photographer ensnared in the web of a serial killer.
The tandem of Kevin Costner and William Hurt, the yin and yang of the respected businessman with a deep, dark secret, captivates an audience bent on thrills.
The DVD of “Mr. Brooks” includes deleted scenes and commentary from the writer/director. There’s a featurette that may shed more light on Mr. Brooks’ sadistic alter ego, Marshall, played with chilling menace by William Hurt.
Tim Riley writes television and film reviews for Lake County News.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
KELSEYVILLE – The inaugural Artisan Luncheon on Oct. 21, presented by Stella's Select Catering, was well attended with about 40 artists and musicians enjoying Stella's sauces and marinades with pasta and salad while entertaining each other.
The Clear Lake Park Symphony Orchestra members (Karen Priest, C.J. Laubenthal and Tony Jarvis) performed their favorite tunes with their keyboard and bass backup. Joan Moss, local folksinger and writer, played her 12-string and sang some songs from one of her many CDs.
Jazz singer, Samaya, once an acclaimed local performer, now residing in Minnesota came back to perform for the luncheon. Anita "Chiquita" graced the stage with her lovely voice accompanied by Charlie Kettleson. Ed Moore and Yvonne Moore, Lake County Sing a Long Society members, played guitars and sang their great country tunes. William from Inner Skies, recited poetry from memory.
Many other musicians entertained the crowd as well. Inner Skies from Lower Lake exhibited their tie die art and puppets on the patio, while Phil Mathewson, local artist and musician, displayed his original abstract art in the lobby including his famous "Black Cat with a Pumpkin."
Penny Jahn, barrista from Victoria's Cafe, displayed her birdhouse collection and other unique gift items in front of the building. Mike Nadeau and Charity Huskey presented information on auto mileage improvement.
Stella's thanks the Kelseyville Lions Club for the generous use of their clubhouse for the event and Kelsey Creek Coffee Roastery and Main Street Bakery Organic Artisan Breads for providing the coffee and breads respectively.
Kudos to all the volunteers, musicians and artists. Next year will be even bigger.
Some of the same great performers and artists will be at the Day of Enlightenment at the Tuscan Village, Lower Lake on Saturday, Oct. 27, beginning at 1 p.m., in case you missed the Sunday show or want to see them again.
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- Written by: Editor
The event will feature the works Diane Stawicki, Joan Mankins, Gaylene McComb, Katie Folk, Toni Anderson and Jan Hambrick.
Watercolors, pastels, acrylics, clay and fabric art will be offered.
Come meet the artist and join the group for some Christmas cheer.
In addition, the Leah Adams Christmas Boutique will take place Nov. 2-4 at 2698 Greenway Drive in Buckingham, featuring decorative painted gifts.
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