July 25^th Last Fridays to Offer Music, ArtGalleries, Shops and Dining! 

HILLSBOROUGH, NC –  As one of the most successful arts festivals in the region, Last Fridays in downtown Hillsborough, NC is not to be missed.  July 25^th is no exception, as the night once again has a center-stage musical act, artist demonstrator at the courthouse square, an art walk, vendor booths, and a film series at the Masonic Lodge sponsored by the Hillsborough Arts Council. 

The Boys From Carolina Bluegrass Band will be the center-stage act.  The band plays traditional to contemporary bluegrass music, and it prides itself in style and presentation. Every band member sings which leads to unique harmonies not heard in other bands.

The artist demonstrators will be accordionists Bob Loomis and Joanne Held.  The two live in Chapel Hill and have played together and with the Porta-Bellows Accordion Band in local street fairs, block parties, retirement centers, house parties, and private clubs throughout the Triangle area.  Their repertoire includes old favorites, folk, blues, boogie, Cajun, and other thoroughly entertaining music.

The Filmmaker's Film Series - CHUCKLEFEST returns to the Masonic Lodge (142 West King Street, Hillsborough, NC) for the July 25th Last Friday at 7:30 AND 9 pm.

Chucklefest reaches deep into the vaults from the Golden Age of Comedy and beyond to present a FEATURE FILM beloved by all who remember drive-ins and the good old days.  The film showcases Laurel and Hardy in "Saps at Sea." made in 1940 for Hal Roach Studios, directed by Gordon Douglas. Laurel and Hardy work in a horn testing laboratory, and the noise gets to be too much for Hardy.  His doctor suggests a refreshing trip at sea.  But there is a criminal stowaway on board, and of course mayhem ensues.  Plus a cartoon from the archives. This program will be screened at an indoor show at 7:00 pm followed by an outdoor show at 9:00 pm.

This screening is part of Hillsborough Arts Council's Last Fridays.  This program is free and is appropriate for all ages. For more information about the film series, contact Program Director Andrea DeGette or at 919-644-8265.

July's Art Walk includes Melissa Designer Jewelry, Local Artists' Art and Craft Sale at the Old Courthouse, Hillsborough Artists Cooperative and The Skylight Gallery, Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, Cup A Joe, Callaway Jewelry & Spiral Studios, Sovero Art Gallery & Studio, Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, and the Churton Street Realty Art Gallery.  Melissa Designer Jewelry is featuring paintings in oil, acrylic and pastel by Paul Nikitchenko at 112 S. Churton St.  The Skylight Gallery is featuring "Animal Farm: Recent Silkscreens" by Nathaniel Hester at 102 W. King St.  Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston is featuring artwork in mixed media by Orange High School Students at 114 W. King St.  Cup A Joe is featuring "Color In The Lines" photography by Sam Saywer at 120 W. King St.  The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is featuring "Three New Member Artists" paintings by Peg Bachenheimer, Lolette Gutherie and Richard Knox at 121D N. Churton St., Suite 1-D. The Churton Street Realty Art Gallery is featuring "Captured Elements – Captured Visions" a special collection of collage, wood sculpture and custom furniture by Larry Favorite, India Cain, and Keith Allen at 121 N. Churton St., Suite 1-C.  A map and brochure of the Art Walk sites are available at any of the participating locations or online. 

Local historic sites will be opening offering music and special programming.   The Orange County Historical Museum (201 N. Churton St.) hosts This Week in History. What happened this week in the past? Find out from the historic figures themselves! Members of the Orange Community Players will act out events from Julys past. Pianist Paul Brown will provide the evening's music. Free.

Gravity Coast and Sustainable Energy Fair at the Burwell School Historic Site  (319 N. Churton St.) Come meet local businesses and organizations that can help us to become energy independent through the use of sustainable energy sources. Learn about solar power systems, such as photovoltaics and water heating systems that home owners can leverage to lower their carbon emissions. Learn about green building options for your home. Learn about hybrid and electric cars that will help our country to end its reliance on oil. Information booths from local organizations will be open all evening to answer questions and provide informational materials to the public.  The main event will be a showcase of old fashion zero emissions vehicles in a home-made vehicle coasting derby and bicycle coast, called the GravityCoast competition. Festivities begin at the Burwell School Historic Site with registration, prizes, and refreshments at five-thirty Friday, July 25. At 6:00, participants will walk and roll down West Union Street to Wake Street. Wake Street will be closed to traffic the two blocks between Union and Tryon for an hour and a half, 5:45 - 7:30, for the coasting course. The first coast begins at 6:00 with homemade soapbox cars, one at the time down the middle of the street.  After all of the soapboxes make their run, the second event, approximately 7:00, will be a bicycle coast, in which people of all ages can coast their bicycles two blocks down the middle of Wake Street…no push, no pedal. Participants in the second event should also register at the Burwell School Historic Site for prizes, including best decorated bikes. Bicycle riders and soapbox drivers should wear helmets and observe the rules of the road.

After Thoughts,  acoustic trio focusing on beautifully woven three part harmonies supported by guitar and mandolin, will perform an eclectic mix of folk, traditional, & original music at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church (102 W. Tryon St.) from 6:30-8:30 pm.  They entertain with fresh, melodic interpretations of traditional and original tunes heavily influenced by icons of their youth – Peter Paul and Mary, Emmy Lou Harris, the Beatles, David Wilcox and others.  Get the Scoop of free ice cream is back this month.

Businesses, located on both sides of Churton and King Streets will hold extended hours and special offerings during the Last Fridays event. 

Plenty of parking during Last Fridays can be found at the new EnoRiver parking deck, in public parking lots, or in designated on-street parking spaces around downtown.

A map of all of the evening activities can be found online.

The Hillsborough Arts Council, a non-profit organization supporting the arts in Hillsborough, with funding support in part from the Hillsborough Tourism Board and private contributions, sponsors the Last Fridays program.  Coordination support comes from the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and its member organizations, Downtown Merchants, and a variety of local artists, and civic groups.  For general information on Last Fridays contact the Hillsborough Arts Council at 919-643-2500, or the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough/Orange County Visitors' Center at 732-7741.

Hillsborough Arts Council is offering three Handmade Parade workshops in July!

Preparations for the Hillsborough Arts Council's Handmade Parade keep moving along.  On October 11, a community parade with giant puppets, stilt walkers, drummers and participants in a variety of handmade costumes and masks will march through downtown. The group will have learned skills and created costumes, masks and puppet creatures in workshops held by the Arts Council throughout the summer.

Two more workshops are scheduled for July.   On Saturday, July 26 from 2-6, the professional performer, Donovan Zimmerman of the will be teaching the skills of making and walking on stilts. Anyone 15 or older is welcome to learn the techniques of "walking tall" and to join the fall parade.  Workshop fees are 25 dollars individual and 45 dollars for families of 4 or less.  Scholarships are available. 

On Sunday July 27 from 2-4 pm, the area's renowned percussionist, Beverly Botsford will hold a drumming workshop at the Masonic Lodge 142 W King Street in Hillsborough.  Drummers will learn and keep the beat as participants in the October march.  The workshop is designed for 12 years and older.  Families are welcome.  Workshop fees are 15 dollars for individuals and 25 dollars for families of 4 or less.

The theme of this first annual parade is "The Waters of the Eno and her Creatures." Artists and organizers with the Handmade Parade were at this year's Festival for the Eno working with children to create their own "Big Fish Hat" to be worn as parade participants.  At the next Last Fridays event on July 25, the Arts Council group will be assisting in creating puppets honoring the Eno's Pileated Woodpecker population at the South Side of the Courthouse lawn.

For info and registration visit the HAC's website or call 919-757-2181 or email.

Art and Academic Supply Donation Program

Whenever budget cuts come to education, it seems that the Arts curriculum always takes the first hit.  Programs are de-emphasized and materials are short.  Neil Stutzer, one of our members, realized what was happening in some of our local schools and designed a way to help through a donation program.  Lots of folks have art supplies stashed away because they are too valuable to just toss in the garbage.  This potential trash is pure treasure to art teachers who run very short of supplies.  Neil sent out a call and got overwhelming response.  He collected box after box and distributed them to local schools.  Paper, pencils, paint, craft materials were gratefully grabbed daily with requests for more if possible.  There was an obvious need for a program to manage and continue the coordination.

The Arts Council will sponsor the Art and Academic Supply Donation Program under Neil's direction to connect donors and school art programs.  Academic supplies have been included, as many children often don't have the basics needed for schoolwork.  Working with the Board of Education, teachers and the PTA, the Arts Council will publicize and promote the program.  Some Hillsborough Realtors have agreed to help.  Clients who are moving will be reminded to donate instead of tossing materials and used art supplies.  They can be dropped off at various town locations.  Donors so far have truly appreciated the opportunity to recycle.   More information will be available on our website.

OrangeCountyParks and Recreation Performance of "The Music Man"

OrangeCountyParks and Recreation Department presents the Orange Community Players in THE MUSIC MAN, by Meredith Willson. The play will run July 17 –19 at 8:00pm and on July 20 at 2:00pm. All four performances will be held at the Orange High School Auditorium in Hillsborough. Advance tickets may be purchased at the OrangeCountyParks and Recreation Department, the Triangle SportsPlex, Orange County Cooperative Extension, or the Colonial Insurance Agency of Hillsborough. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and older), and $8 for children (2-11). Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for $2 off of face value. Additional information may be obtained by calling 919-245-2660 or by visiting the department website.

The Mebane Acting Company Announcements

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND:   JULY 10-12 AND 17-19 at 8:00 PM
The Mebane Acting Company, Inc., in cooperation with The Central North Carolina Guild for the Arts proudly present Once on This Island, a musical Caribbean adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid that tells the story of a young woman and her life and trials to prove that love is stronger than death.  Join us one hour before the show for storytelling, crafts, and other fun!  July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 8:00 PM at the amphitheatre at Mackintosh on the Lake.  Tickets are on sale now at RBC Centura in Burlington, at the clubhouse at Mackintosh on the Lake, and by credit card by calling 919-304-4008.  Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and students.  Call 919-304-4008 or visit www.mebaneactingcompany.com or www.thestudiosatburlington.com for more information.

Hammered Dulcimer Player Ken Kolodner and Guitarist Robin Bullock in Concert in Hillsborough, NC 

Widely recognized as among the country's most innovative and recognized performers of traditional folk music, virtuosos Ken Kolodner (Baltimore, MD) and Robin Bullock (Tripleval, France) will perform a rare house concert in Hillsborough, NC on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 7:30 pm.  Bullock and Kolodner performed for many years as two-thirds of the trio Helicon along with flutist Chris Norman.  Both are in the area teaching and performing at the Swannanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College. Ken Kolodner on hammered dulcimer, hammered mbira and fiddle and Robin Bullock on guitar, cittern, fiddle and piano will perform their wide-ranging repertoire spanning the traditional folk music of many countries, with a focus on Celtic, Appalachian and original music. Pre-paid reservations are available at www.kenkolodner.com via credit card, or call 919.732.2340 (or 410-243-7254); $22 at the door space permitting; $20 in advance; $15 for kids under 16. 

Called a "Celtic guitar god" by the Baltimore City Paper, Robin Bullock is a prolific composer, highly respected instructor, and virtuoso performer on 6- and 12-string guitars, mandolin, cittern and piano. A founding member of the INDIE Award-winning acoustic world-music trio, Helicon with Ken Kolodner and Chris Norman, Robin's solo career has earned him three Washington Area Music Association WAMMIE Awards, a Governor's Award from the Maryland State Arts Council, and a featured broadcast on NPR's Thistle & Shamrock. His recorded work includes seven critically-acclaimed solo CDs and four collaborative projects including Celtic Guitar Summit with Steve Baughman, which was honored by Acoustic Guitar magazine with an "Editor's Pick" as one of the top CDs of 2003. His new CD, Rosewood Castle, continues his exploration of Celtic music for solo and duo guitar, featuring duets with guitar greats Alex de Grassi, Tony McManus, John Doyle, Steve Baughman and Al Petteway. A native of Washington, DC, Robin now lives in Tripleval, France, and tours and records on both sides of the ocean.  www.robinbullock.com

As a major part of the rebirth of the hammered dulcimer in the U.S., Baltimore native Ken Kolodner is widely recognized as one of "one of today's most accomplished, musical hammered dulcimer artists..." (Elderly) and a highly-respected old time fiddler.  As a soloist and in ensembles with Helicon (with Chris Norman and Robin Bullock) and Greenfire (with Laura Risk) and many others, Kolodner has performed and taught extensively throughout North America and Europe for over 20 years. Kolodner has been featured on The Thistle and the Shamrock, All Things Considered, and on nationally broadcast concerts on NPR, the CBC, The Voice of America, German National Radio and in an Emmy-nominated CBS-TV Christmas special.  Other credits include ten recordings including an "Indie" winner, and a #1 World Music title and bestseller for BMG. He is well known for his improvisational and expressive style that has been described as "nothing short of astonishing" (The Connection), "marvelous" (The Washington Post), "virtuosic" (Audio) and "stunning in its musicality" (Dulcimer Player News). In his non-musical pursuits, Ken works as a very part-time epidemiologist/biostatician and has published over 80 articles in medical journals. In his youth, he was also an all-American soccer player and continues to play regularly even at age 53!   www.kenkolodner.com

"…marvelous…delightful…"-- The Washington Post

"…outstanding…"-- The New York Times

"…not to be missed…"—USA Today

"They obviously love what they do.  So do I. So will you."--Stereo Review.

 "Masters!  Breathtaking"--Schwann's in Music.

Hillsborough Arts Council General Meeting on August 12th

All who are interested in the Hillsborough Arts Council and its programs and who want to know more about the arts in Hillsborough are welcome to attend our general meetings.  The Hillsborough Arts Council meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at 102 North Churton Street (Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce office).  Our next meeting will be on August 12, 2008.

Calling All Films! Calling All Films!

The Third Annual Carrboro Film Festival Seeks Submissions

The 3rd annual Carrboro Film Festival is now calling for submissions from filmmakers who have breathed in the good, local air of Orange County.

The deadline for submissions is August 29t^h, $15 per submission. Late deadline is September 22^nd, $30.  The only requirements are that the filmmaker at one time in life had a brush with Orange County and that the film is 20 minutes or less.

"We're absolutely thrilled with the films of the last two years and can't wait to see what this year brings. And the audience attendance attests to the quality of the films we've screened – sold out and standing room only, "says Carrboro Film Festival Chair, Selena Lauterer.

Submission forms are on www.carrborofilmfestival.com.

The film festival will be held on Sunday, November 23^rd at the Century Center in Carrboro, NC.  For more information, go to www.carrborofilmfestival.com/

Cedar Grove Bluegrass Festival

Cedar Grove Bluegrass Festival:  This free festival on Saturday, September 27^th  is sponsored by the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department. Performing will be Diana Jones, Mike Jones and the Young at Heart Band, the Cagles, Chuck and the Waggin Ears, the Apple Chill Cloggers, and the New River Rock Skippers. The festival will be held at the Northern Human Services Center (located on Highway 86 North) in Cedar Grove, from 12noon to 6:00pm. Gates will open at 10:00am for the event. The festival will be held rain or shine, bring your chairs and blankets. Food vendors will be on site. For more information call 919-245-2660.