Puppet slam!

Tomorrow night (2/16/2012) is Creative Cocktail Hour at Real Art Ways (actually, it's four hours: 6-10). From 7-10 there will be a puppet slam. What's a puppet slam? I don't know, but I do know I'm gonna find out. I imagine there will be puppets and adult themes.

Stuff to do

Well, frozen water is falling from the sky. So, what to do this weekend?

• You could go see Camera Solo at the Wadsworth. It's only there through February 19th and it just got a write-up in the New York Times.
• Go see a film at Real Art Ways. I haven't see it yet, but Le Havre sounds good. A.O. Scott said that it's "A stylized and sentimental fairy tale about the way the world might be, grounded in a frank recognition of the way it is." Quite the recommendation.
• You could skate on some truly terrible ice at Bushnell Park. Don't say I didn't warn you though, it is really bad ice. It is, however, free.
• Read a book while drinking coffee at the Hartford Baking Company. Best coffee in town. Really uncomfortable chairs.

That's all I got. What do you got?

Searching the Horizon

Darius Kinsey: Highlead logging using steam skidder

The New Britain Museum of American Art has a new exhibit titled Searching the Horizon: The Real American West 1830-1920 (through March 4th, 2012). As the title suggests, it contains art of and about the American west. Through paintings, photographs, sculptures and other objects, it explores four themes: Settlement, Landscape, Native Americans and Urbanization and Industry. I wasn't too impressed with the paintings, but the exhibit contains some great photography. Darius Kinsey (see the photo at left) chronicled the logging industry in the Pacific Northwest. His photos show the enormity of the undertaking, as well as the often dangerous activities it involved.

Upcoming shows

Two shows are coming up this month that should not be ignored (as opposed to all the other shows in Connecticut, most of which should be ignored. I kid...mostly). The first is Jeff Mangum (of Neutral Milk Hotel fame). This famous (Indie famous, not famous famous) recluse is finally out of his cave and playing shows again. Should be good. Don't bring a camera, he hates that. Also, you'll probably get thrown out if you use your phone. Just a warning. This Wednesday (the 18th) at 8:00pm at the Shubert in New Haven. A mere $45 per ticket with "convenience" charges. This might be your only chance. I almost saw him at All Tomorrow's Parties a few months back in New Jersey, but all three shows he played sold out.

Then, on the 28th of January Thurston Moore (of Sonic Youth fame) will play at the Wadsworth. This show is in support of his new album Demolished Thoughts. If you haven't heard it yet, check it out. It was produced by Beck and is completely different than anything he's ever done. While you're there, check out Patti Smith's Camera Solo.

And then, in February, on the 12th, Blind Pilot will play the Pearl Street Clubroom in Northampton Mass. I know, it isn't actually in Connecticut but most cool things aren't. Should be good.