5 Things

IT’S FINALLY HERE. The holiday we’ve all been waiting for (or is that just me?). In addition to #patriotism, there are other things to do, just in case it isn’t your thing to celebrate a group of revolutionaries who made your very lives possible.

July 3, 2014; 9:02 AM • by Susan Howson

1. The Color Purple

If you like stories about the American South or stories about gender roles or stories that have won prizes for their groundbreakingness OR you just like the vibrant blending of primary colors blue and red–The Color Purple is something you should probably catch. Based on Alice Walker’s fantastic novel, this musical just might transport you to a…well, not a BETTER place, because racism and sexism and domestic violence abound…but a more thoughtful place. I’m not really selling this well. Just see the dang play.

• Through August 3rd • see site for times
• November Theatre, 114 W. Broad Street
• $48

2. Various USA!USA!USA! Events

Our very own Nathan Cushing put together a handy little guide to all the places and things you could and should be doing this Independence Day. Thus far, no one has been able to detect any UFO activity near the direction of the White House, but it’s still early yet.

• Friday, July 4th • All the livelong day
• All over town/the country
• Various prices! Many of them free!

3. April Macie

Comic April Macie is fighting the good fight, and using the memories of her adolescence’s Bad Reputation to expose gender double standards! And all in a funny, funny way! Playing several shows in town, Macie deserves a good showing, and you deserve an excuse to get all up in the air conditioning.

• Thursday, July 3rd – Saturday, July 6th • see site for times
• Funny Bone, 11800 W. Broad Street #1090
• $15 – $17

4. Urbanite Market: Beer 101

Like Thor riding a lightning bolt directly from Asgard, Hardywood makes a dramatic entrance onto the farmers’ market scene, providing an alternative that includes local seasonal food and, of course, craft beer. Whole Foods will be shlepping their ready-to-cook boxes-o-vegetables, and beer demonstrations abound. You can do a beer demonstration too, by showing us all how to do what you do so well: pouring it without delay into your eagerly awaiting gullet.

• Sunday, July 6th • 12:00 – 3:00 PM
• Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
• Free, but bring cash so you can buy things

5. Innsbrook After Hours: 80s Invasion

There’s still something so trashy yet so appealing about the hair bands of the 80s. Ever since Innsbrook After Hours started advertising this triple-header of Warrant, Firehouse, and LA Guns, I’ve had “Cherry Pie”–arguably one of the most ridiculous songs ever–in my head. And I don’t dislike it, despite the fact that I know that if that dude “thinks about baseball, he’ll swing all night.” Gross.

• Wednesday, July 9th &bull Gates open at 5pm
• Innsbrook, 4901 Lake Brook Drive
• $15 – $79

July 3, 2014 9:02 AM 0