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Saturday, May 19, 2012

[Video] Movie Review: 'The Dictator' is Likeable

Funnyman Sasha Baron Cohen is at it again, this time as a flashy, offensive Middle Eastern dictator who comes to the U.S.

Editor's Note — A version of this review originally appeared in Roseville Patch. From the guy who brought us Ali G and Borat comes a new character named General Aladeen — a ruthless dictator from a fictional country in North Africa who is part buffoon, horn dog and ruthless bloodthirsty ruler in "The Dictator." Through a ridiculous set of circumstances, from which I will spare you the details because they are so contrived, Aladeen ends up in New York while his even sillier double is in charge of his country. There are plenty of cameo appearances from big stars to keep things interesting. As for the element of political satire, we get a pretty heavy-handed lecture that borders on being a bit corny. "The Dictator," like so many other …

Friday, May 18, 2012

Rockin' the 'Burbs: Live Music in Union County

Have a pint, hear some tunes. Dance and be careful!

Crossroads Black Dog, The Glowflies Sat: Gates, Colony Sun: Cranford Guitar Center Showcase, noon   xxroads.com Sat: Alvin Madison Sun: Joe Regan

Devils and Maroon 5 Pack Date Night Punch

Whether it's playoff hockey against the rival Rangers or the pop group opening the new Revel Casino in Atlantic City, drop the gloves and have fun this weekend.

The Borgata, Atlantic City  THIS WEEKEND: Saturday — Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour, 8 p.m., Event Center; Joan Rivers, 6 and 9 p.m., Saturday, May 19, The Music Box NEXT WEEK: Hip-hoppin' stud du jour Pitbull brings the party tunes, 9 p.m., Friday, May 25, Event Center, Rock icon Steve Winwood, 9 p.m., Friday, May 25, the Music Box BOOK IT NOW: Weezer, 9 p.m., Friday, June 1, Event Center; Frankie Valli, 9 p.m., Friday, June 8, The Music Box; Sting, 8 p.m., Saturday, June 9, Event Center; Jim McGaffigan, two shows, Saturday, June 23, The Event CenterThe Jacksons, Friday, June 29, 8 p.m., Event Center;  Aziz Ansari, two shows, Frday and Saturday, July 13, 14, The Music Box Check out theborgata.com for details about these and other shows…

Kerry Louise Returns to Scotty's

Boston-bred comedian discusses being a mom with three kids, wanting to be a guy in her act.

A bit of a storyteller, comedian Kerry Louise likes to talk about her everyday life as the mother of three children and the subsequent need to find time for herself. Louise, who will return to the stage this weekend at Scotty’s, said she likes to switch up her act based on whether she is working a club or a different venue, such as a college. “At Scotty’s, though, I’ll probably see more parents and more people who would have children,” Louise said. “So I would do 70 percent kids stuff and other observational humor I do.” In some of her other material, she discusses growing up as a Catholic, being a woman and husband-vs.-wife sort of material. She met her husband, Tom Cotter, while they were both performing stand-up in Boston in the ‘90s. …

Thursday, May 17, 2012

WSO Presents 'Simple Gifts' Season Finale on Sunday

Attendees are invited to join musicologist Dr. Barbara Thomson before the concert at 6:15 p.m.

On Sunday, May 20 at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield, Westfield Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro David Wroe, presents SIMPLE GIFTS, a season finale concert of pioneering American themes, musical landscapes, spiritual journeys and supreme orchestral sounds.  The concert presents works by Aaron Copland, including the emotional and awe-inspiring Appalachian Spring orchestral suite. Capturing the essence of an ideal America and with the iconic melody “Simple Gifts” at the pinnacle, Appalachian Spring is one of today’s most recognizable and beloved American orchestral works. The audience will also enjoy the opportunity to revel in the exuberant “Hoe-Down” from Copland’s Rodeo.  The concert will open with another …

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Balloon Festival: Patch Will Send You Into the Sky

Event celebrates its 30th season.

When is a balloon festival not (just) a balloon festival? That’s a tough question, especially when a huge yearly event is billed as such (I mean, it's called the Festival of Ballooning, after all) and there certainly are plenty of hot-air balloons to be displayed. Still, the Quick Chek Festival of Ballooning—in its 30th year, running from July 27 through 29 at Solberg Airport in Readington—is also part amusement park, with a healthy number of rides, an arts-and-crafts emporium, a yoga and Zumba demonstration, and lots and lots of food. Of the 30 years, Quick Chek has been a major sponsor for 20. And for the first time, Patch is partnering with the festival to get you in at a great price. Between May 13 and 20, use this link to buy tickets …

centurion

10:42 am on Monday, May 14, 2012

If you want a FREE close up time with the ballon, or a ballon, go to the 6:00 AM launch, but don't go into the festival. Then pick a special ballon and chase it. It will land someplace that is close to a road. The balloon people are more than happy to have you there.   more ›

Friday, May 11, 2012

Rockin' the 'Burbs: Live Music in Union County

Feed your soul and support local artists. Get out and support local musicians this weekend!

Crossroads Voices Against Brain Cancer fundraiser Sat: Wandering Bards, No Code, Gypsy Eyes Sun: Closed for Mother's Day   xxroads.com Sat: Rob Papperozzi Sun: Joe Regan  

Wilie Nelson, Linda Eder Top Weekend Offerings

From music to comedy, there are plenty of ways to find a weekend diversion.

The Borgata  THIS WEEKEND: Saturday — Florence & The Machine, Event Center NEXT WEEK: Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour, 8 p.m., Saturday, May 19, Event Center; Joan Rivers, 6 and 9 p.m., Saturday, May 19, The Music Box BOOK IT NOW: Hip-hoppin' stud du jour Pitbull brings the party tunes, 9 p.m., Friday, May 25, Event Center, Rock icon Steve Winwood, 9 p.m., Friday, May 25, the Music Box Check out theborgata.com for details about these and other shows. Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank THIS WEEKEND: Tonight — Music, cultural and biofuel icon Willie Nelson performs at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday — Country singer LeAnn Rimes performs at 7:30 p.m. NEXT WEEK: No shows BOOK IT NOW: Steve Winwood, whose music and influence on music has spanned decades, …

Friday, May 4, 2012

Live Music in Union County

Feeling the urge to get out and hear some music to recharge the batteries? Check out these Union County hotspots.

Crossroads David Johansen, Frankenstein 3000, Raven's Ballroom, Eric Harrison Sat: It's What You Think, Hammond 2:30 Sun: Relay for Life Benefit, Inskagnito, Great Waves   xxroads.com Sat: TBA Sun: Joe Regan Downtown Uproar, Streets of Fire, Go For Launch    

West Side Story, Russell Brand, Chicago top Date Night Options

From the Borgota to the Wellmont Theatre, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourselves this weekend.

The Borgata  THIS WEEKEND: Tonight — Russell Brand, the soon-to-be former-Mr.-Katy-Perry does, well... whatever it is that he does, Thursday and Friday, May 4,5, 9 p.m., The Music Box; Comedian-turned-sitcom-star-turned-talk-show-host-turned-comedian George Lopez, 9 p.m., Friday, May 5, Event Center NEXT WEEK: Florence & the Machine, 8 p.m., Friday, May 12, Event Center BOOK IT NOW: Joan Rivers, 6 p.m., Friday, May 19, The Music Box; Hip-hoppin' stud du jour Pitbull brings the party tunes, 9 p.m., Thursday, May 25, Event Center Check out theborgata.com for details about these and other shows. Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank THIS WEEKEND: No shows this weekend NEXT WEEK: Trailer Park Boys, a hiliarious troupe of comedians that have created a …

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