Greensboro Daily Photo

My FOX 8 (and Friends) Taping Chanukah Festivities

Local media were out covering Chanukah festivities in Center City Park on Sunday. Above, photojournalist Brian Rainey works diligently taping the event. We were so impressed at the demeanor of the all the camera people from the different news chanels. They found a way to get their needed footage, yet making room for all of the amateurs (like us) wandering through the crowd. Hats off to the journalists, photo/video/print, who keep us informed and help maintain a sense of community. Speaking of hats, the man in the background, wearing the Menorah hat, is Ivan Saul Cutler, a local journalist and blogger. His plush Menorah brought quite a smile to children and adults alike.

At the top, as if overseeing everything, is the Lincoln Financial Building (formerly Jefferson Standard & Jeferson Pilot) blinking the time and temperature at sunset. We didn't see Brian's final footage on Fox 8 this week; however, we want to thank him and his co-workers for covering these community events. It makes a difference.

Happy 85th Birthday, Carolina Theatre

Last night, hundreds of people braved the winds of Hurricane Sandy to watch and celebrate the premiere of Paula Damasceno's documentary film about the Carolina Theatre. Carolina 85 features the glamourous as well as the rocky history of the theater. At the time it opened on October 31st, 1927, the 2,200-seat Carolina Theatre was the showcase of the Carolinas. In the documentary, one patron called it, a "palace for the poor." People could go and bask in the "light of the dark" to enjoy a movie. Damasceno documents the theater's transformation from a seggreated venue to one one that embraces diversity. The film documents the theater's many other obstacles, including surviving the decline of downtown Greensboro, financial struggles, structural setbacks, and extensive fire damage. 

The above photo features the reception and partaking of the birthday cake onstage, at the conclusion of the documentary. All were invited to the afterparty, a befitting gesture appropriate for Damasceno's humble demeanor. She made it clear that, for her, "The community, who support this theater, make it beautiful." Thank you, Paula Damasceno, and all involved, for documenting the history of one of Greensboro's cultural treasures. In the above photo, Damasceno, second from the left, has her right arm extended in conversation with an attendee (quite possibly the youngest) who was extremely interested in film.

                                                                    

The Big Lebowski at the Carolina Theatre

The Carolina Theatre, located at 310 South Greene Street, is a grand and dynamic place.  Throughout the summer, they show old movies. Nothing beats watching Alfred Hitchcock on the big screen. For Greensboro's The Big Lebowski fans, the classic movie and classic Carolina Theatre come together on Thursday, August 25th for an evening you won't want to miss. Costumes, bowling, white Russians, and audience participation are in order for the upcoming event. In the movie, Jeff Bridges is an unemployed "slacker" who loves to bowl. He gets involved in solving a kidnapping case. The movie has become a cult classic because it is so quotable and audiences love the characters (reference).

When they aren't showing movies, The Carolina Theatre might be having live shows, music events, hosting a production of the Wizard of Oz, or a Fourth of July 1776 music medley. Today, from 2:30- 7:00 p.m., the theatre is hosting The Deuterman Law Group's 3rd annual American Red Cross blood drive. Stop by today, donate blood, and purchase your tickets to next week's Lebowski event.*

While you are at it, you can marvel at the architecture of this 1927 beauty. The poster frames in the above photo are original. When The Carolina Theatre was first built, the poster holders hung outside, one on each side of the door. To preserve them, the poster holders have been moved inside to the foyer and painted green and gold. If you want to learn more about the history and architecture of this Greensboro treasure, here is a great article. Hope to see you there soon!

*Beware, The Big Lebowski is rated "R" and not just for "rowdy." The language and themes are strong in this 1998 comedy written by the famous Coen brothers. 

Time for the Movies

This is a great week to go to the movies with family and friends. Brassfield Cinema, located at the corner of Battleground and New Garden Road, is one of the most reasonably-priced places to view a new release. Prices range from $3.75- $6.25. True Grit, Little Fockers, The Tourist, Gulliver's Travels anyone? Out of ten movies, surely something will be of interest. 

Just before we snapped this photograph, about a dozen young folks exited, buttoning up coats and smiling. Something good must be playing.

Third Friday @ Center City Park

Today's post was taken at Center City Park last weekend at the Third Friday event. Each month, a different organization sponsors a family-friendly movie. June's movie was The Secret Garden, sponsored by the Children's Museum. (If you are interested in the July-October offerings, check here. On that same calendar, you can find the exercise/fitness offerings on Mondays from 6:30- 7:30 at the fountain. Next up on Monday is Tai Chi). 

We are so fortunate to have a park downtown for people to enjoy. Families brought snacks, yard toys, and blankets and camped out on the lawn until the movie started. If a vendor is looking for a good business, a hula hoop cart near the hot dog stand would probably generate a lot of money.Greensboro has an unbelievable selection of free events on the calendar this summer. Spend summer outdoors. Makes these events part of your family tradition.

For this photo, we were using a wide angle lens. The buildings appear to be leaning into each other because of the camera. However, we really liked this photo because it situates the event DOWNTOWN. 

 

Carolina Theatre

We've actually been getting requests to showcase Greensboro's  Carolina Theatre. We promise to provide you with better pictures and more posts about this landmark building, specially the inside which is breathtaking. Here is our first effort!

Opening night at the Carolina Theater was hailed as quite an event and is best described on the theater's own website. The Carolina Theatre, billed as “The Showplace of the Carolinas”, opened on Halloween night in 1927, as a 2,200-seat vaudeville theater.  Mayor Paul Lindley was issued the first ticket and joined opening night crowds in exclaiming over glittering crystal chandeliers, gilded railings, marbled columns and classical statues.  The Carolina was considered to be the finest theater between Washington and Atlanta. The most monumental structure of its type ever built in Greensboro, the Carolina’s terra cotta façade resembles a Greek temple with its embellishments painted in bright blues, reds and golds."

If you live in Greensboro, you owe yourself a night out at the Carolina Theater. Their showing of old movies and the performance schedule, including the annual Community Theater of Greensboro's Wizard of Oz production, provide something of interest for everybody. Please support this Greensboro landmark!