1) Visiting Filmmaker Screens Award-Winning Documentary Oct. 1 at Appalachian
Industrial hemp, healthy houses and greener furniture for America are the topics of filmmaker Linda Booker’s latest documentary “Bringing it Home.” Booker will screen her film at Appalachian State University at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in room 114 in the Belk Library and Information Commons. The event is free and open to the public. See clips from the movie and learn more at www.bringingithomethemovie.com. For more information, contact Tom Hansell at University Documentary Film Services at 828-262-7733 or hansellts@appstate.edu. “Bringing it Home” tells the story of a father’s search to find the healthiest building materials to protect his family from illness. His search leads to the construction of the nation’s first hemp house. Hemp is a non-toxic, energy-efficient, mildew, fire and pest resistant building material. The drawback: industrial hemp is currently illegal to farm in the United States. Industrial hemp is a non-psychoactive plant, grown in 31 other countries, that is used to make thousands of sustainable products. It offers solutions for global warming, nutrition, poverty and deforestation. Here in the U.S., hemp could be a money-making crop for farmers and create jobs. But why can’t we grow it here? “Bringing it Home” tells the story of hemp: past, present and future and a global industry that includes textiles, building materials, food products, bio-plastics, auto parts and more. Booker has directed a number of award-winning documentaries. Her 2008 film, “Love Lived on Death Row” tells the powerful story of four siblings finding forgiveness for their father facing execution for the 1990 murder of their mother. The documentary screened at the New Orleans Film Festival, Cucalorus Film Festival, Little Rock Film Festival and numerous other film festivals, universities and community screenings in the U.S. and abroad.She is the recipient of the grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for a North Carolina screening tour of the film.
2) Catherine J. Smith Gallery Presents “Pattern of Man” by Jeff Whetstone
Catherine J. Smith Gallery at Appalachian State University presents “Pattern of Man,” an exhibition of photographs by Jeff Whetstone. “Pattern of Man” is curated by Jody Servon and will be on view through Oct. 11. This is the first exhibition organized by the gallery in the newly renovated Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during special events. For more information, call 828-262-7339 or visit www.art.appstate.edu/cjs. The exhibition title “Pattern of Man” is a reference to James Still’s short story “Pattern of a Man.” Whetstone feels akin to how Still documents culture through personal fiction. In addition, the title is a reference to the intricate and dense patterning occurring in our environment, whether manmade or naturally occuring. A reception for the artist will be held Thursday, Sept. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the gallery. It is free and open to the public. “Pattern of Man” is comprised of 23 large-scale black and white photographs spanning 1992 to 2013. Whetstone has traveled the United States extensively making photographs of nature and human interventions in the landscape. His photography refracts the history and narratives of Appalachia as well as references his experiences in the landscape. Images in the exhibition were made in locations including the Appalachian Mountains, Utah, Kentucky, Nebraska, New York and Connecticut.
3) Appalachian’s Steely Pan Band Performs Sept. 27
Pop, original compositions and traditional calypso mysic will be showcased during a Sept. 27 performance by the Hayes School of Music’s Steely Pan Steel Band. The 8 p.m. performance will be in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts at Appalachian State University. Admission is $8. Tickets are availble at the center’s box office and at the door. Tickets are also available online. The 23-member band is directed by Dr. Scott Meister. The band will perform traditional music from Panorama, the traditional festival for steel pan held during Carnival in Trinidad. The program includes “Whey De Pan Pan” and “Glory” transcribed by Meister from a Trinidad Steel Band recording. “Hey Soul Sister” by train will feature sophomore Jonathan Sale on ukulele. The band will also play a calypso version of “Paglacci” from the opera of the same name. New on the program will be “Mambo” written by Dr. Jeff Jones, a former student of Meister who now teaches at Sweet Briar College. Jones was the first graduate to receive a Masters of Music in steel drums from Appalachian.
4) David Shore Benefit on Sunday, Sept. 22
On Sunday, Sept. 22, there will be a benefit for Watauga native David Shore featuring food, music, fellowship and a silent auction. Music will be provided by the Harris Brothers, the Buck Haggard Band, Diana and Sarvis Ridge, The Ellision Branch Quartet and Andy Ferrell. David Shore is a Watauga Native, who suffered from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. A chronic, devastating and ultimately fatal disease without transplant. David received a double lung and liver transplant. The proceeds from this event will be given to David to help with his medical needs. Donations may be made to the David Shore Special Account at the State Employees Credit Union in Boone.