Highlights

Road Trip

Batesville’s not an easy drive, but for the Ozark Foothills FilmFest Wednesday through March 28 it’s worth the trip. On March 26 a number of NWA documentary filmmakers will show their short films. “Dogpatch USA” by Dixie Kline and Matthew Rowe is about the defunct theme park and addresses the debate about the state’s hillbilly image. W. Brian Petty’s film “Finders Keepers” is about the Crater of Diamonds State Park and is narrated by Sen. David Pryor. “Knocked Out” by Jesse Abdenour and Tony Cosgrove looks at aging boxers who continue to take the ring. Fayetteville experimental filmmaker Sarah K. Moore will also show her work. Moore uses layered imagery and sounds with traditional and non-traditional animation. She will show her shorts “Birthday” (10 min.) and “Before” (5 min.).

On March 27-28 the festival schedule is packed with more short films as well as feature length films. March 27 Les Blank will be at the festival for the screening of his Cajun music films “J’ai Ete Au Bal” and “Marc and Ann.” March 28 highlights include a showcase of new French films.

For a complete schedule go to www.ozarkfoothills filmfest.org

From String Metal to Flat Picking

There’s lots of good music in town this week. Performing Saturday night at The Goddess Festival, 1 E. Center St. on the Fayetteville Square will be Strange Heroes, Kahula Gypsy Band, Candy Lee and Darlene.

On Monday night at Smoke & Barrell, check out Seattle’s Brent Amaker and the Rodeo. Amaker’s “monster mash” vocals and the band’s hard country show-delivered in the spirit of Devo-will fit well in the whiskey bar, since the group sometimes stages a “Whiskey Baptism.” B.A.R doesn’t just get up and play their songs. They’re unquestionably guilty of stealing pages from James Brown’s showbook. And, what band do you know that has their own comic book? The soon to be released pub was written by grindcore filmmaker Jay Cynik and illustrated by Simon Young. Mescal de la Muerte, will feature highlights of the band’s tour escapades. B.A.R has gained some national exposure after appearing in Showtime’s “Californication” and in Cynik’s slasher film “Punch.” Be ready for a wild night.

If you’re looking for something not quite as raucous, head to George’s on Monday night for four fab indie bands. Idaho’s Finn Riggins will be joined by local outfits Hosta, Cntl+Alt+Del and Where’s Lawrence.

For something different, don’t miss Judgement Day. You’ll be asking yourself ‘How do three guys put out something like this?’ The experimental Bay Area trio calls their music “string metal” and they’ll be shaking the stage Tuesday night at George’s. The group is Lewis Patzner (cello), Anton Patzner (violin) and Jon Bush (drums). No, guitar? No guitar, but you won’t miss it. The minor keyed mélange goes from lush orchestral strings to driving rhythms and melodic thrash. The music has been described as “sci-fi soundtrack meets metal-mania.”

On Wednesday night, North Carolina singer songwriter and Kerrville New Folk winner Jonathan Byrd will take the stage at the Greenhouse Grille. Sharing the bill will be NWA’s Tiffany Christopher.

Folk music fans, won’t want to miss Scotland’s Sara Grey and Kieron Means in a free concert at 7:30 p.m. today at the University of Arkansas. The show will be in the auditorium of the Home Economic building just north of Mullins Library.

Award winning flat picker Steve Kaufman will be at GoodFolk on Saturday night. Kaufman will also be doing a guitar workshop while he’s in town.