Highlights for March 22-29

Markham Hill CD release party, Steve Smith and Hard Road, and A new script: In Search of Gog

In Search of Gog
The first public reading of a new script “In Search of Gog” will take place at 6:30 p.m. March 29 at the Fayetteville Public Library. Written by award winning film writer and Golden Globe nominee Bob Emenegger. “In Search of Gog” was adapted from “Willoughby“ an original script by Emeneggger that was first optioned by Universal Artists studios and later by Campbell, Silver, Cosby. Most studios were puzzled by the script and considered Gog “too far out“ for the time. But time has caught up with the Gog.
“In Search of Gog” is the story of young, man who asks impossible questions and ponders the unknown: “Why are we here?” “Is life a tale told by an idiot?” “Everyone talks about God and quotes him, but no one has ever seen him.”
Looking for answers the young man bugs his parents, teachers, therapists, preachers and even a gypsy fortune teller, yet no one really knows the answers, including, finally God himself. The reading will reveal what the young man finally discovers.
Those who have ever pondered questions like these are sure to get more than a laugh from the reading. Emenegger says that Gog is dedicated to all who are deeply puzzled by the meaning of life.
The cast includes Lyell Thompson as the host, Tamara Boettcher, Marius Brok, Damien Fischer, David Early, Harry McDermott, Colleen Pancake and Hahash ha’Rames who is cast as the owner of the “Church of Non Believers and Mortuary.” The reading is produced by Colleen Pancake and Jon Carlson.
Markham Hill CD release party
Fayetteville rockers Markham Hill will hold a CD release party Tuesday night at George’s. The band has been together since 2004 and the new self-titled CD is the group’s first album. The band, which holds a NAMA for Best Rock Band, is made up of Joey Murphy and Justin Reid on guitars and vocals, Jason Young on bass and Michael Young on percussion and vocals. Although the band primarily does their own originals, don’t be surprised by a bit of Zeppelin or even some Markham Hill renditions of Merle Haggard and George Gershwin tunes. It’s good old fashioned rock and roll—think ‘60s and ‘70s bands like Mountain— that migrates occasionally into psychedelia and metal.
Steve Smith and Hard Road
Mike Shirkey at GoodFolk house concerts is hosting another big group this week that will fill the old Victorian house with a full sound. New Mexico mandolin master and guitarist Steve Smith will bring his five piece outfit, Hard Road, to Fayetteville for a one night show this Saturday night at 8. Smith is also an educator, composer and an actor. He has written work that ranges from bluegrass and jazz to Celtic and New Age. He toured with the Harry Chapin musical “Cotton Patch Gospel,” appeared in the Off-Broadway production of “The Robber Bridegroom” and in the film “Via Con Dios.” Hard Road is made up of Wayne Shrubsall, banjo; Steve Smith, mandolin, mandola, guitar; Bob Hull, guitar: Eli Copeland, bass: and Chris Smith, vocals, with the entire band chipping in on vocals as well. Tickets are $15 by calling 521-1812 or at the door.