In these harsh economic times, it is comforting to know that drinking a beer or martini can equate to helping out your fellow man, dog or tree. Short of organ donation, it’s the best job a liver can do for anyone besides you.
And it's downright patriotic. Like buying lipstick.
What? Huh?
There is a phenomenon called the Lipstick Leader Index, which notes that lipstick sales increase during stressful economic times. Look pretty, feel better. Spend money, boost the economy.
I think as the brilliant Wilmonites that we are, we have found the way to be patriotic and optimistic and self-medicating all at the same time. When we go to these events, maybe have a drink or two, we feel better. Maybe it's the good company, maybe it's the hooch, but for the most part, the mood at a charity event feels light. But there's the added benefit of knowing that you are giving money to a good cause. Turkeys for the hungry, cat food for the strays... Then you realize you are infusing money into the economy, as opposed to staying home and raking your compost pile, and you've now elevated yourself to patriot status. This makes us feel like we are accomplishing something, but we are really just enjoying a tipple.
And the nonprofits are starting to notice. I think the Wilmonites (the nightlife lovers of our fair city) are who they are after. It seems as though they are banking on us hedonists today to be the future supporters and audiences of tomorrow. They might be right, and they are using the greatest possible bait to lure us in.
Now for the events:
This week: 10/17 - Deep Blue continues their Friday Night Flights with Pdub at the switches and new chef Matt on the knives. They have specials on “flights” – a red wine flight, and one for white wine, beer and spirits plus a tapas flight – where you get a “threefer” deal on tasting portions and also discounted prices if you choose to drink or eat one of the flight items. Try the Absinthe, which is now LEGAL, although I hope if anyone is going to have a dance with the green fairy that I can be there too.
10/17 - Word from the rock n roll contingent is that this is going to be good, too: Critically acclaimed folk/rocker Matthew Ryan will be bringing the music from his hit album Matthew Ryan Vs The Silver State to the Arden Gild Hall. Born in Chester and raised in Newark, DE, Ryan has released 11 CDs since his debut in 1998 but has not played a show in Delaware in years. WXPN favorite Garrison Starr will open. Ryan’s new single “Some Streets Lead Nowhere” is featured on the September 15 episode of One Tree Hill, an episode that was also scored by Ryan. Have a listen for yourself (2 downloadable tracks): http://www.studiomlive.com/mrvss/ Tickets are available from http://www.ardenclub.com or by calling (302) 475-3126.
Thursday, October 23rd – Wilmington Jaycees’ 6th Annual Brew Review & Silent Auction. Join DJ Zip and Skinny White at Ameritage Bistro (9th & Orange Sts) Thursday, October 23 from 7-10pm for beer samplings and free hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds support a Thanksgiving Food Basket program benefiting West End Neighborhood House. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day-of. Order advanced tickets at www.wilmingtonjaycees.com. Ameritage is a cool spot. This is a nice price for a fundraiser, so if you can spare it, support your favorite DJ, a great service organization, a wonderful cause, and a downtown restaurant.
Friday, October 24th – DAYTIME:
The Delaware Humanities Forum celebrates its 35th anniversary with an all-day Symposium on the topic of “Picturing Delaware: Inside and Outside the Frame.” Philosophers, artists, photographers, historians and humanists come together to celebrate 35 years of the Humanities in Delaware. Delaware Art Museum, 9am-5:30pm. FREE www.dhf.org Wine, Chocolate, Cheese and Jazz reception to follow-$35.
Friday, October 24th –
LATER THAT NIGHT…
The Ministry of Caring Guild hosts the 2008 Party With a Purpose – Let’s Get Elegant! At the Greenville Country Club. Let’s Get Elegant! Is the follow up the to wildly successful 2007 PWP Vegas Baby, Vegas! This year PWP will complement the long standing Ministry of Caring event Eleganza and feature men’s and women’s fashions from local designers and boutiques. PWP is a celebration of everyday elegance and the casual chic lifestyle. The event will feature casino gaming, signature drinks, and the hottest music east of LA. The last PWP sold out weeks in advance, so don’t miss your chance to party with the coolest crowd in Wilmington! For additional information about the event and to purchase tickets beginning 9/19/08, go to www.partypurpose.com. Tickets are $65 and include light fare, open bar, casino chips, and 2009 membership in the Ministry of Caring Guild.
***I say this now, and you’ll regret it if you don’t listen to me: the Vegas Baby, Vegas event last year was sold out weeks in advance. $65 for open bar, casino gaming (with prizes), food and a donation to charity is a hot ticket. Plus you get to rock it out at the Greenville Country Club. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!
Friday, October 31st – Halloween at B’Prime There's a party going on at Brandywine Prime this Halloween. The centuries-old Chadds Ford Inn is said to be haunted, you know, and nothing raises the dead like dinner and dancing. Check out the preternaturally toothsome buffet – in the “spirit” of the holiday, you can rip into a whole roasted pig, or chase down the skittery critters for your very own crab cake, or enjoy the rarest of prime rib. What’s in those Monster Mashed potatoes? Only Michael “The Mask” Majewski knows. Wear a spooky costume so the other zombies don’t notice when you shuffle and slide Thriller – style with the rest of the creatures, as un-dead DJ Zip mixes familiar spooky tunes with underground house music dirges. Buffet from 4-10pm. $25 open bar from 9 to midnight. Party til you fall down dead. No cover. http://www.brandywineprime.com/ Rtes 1 & 100, 1617 Baltimore Pike (610) 388-8088
Saturday, November 1st -- FIRST~ Head to the Downtown Fall Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the LOMA Design District (2nd to 6th Streets) on Market Street and beyond will be hopping with family-friendly fall activities! The free event will feature apple bobbing; hay mazes; frozen turkey bowling; live entertainers and other fall activities. As you take the hayride up Market Street you will see the Delaware Historical Society’s fire truck display as well as several fire safety activities. And The Grand Opera House turns into the Haunted Opera House with scary rooms, safe treats, and live entertainment. To learn more, visit www.downtownwilmington.com.
LATER ~ Theatre N at Nemours presents the silent classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Enjoy this classic silent film from 1920 with music and sound effects by Devil Music Ensemble. It'll scare you right out of your seat! Pre-party at Deep Blue Bar & Grill from 6-8pm and don’t forget to ask for the special bubbling cocktail--"Mr. Hyde's Potion" Tickets are $10. One show only!
A couple of other highlights below:
10/15 – 11/2 – Delaware Theatre Company opens its 30th Season with Athol Fugard’s “MASTER HAROLD”...and the Boys, the semi-autobiographical drama about coming-of-age in the age of apartheid. Runs October 15 – November 2, 2008 Tickets are $33-$47 and may be purchased by calling the DTC Box Office at 302.594.1100 or online at www.delawaretheatre.org.
BEFORE YOU GO ON THE LOOP: Sat, Oct 25th ~ Spend a fall day outside with your pooch, on the grounds of the Twin Lakes Brewery for the Faithful Friends Fall Festival for the Animals. Take a brewery tour, check out pet-centric and non-pet-centric goodies that local vendors will have there, nosh on festival food and sip on the wine and beer that will be available for tasting. If you’ve been out in Wilmington recently, you’ve probably tried the Rt. 52 Pilsner or the Greenville Pale Ale from Twin Lakes. On their brewery tour, try their other brews, including the Tweeds Tavern Stout and Caesar Rodney Golden Ale. There will also be live music happening all day. More info: www.festivalfortheanimals.com Time: Noon-4 p.m. Admission: $20 ALSO
BEFORE THE LOOP: Sat, Oct 25th ~ Goodwill Live at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park 1-8pm. This family-friendly event will feature live music including Love Seed Mama Jump, Plastic Parts, Ange&Ris, and the Gritzz. The goal of the event is to advocate and facilitate continuous learning through the Goodwill Scholarship Fund. For more info visit www.goodwilllive.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids
Thurs, Oct 30th ~ Hollywood Halloween Cocktail Party. Join Caffé Gelato, Out & About magazine, Bud Light, and Vampire Vodka and Wines for a costumed evening of fun. Dress up as your favorite actor, sports star, socialite, or celebrity, and remember, great costumes win great prizes! VIP pre-party tickets available as well. All tickets include dinner stations with choices like Potato gnocchi served with sautéed pancetta and baby arugula in a brie and green apple cream sauces, and sesame seared tuna bites over a baby bok choy slaw, as well as Vampire and Bud Light drinks. 9-1am at Caffé Gelato $39/Person, $49/VIP Reception at 8:15
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