MOVIE: BELFAST
Kenneth Branagh writes and directs a love letter to his hometown in his latest movie "Belfast." The film, shot almost entirely in black and white, focuses on Northern Ireland's civil war known as "The Troubles," a bleak time from 1969 to the late 90s. At the heart of the movie is nine-year-old Buddy, a wee lad whose family is being torn apart by the conflict. Actor Jude Hall who plays Buddy steals every scene and this character is portraying the life of a young Branagh. His parents are brilliantly played by Jamie Dornan and Catriona Balfe. The end scene says it all: "The film made for the ones who stayed. For the ones who left. For the ones we lost." Branagh is wearing his wistful heart on his sleeve here. Belfast, my favorite film of the year will tug at your heart and leave you wanting more! Now playing in Bay Area theatres.
COMEDY: SHAME THE DEVIL WITH CHE
SNL star Michael Che unleashes a new comedy special on Netflix. "Shame The Devil" speaks to truth, the truth according to Che. Nothing is off limits with Che tackling all manner of topics including American patriotism, Black leadership, jealous exes, mental health and more. Filmed in Oakland earlier this year, Che is quite brilliant here and rather funny...sorry "hella" funny!
FUNDRAISER: AUTHORS LUNCHEON
Join me as I host the National Kidney Foundation's 33rd Annual Authors Luncheon on Saturday 12 p.m. Special appearance by Michael Krasney (PBS) and a lineup of impressive authors including: Amor Towles, Walter Moseley, Mary Roach and Elizabeth Strout. Log on and give to a cause near and dear.
FESTIVAL: HARVEST FESTIVAL
Enjoy all the fun and crafts of the fair in San Mateo at the Harvest Festival. Local crafts people offer their wares for the home and the holidays. There's also a kids zone for the wee ones and food for the whole family. Be there Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LGBTQ: CELEBRATING LEGENDS
Bay Area LQBTQ+ heroes are being celebrated tonight on the Legends Awards at The Academy and Swedish American Hall on Market St. Standing on the shoulders of the likes of Harvey Milk and disco star Sylvester, this annual event honors significant people in the community. The Academy Legends Archive is proud to honor Dr. Tim Seelig, Artistic Director and Conductor of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus and the National LGBTQ Center for the Arts, as well as our amazing community awards recipients. Local legends Donna Sachet and Sister Roma host with yours truly in the mix.
IMBIBE: COMSTOCK SALOON
Pop into Comstock Saloon and step back in time to old San Francisco where knockout cocktails, conviviality and good pub grub are the order of the day. Though the vibe is old school with live jazz most nights, the modern crafted cocktails remind you we are in more current times. Jonny Raglin is the owner but humble Jonny will always say the cocktails are the stars and they are! Chef Ian Begg oversees the kitchen with heart, passion and flair. Every Friday there is a complimentary lunch item when you order two cocktails or more. On my recent visit I enjoyed: Sweet onion soubise with manchego fondue, and grilled acme bread. Yes it was all kinds of yummy.
TV SPECIAL: ADELE
British pop siren Adele speaks to Oprah Winfrey about her music and shifting tide in her life that inspired a new album of songs. The new record "30" is due out next week and yes it's true to form heart-tugging, pitch perfect Adele. The special that's both interview and concert airs Sunday at 8 p.m. on CBS.
Liam's List premieres Fridays on KPIX and is also available to download in a podcast via iTunes. Please email ideas to me at liam@liammayclemproductions.com.
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