TheSunNews.com: Entertainment

Vineyard offers concert, tour

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:48 EST

La Belle Amie Vineyard hosts the New Wine Harvest Festival featuring music by the Andrew Thielen Band, a vineyard tour, food and more. Call 399-9463 for more information.

When | Noon-5 p.m.

Where | La Belle Amie Vineyard, off S.C. 90, North Myrtle Beach

Vampire flick sets midnight record

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:53 EST

"The Twilight Saga: New Moon" has set a box-office record for midnight screenings.

Summit Entertainment estimated Friday that it earned $26.3 million after opening early in the morning.

That would topple the previous midnight record, held by "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." It earned $22.2 million this year. "The Dark Knight" from 2008 is third with $18.5 million.

S.C. Bluegrass State Festival in Myrtle Beach | Schedule of performances

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:50 EST

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the S.C. Bluegrass State Festival in Myrtle Beach, kicking off Thursday for three full days of music at the city Convention Center.

Participants say the affair provides a reunion of friends from a family built around their shared loved of plucking strings.

Haven't missed many fests

Croissants offers taste at every meal

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:52 EST

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all dynamite at Croissants Bistro & Bakery.

Everything from stone-ground yellow grits to oven-roasted rack of lamb are on the menu of what is arguably one of the most popular, locally owned eateries in Myrtle Beach. The service is consistently good, and the food is satisfying.

Breakfast at Croissants offers handfuls of Southern flavor and a bit of Northern intrigue. The omelets are fluffy, with just the right touch of butter and whatever good stuff you pick to have inside. Croissants offers several options, including ham and cheese, seaside (with shrimp and boursin cheese) and Norwegian (with salmon, pickled onions, cream cheese and capers).

Sounds like Christmas with Patty

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:52 EST

The Palace Theatre continues its "Christmastime" show featuring Christian artist Sandi Patty tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. Patty, a Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, has won five Grammy Awards and 39 Dove Awards during her 30 years plus in the industry.

"I grew up in the church, and my dad was a minister of music," Patty said. "In high school, I traveled and did concerts in different churches throughout the country. Who knew that would be great training ground."

After high school, Patty attended college to earn a music education degree. Eventually doors began to open, and what started out as a hobby became a professional career.

Sister bands, two distinct sounds

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:52 EST

Pat Downes may not be one of the most recognizable names or faces in the music industry.

But he continues to bank on the fact that the music his primary group covers will always draw a crowd.

Downes, the lead singer of "Badfish, A Tribute to Sublime" brings his crew to House of Blues for a Saturday show in which his sister band, "Scotty Don't," will also play. To some, the set-up of the two bands is somewhat confusing.

Myrtle Beach area nightlife calendar

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:49 EST

Friday November 20

2001 Nightclub

920 Lake Arrowhead Road, Myrtle Beach. TKO in Razzies and DJ Elliott in Club Touch, 8 p.m. Variety. $10, Ladies free until 9:30, Cardholders Free.

Arts calendar for Myrtle Beach area

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:52 EST

AN AFTERNOON WITH THE ARTS will be Sunday from 1:30-4 p.m. at Filet's, Harbourgate Marina, North Myrtle Beach. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 504-4422.

APPLEWOOD PANCAKE HOUSE, 14361 Ocean Highway, Litchfield. The Seacoast Artist Guild Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and features work by area artists. All art is for sale. The Seacoast Artist Guild 6th annual Fall Judged Show will be on display through Sunday at the Litchfield Exchange. 357-2626 or www.seacoastartistguild.com.

AT THE HOUSE, 4764 Main St., Shallotte, N.C., hosts Monday night Shag dancing at 7 p.m. Free. 910-754-8555.

Tree Lightings in Myrtle Beach area

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:52 EST

Tree lightings

Barefoot Landing, 4898 U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach, hosts the Lighting of the Landing tonight at 7 p.m. featuring music, decorations, an appearance by Santa and more. 272-8349.

The Market Common, Myrtle Beach, hosts the second annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 27 from 5-6:30 p.m. featuring entertainment, carriage rides and photos with Santa. 839-3500.

DVD releases this week

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:51 EST

NOV. 24

Angels & Demons

Four Christmases

Mayer aims to make his music rise above fame

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:12 EST

If you're engrossed in the tabloid Internet-gossip that has come to define the celebrity world, then John Mayer's latest CD, "Battle Studies," could provide enough fodder to fill at least a dozen Perez Hilton blog posts or at least one story in Us Weekly.

The single, "Heartbreak Warfare," already has some speculating on its subject with lyrics like: "If you want more love, why don't you say so?... Bombs are falling everywhere, heartbreak warfare."

Hmmm ... could that be a message to a certain famous "friend" whom he's been linked with on and off for the last two years? A look into the much-dissected love life of one of music's hottest hunks?

New this week in theaters

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:51 EST

New This Week:

The Twilight Saga: New Moon | Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she wants to become part of, only to find herself in greater trouble than ever before. Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre and Billy Burke. PG-13. Theaters: CC RT CM BR16 IS C12

The Blind Side | A homeless teenager is taken in by Leigh Anne Tuohy and her husband, Sean. With help from his new-found family, tutors and coaches, he realizes his potential as a student and football player. Starring Sandra Bullock, Kathy Bates, Tim McGraw and Quinton Aaron. PG-13. Theaters: CC RT CM IS C12

Kicks! Picks for this week

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:50 EST

'Twilight'-theme event

South Carolina Twilight Moms host a New Moon Extravaganza Charity Event with proceeds benefitting Alex's Lemonade Stand from 1-5 p.m. at Revolutions nightclub, 1320 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The fundraiser features a concert, pick-a-prize auction, "Twilight" and "New Moon" trivia game, food and more. 461-0464. See Pages 11-12 for a list of where you can catch a screening of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which opens in theaters today.

Tough mom lifts up son

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:52 EST

Uplifting. Heartwarming. Schmaltzy but effective. Watching "The Blind Side," I felt my emotions being stage-managed, but once or twice I got something in my eye. It's inspired by a feel-good true story of interracial adoption and gridiron glory. The project could have been designed by scientists synthesizing the crowd-pleasing-movie genome. Bullock + football + Kumbaya = Ka-ching!

Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a steel magnolia whose conservative certitude and indomitable willpower make Sarah Palin look lily-livered. The highway department has bulldozers that are not as pushy. Her husband, Sean (Tim McGraw), owns scores of fast food franchises, her daughter and son go to Memphis' swankiest Christian prep school, and she has a decorating business and country club luncheons to fill her idle hours.

Perhaps her take-charge ego needs a new challenge. For whatever reason, when she sees a black teen walking along a dark roadway, she orders him into her car and takes him home for a sleepover. When she learns that the boy, Michael Oher, has nowhere to live, she gives him a permanent home in her McMansion. The Tuohys are the sort of family that would fight a tax hike for idealistic social programs, but see their Christian duty to do right by Michael. Films don't show us compassionate conservatives like this very often, and I was happy to meet them.

Supermodel taken to woodshed

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:33 EST

Eating disorder experts criticized Kate Moss on Thursday after the supermodel cited as her motto a phrase used on Web sites that encourage girls to avoid eating.

In an interview with the fashion Web site WWD, Moss said one of her mottos was "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."

The same slogan is posted on Web sites encouraging girls not to eat.

West Brunswick presents 'Fame'

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:33 EST

The West Brunswick High School Theatre presents "Fame," which features a group of students who enter New York's High School for the Performing Arts. Call 910-754-4338, ext. 1124, for more information.

When | 4 and 7:30 p.m.

Where | West Brunswick High School, 550 Whiteville Road, Shallotte, N.C.

Smiley brings show to Strand

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:06 EST

Nationally known comedian Rickey Smiley performs his trademark characters tonight. Smiley is a syndicated radio host and has been featured on "Showtime at the Apollo" and HBO's "Def Comedy Jam." Call 457-5308 or 399-6142 for more information.

When | 8 p.m.

Where | Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach

Depp rates 'Sexiest Man' title, again

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:06 EST

Get lost, Hugh Jackman. This year's "Sexiest Man Alive" is once again Johnny Depp.

Depp nudged aside Jackman to get the coveted endorsement from People magazine Wednesday. It's the 46-year-old actor's second time as "Sexiest Man Alive." He also won in 2003.

Kate Coyne, senior editor at People, said on CBS' "Early Show" that Depp has achieved an almost "iconic status in terms of sexiness."

Learn how to ballroom dance

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:06 EST

USA Grand Strand Chapter 6024 sponsors ballroom dance classes with Coastal Carolina University Professor Jerry Fouts. The intermediate class features instruction in a variety of American and Latin dances including tango and other popular dances, and the beginners class features waltz, fox-trot, cha-cha and swing. Pre-registration is not required. Call 283-0007 or 602-7197, or visit www.usadancegrandstrand.org.

When | 7 p.m. intermediate class, 8 p.m. beginners class

Where | Grand Strand Senior Center, 1268 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach (entry from right side of the building)

Elton John recovers for fundraiser

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:06 EST

Elton John says he's back on his feet after being sidelined for the flu and an E. coli bacterial infection.

The entertainer spoke about his recovery before Monday's annual benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which honored former President Clinton and Sharon Stone among others.

"The worst thing about being in the hospital was that, actually, it's the first time I've been in bed for about nine days in the whole of my life, except for maybe when I had my tonsils out," he said. "So, I was all right. I had a good rest; I didn't expect it. The worst thing was having to cancel shows. I hate that. But I'm back on my feet, and I'm bouncing around now."