The first week of the month means it’s time for the Bloomington Gallery Walk, an art exhibit this month at Indiana University’s Maxwell Gallery and a screening of Untied Tongues. Upland Brewing features Josie and the Pussycats and comedian Matt Braunger for the weekend. Cyclists may want to attend a fundraiser Saturday at Switchyard Park, and the Bloomington Jazz Orchestra will add big band music midweek.
Untied Tongues Film About Black Gays and Art Exhibit at Maxwell Hall
Friday at 7 p.m. in the upcoming preview, which is part of the august gallery walk, black gay men reveal their thoughts on homophobia, marginalization and racism. Filmmaker Marlon Riggs’ 1989 Untied Tongues is produced by Indiana University’s Arts and Humanities Council with the Black Film Center and Archives and the Kinsey Institute.
Before that, Tom Fox’s photography exhibition will be open for viewing from 5-7pm. Maxwell Hall is located on the IU campus at 750 E. Kirkwood Ave. Visit https://artsandhumanities.indiana.edu/for-students/maxwell-hall.html.
August’s gallery walk includes “Fun Explorations: Into the Realm of Glass”
August Gallery Walk will be held on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at various Bloomington galleries. For more information on participating galleries, visit gallerywalkbloomington.com.
This month’s By Hand gallery exhibition runs from Friday to August 28, with Friday 5-8pm. will host the opening reception for Evocative Explorations: in the Realm of Glass. Narrative glass works by Anne Simon, Christy Weezer, Frank Lewis and Michal Ann Carley will be on display at By Hand Gallery, Fountain Square Mall, 101 W. Kirkwood Ave., Suite 109. By Hand Gallery is a local cooperative gallery with 12 artisan members. In addition to members, more than 70 other artists sell their work in the gallery.
Matt Braunger is back at the Comedy Attic.
Actor, writer and stand-up comedian Matt Braunger, known for recurring roles on ABC’s “Agent Carter,” NBC’s “Up All Night” and Netflix’s “Disjointed,” will appear at the Comedy Loft on Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost $15-$20. Visit comedyattic.com/shows/181581. Catch him on Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:15 p.m. The Comedy Attic, 123 S. Walnut St., for $15-$20.
An outdoor rock movie for all at Upland.
No one believed in three small-town girls who wanted to become rock stars. Then the 4/4 beat, reporters and lipstick went crazy. Catch an all-ages outdoor screening of Josie and the Pussycats on Friday at 9pm. Upland Brewery, 350 W. 11th St. The cost is $7. Feel even better because all proceeds benefit Girls’ Rock Camp, a rock ‘n’ roll summer camp and after-school program for girls, non-binary youth ages 8-14 based in Bloomington.
The rain date is Friday, August 12th at the Upland Wood Shop next door, which is 21+.
Bike 4 Fitness takes place on Saturday at Switchyard Park
The second annual Dr. The Wrasse Memorial Bike 4 Fitness event will start at 10am on Saturday. at Switchyard Park Outdoor Stage Area, 1601 S. Rogers St. Registration opens at 9 am. The event commemorates one of Bloomington’s pediatricians and is a bike version of Hoosiers Beat Cancer, with proceeds benefiting the Riley Children’s Fund-Bloomington. To learn more, go to 4drwrasse.com or bike4fitness.com.
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Toasted Coclunt Rum Luau in Hard Truth
Just a short drive from Bloomington is Nashville-based Hard Truth Distilling Co., where the second Toasted Coconut Rum Luau celebrated the end of summer with Hawaiian-themed food, drinks and music. The ticketed event starts at 6pm on Saturday. and includes live music, a buffet, a fire show, tropical cocktails and a photo booth. Live music and performances will take place from 7-10pm and will include The Electric Martinis and a fire show. Luau tickets are $10 per person. Self-serve tickets are additional and cost $29.95 for ages 13 and up and $16.95 for ages 12 and under. For more information, visit visithardtruth.com/event/hard-truth-luau/.
Take a look at 1940s Morocco and Casablanca the old fashioned way
Some say radio plays are the best way to absorb a good story. As your brain paints the scenes and fills in the characters, the fog, the kisses, and the boat ride live inside you for a while. Experience Casablanca: Live Retro Radio Show (based on the 1942 film) 7:30-9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at the Brown County Playhouse, 70 S. Van Buren St., Nashville, for $10. You’ll soon believe that 1940s Morocco has come to Brown County as you enjoy the romantic heroics, entertaining cast and playful dialogue.
Jazz band at the Blockhouse bar
On Wednesday, Aug. 10, the Bloomington Jazz Orchestra will perform two sets at the Blockhouse Bar, 205 S. College Ave. The 18-piece band will play classic big band music from Count Basie, Woody Herman, Al Cobine and more for two sets. 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students for 21+ shows. Proof of vaccination required.