Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
42ND ANNUAL BIMBÉ CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL: 1969: The Supreme Court orders schools desegregated. Aretha’s “Respect” sits atop the charts. And the Bull City’s celebrated Bimbé Cultural Arts Fest is born. 42-years-later, join a host of homegrown and national talents and 12,000 of your neighbors for the ever-growing funk fest at CCB Plaza. Visit durhamnc.gov for schedule of events. When: May 14, 12 - 8 p.m. free. Pre-fest related events start May 10-13. More info
HAIR: Free love and psychedelic drugs sounds like a pretty fun way to spread the love. It’s also a good way to spread VD. So defines the 1967 Summer of Love sexual revolution, spanning in all its mystic euphoria from the intersection of Haight-Ashbury in San Fran to the streets of Manhattan. Trip back to the Age of Aquarius and cop a squat at DPAC for the Tony Award-winning, no-holds-barred “best musical revival” — including the infamous 20-second nudity scene. Generally, if nothing else, people are having a good time when there’s some naked. And, remember … likely, without that Summer of Love, a good many of us wouldn’t be here. When: May 10-15, times vary, $20 and up. More info
SUMMER SUSHI TASTING KICK-OFF PARTY: Stealth US military victory, bin Laden’s death, Trump’s idiocy and Elton John’s attempt to “breast feed” his boo by having mother’s milk FedExed to his home may have stolen the spotlight, but Japan is by no means healed. So give a nod to Asian culture while you eat good and play outside for the kick-off of this year’s ZSpot-and-Mura monthly summer outdoor party. If you can’t use your hands to rebuild Japan, you might as well let Harajuku girls greet you on the red carpet before you park it at the patio-bar, bang your head to DJ Proto J and eat with your hands. Make sure you drink enough to up that optional donation and get you creative enough for that paper origami-crane making. Just don’t throw so many back you think you can dance. Dollars will be doled to Japanese Red Cross. When: May 12, 9 p.m. - midnight. Tickets in advance: $7, party entry; $10, party and food; $100, VIP Table. At the door: $10, party entry; $15, party and food. More info
STRAWBERRY JAMBOREE: Wait. Maybe you really can* live in strawberry fields forever. Well, at least in strawberry season in the Piedmont. On the heels of last week’s ripe Bull City berry fest, Carrboro crops up some strawberry shenanigans with this fruity fete. So plant yourself at the Carrboro farmers market and suck on some field-fresh strawberries. And homemade whipped cream. And baker’s cakes. And shortcake desserts. And… ok, ok, I’ll stop. But set your alarm. It’s 8 a.m. until the berries run out. When: May 14, starting at 8 a.m. - until. More info
MOTHER LOAD: Who knew that breastfeeding required consultation? Or that getting a tot into preschool could seem harder than getting into Harvard. But if you’ve been to the playground in two-day-old yoga pants smudged with toddler tantrum, or found yourself cutting chicken nuggets into animal shapes, or debating the merits of organic baby food, then you know. Modern mommyhood is messy. But it’s also hilarious. So says the one-woman-show staged by Amy Wilson — mom of three under-the-age-of-five, author of “When Did I Get Like This?” and actress (“Norm,” “Ed,” “Law and Order,” “Felicity,” Broadway appearances, etc.) — finding the “momedy” at the frontlines of motherhood to rave reviews. When: May 14, 8 p.m. Carolina Theatre. $28 | $38. Member and group: $24 | $32. More info
