January 24, 2011
Beatles Memorabilia Museum, Buenos Aires, Argentina, open now
Diehard Lennon fans have nothing on Rodolfo Vazquez. The Beatles aficionado has proved his loyalty to the mop-topped foursome by opening a museum in, of all places, Argentina, nearly 7,000 miles from the boys” hometown of Liverpool. Vazquez has been collecting his curios for four decades, and he’s bought nearly 8,500 items, including a brick from their early hangout The Cavern Club and 64 boxes of Beatles chewing gum. Scoff all you want, but he”ll probably be laughing all the way to retirement”and collecting entrance fees for the some 2,000 guests who”ve already taken a peek at his wide-ranging private collection. And for Beatlemaniacs who want to celebrate their love of the rock band, Vazquez plans a “Beatle Week” each year.
The Australia Day Regatta, Sydney Harbour, Australia, January 26
Remember when Europeans set sail and conquered the little island of Australia? No? Ah, well, it was quite a long time ago, but that’s why the Australia Day Regatta takes place, to remind you of the white man’s colonization of the land belonging to aboriginal inhabitants. The sailing adventure is the oldest continuously-conducted sailing regatta in the world. Usually at least 700 yachts and vessels take to the water, but this year, at least one is more susceptible to spring a leak. The Weene, one of the continent’s oldest wooden ships, will try to float its 100-year-old racer self across the finish line in front of the cheering crowds.
Mission Bell
It’s a rare day when an artist regularly played at Starbucks actually warrants a spot on your own iPod, but Amos Lee has been churning out his blues-inflected soul music for years”and his fourth full-length album is no disappointment. Produced by the musical talents behind Calexico, Mission Bell is another hip-swaying masterpiece. On “Windows Are Rolled Down,” the album’s first single, Lee wails that he’s “fixin” to die” yet there’s a twinge of joyfulness and hope swimming alongside those strumming guitars. Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, and Sam Beam of Iron & Wine drop by for a few notable tracks. Williams is in fine form on the slow burning ode “Clear Blue Eyes.” Pick up Lee’s latest Mission, in stores on Tuesday.
Silencing the Song: An Afghan Fallen Star, HBO, January 26
It’s doubtful this season of American Idol will spark an international crisis, but its Afghanistan reality-TV counterpart Afghan Star got in hot water last year for the supposedly provocative actions of a singer. Setara Hussainzada challenged gender norms by appearing on the show, where, much to the shock of viewers, she swayed to music. Naturally, female audiences loved her. But when Setara was booted off the show, her scarf fell off, accidentally letting her hair show on air and inciting widespread controversy in the country steeped in tradition. One detractor in the trailer even said she “deserves to be killed.” Well, consider this documentary her official response. Afghan Star‘s director follows Setara during a difficult pregnancy and throughout her new role as a wife. “When you are not married you can do anything you want,” said Setara. Peering through the lens of reality TV is a challenging, interesting way to look at life in the post-Taliban regime. You”ll find yourself rooting for Setara once again.
Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, January 25
Baby, it’s cold outside. Warm yourself up at Europe’s largest fire festival taking place this week. It’s quite the presentation, with thousands of participants dressing up as Vikings for the occasion. Leaders named Guizer Jarls are elected and don silver helmets and brandish shields, daggers, and axes. A torch-filled march and visit to the Shetland Museum and the Town Hall ends in, basically, a big party with lots of dancing. Oh, and a ritualistic burning of a Viking ship. The whole thing’s done in the name of history”we think”but any excuse will do to drink the night away and set fire to a giant galley.
