Hoodlums Music and Movies

We do what we can to provide free entertainment and quality art for our community.  Read on and see what is going on with the hoodlums at Hoodlums.

Meet the cast of Probed: signals at Hoodlums

First there were was the web.  Then weblogs.  Now we watch webisodes.

That’s right, Hoodlums Music and Movies, in a continued effort to stay involved with the film side of the Valley’s creative spirit (and to make things up as we go) is hosting a little “meet and greet”  local director Joel Cranston and the crew of the new original sci-fi Web Series, Probed: signals.

The series takes place in Phoenix and follows the exploits of a curious teenager who’s interest in UFO’s was set off by the Phoenix Lights phenomenon (that you may have actually witnessed).

The Story (from the website)

There are signals everywhere. Our planet is covered with TV broadcasts, radio waves, cellphone connections, and broadband transmissions… at least, those are the ones we know about. Carter Fox stumbles upon a mysterious signal that he thinks is foreign to our planet. Though he’s always had his suspicions about paranormal activity, his friend, Chrissy, dismisses it as his overactive imagination. But with this signal growing stronger, and the looming fear that someone is watching him, Carter can’t help but think that it’s all connected to a significant, paranormal event from his past. As he searches for proof of a connection, he’ll soon realize… there are signals everywhere.

What are you waiting for?  Get over to the Probed: signals website and check out the original short film and Episode 1 and Episode 2 (available Feb. 9th), and then come to Hoodlums on February 20th at 3PM to meet the cast and the director (bios here).

Date: Saturday, February 20th
Time: 3PM
Place: Hoodlums Music and Movies

Like always, this is event is FREE and open to the public.  Tell a friend!

Live on the Hoodstage

Hoodlums is proud to give you the opportunity to see some of our great local musicians for the phenomenally low price of FREE.

Our February show features Tempe’s A Technicolor Yawn, a self-described Indie/Folk/Rock band that has requested the full two hour slot.  We are always willing to try new things, so we said “Why not?”.   Click the links and check out some of their music and videos, then come down to Hoodlums and see them play live.

Date: Friday, February 19th
Time: 7- 9 PM
Place: Hoodlums Music

You can check out the Facebook event page here.  Remember, it’s FREE.

We Live Here Art Show Returns

We are a proud part of the Valley of the Sun.  We love to be involved with musicians, artists, filmmakers, and all sorts of creative people from across our fine city.

But our houses are in Tempe.  Our store is in Tempe.  It is the Tempe spirit that we believe feel and believe in.  In short, WE LIVE HERE.

And let me tell you what, the Tempe area is loaded with artistic talent – which we are proud to unleash during our 2nd Annual “We Live Here” art and music show.

In case you weren’t around last year, this show is the brainchild of “curator” and local artist/musician/Tempian Beth Tom (aka Brer Rabbit, Easybake Oven, Peggy Jones Johnson, and B. Royalty).  She came in last year and said, “Steve, I want to curate a show”, and I said, “Sure”.  We ended up hosting was a fantastic, unique opening night party… and the fantastic Tempe art sold more pieces than any of our shows prior or since (although our December Vinyl Art show was pretty close).

What about the art?  Well, the assignment for our batch of Tempe artists, all of which are personally recruited by EasyBakeOven, is to create an 11×17 print that represents Tempe to them.  The print must be black, white, and one color.  Last years prints can still be viewed
here… although these limited edition prints are now gone.  Like last year, these babies will be priced to sell at only $25 each.

Opening Night

Date: Saturday, March 13th
Time: 7-9PM
Place: Hoodlums Music and Movies
Music: Brer Rabbit and Special Guests

But wait, there’s more.  Beth will also be responsible for the opening night’s musical act.  We don’t know what that will be, but last year it involved local guitar legend Joe Myers, Beth, and varied instruments from accordion to violin.  We will let you know when we do, but we assure you… this will be a great Saturday night to visit Hoodlums.

Community Movie Night continues to explore the issues!

Once a month, Hoodlums gets together with Changing Hands Bookstore and some of our other neighbors and present Community Movie Night.  We show a free movie shown at Changing Hands, and Hoodlums and other vendors will offer special discounts to our customers.

A fair amount of people have been showed up for our recent string of documentaries (Wetback, Religulous, Sicko), so the Changing Hands gang and the Hoodlums’ gang have decided to keep pushing the boundaries with documentaries and discussions about the issues and politics that affect our community.

Does that mean we have to talk about controversial subjects, Steve?  Well, it might.  We don’t mean to bug ya… so if you aren’t in the mood to hear from all sides on one issue or the other, it might not be your cup of tea.  But if you want to continue to see what the the fearless filmmakers have to say about things – and talk with others about the film or the issue – please join us.

Upcoming Films:

High: The True Story of American Marijuana

Plot synopsis (from allmovie.com):

The truth about the American government’s ongoing war on drugs finally comes to light in this documentary that aims to spotlight the war’s self-righteous causes and disastrous effects as victims both in the United States and abroad continue to suffer. From a horrific drug treatment program that woefully mistreated children to a pious drug czar’s destructive quest for power, the patients who are denied essential medications, and the doctors who are prosecuted for attempting to help them, this film leaves no aspect of the inexplicable battle against marijuana unexplored.

Hard to believe, huh?  Record Store Geeks showing a documentary on weed.  Holy stereotypical, Batman.

Deal with it my friend, because the war on drugs has failed as bad as every other stinking war this country has been involved in since the hoodlums at Hoodlums were born, and whether you smoke grass or not, it’s time we looked at other options.  Our jails are full of guys busted for the simple, non-violent “crime” of getting high – and it just ain’t right.  I’d ramble on about all the reasons why… but we are going to leave it in the hands of a professional filmmaker.

Here’s the YouTube trailer as well…

Date: Friday, February 26th
Time: 6PM
Place: Changing Hands Bookstore

All movies starts at 6:00 and are FREE to attend.

Did we mention the bonus?  Anyone who attends will be given a hand stamp for 10% off all regular prices at Hoodlums after the show.

Your hand stamp will entitle you to the following discounts on movie night only:

- Free topping with ice cream purchase at Baskin Robbins
- Free fountain drink with meal at Wildflower Bread Company
- 15% off total bill at Mac’s Grill and Tap (excluding alcohol)
- 10% off all regular prices at Hoodlums
- 10% off associated book at Changing Hands

So come down, watch a movie, and score big with the Tempe Square merchants.  See ya there!

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