Entertainment : Reminiscing 25 Years at the Palace

College roommates Jay Cherry (Chicago) and Todd Frank (Vinton) reunite often to jam and entertain

Phil Thomas (Vinton) and Jim Magdefrau (Van Horne)

The four tribute musicians perform Dylan’s Wagon Wheel at the Vinton Palace Theatre

By Marcy Horst

Bob Dylan, "A Complete Unknown," was joined by four guitars, a harmonica, and a mandolin at the Palace last weekend to raise more than $1,000 toward our Light Up the Palace 25th Anniversary Project. Thanks so much to musicians Phil Thomas, Jay Cherry, Todd Frank, and Jim Magdefrau who graced our stage for the Dylan tribute and gave of their time and immense talent. A note of gratitude, also, to Amy Stourac who made it all happen.

As the concert was an at-the-door donation event, we had no idea how many folks would join us Saturday for the live music opportunity between shows. We were absolutely thrilled with the walk-in attendance and outpouring of support. Thank you to the many area patrons for your generosity!

Until this movie hit our big screen line-up, I had no idea I was a closet Dylan fan. Other than 1988's Traveling Wilburys (Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison), I'd never actually listened to a full Bob Dylan album. I could, of course, sing along to all his classics! The movie was enlightening and entertaining, the local artists' concert an absolute treat!

Todd Frank and I compared notes following the stage show and he said, "If they ever make a Gordon Lightfoot movie we'd love to come back." Haha, I think we'll need to do this again sooner rather than later!

MOVIE BOOKING FUN

If you've been a regular reader of this column, I realize you may have learned more about how we currently book movies than you ever needed to know, but this week's schedule represents another example of how quickly the film business pivots.

On Wednesday night only, February 5 at 7 pm, we will be showing World War II film, "Bonhoeffer," rated PG13, running 132 minutes.

Synopsis: As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer gets swept into the epicenter of a deadly plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. With his faith and fate at stake, Bonhoeffer must choose between upholding his moral convictions or risking it all to save millions of Jews from genocide.

This Angel Studios film was released in November and originally on our schedule to open the beginning of December. You may have seen the preview as it played before several movies at the Palace. However, competing studio demands preempted that showing. In the meantime, Angel Studios released a new film, "Brave the Dark," which landed on our calendar for the upcoming weekend, February 7 - 9. When I noticed that booking, because we had so many patrons still inquiring about "Bonhoeffer," I asked Frank if it would be possible to screen both movies. Hence the Wednesday "Bonhoeffer" special and weekend regular run of "Brave the Dark."

"Brave the Dark" is rated PG13 and runs 112 minutes.

Synopsis: When Mr. Deen discovers one of his students has been living out of his car and thrown into jail, he decides to bail him out. Determined to curb Nate's self-destructive behavior, Mr. Deen discovers a host of secrets that are slowly tearing Nate apart.

Tickets for both films are available online at www.vintonpalace.org. Thanks for supporting the Palace. See you at the movies!