by Tim Lambrecht

Brady Street’s first Urban Playground Run & Ride is set for Saturday, September 9. The Urban Playground Festival’s intent is to highlight the recent completion of the bicycle and pedestrian bridges, and to promote exercise and the accessibility of the Brady Street area to other neighborhoods. The Urban Playground’s inaugural festival will bring together athletes and entertainment. The event includes a 5K Run and an 11K Urban Trail Ride. Sponsors for the event include The Urban Ecology Center and Anodyne Coffee. The Nomad World Pub is sponsoring a 3-on-3 soccer tournament that will take place on the street and at Pulaski Park. Also, look for King Solomon (reggae) at 5 pm and U2ZOO (U2 Tribute band) at 8 at the music stage.

The Astor Street Theatre located in the Brady Street Pharmacy will host Noisefest on September 15 and 16. What is Noisefest? It’s the brainchild of Peter J. Woods, who describes it as “Two days of noise. No more, no less. Noise is a musical (or anti-musical) genre that revolves around ditching as many conventions of standard music as possible. Melody, rhythm, structure, and harmony are all thrown out the window in favor of pure, unadulterated expression. The sounds you will hear range from the harshest, most aggravating feedback to the most soothing, ambient synthesizer drones, even including an experimental harp piece.” Five performers each night. Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8. $5 per show, $8 for both.

The Bike-In Movie at the Marsupial Bridge Media Garden is one of Hollywood’s best musicals ever, “Singin’ in the Rain” starring Gene Kelly from 1952. Look for it at the Marsupial Bridge Media Garden at dusk on September 29.

The Waterford Wine Company hosts wine tastings on Wednesday August 30 and Wednesday September 6. RSVP recommended at 289-WINE (9463).

A walking tour of Brady Street takes place every Saturday at 10 am until October 14. Guides lead you on a half-mile tour that lasts about 90 minutes. Meet in front of St. Hedwig’s Church. The tour is $7 ($2 special student rate). Call 277-7795 for more information.

School will be back in session soon. There will be more children on the sidewalks, near schools and waiting for buses. Always drive safely, especially in school areas.

If you have a story idea or item for Brady Street Beat, contact Tim at 374-7772.

Riverwest Currents online edition – September, 2006