Entertainment

Hotter than ever: Classic comedy Some Like It Hot returns to the big screen at the Cameo

Jazz, romance, mobsters and laugh-out-loud comedy as Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot (1959) returns to the big screen at the Cameo Art House Theatre. One of the most beloved American films of all time, this comedy will screen on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 4:30 p.m.
18The story follows two struggling musicians, Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon), who accidentally witness the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929 Chicago. Fearing for their lives, they scramble to escape town and land the only available gig, playing in an all-female jazz band headed to sunny Florida.
To take the job, they don wigs, dresses, heels and adopt the personas of Josephine and Daphne. But the real trouble begins when they meet the band’s lead singer and ukulele player, the irresistible Sugar Kane, played by Marilyn Monroe.
As Joe as “Josephine” falls head over heels for Sugar, and Jerry as “Daphne” finds himself being pursued by a millionaire suitor, the film delivers a riotous comedy of errors full of mistaken identity, gender-bending hijinks and sharp one-liners. From train car shenanigans to moonlit beach romances, Wilder masterfully blends farce with charm, setting the gold standard for romantic comedy for generations to come.
What truly makes Some Like It Hot endure is its perfect mix of comedic timing, bold subject matter and sincere emotion. The trio of Curtis, Lemmon and Monroe creates electric chemistry that still pops off the screen. Monroe’s performance, often praised as one of her finest, showcases both her comedic instincts and dramatic depth.
She embodies Sugar with fragility and hope, dreaming of a better life while navigating the disappointments she’s known. Lemmon’s portrayal of Jerry/Daphne, with his expressions, physicality and delivery, earned him a well-deserved Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Curtis balances suave charm and zany disguise, especially in scenes where Joe pretends to be a millionaire to win Sugar’s affection.
Curtis should have been nominated, too. The film received six Academy Award nominations and took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design and rightly so. Orry-Kelly’s wardrobe design is awesome in both comedy and authenticity.
Beyond the laughter, Some Like It Hot was revolutionary in its approach to gender and identity. Released during the strict enforcement of the Hollywood Production Code, the film gleefully thumbed its nose at conventions of the day. The idea of two men dressing as women and navigating romantic entanglements was considered taboo.
Some Like It Hot is more than just a comedy. Its clever script and unforgettable performances make it a film that appeals to all ages, bringing joy and laughter no matter how many times you watch it. For Fayetteville residents, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Hollywood’s golden era. The film reminds us that life doesn’t always go according to plan and sometimes, the only way to survive is to laugh through the chaos.
Saturday, Aug. 30 – 4:30 p.m. Rating: Approved. Runtime: 2hr 1min

(Photo courtesy of Cameo Art House Theatre)

10th Annual Man 22 Suicide Awareness Run unites Fayetteville in fight against veteran suicide

Fayetteville will once again rally around a cause that is both sobering and unifying when the 10th Annual Man 22 Suicide Awareness Run steps off on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Festival Park.
The event, founded by Army veteran Rick “Rngr” Murillo, honors the memory of service members lost to suicide while raising awareness about a crisis that affects an estimated 22 veterans every day. What began a decade ago as a small grassroots tribute has grown into a large community gathering that blends remembrance with action.
Murillo launched the event in 2016 after losing his close friend and fellow paratrooper Barry Barker, who served in the 82nd Airborne Division. In interviews over the years, Murillo has said he struggled with the weight of his own experiences after the Army and decided to turn pain into purpose. The “22” in the event’s name represents the average number of veteran suicides reported daily in the United States.
The run is symbolic: participants cover 2.22 miles, then drop for 22 pushups. Both acts serve as a living memorial and a physical reminder of the toll veteran suicide has taken.
The first event drew just over 50 people. Now, hundreds come together each year, including military families, Gold Star parents, first responders, and civilians who want to show support.
12aThis year’s 10th anniversary will include several new features alongside the familiar format. The day begins at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony, followed by the run through downtown Fayetteville. The schedule also includes a Gold Star Gala, a parachute demonstration by a veteran jump team, and an escort in honor of families who have lost loved ones.
Guest speakers, nonprofit resource tables, and live entertainment will round out the day, turning Festival Park into a hub for both solemn reflection and community fellowship.
Organizers say the message remains simple but urgent: veterans and their families are not alone, and the community is ready to stand with them.
The run is organized by Murillo’s nonprofit, Through Tragedy Comes Light, which supports suicide prevention and outreach efforts throughout North Carolina. Proceeds from T-shirt sales, vendor fees, and donations go back into local programs that provide counseling, peer support, and emergency resources for service members in crisis.
For Fayetteville, a city deeply tied to Fort Bragg and the 82nd Airborne Division, the issue strikes close to home. Local leaders, including city officials and veteran service organizations, have voiced support for the event as part of a broader push to address the challenges of transition, trauma, and mental health for soldiers leaving the military.
For participants, the Man 22 event is part memorial service, part fitness challenge, and part family reunion. Runners cross the finish line often hand-in-hand with children or battle buddies, then immediately drop to the ground for pushups in unison. Each pushup is counted out loud, sometimes through tears, as names of the fallen are read.
Vendors and community organizations line the park to offer information on resources such as the VA crisis line, peer mentorship programs, and local therapy groups. Music, food, and kids’ activities balance the heavy moments with an atmosphere of hope and resilience.
Gold Star families, in particular, say the event provides a place to see their loved ones remembered publicly. For many, hearing strangers shout the name of a fallen service member during the pushups is a moment of healing.
Organizers hope the 10th anniversary will not only celebrate a decade of impact but also renew urgency for the work still to be done.
“Twenty-two a day is not just a number, it’s fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters,” Murillo has said. “We gather to honor them, but also to remind those still here that there is help, there is hope, and we will not let them be forgotten.”

(Photo: Runners participate in the Man 22 Suicide Awareness Run. The run recognizes the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day, and helps to bring awareness to the community. Courtesy photos)

North Carolina Sound Festival celebrates music, culture

Follow the Sound to the North Carolina Sound Festival presented by the North Carolina Sound System Culture and the Lynx-Supreme Sounds. The event takes place on Sept. 6, from noon to 8 p.m.
9The event will be held at 120 Old Elizabethtown Road, Fayetteville. The star guests are Sky International, Klymax Sound, and Barricade Sound. The line-up includes NC String Up, Street Thunda Sound, Minitone Sound, Lynx-Supreme Sound, Techiques Sound, Point Blank Sound and Guess Sound. General admission is free to the public. For more information, visit https://www.supremevibz.com.
The North Carolina Sound System Culture is a community celebrating reggae music and the DJ culture with roots in traditional Jamaican sound systems. It is a vibrant scene where people connect, show their passion, dance, buy and sell equipment.
The culture emphasizes community building and the experience of love of music, through large-scale hand-built systems. Sound system culture originated in Jamaica during the 1940s and 1950s, with individuals building their large speakers to play music on the streets. This is not just music, but an experience within North Carolina.
The DJs and sound systems are listed alongside the live artists. The North Carolina Sound System Culture group actively promotes, celebrates this culture, the collective of DJs, MCs, and Sound Technicians, and other roles to create a unique musical experience, according to the North Carolina Sound System Culture Facebook page.
Lynx Supreme Sound is a Fayetteville company that provides sound and music for events. They also rent equipment for musical events, such as birthday parties and stage sound. The company offers event planning, sound engineering and services.
“Reggae music is consistently influencing the world,” states Cedella Marley. Experience the influence of the North Carolina Sound Festival on Sept. 6. For more information, contact https://www.supremevibz.com.

Running Water Powwow returns to honor, celebrate culture

The beating of drums will carry across Fayetteville on Sept. 6 as the Running Water Powwow welcomes the public for a full day of Native song, dance, and cultural celebration.
The annual event, held at 200 Indian Drive, blends tradition with contemporary expression. Organizers say it offers a chance to celebrate Indigenous heritage while inviting the community to learn about the values of a tradition that carries honor, respect and generosity.
“Powwows bring people together across generations,” “It’s a time to celebrate who we are and to invite others to share in that spirit,” said master of ceremonies JD Moore.
10A Living Tradition
Gates will open at 8 a.m., with dancing beginning at noon. Admission is $10 per person, with free parking available. The powwow is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to partake in food, arts, crafts and demonstrations throughout the day.
This year’s head staff includes Moore as MC, Houston Locklear as arena director, Breana Certain as head lady dancer, Bostic Locklear as head man dancer, and Raymond A. Clark as head judge. Merciless Soundz, led by Rarehyihyaks John Wesley, will provide sound, while the Pine Lodge Singers will host the drum.
Competitions include Southern Straight vs. Southern Cloth for dancers 18 and up, an All Style Jingle Dress Special for ages 16 and older, and an Adult vs. Youth Men’s Traditional Spotlight. A highly anticipated drum contest will bring top groups from across the region.
“These contests aren’t just about winning,” said Locklear, who is also the arena director. “They’re about skill, pride and honoring tradition.”
From Dance to Gathering
The modern powwow can be traced back to the early 19th century. During the reservation era, many Indigenous ceremonies were banned. The Grass Dance, which carried a more social nature, was one of the few practices allowed. As tribes were forced together, it became essential to share songs, dances, clothing and food across nations.
This exchange gave rise to “intertribalism,” a cultural blending that continues to shape powwows today. Gift giving and generosity emerged as central values of these gatherings, principles that remain at the heart of the tradition.
By the mid-20th century, the term “powwow” had been adapted from a Narragansett word meaning “meeting” and had become widely used to describe these cultural events. In recent decades, there has been a revival of even older traditions. Large competition powwows have added new categories that reflect historic forms of dance and regalia, hoping to renew interest in the earliest practices.
“Regardless of the name, these gatherings are grounded in values shared by Native people across North America,” said Clark, head judge. “Respect, honor, tradition and generosity are what we celebrate every time the drum starts.”
More Than Performance
While the spotlight shines on dancers and drummers, the powwow grounds will also feature food vendors and artisans selling handmade items. Attendees can sample both traditional dishes and modern favorites, or browse beadwork, regalia and artwork from Native craftspeople.
For organizers, this marketplace is more than commerce. It sustains cultural knowledge, supports Indigenous artists, and provides an opportunity for visitors to connect directly with makers and tradition bearers.
“We want people to experience the richness of our culture in many forms,” said head lady dancer Certain. “The songs and dances are one way, but so are the foods, the art and the stories you hear from people here.”
The Powwow Trail
North Carolina hosts more than 20 powwows each year, ranging from small community gatherings to larger events organized by colleges or casinos. These events form part of a larger “powwow trail” across North America, where thousands of dancers, singers and vendors travel from gathering to gathering.
For many, the powwow circuit is a way to strengthen bonds across tribal nations, renew cultural practices, and create intergenerational ties.
“These events are both old and new,” said Moore. “They carry the traditions of our ancestors while also creating new memories for our children and grandchildren.”
All are Welcome
The Running Water Powwow is open to everyone, and organizers welcome first-time visitors.
“Powwows are about sharing,” Clark said. “We invite the community to come and learn, to celebrate with us, and to see that our culture is alive and thriving.”
With a lineup of competitions, cultural demonstrations and family-friendly activities, organizers expect a strong turnout.
“People will come for the songs and the dancing,” Locklear said. “But they’ll leave with a deeper sense of connection to culture, to community, and to one another.”

(Photo: Breana Certain is the Head Lady at the Running Water Powwow. Certain is a jingle dress dancer. On Facebook, Certain said: "I am honored to be the 2025 Head Lady Dancer at Running Water Powwow, and I am also hosting an 'All Style Jingle Special.' There are a lot of hardships and sacrifices that go into dancing this style, and my goal is to honor and recognize everyone that participates in having us and our dresses recognized. Tabutne (thank you)!" Photo courtesy of Running Water Powwow Facebook page)

Pinups, greasers to take over Cheers for themed karaoke night

Step back in time to the era of tight skirts and leather jackets as Cheers Too on Raeford Road hosts a Pinups and Greasers themed karaoke night. The event, a vibrant blend of retro style and musical fun, promises an evening of “coordinated chaos” led by long-time karaoke host, Kellie White.
9aWhite, who has been hosting karaoke at Cheers for nine years, is the mastermind behind the bar’s popular “Themed Summers” series, which started in 2019. After a brief hiatus during the Covid lockdown, the themes returned in 2021 and have become a beloved tradition. While White hosts karaoke several nights a week during the summer months at Cheers, the Themed Summer parties add a little extra dose of whimsy and more opportunity for creative fun. Each year, White gathers ideas from regulars and the internet, then lets the community vote on their favorite themes during the summer months. Over the years, Cheers has seen it all, from the Roaring ‘20s, to '80s and '90s nights, and even more eclectic themes like "Old People & Babies," “Nowhere to Wear It,” and "Big Hair and Bald Caps."
Pinups and Greasers, originally suggested by Cheers bartender Morgan, is the winner for 2025, so it’s time to evoke the era of Rita Hayworth and James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and The Fonz. Party-goers are encouraged to go all out with their costumes and help set the vibe for a night of retro karaoke fun.
There are no rules to the party, just come as you are, have a good time, dress up if you’d like, and enjoy, maybe even be part of the show.
“I pretty much like to plan with the 'meh' mindset,” White said with a laugh. “Almost as if it’s a surprise and we’re all waiting to see what I will do next.”
This spontaneous, fun-loving approach is what makes her karaoke show so unique. While there aren't many traditional games, White likes to sprinkle in “random weirdness” throughout the night. Attendees can expect a mix of friendly banter, some good-natured ribbing, and the chance to win a variety of prizes. It wouldn’t be a karaoke party without the host and audience making a little bit of fun of those performers who are less musically inclined.
The prizes for the Pinups and Greasers party are still being finalized, but White confirmed that there will be rewards for the best-dressed pinup and greaser, in addition to other random giveaways throughout the night. Past prizes have included everything from gift cards and cash to quirky trinkets and free drinks.
The Pinups and Greasers karaoke night isn't just about the singing; it's about celebrating a culture of fun, freedom, and spontaneous good times. So, dust off your leather jacket or put a fresh flower in your hair and get ready to jive. The party will be held at Cheers Too on Saturday, Sept. 6, starting at 9 p.m., where the “Shit Show,” as White affectionately calls her karaoke nights, is guaranteed to be in full swing. There is no admission price, no ticket required; just dress up, show up, and enjoy!

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