"Hakuna Matata," as any child of the '90s knows, is a Swahili saying that means, "There are no worries." It's impossible not to smile when hearing that spirited tune featured in "The Lion King," quite possibly the most excellent Disney movie of all time in my humble opinion, anyway which was just re-released in 3D in theaters a few weeks ago.
The theme for the sixth annual Sing for a Cure Breast Cancer Fundraiser is "Hakuna Matata." According to Amber Richmond, social chair of the Birth Control Information Center (BCIC) at SUNY Fredonia, the idea for the motif was sprung from a T-shirt her roommate spotted that said "Hakuna Ma Ta-tas," a slogan used in other breast cancer awareness initiatives.
"I decided that would be a good theme for our breast cancer fundraiser because it means no worries," Richmond said. "Our message would be for the victims of breast cancer not to have any worry, that everything will be OK. The money we will raise for breast cancer will help them on their journey to find a cure and get rid of the disease. I decided since most people think of 'The Lion King' when they hear the phrase 'Hakuna Matata,' I thought it would be cool to have the a cappella groups sing different songs from the movie."
Held on Tuesday, Oct. 18, the event will take place in Dods Hall Multipurpose Room from 6:30 to 9 p.m. All of the a cappella groups, including The Guerrillas, Premium Blend, Some Like it Hot, and Much More Chill, will be performing songs featured in the film; fans of "The Lion King" will surely know all of the lyrics by heart. The Guerrillas are ranked fifth on the Gospel Music Channel's nationally-televised singing competition, "America Sings." All proceeds will go straight to the Circle of Love, a Dunkirk-based organization that provides assistance and care to those combating or recovering from the disease.
"Breast cancer is so close to everybody's hearts," said Josie Christopher of the Circle of Love. "We've all had experience with it one way or another - we've all been touched by it."
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to Breastcancer.org, about one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. Christopher has clients ranging in age from 32 to 89.
The BCIC is a student-run organization at SUNY Fredonia that works to increase awareness on campus for sexual health. The group began making plans for its first breast cancer fundraiser in 2005 and wanted to give back to a local organization.
"We found out about Josie Christopher and the Circle of Love and decided that what they do for breast cancer patients was great," Richmond said. "We wanted to help them out."
"It's a very exciting group to work with because they're so enthusiastic about helping others in such a meaningful way," Christopher said of the BCIC. "Breast cancer is a horrible disease and it's difficult to deal with such a diagnosis. There's a lot of emotional trauma that go along with the diagnosis and treatment."
Many local businesses in Fredonia and Dunkirk donated items for the raffle that will be held during the event. Businesses include Ellicott Brewing Company, P-Dubs, The Upper Crust Bakery, Famous Hair, Karen's Hairem, Herbs for Life, Gale's Garage Sale, and Pucci's Furniture.
"We want to not only support people that have been affected by breast cancer, but also support local businesses during these hard times," Richmond said.
Tickets are available at SUNY Fredonia's Ticket Office, located in the Williams Center (call 673-3501). Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children. Event planners are trying to break the previous year's record and raise at least $1,000 this year. For more information, email rich8094@fredonia.edu. Don't miss this chance to give back and enjoy the songs of the "The Lion King" all over again - I went to see it for what was likely my hundredth viewing when it was at the Regal Quaker Crossings in September and have been happily humming the words to the songs for weeks.
MORE HAPPENINGS
Gifts of Love and Hope and Delta Phi Epsilon of Fredonia will hold a Halloween party on Saturday at Walleye Willie's. The event is to raise funds for Christmas presents for the childhood cancer patients of Carly's Club. A DJ donated by CJ Sound of buffalo will be playing music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a special guest appearance from DJ Jud from KISS 98.5. There will also be food donated by Jim Payne of Walleye Willie's. Dress to impress, because two $150 Walden Galleria gift cards will be awarded to the first place female and male. There will also be raffles for Xbox Kinect, 50/50 raffles and more. Admission is $5 at door with college ID and $7 without college ID.
Terror Within The Walls 3, a haunted mansion, will be held in the Pintagro building at 14 E. Second St. in Jamestown. Scare yourself silly and help raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of WNY. Admission is $5 and all proceeds go to the foundation. The terror will be held this Friday and Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m.; Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 7 to 11 p.m.; and Oct. 30 and 31 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Festivals Fredonia will present Harvest Moon Cemetery Tours and psychic readings this weekend. Trolley tours are Friday and Saturday, held every half hour from 7 to 10 p.m. The tours depart from the gazebo in Barker Common and take brave souls through the historic Forest Hill and Pioneer cemeteries in Fredonia. Tour-goers will be regaled with tales of the heroes and villains of Fredonia's haunted past. New this year are the psychic readings, held at Buster Brown Bean Company from 7 to 11 p.m. each night. Astrologer Cassandra Butler will be giving readings on Friday evening using tarot cards and incorporating astrological charts. Psychic-Medium Dennis Morley will be giving readings on Saturday. Fees for the readings depend on the length. Tickets for the trolley tour are $12.50 (which includes refreshments after the tour) and reservations are required. Call 672-4818 or 1-888-414-4818.
BJ's has a show tonight featuring Summer People and Hot Cha Cha. Binghamton's Summer People have long been Fredonia favorites with their feel good post-rock jams. Cleveland's Hot Cha Cha play sludgy, goth inspired punk that is a throwback to the early 1980s scene of their hometown. They are becoming famous for their live shows. Zlam Dunk are the openers. Things get started around 10 p.m. The show is free for over 21 and $3 for 18 and up.
DELICIOUS DRINK OF THE WEEK
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the "Hakuna Matata" spirit, here's a fun pink drink (full disclosure: pinkish-orange) to try this weekend. Just like the burst of summer-like weather in the chill of fall experienced just two short days ago, ride out the last warm days with a light, fruity cocktail that will make you forget that Halloween parties are just a fortnight away. Courtesy of my sister Hilary Diodato, here is the "Sunshine Rider." Ingredients include: 1 oz. vodka, 1/2 oz. peach schnapps, 1/2 oz. creme de banana, 1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice and 1 1/2 oz. cranberry juice. Shake together all ingredients with ice, serve over ice in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry and drink umbrella, if desired.
REEL TALK: '50/50'
Those looking for a movie to see in theaters now should pick this one. Readers of this column know that I see virtually everything and this is a movie that really sticks with you. "50/50" is sweet, hysterically funny, heartwarming, well-written, and splendidly acted with an exceptional cast. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as a healthy guy in his 20s who gets a grim diagnosis - he has a rare form of cancer and his chances of survival are, of course, 50/50. Gordon-Levitt never does a bad job, but this role may be his best yet. I can say the same of Seth Rogen, co-star and co-writer of the screenplay for this film; "50/50" is based on his experience helping a friend through his experience with cancer.
This is Rogen's second cancer comedy. "50/50" succeeds where the first, "Funny People," failed simply, the latter wasn't nearly as funny as it needed to be and none of the characters was likeable. I heard members of the audience (myself included) laughing harder at Rogen's lines in "50/50" than anyone did at the vast majority of the comedies I've seen in the past few years. You'll probably shed a tear before the film's end - from laughing, from crying or both.
There's great supporting stars as well - Bryce Dallas Howard plays Gordon-Levitt's less-than-supportive girlfriend, portraying what has become her trademark love-to-hate character. Anna Kendrick also does a bang-up job as Gordon-Levitt's quirky, young therapist with the only car I've ever seen on film that may be as messy as mine. (I am essentially Pig-Pen). Honestly, I can't say enough good things about this movie. I'm shouting it from the rooftops. Unfortunately, it's not being shown locally, but it's well worth the trip to the suburbs of Buffalo.
'The Ides of March'
This is Ryan Gosling's year. Solidifying his status as a real power player, he plays the second in command in a pair of campaign managers working for a presidential candidate (George Clooney). It's a very engaging, dark political thriller about dirty politics - is there any other kind? - during the fight to win the Ohio primary for Democratic candidates, the results of which will end the race. It's cutthroat to the end, a war between morality and survival at its core, with a few interesting twists and phenomenal performances. Even among industry vets such as Clooney, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei, Gosling dominates. Move over, Clooney - there may be a new sheriff in town.
"The Ides of March" also did not make it to our local theater but like 50/50, this film is good enough to make the trek.
April Diodato is the OBSERVER Lifestyles editor. Send comments and events - especially Halloween parties - to adiodato@observertoday.com
