Redford’s annual celebration of film and culture opens this week
January 14th, 2013 Posted in Arts and LifeBy Ben Hansen
Special to Hard News Café
PARK CITY, Utah—The Sundance Film Festival starts Thursday, and like every year, the 2013 edition is packed with film premiers, concerts, celebrities, parties, panel discussions and off-screen events.
Let’s begin with the films. There are always a few flicks at the fest every year that boast major A-list celebrities, and this festival has its share. The highly anticipated “Kill Your Darlings” opens Friday night, and star Daniel Radcliffe is confirmed to be attending. “Don Jon’s Addiction” is another big-name production that will debut on the opening weekend, starring Joseph Gordon-Leavitt—who also directed and wrote the movie—and Scarlett Johansson.
Fortunately for festival-goers who were unable to get one of those coveted tickets, the films will screen again several times during the festival. While the hottest shows often sell out quickly, enthusiasts can take advantage of Sundance’s excellent waitlist policy. If you are willing to get to a venue early and wait in line until numbers are assigned, you often have a pretty good chance at getting tickets even for sold-out films for a meager $15 cash only. More details on the waitlist can be found through Sundance’s ticket page.
It wouldn’t be Sundance without a great opening weekend movie about a famous rock band or rock musician. This year “History of the Eagles Part One” will debut Saturday, prompting many to wonder if Don Henley, Glen Frey or Joe Walsh might be found wandering the crowds. In addition, Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl’s directorial debut, “Sound City,” will be released, including contributions from rock legends such as Sir Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Lars Ulrich, Corey Taylor, Stevie Nicks, and many more. Grohl has also put together a band, “Dave Grohl and the Sound City Players,” including some of the icons from his movie. Their debut concert at the Park City Live venue on Saturday sold out almost immediately.
Park City and the other festival venues will include a wide range of lounges, hospitality suites and concerts. The Miami Lounge Suite sounds like it will be a must-stop, but by invitation only. With brands like Carlo Pazolini and Disarrono, this will be a spot frequented by many celebrities. Udi’s, the popular gluten-free brand of food products, will be offer Udi’s Gluten-Free Table at the suite
The ASCAP Music Café once again will be in full swing throughout the entire festival, with a very eclectic blend of performers. Year after year, this is one of the best venues to catch a show, free for any festival credential holder 21 or older. This year’s lineup includes Andrew Bird, Jill Barber, and the Blue Sky Riders. Seating is limited—arrive before the daily 2 o’clock door time.
The Village at the Lift also returns this year, another hotspot for celebrity sightings, located at the town lift. Entrance is limited to pre-credentialed media only.
Concerts will be everywhere, and most can be accessed by the general public if tickets are purchased in advance. This year’s top concert venues will include Park City Live and The New Star Bar, Downstairs, and Cisero’s, which will turn into The Social Lodge. Concerts open to the public while tickets last Sound City Players at Park City Live, both One Republic and Matisyahu on different nights at the Star Bar, DMX at Downstairs, and Dead Sara at the Social Lounge.
Hundreds of additional events, both paid and free, will be available throughout the 10 days of the festival. Schedule.
TP
Tags: Daniel Radcliffe, Don Jon's Addiction, Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, Kill Your Darlings, Park City, Scarlett Johansson, Sundance 2013
Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.