Miller Minutes: The critics don't matter, but events in Butler County do
With the Oscars taking place this past Sunday, Hollywood event season has been in full swing these past few weeks. While I didn’t watch the show in its entirety, I was interested in the winners because of how much time I spent in the movie theater last year.
The common folk are the ones who watched the movies and spent money at the box offices. So, naturally, when the audience-favorite “Wicked” walked away with minimal praise from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it was an upset to be sure. The film earned worldwide acclaim and sold out theaters for weeks. The fact that a film, which used AI to generate some of its music, beat out the raw, natural talent of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in multiple categories is a little insulting.
I recognize I am not a member of the academy, that maybe my opinion as a cinephile is lesser, but moviegoers are undeterred. Sure, we have no real say in the Oscar outcomes, but we post comments on the internet to feel part of the action, to feel heard. We write our own reviews and publish them for others to see. By doing this we recognize art is meant to be studied, discussed and experienced, collectively and separately.
In short, we should not let the Hollywood bigwigs, or any industry bigwig, have an effect on what we think is good and enjoyable art. The critics don’t matter — it’s good if you like it.
That said, there’s plenty of art-centered events to enjoy throughout Butler County this weekend. Take a look at what’s going on, and maybe head to the movie theater too.
Support Butler’s Junior JROTC program by attending a comedy night at 7 p.m. Friday, March 7, in the Herman Volunteer Fire Company banquet hall, 789 Herman Road. The $25 ticket allows you to see three hilarious guest comedians and various raffles. The show is 21 and over and BYOB. For tickets and more information, visit slapstickproductions.com.
Purchase tickets for a special edition of First Friday’s Improv at Hobnob Theatre Company at 9 p.m. Friday at 134 S. Main St. in Butler. Tickets are “pay what you can.” The show will honor Louis Hutmire, who died in February. Proceeds from the event will go to his family. For more information, visit hobnobtheatre.com.
Search for early signs of spring with the Audubon Society from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, in Succop Nature Park, 185 Airport Road in Penn Township. This outdoor walking event is free for members of the society and $5 for nonmembers. Register by visiting aswp.org.
Visit the Revive & Thrive marketplace in the Butler YMCA, 339 N. Washington St., from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday for access to local wellness and self-care products. Connect, shop and be inspired. For more information, visit bcfymca.org/events/revive-thrive-marketplace.
Boot scoot your way to Saxonburg Fireman’s Club, 155 Pittsburgh St., for a line dance night starting at 7 p.m. Saturday. The event is 21 and over and requires a $5 cover charge. Have identification ready upon arrival. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Tickets to the Saxonburg Area Rotary Club’s fundraising event, Soaring 20s Casino Night, allows you to dance and gamble the night away at Butler Country Club, 310 Country Club Road in Penn Township, from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. There will be a magician, food and drink, and fun galore for $75 a ticket. For more information, visit the event page, experiencebutler.com/events/soaring-20s-casino-night-2.
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s latest concert, “Bizet to Brahms” will feature high school students playing alongside local professionals. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium, 551 Fairground Hill Road in Butler Township. Presale tickets cost $30 for adults and $10 for students and children; cost will be $35 for adults and $12 for students and children when purchased at the door. For more information, visit butlersymphony.org.
A storybook walk has been set up along Woodwhisper Trail at Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road in Brady Township. The self-guided activity will be available to enjoy until the end of the month. No registration is required. Bring the little ones along to enjoy the original story of “Habitat Sweet Habitat: Zappo the Jennings Jumping Mouse Looks for a House.”
Enjoy pancakes at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church hall, 432 Center Ave. in Butler, from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday for $7 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under. For more information, visit the event page on experiencebutler.com.
If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
