You see, there are still faint glimmers of civilization left in this barbaric slaughterhouse that was once known as humanity. And indeed that's what a Wes Anderson-themed pop-up bar and art show will provide in its own modest, humble, insignificant ... oh, moving on.
Indeed, hot off its popular Studio Ghibli pop-up last October, Sugar Maple in Bay View will pop open another themed bar experience: Wes Fest, four days dedicated to the critically-acclaimed films and impeccably intricate aesthetic of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Royal Tenenbaums" director Wes Anderson, running the weekend of Feb. 2-5.
The quirky four-day festival will transform the hit Bay View bar – found at 441 E. Lincoln Ave. – into an immersive cinephile fantasia with whimsical Anderson-inspired art and decor created by local artists covering the space, music from Anderson's work setting the mood, on-theme food options courtesy of Sojourn Mobile Restaurant and Catering on Friday and Saturday, and a brand new menu of themed cocktails. (Here's to hoping for a drinkable version of Mendl's Courtesan au Chocolat!) And, of course, Wes Fest will feature screenings from the director's famed filmography.
Costumes are encouraged throughout Wes Fest; however, you'll want to wear your Belafonte finest on Friday, Feb. 3 from 7-9 p.m. for the pop-up's costume contest, with the three best Anderson character costumes earning prizes.
And why let Wes Anderson have all the art design fun? As part of the Wes Fest festivities, Sugar Maple will also host an Anderson-themed vendor fair and art gallery, with the former showcasing and selling locally-made wares inspired by Wes and his films from noon until 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. Those interested in submitting – for the vendor fair, the art show or both – should send their name, email, link to their previous work and Wes Fest art proposals to Sugar Maple via direct message on Instagram or email harrisonpbrowning@gmail.com and adriennepierluissi@yahoo.com. Vendor fair applications are due by Sunday, Jan. 29, while art show submissions are needed by Friday, Jan. 20 at 8 p.m.
Wes Fest will run Thursday, Feb. 2 from 4-10 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 3 from 4 p.m. until close; Saturday, Feb. 4 from noon until close; and Sunday, Feb. 5 from noon until 10 p.m. The corresponding art fair will run a little longer, staying up at Sugar Maple all the way through Thursday, March 2.
For more information on Wes Fest, check Sugar Maple's website or the bar's social media accounts on Facebook or Instagram. And while you're waiting, maybe catch up on Anderson's movies ... or at least watch this pitch perfect parody:
As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.
When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.
