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Tuesday, 26 August 2025
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Written by Adam Taylor
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.
The 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)
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Tuesday, 26 August 2025
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Written by Tara Kamiya
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.
A 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)
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