by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com
Dude-A-Rama
Karl Hungus, Jesus, Uli the Nihilist and Walter at last year's Dude-A-Rama. The 3rd Annual Dude-A-Rama takes place on Saturday, July 30 at AMF Lanes, 3839 N.E. 14th St. Tickets are $25-$30. For more information, visit dude-a-rama.com. |
3rd annual event celebrates all things Lebowski
Returning for its third year, Dude-A-Rama really ties the room together with
a celebration of dude-like proportions, as fans of the 1998 classic film, "The
Big Lebowski," come together to celebrate all things Lebowski.
"The first year we had it, the event was more underground and it was fun,
but I loved last year because it was bigger and filled with more enthusiasm,"
said Steph Jessen, organizer and member of the group that created the event,
The Strangers (based on Sam Elliott's character). "Being the third year,
more people know what's up so hopefully we'll draw more people and it'll be
a kick-ass time."
The event, which takes place at the AMF Lanes, 3839 N.E. 14th St., on Saturday
(yes, they do roll on Shabbos), July 30 starting at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30
p.m.) is filled with a variety of fun and informative contests, seminars, White
Russian drink specials and plenty of the dude's favorite past time — bowling.
Admission is $25 in advance (www.eventbrite.com) or $30 at the door.
"Everyone who attends gets unlimited bowling throughout the night,"
Jessen said. "We also have live music from The Snacks and Floodplane, trivia
contests, helpful seminars including ‘How to make the perfect White Russian'
and a special one that's not to be missed. We also have raffles throughout the
night."
One of the more popular events is the costume contest. Multiple prizes are awarded
for an array of costumes portraying characters from the movie. Popular costumes
of the past include The Dude, Maude, Bunny, Karl Hungus and The Jesus.
"We encourage everyone to dress up," Jessen said. "People should
get creative; we love the more obscure characters, and we even had someone dress
as the toe the first year."
Some of the new prizes and memorabilia for this year include a limited edition
silkscreen poster created by 8/7 Central, limited edition bowling pins, last
year's popular Last Supper print (with the movie characters sitting at the table),
the original theatrical movie posters and plenty of grab bag goodies, which
will come in Ralph's grocery sacks (the store from the film).
"We have some great prizes, and we really upped the merchandise this year,"
Jessen said. "There were 300 people last year, and we're hoping for even
more this year. There's got to be more than 300 ‘Big Lebowski' fans in
Des Moines."
As the film continues to build a cult following, Jessen hopes fans of The Dude
will come celebrate "one of the greatest films ever."
"It's an iconic movie that is filled with great satire and humor. The personality
of The Dude is amazing, and I think everyone would like to live like him. So
come out and celebrate the film; everyone is welcome, even nihilists,"
she laughed. "And if you want a toe, I can get you a toe, believe me."
Bar notes: Chris Manning, owner of Manning's Pour House, 2102 Indianola Ave., and Ryan Brodie, AKA Beef, former manager at Third Base Sports Bar (3 Bag) will be opening a new "outlaw country themed" bar called The Rusty Nail. The bar, which is located at 2301 S.W. 9th St., will open on Sept. 1. CV
