Classy Diversions: Nerd NJ January 13-15 and Beyond

This weekend, Grownup Food Nerds may want to take advantage of something the wineries are calling Wine Trail Weekend, which is probably just a promotion of their wine tasting and tours, but is also a good excuse to support local businesses and farms and, well, try lots and lots of wine. Visit Old York Cellars, Terhune Orchards and Winery, Hopewell Valley Vineyards andUnionville Vineyards. It's a like a pub crawl, only classier, and you have to drive. Check out their websites or Facebook page for more info.

Book Nerds and Music Nerds, take your last chances to celebrate both at The Raconteur before it closes its doors at the end of this month. The last few planned events are no less fascinating for being the last few.

The historic Loews Jersey City returns with a classic lineup this weekend, including The Purple Rose of Cairo and Cinema Paradiso (Director's Cut). It's also cheaper and less soulless here than at your local multiplex. In other Jersey movie nerds, the NJ International Film Fest returns for the Winter season.

Finally, if you have been abducted by aliens and the experience is interfering with your ability to function, this meeting is for you.

In Long Range Nerd News:

Sports Nerds and Fans of the Weird may want to become judges at auditions for the next Newark Bears mascot! You will also review vocalists for the National Anthem, and dancers. Newark Bears publicity describes the experience as "humorous, interesting, and at times emotional." Interested parties should e-mail info at newarkbears dot com ASAP to sign up to judge the January 28th auditions.

Nerds with Kids and Artsy Nerds may want to mark their calendars for the first weekend in February, when the New York Theatre Ballet will hold a "mini residency" at the County College of Morris.

Nerdy New Year: Things to Win, Support Local Radio

Special Independent Radio Edition:

Craft beer fans rejoice! WFMU will host a special beer nerd Meet-Up at Barcade in Jersey City (163 Newark Ave), where they'll tap a rare keg of Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout on Mon Jan 23rd at 7pm. Reserve a guaranteed serving by pledging $20 to WFMU (doesn't include drink price) and be sure to mention beer in your pledge comments. Space is limited to the first 50 pledges, so act quickly!

Make a pledge to WBGO and you could win a Big Party for the Big Game, Sunday February 5th. Set the place, invite your friends and WBGO News Director and Sports Jam host Doug Doyle will bring you all the food for your party, as you gather to watch football-s biggest night.
Not only will you be treated to an amazing array of tasty treats, but you and your friends will be featured on Doug-s program, Sports Jam, broadcast on WBGO Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and podcast online at wbgo.org. It draws sports and music figures from all walks of life to tell their stories at the intersection of sports and music. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Monte Irvin, Tony Meola, Oksana Baiul, and so many others have been guests. Now it-s your turn, if you-re the winner!
No matter who wins the big game, you-ll never forget this night!
Pledge right now ( http://wbgojazz88.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=T5Jf-gBzAOEAAAQIAAW26Q ) to keep your station swinging, and be automatically
entered to win Doug-s Super Party.

At The Raconteur, celebrate the old days of radio with "Marx Brothers Lost Radio"--a live performance featuring "Welcome Back Kotter's" Bobby Hegyes.
8:00 PM, Fri. Jan 6
7:30 & 9:00 PM, Sat. Jan 7
Featuring acclaimed Groucho impersonator Ron MacCloskey (in full costume & makeup) and Welcome Back Kotter's Bobby Hegyes (Epstein) as Chico Marx. Reservations required, $10.