Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008
I was saddened to learn that a member of one of the most well-known and well-loved bands of my generation passed away Tuesday. LeRoi Moore, saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band, died of complications from a June ATV accident. He was 46.
In thinking about Moore's death, I couldn't help but reflect on the fact that he was such an important part of a band that opened ears and minds to an expansive musical landscape for myself and many others.
The verdict: 'phenomenal'
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008
Teresa Fankhauser, executive director for the Allied Arts Council, is suffering from her usual exhaustion after her organization staged the Trails West! Music and Arts Festival Aug. 15 through 17.
Cinematic metalFriday, Aug. 15, 2008
You can hear plenty of both in the songs of Springfield, Mo., metal group The Filthy Thirds when they perform with Cognitive Overload at 10 p.m. Aug. 16 at Cagney’s. Cover is $3.
Darkness on the Edge of TownFriday, Aug. 15, 2008
They may have formed in a modest-sized college town in Indiana, but the Bloomington-quartet Murder By Death doesn’t do anything small.
Paint it blackFriday, Aug. 15, 2008
Even though the year isn’t over, there are already plenty of reasons for people to remember 2008 — more than enough for VH1 to devote an hour to its inevitable special “I Love The ‘00s.” I managed to witness a unique moment in our culture in regards to race, and no, it has nothing to do with Barack Obama.
'Tropic Thunder’Friday, Aug. 15, 2008
The last time Ben Stiller took on the roles of writer, producer, director and star in a film was 2001’s “Zoolander,” where Stiller satirically skewered the absurdity and pointlessness of the fashion industry. He uses a similar technique to examine movie-making and his own profession and outdoes himself with the action-comedy “Tropic Thunder,” which is easily one of the funniest movies you’ll see this year.
A song and a serviceSunday, Aug. 10, 2008
In the opening seconds of Sharon Bryant’s song “A Mother’s Heart,” over subdued keyboards and the explosive sounds of battle, a narration tells her struggle.
“This is the story of a boy, serving his country and fighting for his life. And I worry. And I wait.”
Ms. Bryant’s song, one of several the St. Joseph songwriter has recorded as a Christian artist, reflects her concern for the safety of her son, Spc. Joel C. Bryant, as he fights in Iraq for the U.S. Army.
She had even more reason to worry after hearing the panic in her son’s voice when he described his first IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attack. His convoy was hit, and a soldier in his platoon was killed. Another member of his platoon attempted to cover up the soldier’s body and took a great deal of shrapnel in the process.
They love the '80s
Friday, Aug. 8, 2008
There is a band in St. Joe that regularly plays to hundreds of people and breaks attendance records at local bars. And they’ve done it by playing... the Bangles and Paula Abdul? Seriously? Yeah, that’s Blue Oyster Culture Club for ya. The ‘80s tribute band has become one of St. Joe’s most popular bands by satisfying a craving for the music of the “Me” decade with the cheesy wardrobe to match. You’ll get a chance to see them when they perform at 9 p.m. Aug. 9 at the First Ward House for $5.
This is: “Chemo” by Joe StraubFriday, Aug. 8, 2008
This is: “Chemo” by Joe Straub
The Shuffle: If it ain’t broke, remake it... badlyFriday, Aug. 8, 2008
Sometimes, I feel like I have been a fan of movies for so long that it wouldn’t surprise me to hear I was born with a ticket stub in my hand. And growing up, my parents made sure to introduce me to a few classics.
That's cool: Amazon KindleFriday, Aug. 8, 2008
That's cool: Amazon Kindle
Calendars for Aug. 8, 2008Friday, Aug. 8, 2008
Calendars for Aug. 8, 2008
Keeping it realSunday, Aug. 3, 2008
There have been several words used to describe much of reality television. Revolutionary. Controversial. Provocative. Tasteless. Exploitive. Entertaining and just plain stupid.
But one word that can’t be used to describe reality TV is “unsuccessful” as it continues to become a prominent presence on almost every television network.
Friday, Aug. 1, 2008
For its first official show back in 1990 at the Hickory Auction Building in St. Joe, Full Power plastered fliers around town that asked a simple question: “Do You Like Heavy Metal?”
A natural fitFriday, Aug. 1, 2008
It could have been the whole being the daughter of an Alaskan singer/songwriter cowboy thing, but people probably suspected that Jewel had a country album in her somewhere. Her label, Atlantic Records, knew it too. But even after all the Grammys, the millions of records sold, six albums and 13 years as a successful artist, it was a struggle for Jewel to express a country side in her songs. “Some of them were too country and would have stood out. Some of them I was able to sneak on,” Jewel says. “I never thought I would have to get off my label and make this big declaration.”
Friday, Aug. 1, 2008
This is ... Amenazar Thrush
The Shuffle: Bi-sexuality tops the chartsFriday, Aug. 1, 2008
I have to admit, I had never heard of the pop singer Katy Perry before June 2008, and there’s a good chance you hadn’t either. Heck, there are probably some of you reading this right now wondering who I’m talking about. But thanks to her poppy dance single “I Kissed A Girl,” Ms. Perry has been on Top 40 radio all summer long thanks to a beat straight from “The Hey Song,” an infectious hook and plenty of hinted bi-sexuality.
Dying young. living foreverFriday, July 25, 2008
Last weekend, “The Dark Knight” made history by becoming the film with the largest opening weekend gross ever with $158.4 million. Without a doubt, a large part of that was achieved thanks to the posthumous performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker.
Ledger died of a drug overdose in January 2008 at the age of 28. Because of the nature of Ledger’s death and his untimely demise, there is a good chance that he, like many actors and musicians who passed away in their prime, could achieve cult status.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Today, Austin, Texas, has become the country’s musical mecca for independent and up-and-coming artists.
But 10 years ago, an Austin-based powerpop trio Fastball, with members Tony Scalzo (guitar, vocals), Miles Zuniga (guitar, vocals) and Joey Sheffield (drums), were just trying to get one of the tracks off of their second release “All The Pain Money Can Buy” on the radio.
Friday, July 25, 2008
This is: “Vanessa” by David Norvell
The Shuffle: Remixing a legendFriday, July 25, 2008
Even after his death in 2003, listeners continue to be fascinated with the songs of country music legend Johnny Cash. A new record featuring the “Man in Black” and his music is scheduled to be released on Oct. 14. But this record will probably make some Cash fans furious.
That's so cool: Anti Sleep Driving AlarmFriday, July 25, 2008
That's so cool: Anti Sleep Driving Alarm
Calendars for July 25, 2008Friday, July 25, 2008
Calendars for July 25, 2008
The Foo Fighters at Kemper ArenaThursday, July 24, 2008
It's crazy to imagine that 14 years ago, Dave Grohl, drummer for '90s grunge icons Nirvana, decided to carry on, pick up a guitar and start writing his own alt-rock tunes in the Foo Fighters. It's even crazier to imagine that Grohl's exercise in working out his Nirvana tendencies would turn into Grammy-winning modern rock staples while maintaining unwavering credibility that has gotten them asked to do tribute performances for The Who and sharing the stage with Led Zeppelin's own Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones at Wembley Stadium.
The Foo's stopped in KC to perform at Kemper Arena July 19 and brought a big 120-minute plus rock show to a crowd hungry to be pummeled by the group's buff riffs and relentless energy.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
In the front office and at the conductor’s stand, the St. Joseph Symphony is getting a few key players.
Live at the Movies 'The Dark Knight'
Friday, July 18, 2008
There are many adjectives that have been used to describe comic-book movies, but unless you’re talking about special effects or sound editing, “award-worthy” isn’t one of them. “The Dark Knight,” however, is probably going to change that.
Two-year toastFriday, July 18, 2008
Plenty of bars in St. Joe have some common elements. Televisions for people to watch. Patrons with a cig in one hand and a domestic brew in the other. So when Nathan Karr, owner and operator of Foster’s Martini and Wine Bar, opened his non-smoking establishment two years ago with no TVs and pricey martinis, even he wasn’t sure the concept would stick around.
Dual-sided soundFriday, July 18, 2008
If you’re walking past a dormitory on practically any American college campus, there’s a good chance you will hear the song “That Was A Crazy Game Of Poker” from acoustic rock/reggae jam band O.A.R. (Of A Revolution).
This is: The Tommy Andrews BandFriday, July 18, 2008
This is: The Tommy Andrews Band
The Shuffle: Three is the tragic numberFriday, July 18, 2008
In case it hasn’t been drilled into your head, the highly-hyped film “The Dark Knight” opens today. Thanks to the successful resurrection of the franchise with 2005’s “Batman Begins” and Heath Ledger’s posthumous performance as the Joker, the film will undoubtedly rake in big box office bucks.
That's so cool: Driving LED Emoticon ($29.99)Friday, July 18, 2008
That's so cool: Driving LED Emoticon ($29.99)
Calendar for the week of July 18Friday, July 18, 2008
Calendar for the week of July 18
A late startSunday, July 13, 2008
The year was 1974. After bouncing around to a few schools and taking time off to enjoy the married life with her husband, Carroll, in the 1950s and ‘60s, Leila Hicks was about to get her bachelor’s degree in economics from Missouri Western State University.
So, what has Mrs. Hicks done with her degree?
“Not a whole lot,” Mrs. Hicks says.
Nice coat
Friday, July 11, 2008
There’s this book that a lot of folks are reading nowadays. A lot of people say it’s a good read. It’s called The Bible. You may have heard of it. Anyway, one of the stories from “the good book” has been made into a great musical, and Robidoux Resident Theatre will be bringing it to the stage at the Missouri Theater for the last show of its 2007/08 season when it presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at 7:30 p.m. July 17, 18 and 19 and 2 p.m. July 20. Tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. The musical is based on the tale of Joseph from the book of Genesis, and if you think about it, we’re talking some pretty heavy stuff. It tells the story of Joseph’s brothers selling him as a slave to Egyptians only for Joseph to become an instrumental and powerful figure in Egypt.
How cool is that?: The KnorkFriday, July 11, 2008
How cool is that?: The Knork
This is: Harvesting JaneFriday, July 11, 2008
This is: Harvesting Jane
The shuffle: Mega rock through megapixelsFriday, July 11, 2008
Did I mention that the guitar was carved out of wood... and had no strings... and that this “rock god” status only played out in my imagination?
That was the extent of what you had to do as a young kid if you didn’t know how to play the guitar: you grabbed something that resembled the instrument or wrapped your fingers around some air and rocked out.
But now, we all know about “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” and the gaming phenomenon they’ve each become. As we speak, there is probably someone between the ages of 9 and 90 strumming and hitting “Guitar Hero’s” color-coded “notes” and “chords” in sync with Pearl Jam’s “Even Flow” or trying to do crazy drum fills on “Rock Band’s” drum pads to Rush’s “Tom Sawyer.”
Friday, July 11, 2008
Calendars for the week of July 11
CD Review: Coldplay's "Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends"Thursday, July 10, 2008
Since the start of this decade, Coldplay have risen from next-big-thing mellow/melancoly Brit-rockers to the height of rock's pantheon, making the alternative digestable to the masses. While their first two albums, 2000's "Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head" in 2002, were track-for-track some of the best albums since the start of the new millenium, something happend in the music of 2005's "X&Y."
Coldplay injected their winning combination of piano, hooks and heartache with arena-sized steroids, making their songs sound bigger but never sounding broader or more expansive. No risks were taken, but boy could that sound fill the space.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The 2008 Arts Fund campaign fell roughly $13,000 short of its $207,250 goal at June’s end, so the Allied Arts Council pulled out the reserves.
An important moment?Sunday, July 6, 2008
Almost a month ago today, after a long and grueling campaign for the Democratic nomination, Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African-American to become the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. It is a moment that shows how far the U.S. has come and will be a lesson taught in high school history and government classes from this day forward.
But based on the reactions from a few high schoolers we talked to, many don’t seem to grasp the significance.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
While most people spent Friday celebrating their independence, a lack of funds may rob local arts organizations of the ability to expand.
Change for the betterFriday, July 4, 2008
The past year has been one of peaks and valleys for local Christian screamo quintet The Thirty. While the band has hit the road on three tours, they’ve also had an equal number of lineup changes, which does little to nothing for band stability.
A song to seeFriday, July 4, 2008
Nobody can say that blind people haven’t given something to music. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have heard of all those old blues musicians like Blind Lemon Jefferson, let alone Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder.
How cool is that?: PowerSquid Outlet MultiplierFriday, July 4, 2008
How cool is that?: PowerSquid Outlet Multiplier
This is: An untitled mural by Elaine GannFriday, July 4, 2008
This is: An untitled mural by Elaine Gann
The shuffle: I got SOME MTVFriday, July 4, 2008
I’ve already ranted about my MTV frustration on my News-Press blog, so the 13 people who read it (my dad and whoever he forwarded it to. He’s so proud.) may be wondering why I am continuing this issue further.
Well, as I sat one day watching what appeared to be “The Hills’” couple Heidi and Spencer’s trademark romantic squabbles, in pops Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz. The staged argument and emo posterboy interruption was meant to promote FNMTV, a show that airs at 8 p.m. Friday nights this summer that will feature (brace yourselves) music videos.
Trails West! buttons get ‘different’ design
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Once again, organizers of Trails West! Music and Arts Festival are hitting it right on the button. Trails West! admission buttons went on sale Tuesday for the 16th annual festival, which takes place Aug. 15 through 17 at Civic Center Park. The buttons can be purchased for $5 in advance and $7 at the gate. Like last year’s festival, buttons will grant attendees access to all three days of the festival while children under 12 will be admitted free with adult accompaniment.
Open barFriday, June 27, 2008
Sure, St. Joseph’s got a ton of parades, but do you know what else they’ve got plenty of? Bars. ¶ A town with too many bars is rarely something people complain about. Let’s face it, there’s a lot of people who want a place to go to knock back a few cold ones, listen to some live music, shoot some pool or just hang with friends and talk it out. ¶ In the past few months, a couple watering holes have opened, and at least one establishment will begin to welcoming nightlife lovers in the upcoming weeks. ¶ Here are a few of the new and coming bars you can check out in St. Joseph.
Becoming free
Friday, June 27, 2008
Indie pop songbird Ingrid Michaelson may not be dominating Top 40 radio, but if you own a television, you’ve no doubt heard her work.
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