Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Ryan Adams reviewed by Steve Donaldson


As a Ryan Adams fan, I had heard about Adams's "quirks" when performing live. I knew going into the concert that only one member of his backup group, the Cardinals, remained from their collaboration in 2001. I knew that he had a tendency to throw small fits when the lighting or sound was not to his liking. However, I was not expecting what ensued at the Alabama Theatre on October 15.

I arrived a bit late to the Alabama (which by the way is a great venue...not a bad seat in the house, a good cocktail bar, and general classic ambience) and Adams was already on stage. His show was set to last 2 hours, so missing the first song did not seem like it would be that big of a deal.

While on stage, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals were great performers. They played recent songs, including the most recent single, "Everybody Knows," and more classic songs such as "Rescue Blues" off his album Gold. He took a break about 45 minutes into the set, which is perfectly fine when playing a 2 hour set.

After the break he got through two songs and then sheer disregard for his fans took over. Several people were shouting out the names of their favorite songs (which is to be expected at a show), and one guy even kept shouting for Ryan to play "Hay Babay," the recent Chamillionaire hit. At that point, Adams blew up, saying something along the lines of, "Has it ever occured to you guys that we might determine a set list before we come on stage to keep you happy? We don't just play a song on a whim because of what you guys yell at us." Then he mentioned seeing "Titanic" and the crowd asking for the ship not to crash. An unamused girl yelled back to just play a song. He then played one song, about 7 minute version of "What Sin," sarcastically said that the crowd was great, then walked off the stage. There was no encore, and the stage hands immediately and abruptly disassembled the set, and the night was over.

Even knowing Adams's reputation coming into the show, I was never expecting something like this. If you can get cheap (or even free) tickets to a Ryan Adams show that is within two-gallons-of-gas-of-a-drive, I would suggest seeing him just to be part of something that may be talked about for a long time. If not, don't waste your money...you can get a more respectful experience by turning up your stereo and playing any of his albums.

Monday, October 29, 2007

This week's free ticket giveaways!

Josh Ritter / Eric Bachman
Wednesday, Oct. 31
Workplay in Birmingham

Widespread Panic
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9-10
BJCC in Birmingham

Nickel Creek
Sunday, Nov. 11
Alabama Theater in Birmingham

New Widespread Panic Poster! Woot Woot!



Incidentally, 90.7 The Capstone is giving away 10 pairs of tickets to this show... keep listening for your chance to win!

Monty Python's Spamalot Ticket Presale!

Monty Python's Spamalot
April 1-6, 2008
BJCC Concert Hall
Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Month Python's Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

Directed by Tony Award-winner Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tels the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up Spamalot.

Password: BJCC

Purchase tickets now before they go on sale to the public!
Presale ends 11/06/2007 at midnight.

School of Music presents Fall Spectrum Showcase Concert


Please join us for a Great Experience this Friday Night!

The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences School of Music will present its Fall Spectrum Showcase Concert, a “best of the best” variety show, Friday night November 2, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building. Faculty and students will be featured showcasing every aspect of what the music school has to offer in a fast-paced musical buffet. Everything from classical to jazz will be featured with a variety suited for everyone. The concert will culminate with a featured appearance by the entire University of Alabama Million Dollar Band performing the favorite cheers and songs associated with football at Bryant-Denny. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear this group “up close” along with the other stars of the UA music program. There is no admission to this concert. Come early to insure a good seat.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Ticket Special for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Playing at the BJCC Concert Hall
Nov. 27-Dec 2, 2007
Tues-Fri: 8pm
Sat: 2pm & 8 pm
Sun: 2 pm & 7 pm
Weekend Special:
Purchase your tickets online during the weekend of October 26-28 for the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday evening performance and your price will be $35 per ticket.
(Excludes Facility Fee and/or service charges that may apply).

Friday, October 26, 2007

Contra Dances THIS Weekend, Swing Dance NEXT Weekend

I received this email today from the Tuscaloosa Contra Dancers:

Tuscaloosa Contra Dancers' next contra dance will be tomorrow, 27 October, at University Presbyterian Church.

Here are the particulars:

Beginner's lesson: 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Dance: 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Band: Sons of Anak
Caller: Archie Faulkner
Location: University Presbyterian Church

And our next SWING dance is...

Friday, November 2 at 7:00pm.
Where: Forest Lake United Methodist Church

Both dances are open to the public, require no partner and no experience! More information, including directions to the venues, is at:

http://contradancers.org/

New Ticket Specials from BJCC

We Talk During Movies announces its Halloween special

From a message from We Talk During Movies' Facebook group:

Hey Talkers,
This week we are going to be having the show @ 7:30 CST this Sunday. This is only a temporary time change. We will be viewing the first four episodes from "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" Season 1. Hope you can join us for an episode or two!

Revenge

Length: 26 minutes

Alfred Hitchcock directs this episode about an enraged husband who decides to get revenge on the man who attacked his wife, a former ballet dancer. After defending his fragile wife's honor, he faces an even greater threat from her troubled past.

Additional Actors:
Ralph Meeker, Vera Miles, Frances Bavier, Ray Montgomery, John Gallaudet, Ray Teal, Norman Willis, John Daheim, Lillian O'Malley, Herbert Lytton


Premonition
Length: 26 minutes

Hoping to reconnect with his estranged father, a pianist returns to his hometown and learns that his dad died four years ago. But things aren't adding up, and the strange behavior of old friends and family only fuels the musician's suspicions.

Additional Actors:
John Forsythe, Cloris Leachman, Warren Stevens, George Macready, Percy Helton, Harry Tyler, Paul Brinegar


Triggers in Leash
Length: 26 minutes

Restaurant owner Maggie gets caught up in a feud between two men who argued during a poker game the night before. Guns are drawn and the men prepare for an old-fashioned duel, but Maggie dares to stop them any way she can.

Additional Actors:
Gene Barry, Darren McGavin, Ellen Corby, Casey MacGregor


Don't Come Back Alive
Length: 26 minutes

A couple's scheme to collect insurance money by faking the wife's death comes back to haunt the husband when his wife returns with a brand-new attitude after spending seven long years in hiding.

Additional Actors:
Sidney Blackmer, Virginia Gregg, Robert Emhardt, Irene Tedrow, Edna Holland

Thanks,
John Brooks Pounders

Thursday, October 25, 2007

The United States Air Force Academy Band Falconaires to perform at UA


The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences School of Music presents The Falconaires from The United States Air Force Academy Band based in Colorado Springs, Colorado in concert on Monday, November 12, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. This world-renown jazz big band of 17 full-time musicians will present a program featuring music of the great big bands. The concert will range from traditional to contemporary jazz and include a patriotic tribute to our nation’s veterans. To view pictures of the Falconaires, visit http://www.usafacademyband.af.mil/ensembles/BandEnsembleBio.asp?EnsembleID=18. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information visit: www.music.ua.edu/calendar or call 205-348-7111.

SHORT CIRCUIT TRAVELING FILM FESTIVAL AT THE BAMA THEATRE



( Tuscaloosa ) The Bama Theatre is one of 36 venues selected to host the 2007-2008 Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival, a project of the Southern Arts Federation. The screening of twelve short films will take place on October 29, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Avenue , in downtown Tuscaloosa . Admission is $7 general, $6 seniors and students, and $5 Arts Council members.

The festival will open with an appearance by Gideon Kennedy and Marcus Rosentrater, co-directors of “Dick-George, Tenn -Tom,” prior to the screening of their film. They will open with a presentation about the film and then close with a question/answer session immediately following the screening. Writer & Co-Director Gideon C. Kennedy graduated cum laude from Georgia State University in 2001 with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Journalism. Editor & Co-Director Marcus Rosentrater studied film at The Colorado Film School at the University of Colorado , with an emphasis in post-production. Marcus continues to do work as an editor in Atlanta .. They are currently in the middle of editing a third short, writing a fourth, and arranging for the production of their first feature.

The Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival spotlights recent short films by filmmakers living and working in the Southeastern United States . Selected for their artistic merit by an esteemed panel of media arts professionals, these engaging short films will tour the South during the 2007-2008 season through two separate delivery methods. Short Circuit has been designed to serve as a complementary program to the Southern Circuit - Tour of Independent Filmmakers. Each of the twelve short films featured in the Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival will be paired with one of the twelve filmmakers touring with Southern Circuit. The short films will serve as the opening acts for the touring filmmakers.

The Bama is one of only twenty southeastern theatres – and the only location in the state of Alabama – chosen to host Short Circuit, featuring all twelve shorts in one screening. The Bama Theatre was chosen by the SAF after a competitive grant process in which information about the Bama Theatre and the success of the Cinema Nouveau film series and Jewish Film Festival was provided.

List of Screenings:

DOCUMENTARY
“ Dick-George , Tenn -Tom”
Directed by Gideon Kennedy and Marcus Rosentrater
Mobile , Alabama
In 1971, President Richard M. Nixon visited Mobile , AL for 104 minutes, during which time he shook 100 feet of hands, lost a cufflink, and shared a stage with his biggest political rival, Governor George Wallace. Dick-George , Tenn -Tom is a sardonic look at their rivalry, the creation of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and the attempt on Wallace's life less than a year later.

“Tour of Homes”
Directed by Penny Brice
Savannah , Georgia
Once described as the southern belle with a dirty face, Savannah is a city of contradictions, primarily between the haves and have-nots. With its Spanish Moss-draped trees and genteel historic district, it has a dark underbelly of poverty and crime, sustained by racial inequality and fueled by denial. Tour of Homes provides an alternative tour to the ones that cart tourists through the affluent environment of historic downtown Savannah .

“The Language of Limbs: A Documentary on the Agrifolk Art Movement”
Directed by Eyekiss
Atlanta , Georgia
Conceptual artist Jonathon Keats discovers the last true folk artists remaining: 50 leyland cypress trees. Watch the drama unfold as these trees, outfitted with easels, paper and pencils, communicate through art...seriously.

“Bowl Digger”
Directed by Kristy Higby
Alexander , North Carolina
A loving story of octogenarians Maxie and Hilton Eades, rural South Carolinians who create wooden bowls and dough trays as durable as their creators.

“The Cole Nobody Knows”
Directed by Clay Walker
Avondale Estates, Georgia
This documentary profiles Chicago-native Freddy Cole, the virtually unknown, yet equally talented younger brother of Nat "King" Cole. At age 75, Freddy Cole is, at last, finally being recognized for his amazing musical talent.

ANIMATION

“Sandstorm”
Directed by Yeon Choi
Lafayette , Louisiana
In an imaginary land that lacks of water and flesh, two skeleton figures find a pair of eyes in the sand. Their selfish minds start a fight over the eyes, and the fight leads to a bitter end.

“Dear Sweet Emma”
Directed by John Cernak
Winston-Salem , North Carolina
As the search is given up for Emma's latest husband, Tucker, a private look reveals that Emma has a secret and uncontrollable dark side. The sweetest angel and favorite citizen of Fishtickle would indeed pose an uncomfortable dilemma for all if her problem were ever found out.

EXPERIMENTAL

“Wood Diary”
Directed by David Meyers
Henderson , Kentucky
Follow a less-than-ordinary man over the course of one day and discover what it takes most people a lifetime to learn.

FICTION
“Theodore”
Directed by Jorge Moran
Nashville , Tennessee
Theodore knows loneliness, but the challenge of his life is knowing love.

“Moth to Light”
Directed by Elizabeth Strickler
Atlanta , Georgia
Through a dark and tense atmosphere twists the horrific coming of age of Muriel. Caught between the domestic world of her mother and a dark and luring force in the garden, she contemplates what to do with the baby her mother dotes on and whose origins are unknown.

“Mr. Extion”
Directed by Griffin Hood and Barry Battles
Maylene , Alabama
Two life long friends and aspiring filmmakers find that developing an original idea, with no budget, is hard to pull off...especially down South. Through the span of a day, the two reveal their true feelings on film, stereotypes, race, and each other.

“An Abstraction on the Chronology of Will”
Directed by Ben Collins and Kevin Phillips
Savannah , Georgia
William Porten is nothing short of apathetic and despondent after a break-up with his girlfriend. He joins the military, becomes a Special Op, and lives with a sustained note of danger until being faced with a firing squad in the middle of the desert. Through an act of divine intervention his life is saved and his will to live is revitalized.

Upcoming events from the School of Music


Alabama Jazz Ensemble featuring Chris Merz, jazz saxophone
Thursday, October 25
Concert Hall - 7:30p.m.


Charles Neidich, masterclass
Friday, October 26
Choral/Opera Room - 11:00 a.m.


Convocation Faculty Masterclass featuring Demondrae Thurman
Friday, October 26
Concert Hall - 12:00 noon


*American Boychoir presented by Alabama Choir School
Friday, October 26
Concert Hall - 7:00 p.m.


Maria “Teca” Gondim, piano
Saturday, October 27
Recital Hall - 4:00 p.m.


Edward White Vocal Competition
Sunday, October 28
Recital Hall - 1:00 p.m.


University of Alabama Honor Choir Concert
Monday, October 29
Concert Hall - 6:00 p.m.


Less is More
Tuesday, October 30
Concert Hall - 7: 30 p.m.


Brenda Luchsinger, French horn
Thursday, November 1
Recital Hall - 5:30 p.m.


Convocation
Friday, November 2
Concert Hall - 12:00 noon


Fall Spectrum Showcase Concert
Friday, November 2
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Danielle Emerich, oboe
Sunday, November 4
Recital Hall - 2:00 p.m.


Leah Hains, soprano
Sunday, November 4
Recital Hall - 4:00 p.m.


Elwira Krengiel, lecture
Sunday, November 4
Recital Hall - 6:00 p.m.


Endowed Chair in Music Education Paul Lehman
Tuesday, November 6
Recital Hall - 5:30 p.m.


Alabama Wind Ensemble
Tuesday, November 6
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Student Chamber Music
Thursday, November 8
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Convocation Faculty Masterclass featuring Shelly Meggison
Friday, November 9
Recital Hall - 12:00 noon


*The University of Alabama Opera Theatre The Promise of Living: Scenes of Life and Love
Friday, November 9
Choral/Opera Room - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 11
Choral/Opera Room - 3:00 p.m.


William A. Martin, baritone
Saturday, November 10
Recital Hall - 2:00 p.m.


Laura Harbin, euphonium
Saturday, November 10
Recital Hall - 6:00 p.m.


Audrey Bradley, soprano
Sunday, November 11
Recital Hall - 6:00 p.m.


Josh Kavanaugh, guitar
Sunday, November 11
Recital Hall - 8:00 p.m.


The USAF Academy Falconaires
Monday, November 12
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.

University Singers
Tuesday, November 13
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Jamie Reeves, trombone
Thursday, November 15
Recital Hall - 5:30 p.m.


Alabama Jazz Combo
Thursday, November 15
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


TSO Youth Concerts
Friday, November 16
Concert Hall - 9:00 a.m.


Convocation
Friday, November 16
Recital Hall - 12:00 noon


Mark Huff, double bass
Saturday, November 17
Recital Hall - 2:00 p.m.

Juline Wilson, clarinet Jonathan Croy, horn
Saturday, November 17
Recital Hall- 6:00 p.m.


**Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, November 18
Concert Hall - 2:00 p.m.

Elwira Krengiel, violin
Sunday, November 18
Recital Hall - 4:00 p.m.


Nathan Tucker, French horn Chase Garner, tuba
Sunday, November 18
Recital Hall - 6:00 p.m.


Brian Williams, bassoon Megan Hipp, oboe
Sunday, November 18
Recital Hall - 8:00 p.m.


Alabama Jazz Standards
Monday, November 19
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Malgorzata Leska, lecture
Tuesday, November 20
Recital Hall - 5:30 p.m.

Alabama Women's Chorale and University Chorus
Tuesday, November 20
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Capstone String Quartet
Tuesday, November 27
Recital Hall - 5:30 p.m.


Alabama Symphonic Winds
Tuesday, November 27
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Electronic Music
Wednesday, November 28
Recital Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Amber Twinn, flute Jeff Stiles, bassoon
Thursday, November 29
Recital Hall - 5:30 p.m.

Student Chamber Music
Thursday, November 29
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.


Convocation
Friday, November 30
Recital Hall - 12:00 noon


*Hilaritas
Friday, November 30
Concert Hall - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 2
Concert Hall - 3:00 p.m

Monday, October 22, 2007

Contra Dance This Saturday (10/27) in Tuscaloosa: Sons of Anak, with Archie Faulkner Calling


I got this email from Jeremy Butler today:

Join us this coming Saturday evening (10/27) for a contra dance in Tuscaloosa. Sons of Anak will provide live music and Archie Faulkner will do the calling.

Contra dancing experience is not required; all dances are taught. Open to the public. Come with a partner or fly solo! (What is a contra dance? See below.)

When: 7:00 beginners session, 7:30-10:30 contra dance
Where: University Presbyterian Church, 1127 8th St. (corner of 12th Avenue and 8th Street, near Bryant-Denny Stadium), Tuscaloosa
Admission: A modest donation is requested.

Further details:

http://www.contradancers.org/

See you Saturday.

-- directions to University Presbyterian Church --

A map is available on our Website.

From the McFarland Blvd. exit (#73) on Interstate 20/59:

  1. Take McFarland Blvd to University Blvd. Go West, toward the UA campus and downtown.
  2. Left on 12th Ave. (Buffalo Phil's/Publix corner).
  3. Left on 8th Street.
  4. Free street parking is available.

From Lurleen Wallace Blvd. (US43, AL69, I359)

  1. Take Lurleen Wallace Blvd. to University Blvd. Go East through downtown Tuscaloosa, toward the UA campus.
  2. Right on 12th Ave. (Buffalo Phil's/Publix corner).
  3. Left on 8th Street.
  4. Free street parking is available.
-- What is a contra dance? --

Most contra dance events are open to all, regardless of experience. A typical evening of contra dance is three hours long, including an intermission. Many events offer beginner-level instructions for up to half an hour before the dance. A typical event consists of a number of individual contra dances, divided by a scattering of other partner dances, perhaps one or more waltzes, schottisches, polkas, or Swedish hambos. In some places, square dances are thrown into the mix. Music for the evening is typically a live band, playing jigs and reels from the British Isles, Canada, or the USA; often the tunes are traditional and more than a century old, and sometimes a few tunes which are more recent compositions that follow the traditional form, perhaps composed by the musicians on stage.

Generally, a leader, called a caller, will teach each individual dance just before the music for that dance begins. This is an introductory period called the "walk-through", during which the dancers learn the dance by walking through the steps and formations while following the caller's instructions. The caller gives the instructions orally, and sometimes augments them with demonstrations of steps by experienced dancers in the group. The walk-through usually proceeds in the order of the moves as they will be done with the music; in some dances, the caller may vary the order of moves during the dance, a fact that is usually explained as part of the caller's instructions.

After the walk-through, the music begins and the dancers repeat that sequence some number of times before that dance ends, often 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the length of the contra lines. Calls are normally given at least the first few times through, and often for the last. At the end of each dance, the dancers thank their partners. The contra dance tradition in North America is to change partners for every dance, while in the United Kingdom typically people dance with the same partner the entire evening. One who attends an evening of contra dances in North America does not need to bring his or her own partner. In the short break between individual dances, women and men invite each other to dance.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Echo Project reviewed by Reid McCreary - Pictures coming soon!

After walking around a damp open field during a cold Georgia night, I start to feel icy grass blades numb my toes. Surrounding me are nothing but south Fulton county trees, the star-filled sky, and five towering stages. As I look down to the VIP bracelet that granted me access to this bitter empty field, I notice the rolling hills in the distance, covered by tents. Ten-thousand campers are preparing for three days of mind-blowing live music. I soon realize that this moment will be the most peaceful experience of my weekend, and that’s fine with me.

It’s mid-October in 2007, marking the very first Echo Project, an Atlanta-based event that blends concert atmosphere with environmental activism. Aiming to set the standard for earth-friendly festivals, the three day experience features five stages and approximately one hundred bands with musical stylings ranging from alternative folk to crunk beats. Through collaboration with other organizations including Sustainable Waves, Rivers Alive, and Clean Vibes, organizers have dedicated themselves to use hard work and the latest trends in technology to make a positive change on the earth. Throughout the weekend, the Echo Project pushes environmental concerns to the crowd, and mainly focuses on energy usage, waste management, and habitat restoration. Festival-goers are encouraged to participate in echo system activities spanning from climate seminars to recycled arts and crafts.

Entering the concert field Friday morning, I quickly choose to leave the aluminum crafts to the more tie-dyed and dreadlocked festival-goers. The most important concern in my mind is seeing as much live music as humanly possible and, thankfully, the media badge, plastered on my chest, allows me to do so. My concert endeavor begins with the Polyphonic Spree, a two-dozen member indie-pop band dressed in eccentric militant uniform. As the weekend continues, memorable performances are made by well-knowns like Common and the Killers, as well as lesser-knowns like the Album Leaf and the Secret Machines. Regardless of the act, each concert tends to have the same aspects: a sparse comfortable crowd, dedicated fans magnetically drawn to the front of the stage, and good-vibe seeking dancers in the back with their feet stirring up a cloud of dust and other substances.

The weekend comes to a high-point Friday night as Wayne Coyne and the rest of the Flaming Lips take the main stage as the first-ever headliners of the Echo Project. After Coyne rushes into the crowd via a human-sized hamster ball, a gathering of superheroes, Santa clauses, and aliens assemble on stage, among of the band. Playfully assaulting the crowd with balloons and confetti, the Lips tear into a heavy amount of music from their three most recent albums. In between each song, Coyne takes the opportunity to address the crowd with environmental and political issues. This culminates with the band dedicating a beautiful performance of “Waitin’ for a Superman” to war victims in Iraq. Other highlights of the evening include a bed-time sing-along to ‘Yoshimi Battle the Pink Robots,’ a confetti-heavy ‘Do You Realize,’ and an encore performance of ‘She Don’t Use Jelly’ and the Rolling Stone’s ‘Moonlight Mile.”

Upon exiting the Echo Project late Saturday night, leaving the flickering stage lights behind, I realize that the festival has a bright future. The organizers of the event claim that 2007 marks the first of a ten year commitment to change the way festivals are powered. But, with great bands, comfortable crowds, and minimal carbon emissions, let’s hope the next nine years can live up to the first.

Friday, October 19, 2007

90.7 The Capstone co-hosts Rocky Horror Picture Show viewing Oct. 29

90.7 The Capstone, Mallet Assembly, and the UA Film Society partner for this event. Here's what Travis Deese of Mallet Assembly has to say about it:

ADMISSION IS ONE CANNED GOOD!

As part of Beat Auburn Beat Hunger, The Mallet Assembly along with 90.7 The Capstone and UA Film Society is putting on a showing of the most deliciously debaucherous musical ever made!

Get ready to dance with the music, throw things at the audience, and shout at the movie with active audience participation. Props should be provided to the first 200 people, but if you fell like bringing your own a list can be found at http://www.rockyhorror.com/participation/

Also, if you've never been to this before, even better! I guarantee it's like no other movie experience you've ever had! Just dress in black drag or something similarly sinful.

Remember to get there early and bring a canned food for admission! We also have two rules for the showing:

1. Have fun!
2. Do not throw food or shoot water! You will be escorted out of the theatre. (This includes rice)

Here's the schedule of events:

8:00 - Registration for the costume contest. (Feel free to wear Rocky Horror attire or a regular Halloween costume!)

8:30 - Costume contest inside the Ferg Theater.

9:00 - The movie will promptly start at 9, so get there before then.

After the movie, we'll clean up. If you've had an especially awesome time, we request that you help out!

Remember to research what to say at http://www.rockyhorror.com/participation/


P.S. - Isn't this an awesome poster? Saeid Halvaeian, our in-house graphic design guru, made it for us. If you're as completely in awe of this boy's talent as we are, you can contact him at 713-269-7175.

Kings of Leon, reviewed by John Brooks Pounders


This is the inaugural installment of 90.7's new venture, Capstone Concert Consulting. We send our staff to shows and events and they report back to us.

On October 10, John Brooks and I (MJ) attended the Kings Leon concert at the Alabama Theater in Birmingham. Pictures from the concert will be coming soon.

Manchester Orchestra opened the show and everyone around us in the audience kept asking one another, "Who is that band? They're really good!" You may recognize Manchester Orchestra if you subscribe to Paste Magazine. Their songs have been included in two Paste CDs so far. I managed to catch up with their lead singer after the show and gave him my business card (shamelessly promoting 90.7 The Capstone, of course). : ) Maybe we can convince Manchester Orchestra to come to Tuscaloosa.

After a short break, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club followed Manchester Orchestra. They definitely didn't disappoint the audience. I'm looking forward to seeing them again at Voodoo Fest in New Orleans October 26-28 (Kings of Leon will be at Voodoo Fest also).

Finally, Kings of Leon... I confess that I had not listened to Kings of Leon very much before, but after this concert I find myself playing and replaying the album that John Brooks graciously loaned me. They're fantastic live. I enjoyed watching the crowd's response to the music; their faces shined with an almost religious zeal - a cliched phrase, yes, but so applicable in this case.

I'll let John Brooks elaborate according to the questions I sent him:

1. Artist Quality:
Kings of Leon put on a really good show. They seemed like class acts, even though I couldn't understand what they said between songs. The main singer rocked a v-neck and gold chain like no other. Sometimes I did feel like they might have missed a few queues musically, but that could have been my imagination. They were nonetheless very good performers and left the audience happy.

2. Song Selection/Line Up:
The song selection was right on for me. They played their "classics" like Molly's Chamber and newer songs like Charmer. I was suprised that they would sing Charmer because of the painful screeching the song requires. Kings of Leon also wisely chose to play one of their newest songs, Knocked Up, as the lead song for their encore. The set list was strong and dynamic leaving new and old fans pleased.

3. Pretend I’ve never heard this band before, and try to describe their sound/genre to me:
Kings of Leon is best described as Southern Garage Rock. Using poetic and sometimes painful words mixed with usually up-tempo beats, Kings of Leon creates a slightly modded and very approachable southern rock sound.

4. Venue Atmosphere and Appearance:
The Alabama Theatre is a beautiful theater built in the 1920's by Paramount Studios. From Alabamatheatre.com, "It was used primarily as a movie palace for 55 years, with the exception of the annual Miss Alabama pageant and the weekly Mickey Mouse Club." The staff is very eager to fill any patrons in on information about the theater's history and significance to Birmingham, Alabama.

5. Venue Acoustics – and other technical issues that come to mind:
The Alabama Theatre has really good acoustics; the Kings of Leon sounded just like they did on their cds.

Events around the state of Alabama

National Peanut Festival
Dothan; Nov. 2-10
Farmers, agriculture and agribusiness honored. Livestock exhibits, competitions, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides, pageants and a parade where the street is covered with peanuts.

41st Annual Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair
Pike Road; Nov. 3
A fun day in the country with more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, homemade sweets and treats, plenty of barbecue, other food and shopping opportunities.

Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, 23rd Annual
Orange Beach; Nov. 8-18
Musicians from all over the world bring magical music to the Gulf Coast area in November. Music of all genres will be performed throughout the festival, which serves as a time for hit writers, aspiring newcomers and an audience that appreciates great music to come together.

National Veterans Day Parade
Birmingham; Nov. 11
Each year, National Veterans Day in Birmingham salutes those men and women who have served their country as members of the armed services and those today who proudly wear the uniform of the active, reserve and national guard forces.

Annual Veterans Day events include the largest and oldest Veterans Day parade in the U.S., a dinner honoring the National Veterans Award recipient, a World Peace Luncheon, ROTC/JROTC Drill Competition and a Memorial Service.

Quilt Challenge '07
Florence; Nov. 14-Dec. 19
The Shoals Piecemakers Quilt Guild "challenges" members to create innovative quilts following a new set of rules each year. Subject matter and the use of a specific material are part of the requirements. The exhibit includes amazingly creative and varied works of fiber art.

Mobile International Festival
Mobile; Nov. 17
Travel around the world in a day and experience the wonders of the cultures of more than 70 countries. Visit, explore, shop and taste the delicious fanfare presented. Artists, entertainment, food and more.

Alabama's Finest Artists Showcase
Gadsden; Nov. 18-Jan. 18
This show selects some of Alabama's finest emerging artists and showcases their talents in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work. The 2005 exhibit featured canvas artist T.S. Carson of Birmingham and stoneware vessels by Larry Allen of Leeds.

Galaxy of Lights Driving Tours
Huntsville; Nov. 22-Dec. 31
A magnificent holiday light extravaganza over a two-mile route through the garden. Animated displays of holiday scenes, nature, nursery rhymes and much more.

Magic Christmas in Lights, 12th Annual
Mobile; Nov. 23-Dec. 31
Stroll through over 3 million twinkling lights and hundreds of animated displays during the annual celebration of Magic Christmas in Lights. Tour the Bellingrath Home, decorated in its holiday finery and enjoy the sounds of nightly performances on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home. Have your photo taken with Santa and enjoy supper in the Magnolia Cafe. Finish your shopping in the Bellingrath Gift Shop and experience the wonders of the holiday season.

Christmas on the River Week
Demopolis; Nov. 25-Dec. 1
River festival featuring the Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-off, musical and theatrical holiday performances, a community-wide church service, live nativity, a fair on the square, Christmas in the canebrake, a day parade and the famous nautical light parade and fireworks.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

We Talk During Movies announces next viewing

I received notification today through We Talk During Movie's Facebook group regarding their next event:

Ok, so we're getting a little more serious this week. Will Wheaton, River Pheonix, Corey Feldman, Keifer Sutherland, and Jerry O' Connell go on a search for a Teen's dead body and come back a little more grown up. Just go to WeTalkDuringMovies.com @ 3:30 CST this Sunday and laugh..cry..grow..or talk about how badass Keifer Sutherland is(Jack Bower '08)!

From IMDB:
"Based on Stephen King's Short story "The Body", "Stand By Me" tells the tale of Gordie Lachance, a writer who looks back on his preteen days when he and three close friends went on their own adventure to find the body of a kid their age who had gone missing and presumed dead. The stakes are upped when the bad kids in town are closely tailing - and it becomes a race to see who'll be able to recover the body first."

See you Sunday,
John Brooks Pounders

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Wendy Rawlings at Gorgas Library at UA

Howdy folks. This just in:

Please join us on Thursday, October 18 in Gorgas Library room 205 at 4 pm for a reading and discussion with Wendy Rawlings of her new novel, The Agnostics (University of Michigan Press, 2007). The book was recently awarded the Michigan Literary Fiction Award for the Novel for 2007 and was just reviewed this week for Publishers' Weekly's Web Exclusive Reviews saying -- "Rawlings writes with vivid sensuousness and a palpable sense of purpose in throwing curveballs at her familiar characters. The result is a probing investigation into the unbearable lovelessness of modern life, and an attendant search for certainty."

Wendy Rawlings is an Associate Professor of English at UA and the current director of UA's internationally known MFA program in Creative Writing. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Utah and an MFA in Creative Writing at Colorado State University. She has held residency fellowships from The MacDowell Colony, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and Yaddo, and is the recipient of the John Farrar Fellowship in Fiction at the Bread Loaf Writer's Conference.

A reception and signing will follow the reading. This UA Libraries event is sponsored in part through the generocity of Lakey and Susan Tolbert.


This reading and reception is not to be missed! We hope to see you there!!

Dance Alabama! reviewed by Suzanne Flanagan

Dance Alabama! began Monday and lasts until Friday. I'll share my interview with choreographer Lupe Medina soon, but first let's see what Suzanne has to say about it:

Dance Alabama! Fall 2007 worth the watch
By Suzanne Flanagan

Wednesday night’s Dance Alabama! Fall Concert featured a wide variety of styles, talents and creative abilities of UA student dancers. The Dance Alabama! Program is a show compiled of student choreographed pieces. The choreographers are responsible for costumes, lighting, casting, rehearsals and whatever else goes into their dances. The Morgan Auditorium audience never seemed to endure a dull moment during the performance.

One of the favorites of the night was It’s Too Late to Apologize choreographed by Jessica Bostany. This piece was full of beautiful lines and great technique, at the same time incorporating the sharp beats of the song. Bostany’s quick choreography was strongly portrayed by the unison of the four dancers in the piece.

Another memorable dance was Sylvia by Allison Michalke, danced by Elaine Randant. The sound was Sylvia Plath’s reading of her own poem “The Thin People.” This was a new and interesting twist for Dance Alabama! Randant moved to Plath’s voice with angst and discomfort. Her toes literally curled at the mention of “the thin people.”

Another highlight of the performance was Ladies Choice by Lindsay Sockler. Sockler, the president of Dance Alabama!, brought a fresh, upbeat flare with her musical number from the recent movie release of Hairspray. The dancers wore brightly colored skirts and neck scarves while swooning over dancer Lupe Medina.

The diverse range of creativity among student choreographers assures an encouraging impression of the UA Dance Department. Despite disrespectful, whispering audience members, Dance Alabama! is definitely worth seeing.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Dance Alabama starts tonight!


The University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance presents Dance Alabama!, October 16 – 19. Performances run Tuesday - Thursday at 7:30pm and Friday at 5:30pm. Tickets are available at crimsonartstickets.com, at box offices in Rowand-Johnson Hall and the Ferguson Center, or by calling 348-3400 Monday - Friday 12pm until 5 p.m.

Dance Alabama! will showcase the best works of undergraduate choreographers under the guidance of the University of Alabama award-winning dance faculty. Join us in celebrating the premiere of these incredible new pieces.

Man Man / The Extraordinaires / Nowhere Squares @ Bottle Tree in Birmingham


All I need to know about this show is that Brandon "Yahweh" Andrews, 90.7 The Capstone's Production Director, is going - I'm sold. I wanna go!

Man Man, Philly's wildest band--not to mention a new Birmingham favorite just off tour with Modest Mouse--returns to Bottletree for another one of the most exciting shows we've ever seen.

The Nowhere Squares are one of the most kinetic and histrionic live bands to come out of Birmingham. They combine devo-esque new wave theatrics with the hooks of the Ramones at the velocity of the Buzzcocks.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Come out to Bottle Tree tonight!

I found this email in my inbox bright and early this morning and decided to repost it, even though I've posted similar information a while back. By the way, we gave away tickets to this show over the air. Don't you wish you'd listened to 90.7 FM and called in for your free tickets? ;) Don't worry, we have more great ticket giveaways coming all the time.

Howdy all
Just wanted to remind you about the show at Bottletree tonight. It's going to be an amazing one. I'd love to know if you'll be able to make it. Please send an email back if you think you're coming.

Details:

Through the Sparks/Office/Earlimart
Bottletree
Monday, October 15th
9pm Sharp

Earlimart is a great band from LA's Silverlake scene. They recorded in Elliott Smith's old studio and have been thrown in the same circles with Grandaddy. The band was recently featured on KCRW. Check out their performance below.
http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb/mb070821earlimart

Office is from Chicago. They put on a great energetic performance. They sometimes dress in Office attire. They're gaining a lot of momentum.

Through the Sparks will be going on first at 9pm. Don't miss these hometown boys before they head to New York the following day to perform at CMJ Music Marathon. Please come show your support.

You'll regret it if you miss this one.

Check out some you tube videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv1BHv_NlJQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLBX8tjRLeQ&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOGHoywmMko

Hope to see you at the show,
Travis

Fall is finally here, and so is a new post from yours truly.

The air is growing crisp, the leaves are changing hues, and campus life seems busier every day...

Alright, down to business. Today is the first day of Beat Auburn Beat Hunger, which benefits the West Alabama Food Bank:
Beat Auburn Beat Hunger begins October 15, and we will have our official kickoff party on October 16 from 11-2 in the Ferguson Plaza.
Will Alabama actually win this year? Stay tuned to find out! And do your part to save the world and win against Auburn by participating in the competition.

And how might you go about participating?

Well, check out what's coming up from 90.7 The Capstone:
By the way, we're having a Halloween event at the Ferguson Center Theater, where we'll be showing the movie ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. EVERYONE is invited. Admission is ONE canned good. This is a charity event - we'll be donating everything to the West Alabama Food Bank, so bring your cans. There will be two costume contests - one for general Halloween costume and the other for hardcore Rocky Horror costume. This event is co-sponsored by the Mallet Assembly. Stand by for further details.
In other news, tonight our Country music show DJ, our Programming Director, and I (Promotions Director) will be attending a press party for the Deadstring Brothers. I'm SUPER excited. :) Pictures and info about that will be coming soon. Remember, the Deadstring Brothers will be at the Bama Theater on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 8PM.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Voodoo Fest is coming up, Oct. 26-28!

The Capstone just finished giving away tickets to Voodoo Fest in New Orleans. Congratulations to all the winners! This is going to be an awesome weekend. Here's some info on it, sent to me by Voodoo Fest itself. Impressive, eh? ;) Check out our Archives for more press releases and information.

VOODOO MUSIC EXPERIENCE:

CULTURAL INFLUENCE OF
NEW ORLEANS

REFLECTED IN 2007 POSTER


In a city known for its unique mix of cultures, this year’s VOODOO MUSIC EXPERIENCE poster will reflect the varied influences of New Orleans.

The 2007 poster created by acclaimed New Orleans artist Lionel Milton--who has designed the posters for five prior VOODOO MUSIC EXPERIENCE’s--will be unveiled this Thursday, October 4 at Milton’s Elleone Gallery space and will remain on display there throughout the month. The evening’s festivities will also include the music of Big Sam’s Brass Band and DJ Soul Sister and will mark a weekend long grand opening celebration at Elleone Gallery (2001 Magazine Street) in the historic Lower Garden District of New Orleans.

“This year's Voodoo Music Experience poster was inspired by the gumbo of musical contributions from my hometown of New Orleans,” says Milton. “The Crescent City has its own feel of funk, groove, rock & roll and of course jazz. That mixture of creativity gave me more than I needed to project the image of funk I created this year. New Orleans has its own way of seeing and doing things. I think Voodoo captures that well and it made it easy for me to be inspired visually.”

VOODOO’s three full days of music--October 26, 27 and 28--will kick off with appearances from Rage Against the Machine, Kings Of Leon, Toots & the Maytals and M.I.A. (Friday); the Smashing Pumpkins, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Sinead O’Connor and TiŃ‘sto (Saturday); Wilco, Dr. John, Fall Out Boy, the Black Crowes and Common (Sunday). More than 120 acts will appear in the VOODOO MUSIC EXPERIENCE’s three distinct performance areas--Le Ritual, Le Flambeau and Le Carnival--each of which highlights a unique side of the personality of New Orleans.


Ticketing, Will Call and free Bike Valet will be set up on the NOMA Lawn. $40 single day tickets, $115 3-day weekend tickets and $450 LOA Lounge (VIP) passes are currently available via www.voodoomusicfest.com. All tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To download copies of the day-by-day line-up with set times, along with information about transportation, travel and other general topics, visit the VOODOO MUSIC EXPERIENCE website at www.voodoomusicfest.com.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Bottle Tree keeps me posted... and then I keep YOU posted. :)

I received another one of those super-nice-and-thoughtful, informative emails today about an upcoming show at Bottle Tree in Birmingham. We'll be giving away tickets to it, by the way. Keep listening to 90.7 The Capstone for ticket and event info! And great music, of course.

Anyway, here's the email:

Howdy all
Just wanted to let you know or remind you (whichever fits) about this show at Bottletree:

Through the Sparks/Office/Earlimart
Bottletree
Monday, October 15th
9pm Sharp

Earlimart is a great band from LA's Silverlake scene. They recorded in Elliott Smith's old studio and have been thrown in the same circles with Grandaddy. The band was recently featured on KCRW. Check out their performance below.
http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb/mb070821earlimart

Office is from Chicago. They put on a great energetic performance. They sometimes dress in Office attire. They're gaining a lot of momentum.

Through the Sparks will be going on first at 9pm. Don't miss these hometown boys before they head to New York the following day to perform at CMJ Music Marathon. Please come show your support.

It's going to be an awesome show.

Check out some you tube videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv1BHv_NlJQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLBX8tjRLeQ&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOGHoywmMko

Hope to see you at the show,
Travis
(Please pass around and repost this info as much as you can)

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

It's that time of year again... Time for the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy!


Saturday Dec. 8th, 2pm and 7:30pm | Sunday Dec. 9th, 2pm
Click Here to Find Tickets

More Information: Birmingham Ballet
http://www.birminghamballet.com
Groups: 205.979-9492

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

A Few Upcoming Local Events...

36th Annual National Shrimp Festival
Gulf Shores; Oct. 11-14
One of the premier events in the Southeast, The Annual National Shrimp Festival draws over 300,000 people to Alabama's Gulf Coast. The festival has over 300 vendors offering everything from Arts & Crafts and The International Marketplace to the Children's Art Village, where kids can let their creative talents and imaginations run wild! Some of the best Fine Art in the region will be displayed, and four days of musical entertainment will be on hand, featuring national recording artists as well as all the local favorites. Fabulous seafood will be on hand and, of course, shrimp- fried, grilled, broiled or steamed.

Tale Tellin' Festival
Selma; Oct. 12-13
The rattle of chains in an abandoned Southern plantation, lights flickering from a cypress swamp, hidden treasures in an old well... it's Southern magic at its best. Spin a yarn at the Swappin' Ground (5:30 p.m.); then at 7 p.m. enjoy storytelling by nationally known storytellers such as Selma's own Kathryn Tucker Windham.

Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption
Birmingham; Oct. 14-Jan. 27
The Birmingham Museum of Art is pleased to announce a groundbreaking exhibition that will, for the first time, tell the intriguing stories of the final days of Pompeii and the nearby resort cities of Herculaneum, Oplontis and Terzigno following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in August of 79 AD. Excavations dating back to 1780 through current day have produced the more than 500 objects, many of which have never been toured outside of Italy, that allow the Museum to reconstruct final moments of the citizens and the magnificence of these vibrant cities.

Governor's Mansion Autumn Garden Tour
Montgomery; Oct. 19-20
Stroll through the beautiful landscaped grounds of the 1907 Colonial Revival mansion and learn how to beautify your fall garden.

Southern Wildlife Festival
Decatur; Oct. 20-21
Wildlife art show and sale featuring works by wildlife artists from throughout the U.S.

Grand Festival of Art by the Bay
Fairhope; Oct. 20-21
This fine arts show features over 90 artists exhibiting in a variety of mediums, including oils, watercolor, acrylics, photography, ceramics and fine jewelry. Exhibitors include both local and national artists, many of whom return each year for this unique venue on the shores of Mobile Bay.

Kentuck Festival of the Arts
Northport; Oct. 20-21
The Kentuck Festival, nationally recognized for its quality and diversity, celebrates a variety of artistic styles ranging from folk to contemporary arts as well as traditional crafts. Each of the 250+ artists participating in the Festival is either invited as a guest artist or is juried based on the quality and originality of their work. The guest artists are nationally recognized folk and visionary artists whose powerful visual images continue to capture national and international acclaim. Mose Tolliver, Annie Tolliver Turner, Lonnie Holley, Jimmy Lee Sudduth and Charlie Lucas are among the self-taught artists Kentuck has been honored to showcase.