Print dies out as a wave of electronic-media sweeps the market
Annihilation is Just Another Word For Destruction After the release of five albums, “Time For Annihilation” joins the collection of mind-piercing, thoughtfully crafted songs from the band. “We always say ‘time for annihilation’ right before we perform,” said Papa Roach Frontman Jacoby Shaddix.
Commercials thrive on the concept of being misleading, but it still stings just the same to fall victim to false advertising. George Clooney’s new film “The American,” which debuted yesterday, led the most misleading marketing campaign of any movie this year.
Oregon, Ohio played host to the festival and its hundreds of participants this year
Pink Floyd tribute band makes polka cool again
E-cigarettes provide a second hand smoke free alternative at a cost
Electronic cigarette is a word known by many tobacco users, but one that is new to my vocabulary. An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is a tube that is made up of an atomizer, a battery, and a cartridge. It looks like an ordinary cigarette, yet a vapor is produced instead of smoke and the lithium battery can be charged by wall USB, or through a car charger.
Brandon Boyd’s first solo album titled ‘The Wild Trapeze’
A sound similar to Incubus with distinct outside influences is the best way to describe Brandon Boyd’s debut solo album “The Wild Trapeze.” The lyrics, which are mildly ambiguous with some strange imagery, metaphorically speak about everything from problems within our society to various emotions almost everyone can relate to.
The 45th annual German-American Festival begins tomorrow at 6 p.m. with a parade and opening ceremonies featuring fireworks. The festival runs through Sunday night at 11 p.m. This year’s festival features all things German, from children’s activities and sporting events to live music, food, beverages and a German-language worship service on Sunday morning.
A countdown and review of the best and worst films from the summer of 2010
Top 5 worst 5. Charlie St. Cloud The annoyingly-aggressive marketing campaign for this film gave away the entire plot. Zac Efron plays Charlie, a talented sailor whose brother dies in a car accident. Not to worry, because Charlie just happens to have the ability to see dead people.
DTE Energy Music Theatre meets southern charm
There was plenty of music to go around as the musicians played for themselves and for each other. The swarm of spectators listened to the music as it electrified the starlit night. Whether in the grass of the lawn or in pavilion seats, with bobbing heads and moving hands they danced to the rhythm of Zach Brown Band’s magical beat.
It was a cassette tape purchased at the University of Toledo Bookstore in 1983 that sparked Patrick Rynn’s passion for the Blues music genre. The UT alum remembers the mind-blowing effect of the music. “I knew right then that is what I really, really love,” Rynn said.
The 2010 Van’s Warped Tour comes to Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan: My first tour
As I walked through the entrance alone, a blazing sun shone down. Comerica Park was bursting with a diverse and enthusiastic crowd; all of us had made the journey to Detroit for a common cause: our love of music. I promptly made my way to the main stage where I found a few familiar faces.
Zach Gill is keeping busy this summer touring internationally with two new albums from two bands. While Gill and his band ALO are not yet household names, Jack Johnson is one of the most recognizable singer-songwriters of the decade. Bridging the gap between rock and jam band, Gill and his band mates in ALO began playing together Saratoga High School.
Toledo Museum of Art features professional glass blowers Keke Cribbs and Ross Richmond
A teardrop of molten glass was spun by apprentice gaffers as Ross Richmond shaped the 2400 degree piece with what looked like an oven mitt. The future vase was created by Richmond and his partner Keke Cribbs at the glass blowing demonstration held after the completion of the pair’s residency at the University of Toledo.
A mix of cultures and religions
When one thinks of children’s cartoons and summer blockbusters, mindless entertainment is generally what comes to mind – not philosophy, religion and world culture. Yet one of this summer’s top-grossing films, The Last Airbender – based on a children’s cartoon titled Avatar: The Last Airbender – deals with all three.
The UT Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation hosted the sixth annual African-American Festival this weekend. The event was sponsored by Toledo Urban Credit Union and organized by CEO Suzette Cowell. The festival featured concerts, food, a parade and a health fair during this, its third, year held at Scott Park.
Considering artists like Jay Z and Kings of Leon performed, it was surprising that the highlight of this year’s Bonnaroo was the comedy. This was greatly due to Conan O’Brien’s “The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour.
There has always been a tendency in American cinema to dig deep into the crevices of the philosophy and psychology of the human mind. The turn of the 21st century marked a pivotal point in the maturity of American cinema; films like “The Machinist” (2004), “Adaptation” (2002) and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004), as well as their psychoanalytical content, reflected on how the mindset of Americans became egocentrically tormented in a time of economical and political panic.
Self-taught guitar playing is surprisingly common. With greats like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Santana, BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan all being self-taught, it brings hope to those of us without a formal rock n’ roll education. As I begin my umpteenth attempt at teaching myself to play the guitar, I feel all the usual negative emotions associated with teaching yourself something: frustration, impatience and doubt.
Growing up, space travel always fascinated me; the space shuttle was the highlight of my obsession. Earlier this year, hearing that the shuttle was to be retired affected me emotionally. Sure, I have seen shuttle launches many times on TV and in movies, but that didn’t satisfy my want to go.
Renowned entertainer comes to Stranahan Theatre on Sunday
Legendary comedian and monologist Bill Cosby will return to Toledo on May 2 with brand new material. “I’ve been practicing,” Cosby said. For the 48 years that Cosby has been in the entertainment industry, he has been the appropriated writer for all of his material, including “Fat Albert” and “The Cosby Show.
Third Eye Blond rocks The Omni
They took the ‘90s by storm with their singles “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Jumper” and “How’s it Going to Be,” they have been around the world and played concerts for three studio recorded albums and last night they brought the best of their musical abilities to The Omni in honor of their latest album, “Ursa Major.
Shen Yun Performing Arts comes to Toledo with purity
The history of Chinese culture over the past 5,000 years will be presented through beautiful dance and music at the Stranahan Theatre on May 14. “Shen Yun,” or divine performing arts, is a non-profit group based in New York that is devoted to the revitalization of the Chinese culture.
The best creative work of UT’s theatre and film students exhibited this weekend at CPA
The arts of filmmaking and theatrical production are essential for capturing and relaying the human condition in a world of conflict, drama and technological evolution. On the weekend of April 30, the University of Toledo’s Department of Theatre and Film will merge student works from both halves of the department in a showcase of short films and theatre pieces.
In light of the broad nature of the legalization of marijuana, this article serves as a mere summary of this prominent cultural issue and its stereotypes. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Web site says marijuana is “the third most popular recreational drug in America (behind only alcohol and tobacco), and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans…Marijuana smokers are no different from their non-smoking peers, except for their marijuana use.
‘Writing in the Community’ class brings poetic enlightenment to homeless women and children
The craft of writing transpires a way to express feelings for life’s oddball, tragic or enlightening array of possible circumstances. Writing is a form of cathartic release that, if harvested, can alleviate guilt, help come to terms with one’s past, present or future, and meditate on the hand that life dealt you.
After several run-ins with a particular set of thugs, Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) dreams up a superhero named “Kick-Ass.” As this new breed of superhero, he wields two batons and a stun gun. “How come no one’s ever tried to be a superhero?” This is the initial question that is posed by Dave.
It’s rare but refreshing to see a musician break into the industry for the right reasons. Gin Wigmore, a 23-year-old from Auckland, New Zealand, launched her career and won the grand prize with the song “Hallelujah” in the 2004 International Songwriting Competition, beating out over 11,000 other entrants from 77 different countries.
Toledo folk-based musician sings about facing demons and the lonely road to redemption
Waiting by the door of the Secor Studios was a tall, dark-haired young man wearing sunglasses with his guitar wrapped around his chest. His name is Lucian Townes, a Toledo area folk musician possessed by the ghosts of Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. Lucian Townes took me through the hallways of the studio building, which were covered with paintings and photographs.
Selections from Chester Mystery Cycle: ‘creation’ to ‘doomsday’
“Creation/Doomsday: Selections from the Chester Mystery Cycle,” directed by Edmund Lingan, UT associate professor of theatre, is “a sequence of 24 individual plays of biblical episodes from the 15th and 16th centuries; the cycle presents Christian history from Creation to Doomsday,” according to Christina Fitzgerald, dramaturg and associate professor and director of graduate studies in English.
Toledo was rocked on Saturday when the first ever Jamboree festival made its way to Ohio, bringing some of the heaviest rock and metal bands on tour today. Taking place from noon to midnight at Headliner’s, the Jamboree delivered a whirlwind of high-paced music, energetic fans and talented bands.
Incarcerated women represented in creative survival and performance workshop
Social activism will take center stage next week as “The Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women” makes its appearance at UT. Performance art is not often given a place in today’s socio-political discourse, but these creative and talented women intend to show the huge impact that expressive art, especially theater, can have on popular opinion.
The Independent Collegian is calling all poets, lyricists, novelists, short story writers, photographers, essayists and artists. We are proud to announce a call for submissions for the Independent Collegian’s first online literary publication, the “IC Underground.
In his minimal edition book of poetry titled “Chicago You Got a Wide Stance,” Lucas-County Poet Laureate Joel Lipman hails the city of Chicago as a place of energy and love. At the opening reading for his “Minimal Editions” exhibit, he made Toledo feel like a literary haven and worthwhile place to live as a writer, as well.
Theatrical rock n’ roll from Cincinnati, Ohio
Foxy Shazam is a rock group from Cincinnati who falls into the rare breed of musicians that are difficult to define in terms of genre. Comparing their sound to bands like Coheed and Cambria, Queen, Rush or The Mars Volta would be making an understatement of their experimental rock opera capabilities.
English Department’s Outstanding Student of 2010’s experiences as a publisher
For Kathleen Heil, the UT English Department’s Outstanding Student of 2010, studying literature and creative writing has helped develop a poetic outlook on life and an overachiever’s state of mind. “I’ve always written as a hobby,” Heil said. “I think UT, the instructors and the outlets at the English Department helped make writing more of an art form.
DreamWorks Studios has taken advantage of the recent popularity of dragon and Viking mythology with their release of the animated film “How to Train Your Dragon.” Starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson and Jonah Hill, “How to Train Your Dragon” scored a PG rating.
Street papers speaking out for homelessness, unhoused people and those struggling with poverty
Let it be known that the impoverished people of Toledo have a voice and it is named “Toledo Streets,” a monthly publication speaking out in the spirit of empowering people struggling with poverty. “[Toledo Streets] is about advocacy and communication between people through poetry, through photography, through articles and essays,” said Amanda F.
The notion of spectacle is often tangled with predictability and lunacy in mythological action movies. This type of movie tends to build toward unfulfilled anticipation, which causes frustration and regret. This is the case with the 2010 remake “Clash of the Titans,” the first gargantuan Hollywood production of the year and possibly one of the most disappointing.
One could argue that son of the “voice of a generation,” Jakob Dylan, has huge boots to fill—almost mythical. But over the last two decades, he has proven that not even the legacy of his father, Bob Dylan, can weaken his determination to carve out his own place in the folk-rock music world.
The Stranahan Theatre was packed for last Thursday’s performance of Broadway’s smash hit musical, “Wicked.” The crowd was floored by the dazzling production. As hundreds of people flooded out of the theatre, everyone’s reactions were the same: “This was the best musical I have ever seen in my life,” was one of the many satisfied comments I overheard.
Since the mid-80s, Michael J. Fox has been a prime entertainer, humanitarian and voice of inspiration through his books “Lucky Man” and “Always Looking Up.” In his latest book, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future,” Fox writes to the youth of America on the subjects of graduation and life lessons.
Among the beginning of pre-summer blockbusters and bottom of the pile comedies, the one film to prove that there are hidden gems left in cinema, is Roman Polanski’s new political thriller “The Ghost Writer.” In searching for the most vivid and engaging investigative mystery, it would be a travesty to overlook this lively and suspenseful film that draws the viewer in and refuses to let go.
Kathleen Heil Kathleen Heil has been named the English Department’s Outstanding student for 2010. She will be recognized at the College of Arts and Sciences Awards Ceremony on May 8, 2010 at 9:30 AM. Kathleen is graduating this May with a degree in English and a concentration in Creative Writing.
Backstage during set-up at the off-Broadway production of the musical sensation, ‘Wicked’
Crates, dollies and boxes full of the essentials for the magic of theatre flooded off the semitrucks into the loading door of the Stranahan Theatre in preparation for the opening night of Broadway’s hit musical “Wicked.” About 100 crew members unloaded floor pieces, drop cloths, hangs, set pieces, props, wardrobe and lights out of 14 semitrucks for this grand event.
Without the pressures of a big city, musical artists have the opportunity to explore and develop their sound within the presence of an audience and other bands, which provides both support and challenge. Words After is an Indie-Ambient Rock band from Dundee, Michigan that found this outlet and has been enjoying its source of energy for the last two years.
There is a rule in the gaming world that if a video game is based on a movie it is probably not going to be very well made. It is also safe to say that movies based on video games are usually not well made, either. “Heavy Rain,” a new PS3 game from Sony and Quantic Dreams, takes the video game world and the movie world to a new level, as the game is more or less an interactive movie that plays like a video game.
UT Professor of English and Lucas County Poet Laureate exhibits his personal collection of micropress books
The art of bookmaking has given writers and poets an avenue to share their work with the world for little cost. The “micropress” is a form of literary expression that encapsulates both time period and place based on the artistic merit behind the poets, publishers and printmakers.
Two of the most anticipated games back in 2000 were “Pokémon Gold” and “Pokémon Silver” for the original Game Boy, sequels to the best-selling handheld games of all time. Critics praised the sequel for taking many of the themes used in the original game while adding more, making it a more interesting game.
The Kinsey Sicks swept the University of Toledo off its feet on Saturday night with their free performance, “Each Hit and I.” The a capella quartet sang of love, life and politics with a satirical twist to all of their songs, and all of the singers were men dressed in drag.
The first-year college experience is one of the most difficult transitions a young person can overcome in their lives. The University of Toledo’s Office of First Year Experience honors this transitional period with the uncUT Film Festival, a showcase of short films about the experience of entering college.
Fifteen freshmen compete on UT’s reality series for a chance at free tuition
UTTV has teamed up with television station The CW (WT05-Toledo) and gathered 15 qualified freshmen together for a reality TV show aptly named “The Freshmen 15.” Premiering on television in the early morning hours of Monday, March 22, the selected first-year students battled Survivor-style (minus an exotic island) for the grand prize: one semester paid tuition at the university as well as being deemed “the ultimate freshman,” said Carrie Theuring, student president of UTTV and a senior majoring in film.
Hannah Fritch The Toledo music scene has always been a part of my life. In grade school I attempted rhythm on a friend’s drum set who played in a local band, but, at the time, I did not know what I was doing. It seemed like all the older kids in high school were in one band or another.
The Ground Level manages to revive the art of spoken word in Toledo and provide a community space
In the past year, Toledo’s artistic community has been transformed for the better thanks to The Ground Level. “There’s an element of destiny to it,” said Jesse Lipman, owner of The Ground Level, a Toledo-based coffee shop near the intersection of Douglas Road and Central Avenue.
A film starring Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler may instantly sound like a hit considering Butler’s tough performances from films like “300” and “Gamer” and Aniston’s history as an actress who usually plays a beautiful leading woman.
What do you get when you throw pitchers of Pabst Blue Ribbon, a bunch of crazy kids and loud music into a room? A punk show. Full Scale Panic began in Toledo in the summer of 2006 as a three-piece Punk/Ska band that emerged out of members Tyler Russell and Malori Izbinski’s previous band, Disaster Will Strike.
Today, the Department of English and the College of Arts and Sciences are sponsoring a screening of the acclaimed film from the Sundance Film Festival “The Linguists,” (2008) which discusses dying languages. The movie will be introduced by one of the stars of the documentary, K.
A great drama provides a connection to the characters on screen and allows an audience to become so engrossed in the story that they leave the theater feeling distress, joy, contempt, anger or any other emotion because they were touched by what they just witnessed.
British rock trio Muse has won a number of awards for being the “Best Live Band,” and on Saturday the group brought its award-winning show to Detroit, Michigan. Muse, who is now touring in the United States after the release of their latest album, “The Resistance” (2009), receives greater success and recognition in the United Kingdom; however, games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero have made Muse songs beloved in the States as well.
There is a growing community of musicians uninterested in prestige but convicted by their passion for the ephemeral experience of making music. Venues around Toledo such as Woodchucks, Mickey Finn’s and Frankie’s Inner City have become vessels of creative expression for local musicians.
Rolling hot from the 2009 release of their latest album, “I and Love and You,” The Avett Brothers are currently touring sold-out venues from coast to coast. The Avett Brothers are on their way to Europe next to share their unique take on folk music with a rock twist and some sparse hints of punk.
“Alice in Wonderland” is director Tim Burton’s take on the classic stories of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” as well as parts from “Through the Looking-Glass,” both written by Lewis Carroll. This would seem like a perfect story for Burton, since Carroll’s stories feature imaginative settings and strange characters, which would easily adapt to the twisted and creative mind of Burton.
In Columbus, Ohio, on High Street right off of the Ohio State University’s main campus, Mike Heslop has been successfully running his coffee house, Kafe Kerouac, since 2004. For poets and writers, coffee houses are one of the primary resources for networking, exercising craft and sharing creative energy.
For the purpose of this article, all artists will be referred to by their aliases unless otherwise stated. In the deepest corners of Toledo, graffiti art and tags are kept secret — hidden on rooftops, under bridges and down alleyways. When riding around the city with “Mad Hatter,” an artist from a Toledo painting group called the Me Too Crew, these secret spots were made known for the purpose of a photo essay on Toledo street art.
The rise of techno inspires dancing, movement and non-violence.
On Sunday, a group of alternative hardcore and techno based bands played at Frankie’s Inner City in Toledo. “Repeat after me: Sex and drugs. Sex, sex and drugs,” sang Hyper Crush, an electronica group from Denver, Colorado consisting of two male emcees and a female emcee.
While walking up and down High Street in Columbus, Ohio it’s hard not to be taken back by the beautiful murals and street art that decorates the area. Within the radius of a few blocks, there are almost five different murals painted along side business and housing developments.
Kevin Smith is considered an underdog director in Hollywood, but his films have received cult acclaim and made a credible impact on the generation that grew up watching movies in the 90s. Smith’s independent masterpiece “Clerks” (1994) brought him recognition as a comical genius with insight to the truth behind human absurdity.
Since the humble beginnings of old-time string band, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, in late 2005, they have grown to be unexpectedly well known within the North American Folk world. The string band first met five years ago in North Carolina and committed to gathering with African American fiddler, Joe Thompson once a week for finger-picking, knee-slapping jam sessions.
Most days in July, I grab a tin of cigarettes and a packed lunch and head for the Maumee River. With my rod and reel in hand, I patiently wade my way through the water, usually only knee-high in the depth of summer, and hope to find a hole stocked with smallmouth bass.
“Come up and talk to us after the show!” Daniel Simmons, lead singer for All the Day Holiday, pronounced into the microphone between songs at Frankie’s Inner City on Feb. 5. “We’d like to talk to you guys and we’d love it if we could have a personal relationship with each one of you, which might not be possible,” Simmons said.
I flashed the security guard my photo pass and he opened the gate which led me to the barricade between the stage and the fenced off crowd of screaming fans. Everyone was waiting for The Used to begin, chanting lyrics collectively and applauding when everyone could sing a full song together.
Melanie Dusseau, an academic advisor at the University of Toledo, released her first full-length book of poetry in 2009 titled “The Body Tries Again.” Dusseau, a Toledo-born writer, structured much of her poetry after the idea of home and place.
Hunter S. Thompson’s legacy
Saturday marked the five-year anniversary of the eccentric journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s death. He left behind a heritage of unique stories about a dynasty this world will only know through his writings. A cult following has been garnered in the wake of his death, both in literary and drug circles, but all unite and can attest to the fact that Thompson was one of the greatest journalists of the twentieth century.
Back stage with The Used on their tour for “Artwork”
A tribute to Gonzo journalism. The ground is littered with ice behind Lifestyle’s Community Pavilion outside of The Used’s tour bus as I search for the band to get the interview. The sound of drums and guitars roar through the open door leading backstage, a revived 80s hardcore sound I will soon come to know as the band Drive A.
“Shutter Island” was adapted from the 2003 novel of the same name written by Dennis Lehane (author of “Mystic River”). Seven years after its publication, Martin Scorcese took the idea under his wing and crafted a seemingly suspenseful two-hour film adaptation.
Eugene Ionesco’s “The Lesson” and “The Bald Soprano” open this Friday at the UT’s Center of Performing Arts Center Theatre. These pieces are the most well known works from Romanian and French playwright Ionesco, who is considered a master of the theatre of the absurd.
UT alumni poets put on a collective reading for the Library Legacy Foundation
For the Almeda Street Poets, poetry is a gravitational force that brings people together. On Friday, they will be hosting a reading at Grounds for Thought in Bowling Green at 7 p.m. Four poets from the Almeda Street poetry collective will reunite after five years to read poems for charity.
When a band is trying to make a statement or send a message, there can be a number of ways to go about doing it: a hilariously satirical music video, a chorus of chanting from each of the band members or even a chanting chorus from children. Pink Floyd got it right when they used the Islington Green School’s choir for “Another Brick in the Wall Pt.
Every small town has a story, and every story has its storyteller. Kyle Myricks, also known as Stalley, from Massillon, Ohio, shares his tales and experiences of growing up in a small city with music as a vehicle to place his home city and Ohio on the map.
Love has crossed my path more than once. However, in my experience, love has never amounted to anything more than shattered dreams and a plummeted level of self-esteem. Before long, you start asking yourself if you’re good enough, if you’ll ever find someone to love forever and receive the same love in return.
The world of video games has deteriorated to poor first person shooters and repetitive offshoots of video games made 20 years ago. However, video games, like other forms of entertainment, have popular cult fan bases thriving on the next installment of their favorite series.
To call a graphic, surrealistic werewolf movie a story of love would be an understatement. Plot-wise, “The Wolfman” is a near verbatim remake of “Wolfman” (1941), only relived with more realistic costumes and effects. Considering Anthony Hopkins’ first appearance as a stone-cold werewolf may be the only advantage the remake has on the nostalgic original.
Love and relationships are mysterious forces that people deal with or live for on a daily basis at home, at college, at work and in public. Co-founder of Twodaymag, Natalie Bencivenga, believes in the togetherness of people and the power of love, which empowers her to pursue the online magazine based on the concept of relationships.
Our love is unconditional. I’m convinced our relationship is beyond understanding yet simple to maintain. It is days like this I must tell you I love you for who you are, what you are not and what I know you could be. Many others also adore your infinite compassion, endless love and creativity.
Ten songs to get your lover in the mood and set the vibe for a romantic evening
There’s nothing that says “I Love You” better than someone else singing it to you. Do not deny it; you know you have been the perpetrator of making a fabulous mix-tape for the one you want to impress most. And if not, it’s likely you have been on the receiving end of a mix-tape: butterflies fluttering in your stomach and maybe even some tears welling in your eyes.
The history of African-American blues and its influence on contemporary music
During the 2010 Grammy awards, the Delta blues was remembered as guitarist David “Honeyboy” Edwards was honored with a lifetime achievement award. At 94 years old, Edwards is one of the only original Delta musicians still alive, and he continues to tour.
Events that shaped America such as the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement were all loosely based on a suppressed desire within the African American community to express themselves. As a group of people held in captivity in a free country, the African-Americans stepped out in a righteous manner with a devout passion to raise their voices and exercise the right of free speech as a way to influence their liberty.
After focusing on fighting games for the last few months, Capcom finally put out a game that does not involve throwing a fireball at someone. “Dark Void” is a third-person shooter that takes place in a parallel universe where an alien race, known as the Watchers, are trying to take over the world and it is up to jetpack-wielding William Gray to stop them in order to save the human race and to return home to his universe.
Danyale Johnson Atlanta. Some call it the New York of the South. Others affectionately refer to it as Hotlanta. I, in contrast, call it home. I used to reside in Ohio with the familiarities us Mid-Western folk are used to, but I gave up the snow and traveled 700 miles south to a cozier climate (sorry, winter).
Zion I brings the Hyphy movement to Toledo
Zion I is a hip-hop duo from Oakland, California, comprised of the equally spiritual and lyrical emcee Zumbi with producer and beat master Amplive. This particular brand of hip-hop comes from the Bay Area, where Zion I gets their sound, and is most popularly referred to as the “Hyphy” movement.
It is the beginning of February: It’s cold and wet outside and the warm days of summer seem 10 billion light years away. Not to mention the nation’s favorite rodent, Punxsutawney Phil, caught a glimpse of his shadow on Groundhog Day; folklore suggests that another six weeks of winter and ice are in the forecast.
Do you remember when Vanilla Ice tried to make a rock record? Or how about when Michael Jordan played baseball? Go ahead and give Lil’ Wayne an invitation into the epic failure club. Lil’ Wayne is one of the highest-grossing rappers of the decade.
Toledo Glacity Theatre Collective puts on a production of “Betrayal”
Toledo’s Glacity Theatre Collective presented “Betrayal,” a Harold Pinter classic, at the Valentine Theatre the past two weekends. Pinter’s “Betrayal” revolves around the lies people create to hide and fulfill their desires and examines the lives of people attempting to make their way through the trials of love and lust.
J.D. Salinger’s life of reclusion is a testament to the joy of writing
Jerome David Salinger was a literary giant who inspired American adolescents with his esteemed characters and stories. After decades of seclusion, Salinger died of natural causes at age 91 on Wednesday. Born in 1919 and first published in 1940, he retreated into self-seclusion in 1953.
This Providence represents Fueled By Ramen at Frankie’s Inner City
Seattle, Washington seems to be erupting with rock music, producing the sounds of bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. On Saturday night, the pop-punk band This Providence brought their version of Seattle rock to Frankie’s Inner City in Toledo.
Feliza Casano, a junior majoring in English and communication, self-publishes her fantasy novel
Feliza Casano, approaching the end of her teenage years, believes there is something inherent and epic about being a teen. Casano, 18, a junior double majoring in communication and English, with concentrations in journalism and creative writing, is about to achieve the first major accomplishment of her college career: publishing her first novel.
There comes a time for every artist to expose to an extremely personal and — sometimes — darker side of themselves. English singer/songwriter and guitarist Corinne Bailey Rae revealed a darker side of herself with her latest album, “The Sea.” It is an album that transcends any kind of entertainment and suggests an artistic therapy session between the artist and the listener.
Game enthusiasts would be lucky to find a review of “Tatsunoko vs. Capcom” in an American publication. This is because the game was not supposed to be released in the United States. “Tatsunoko vs. Capcom,” an all-star fighting game featuring characters from “Street Fighter,” “Megaman” and “G-Force,” came out in Japan in December of last year; and the executives from Capcom said that the game was a “licensing nightmare” that would never make it to the US.
Following the man who holds the keys that unlock the hidden hallways of UT’s most notable building
It’s a band for the bloggers, the independent film watchers and probably anyone who loves Jesse Eisenberg or Michael Cera. After all, Vampire Weekend did gain their popularity pre-album debut thanks to bloggers and rare-music hunters and since then, the band has been all over the indie music scene.
“Bayonetta” game is both sexy and addicting. Sega’s new action game is pushing all the right buttons. “Bayonetta” is the newest action and adventure game from Sega and “Devil May Cry” publisher Hideki Kamiya. The funny thing about “Bayonetta” is how many ‘been there, done that moments’ the game throws at the player.
Local hip-hop artist intends to distribute his new album, “The Big Picture,” on North Star Media
Todd Yarberry is a man with a passion for all genres of music and is on a mission to fulfill his endorsement with North Star Media. With the stage name “Toddx,” Yarberry has been cutting tracks and making a name for himself in the hip-hop industry for approximately five years.
The music industry was anything but innovative in 2009, minus the rise of a few unheard of, now all-star hip-hop artists as well as powerful new albums for artists who have already made mainstream and broadcast success. Taking Back Sunday’s “New Again” was a risky release with the loss of guitarist and backing vocalist Fred Mascherino, but Adam Lazzara stole the show singing alone with new guitarist Matthew Fazzi.
Director of “Juno” returns with transitory ingenuity
Young director Jason Reitman has only been making feature films for the last five years and has already cut an artistic niche out for himself in the cinema community. In 2005, his articulate commentary “Thank You for Smoking” featured the world of tobacco companies and lobbyists from a unique perspective.
Local singer/songwriter self-publishes EP telling of a tragic loss and war story
The concept of love and war has been a leading inspiration for musicians and artists for ages; Toledo singer/songwriter, Harry Hazard, is no different. On Oct. 31, he self-released, “Dog Tags: An Acoustic EP,” which is a rough compilation of songs that depict a tragic war story, metaphorical of Hazard’s life experiences.
Them Crooked Vultures album leans toward modern sound and strays from roots
The collaboration of rock and roll icons has taken place several times throughout rock history. “Supergroups” like The Highwaymen with Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson or more recently Monsters of Folk with Conor Oberst and M. Ward have toured and recorded albums together in an effort to combine music and writing styles.
UT professor Jane Bradley discusses the narrative form and how people use it to explore their lives
The art of writing fiction is one of the soul; people are natural storytellers and it is evident in everyday speech. People tell stories to communicate, to move forward and to come to meaning in life. In a world full of random events, a person must put the pieces together in a narrative fashion to figure it all out.
Randall Vanadisson writes about sadistic erotica, torture, sex, vampires, murder and blood
A small, yet bold red band wraps around the cover of author Randy Vanadisson’s book “Coven of Celsus.” “Warning: EXPLICIT!” states the band, cautioning the reader to the outlandishly graphic content lurking between the covers of his novel, which he calls “The most dangerous vampire story ever told.
Toledo band, Rediscover, returns to Frankie’s Inner City after coming to a new level of techno music
They say that the Midwest is where people go to give up on their dreams; if you want to make it big, you have to go coastal—move out to California or New York for that big city lifestyle where the celebrity appeal beckons. Saturday, at Frankie’s Inner City, Toledo band, Rediscover, returned to their hometown for the first show in the Glass City since their departure to California a year ago.
In the struggle of human inquiry, Islam brings a source of hope in a higher power
According to the Islamic faith, nobody is able to visualize God. The notion and argument of the existence of God has been one that has demanded humanity to debate where to place their beliefs and moral judgment. According to Ovamir Anjum, Imam Khattab Endowed Chair of Islamic Studies at the University of Toledo, the monotheistic religions of Islam and Christianity are siblings to one another in that they are both religions sent by God.
Before I was swamped with deadlines, homework and exams, I was a happy person. With the time I had before attending college, faith was an important part of my life. With a copy of the Dhammapada always on my person I attacked life with the mind of what Jack Kerouac would call a “Dharma Bum;” everything was interconnected, troubles or chances did not matter because my way would be made regardless of any worldly suffering.
Hope: To cherish a desire with anticipation. In a world plagued with evil, such as war and murder, some people may need something to keep them pushing forward and, perhaps, for something better. Religions and faith offer individuals the opportunity to experience some quality of hope that they may not otherwise be able to obtain by themselves.
Wes Anderson is most known for his aesthetic vision as a film-making auteur with movies such as “Bottle Rocket” (1996), “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001) and “The Darjeeling Limited” (2007). His latest visionary motion picture, “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,” is slightly different from his typical style because it is entirely animated.
“Woah! That’s a really nice camera. I bet it takes awesome pictures. Was it expensive?” The famous quote that many photographers hear far too often. Is it a myth? Does an expensive camera make your photos award-winning works of art capable of being sold for thousands if not millions of dollars? In my experience, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
UT and Owens produce theatre about how people come to terms with trauma, sanity and mechanically controlled society
The performing arts, namely theatrical productions, offer a precise insight into the state of the human condition. Toledo’s prominent educational institutions, the University of Toledo and Owens Community College are no strangers to the power of stage production.
It is not surprising that, every year, Nintendo releases a new Super Mario game. It has been over 18 years since a 2D style Mario game appeared on a Nintendo console. That streak has finally been broken with Nintendo’s release of New Super Mario Bros.
I am a filmmaker, a writer and a musician. These three loves have caused me endless hours of chaos within their own degrees. I have felt the unnerving grip of self-doubt and the irrevocable hurt and sense of instability, which comes with another person’s condescension.
1. Novel 2. Love 3. Family 4. Song 5. Mountain 6. 50 States 7. Seven continents 8. Follow my favorite band 9. Fly a plane 10. Bike across the country 11. Read 30 books in one year 12. Make a film As a college student about to embark upon graduation within the coming years, I have often lied awake late into the night pondering what to do with my life.
Questioning the denomination of artistry
Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso once called art, “the elimination of the unnecessary,” eluding to the intrinsic truth within art. Whether the medium be visual, musical, written or performance, artists seem to agree on the value of art and passion of artists alike.
Students and faculty discuss where to draw the line
Before I enrolled at the University of Toledo’s Theatre & Film department to pursue my dream of motion picture making, I had a debate with myself regarding the importance of an art school education. For artistry, it is not exactly essential to have a degree to pursue that creative passion.
I got you this time,” said Jay Elliot while lighting my cigarette. Elliot, the lead singer of Stereo Deluxe, explained to me on the patio at Frankie’s Inner City why his band from Indianapolis was touring. “We just want to get the music out there,” he said.
The year is 1966; rock ‘n’ roll is turning the youth of an entire generation into pot smoking radicals. The United Kingdom’s government is out to limit the amount of air time that bands like The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks get allotted on the radio so as to end this teenage depravity.
MTV award show reaches out to college students
he mtvU Woodie Awards were established by college students in 2004 to promote the college music scene and artists on the rise. The launch of the award show boosted record sales and headlining tours for Woodie nominees. Recent Woodie participants include Beck, Vampire Weekend, Santigold, Gym Class Heroes, Lykke Li, All Time Low, Imogene Heap, Fall Out Boy, The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Plain White Ts and Paramore.
After months of preparation, the expressionistic drama “Machinal” takes the stage at the University of Toledo’s Center for Performing Arts in the Center Theatre. Fueled by desire, anger, money and a need for freedom, Helen Jones, played by Betsy Yeary, has an affair and later murders her husband in this breathtaking piece.
The film “2012” delivers a surplus of action sequences and follows a pace that viewers will find agreeable in spite of its lengthy duration. Directed by Roland Emmerich, “2012” stars John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson.
“Lock up ya’ daughter, lock up ya’ wife, lock up ya’ back door and run for ya’ life.” These lyrics, announced by Bon Scott in ACDC’s classic “TNT,” hailed the warnings of the song’s menacing character. The same should be said of Toledo when The Hobs, from Akron, come to the Black Cherry this Saturday.
Director of “University Inc.” comes to UT
Kyle Henry, director and professor of editing at the University of Texas, visited the University of Toledo on Friday to present his film “University Inc.” (1999). He also conducted a workshop on creating films with students. Laura Dunn’s “Subtext of a Yale Education” and Henry’s “University Inc.
“The Box” starring James Marsden, Cameron Diaz and Frank Langella is an improvement from director Richard Kelly’s last film, “Southland Tales,” which had so many nonsensical subplots that it became tiresome. “The Box” achieves a high level of suspense and provokes a sense of empathy for the characters.
Walking down a dark alleyway beside old brick buildings, I made my way to the back door of Ann Arbor’s The Ark, a small but intimate music venue that has hosted acts by the likes of John Prine, Moxy Fruvous and Arlo Guthrie. Once behind our chosen destination, I made a call to notify Joe Pug.
Jack’s Mannequin frontman releases documentary covering his bout with cancer
Singer and pianist Andy McMahon made his film debut on Tuesday in his documentary “Dear Jack,” directed by Corey Moss and Josh Morrisroe. “Dear Jack” is a personal account of McMahon’s victory over cancer and his growth as a musician. “I always said I would die young,” he claims in the documentary.
Bob Dylan spreads holiday cheer with album that will benefit feeding America
Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan was born in Duluth Minnesota nearly 70 years ago. From his humble beginnings, performing folk songs at small bars and cafe shops, Dylan has gone onto become one of the most iconic and influential figures in modern music.
Hip-hop icon revamps his style with new album and performing style in Columbus, Ohio
He began in Brooklyn as a DJ with a microphone, and now fills 20,000 seats with fans paying over $50 a ticket. This is the evolution of the hip-hop icon known as Jay-Z. The current state of hip-hop is a stale argument and differs among generations. Hip-hop terminology such as “classic” and “legend” are overused and frequently given to unworthy candidates.
The Faux Pas, meaning “The False Step” in French, is a folk rock trio of female film students from the University of Toledo. “Our experience at the University of Toledo is extremely positive,” said band member Hannah Fritch. “We all really have a passion for what we’re doing.
Author visits local coffee shop to distribute books
Traveling through various towns and cities between New York and Iowa, a small yet determined book show is displaying how book publishing is changing for the better. Known as the Itinerant Book Show, the goal of this exhibit is to show the new publishing paradigm throughout cafes, performance spaces and anywhere people talk about books.
I was catching trains around New York City trying to pry my way into the music industry. After pestering companies with resumes, I was starting to feel like leaving Ohio to pursue my dreams was all in vain. While New York served as an entirely new way to live in the present, I couldn’t help but reflect on my past.
European musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova fell into unexpected indie film stardom with their 2007 film “Once.” The 90-minute fictional drama starring Hansard and Irglova was filmed in Dublin, Ireland and detailed two musicians coming together for music along with a little estranged romance.
When it comes to the emo revolution, Taking Back Sunday may be the foremost band worth mentioning. Since their formation in 1999, the group has been in a nonstop turret of hard hitting lyrics and a hybrid of all genres of rock ‘n’ roll-based music.
Writer travels to New York City in hopes of developing a career in music joururnalism
It’s easy to get lost in the glamour and factious lifestyle of New York City, especially as a visitor. The streetlights will drag you in, beat you up after dancing all night, take your money and throw you back on the street before you realize what happened.
Toledo non-profit theatre organization puts on “Har Har,” a farcical play about troubled memories
“Har Har: An Evening with Harburg Harrisbrandt” is winner of the 2001 Excellence Award for Solo Show at the New York International Fringe Festival. The one act play will be presented by the Glacity Theatre Collective at the Valentine Theatre on Oct. 29, 30 and 31.
After ignoring the naysayers inside my head and avoiding looking at my latest bank statements, New York City was my final destination. When the acceptance letter from NYU came in the mail, it was obvious where I needed to be. In New York City I could surround myself with the most ruthless and grimiest competition in the music industry and solidify my choice to chase my dreams.
In Downtown Toledo, huddled between the streets of Bancroft and Lagrange , sits a building known as The Black Cherry. Since earlier this year, the building has housed an organization dedicated to “community control of community” and direct action.
A look into cultural development through graphic novels and their role in art and the media
Despite the nerdy reputation that comic books have gathered over the past 70 years, they have come to be appreciated as a nostalgic art form. Varying from newspaper humor to epic battles, comic books have grown in popularity, particularly the more adult-style comic book, known as the graphic novel.
Working out and weight loss made fun with Nintendo
On the second day of testing the Wii Fit Plus, my Nintendo Wii was convinced that I had put on a pound. It then began to ask why I thought I put on a pound and proceeded to give me a list of excuses. I told the board (the Wii Fit Plus controller) it was because of late night eating and the game told me how eating after nine was not good because those would be calories I would not burn off.
The mind of Spike Jonze proves to be dreamlike
“Where the Wild Things Are” has been a beloved and classic children’s book since it was published in 1963. It is the story of a disobedient boy named Max (Max Records) who creates a world full of “Wild Things,” where he becomes the king.
Two years after Martin Scorsese directed the most realistic boxing movie to date – “Raging Bull” – he and Robert de Niro made the dark comedy, “The King of Comedy.” The tale of the tape of Scorsese’s films is violence in “Raging Bull” and Boston Irish Mobs hypocritical rogues’ vulgarity in “The Departed” and not farce, though.
Wii Fit makes excercise easy and fun
Every time I wanted to do an exercise, I had to wait for the balance board to warm up, get on the board, click okay with the Wii remote, do the activity, then click exit and pick a new activity, all the while waiting for the board to warm up. In short, a 30-minute work out took almost an hour because of all the loading and menu clicking.
It is always interesting to see area bands and musicians rise to fame. Macy Gray, Nine Inch Nails, Hawthorne Heights, Devo and even Dean Martin are all Ohio natives who hit the big time with their music. But what about our city of Toledo? Many local bands strive to be the best and to, one day, headline their own 1000-crowd show.
UT professors of new media and print making open their exhibit, Transitions and Journeys
University of Toledo professor of new media, Deborah Orloff, and professor of art, Arturo Rodriguez, open their exhibit, Transitions and Journeys. The exhibit is set in the Center for the Visual Arts gallery and themed to the concept of light, creating a visual experience through a dramatic darkened space.
The Killers headline in Tampa, Florida
Having seen The Killers twice already this year, I went into the University of South Florida Sun Dome expecting an incredible show. I knew the basic format of their set list; I knew the small monologues Brandon Flowers would speak in between songs for a quick break; I even knew when Flowers would kneel down in front of bassist Mark Stoermer, while he slapped that bass for his well-known bass solo in “Jenny Was A Friend of Mine.
“Couples Retreat” falls short of potential
How does a weeklong retreat with your spouse to the south Pacific sound? Surfing, four-star dining and yoga on the beach, all included. Only one stipulation: this particular vacation is a marriage counseling retreat. This is the basic premise in director Peter Billingsley’s latest film, “Couples Retreat.
“The Doctor in Spite of Himself” to be performed at Center for Performing Arts the week of Oct. 11
After 343 years through contract negotiations regarding benefits, retirement and health insurance, “The Doctor in Spite of Himself” will premiere at the Center for Performing Arts on Oct. 12. The French playwright Molière wrote and performed the play in 1666, but its universal themes are right at place in 21st century America.
Group of local spray paint artists argue against vandalism
Graffiti is a street art that comes in many shapes, sizes and forms, yet its intent is pure: to create something beautiful on top of something vague and indistinguishable. Throughout Toledo, New York, Los Angeles, Australia and Japan, graffiti is still considered underground, due mainly to the arguments made against it as vandalism.
Avett Brothers first mainstream album
Part of the folk rock tradition accompanies the idea of families or brotherliness and this brotherly harmony is very apparent in the modern folk rock band, The Avett Brothers and their latest album, “I and Love and You.” Produced by Rick Rubin under American Recordings Label, this is the North Carolina based band’s first big label release.
Hit the Lights returns to Toledo to embrace fans
When it comes to staying out all night, touring the country and partying like veteran rock stars, Hit the Lights is one band of brothers who know how to stay true to themselves, their roots and their fans. Hit the Lights is a quintet based on the powers of vocalist Nick Thompson, guitarists Omar Zehery and Kevin Mahoney, bassist Dave Bermosk and drummer Nate Van Dame.
Toledo area photographer, Robin Charney, attempts to capture humanity through photography
“For me, the beauty of being a photographer is that of being invited into another person’s world,” said Robin Charney, a Toledo area photographer. “Ordinary people, in ordinary acts, these are the pictures I take. It began simply; photographing my children, my family, my friends and it was all from my heart,” she said.
“Zombieland” walks the fine line between disturbingly graphic and laugh-out-loud humurous
It’s the end of the human race. All that remains are millions of blood drooling, flesh hungry zombies and a small population of uninfected people trying to survive in director Ruben Fleischer’s “Zombieland.” The latest installment to the comedy horror genre, “Zombieland” chronicles the lives of four unfortunate souls still inhabiting the planet after everyone else has been corrupted by way of direct zombie contact.
UT graduate and former professor returns for the Dorothy Price Piano Series
Over the course of the fall semester and slightly into the spring semester, the University of Toledo’s Department of Music is hosting the Dorothy Mackenzie Price Piano Series, a collective event showcasing piano masters from UT’s alumni. Each recital spans one weekend, the first day of the program features one of the piano masters delivering a class on the craft of the piano and the second day of the program each member will perform a public recital.
Scribblenauts an intellectual challenge
At this summer’s E3 gaming convention in California, there was one Nintendo DS game that gained a lot of buzz. Scribblenauts, is a DS game where the player uses the DS’ stylus to write down a noun and the physical representation of that word appears for the player to use throughout the game.
“Surrogates” a less than innovative sci-fi
Imagine being able to stay at home to perform your daily tasks or live out the most outrageous dreams without the potential for death or injury, all while living vicariously through a robot or “surrogate.” This is the concept in director Jonathan Mostow’s newest film, “Surrogates.
Musical from ‘Square One’
The Theatre Department’s student organization, Square One Productions, makes their debut performance with “Toledo Tea Party: A Cabaret” on Saturday. Ten students will perform songs from musical theatre’s most prominent productions such as “Spring Awakening,” “Godspell,” “RENT,” “Urinetown: The Musical,” “Hair,” “Across the Universe” and others.
Cleveland’s hip-hop scene
It’s nearly impossible to walk around UT without hearing someone drive past while blaring one of Cleveland’s most valued emcees, Chip tha Ripper. Whether it’s “I’m Fitted,” “Get it Gurl,” “Catch the Beat” or “Like This,” his songs are becoming hotter each time a big name rapper collaborates on a track.
An insight about six strings
Musical instruments provide people with the ability to express themselves in ways that lyrics or speaking cannot, such as a soaring guitar solo, a handful of keys on a piano singing like a church choir or the strings on a fiddle telling a tall tale. Whether the instruments are playing lead or rhythm, they all have their own appeal and interchangeable uses.
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