10.10.12 Issue 226
Q&A with Roger Creager Space Capone @ Grand Stafford Theater Texas Reds in Downtown Bryan MSC Opas Presents Ray Benson Saturdays, Sundays & Thanksgiving Friday
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14 PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Chris Shepperd
Maroon Weekly 216 W. 26th Street ste 29 Bryan, Texas 77803 ph: 979.574.3200 | @maroonweekly Š Copyright 2012 Campus Press LP 1st copy is FREE, additional copies are $0.50 each
MANAGING EDITOR Chris Zebo CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Carreon BUSINESS MANAGER Leisha Shepperd ACCOUNT MANAGERS Greg Keith Tyler Stillwell
meet the team WRITERS
Brandon Nowalk Anthony Pannone Christina Vetter PHOTOGRAPHERS Eesha Farooqi Brittany Hicks CONTRIBUTORS Defacto Productions EatBCS.com KISS 103.1 KORA 98.3
INTERNS Sarah Dean Becca St. Germain Brittany Hicks Luke Murray Ike Ntube Lauren Rohr
DISTRIBUTION Caleb Holt Eugene Holub
Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-operated publication and is not affiliated with Texas A&M University. Maroon Weekly receives no student fees or university funding. Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher.
Space Capone @ Grand Stafford
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by Luke Murray
If you were to see another white guy with blonde hair and gold chains draped from his neck, upon first glance, you might think the music industry had pulled yet another Timberlake or Eminem from the assembly line. In most cases, you would probably be right. Luckily for us, Federline is not planning a revival tour stop in Downtown Bryan. The blondein-chains we’re talking about is funky R&B jazz prodigy Space Capone.
competition. Winters has been featured on TBS’ Soundcheck and praised by virtually every entertainment critic in the Nashville area. So how does one embrace the persona of such a funky, outsider character while being based out of a town on the opposite end of the musical spectrum? By assuming his character like a method actor on stage while retaining his real identity at home.
Space Capone is based out of Nashville; but instead of taking the mainstream country road, front man Aaron Winters, aka “Space”, took a road less traveled. Capone is a blast from the past, and the group’s music refurbishes 70s funk and fuses it with a little modern R&B and jazz.
“When I committed to being Space Capone, to being that entity, I had to make sure that every song I was writing would be a song you would hear from a character like that. Along with that, you could even say that the way I dressed changed. I immediately delved into this character. I’m not that character at home, but whenever I show up for a show, the ego is switched. Some of my closest friends noticed if off the bat. It was a night-and-day, Jekyll-&-Hyde kind of thing. I think it was great because it’ll help us out in the long run with marketing and maybe even get some comic books in the future.”
“We’ve arrived on this planet to help save people from bad music,” says Winters. “We’re very serious about what we’re doing. It just happens to be lots of fun, so people might think we’re a novelty act. What those people don’t understand is that we’re far from it.” Contrary to popular belief, Space Capone is not a band but rather an artist. It is, first and foremost, Winters followed by his shifting accompaniment. The band itself has seen members come and go since Capone’s inception in 2008. “There’s all these revolving cast members within the band that backs me up, but we have a couple of guys who have been with us throughout, like the bass player, Drew Wilson, and the two guitarists and the horn players,” says Winters. Winters claims that being from Nashville—America’s undisputed country music capital— actually helped propel him and his band mates into national recognition. Being that they are pretty much the only funk/jazz/R&B group in town, they have little to no genre
LISTEN pg 4 | maroonweekly.com | 10.10.12
Currently, Space Capone is working on new music to add to the momentum gained by their highly-acclaimed 2011 single “I Just Wanna Dance.” Their debut album, Volume 1: Transformation, was released in February 2008. It garnered praise and kept them on tour before releasing their sophomore album, Volume 2: Arrival, Arousal, in 2010. The band is expected to release new music in the not-so-distant future, but due to their rigorous touring schedule, a release date has not been set. Space Capone will be performing at Grand Stafford Theater in Downtown Bryan on October 11. For ticket information, visit grandstaffordtheater.com.
Scan this code for ticket information
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Dirty River Boys @ Hurricane Harry’s
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by Sarah Dean
The raw, gritty talent and faith of the Dirty River Boys contributed to the success of their first album, recorded acoustically while still retaining the rawness of the Boys plugged in. The Boys will perform live October 12th at Hurricane Harry’s with Southern rocker Brison Bursey. The West Texan outlaws have won the hearts and ears of audiences with their four-part harmonies and twists on tradition. Rich in bluegrass and old-time folk, the Boys also pepper their sound with just the right pinch of edgy modern rock. The personal nature of their music stands out, but so do their rip-roarin’ high-energy songs captured in a rush of a guitar, mandolin, harmonica, fiddle, snare, and banjo. Their new CD – Science of Flight – was released on September 10th. Science of Flight allowed the boys room for experimentation on each track, including the rattle of a live rattlesnake which their bassist brought into the recording studio. They’ve blazed a trail from the dust of El Paso to the shiny music industry of Eastern Texas. Doug Pullen of Lone Star Music Magazine said, “I was looking for something vastly different to work with out of the Texas/Red Dirt scene. They had a unique stage presence and a different sound.” The Dirty River Boys’ website, dirtyriverboys.com, is the go-to for information on their upcoming shows, news, and music.
10.11 - THURSDAY
Space Capone @ Grand Stafford
Straight out of Nashville, Space Capone brings their retro-modern dance music to the Grand Stafford Theater in Downtown Bryan. Capone is a blast from the past, and the group’s music refurbishes 70s funk and fuses it with a little modern R&B and jazz. Soul Track Mind and The Conglomerate will open on October 11.
Ray Benson @ Rudder Theater
MSC OPAS is bringing in Ray Benson, frontman and founder of Asleep At The Wheel, for a solo acoustic performance. The performance will also include some behind-the-scenes stories about experiences in the music business. Benson is a nine-time Grammy award winner and has been performing since the 70s.
DATSIK @ Graham’s Nightclub
North American dubstep pioneer DATSIK brings his Firepower Records Tour to College Station Thursday, October 11 at Graham’s Nightclub. The momentous tour is in support of his recently launched independent label Firepower and will feature various special guests and label mates, including DELTA HEAVY, TERRAVITA, BARE NOIZE, XKR, GETTER and AFK. The Firepower Records Tour features a one-of-a-kind “Vortex” DJ performance booth with groundbreaking, real-time 3D-mapping technology that will push the evolution of custom visuals and mindaltering effects..
Owen Temple @ Church Street
Austin based singer/songwriter Owen Temple is an Americana singer. The songs of Temple’s most recent album tell a story of strange happenings in rural landscapes both past and present. He’ll be performing at Church Street BBQ on October 11.
LISTEN 10.10.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 5
10.12 - FRIDAY
Dirty River Boys @ Hurricane Harry’s
The West Texan outlaws have won the hearts and ears of audiences with their four-part harmonies and twists on tradition. Rich in bluegrass and old-time folk, the Boys also pepper their sound with just the right pinch of edgy modern rock. The personal nature of their music stands out, but so do their rip-roarin’ high-energy songs captured in a rush of a guitar, mandolin, harmonica, fiddle, snare, and banjo.
Two Tons of Steel @ Grand Stafford
Based out of San Antonio, Two Tons have been touring across America and have crossed the pond to play shows in Europe. They’ve been featured on the Grand Ole Opry an impressive eight times and have been featured in a documentary produced by Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. Two Tons is the kind of ensemble that gives us definition. They’re defiant, authentic, and original.
10.13 - SATURDAY
The Flatlanders @ Grand Stafford
The Flatlanders from Lubbock had garnered little attention during their brief incarnation in the early ’70s, but when the band’s three core members–Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Butch Hancock– later found success in solo careers, interest in The Flatlanders was rekindled. The supergroup will perfrom at the Grand Stafford Theater on October 13.
10.14 - SUNDAY
Bubba Morgan Band @ Lakeside Icehouse
10.1 - TUESDAY
Breakaway @ Reed Arena
Bubba Morgan Band are supercharged with rock and fluid vocal harmonies. Their influences include Love and Theft, Reckless Kelly, Zac Brown Band and Eli Young Band. Bubba Morgan Band will be at Lakeside Icehouse on October 14.
MSC Wiley Lecture Series Presents The Presidential Debates
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by Ike Ntube
Just as a quick reminder: we elect a President every four years. But given the endless news cycle of politics lately, you’re probably aware that America is getting ready to pick its leader this year. Democratic incumbent Barack Obama will be seeking a second term against Republican candidate Mitt Romney. In 2008, over 50 million Americans watched the presidential debates that are key factors to influence voter opinion. Even more are expected to huddle around television screens and radios this election season. This year, the Memorial Student Center Wiley Lecture Series invites the community to come together through the month of October to discuss the election process at Rev’s American Grill, inside the Memorial Student Center. Professors will be at the event to moderate discussion after the debates. This week’s debate is more centered on foreign policy, which is one of the trickier subjects to truly understand. MSC Wiley Lecture Series is a student organization that has existed for three decades and is meant to “broaden the educational experiences of the Texas A&M community by encouraging thoughtprovoking discussion on national and foreign policy issues,” according to their website. The organization brings world-renowned speakers to campus to speak about issues with the intention of generating engagement and global awareness. One of Wiley’s most recent large programs was a part of the Memorial Student Center grand opening, where they brought Robert Reich and Steve Forbes to speak on emerging global economies and how they effect United States foreign policy.
Non-denominational Breakaway Ministries’ events have already set a record for attendance, and Tuesday’s assembly of worship, inspiration and entertainment will surely set yet another one. @ Kyle Field!—9:00pm—Kyle Field—Texas A&M University—Free
At the event, there will be an opportunity to register to vote if you haven’t already. If you feel like you don’t have enough background knowledge to vote, then this event can serve as a way to gain more perspective on the issues that the election is centered around. With such a big decision to make, take advantage of this special program and prepare yourselves to vote.
Diane Untermeyer @ George Bush Lib.
For more information on MSC Wiley Lecture Series, visit wiley.tamu.edu.
Diana Untermeyer, wife of former U.S Ambassador to Qatar Chase Untermeyer, discusses her experiences in Qatar. Untermeyer’s book ”Qatar: Sand, Sea and Sky” focuses on how Qatar has used it’s vast petroleum resources to build one of the richest countries in the Arabian Peninsula.
Bobby Duncan @ Church Street
A newcomer to many, Bobby Duncan blends his country influences with rock. He’ll be performing at Church Street BBQ on October 16.
maroonweekly.com/events
LISTEN pg 6 | maroonweekly.com | 10.10.12
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BREAKAWAY TUESDAYS 9PM full schedule at breakawayministries.org
10.9.12 ////REED Reed ARENA arena 10.16.12
Two Tons of Steel @ Grand Stafford
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by Luke Murray
Beyond the Lone Star State, our pride is known worldwide. You don’t have to travel far outside the state line for someone to ask, “You’re from Texas, aren’t you?” For some reason, we emanate it, carry it in our demeanor. But what is it that makes Texans stand out? Is it the food? Our rich heritage? The accent? Do we smell like brisket? There probably isn’t one thing you can point a finger to. However, you can definitely argue that our music has something to do with how we're perceived around the world. Our great state is known for producing top-notch talent. From Buddy Holly to George Strait, Texas has produced some of the most authentic and celebrated musicians in music history. Since 1992, a band called Two Tons of Steel have been playing close to 200 shows a year. Based out of San Antonio, Two Tons have been touring across America and have crossed the pond to play shows in Europe. They've been featured on the Grand Ole Opry an impressive eight times and have been featured in a documentary produced by Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. Two Tons is the kind of ensemble that gives us definition. They're defiant, authentic, and original, and their sound—best described as Elvis and the Ramones meets Texas twang—is swingin', high-energy rockabilly. Even more meaningful to a Texan, Two Tons are considered a mainstay of the oldest and most revered dancehall in Texas, Gruene Hall. Gruene Hall hosts an annual summer series called “Two Ton Tuesdays”, where Two Tons is obviously the event's namesake. The series has consistently sold out for the past 14 years. The band released their tenth album, Not That Lucky, in 2009. It was their first studio album since 2005 and reached number four on the Americana Music Charts. The album was recorded in Dripping Springs, right outside of Austin, and produced by Lloyd Maines—and even though he is one of the state’s most sought-after music producers, he always makes time for Two Tons. Maines also produces for Pat Green, Robert Earl Keen, and Roger Creager. He attributes his commitment to Two Tons to them being, in his professional opinion, “one of the best bands in Texas.” Two Tons of Steel will be performing at Grand Stafford Theater in Downtown Bryan on October 12. Opening bands are The Derailers and Scooter Brown Band. For ticket information, visit grandstaffordtheater.com
Scan this code for ticket information
LISTEN 10.10.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 7
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William Clark Green “It’s About Time”
Owen Temple @ Church Street BBQ
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by Luke Murray
What really grabs me from this song is Will’s delivery and the amazing instrumentation behind it. Will is well on the verge of being the next breakout star on the Texas/Red Dirt scene. Darius Rucker “True Believers” This song is stuck in my head all the time. This song proves that true love trumps all the BS life throws at you!
Songs that take you on a musical journey are rarely found in today’s music scene. Modern songwriters and artists do not tend to focus on conceptual landscapes painted by genuine lyrics and descriptive melodies. This is not the case for Texas folk singer and songwriter, Owen Temple. Based out of Austin, Temple has released six albums. The most recent of the six, Mountain Home, delivers tracks about characters going through various stages of life and either overcoming them or learning from mistakes. Each of the characters is depicted as dealing with aspirations of freedom, clinging to hope, or living on the brink of catastrophe. The lyrics and melodies of each song paint vivid pictures in the mind’s-eye of the listener. As a songwriter, imagery is one of the main goals that Temple sets out to convey in his music. “The songs I remember hearing years afterward, [the ones] that stick with me longest, are songs that have taken me places, that allow you to travel with the story,” says Temple. “I hope to continue that tradition, to pass that experience on.” Being a Texas native, he is known throughout the state and beyond. His reputation as a first-class songwriter holds true, along with being a gifted performer and singer. Each of his six albums have achieved accolades or honors and have been praised by critics. Temple was a winner of the B. W. Stevenson Songwriting Competition sponsored by Poor David’s Club in Dallas. He also became a finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival’s New Folk competition in 2007. “I love traditional music—old songs that cross time and space to tell you what the people cared about,” Temple says. “With my songs, I'm trying to get down some of the stories of [Texas].” Owen Temple will perform at Church Street BBQ on October 11.
Scan this code for more info on Temple
Rosehill “When the Flame Goes Out” I’ve gotten a lot of great feedback on this song. Their new record hits Oct 30th, be sure to check it out! Listen weekdays 3-7pm
Brantley Gilbert “Kick it in the Sticks” I still have a really hard time getting behind this song and Affliction shirt country music…
LISTEN 10.10.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 9
OPAS Presents Ray Benson
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by Sarah Dean
Ray Benson is a man with big shoes and the even bigger, booming, baritone voice! A giant in the industry, Benson’s been around the block a few times. He is strumming his guitar at Rudder Theatre on October 11th for an evening of acoustic songs and comedic re-tellings of his life on the road, including tales with industry legends. Benson has been ambling around the music industry for 40 years, picking up a few awards here and there. His journey has led to a collection of 9 Grammy awards, 2011’s Texan of the Year award, and a truckload of other trophies and accolades. Besides having over 25 albums to his name, Benson is an in-demand producer who has worked with Willie Nelson, Aaron Watson, and Aaron Neville. Last time he performed at OPAS was for the sold-out musical A Ride with Bob: The Bob Willis Story, which Benson co-wrote – along with Anne Rapp – and in which he performed a starring role. The musical is a dedication to the life and music of Bob Wills and tells the story of Benson’s own encounter with his music mentor. In the play, Benson’s band Asleep at the Wheel appears to have lost their way. With the guidance of the ghost of Bob Wills and the spinning of illustrious tales of Wills’ life and fame – performed in a song-filled evening – Benson is able to turn his slump around and keep truckin’. And true to the story, truckin’ he has done. Benson’s band Asleep at the Wheel has evolved into a Texas-size tradition; they are a musical institution. First formed in 1970, the kings of Texas swing have picked up their instruments over the years and moved from West Virginia to Oakland to Austin (at the request of Willie Nelson) where they made their beds (for the moment). Benson’s a legend, and his band has been one of the strongest names in country music. As the front man of Asleep at the Wheel, the group has charted more than twenty singles on the Billboard country charts. Joe Nick Patoski of The Austin Chronicle says, “Smitten with an archaic, hip regional sound called Western swing, they had the good fortune of arriving before the crowds did” in Austin's exploding music scene. Patoski also credits Benson with much of the musical growth of Austin and posed the following questions: “Who do you think made the introduction between Denny Bruce and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, putting in motion the record deal that put Austin blues on the map? Who hooked up Stevie Vaughan with manager Alex Hodges? Who brought together Lance Armstrong's management and the folks who made the Austin City Limits festival happen?” Benson’s been a towering figure in the music industry since the 1970s, and it’s not just because he stands at 6’7. Information on Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel can be found on raybenson.com. Tickets for the show are available at the MSC Box Office and online at opas.tamu.edu.
pg 10 | maroonweekly.com | 10.10.12
DATSIK @ Graham’s Nightclub by Sarah Dean
LISTEN
pg 12 | maroonweekly.com | 10.10.12
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The bass will drop on October 11th at Graham’s nightclub when the Firepower Records Tour – a celebration of dubstep daredevil DATSIK’s newly founded record label of the same name – comes to College Station. The amped-up tour will throw an extra 50,000 blazing watts at the crowd for an all-consuming audio experience as well as a rare and unique “Vortex” DJ visual effects booth. The “Vortex” – which has real-time 3D-mapping technology – promises a hypnotic narrative of space themes, optical art, machines, robots, animation and, of course, firepower.
The music can’t come to you without the talent of dubstep’s pioneers. Joining the tour are various special guests and Firepower Records label mates including Delta Heavy, Terravite, Bare Noize, XKR, Getter, AFK, and, of course, DATSIK himself. Troy Beetles – better known by his stage name DATSIK – hails from the Great White North but has brought his dubstep skills to the States. He hit the dubstep scene like a fireworks display on the fourth of July, just as loud and explosive. His ability to possess the crowd with his future-tech sound and hip-hop has made DATSIK one of the hottest dubsteppers in the scene today.
His ability to possess the crowd with his future-tech sound and hip-hop has made DATSIK one of the hottest dubsteppers in the scene today.
Crawling from the underbelly of South London, dubstep emerged as electronica infected with wobbly bass lines and tricky beats. DATSIK describes dubstep as “a little bit of everything thrown in the mix and dirtied up. There are pieces of hip-hop, the bass from electronic dance tracks, and the roots of U.K. garage and drum & bass. Dubstep is totally the punk rock of electronic music.” His music may be dark and aggressive, but DATSIK knows how to control a crowd. In an interview with MTV, DATSIK talked about the best mix he’s ever done. While hanging out with friends, he mixed Sail Away by mellow Irish singer Enya and then laid the track over intense dubstep. DATSIK warns against coming out “swinging from the gate” and never allowing for ups and downs. He makes a habit out of purposefully bringing folks down by lulling the crowd into a relaxed state, playing nothing but house music... and once they’re mellowed out, he cranks it up and charges out the dubstep. The powerful smash of dubstep DATSIK brings to the dance floors has given him a dedicated following of fans. His debut album Vitamin D – which was released earlier this year – has mint instrumentals and collaborations with artists Jonathan Davis of KORN fame, Infected Mushroom, Z-Trip, and Messinian. With the founding of Firepower, DATSIK seems to always be climbing the ladder of success. “I come from the dark, hip hop-influenced side of dubstep, and I’m trying to create a haven for that style,” he says. “There are all of these incredible young producers on the rise. I want to elevate them and promote them. If I’m playing a track in my set, I’m likely to sign it and release it. Those are my guidelines, and Firepower’s dance floor ammunition is my contribution to the EDM world.” At the end of the day, DATSIK is here to wreck the dance floor and put on a good show. More information on DATSIK can be found on his website datsik.ca. Videos of various performances are also available on YouTube.
Scan this code for more on Datsik
LISTEN 10.10.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 13
Q&A with Roger Creager by Chris Zebo
When Roger Creager comes to town, it's like a homecoming party. The Aggie favorite is one of the most celebrated Texas country stars in Aggieland, and Creager's concerts always turn into wild, high-energy sing-alongs. His most recent album, Surrender, was released earlier this year, and his most recent single from the album, “Crazy Again”, is climbing the charts. Creager is headlining this year's Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival in Downtown Bryan this Saturday, 9-10:30pm on the main stage. For tickets, visit tr.blog.bryantx.gov. MW: What are some of the things you miss about living in Aggieland? Creager: Mostly, I miss being surrounded by Aggies. Everyone else sucks at life. Well, almost everyone else. MW: When you're back in town for a show, is there any one place you have to go when you visit? Somewhere to eat? Have a beer? Creager: Yeah, I like The Tap. The owner and I have been friends for years. We were in the corps together at different times—in different decades, haha. I also like to sneak into Harry's for a quick beer and relive a few old crazy nights. MW: As you know, A&M is "Certified SEC" and Aggie football is whooping one team after another. Do you keep up with the games or are you too busy? Creager: Hell yes! I just discovered I can watch games on my phone and iPad. (I'm a little slow). So, recently, I was backstage at ZBock Fest watching the Aggies 4th quarter against Ole Miss literally seconds before I went on stage. 20,000 screaming fans and I'm preparing by nail-biting an Aggie game. What a rush. MW: What is your new single "Crazy Again" about? On one hand, you sound frustrated with politics and today's state of affairs; on the other hand, you seem to say, "Hell with it all!" The song's climbing the charts and it's resonating with a lot of fans. Creager: It's a song about a guy getting pissed off when political correctness takes the place of common sense. They are not the same thing! It's a commentary on today's American culture. But I do it in a kick-ass way. MW: Your newest album, Surrender, has been received warmly by critics and fans for the album's range of subject matter. You have everything from torch songs like "Surrender" to a cover of Marley's "Redemption Song" on the record. What was your mindset going into the studio for Surrender? You seem to have followed your muse in every direction it led you. Creager: I enjoy writing about varied topics. Years ago I wrote "I Got the Guns" and thought to myself, “No one has ever written a song about this.” I like to make each song different from the last to entertain me and my band. They have to play them every night. I figure if they can get into them show after show after show, the crowd will LOVE them. MW: Are we gonna get the full Creager experience Saturday night? Is your Pop joining you on stage for "Rancho Grande"? Maybe Randy on "Please Come to Boston"? Creager: Hey, I AM the full experience! That's all you need to know. My dad is 78 years old and I'm still trying to keep up with him. He just shows up when HE wants to. I hope he'll make an appearance, but I never know. My brother, Randy Creager (class of '98), is in law school in Arizona, so I doubt he'll make it.
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Qatar: Sand Sea and Sky Author Diane Untermeyer to Give Talk @ George Bush Library
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by Ike Ntube
Qatar is a small country in the Arabian Peninsula that the average person couldn’t tell you much about. Diana Untermeyer isn’t your average person. Untermeyer is coming to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum this Tuesday to speak about her experiences there and what she observed while living in Qatar with her US Ambassador husband for three years. Qatar, although a very small country, has used its unique (and strategic) location to enter the world's economic stage. The state, characterized as a desert by the sea, has achieved great wealth through petroleum industries and is one of the most stable countries in the Arabian Peninsula, even with all that is happening around it. Untermeyer wrote a critically acclaimed book, “Qatar: Sand, Sea and Sky,” that serves as a comprehensive overview of the country, capturing the region in both personal reflections and objective facts. Not only did she draw from her experience, but she made a point to learn everything about where she was and the historical context which brought it into being. The book also features the photography of Henry Dallal, who captures all of the beauty of the country as the two traveled together in preparation for the book. Qatar is an important partner to the United States and its an international power, considering that it has 15% of the world’s proven gas reserves. The country of 1.9 million has built a civilization swiftly and is one of the richest in the region. Take a conceptual vacation out of the United States and learn about another culture in this special program. The event is free to the public via sponsorship from AT&T, and there will be a book signing following Untermeyer's presentation.
KSBJ PRESENTS
Reed ARenA College StAtion, teXAS oCtobeR 27, 2012 | 7:00 PM
PLAY
PurchasE tickEts @ www.tickEtsErVaNt.com pg 16 | maroonweekly.com | 10.10.12 pg 16 | maroonweekly.com | 10.10.12
with JJ Heller
Produced By
Mugwalls 10.11 - THURSDAY
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Mugwall’s Java bar always serves an above-average cup of joe. Add great service, a cool atmosphere, and free wi-fi and Mugwall’s became one of my favorite coffee houses for meetings and workmarathons. Thanks to their pet friendly policies, I have been visiting even more often than usual, chilling on the patio with my canine companion Nixon.
salad sandwich on the recommendation of the friendly Mugwall’s employees at the counter. They said it was “the bomb,” and after my first bite, I had to agree.
I’ve sampled several of the culinary delights the Mugwall’s kitchen has to offer, too. After a few great meals, and sadly no left-overs for Nixon, I have yet to be disappointed.
Back for another taste of the Mugwall’s menu, I tried the pulled pork quesadillas, also highly recommended by the staff because of the mysterious green sauce that accompanies it.
My first taste of the Mugwall’s menu was the pepperoni pizza panini sandwich with tomatoes, mozzarella, chicken and marinara sauce. The sandwich came out quickly and was grilled to perfection.
The quesadillas were excellent and a great value for three bucks. The green sauce had a hint of jalapenos, I think (the sauce’s recipe is top secret).
The marinara sauce, made in house daily, was quite flavorful and “made the sandwich” even though it was applied sparingly so it didn’t make the sandwich the least bit soggy. On a subsequent visit, I ordered the chicken
My dog Nixon also loves the food at Mugwall’s. He’s always sniffing around the patio for crumbs that patrons may have dropped. I always look forward to returning to Mugwall’s to taste more of their menu while I work on the patio with my pup.
The “twist?” Imagine going to class with a beer in hand. Well, you can do just that (or substitute a glass of wine) at Painting with a Twist. The popular art lesson teaches you how to paint(a different painting each lesson) while you sip a BYOB of choice. This is not your average art class; this is art entertainment. $35. Painting with a Twist - 1643 Texas Avenue South, College Station.
$5 Domestic Pitchers @ Daisy Dukes
The chicken salad has big chunks of apple in it that give it a unique flavor. My only complaint about the sandwich is that I wish there were more of it. It was a little small for the price, but very, very good.
Wine and Paint @ Painting with a Twist
Who said Thursdays were thirsty? How could they be with $5 domestic pitchers all night long at Daisy Dukes. Daisy Dukes - 217 University Drive, College Station.
10.12 - FRIDAY
Shrimp Boil @ The Tap
10.15 - MONDAY
Margarita Monday’s @ Ozona’s
10.16 - TUESDAY
Happy Hour @ The Dixie Chicken
Louisiana is a far drive. The Tap knows this; so they host a shrimp boil every Friday night. Save gas and get the bayou in BCS. The Tap - 815 Harvey Road, College Station. Mondays are fun days at Ozona. With just the change in your couch cushions, you can make Monday feel like a Friday. Served all day. Drink responsibly. Ozona’s - 520 Harvey Road, College Station. Tuesday’s 4-hour happy hour at The Dixie Chicken is 3 more hours happier than your average bar’s. That should put a smile on your face. Dixie Chicken - 307 University Drive, College Station
10.17 - WEDNESDAY Whiskey Wednesdays @ The Corner
Whiskey Wednesdays at The Corner takes hump day and stirs it up a little, with special whiskey cocktails served all night long. The Corner - 401 University Drive, College Station.
Ladies Night @ Daisy Dukes
Daisy Dukes Ladies Night isn’t just for the ladies; guys wanna be there, too, obviously. But ladies get in free all night, pay 50 cents for drinks, and can win $50 every hour. Daisy Dukes - 217 University Drive, College Station.
Happy Hour @ Naked Fish Sushi
Every day is a good day for Sushi. That is why Naked Fish Sushi and Grill offers Happy Hour from 3-6 Monday Thursday. If that isn’t good enough, they are open til 3 a.m. for all your late night cravings Thursday-Saturday.
photo by: Cheyne Cegielski
EATBCS.COM
TASTE
10.10.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 17
Texas Reds @ Downtown Bryan by Ike Ntube
I
Imagine building a fence around an entire downtown city and throwing a huge party for nearly 17,000 people. Add thousands of steaks cooked on open grills, hundreds of gallons of wine, cotton candy and corn dogs, and Roger Creager playing under a starlit sky on a crisp fall night. Now...stop using your imagination. It's actually happening this weekend. Steaks, grapes, the streets of Downtown Bryan, crafts, corn dogs, and music—a list of things that are good independently but coming together for the annual, two-day Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival Friday and Saturday nights. One of the highlights of the festival is a steak cook-off which will be held under an expanded tent area downtown. All guests are invited to eat steaks (not free, but priced inexpensively) prepared by competing chefs. In addition to the cook-off, there will be multiple food demonstrations and vendors throughout town both days of the event. Demonstrations vary from health awareness to recommended wine pairings, while vendors at the event vary from special soda vendors to carnival food trucks serving funnel cakes and fair favorites. On Saturday afternoon, there is also a Chow Down Challenge put on by the BCS Chow League if you're a competitive eater or just like watching people gorge themselves for bragging rights. The grape part of the festival is mostly centered around Texas wines and tastings. A wine stomping will also take place (in which all of the proceeds go to 4H scholarships), and visitors 21+ can buy taster's glasses and sample wine from various wineries from around the state.
PLAY
Music is the third pillar of the Texas Reds Festival. A main stage will host The Texas Twisters and the Grammy-award-winning Tex-Mex band The Texas Tornados on Friday night. On Saturday
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night, Country Music Hall-of-Famer Johnny Lee and his Urban Cowboy Band and former Aggie Roger Creager headline the evening. There will be numerous bands playing throughout the festival, including Rock-A-Fellas, La Fuerza Latina, Leannasaurus Rex, Razz, and Ruthie Foster. So if you didn’t manage/can’t afford to grab some ACL tickets for the weekend, there is a musical alternative at this festival that might be more in one’s price range. The festival “venue” is virtually all of Downtown Bryan. The city will literally be fenced off from any vehicle traffic. But the best part of the festival is the price of admission: free on Friday evening and $5 on Saturday. There will be a free shuttle from Blinn College, so parking isn’t an issue if you plan in advance. Parking near downtown will be virtually impossible...but you might find a spot if you're lucky. For more information on the Texas Reds Festival, visit texasredsfestival.com.
Scan this code for more information about Texas Reds
10.11 - THURSDAY
BYOB and Paint @ Painting with a Twist
The “twist” is that you can bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage to enjoy during the class. Come alone or invite your friends. Paint, canvas, and brushes are provided. At the end of the evening, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation and a newfound talent you might want to pursue. 7:00pm— Painting with a Twist—1643 Texas Avenue South, College Station-$35.
Karaoke @ Schotzi’s
Mixing alcohol with an open microphone always promises a good time, so swing by Schotzi’s for the classic “karaoke night”.—8:00pm—Schotzi’s—205 University Dr., College Station—Free.
10.13 - SATURDAY
Salsa Saturdays @ Village Café
10.15 - MONDAY
Open Mic @ Schotzi’s
10.16 - TUESDAY
Absolute Karaoke @ O’Bannon’s
Voted Best Night of Dancing (2011 & 2012), Salsa Saturdays starts with a fun, “30-Minute Crash Course Salsa Lesson” followed by a hot night of dancing. Come prepared to sweat and to meet new people at this Aggie hot spot! Visit mambosentertainment.com for more details. —10:00pm— Village Café—210 W 26th St, Bryan—$5. Visit Schotzi’s for an opportunity to bare it all on stage. Whether you consider yourself a songbird or the next Galifianakis of comedy; showcase your talents and enjoy a few minutes of fame or infamy.—8:00pm—Schotzi’s—205 University Dr., College Station—Free. Put your vocal acrobatics to the test! Every Tuesday, O’Bannon’s Tap House pairs with Absolute Karaoke and offers up the most talented (and, more likely, least talented) crooners in College Station.—10:00pm—O’Bannon’s Tap House—103 Boyett St., College Station—Free
Wednesdays @ Village Café 10.17 - WEDNESDAY Salsa Salsa Wednesdays at the Village Cafe offer an hour and
a half professional dance lesson(8pm) followed by a night of dancing from 9:30-12am. A great night to learn new moves or to just let loose on the dance floor! Visit mambosentertainment.com for more details. —9:30pm— Village Café—210 W 26th St, Bryan—$8 lesson and dancing/$5 just dancing.
EVENTS
PLAY
10.10.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 19
Barnes and Noble Throwing a Harry Potter Party
T
by Sarah Dean
Thankful for a series that has captured the imagination of an entire generation, Barnes and Noble is introducing the next generation to the wonderful boy wizard by throwing a Harry Potter Party on October 13th for fans aged 7 and up. By up, they mean way up. College students and adults who love the boy wizard are welcome to don their house colors or dress as their favorite character. Harry Potter was published in the United States on September 1st, 1998. Since then, a whirlwind of dedicated Harry Potter lovers have formed into one of the strongest fandoms the world has ever seen. Today, the series has sold around 450 million copies and has been translated into 67 different languages. The popularity of Harry Potter has spawned new genres of music (Wizard Rock or Wrock), an entire theme park designed to resemble the fictional wizard town of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and a collection of adoring fans whose passion for Harry Potter has helped to make the series one of the fastest selling of all time. Fans have been rewarded with seven books, eight movies, a treasure trove of memorabilia, and a gratitude for the magic and bravery of Harry Potter. With young children still excitedly cracking open a new copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the series has become an integral part of the collective unconscious.
Wood-Style Flooring Flat-Screens in Every Apartment Stand-Up Tanning Booth Fully-Equipped Fitness Center Basketball & Sand Volleyball Courts Individual Leases Resort-Style Pool Game/Activity Room
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“Luther” to 47464 for information* *standard text messaging rates apply
PLAY 866.973.5389 10.10.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 21
CO L L EG E STAT I O N ’S P R E M I E R
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I
Frankenweenie by Brandon Nowalk
It’s nice to see the old Tim Burton again. Frankenweenie is an odd duck—old-fashioned black-and-white, new-fashioned 3D—but it boils down to a universal story of a boy and his beloved pet dog...only if the dog was to become re-animated after death. When Sparky gets hit by a car, young Victor is so broken up that he resolves to bring him back to life. The story works, and that’s because Frankenweenie follows roughly the same storyline as the Universal horror classics of the ‘30s. But this story’s plot has a new twist, as Victor’s rivals use his science for selfish reasons, and then everything goes hectic. Frankenweenie is classic Tim Burton: deadly serious and bursting with a cinephile’s love for classic horror—but not scary so much as eccentric. It’s based upon a short film Burton made in 1984 for Disney. The animation giant was no stranger to trauma, having just released The Fox and the Hound. But needless to say, Disney fired him shortly afterward.
Burton’s macabre childhood aesthetic has only grown kitschier as the years have passed, to the point that his billion-dollar blockbuster Alice in Wonderland plays like an ad reel for Hot Topic. Even his vastly more interesting take on Dark Shadows was heavily panned last year. Maybe that’s why, for all its bells and whistles, Frankenweenie went back to basics. The voice cast is nicely restrained in keeping with Burton’s vision of adults as somewhere along the spectrum of catatonic to over-wielding: SCTV legends Catherine O’Hara and Martin Short voice almost everyone, but Ed Wood star Martin Landau voices a science teacher. That said, Frankenweenie plays like a close cousin of ParaNorman, still the year’s best animated feature. Not only are both films gorgeous horror cartoons, but both films open with a movie within the movie; in this case, a delirious Toy Story-style stop-motion home video of Victor playing
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Godzilla with Sparky and his toys. Both film then climax with a town under siege by supernatural horrors. On every front, Frankenweenie fits comfortably inside ParaNorman’s shadow. But this solid movie wouldn’t be complete without its essential moral. Burton casts the mob that burn down Frankenstein’s windmill as today’s anti-science brigades. The PTA chase the science teacher out of town, but not before he lays down the law: “Ladies and gentlemen, I think the confusion here is that you are all very ignorant. You do not understand science, and so you are afraid of it.” It’s Arthur C. Clarke by way of Jon Stewart. Ultimately, Frankenweenie’s parable is that science is just learning; but it’s what you do with what you learn that matters.
Animation | PG |
toptwentyfilms by Brandon Nowalk
1 Taken 2
characterizations, Rube Goldberg emotions, lifeless cityscapes, conveyor-belt music, bumpersticker politics, and guillotine editing welded into a steel hunk. I’ve never rooted harder for the bad guys.
Right on schedule, every nine months, Liam Neeson pops out a new action thriller, each more serious than the last. Turns out this frustrating wannabe is the runt of the litter. More wolves, please!
2 Hotel Transylvania
15 The Possession
A girl buys an antique box without checking inside for ancient Jewish demons first, and now her parents must fight the curse.
1/2
If I’ve learned anything from the box office the past few years, it’s that kids entertainment is where the money’s at. Parents will see anything. Word to the wise: Stick with ParaNorman and Frankenweenie.
16 Dredd
At last, Judge Dredd has the film adaptation it deserves: a pulpy B-flick with a dynamite cast: Karl Urban as the titular, postapocalyptic executioner flanked by Lena Headey and Olivia Thirlby. Stallone who?
3 Pitch Perfect
Okay, so it’s no Bring It On, but we all have our weaknesses. Turns out Anna Kendrick getting in a cappella street battles over bad ‘90s pop is one of mine.
4 Looper
Time-travel gem Looper has so much fun with narrative and mashing up sci-fi, western, and crime thriller genres. One thing’s for sure: It’s worth the ticket price. Maybe twice.
5 Frakenweenie
Tim Burton goes so far back to storytelling basics that he winds up teaching a lesson about the importance of science. The simple story of a boy and his dog has its moments, but it’s nothing compared to ParaNorman.
6 End of Watch
1/2
Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena play rookie cops who suddenly become cartel targets in this Cops-style found-footage flick. Unfortunately, even the movie feels rookie-made, but at least it has Anna Kendrick.
7 Trouble with the Curve
Well, talking to a chair isn’t the most embarrassing thing Clint Eastwood’s done this month. The legendary star turned revisionist
1/2
director has earned some leeway, but it’s never too late to retire.
8 House at the End of the Street
1/2
Brace yourself: It’s Halloween season, heralded by another parade of jump scares. At least this one stars an actress instead of a starlet. Jennifer Lawrence makes boring horror slightly less boring horror. That’s talent!
9 The Master
Paul Thomas Anderson’s new movie hasn’t reached beyond a surprise 70mm screening in Austin, but after There Will Be Blood, anticipation for the new film is off the charts. Full review next week.
10 Finding Nemo 3D
One of Pixar’s most enormous pictures, a funny, scary, sad, mysterious, heart-warming adventure across the Australian coast. But “Partysaurus Rex,” the delightful new Pixar short, might be worth the ticket price on its own.
11 The Perks of Being a Wallflower
A freshman outcast falls in with two seniors in Stephen Chbosky’s adaptation of his own novel. It’s pretty, it’s witty, it’s gay. But mostly it’s a chance to see Emma Watson spread her wings post-Hermione.
Retribution
Like they always say, fifth time’s the charm! But seriously, Paul W.S. Anderson’s latest entry in the video game movie franchise is now even more video game-y, with extravagant maps and slo-mo 3D. 1/2
Is it already time for another Stand and Deliver? These Dangerous Minds clones aren’t about helping children so much as WASP back-patting. “I have to reach these kids!”
14 The Dark Knight Rises
1/2
A recycled finance procedural about a Bernie Madoff type redeemed—barely—by its acting. I wonder how scummy Richard Gere could have been if he weren’t always artfully framed against light refracting through glass.
18 The Bourne Legacy
12 Resident Evil:
13 Won’t Back Down
17 Arbitrage
1/2
Nolan’s not a director. He’s a tinker: Mascot
You have to give them some credit: Instead of a Spiderman-style reboot with the same old origin story, Bourne spun off Jeremy Renner into a new franchise. It’s hectic absurdity, but it could be worse.
19 Lawless
I’m still wincing from the part in Guy Pearce’s hair. John Hillcoat corrals his baroque gangster saga like a tired farmer more than an artist, but Tom Hardy lights up the screen.
20 The Odd Life of Timothy Green
It was only a matter of time before cinema invented the manic pixie dream kid. This one’s a wood nymph, but it’s still just Tuck Everlasting meets Marley and Me. It doesn’t deserve your tears.
LOOK
10.10.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 25
Join us for
a night out.
Enjoy us for a night in.
Spirit Halloween College Station
In Target Center, next to Hastings 2026 Texas Ave. College Station, TX 77840 (979) 209-9260 Opened Monday to Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Award Winning Wines Made in College Station, Texas
Duplex in College Station Remodeled, 2 Bedroom Beautiful and Spacious Living Area - many extras BIG fenced backyard Convinient to EVERYTHING
979-422-3427 - Call for special rate -
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