Vol. 15, No. 25 by Maroon Weekly

VOL. 15, NO. 25 // MAR. 27, 2019

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2019 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM MAROONWEEKLY WEEKLY////Mar. Jan.27,24, 2018 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

IN THIS

Publisher CHRIS SHEPPERD Managing Editor SHARON ROE

ISSUE

Desginer MARTA PATE

VOL. 15, NO. 25 // MAR. 27, 2019

MUSIC

FEATURE

EVENTS

Social Media & Advertising ALYSSA SCHULTZ Sales Coordinator MARISA GRIMES Staff Writers JUSTIN WALKER Interns KENDALL WARD JUNIPER LEVALLEY JASMIN MEDRANO ELISABETH CANO CUMAH HOLT Distribution JACOB SANDERS EMMA TATGE RYLEE WILLIAMS

NEEDTOBREATHE NEEDTOBREATHE’s Acoustic Live Tour comes to BCS!

UNBOUND

Fight human trafficking in BCS with UnBound

DIAMONDS & DIRT

Barrel Racers beat the clock at Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Horse Classic

Maroon Weekly is an independent, 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 or typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. © Copyright 2018 Campus Press LP

LOCALEATS

By Juniper LeValley

WEEKLY

MEDIA SHAKEDOWN

APP REVIEW

FREE

Imagine answering the question “Where do you want to eat?” more efficiently than ever before. Now that’s some serious food for thought. The LocalEats mobile dining app has helped local diners and travelers achieve this at their fingertips for the past 10 years, and you can, too. Praised for its local business emphasis, the LocalEats app provides users with a curated dining guide that is managed by the LocalEats editorial and research staff. Diverting from the typical chain-style restaurants that come up with a quick search, the app helps users navigate their eatery choices in a unique fashion, making it a top pick for downloadable mobile food apps, according to Travel + Leisure. The app continues LocalEats’ 20-year tradition of writing about the best locally-owned restaurants in America. Published in 1996, LocalEats’ “Where The Locals Eat” guide featured over 10,000 restaurants. Fifteen books later, LocalEats transformed their culinary coverage to more effectively meet the fast-paced technological needs of the 21st century. On the app, users can filter their search by location, Top 10, category winners, all picks, neighborhood, and price range, and the app allows for either making reservations or saving the restaurant as a “favorite.” The “Nearby Search” feature, located on the home screen, enables users to quickly see what is near them via GPS. Users can also be kept up-to-date on the latest app news by signing up for the LocalEats newsletter on the “Settings” tab. Take the “I don’t know” out of dining and download the LocalEats mobile app today from the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores! For more information, visit the LocalEats website.

FIVE FEET APART

By Elisabeth Cano

MOVIE REVIEW Can love really overcome anything? Released in theatres March 15, the new film “Five Feet Apart” sets out to answer that question with the story of Stella Grant and Will Newman, two teenage cystic fibrosis patients, as they tiptoe the gaping six-foot line of medically called for safety. The film’s title comes from the mere twelve inches these two decide to take back in order to grow closer to one another.

Our pair of star-crossed lovers are played by actress Haley Lu Richardson and actor Cole Sprouse. From their past roles of starring in “The Edge of Seventeen” (Richardson) and the hit comic-book turned television series “Riverdale” (Sprouse), these two play teenagers fairly well and can spin a tragic love story like no other. “The New York Times” praised the film’s director, Justin Baldoni, for his use of camera angles and framing to create the illusion of intimacy between Richardson’s and Sprouse’s characters. By using different focal lengths, Baldoni tricked audiences to believe that Stella and Will were closer together before the cameras panned out to a wider shot, revealing that the six feet of safety was still between them. While critics say that the film doesn’t tug on your heartstrings as much as it should and is hampered by cheesy cliches, it still received an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Is “Five Feet Apart” a modern-day medicalized take on Romeo and Juliet? Visit a theatre near you to find out, and don’t forget your tissues.

ALBUM REVIEW Every now and then, a song comes on with a beat you just have to dance to. Whether that’s with a head bop, a foot tap or a shoulder roll, you just can’t help moving along from the first moment you hear it.

By Justin Walker

Remarkably, almost every song on the indie-rock band Foals’ latest album, “Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part 1,” falls into that category. The British band brought it all to the table on their fifth studio album, which will feature a follow up album to be released later this year. Foals is able to create music that leads to bops and rolls for the listener, despite having some pretty dark lyrics. “Exits” starts off pretty bleak, with the sea eating the sky and no birds left to fly. But if you aren’t paying close attention to what is being sung, you’ll only hear a very catchy instrumental. “On The Luna” is another memorable tune with somewhat depressing lyrics. Foals discusses heaven and evil, and the repeating lyrics, “We had it all, but we didn’t stop to think about it” will make you rethink the snazzy tune.

ARTIST: Foals ALBUM: Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part 1

Even the track “Sunday,” with a slower, more subtle sound, begins with somber lyrics. “Time has come and time is done. Cities burn, we got youth to spend,” doesn’t leave the listener with much hope, but if enough attention is diverted to the beat, which is relatively relaxing, you might not catch the meaning. Overall, the lyrics are just a minor element to the enjoyment that this album brings. In fact, they are thought provoking, which art should be. The first portion of the “Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost” series is definitely one you should check out, even if the message is a bit depressing.

MAROONWEEKLY.COM // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROON WEEKLY 5

MUSIC Race to the Grand Stafford Theater and witness Blue Water Highway on March 29 at 7:30 p.m. The up-and-coming rock group is guaranteed to provide fans with an experience as unique as the band itself. The band’s name is derived from the roadway that connects the members’ hometown of Lake Jackson, Texas to Galveston, Texas - the place where “the cops, the teachers, the baristas, and the chemical plant workers travel to work hard and to play hard, blowing off steam, dancing to their favorite bands.” This 20.4 mile stretch of Texas highway also symbolizes the connection the band has to their musical roots and the great rock artists of the past who came from working class, coastal backgrounds. Band members and high school best friends Zack Kibodeaux (lead vocals/guitar) and Greg Essington (vocals/guitar) formed Blue Water Highway after both pursued other avenues, Zack studying vocal performance at Texas State and Greg working on a music technology degree in New York City. They were soon joined by Kyle Smith (bass), Jared Wilson (drums) and Catherine Clark, whose vocal and keyboard expertise helped create the three-part harmonies the band is known for.

BLUE WATER HIGHWAY TO OFFER REFRESHING ROCK AT

GRAND STAFFORD THEATER by Justin Walker

By Juniper LeValley

“Heartbreak City,” the group’s second album, debuted in June 2018 and is reflective of the group’s alternative rock/indie style. Narrating the lives, loves and friendships that define the band’s members, “Best Friend” is featured on the album and serves as Blue Water Highway’s first single. “We wrote this as a band,” said Kibodeaux. “We wanted to tap into the feeling of that special friendship where you know you can count on one another.” In the lineup of upcoming shows that span Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, the Grand Stafford Theater is excited to welcome Blue Water Highway. All ages are welcome to attend, and guests are guaranteed to appreciate the theater’s 400-person capacity, full service-bar and mezzanine seating. Tickets can be purchased for $10 in advance on the Grand Stafford Theater’s website as well as purchased at the door for $12. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and Blue Water Highway will take the stage at 8 p.m.

MAROON WEEKLY // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

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NEEDTOBREATHE ACOUSTIC LIVE TOUR

By Kendall Ward We need to breathe, you need to breathe, everyone needs to name artists such as Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw, and built up a breathe. It’s a good thing they’re coming to BCS! massive fan base. NEEDTOBREATHE released their eighth album, Acoustic Live Vol. I, in November of 2018 after recording 12 songs On March 31 at 7 p.m, NEEDTOBREATHE is coming to Rudder from their 2017 live tour, which nearly sold out in every city. Some Auditorium, hitting the stage for the second leg of their Acoustic of the songs topped the Billboard music chart. Now well into their Live Tour with special guest Sean McConnell as the opener. A mix second leg of the same tour, they are adding a third leg due to the between Arctic Monkeys and Vance Joy, NEEDTOBREATHE weaves tour’s popularity, tacking on 20 more cities in the US and Canada. in relatable and encouraging lyrics. You’ll basically walk in and feel like you’re family. This concert will be more intimate than your And they’re not just a great band, they’re helping the world. jumpy EDM festival but definitely not low key, as NEEDTOBREATHE Over the past eight years, NEEDTOBREATHE has partnered with concerts are known to be without a dull moment. OneWorld Health, and for the Acoustic tour, they are donating Their songs are full of hope and their music inspires. one dollar for every ticket purchased to aid sustainable health NEEDTOBREATHE’s dedication to growth, experimentation, and care for East Africa and Central America. overall musicality produces a unique sound that varies from Southern rock to soulful anthems to more synthesized sounds. For this acoustic tour, you can expect to be blown away with the band’s ability to move you while using the minimal amount of add ons.

Ticket pricing at Rudder will range from balcony seats at $40 to front orchestra at $80. Although these prices are a bit on the more expensive side, according to NEEDTOBREATHE’s fans, it’s well worth the money. On their website you can find links to social media, merchandise, VIP access, and other fun extras.

Since the release of their first independent 11 song album in 2001, NEEDTOBREATHE has climbed the billboard charts, opened for big Buy your tickets online or at the Rudder Box Office.

MAROON WEEKLY // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

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ROGER CREAGER AND THE POWELL BROTHERS

AT HURRICANE HARRY’S From surviving the devastation of one hurricane to performing at another, two brothers from the Lone Star State are following their dreams in the music industry.

By Justin Walker

It took a lot to complete the album, including living in their car for a year and working out of an attic-turned-studio. But it all worked out in the end. In fact, Taylor and Blake agreed that without the hurricane, they wouldn’t have a full-length album right now.

The Powell Brothers, led by Taylor and Blake Powell, will be performing along with Roger Creager at Hurricane Harry’s on To promote “Leave on the Light,” Taylor, Blake and the band have Friday, March 29, in what has been a very busy month and year for been travelling across Texas and Colorado all March, and things aren’t slowing down for them. They are also in the middle of a sixthe duo. show tour across the southeastern United States, which concludes with a performance at the 2019 CMA Fest in Nashville. Earlier this year, the Powell Brothers released their first full-length studio album, “Leave on the Light,” which has spent seven weeks in The Powell Brothers are also returning for a second consecutive the Top 20 on multiple charts. Having the album out is a relief to appearance at LJT Fest on April 25, something the brothers are very the brothers. “I’m glad it’s over,” they said. “It’s pretty sweet. It’s a big excited about. milestone to have done.” “Last year, we had a lot of firsts,” they said. “This year, we are doing The album took a lot of effort to complete, and probably more than a lot of follow-ups. The best part is that we get to go out to these most artists have to put toward sharing their music. What started crazy awesome places and meet people who are just spectacular, out as a five-song EP for the brothers was put on hold by Hurricane and now, getting to go back is so much fun.” Harvey, which hit the Texas coast back in 2017. The Powell Brothers Of course, their return to Hurricane Harry’s is another exciting trip lost their studio and hard drives containing the near-completed for them. project. “We love Hurricane Harry’s! Everytime we go there, it is the freaking “At that point, we had to make a decision,” they said. “Do we want bomb,” they said. “We are very excited to be back.” The excitement to start from scratch and redo these five songs, or do we wanna kicks off at 9 p.m. when doors open. Tickets can be purchased on take this as a sign that we should do something bigger?” Hurricane Harry’s website or at Cavender’s Boot City. They went with the latter.

10 MAROON WEEKLY // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

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NGO FEATURE: UNBOUND BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION

By Marisa Grimes

It might seem unbelievable that in Aggieland, with all our just months later, one doctor correctly identified a trafficking emphasis on community and integrity, there are human victim, and called UnBound to coordinate efforts. The woman beings being trafficked, but it is all too true. is now in recovery, took steps in furthering her education, and is leading a life of healing and transformation. “Through Local nonprofit UnBound BCS is bringing attention to the prevention and awareness training, we will be servicing situation, engaging in trafficking prevention work and offering many more victims in the community,” Buegner shared. resources and services to rescued victims. UnBound continues to train various spheres of influence in UnBound was founded in Waco, Texas in 2012 and is a human the community, and also offers trainings by request. trafficking ministry, participating at the local level through Antioch Community Church. The BCS chapter was started Finally, and most critically, UnBound BCS works to connect in the fall of 2017 by its current Executive Director, Amanda victims with appropriate support services, from safe housing to trauma counseling, medical attention and clothing. The Buegner. team also walks the journey to freedom and safety alongside Located within the “Texas Triangle” of Dallas, San Antonio and victims for months. “There is no one agency that does Houston, the BCS community has a higher risk of trafficking this,” Buegner said, speaking of the collaboration of law taking place. Young runaways and vulnerable youth are enforcement, medical professionals, and other stakeholders among those who are highly susceptible; 30% of whom will that all offer support. be contacted by a trafficker within 48 hours of leaving home. UnBound educates through bi-weekly visits to the Brazos On March 28th, UnBound BCS will be hosting “Night of Hope” County Juvenile Detention Center to speak to at-risk youth about the vulnerabilities of human trafficking, as well as from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This event is the first annual banquet hosted by the organization bringing community members speaking to kids in schools and the local Boys & Girls Club. together over dinner and a silent auction, and hear from guest UnBound also hosts professional trainings throughout the speakers Congressman Bill Flores and sex trafficking survivor year on how different groups and businesses can leverage Julia Walsh. Night of Hope will be hosted at TAMU Hotel their roles to identify and serve victims of human trafficking, & Conference Center. Though ticket sales are now closed, and they are already proving to be benefiting the community. you can find more information about UnBound’s work and After training Emergency Room doctors in a local hospital, upcoming events on their Website and Facebook page.

12 MAROON WEEKLY // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

LOCAL

By Joan Quintana

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION TAKES NATIONAL STAGE WITH OPENING OF “UNPLANNED” MOVIE THIS WEEKEND This weekend the film “Unplanned” will debut on nine screens in BCS, the first Hollywood feature about events in Aggieland to release since the The Junction Boys in 2002. It’s no small deal when your community takes the national spotlight in a Hollywood film release, but this particular film, portraying Abby Johnson’s journey from Planned Parenthood employee of the year to pro-life advocate, is likely to draw some extra attention. To learn more about “Unplanned” ahead of the release this weekend, Maroon Weekly contributor Joan Quintana interviewed Shawn Carney ’05, who is portrayed in the film by Jared Lotz. Shawn figured prominently in Abby’s story and offers a unique perspective on the film.

Joan Quintana: This weekend, the movie “Unplanned” will release on 1200 screens nationwide and on nine screens here in town. What’s your connection to the film? Shawn Carney: My wife and I are both portrayed in the movie, because we went to A&M and would go out and peacefully pray outside a place there, an abortion facility in Bryan. And Abby started volunteering for Planned Parenthood around the same time. And then we both started working for opposing organizations. Abby and I were directors of opposing organizations at the same time, often in media interviews, The Eagle, KBTX…against one another. And one day when they were short handed, (Abby) witnessed an abortion. At the time, our office was next door to Planned Parenthood, which is closed now, but at the time we were next door, and she came right over and said that she’d had a change of heart on abortion. She walked right

into my office, and then resigned the next day. She resigned on October 6 of 2009. The movie tells this beautiful story, this very powerful story, that all happened in Bryan-College Station.

Joan: You were working for Coalition for Life at the time. What prompted you to start 40 Days for Life?

Shawn: We saw local abortion numbers going up, and it

was just out of frustration. And we thought, why don’t we take this 40-day time period that God gives us throughout scripture and just go back to the basics and pray and fast for an end to abortion and hand these 40 days over to him, with the intention of ending abortion and helping save lives. So, we did 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of community outreach, where we went to 25,000 doors and asked people to pray for an end to abortion throughout Bryan-College Station, as well as the 24-hour nonstop peaceful vigil outside of Bryan Planned Parenthood. So that was the first ever 40 Days for Life campaign, and it helped drop abortion numbers in Bryan by 28%. But it really got a lot of new people involved. In the fall of 2007, David Bereit and I launched it as a national effort, hoping to get 20 cities, and we had 89 that first year, and all of that is depicted in the movie as well. And then it just took off. We do two campaigns a year, and 40 days for life has left Bryan-College Station and has gone to now 816 cities in 56 countries.

14 MAROON WEEKLY // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

Joan: The film is about events in Bryan and College Parenthood director, the reasons why she grew up pro-

Station. Was any of it filmed here?

Shawn: Some of the B-roll is going to be from BryanCollege Station, but they did not film here, they filmed in Oklahoma. They visited many times, and they went to our office, which is the now-closed Planned Parenthood, and they rebuilt that building in Oklahoma. Joan: As the founder and director of 40 Days for Life, you’re accustomed to speaking on the issue of abortion. Is that what this film is about? Shawn: Yeah. It really is, and I didn’t know it. We worked with these people for four years, and you don’t know if you’re going to be portrayed in a bad movie or a good movie or you know, am I going to get hit by a car halfway through? They really can do whatever they want once they buy the rights to the story. But they really followed Abby’s book accurately. But one surprising element was how much of an education about abortion the movie actually is. Whether you support it or not, you will know what it is. And that was the biggest surprise to me. It’s how good of a job they did, not just in the dialogue. Because it’s hard to make a movie about abortion. It’s not an in-your-face movie. It’s not a propaganda, hit-you-over-the-head movie. It’s a real movie. And Abby was a real Planned Parenthood employee of the year, and her parents really didn’t want her working there, and her husband didn’t want her working there. And I think all of these stories are about family. A lot of people will be able to relate to that, whether you have kids that are against abortion and you don’t like that, or you have kids who are for abortion, and you don’t like that. It really will connect a lot of hearts, no matter where people stand on the abortion issue.

life, but started to understand that women need a right to choose and control their own body, and you follow her on this journey. And I think everybody who supports abortion will be able to relate to Abby. And very few people who are against abortion will be able to relate to Abby. She says that in her own story. So, I think that the primary target is people who support abortion because it’s about one of the most powerful advocates for abortion that Planned Parenthood had and so, you know, why would she change her mind? Why go through all of that? And obviously for those who are pro-life, it’s a great story of how we can reach more abortion workers. You know, 40 Days for Life has helped 186 abortion workers. Abby was #26 out of 186 that we’ve helped. But she was special because she ran the Planned Parenthood where 40 Days for Life started. She was our Planned Parenthood Director. So, the audience is very wide. I didn’t think that going in. I thought it was going to be your sort of limited, Christian do-gooder audience, but it’s definitely not that.

Joan: The film received an R-rating. What should people know about the film before they go? Shawn: You can’t take kids to see “Unplanned,” but you definitely should take teenagers. But the R rating is for violence and blood. There’s no cussing or nudity or profanity. There’s none of that in “Unplanned.” You definitely can take teenagers to see it. Our high schoolers I would say to see it, but it’s a bloody movie. You watch an abortion along with Abby.

They should also know it’s not a cheesy Christian movie. It’s rated R, but you can see it. The MPAA gave it that rating, I believe, not because they believe abortion is rated R, but because they wanted to deter the Christian base from wanting to see it. But they need to know that it is well Joan: Who came up with the idea for the film? done, and they spent $7 million making this movie. That is $5 million more than they spent on “God’s Not Dead,” and Shawn: The two men who wrote “God’s Not Dead,” Cary it shows. Solomon and Chuck Konzelman. They said their next project they wanted to write, produce, and direct. So, they Joan: Where will “Unplanned” debut in Bryan-College were looking for a new project and they were coming out Station? of Mass and a sweet lady who they kind of knew came up and said, “You guys need to make this book into a movie!” Shawn: Premier and Cinemark in Bryan-College Station And, of course, in their line of work, they get every crazy will have it. We will have nine screens throughout the religious holy roller in the world running up to them and weekend. We are giving away a lot of free tickets, but saying “you need to make this into a movie! God is telling people need to go and see it on March 29th when it me you need to do this!” It happens all the time. Yet they comes out. It is going to be very exciting for Bryan-College took God’s plans, and they read the book, and they said, Station. It shows the community in a very positive light. “You’re right. We are going to make it into a movie.” So, it’s It really shows the heart of what happened. It also is a fun. It was a sweet old lady at Mass that walked up to them, powerful movie for women that have had an abortion. I gave them Abby’s book and said, “You two guys need to always watch everything in the pro-life movement from their perspective, and there are a lot of women who had make a movie.” And they did it. an abortion in that building and women who didn’t go Joan: Who is the audience for the film? through with the abortion that Abby talked to, and who Abby talked into having an abortion. And all of that is very Shawn: The audience for the film is anybody who local. The rest of the world will see a great story. But Bryansupports abortion because that’s really what you follow. College Station lived this story for the 15 years that Planned You follow Abby and the reasons why she was the Planned Parenthood was open.

MAROONWEEKLY.COM // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROON WEEKLY 15

By Kendall Ward

OPAS: “LONESOME TRAVELER” AND “FINDING NEVERLAND” Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and Peter Pan. If you’re tempted to think this is a “one of these things just doesn’t belong” scenario, think again. But just what does American Folk music and Peter Pan have in common? They’re CLASSIC. And with the next two upcoming OPAS shows, “Lonesome Traveler: A Journey Down the Rivers and Streams of American Folk” and “Finding Neverland,” you’ll see why.

“Lonesome Traveler”

Coming Thursday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m., “Lonesome Traveler” will take over your heart at Rudder Theatre with its journey down memory lane. The concert follows the story of the shifting and changing journey of American Folk music over the years. Audience members say it brings a sense of community and floods them with happy memories as they sing along. Featuring live musicians performing music from such greats as Bob Dylan, The Kingston Trio, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor, this show also includes multimedia projections and was nominated for two major awards by the Drama Desk and Outer Critic Circle. James O’Neil and Dan Wheetman crafted this gem a number of years ago with Grammy-Award Winner George Grove as the orchestration director. This is a great show for youngsters to oldsters, singles, a date night or groups! The kids will love to sing and dance along, and if you’re not careful, you’ll catch yourself doing it, too!

Be sure to lock in some tickets from the OPAS website before they run out. Prices range from $40 to $56, and students can get a small discount.

“Finding Neverland”

The following week presents “Finding Neverland” on Wednesday and Thursday, April 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium. If you’ve wondered about the story behind the famous character Peter Pan, then this musical is one not to miss. Remember the lost boys marching along, Tinkerbell’s feisty little self and the moment when Wendy finally realizes the true meaning of Neverland? This magical show tells how J.M. Barrie came to invent the Peter Pan story and how he discovered Neverland in the first place. Choreographer Mia Michaels says, “It’s about imagination, it’s about dreaming… and it brings out the child within you no matter how deeply buried it is.” Neverland is the ultimate childhood dream, the place where time freezes and joy is all that’s left. This theatrical production has left audience members from ages 7 to 77 oohing and aahing. Come see for yourself. Tickets are on sale now from $23 in the balcony to $85 in the premium front orchestra seats on the OPAS website.

16 MAROON WEEKLY // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

SPRING 2 0 19 EVENTS

McFERRIN CENTER for ENTREPRENEURSHIP

AggiePITCH Tue, Apr 2 from 5-9pm

3 Day Startup Elevator Pitches Sun, Apr 7 from 4pm

The Last Word Tue, Apr 16 from 6-8pm

Aggie Angel Network Fri, May 3 from 9-2pm

RSVP info for all events can be found at tx.ag/McFerrinEvents

Join our mentor network tx.ag/McFerrinMentor

THE DOO WOP PROJECT AT B L I N N C O L L E G E

By Justin Walker

Classic meets modern. Old school meets the new kids on the block. A clash of the generations.

new element to the songs while respectfully including the heart and soul the original recordings feature.

This is what you can expect as the Blinn College District welcomes The Doo Wop Project on Sunday, March 31, at the Blinn College Brenham campus. The Doo Wop Project features a group of vocally-talented men recreating classics from the ‘50s and ‘60s, as well as revamping contemporary pop hits into one cohesive set that can entertain audiences of all generations.

Of course, The Doo Wop Project also hits on modern day songs, incorporating a new and unique sound into each track. The Amy Winehouse classic “Valerie” is beautifully recreated into a song you could see being played at an old jazz club. Even “I’m Yours,” the heartfelt song by Jason Mraz, is carefully reconstructed to include the beauty and soul of the original while introducing a bluesy feel.

The group takes audiences on a journey through time, starting with foundational music from the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos, hitting the legends that are Smokey Robinson, the Temptations and the Four Seasons, and reworking the hits of today by Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5.

The group consists of six Broadway performers with excellent vocal abilities warranting their inclusion in the Doo Wop Project. Santino Plandino, Dominic Nolfi, Charl Brown, Dominic Scaglione Jr., Russell Fischer and Dwayne Cooper each bring something unique to the table, while still keeping each song and performance cohesive and enjoyable.

Songs from way back, such as “That’s My Desire” and “I Only Have Eyes for You,” are beautifully covered by the group, capturing the classic charm of the era. In a mashup of beautiful melodies and The Doo Wop Project’s visit to Brenham will begin at 4 p.m. at vocals, “Ooo Baby Baby & Tracks of My Tears” recognizes two songs the Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore. The track brings a purchased on the Blinn Performing Arts series website.

MAROONWEEKLY.COM // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROON WEEKLY 19

By Elisabeth Cano

RACERS, ARE YOU READY?:

DIAMONDS & DIRT

You can stop holding your horses, because the event of a lifetime is finally here! The 8th Annual Diamonds and Dirt Barrel Horse Classic has arrived once again! Grab your boots and put on your best belt buckles and head on over the Brazos County Expo Center in Bryan to watch riders compete as they race to beat the clock. This week-long event takes place April 1-7, with events going on from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. all day. Interested in competing? Register now so you don’t miss out! Come out to support these guys and gals as they ride and race!

Barrel racing is no joke. With the pressure of the clock weighing down on them, these riders must quickly and effectively maneuver in and out of the barrels. The faster the rider, the faster the time, which means the higher the rank. The competition is broken down into two different levels, Futurity and Derby. Each level has two rounds that riders must beat in order to advance. Who will beat the speed of light? Come watch to find out!

Diamonds and Dirt have graciously decided that proceeds from the race will go to benefit K9s4COPS and K9s4KIDS. K9s4COPS is a non-profit organization that works to raise funds for law enforcement agencies to be able to afford a K9 partner for their officers. K9s4KIDS came about from discussions of safety among students and educators. Through the organization, schools and university campuses are offered K9s that are trained and ready for This competition is sure to be one you don’t want to miss! Not only will action. Not to mention, the pups are pretty cute! you be able to experience the fast-paced race of the barrels, but you’ll also have the opportunity to cheer on riders as they compete. The For a complete schedule of the events and to register, please visit riders are given the chance to win up to $1,000,000 in cash and prizes the Diamonds and Dirt website or check out the Brazos Expo event throughout the competition. That makes Diamonds and Dirt holders of calendar. the largest futurity purse in the Lone Star state. Holy smokes! Founded in 2011, Kristi Schiller and the Schiller Ranch created the Diamonds and Dirt Barrel Horse Classic. For 8 years now, they have been dedicated to showcasing the very best of barrel racing competition and giving riders the opportunity to demonstrate their talents. Diamonds and Dirt has grown to become one of the largest barrel racing competitions in the country.

20 MAROON WEEKLY // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROONWEEKLY.COM

Upcoming Events

BLUE WATER HIGHWAY

when: March 29, 2019 where: Grand Stafford Theater

“LONESOME TRAVELER” when: April 4, 2019 where: Rudder Theater

GO TO MAROONWEEKLY.COM/EVENTS FOR MORE

NEEDTOBREATHE ACOUSTIC TOUR when: March 31, 2019 where: Rudder Auditorium

“FINDING NEVERLAND” when: April 10-11, 2019 where: Rudder Auditorium

“UNPLANNED” OPENING when: March 30, 2019 where: Cinemark or Premiere

THE DOO WOP PROJECT when: March 31, 2019 where: Blinn College Brenham Campus

MAROONWEEKLY.COM // Mar. 27, 2019 // MAROON WEEKLY 21

“MIGHTY GOOD CONNECTIONS”-TWO LETTERS IN A ROW.

Across

Down

1 Morty’s mom, on “Rick and Morty”

1 Strengthen, as security

5 Short timetable?

2 Custard-filled pastry

9 Drop knowledge

3 Ireland’s ___ Bay

14 Beige shade derived from “raw”

4 Boat’s bottom

15 2004 Queen Latifah/Jimmy Fallon movie

5 Chest bone

16 He wears the horizontal stripes 17 Airline with only kosher in-flight meals 18 Former Israeli politician Abba 19 Word in a 1997 Will Smith title 20 Loss of prestige, perhaps 23 180, slangily 24 “I guess that’s ___” 25 Hair knot 26 Indy 500 unit 29 Fill-up option 33 Throwing ability 34 Fred who sneezed for Edison’s first film

7 Physical, e.g. 8 Pictographical Zapf typeface characters 9 Selena’s music genre 10 Carolina Panthers safety Reid 11 Tommy’s cousin on “Rugrats” 12 Smoke, informally 13 “Over here” 21 Renaissance ___ 22 Sign of oxidation 27 Opposing opinion 28 Serf 30 Boggy area

35 Prefix for morph or plasm

31 Fizzle out

36 Le ___ (French port city)

32 Cartoon skunk Pepé

39 Their workers go to blazes, for short

36 “Mad Men” star Jon

40 He won “The Masked Singer” (sorry for the spoiler) 41 “Pity, that... “ 42 ___ Ranganathaswamy Temple (Hindu pilgrimage destination)

37 Reunion attendee 38 Petroleum product and long-time pageant secret used on teeth (ew) 39 Prime seating choice 40 Sandal strip

43 “Evita” role

42 Karaoke selection

44 Much of their cultivation is in the dark

43 Harvard color

50 Abbr. on a French envelope 51 True crime author Rule 52 Article in Berlin? 53 Boot part

Answers

6 Detonation sound

45 Park employee 46 Big name in baby food 47 And others, in footnotes 48 Painter’s purchase

54 Future aspirations

49 TV Street celebrating a 50th anniversary

58 Noun category

55 More than enough, for some

60 Meat seasoning mixtures

56 Currency symbol that looks like a C crossed with an equals sign

61 “Boo’d Up” singer Mai 62 “Riptide” singer Joy 63 Cookie with a 2019 “The Most Stuf” variety (around 4x) 64 “Carpe ___!” 65 See-through 66 Exhausted 67 “Your excellency”

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