Buzz Magazine: Oct. 2, 2003

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SNEEZE. | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

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Public housing redeveloped? (page 3)

ARTS

Joking with Steven Wright (page 6)

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Starlight Mints bring fresh sound (page 12)

FILM & TV

Dirty Pretty Things gets beautiful (page 19)

Arts | Entertainment | Community

Look what the Canopy dragged in Bret Michaels returns to Urbana

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SEND DIRTY TALKS, THE NEW SHOUT OUTS | OCTOBER 2-8 2003 buzz

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COMMUNIT Y

Q&A with antique store owner ARTS

Getting to Nirvana MUSIC

Rock and the postseason CALENDAR

See all there is to do in C-U FILM & TV

Jack Black rocks ODDS & END

Will Pres. Bush borrow your car?

Volume 1, Number 30 COVER DESIGN | Amy Hanlon

editor’snote This week, my column will not be on an article or column appearing in Buzz. It will be on a column that did not run in this week’s issue. I have wrestled with myself over publishing the column that I decided not to run.

The decision made me lose sleep, question my journalistic ethics and search for my definition of free speech.

I will not name the column, nor the columnist or the topic of the column. But it forced me to make decisions that were not popular with some important people on my staff and in my life. I had people who I loved telling me to go one way and I had those I respected telling me to go another.

In the end, I found that making unpopular decisions can be impossible. I discovered that editors must sometimes restrict speech. As editor, I believed my job description was to promote as much speech as possible, in as many forms as possible. Past columns I have written have espoused this ideal, especially my plea for letters. That’s why making a decision to hold or allow a controversial piece was such a difficult decision.

In the past, I decided not to run stories because of their libel content. These stories lacked sources, appeared biased or seemed one-sided. As a former metro editor at The Daily Illini, I had to make decisions like these on a daily basis.

In the case of this week, the column’s vivid writing combined with its message created a

difficult decision for me. Yet, the column contained vulgar and obscene terms that should not be printed in this publication. For the first time, I found myself questioning what is appropriate and inappropriate. It tortured me to decipher the line of obscenity and how far our publication should go.

To be honest, I never thought I would tell a writer I could not publish their views in the magazine, views I respected and believed in.

The issue befuddled me so much I found myself dreaming about the repercussions of publishing the column.

Finally, after talking with a number of people, I came to the conclusion that the column belonged in another publication, one that catered to that form of expression. I realized Buzz is not a completely open forum where people can publish vulgar or offensive language, even if the language conveys an important and necessary message.

All opinions should be heard and all forms of expression should be expressed.

Unfortunately, every magazine has its specific niche and sometimes, not all voices match the tone of those publications.

TR

buzz

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OCTOBER 2-8 | I ‘M SICK :-(

CROSSWORD PUZZLE (ANSWERS ON 17)

WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

ACROSS 1 Not running away from a challenge 9 Drink 15 1985 Springsteen hit 16 Siouan speakers 17 Bag holder 18 Mimic 19 France/Hungary separator, once: Abbr.

20 Product stamp 22 All-out 25 Stuff 26 Roh ___ Woo, former South Korean president 27 Hindu aphorisms 28 Singer Sumac 29 Starting point 30 Shut up 31 Grieg’s “___ Death” 32 Singular 33 “The Magic Mountain” novelist 35 Half-day exam, briefly

37 80’s defense let-

3 “Chéri” novelist,

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5 Saints’ grp.

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inventory 45 Mus. work 46 Popular airplane maker 48 “How Can ___ Sure?” (1967 hit) 49 Bring in 51 ___-Irish 52 Bad spelling?

56 Court strategy 57 ___ Islands, east of Miami 58 G.I. ID 61 Doesn’t act well 62 “Need help?” response 63 Starts again 64 Bottom-line figures DOWN 1 They may involve dukes 2 Loverlike

1920

Symphony No. 6

and others 7 Destined for markdown: Abbr.

8 Some tea bags 9 Higher-ups 10 Words to an old chap?

11 Bud 12 Not too sexual or violent 13 It’s a tight fit 14 Treasure 21 Without believability 23 Cologne with a literary name 24 Part of many a refrain 29 Like “Frankenstein” 31 Actress/singer Marcovicci 34 “Almost” 36 Old royal emblems 37 Lofty

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Volleyball serving,(/n) orange and blue. No more frogs.(/n) Sniff. Too bad! Adieu.

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EB - Your smile gets me every time, so stop smiling and make your move - just one of the little people at the V.Room!

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DirtyTalk Dan- Finally it published! Your hard work shows you're a talented writer. You inspire me and I love you! - Bre

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Hey Mary-- I peed in your pool!! I peed in your pool!! -net

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ITARP Hotty-- I watch you walk with your blue bookbag everyday, you strong handsome man.

Please let me curate your goodies.--your Aussie Queen Marsh - You are the only one I want to make beautiful music with... you bring the jello...

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Carol-Thinking of you is like having my mind on my money and my money on my gine

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Hey Nettie I peed in yo' pool I peed in yo' pool!

Amy- You make diseases sexy.

Puzzle by Rich Norris

38 “Fat chance”

44 Storyteller

55 Political suffix

40 Delivers with

47 Terminators, in

59 Part of many a

effort 42 Handsome young men 43 “What are you waiting for?!”

film 50 Quilt patch 53 Commend 54 Perceived

bus. name 60 Bother

Lauren- If you were a donut and I was coffee, would you let me get you wet?

Betsy- There’s just something about you when you dress up like a man... it makes me question my sexual preference.

Sade says lover’s rock.

Aneel- Is it my fever, or are you hot?

Keir- You know all those sweet talks? Yeah, they were from me. I want your nuts. -Adam Adam- I wish I was as cool as Keir, so I could receive some of your affection.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

BUZZ STAFF

Editor-in-chief Tom Rybarczyk Art Director Meaghan Dee Copy Chief Erin Green Arts Katie Richardson Music Brian Mertz Entertainment Jason Cantone Calendar Marissa Monson Assistant Music Editor Jacob Dittmer Calendar Coordinators Lauren Smith, Cassie Conner, Erin Scottberg Illustrations David Chen Photography Elliot Kolkovich, Adam Young, David Southard Copy Editors Elizabeth Zeman Designers Adam Obendorf, Carol Mudra, Marissa Monson, Jason Cantone Production Manager Theon Smith Editorial Adviser Elliot Kolkovich Sales Manager Lindsey Benton Marketing/Distribution Melissa Schleicher, Willis Welch Publisher Mary Cory All editorial questions or letters to the editor should be sent to buzz@readbuzz.com or 2449898 or buzz, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, Ill., 61820.

Buzz magazine is a student-run publication of Illini Media Company and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Today and every day, five million lightning bolts will flash between earth and sky somewhere on our planet. At any given moment, two thousand thunderstorms are raging.While you may not be in the literal presence of one of these elemental outbreaks in the coming week, Aries, I believe you will channel a similar kind of energy: You'll be fiercely and tenderly alive with the blended force of primal fire and water.

This doesn't necessarily mean you'll careen out of control; you may be able to express the booming power in its most constructive form, cleansing and clarifying everything you touch.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): My investigation of recent Taurean behavior reveals that you have committed two spankable offenses. I will not, however, authorize any enforcers to turn you over their knees and apply their palms forcefully to your buttocks -- not yet, anyway. First I want to give you a chance to atone, by filling in the gaps in your understanding and ripening the attitudes that led to your deviation from the righteous path. Or would you prefer to avoid the hard work of making amends and instead just accept a spanking?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I should caution you that this horoscope may be banned in certain parts of Louisiana, South Dakota, and Arkansas, as well as a number of other areas around the world in which silky uproarious techniques of sacred yumyum are considered dangerous to the status quo.The fact is, Gemini, you have the potential to be a genius of love in the coming weeks. You are poised to discover higher forms of pleasure that would make plain old ordinary hedonism irrelevant. A previously unimaginable level of erotic mastery is within your reach.

Now memorize this coded message: freesurgingfearlesswideawakerapturewrestler.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): HELP WANTED: Practical dreamers with high emotional intelligence needed to become experts in the following subjects: the art of possessing abundant resources without feeling greed or a sense of superiority; the science of cultivating luxurious comfort in a way that does not lead to spiritual sloth; and a knack for enjoying peace and serenity without diluting one's ambition. Applicants should be members of the Cancerian tribe. Send evidence of your skills to Poised Plenitude, c/o freewillastrology@hotmail.com.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your natural scent is strong and good these days. Your body is more flexible than usual and your willpower is extraordinarily supple. Even when you're tired, your voice is a healing melody; when you're well-rested, the words you

express can disperse tensions that have lingered for a long time.

Your ability to protect and inspire others reminds me of a mother dispensing snappy wisdom to her children. And your courage is teeming with innocent savvy. I swear you could hypnotize an agitated rattlesnake or gently crack open a closed mind.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Do you have affluenza? The PBS TV show "Affluenza" (http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/) define it as follows: the sluggish, unfulfilled feeling that results from struggling to keep up with the Joneses; the stress, overwork, waste, and indebtedness caused by an addiction to consumer goods.

Signs that you suffer from this malady include the following: 1.

You'll pay more for a t-shirt if it has a cool corporate logo on it. 2.

You're willing to work 40 years at a job you hate so you can accumulate lots of stuff. 3. You believe that if you buy the cocktail dress, the cocktail party will come. If you have even a mild version of affluenza,Virgo, I recommend that you seek a cure in the coming days. The astrological time is ripe to learn about having fun and living successfully without spending lots of money.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): On my twentieth birthday, I found a big bag on the ground while walking across a vacant lot in Durham, NC. Odd symbols adorned the outside. Inside were taxidermically preserved specimens of a hummingbird, snake, bat, lizard, frog, and praying mantis. I brought the find home and sought the counsel of my roommate, who was knowledgeable about strange phenomena. He speculated that the animals were raw materials for a magic spell, and said the symbols were ancient alchemical formulas. Maybe it was coincidence, but the next month was a miracle. I met two new lifelong friends, discovered the person who became my greatest teacher, and got a glimpse of my life's purpose for the first time. I predict that if you're alert as you wander through the world, Libra, you will come upon a comparable good luck treasure this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): By a margin of 4-1, my Scorpio readers have voted to impose on me a six-week ban on all references to maddening ambiguity. You have informed me that you're weary of grappling with enigmas wrapped inside conundrums.

You want earthy instructions and simple truths. Maybe I'll start obeying your orders next week, but I'd be remiss if I didn't let you know that you're about to be offered odd gifts from people in transition, benevolent interventions that require major course corrections, and mysterious help from the Great Beyond.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): To the naked eye of the casual observer, there won't seem to be enough love or money or other

good stuff to go around this week. But if I'm reading the astrological omens correctly, you will be able to magically stretch and expand the resources to fulfill not only your own needs but those of a small multitude. Just assume, then, that you'll have the same mojo that Jesus allegedly had when he fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fishes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): "New studies of the brain suggest that play may be as important to life as sleeping and dreaming," writes Stuart Brown in "National Geographic." In other words, science is on the verge of confirming what we play activists have always preached: To be a healthy master of reality, you have to play every day. This is always true, of course, but it's twice as true for you right now. To make sure you know exactly what we're talking about here, Capricorn, study Brown's definition: "Play is spontaneous, pleasurable behavior that has no clearcut goal and does not conform to a stereotypical pattern."

Lauren- This cold keeps making me cough, I wish I could have something else from you to make me spasm.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Are you afraid of what you want?

Are you suspicious of success? Are you suffering from a hope deficit? Do you tend to go numb when in the presence of possibilities that should excite you? Then this week will be a boon.You will have the chance to pull off a rare form of exorcism -- an exorcism not of grotesque demons and dumb-ass ghosts, but rather of the jaded cynicism that subtly corrodes your intelligence.Take this opportunity, my dear Aquarius, to cleanse yourself of the reflexive doubts that the world around you has brainwashed you into regarding as normal.

404 girls- I really enjoyed the night at your place, we should do it again sometime (maybe even with pokey sticks, or some sort of poking stick).

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The daily grind is on the verge of crushing your spirit; you're way too close to giving in to the petty pressures of everyday insanity. In my astrological opinion, therefore, you're ready to indulge in what French poet Charles Baudelaire called "a taste for the infinite." More than that: You desperately need to cultivate a voracious hunger for the infinite.

Call it going back to your spiritual roots if you like. Think of it as talking to God or expanding your consciousness or meditating till your heart melts into a state of union with your eternal source.

You've got to get yourself some deep and intimate communion with the Divine Wow. Rob Brezsny's Free Will ✍ HOMEWORK: ☎ Try to peek into your subAstrology beautyandtruth conscious mind and figure out the most important truth that you have been utterly oblivious to. www.freewillastrology.com.

@ f r e e w i l l a s t r o l o g y. c o m 415.459.7209(v)• 415.457.3769 http://www.freewillastrology. com P.O. Box 798 San Anselmo, CA 94979

LUCUSL- You are da bomb.

To the hot girl in those tight black pants at COs on Thursday (yeah, you), I think you looked great and I wanna be your sugar daddy.

To everyone reading this instead of paying attention in class, we love you. Send some next week!

Matt- Wanna get bronchitis the fun way?

Marvin - Let’s get it on.

DJ Mertz- You’ve got musical talent and you’re gonna be a lawyer, why hasn’t someone snagged you?

Tom- thanks for soup, your rock.

Diane and Gary- I predict clear skies ahead for the two of you.

Jacob- I’ll be your meat wad any day of the week. :-)~~~ SWEET “DIRTY” TALKS ARE FREE. To submit your message go to www.readbuzz.com and click on the Sweet Talk link. Please make your message personal, fun, flirty and entertaining. Leave out last names and phone numbers because we (and probably you!) could get in big fat trouble for printing them. We reserve the right to edit your messages. Sorry, no announcements about events or organizations. (Enter those at cucalendar.com)

10/1/03

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22odds & end Mr. Bush may want to borrow your car AND ANOTHER THING

W

hen I was in college, there was a guy who lived on our dorm floor who became a pain in the ass.

We were all freshmen and getting to know each other and he seemed like a good guy, pretty decent at basketball, so we hung out with him. We went out after a game and he bought the first round, but after that his wallet never left his pants. It was just the beginning.

He wanted to borrow your car. He tried to steal your girl. He tried to pick fights. He would talk about people behind their backs. He was a jerk. He probably needed medication.

He reminds me a lot of our president.

Remember back when George Bush gave us that tax refund, around $300? Everyone was so damned happy with him. Everyone could pick up that DVD player or use the money as I did, for a few nights of beer and strippers. It’s just like the guy from college buying beer the first night out.

Our president tried to impress us and get in our good graces. Actually, I think bribing is the correct word, but whatever. He was basically kissing ass, setting us up so he could take advantage of us later. He’s been acting like a freaking tool ever since.

Mr. Bush has put our economy in a tailspin rivaled only by the film roles taken by Cuba Gooding Jr. He’s got us in a fight with other countries. Mike Tyson looks restrained compared to him. He’s appointed his ridiculous friends to important positions. He hasn’t finished anything he’s started. He’s manipulative.

He is kind of an idiot, just like the guy from college. And, quite a few people have had just about enough of him.

I didn’t even mention the lying about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. Still, he may be more dangerous when he tells the truth.

His administration is in hot water for a press leak that exposed the identity of a CIA operative. The operative is married to former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV, who has criticized the Bush handling of Iraqi intelligence, but I’m sure that has nothing to do with it. It’s still never a good idea to narc on your own people.

I’ve seen JFK about a hundred times and I’m fairly convinced the CIA had something to do with killing John F. Kennedy. Now, Bush has the stones to piss them off. I’d go ahead and keep the top on the limousine for a few more months if I were him.

So now, the White House is being probed. It’s about time, since they’ve been probing us like a sadistic doctor at a colon cancer screening since

they took office.

Security adviser Condoleeza Rice said she “knew nothing” of the White House leaking the information. It’s always a good sign when a ranking official uses the same excuse as Sergeant Schlutz on Hogan’s Heroes. She added it’s not “the way that the president would expect his White House to operate.”

That’s probably right, though I’m not sure how he expects his White House to operate. I’m sure he’s happy so long as someone will play Lincoln Logs or Candyland with him a few times a week.

I’m sure they’ll say the president had no knowledge of the leak. I bet they’ll be right.

Anytime someone says he has no knowledge of something, I gotta say, I believe them.

Now, they’ve got the Justice Department investigating the leak, except they’re investigating their own superiors. Yeah, that usually works out pretty good. Anytime you expose your boss for wrongdoing you can generally be sure that a big promotion isn’t far away. I’m sure John Ashcroft would like to help out, but he is probably busy covering up the breasts of statutes.

Wilson said in a telephone interview that four reporters from three television networks called him in July and told him that White House officials had contacted them to encourage stories that would include his wife’s identity.

Robert Novak, a popular columnist, finally helped the White House out and mentioned her in his July 14 column. The leak could be considered a federal crime and it could endanger the life of the operative and anyone who had contact with her over several years. I mean, it’s hard to operate secretly when everyone knows who you are.

So there, it could be a crime. But nobody will probably even care that much.

It doesn’t seem like all that big of a deal when you consider all the stupid shit his administration has pulled. I mean, geez, we can overlook a few things here and there. That’s what you want in a leader really, someone whom the public has so little confidence in that they will skip over criminal activity.

It won’t be long until he’ll want to borrow our cars or something.

Michael Coulter is a videographer at Parkland College and a bartender. He writes a weekly email column, “This Sporting Life” and has hosted several local comedy shows. He can be reached at coulter@readbuzz.com.

DON’T BE THAT GUY | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

this week Th Oct 2 Wine Tasting 5pm, free Chip McNeill, jazz saxophone 7:30pm, $2-$5 Three Tales Beryl Korot, video and Steve Reich, music 7:30pm, $17-$28 Talkback: following the show, free

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Fr Oct 3

William Moersch and Ricardo Flores, percussion 7:30pm, $2-$5

We Oct 8 UI Symphony Orchestra 7:30pm, $2-$5

Season Sponsors Coporate Season Underwriters

Patron Season Sponsors

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KrannertCenter.com 217/333-6280 or 800/KCPATIX 217/333-9714 (TTY) 217/244-SHOW (Fax) 217/244-0549 (Groups) kran-tix@uiuc.edu Ticket Office Open 10am to 6pm daily; on days of performances open 10am through intermission.

ian Hunter, 30, was already living at Burch Village in Champaign when her sister Ruth Jones, 31, moved in about two years ago. The sisters came to the public housing project on Bradley Avenue for two different but similar reasons. They stayed because there hasn’t been a better choice. Hunter, the mother of eight children, lives with her husband. She decided to come to the project from Chicago after her son was diagnosed with cancer.

Jones, the mother of six, lives with her husband. She decided to come to the project from Rantoul because it was closer to her job as a cook at the University of Illinois.

Living at Burch was to be temporary, Hunter said. The mission of public housing in Champaign County is to prevent impoverished individuals and families from spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent or utilities. But as many discover, the sisters have found it’s harder to get out of an undesirable situation than to get in one. Both sisters said they dream of owning their own homes, a dream that may be in reach.

Long known for drugs, prostitution and crime, Burch Village has never had a good reputation in the Champaign community.

Hunter and Jones admit that the project is known for its bad reputation, but that’s part of the reason they say the project needs to be redeveloped.

“I would like my kids to live next door to doctors, lawyers and nurses,” Jones said.

“They’re not getting that here. All they see is gang members, prostitutes and drug dealers.

I don’t want my kids to see that and think that’s the only life there is for them. I want them to know that there’s more.”

The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) and city officials want this to happen in Burch Village. The current plan is to tear down all of the existing units at Burch Village, down to the roads, and start from scratch.

Sixty-seven existing public housing apartments would be demolished in the plan. The new development consists of 50 total units built on the existing Burch Village—roughly a third of them would be public housing. In short, not all Burch Village residents will be able to come back to the new development.

But it all depends on funding.

Kerri Forsyth, a neighborhood development coordinator for the city, has been assigned to work part time at the HACC until the project is complete. Forsyth said most of the project’s money would come from a HOPE VI grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HOPE VI program is focused on redeveloping existing

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OCTOBER 2-8 2003

A Fresh Start: Redeveloping Burch Village D

Joan Hickey, jazz piano 3pm, $2-$5

Funding for Three Tales is provided by “Silicon, Carbon, Culture,” a joint initiative of the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Fine and Applied Arts, with support from the Madden Initiative and the Offices of the Provost and Chancellor.

buzz

BY SARAH JO BRENNER | STAFF WRITER

Su Oct 5

Some Krannert Center programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, and patron and corporate contributions.

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public housing with lower-density housing because it has been determined that “a concentration of low-income people in one area is not successful,” Forsyth said.

The HACC is planning to apply for HOPE VI funds for the project, but they must demonstrate a “commitment” to the project.

They will first have to apply for tax credits by Dec. 15. Once those are secured, financial planning could continue with the HOPE VI application. The HACC applied for the money this year but got turned down.

But Jones and her sister aren’t pinning all their dreams on one hope.

Jones won’t leave things to chance. She said she believes it’s up to individuals to make better lives for themselves, and she isn’t just talking about other residents. Jones organizes social events and plans educational talks and workshops for Burch Village residents at the project’s Resource Center. She has had colleges, credit counseling services, banks and several other organizations come to the center.

“My key point is that residents need to help themselves,” Jones said. “There are a lot

of intelligent people out here but they don’t know how to put it to use. And, there are a lot of programs out there to help them but they have to search for them.”

“Some of these residents may be at the lowest point in their lives, and all they need is for somebody to uplift them,” Jones said. She added that in all reality the residents of Burch Village “may be here for a while” and that they need to do what they can while they can.

A visible need It seems there is a lot to be done whether the redevelopment happens or not.

The picture Hunter and Jones paint of their neighborhood is not a pretty one, but then many of the realities of Burch Village are not pretty.

Surrounded by a thick, black iron fence, the public housing project is to pick out along the residential Bradley Avenue. Identical redbrick buildings placed closely together line the property. The only identifying marks are the apartment numbers and signs of age.

Rusted pipes decorate the buildings. Doors are scratched and banged up; screens are torn

and missing. There is more mud than grass along the cemented walkways that serve as yards for the apartments.

Years ago, Burch Village was only a small part of a big problem—the north side of Champaign. The 400 block of Bradley Avenue all the way up to the railroad tracks was notorious for drugs, prostitution and gang activity. It was the “bad” part of town, and although few community members have forgotten that stigma, much has changed in recent years.

Parkside and Mansard Square, two privately owned housing developments that seemed to breed trouble, have since been torn down. In their place now stand Oakwood Trace and the soon-to-come Taylor Thomas Homes, both geared to bringing a mixedincome population to the area.

Oakwood Trace, now run by the HACC, has no public housing units; its 61 units are either tax credit or market rate. The new Taylor Thomas Homes development, on which the city plans to break ground this year, will bring in 15 single-family homes to the area. The face of Bradley Avenue has

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

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Diane Hunter sits in the living room with her 3-year-old daughter Rachel. Hunter has lived at Burch Village, the public housing project on Bradley Avenue in Champaign, with her husband and eight children for the past three years.

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changed. It is no longer the home of crimeridden apartments any more than any other part of the city, according to Champaign City Council member Kathy Ennen.

But many officials say the previous redevelopments will have all been for naught unless Burch Village is redeveloped. In fact, Forsyth said Burch Village is really the “last piece of bad neighborhood that has to go away.”

Pat Stebbins, a commissioner on the HACC Board of Directors, agreed that “we cannot revitalize the corridor on Bradley with Burch Village sitting there.” She added that having Burch Village across the street would make it harder to sell Taylor Thomas houses and that the difference between the two developments would most likely increase feelings of isolation.

“It’s very isolating to live in public housing,” Stebbins said. “With that fence separating you from the rest of the world it’s hard to see beyond your current conditions.”

Mixing it up Project developers know public housing creates isolation.

Peter Levavi, one of the developers on the project from Brinshore Development, said there is a “general consensus that isolating public housing residents in their own development lessens life choices” and doesn’t expose them to the full world of options they have.

All parties involved in the development agree on a mixed-income development.

Ennen said having a diverse economic neighborhood is a goal of the council.

“It really uplifts the whole community when we don’t have (an) area of city pinpointed for poverty,” she added. “It improves the flavor of the area and of the neighborhood.”

She said isolating poverty only serves to “cramp dreams and stop hopes.”

“We’re creating a neighborhood, not a fenced-in project,” Ennen said. “And, a lot of good things (about) having a village, we’re not wanting to take that feel away.”

Ennen said the project will take much work. While much can be accomplished

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OCTOBER 2-8 2003

A lot of hope With a price tag ranging from $7 to $20 million, the proposed redevelopment of Burch Village carries many funding requests. The City of Champaign has already guaranteed $400,000 of their HOPE funds for the year.

The fate of the redevelopment rides on getting the tax credits from the state. But without the HOPE VI fund to demolish the current housing, the project will not be possible.

“We can’t afford to redevelop without HOPE VI,” Forsyth said. “We’re not planning on not getting the funding but if HOPE VI doesn’t happen we might very well be back to the drawing board.”

Patricia Stebbins, HACC Board commissioner, agreed that the redevelopment would go better with HOPE VI, but said the project can be done without HOPE VI; it just won’t be done the same way.

“We need to have HOPE VI to do public housing,” Stebbins said. “Without it even the other units would be more difficult to fund.”

Stebbins said the cuts the HACC has faced are making changes difficult and added that they fear more cuts because of the Iraq war.

“We may be seeing the closing down of public housing as we know it,” Stebbins said.

“We can’t afford to run public housing on 60 percent of the funding we used to receive.”

With such tight budget constraints, outside funding for the redevelopment is vital.

There are many parts to getting the redevelopment off the ground, Stebbins said. “If one domino doesn’t fall into place, it could stop the whole thing,” she added.

Making room for a community With funding possibilities in place and determined developers, the city and the HACC have begun making plans for their many displaced residents.

Of the 67 units on site at Burch Village, 40 total units will be replaced, and a third of those units would be designated for public

PHONE: 217/337-8337 DEADLINE: 2 p.m. Monday for the next Thursday’s edition.

INDEX

Two-year-old Shamar Hunter looks past the iron fence that encloses the public housing project to watch a truck drive by. Diane Hunter believes the fence works to "separate us from the community."

housing. Essentially Burch Village will be going from a 67-unit public housing project to a 50-unit mixed income housing development with roughly 13 public housing units throughout the property.

That means that a lot of Burch Village’s current residents are going to be displaced and many people are concerned about just where those displaced residents are going to live.

“Everyone’s going to be relocated, nobody’s homeless,” Forsyth said. “The Housing Authority has a relocation plan in the works; by federal law everyone has to be given options.”

It’s never easy to relocate more than 100 people, Stebbins said, but it can be done.

Residents of Burch Village will be given several options for relocation. They will be offered Section 8 vouchers which they can take anywhere in or outside of the community, a rent subsidy where a portion of the market rent is paid by the government. They can move into another public housing unit. They can move to an entirely new community.

They can try to qualify to purchase a home.

And they can try to qualify to live at Burch Village once it’s complete.

The final option for residents who don’t qualify for housing is a lump sum cash option. However, those involved in the relocation process will be doing everything they can to make this the most unattractive option. As Forsyth said, “you don’t want them to end up living in a car because that’s where they spent the money.”

“We all live here, we’re not removed from the situation,” Forsyth said. “No one wants to hear in six months that people slipped through the cracks.”

Making their own way Burch Village resident Ruth Jones knows she’s going to have to take care of her own interests.

Jones and Hunter have been doing all they can to prepare for the coming redevelopment—if it happens. The sisters would like to own their own homes and have been doing what they can to reach their goals.

Jones works, has taken seminars and is

21

OCTOBER 2-8 2003 | IN THIS WORLD THERE ARE ALWAYS THINGS WE WANT THE TRICK IS KNOW WHAT IS NEED VERSUS WANTED

through beautification and planning, many old perceptions and stereotypes still need to be addressed, she said.

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

4

10/1/03

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AMERICAN SPLENDOR ★★★★

PAUL GIAMATTI AND HARVEY PEKAR Both delightfully intricate and amusingly simple, American Splendor is the opposite of this summer’s bloated adaptation of The Hulk. While Ang Lee attempted to transfer a comic book into real life, Berman and Pulcini render real life into a comic book and stretch it into a commentary on happiness, accomplishment and the disheartened lifestyle of Middle America. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly.

CABIN FEVER

no stars JORDAN LADD AND RIDER STRONG Nothing could have saved Cabin Fever from its own devouring illness. Not only did the number of plot flaws rival the body count, but even the overt sexual content and gore lost their appeal after awhile. (Daniel Nosek) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

DUPLEX ★★★ DREW BARRYMORE AND BEN STILLER Despite a terrible performance by Drew Barrymore, this comedy, directed by Danny DeVito, is moderately entertaining and funny. If you can look past its many flaws, you should be able to get a few laughs from this film. (Paul Wagner) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

FREAKY FRIDAY ★★★ JAMIE LEE CURTIS AND LINDSAY LOHAN Freaky Friday’s family-friendly plot still includes a mother and daughter unsympathetic to one another’s problems because each is convinced her own life is more difficult than the other’s. After a mysterious fortune cookie puts a fateful spell on the pair, Anna, the daughter, and Tess, the mom, wake up in each other’s bodies. (Janelle Greenwood) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

moviereview

Thursday October 2nd

Movie Night in the Beer Garden!

Dress Warm!

A film by local director Jason Pankoke.

Oktoberfest Beers are Here!

Market

Neil

Walnut

Main

University

105 N. Market St. Downtown Champaign 355-1236

MAGDALENE SISTERS ★★★★

BY JANELLE GREENWOOD | STAFF WRITER

A

t a time when the Catholic Church suffers from its greatest scrutiny comes a film that reveals its history through the broken souls of women sent to an Irish convent in the 1960s.

The film focuses on three young women whose families punish them for their sexual sins by sending them to the Magdalene Asylum. This convent masks itself as a laundry facility that cleans the souls of young women by turning them into washwomen; meanwhile the stereotypical clergy and nuns spend their free time beating and degrading these women.

The nuns use cruelty to guide these women’s lives and the resentment towards them continually grows until they give up.

buzz

MATCHSTICK MEN

SEABISCUIT ★★★★

NICOLAS CAGE AND SAM ROCKWELL No, this isn’t a film about pyromaniacs or arsonists invading a town. Instead, matchstick men are con artists, and here the cons go between friends and family members. When Cage’s character finds out he has a daughter, they meet and she wants to join in on the con.The story is fun and entertaining, but the book is much better and doesn’t have the slow, confusing moments that the movie does. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

TOBEY MAGUIRE, JEFF BRIDGES AND CHRIS COOPER The Seabiscuit phenomenon was one of the most captivating in United States history and this film does it justice.

(Andrew Crewell) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

★★★

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO ★★★★

JOHNNY DEPP AND ANTONIO BANDERAS Once Upon a Time in Mexico is an action film that is every bit as intense as it is gorgeous. Fans of the trilogy will not be disappointed, and most audiences will be delighted with the fresh style of action as well as the intelligence present in the script. Paying homage to western campiness with memorable characters and a bit of goofball humor, this is the summer blockbuster that moviegoers should have received two months ago.(Aaron Leach) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

OPEN RANGE ★★ KEVIN COSTNER AND ROBERT DUVALL Open Range mixes slow-paced historical nostalgia with slower-paced Little House on the Prairie references, pitting free range herders against static, prejudiced ranchers. At times, the film plays a little like Gangs of the Old West and anyone who’s even heard of classic Westerns like Shane or The Searchers can pretty much stay two steps ahead of Open Range at all times. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL ★★★ JOHNNY DEPP AND GEOFFREY RUSH All eyes are on Depp in his scene-stealing turn as Capt. Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. The characters are not all that developed and sometimes the action scenes are a bit long, but overall the film comes together as a good action flick. (Janelle Greenwood) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

THE RUNDOWN ★★★ THE ROCK AND SEANN WILLIAM SCOTT The Rundown is pure entertainment, plain and simple.It’s hard to lump it into one genre as it reaches into action, adventure and comedy in order to come up with an exhilarating and fun combination that will leave audiences more than satisfied.

(Aaron Leach) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

Many of these women, such as Bernadette (Nora-Jane Noone), don’t even understand why they were sent to the convent in the first place. At the beginning of the film Bernadette flirts with some school boys, but never actively pursues anything. After accepting the role that the sisters give her, she gives up her identity and resorts to whoring herself to a handyman to get out of the asylum.

The Magdalene Sisters focuses on the irony that the people who Catholics turn to in times of need use these people as vehicles to act upon their own sins of rage. Individual stories come together beautifully to reveal the horrors of living in a place that looks more like a prison camp or insane asylum than the respectable laundry it claims to be. These women are far from insane, and their sins by today’s standards seem commonplace, which draws out our empathy for them.

Crispina (Eileen Walsh) almost becomes painful to watch as she holds onto the dream of getting to see her son again. Nobody is allowed to visit these women and most of their families throw them away.

The brilliant and probably most vital aspect of the film is that these four women never truly

buzz

community

OCTOBER 2-8 2003

SECONDHAND LIONS ★★★★ ROBERT DUVALL AND MICHAEL CAINE Two old men, who might have been successful bank robbers in the 1920s, take custody of their nephew. Melodramatic story, tears and laughter ensure and manipulate your emotions, but make you love every second. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

UNDERWORLD ★★ KATE BECKINSALE AND SCOTT SPEEDMAN Werewolves, vampires and humans, oh my! This Romeo and Juliet tale pits love against an eternal war between vampires and werewolves. Look for great action sequences and a dark tone similar to The Matrix. And then there’s also Kate Beckinsale in all leather to watch for. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

OPENING THIS WEEKEND LOST IN TRANSLATION

BILL MURRAY AND SCARLETT JOHANSSON Bill Murray find a relationship with a younger woman in this intelligent film set in Japan and directed by Sofia Coppola.

Opening at Beverly and Savoy

THE MAGDALENE SISTERS ★★★ NORA-JANE NOONE This is the true story of women who were sent to a convent/laundry facility to be cleaned of their sins. However, they were also beaten and brutalized along the way. This story powerfully shows women who rose against the Catholic Church in the name of decency. (Janelle Greenwood) Opening at Boardman’s Art Theatre

OUT OF TIME

DENZEL WASHINGTON AND SANAA LATHAN Denzel Washington, fresh from his Oscar-winning performance in Training Day and his lead role in the crappy John Q., portrays a cop framed for a heinous crime.

Opening at Beverly and Savoy

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK ★★★★

(From left) brothers Shamar, 2, Brandon, 5, and Christopher Hunter, 6, wait outside their home in Burch Village before going to the park.

JACK BLACK AND JOAN CUSACK Jack Black plays a rock star who bottoms out and becomes a teacher at a prep school. (Matt Mitchell)

Q & A

CarrieHomann

C

arrie Homann, owner of Carrie’s in downtown Champaign, has served the community with her business for 18 years.

Originally from Mattoon, Carrie currently lives in downtown Champaign with her daughter.

What type of antique merchandise is sold here?

We sell retro furniture, vintage clothing and other different collectibles.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

My daughter.

THE MAGDALENE SISTERS | NORA-JANE NOONE bond, which would have been the easy way to make it a “females bonding through a horrible situation” cliche. Instead, it shows their emotions caving in and their compassion for others dying. At one point, the nuns line the women up in the nude to insult their bodies and to degrade them. Survival turns into an existence that has no value for them.

This true story goes into Catholicism’s collapse and rips out the realism of what really goes on behind closed doors, enough to where someone watching it will crave anti-depressants when it’s over.

5

working on her credit. Hunter has gone back to school to get her General Educational Development (GED), she’s working on her credit and trying to get a job. Both women are determined they won’t be left unprepared when the time comes to take a new path, and they’re hoping to help some of their fellow residents out along the way.

The sisters, who are both on a task force for the redevelopment, go door to door trying to keep residents informed and get them interested. Jones said she wants to see them get involved.

Hunter said they need to make sure residents know what’s going on.

“They think that they’re going to be taken care of; they don’t know that when it’s over, it’s over,” Hunter said. “You’re not guaranteed anything, and you can end up in the cold if you don’t help yourself.”

Jones agreed that it’s really up to the individual.

“They can do things right now to help their family,” Jones said. But, she added, they have to want to. People are going to need training, they’re going to need jobs, and they’re going to need to change, she said.

“They got time to work on it,” Jones said.

“This is something that’s going to benefit them too. We’re walking that long line, and we’re not saying that it’s going to be easy but you can start doing things on your own and gradually you’ll start getting there.”

“I want to know that when Burch Village gets torn down I got a plan,” she said. “I got a plan and I know where I’m going.” buzz

MIRAMAX FILMS

Drive-thru Reviews

CHECK OUT THOSE SISTAS!! | OCTOBER 2-9, 2003

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

10/1/03

What is the one thing that always makes you smile?

That would also be my daughter.

PHOTO | ELLIOT KOLKOVICH

1002buzz0520

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Elvis Presley.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Going fishing with my dad.

What did you want to be growing up?

As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian.

How would you describe the ChampaignUrbana area?

I’ve lived here for 15 years and I like the area.

The college here provides diversity for Champaign in terms of culture.

What is the best part of your day?

The best of my day would have to be early morning. It’s quiet and I’m able to think about things before I start my busy day.

What is your favorite place to go in the Champaign-Urbana area?

I like to go to the park with my daughter; there are always different activities at the park. My favorite place to eat at is Radio Maria. My favorite place to shop is downtown Champaign.

What music do you primarily listen to?

In the store, we primarily play the oldies, early jazz, and music from the 1920s and 1930s.

If you could live in another era of time, when would you choose to live?

1920s. I love the fashion during that time.

And the art decor.

What advice would you give to anyone that wants to open a business?

Think twice this day in age. Back when I first started, everything was easier because there was less competition. Today, business owners have to deal with more competition.

What’s the best movie you’ve ever seen?

The best movie I’ve ever seen was probably Gone with the Wind.

What are you the most passionate about?

Shopping.

What do you do to relax?

Shopping. And sitting down and having a cocktail.

What is the meaning of life?

I would have to say doing good for others and being happy.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

My daughter and our animals. And red licorice too.

What makes you get up in the morning?

Coffee!

4:59 PM

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6

arts

ARE YOU JOE KING? | OCTOBER 2-8, 2003

buzz

buzz

Joking with the king of deadpan

S

[

[

I can’t write a joke on purpose. I just have to react.

else with their time.

He talks about technology very carefully. He says it in a very serious manner, maybe even a little on the quiet side. Maybe if he talks too loud and the computer hears him, it would force him to waste the rest of his life on it. He keeps an eye on these things. He didn’t know that you can send pictures via e-mails; when he got one he thought his computer was going to explode.

He hopes to have all of his material on DVD by the time of the show. Like his HBO stand up special and his Oscar-winning short film, The Appointments of Dennis Jennings. He says that no one has been able to get his material since it’s all out of print, so he’s trying to get it all out again.

Perhaps he could e-mail his work to everyone.

Just send one e-mail out to the entire world that

would have everything he has ever done on it.

At the end of the e-mail he could say, “Thank you and have a nice life. Do not reply.”

“Right,” he says. “Then I could have a big bonfire and burn the computer and all the technology I have.” buzz

Comedian Steven Wright comes to the Virginia Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK

MIRAMAX FILMS

time in August 1982, Wright was booked on Johnny Carson, a childhood dream. In 1986, he was nominated for a Grammy for his comedy album, I Have a Pony. Wright won an Oscar in aying that Steven Wright’s humor is dry 1989 for Best Short Film, Live Action for “The would be like saying that the Atlantic Ocean is Appointments of Dennis Jennings,” in which a damp. On stage, Wright comes off as com- patient kills his psychiatrist. He’s done two pletely unaffected and bored. Articles on HBO specials, Steven Wright: On Location in Wright are chock full of words like “mono- 1988 and Wicker Chairs and Gravity in 1990. He tone” and “deadpan.” His deep, sometimes goes on tour every so often, but frequently gets nasal, Boston voice delivers jokes at an aching- bogged down by the travel, even though he ly slow pace that almost makes the audience loves doing the shows. He’s also appeared in burst with anticipation. Once after a few arid many films; as the pilot from So I Married an moments into his routine he said in his droll Axe Murderer, the unseen radio DJ in Reservoir voice, “I’m feeling kind of hyper,” to a Dogs and his riveting turn as the guy on the couch in Half Baked. response of huge laughter.

Four years ago, he directed his first film, One Wright will appear at The Virginia Theatre on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. While other comedians Soldier, about a Union soldier’s reflections on rely on bits where they talk about a certain life and death, an experience he enjoyed.

“I loved it. I would love to do topic for a while (Richard it again some time. I loved it Pryor said that while he is because there was a million a comedian he can’t tell artistic decisions,” he says. jokes), Wright relies solely Wright wrote the film, directed it on jokes. Like Henny and provided some of the music.

Youngman, the king of “It was like being in art school.” the one-liners, Wright He wants to direct again and keeps them coming, the Steven Wright writes ideas down and works on only difference—he slows them, but he doesn’t have them down quite a bit. one specific project that Absent from Wright’s routine is any kind of piece on politics or real- he’s developing.

He also maintains his Web site, ly anything else. These jokes come from his ability to turn the world over on itself. He’ll www.stevenwright.com, where he posts news take something that happens or is said every articles, tour dates, clips of other performancday and he’ll explain how he sees that as an es, his paintings, and a list of books he has odd fact with a one-liner. One of his old jokes never written, including Phyllis and Her Eyelids: is, “Why is it a penny for your thoughts, but The story of a man living in a semi-parallel uniyou have to put your 2 cents in? Somebody’s verse who is arrested for inventing hockey and making a penny.” After that he’ll move on to Jesus and Santa Claus: The story of two midanother joke about an oddity of life that no one dleweight boxers in Berlin in the early 1900s.

He didn’t want to put any of his jokes on the else seems to see.

“I can’t write a joke on purpose. I just have Web site, which is fine because there are to react,” he says. The material then is gathered numerous fan sites that post them—as well as some that aren’t his. just by observing and hanging out.

“The thing that bothers me is that some of “I just hang around and wait for it,” he says.

During his act, he is like a painter painting. those jokes aren’t mine. Some of those are He’s never really done with his work, and it’s good, but some are horrible,” he says. “There’s never completely new. When painting he no rules on the Internet, it’s like the might let the paint sit for a while, then come wild west.”

“It would be like if someone broke into back to it and decide to add something. In his act, he’s constantly coming up with new mate- Barnes and Noble and ripped out Chapter 13 rial. He’ll try out some jokes in a show and see of all the (copies of) Oliver Twist and put in his if they work, but there is a base to what he own Chapter 13 where Oliver goes to Miami does. So his shows are actually more like an act and sells boats. Then someone would read it in progress that is constantly being improved. and think, ‘Man that Dickens is an asshole.’”

A Web site is an ambitious venture for He doesn’t write jokes as a job.

“I read every day and that helps me write Wright considering that he is very wary of jokes. I don’t read just to be able to write, I love technology. “I have all these things, the comreading. It’s just like a clock, one gear turns the puter, the cell phone. I keep it … I use it … If you use it, you can slip into this.” This being other,” he says.

This kind of creative process explains the the endless cycle of “shredding time” as he randomness of his career. After performing at calls it, where people keep using the invenan open mic night, Wright became a regular at tions that are supposed to save time, that end Ding Ho’s Comedy Club and Chinese up taking more time. People, he says, keep Restaurant in Cambridge, Mass. Around this using these inventions and don’t do anything

moviereview

★★★★

BY MATT MITCHELL | CONTRIBUTING WRITER DUPLEX | BEN STILLER, DREW BARRYMORE

moviereview

DUPLEX ★★★

BY PAUL WAGNER | STAFF WRITER

D

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VIRGINIA THEATRE

BY ELLIOT KOLKOVICH | EDITORIAL ADVISOR

film&tv

OCTOBER 2-8 2003 I GO RENT WAKING LIFE.

rew Barrymore screams mediocrity in this fairly witty comedy, which mocks numerous comedy cliches. Alongside co-star Ben Stiller, whose character Alex Rose is strikingly similar to Meet the Parents’ Greg Focker, Barrymore comes across like an amateur actress in her very first screen role.

When the couple moves into a new duplex so Stiller’s character can finish his novel, the sweet old lady who lives downstairs loses her sweetness quickly, so they decide to kill her. In one scene, Stiller shoots a spear gun into the wall of the old woman’s apartment, nearly missing Barrymore’s head, while she’s getting tea out of the adjoining room.

Duplex is definitely an enjoyable film, but it possesses some glaring flaws. The first and most noticeable problem is casting Barrymore.

Stiller is considered by many to be very talented and has shown his range of comedic and acting ability in many recent films. But Barrymore fails to hold her own as a co-star, displaying little acting ability and even less comedic presence. Facial expressions are important in the production of quality comedy, but Barrymore tries much, much too hard with nonverbal communication and ends up looking somewhat foolish. With a different, more talented actress, Duplex could have been comic gold for Stiller and director Danny DeVito.

Duplex also lacks likeable supporting characters. Mrs. Connelly, the not-so-sweet old lady, is described in the movie as “the weirdest seven minutes in his life,” but is more of a plot device than any form of comic relief. Officer Dan is a police officer who jumps far too quickly to ridiculous conclusions about Barrymore and Stiller, which keeps audiences from enjoying otherwise funny situations.

The ending of this film disappoints as well.

The film was a cynical, darker comedy right up to the end of the film when it turned into an “and everyone lived happily ever after” Hollywood film, drastically changing the film’s tone. With a different leading actress and a more fitting ending, Duplex would have been a very good, funny film. Instead it was a decent film, with some very witty lines. Either way, Duplex is a movie to go see.

W

ith 1991’s Slacker, Richard Linklater set the high watermark for 1990s credit-cardfunded indie cinema. His second film as writer and director, Dazed and Confused (1993), became an instant rock ‘n’ roll high school classic, and Before Sunrise (1995), remains the most convincing romantic comedy ever made, despite the fact that Ethan Hawke is onscreen for the entire film. Linklater has always been at his best when directing his own material but with writer Mike White (Chuck and Buck, The Good Girl) and actor/rocker Jack Black, he’s made The School of Rock, an exceptionally funny kids’ movie as well as an invigorating celebration of kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll.

Dewey Finn (Black) has been dumped from his band, and his roommate, Ned Schneebly (White), is hassling him for rent. All Dewey wants to do is rock, and he’s disgusted with Ned and everyone else for expecting him to sell out and get a job. He hangs fliers in search of a new band and scams his way into a “temp” gig at a prestigious prep school for some quick cash. His students are overachievers; they complain when he tells them to go ahead and slack

moviereview

THE RUNDOWN ★★★

BY AARON LEACH | STAFF WRITER

F

or the past half decade, it seemed as though the role of the bulky action star had gone the way of the dinosaurs. With former action icons Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger quickly reaching pacemaker age, it seemed like the void would never be filled. But action fans should fear no more. The Rock has come to keep the balding but bring back the bulk.

The Rundown takes viewers into the life of Beck (Duane Johnson, aka The Rock). Beck is a bounty hunter hired to find Travis Walker (Sean William Scott), a college drop-out archaeologist on the search for an ancient artifact that could bring him fame and fortune.

Unfortunately, Hatcher (Christopher Walken) is also interested in finding the same trinket.

Hatcher is a ruthless slumlord type who forces the inhabitants of his land to work the mines for next to nothing, and will have no problem with killing Travis and Beck if he doesn’t get what he wants. The movie, directed by Peter Berg (Very Bad Things), whom many may know as Dr. Kronk from Chicago Hope, offers a little

for the rest of the day. When he overhears their classical music class, inspiration strikes: he will use the class to form a band, enter the Battle of the Bands, and steal the $40,000 prize.

Under immense pressure from their parents and the draconian reign of Principal Mullins (Joan Cusack), these kids are ripe for rebellion, although they don’t know it yet. They are proficient classical musicians at the age of 10, and their parents have warned them not to waste their time on rock music. The theme is familiar: Dewey breaks the rules and teaches them to break the rules, and in the process he learns something valuable about himself and about the rock he loves so mightily. It’s not about the Benjamins, as his drummer reminds him; it’s about playing a kick-ass show.

The film is a tad slow getting off the ground, but it accelerates nicely once Dewey gets in front of the classroom. Most of the film is spent watching him school these youngsters in rock history and method, and his rapport with them is natural, spontaneous and funny. This role was written with Jack Black in mind, and it’s impossible to imagine the film without him.

After his scene-stealing supporting parts in High Fidelity and Orange County, it’s nice to see him with enough space to truly spaz out.

Black and the kids carry the film, and the underused Cusack is perfect as the uptight principal of the school; it’s good to see her doing more than hawking cell phones. The profanely acerbic Sarah Silverman is one of the funniest people alive, but there’s not enough for her to work with in her role as Ned’s uptight careerist girlfriend Patty.

Black’s performance is propelled by music, something for everyone. Think of it as Indiana Jones meets Romancing the Stone meets 48 Hours meets WWE Smackdown. The action is innovative with some interesting wire-work. It’s a mix of The Matrix and WWE-style fighting.

The Rock truly defines himself as this generation’s action icon. After moderate success with The Scorpion King, The Rock proves himself here as a bona fide movie star. He shows restraint in his performance, not the over-thetop delivery from The Scorpion King. Everything seems natural with nothing too forced. There is even an excellent “passing of the torch” moment in the beginning of the film. As Beck is being introduced, he enters a bar and passes by none other than Schwarzenegger himself who tells him simply, “Have fun,” and then exits.

With all the media comparisons between the two, this was a great addition to the movie.

Scott also shows he has more range than his Stiffler character. He and The Rock have almost the same amount of comedic moments throughout the film. Of course, the always interesting, always ingenious Walken is almost worth the ticket price all by himself with a hilarious monologue about the Tooth Fairy.

The film, however, is not without its share of problems. There are some definite tonal inconsistencies throughout the movie. Mostly, it wants to be an action-packed, buddy comedy with light-hearted fight sequences. But at times it goes into R-rated territory with unnecessarily

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THE SCHOOL OF ROCK | LAURA KIGHTLINGER, JACK BLACK and most of the music that buoys the film (The Clash, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, et al.) is at least 10 years older than these kids. While Black schools his students, Linklater schools his audience, many of who have been raised on the tepid, self-indulgent cant that is filed under “rock” these days. One of the core lessons of The School of Rock is that what’s packaged as rock ‘n’ roll on MTV and corporate radio is a pale echo of the music that energized these kids’ parents when they were young.

Jack Black’s schtick isn’t easy to pin down.

His approach to epic rock in Tenacious D and The School of Rock is ironic to some degree—that is to say, it’s funny, and bands like Yes and Rush and Zeppelin weren’t necessarily trying to be funny. But his passion for the music is undeniably sincere. His over-the-top performance veers toward parody, but in the end, as he’s rocking out on stage surrounded by ecstatic and proud 10-year-olds, it’s a genuinely moving tribute to the passion and juvenile energy that is the lifeblood of rock ‘n’ roll.

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THE RUNDOWN | THE ROCK brutal scenes. This also causes inconsistencies for Walken’s character. It is terrible enough that he is basically enslaving an entire people to mine for gold. Watching him massacre an entire tribe of freedom fighters was too much. The Rundown is fairly intelligent for the most part as well, but that still doesn’t stop it from dipping into comedic material that Scott would have been more likely to try in the American Pie films.

The Rundown is pure entertainment, plain and simple. It’s hard to lump it into one genre as it reaches into action, adventure and comedy in order to come up with an exhilarating and fun combination that will leave audiences more than satisfied. Move over Vin Diesel, here comes The Rock!

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film & tv

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS ★★★

BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER

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urope is not particularly nice this time of year—at least, not in this season’s films.

From Le Divorce’s presentation of bitter French ethnocentrism to The Order’s appalling depiction of Italian sacrilege, the movie theater has served as the continent’s worst possible travel brochure. With Dirty Pretty Things, director Stephen Frears turns London into a seedy nether world of economic, medical and sexual manipulation, but delivers a European film that’s finally worth the trip.

His troubling picture centers around the Baltic Hotel, which from the outside looks no less wholesome than the neighborhood Hilton.

Inside, however, the Baltic is shadier than an oak tree: prostitutes serve nightly both guests and employees, and one particularly sleazy bellman—so much so that the other employees

moviereview

LUTHER ★★

BY ANDREW CREWELL | STAFF WRITER

O

ften in historical epics, filmmakers are asked to walk a thin line. On one hand, it’s difficult to make a historically significant and accurate picture without boring the audience out of the theatre with a four-hour endurance race. On the other hand, if important facts are left out or brushed over the audience could be confused and come off as insignificant. Unfortunately, in the telling of his tale, director Eric Till commits the latter of the fallacies and trivializes the account of the well-known religious leader Martin Luther’s life.

Luther, like many religious figures of the past, was well-educated. As a lawyer, he was well-respected and a successful scholar. He later became a monk and a respected societal figure. As time went by, Luther believed the Roman Catholic Church was committing injustices. He accused the religion of wrongful interpretation of God’s word, and forgiving indulgences for profit. It was these views that spurred his most famous writing, the “95 Theses” that he nailed to his church’s main doors, and his excommunication from the Roman Church.

Inspired by his first writings, the local public responded with wild support. A mass revolt from the Roman leadership followed and

buzz OCTOBER 2-8 2003

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arts

| TAG!! YOU’RE IT!!

ARTIST’S CORNER call him “Sneaky”—specializes in the business of removing kidneys. His customers are illegal immigrants, and for the low, low price of one kidney, Sneaky provides them with fake passports so they can escape their impoverished London lives.

This doesn’t sit particularly well with Okwe (Chhiwetel Ejiofor), a Nigerian refugee who uncovers the illicit activity at the hotel when he finds a human heart clogging a toilet. Ejiofor gives a marvelously understated performance as Okwe, somewhat of an underground Renaissance man: he drives a cab during the day, works the front desk at the Baltic at night and inspects co-workers for sexually transmitted diseases in his spare time. With only a slight twitch of the mouth or raising of the eyebrow, Ejiofor silently articulates the persistence and fear that drive Okwe’s journey into the darkest regions of a city that does not even consider him a citizen.

Like most good thrillers, Dirty Pretty Things begins slowly and ambiguously, gradually speeding up to a sprint for its tense, twisting climax. Steve Knight’s script sits back on its heels as long as possible, but when it takes off, a true form of gripping suspense follows close behind. Much of the film takes place in the most seamy, secretive locations—hotel rooms, underground parking garages and mortuary examination areas—and credit these private settings for the riveting, voyeuristic feel of Dirty Pretty

Luther’s ideas culminated in a translation of the Bible into more common language that the average German peasant could understand.

His life was filled with controversies, none bigger than marrying a nun estranged from her original religious beliefs, as he dealt the Roman church one of the biggest losses they ever had.

His teachings now inspire a Lutheran following of over 500 million worldwide.

Trying to avoid a Ben-Hur knockoff, the movie was cut down to the run time of 112 minutes. The ploy made the movie very watchable as it never dragged, but it lacked the scope you expect from a film of this stature. It seemed the film loosely brushed over all the exciting points of Martin Luther’s life without picking one to centrally base the movie around.

Joseph Fiennes is believable as Luther, but because of the scope of the movie will not receive any accreditation. Luther was a man with health problems, both physically and mentally, and Fiennes seems acceptably insane in his portrayal.

The cast as a whole is also very good. Alfred Molina and Claire Cox provide humor as supporters and are two of the reasons the film was fun, despite not being significant. There were even some scenes where the audience finds themselves laughing, and rooting one way or another for the historical characters. It is just a shame that so much of the story was cut out of the film.

While the audience stayed interested, Luther failed to communicate the story properly and ultimately will be accepted as a poor interpretation of the man’s life. According to the film,

Things. Like Dave Attell with a death wish, Frears thrusts deep into the dangerous world that emerges in the late-night hours when no one’s watching, and he comes out with a grimy, engaging tale of people searching for identity in the darkest corners of society.

Once again, Frears works with unflinchingly sinister material and infuses grim subject matter with shadowy mystique. It’s a return to form for the director of Dangerous Liaisons, The Grifters and Mary Reilly, who most recently made a thoroughly enjoyable foray into sophisticated romantic comedy with High Fidelity.

But Dirty Pretty Things manages to be more than just an unsettling thriller, as there’s actually a love story peeking out from behind the gloom of unsanitary surgery and unrelenting immigration officials. As Okwe investigates the hotel’s hidden occurrences, he looks after Senay (Audrey Tautou), an illegal Turkish immigrant who lets Okwe crash on her couch. Unlike her perky romantic heroine in Amelie, Tautou plays Senay with a far more restrained sense of trampled ambition. Senay has large eyes, mussed hair and a crushed spirit; as she secretly pines over Okwe (of which he is completely oblivious), every man she encounters seeks to sexually exploit her. Without revealing too much, it’s safe to say that Senay gets her revenge in stunningly redemptive ways that will have women laughing and men groaning.

Fortunately, none of the dingy depravity of

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS | AUDREY TAUTOU Dirty Pretty Things appears exploitative or gratuitous. At times, the film is a bit inaccessible, simultaneously drawing viewers in while turning them away with a plot that feels occasionally labored. But this isn’t a movie that’s meant to knock socks off; rather, it’s meant to get shoes dirty and reveal a side of England that can’t be seen on BBC. There’s a fascinatingly old-fashioned sense of America as refuge, made all the more enthralling by the message that such an image is valid in the modern day. For these immigrants, hope is a fake passport, a plane ticket, and a postcard of New York, and while it ain’t pretty, Dirty Pretty Things is a legitimately thrilling European excursion.

SECONDHAND LIONS ★★★★ Michael Becerra

Martin Luther was just a crazy lawyer who called the Pope a dope, stuck it to a nun and became a religious icon for his “vision.”

To compare the movie to something a little more common, Luther is the Keystone Light of films. It tried to be the king, but fell hopelessly short of Budweiser. At the same time, it went down smooth and wasn’t bitter at all. The effort is applauded, but a Braveheart only comes along every so often.

Mahomet

"It's a movie for everyone."

★★★★ Danielle Clem Champaign

"It’s a sweet family movie."

SCREEN REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ no stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Unwatchable

Road to Production “Jason (is) big on sharks,” said Elliot Kolkovich, an Illini Media Company employew projects and activities in a town can ee, who plays the role of Jerry. The notion of bring people of diverse backgrounds and seeing oneself as a predator in the confines of walks of life together as community theater an aquarium environment was core to their does. The Celebration Company’s running character development process.

McCain’s use of shark- or predator-like production of American playwright Arthur Kopit’s Road to Nirvana is a prime example of exercises in order to further the dramatic what community theater is all about; the show dynamic of this play also struck Mindy has allowed not only the cast members, but its Manolakes, the kindergarten teacher who experienced director as well, to branch out cre- plays Nirvana: “Everyone in the show is behaving like a predator. atively, sharing a meanEveryone wants someingful story of absurdity thing from everybody else.” with an area that isn’t Manolakes was added sevre g u l a r l y e x p o s e d t o eral weeks into the rehearsal the genre. process, both because of her “You don’t see too later entrance into the play as many absurdist plays well as her character’s disaround here,” commented tance from the others on Jason McCain, the show’s stage. All of the actors were director. “I just want to taught to see themselves, as show the community what Jason McCain well as the others, as sharks it’s about.” Although he and piranhas vying for their has acted and directed across the country in all scales of theater, the food. They were instructed not to mug to the Parkland instructor sees his directorial debut audience, only to each other, in order to furboth at the Station Theatre and in the absurdist ther isolate the audience from the action, something not easy to do in the intimate space genre with his current show.

The tradition of community theater is about of the Station Theatre.

The challenge of doing a satirical absurdist learning and creating, and this is exactly what the cast and crew have been doing for the last show like Road to Nirvana is that the actors month in preparation for the show’s opening must all work under similar understandings last Thursday. Pieces like Road to Nirvana, a of what each scene is trying to convey and play that satirizes another satire, David what the audience needs to see. “Everyone has Mamet’s Speed the Plow, require an entirely dif- to be on the same page,” said Kolkovich. Their ferent approach for the director, cast and crew goal is to get the audience to buy into the alike. McCain began by setting some parame- satire. The more seriously the characters seem ters for the actors—five community members to be taking themselves, the easier it is for the ranging from a kindergarten teacher in her audience to get caught up in the absurd nature 21st year acting at the Station to a recently of the reality the actors are trying to depict.

Playing around with notions of meaning in graduated student in his first full-length production. For a story just outside reality, but life and absurdities in the world around us— closer than many would like to believe, he like the entertainment industry that Kopit reinforced the notion of the wall between the scathingly criticizes in his play—is what creataudience and performers. This led to a set of ing theater is all about, and this is why Road to guidelines that made the actors dynamic simi- Nirvana fits perfectly into the tradition of comlar to a fish bowl, wherein they were encour- munity theater that has seen 31 seasons at the buzz Station Theatre in Urbana. aged to develop their characters together.

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C-UViews

LUTHER | JOSEPH FIENNES

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BY BRIAN WARMOTH | STAFF WRITER

R.S. ENTERTAINMENT

moviereview

I’LL SHOW YOU SOME DIRTY PRETTY THINGS.. | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

Central Illinois The Right Help Right at your Fingertips Making it easy to find the right therapist A free referral service Affiliate of the 1-800-Therapist Network Call

[ [ You don’t see too many absurdist plays around here, I just want to show the community what it’s about.

A

my Clay is a resident of Urbana, but originally from Baton Rouge, La. Initially a student at George Washington University, Clay aspired to become a politician and a lawyer, but did not find personal fulfillment in those endeavors, and turned to philosophy and creative writing instead. She wrote the play Mousetrap last spring, which sold out both nights of its run.

She’s currently involved in a program that offers a writer’s workshop for foster youth.

What inspires you?

My friends. Being among artists who are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in their field, such as music—music really inspires me.

What themes are present in your work?

I think the major theme in my work revolves around intimacy—closely examining the quiet events of life carefully and turning them inside out to view all of the different parts.

Why did you choose the piece you are featuring?

Honestly, it’s a piece that I care deeply about that I am in the process of working on.

Also, it’s the most evolved piece of fiction in my possession at this point.

What environment do you best like to work in?

I work really well in crowded places. The thing I hate most when I am in a really creative phase is silence—I can’t work in silence and I prefer the activity of plazas and coffee shops. Otherwise, if I am working alone—I like low light, good Japanese incense and the right music in the background. One of my favorite places to work is amidst artists performing. I get into the rhythms of their work and find my own place in it. It’s a real inspiration.

Excerpt from Sweetness I can’t remember exactly how old I was when I first had them, but I know it was on the Greyhound bus traveling between Houston and Las Vegas. The memory sits strong in my mind the way the sweetness of the chocolate sits in my stomach after a package of them. Mom bought them because I loved them, because we were poor and she couldn’t give me better things in life and because she felt guilty. They filled a hole in both of our lives…

These smells mixed with gas fumes, the urinal and that particular smell that only a seasoned bus traveler can identify—that smell of people sitting too

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM YOUNG

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM YOUNG

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close together—one that an optimist would label hope and a cynic, desperation. To me it became the smell of people getting on with getting on.

True to dramatic form Jerry (Elliot Kolkovich) and Al (Brad Mehrtens) conspire to win Nirvana.

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AHH THE SWEET SWEET SMELL OF PAGE DESIGN IN OCTOBER. | OCTOBER 2-8, 2003

playreview Road to Nirvana ★★★

Arthur Kopit

BY NIK GALLICHIO | STAFF WRITER The hole-in-the-wall Station Theatre perfectly reflects Arthur Kopit’s bizarre play Road To Nirvana. The venue holds a cozy 75 or so audience members in a pleasantly dingy room. The off-beat atmosphere is characterized by the wide age range this play attracts. Though multiple generations were represented, this is by no means a family play. The close seating invites the audience to become comfortable with each other, and the music in the background provides a good conversation starter.

(Honestly, why did time forget Madonna’s “Like a Prayer?”)

The play opens with a scene intended to shock and keeps stunning the audience the whole way through. The story revolves around Al and Jerry, two very different men, who are getting back into the filmmaking business together. Al’s unending high energy and nonstop in-your-face nature keeps the audience on its toes, while Jerry is a modern-day, nervous, sniveling Willie Loeman who gets cajoled into being a part of the “deal to end all deals.” And then there’s the female, Lou, who quietly magnifies the shady dealings. Though seemingly a mere pawn to use only when convenient, she eventually proves herself. Lou is the center to the theme of control and which gender has it. Furthermore, the themes of manipulation and greed are dealt with onstage in such a way that when the audience isn’t raucously laughing, they’re asking, “Did that really just happen?”

The witty banter of the first half balances out the slightly more serious tone of the second half. Following intermission, the plans that the characters circled around and alluded to in the first act culminate when a rock star named Nirvana enters the scene. The movie deal which Al and Jerry are caught up in involves Nirvana(Mindy Manolakes), an eccentric femme fatale, who has written the story of her life as a screenplay. Since her fame is a trump card, she gets to set the stakes.

Al and Jerry’s response to her terms for the opportunity to create her movie are what makes them the men they are. Brad Mehrtens plays Al, whose booming voice fills the room and threatens to match the size of his ego. He is set up as such a unique character that he can encourage you to cry one minute and make you laugh the next without breaking a sweat.

Elliot Kolkovich’s Jerry is not blessed with such confidence. He is depicted in a thoroughly pathetic light, acted with alarming precision. During the first half, Al relays an anecdote to Jerry concerning an airplane he was on that circled the airport because it wasn’t able to land. At times, the play seems to become in love with its own wit and forgets that it has a story to tell, but the audience is so wrapped up in the sharp quips that it hardly seems to matter.

The smart, fast-paced writing makes the 90minute play fly by. A night on the town in an unassuming venue featuring this play will provide an interesting date that is guaranteed to elicit conversation. It’s one of the few plays that offers lines like “I was considering killing you” as a compliment.

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Furniture Lounge – Local artist Dean Schwenk along with many other local and fine artwork/pottery. Also specializing in mid-century modern furniture from the 1920s1980s, retro, Danish modern, lighting, vintage stereo equipment and vinyl records. 9 E University, Champaign. (217) 352-5150. Sun-Mon 12-4:30pm, Wed-Sat 11am-5:30pm.

Gallery Virtu Cooperative – Original fine art and crafts from member artists including jewelry, pottery, paintings, collages, hats, handbags and other textiles, sculptures and journals. The Gallery also offers workshops; a new schedule of classes is on the website. 220 W Washington St, Monticello. (217) 762-7790. Thu 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm. www.galleryvirtu.org

Working together matters.

Glass FX – New and antique stained glass windows, lamps, and unique glass gifts. Gallery is free and open to the public. Interested in learning the art of Stained Glass?

Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Stained Glass Classes offered. 202 S First St, Champaign. Mon-Thu 10am5:30pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm. (217) 359-0048. www.glassfx.com.

Griggs Street Potters – Handmade functional and decorative pottery. 305 W Grigg St, Urbana. (217) 344-8546. MonFri 11am-4pm, or call for appointment.

The High Cross Studio Gallery – Works by Sandra Ahtens on display. Artist studio space available. 1101 N High Cross Rd, Urbana. Tue 7-9pm, Thu 3-5pm, Fri 3-5pm and by chance or appointment. spiritofsandra@hotmail.com Hill Street Gallery Inc. – Oil and watercolor paintings, hand painted T-shirts, handmade jewelry. 703 W Hill, Champaign.

(217) 359-0675. Sat 12-5pm or by appointment during the week.

International Galleries – Works from local artists. Lincoln Square Mall. (217) 328-2254. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am6pm, Sun 12-5pm.

Larry Kanfer Gallery – University of Illinois images by photographic artist Larry Kanfer. Unique diploma frames and other UI gifts. Sepia Champaign-Urbana Collection also on display. Available now: 2004 Prairiescapes and University of Illinois calendars. 2503 S Neil, Champaign. (217) 398-2000.

Free and Open to the Public. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. www.kanfer.com LaPayne Photography – Specializes in panoramic photography up to 6 feet long of different subjects including sporting events, city skylines, national parks and University of Illinois scenes. Las Vegas Strip photo show coming soon.

816 Dennison Dr, Champaign. (217) 356-8994. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and by appointment.

Have you ever noticed how much more you can accomplish when you work together?

At United Way of Champaign County, we bring together community partners to focus on what matters most... results.

By giving to United Way, you’re helping not just one group, but our entire community. When you add your investment, to the investments of your family and friends, imagine the positive impact you can make on the people of Champaign County. That, after all, is what matters. www.uwayhelps.org

Old Vic Art Gallery – Fine and Original Art. 11 E University, Champaign. (217) 355-8338. Mon-Thu 11am-5:30pm, Sat 11am-4:30pm.

Springer Cultural Center – cultural, recreational and educational programs for all ages as well as workshops, lectures, exhibits and performances. Offers classes in dance, music, theater, visual arts, health/wellness and for preschool children. 301 N Randolph Street, Champaign. 398-2376. MonThu 8am-9pm, Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm5pm. www.champaignparkdistrict.com Steeple Gallery – Works from Gary Ingersoll, including many Allerton Park photos on display. Also showing vintage botanical and bird prints, antiques, framed limited edition prints. 102 E Lafayette St, Monticello. 762-2924. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. www.steeplegallery.com Verdant News and Coffee & Verde Gallery – Magazines, newspapers, coffee, beverages and fine pastries along with the Verde Fine Art Gallery. 17 E Taylor St, Champaign. 3663204. Cafe hours: Mon-Sat 7am-10 pm; Gallery Hours: TueSat 10am-10pm. www.verdant-systems.com/Verde.htm UIUC Japan House – Public Tours: Every Thursday, 1-4pm, Third Sat of each month, 1-5pm or by appointment. 2000 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana. (217) 244-9934. email japanhouse@uiuc.edu.

Ziemer Gallery – Original paintings and limited edition prints by Larry Ziemer. Pottery, weavings, wood turning and glass works by other artists. Gallery visitors are welcome to sit, relax, listen to the music and just enjoy being surrounded by art. 210 W Washington, Monticello. Tue 10am-8pm, Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Al (Brad Mehrtens) speaks with Lou (Deb Duderstadt) in Road to Nirvana.

calendar

OCTOBER 2-8 2003 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

Original Acrylic Landscapes, Cindy Smith - Stone & Wood Sculpture, Bill Stevens - Humorous Recycled Metal Sculptures, Steve Stoerger - Steel & Glass Sculpture, Bonnie Switzer - Abstract Acrylic Paintings. 807 W Springfield Ave., Champaign. (217) 351-7020. Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Road To Nirvana is being performed at the Station Theatre, 223 N. Broadway, Urbana, from Oct. 1-4.

You’ll just have to go see it to find out that it takes balls to be in showbiz.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM YOUNG

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www.ziemergallery.com

ART OPENINGS

"Held Together" & "Unopened Places" – Verde Gallery presents "Held Together," sculptures by Sandra Ahtens and "Unopened Places," paintings and drawings from Jana Manson on display through Oct 4. Opening reception on Thu Sept 18, 7-9pm. Gallery Hours: Tue-Sat. 10am-10pm. www.verdant-systems.com/Verde.htm.

ART-ON VIEW NOW “Whistler and Japonisme: Selections from the Permanent Collection” – Marking the 100th anniversary of James McNeill Whistler’s death, this exhibition highlights his works on paper and examines the influence that Japanese woodcuts had on his artistic technique. On display at the Krannert Art Museum through March 28, 2004.

500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am8pm, Sun 2-5pm. (217) 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 "Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art" – The magnificent African art collection of David and Clifford Gelbard focuses on the cultural significance and aesthetic beauty of masks and sculptures—many of which were created for ceremonial and ritual purposes. This exhibition includes a wide array of objects and celebrates the durable, expressive essence of festivals, rites and coming-of-age ceremonies. On display at the Krannert Art Museum through Oct 26. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. (217) 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 "Visualizing the Blues: Images of the American South, 1862-1999" – Every picture tells a story and this exhibition of more than 100 photographs of the Mississippi Delta region portrays a profoundly vivid narrative of life in the American South. These photographs, taken from the Civil War era through 1999, show the rhythms of life from this almost mythic region and powerfully document the sources of inspiration for the lyrics and melodies of Blues musicians. Among the photographers represented are Margaret Bourke-White, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks, Andres Serrano and many others. On display at Krannert Art Museum through Nov 2.

500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am8pm, Sun 2-5pm. (217) 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 Featured Works XIII: "The Spirit of Mediterranean Pathos: The Early Work of Pierre Daura" – Pierre Daura (18961976) was a member of significant modern art movements in the early 20th century. This exhibition highlights a recent gift of works by Daura and explores the forms and colors of his paintings and drawings from about 1910 to the late 1930s. On display at Krannert Art Museum through Nov 2. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat. 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. (217) 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 "Land and Water" – The Middle Room Gallery @ the UCIMC presents "Land and Water," a group photography show curated by Lissa Raybon on display through Sept 30. The group show will focus on landscape and nature photography and will feature local photographers Lisa Billman, Jennifer Gentry and Lissa Raybon. 218 W Main St, Urbana. http://www.gallery.ucimc.org/ “Separate and Unequal: Segregation and Three Generations of Black Response, 1870-1950.” – This exhibit highlights the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision of 1896, which legally sanctioned racial segregation in the United States until 1954 when the Supreme Court overturned Plessy in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. Materials from the Library's collections and archives highlight the historical period between these two landmark civil rights cases. Sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor, the Brown v. Board of Education Commemorative Committee and the University of Illinois Library. On view at the University of Illinois Main Library, first floor hallway, during library hours. 1408 W Gregory Dr, Urbana.

Hours vary.

333-2290. http://www.oc.uiuc.edu/brown

“Through Larry Kanfer’s Lens: From Prariescapes to Cityscapes” – The latest exhibit of photographic artwork by critically acclaimed fine-art photographic artist, Larry Kanfer, features "visually stunning Prairiescapes®" (Minneapolis Star-Tribune) up to 8 feet wide. The large format photographs invite you to contemplate the vast grandeur of America's heartland, with its rich traditions and seasonal cycles of the prairie, juxtaposed against images of Midwest cityscapes, highlighting intimate architectural details. This truly awe-inspiring collection reveals the unique synergy between the land and the people of the prairie. On display at the Lark Kanfer Gallery through Oct 24. 2503 S Neil, Champaign. (217) 398-2000. Free and Open to the Public. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. www.kanfer.com

The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre presents Road To Nirvana – This dark comedy tells a story about two ex-movie moguls on the skids, Al and Jerry, reuniting to co-produce the biggest blockbuster film ever – an autobiographical account of Nirvana, the world’s biggest female pop star. She will even star in it as herself – but only if she can find producers willing to meet her extraordinary terms. – All performances are at 8pm. Ticket prices are $8 Thu and Sun, $10 on Fri and Sat, and Wed night is a special two tickets for the price of one. For reservations please call 217-384-4000.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 23

THEATRE LISTINGS Parkland Theatre presents “The Laramie Project” – Written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, this drama looks at the events surrounding the 1998 death of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo., as told through the voices of the townspeople. The director, Randi Jennifer Collins Hard, has cast over 70 community members to bring the town of Laramie to life. Performances are Oct 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8pm and Oct 12 at 3pm. A post-performance talk with the director and actors will be held on Fri, Oct 3 after the show.

General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students (over 12) and seniors, and $5 for youths 12 and under. Special priced nights are opening night, Wed, Oct 1 when all tickets are $2.99 and Thu, Oct 9 when all tickets are half their regular price. Call (217) 351-2528 for tickets and information.

F I G H T S

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A M O R O U S

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I N G I N F I R F C A R S E A L G R A A L A M A N N I E D S A R R E C K M A I N I T E S E W S

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WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

Abbey Pub 3420 W Grace, Chicago, 773.478.4408 Fireside Bowl 2646 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, 773.486.2700 Schubert Theatre 22 W Monroe, Chicago, 312.977.1700

ART LISTINGS “Fall Luncheon and Lecture” – Kathy Cottong, director of The Arts Club of Chicago, will speak in an event sponsored by the Krannert Art Museum Council at the Krannert Museum on Oct 3 at 12pm. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Call 333-1861 for reservation information.

“Kids @ Krannert” – The Carle Foundation is sponsoring a children’s workshop with blues musicians on Oct 4 from 10am-12pm. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. 333-1860.

“Ceramics Heritage at the University of Illinois: A Bus Tour” – Tour led by guest curator Richard D. Mohr. Oct 4, 13pm. Reservations required. Call 333-1861 for reservation information.

“Artists @ Krannert : Fattening Frogs for Snakes” – Prose reading and musical performance by John Sinclair, poet, political activist, and one of the leading authorities on the blues. Oct 8. 5:30 p.m. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. 333-1860.

Call for Entries – Entries needed for juried show at High Cross Road Studio during October. Any 2-D or 3-D collage or assemblage work created in the past two years will be considered. Submit actual work, slides or photos for consideration. Consideration fee is $15. All work must be ready to hang. Work weighing more than 50 pounds must be noted as such. Commission is 25 percent. Mail submissions with check to Sandra Ahten, 1408 S Vine, Urbana, IL 61801. Call or e-mail for more details or other arrangements. Note: It is not necessary for work to be for sale.

Portraits – Award winning portrait artist Sandra Ahten is currently accepting commissions for portraits for holiday giving. Portraits are priced at an affordable range and professional exchange or barter may be accepted. For examples of work and a quote, contact Sandra Ahten at (217) 367-6345 or spiritofsandra@hotmail.com Creation Art Studio Art Classes for Children and Adults – All classes offer technical instruction and the exploration of materials through expressive, spontaneous art and experimentation. Independent studies of personal interests and ideas, dreams, etc. are expressed and developed through collage and assemblage art and through drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Children meet MonThu from 3:30-5pm, and Sat 11am-12:30pm. Adolescents meet Fri 4-5:30pm. Adults meet Thu at 10am and Sat between 1:30-5:30pm for two or more hours. Create designs, a still life, portraits, landscapes and more. Open to beginners and advanced students. Adult Open Studio meets Tue 7-9pm. Drop-ins welcome. Come with a friend.

Call to make special arrangements for a group. CPDU's offered. For information, contact Jeannine Bestoso at 3446955. Creation Art Studio is located at 1102 E Washington, Urbana. www.creationartstudios.com

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 • UIC PAVILION - CHICAGO Located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago-just minutes from downtown Chicago Outlets

217-351-2626

or

ticketmaster.com

MAJ

A PRODUCTION

Join Artists and Workshops at Gallery Virtu – Gallery Virtu, an artist-owned cooperative, now invite applications from area artists. The Gallery also offers workshops for adults, teens and children in knitting, embroidery, photography, jewelry making, printmaking, papermaking, bookbinding and ribbon flowers. Gallery Virtu offers original works by the members including: jewelry, pottery, collages, sculptures, journals, hats, handbags and other textiles. For more information please call 762-7790, visit our

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website at www.galleryvirtu.org, e-mail workshops@galleryvirtu.org or visit the gallery. Regular hours: Thu 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm. 220 W Washington Street in Monticello.

Art Classes at High Cross Studio – All classes are held at High Cross Studio in Urbana. 1101 N High Cross Road. Email or call for reservations and details. (217) 367-6345 or spiritofsandra@hotmail.com..

“Portrait Paintings with Oils” – This course will provide instruction in painting portraits from photographs. Paint a portrait of your loved one or yourself. Mon-Fri daytime class and weekend workshop offered.

"Collage for the Soul" – Students will learn a variety of collage techniques, including photo and photocopy transfer, papermaking and manipulation, and frontage, while exploring a particular subject, such as a place, a memory, an experience or a relationship. No art-making experience necessary.

"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" – For adults who have always wanted to learn to draw, but felt as if they lacked talent or confidence.

Other Classes: “Making Monoprints,” “Art With Intention” (Open Studio). For information on these visit http://www.spiritofsandra.com and click on "classes," then e-mail or call for reservations.

ART EXHIBITS & GALLERIES Boneyard Pottery – Ceramic Art by Michael Schwegmann and more. 403 Water St, Champaign. (217) 355-5610. TueSat 11am-5pm.

Broken Oak Gallery – Local and national artists. Original art including photography, watercolors, pottery, oil paintings, colored pencil, woodturning and more. Refreshments served by the garden all day Saturday. 1865 N 1225 E Rd., White Heath. (217) 762-4907. Thu-Sat 10am-4pm.

Cinema Galley – Local and regional artists including many University of Illinois and Parkland College faculty members. 120 W Main, Urbana. (217) 367-3711. Tue-Sat 10am4pm. Sun 1-5pm.

Cafe Kopi – Art work from local artist Kate Sammons on display. 109 N Walnut, Champaign. (217) 359-4266. Mon-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 11am-8pm.

Creation Art Studios – Hosts a continuous and evolving display of works by students and associates of the studio.

Landscapes, florals, animal life and expressive art in various mediums by Jeannine Bestoso are also currently on display. For information, contact Jeannine Bestoso. 1102 E Washington St., Urbana. (217) 344-6955.Tue-Sat 1-5:30pm; and scheduled studio sessions. www.creationartstudios.com Country in the City – Antiques, architectural, gardening, home accessories. Custom designing available. 1104 E Washington St, Urbana. (217) 367-2367. Thu-Sat 10am5pm.

Framer's Market – Frame Designers since 1981. Current featured artists: Charlotte Brady - Botanical Watercolors, Barry Brehm - Landscape Photography, Larry Hamlin - Aquatint Etchings, Patrick Harness - Vibrant Oils and Pastels, Hua Nian - Abstract Watercolors & Pastels, David Smith -

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OCTOBER 2-8, 2003 | CAN YOU PLAY SOME HIP-HOP?

Talking dirty with Bret Michaels

BY ANDY SIMNICK | STAFF WRITER

A

piece of rock history will be returning to Urbana this evening. He may not have the influence of The Beatles or the mythic image of Jimi Hendrix, but he has written a vast number of songs that are still belted out in unison by inebriated partygoers 15 years after their release. His name is Bret Michaels, and his latest tour promoting his new solo effort Songs of Life will showcase a new side few rock fans have experienced yet.

Michaels, best known for leading the quintessential hair metal band Poison, has played in countless arenas, started a movie production company with Charlie Sheen and pretty much was the biggest rock star in the world during his prime. However, not resting on his laurels, he is exploring another creative outlet through a solo tour.

“I’m really excited to play solo,” Michaels said. “For me, it’s all the ability to go out and do a great show. At this point in my career, I’m not going to go and sell out arenas. Why kid myself? I’m just going to go out and play.”

Known for the sirens, green lighting and, most notably, the two-tiered stage, Poison’s stage show has become nearly iconic.

However, this solo tour, although involving Poison songs as well as old and new songs written by Michaels, will not have the extensive setup.

“We’re not trying to compare it to a Poison show,” Michaels said. “Imagine seeing the Stones in a club. It’s a completely different experience. You’re not going to see lamps and pyro and stuff blowing up. All the energy is going to come from the music.”

On some tracks, such as the venerable “Fallen Angel,” friends of Michaels will accompany him during the set. The band, known as American Anthem, has played with Bret before.

“We’ve played the Roxy as well as Billboard Live,” Michaels said. “It’s really good sounding.”

The transition from filled arena to crowded club is a significant one, according to Michaels.

He feels that although the energy will remain constant, the outlet for this energy will change.

“Honestly, it’s a different mindset. The reason is simple really. It’s math. When you’re on a stage in an arena, you turn your energy into the music. When we play ‘Look What the Cat Dragged In’ and I take off running, I have an abundance of energy. At the Canopy, I’ll put that energy back into the crowd. ‘Fallen Angel’ will have the same energy as before.”

Michaels has written all of Poison’s hits as well as countless other songs during his illustrious career, some of which appear on Songs of Life. He credits his longevity and success to his ability to turn ideas into a finished product.

“I have always liked creating,” Michaels

said. “My gift is my ability to turn thought in an actual, tangible product. There are millions of talented people, but the real trick is to turn it into something. Say a guy writes a song but doesn’t know what do with it. That idea goes to waste.”

With the constant transition of mainstream musical genres, some have written off Poison as relics from the 1980s.

Despite the criticism, their arena shows still garner large audiences, and the music still attracts generations of loyal fans.

“Touring for us is a chance to play for anyone that shows up,” Michaels said.

“We bridged the generation gap. I’ve got guys that were fans in the old days bringing their 10-year-olds to shows. They’re out there jamming right along with us.”

Bret Michaels and Poison are one of the few bands from their era to continue to produce new material today. Michaels credits that to the band’s integrity to their music.

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“Every genre has a couple bands that survive. A lot of the bands from our genre jumped ship. If you hated it, why the fuck did you do it in the first place? They tried to get back in and the fans didn’t buy it. When Alice In Chains came about, I never said let’s fight this.

I said let’s get them on tour with us.”

One difference that separates Bret Michaels from many other lead singers is his focus on the music rather than the trends. He is very determined to keep playing his style of music, whether it is with Poison or solo.

“I like new bands such as Saliva, but I want to be a first-rate Poison, not a second-rate Saliva. I love what they do, but I’d rather do what I do. Maybe one day the radio will play the shit out of it. We weren’t hip when we started, so why stop now.”

One concern voiced by many fans upon hearing of the solo tour is the fate of Poison.

Despite rumors, Michaels claims this is part of the creative flexibility that keeps the group together.

“I originally got into music to be out of the box,” Michaels said. “I have no reason to leave Poison to go solo. If Ricki wants to work on his art or C.C. wants to sing in a side project, we say go and do it.”

Regardless of the fate of Poison and Bret Michaels, as well as their detractors, no one can argue the influence that Poison have had on today’s artists. For many of the bands starting today, Poison were a major point of reference in developing musical tastes.

“Josie from Saliva, a friend of mine, one time says ‘come on out on stage.’ He says, ‘This is the real deal. Poison sticks to their guns. This is what we grew up on,’” Michaels said. “Bands today grew up on Guns N’ Roses and Poison.”

Aside from the partying and his side projects, Bret Michaels has always been about the music from day one.

“You would find me to be a genuine person, and that has spread to the music. I grew up, picked up a guitar, started writing songs, and quit high school to play music. I’m not advocating anyone to drop out of school, but I’m real. A lot of bands sound fresh right now, and because of them rock ‘n’ roll lives on. Bands today such as All-American Rejects and Green Day are citing Poison. In 2010, who knows what will happen. For me, rock ‘n’ roll has to continue. I don’t want it to stop.”

This mentality and the ability to maintain musical integrity in a landscape dominated by trends and sweeping change have allowed Bret Michaels and Poison to remain together for over 15 years. This mentality will also carry over to the Canopy stage, leading Bret Michaels to put on a great show for those in attendance tonight. buzz

See Bret Michaels tonight at The Canopy Club for $18.

Michaels new solo album Songs of Life is in stores now.

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I’M PLAYING TALIB KWELI RIGHT NOW | OCTOBER 2-8, 2003

CDReviews

10

10/1/03

VARIOUS ARTISTS Openingbands.comp ★★★

BY BRIAN MERTZ They can’t get all of the credit. But unless you are some type of self-centered, stuck-up, naysaying Champaign scenester, you have to admit that the OpeningBands.com crew has played a sizable role in the growth of the Champaign rock scene over the past year.

Founded on the notion of promoting local music, OpeningBands has helped organize major contests for local bands, hosted local showcases at The Canopy Club and run the definitive Web site for Champaign-Urbana music. Now they’ve made another contribution with a compilation of songs by 17 local acts.

Like many compilations, Openingbands.comp has a good concept, but it doesn’t manage to fully deliver on that idea.

The comp starts with a bang with a new song from The Pitch called “Awake to Heal” which should have fans of The Pitch (as well as newcomers) salivating for their soon-to-be released debut. Other highlights include Lorenzo Goetz’s slowly-building “The Breathing Room,” Ladyradio’s wonderful, chaotic musical tapestry called “Torch Singer” and G-Lee and Jet Blonde’s catchy “Heartbeat Everywhere.”

In fact, the OpeningBands staff has done a great job of making sure that all of the songs chosen for this compilation are at the minimum, solid. Most of the tracks go beyond that, and newcomers to the Champaign music scene should be pleasantly surprised by the amount of talent shown on this disc.

But unfortunately, Openingbands.comp also lacks some of the key players in the Champaign scene. Noticeably absent are contributions from major Champaign bands like The Blackouts, Temple of Low Men, American Minor, Triple Whip, Centaur and even The Red Hot Valentines.

In defense of the compilation, it is only billed as “A snapshot of Champaign-Urbana 2003” and no photograph can capture every detail of reality. Similarly, no compilation is going to be able to get contributions from every band they want, either because of space or logistics. Hopefully next year’s Openingbands.comp will be able to include some of these luminaries of the Champaign scene so newcomers to the music scene here can hear even more of the spectacular talent that is thriving here.

For diehard fans of the local scene, some of the tracks on this compilation will feel a little too familiar. Contributions from some bands, like Sick Day (“Skirt Sniffin’”), Absinthe Blind (“The Break”) and Kate Hathaway (“Red Eyed Toe”) have all been previously released by those bands. It’s another flaw that seems inherently built into almost every compilation.

But again, by the time volume two of this compilation comes around, OpeningBands will be able to attract more original releases for their comp.

Openingbands.comp isn’t the definitive guide to Champaign’s current rock scene. Perhaps throwing in last year’s Innocent Words Records compilation and the upcoming comp from Innocent Words would be close. But really, the best way to understand the scene is to get out to shows, and OpeningBands would have it no other way.

MUSIC REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ no stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Un-listenable

CARLA WERNER Departure

OBIE TRICE Cheers

Columbia Records

Shady/Interscope Records

★★★

★

BY LINDSEY REU

BY BRIAN MERTZ

Good things come to those who wait—and to those who endure country-music competitions. At least this mantra is true for Carla Werner, a singer-songwriter who has masterfully combined a powerful voice, legendary influences and soulful lyrics on her debut album Departure for a listening experience that begs to be repeated.

A New Zealand native who enjoyed success as a pre-teen sensation in country music competitions during the mid1980s comes alive as she realizes her vision in Departure.

Werner left the country music scene when she was 16, and when she returned to music three years later, she covered everything from jazz to pop to reggae. Her self-proclaimed influences include Kate Bush, Bob Marley, Chrissie Hyndes and Jeff Buckley. Her eclectic taste in music has given her a distinct voice and an earthy sound.

Although Departure is her first album, her songs drip with maturity and passion. Nothing on this CD is watered down, and it is obvious by the raw emotion in her lyrics that she did not compromise her artistic license during production.

Werner’s voice is reminiscent of Heather Nova, but her songs are more emotional, more intimate, more real. She is not a singer that you will understand after listening to the CD once, which was precisely Werner’s goal for Departure.

Werner invites you unabashedly into her life experience.

Certain tracks, like “Wanderlust” and “Love You Out,” are easier to swallow on first listen, while songs like “Under” and “Enough” are rough around the edges and require an acquired taste. Most of Werner’s songs deal with love, personal relationships and heartache, but she manages to avoid the depressing, “feel-bad-for-the-jilted-girl” syndrome to which so many female acoustic singers fall victim. Instead of giving listeners a list of complaints about men and love, Werner bestows us with her soulful outlook on love and life.

In her mesmerizing song “Iodine Red,” she crones, “Just like poetry unrecited/I’m aware of my own importance you close your eyes to see/The fire that burns in you’s desire that isn’t mine to free.”

Departure represents a full range of musicality with upbeat, jazzy tunes like “Make It Up” and “Heaven Is A Word,” earthy songs like “Iodine Red” and ballads like “Love You Out.” Werner worked with four different producers on this album, a decision that yielded a diverse album with distinctly different sounds throughout. Departure is not a monotonous album that is condemned to the shelf after the initial fascination fades. Werner’s songs become better with each go-around.

Departure is not a perfect album.There are a few songs listeners will inevitably skip because of their odd sound and obscure lyrics, but the songs that will be repeated over and over for their uniquely beautiful sound and profound words outnumber the forgettable ones. Werner’s first try provides us with great promise of what is yet to come.

TopFive

Imitation may be the most sincere form of flattery, but it is still just imitation.

It’s not exactly clear who is driving the imitation on Cheers, the debut from Eminem’s latest protege, Obie Trice.

What is clear, though, is that either Obie or Em is enamored with the formula that made The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show such critical successes. Cheers is a hollow shell of both of those albums.

Despite the hype surrounding him, Obie Trice doesn’t have the lyrical skills that Eminem or Em’s other protege, 50 Cent, have. He just sounds like the legions of other hard rappers struggling to get noticed, except Obie has Dr. Dre and Eminem making beats for him.

Cheers does have a few bright spots.“Don’t Come Down” has a cool tweaked vocal sample for the hook that unfortunately Trice’s rhymes do not complement. In fact, the flow is so bad that the listener waits more for Obie to stop rapping and the vocal to come back.

Eminem makes a guest appearance on the violent and misogynistic “Lady.”For Eminem, it feels like more played-out lyrical subjects, but his expert manipulation of syllables and rhythms is always something amazing to behold.

And then there is the trick that Eminem has been exploiting since his hit single “Real Slim Shady.” Obie Trice’s means of drawing listeners into his dark, brooding album is his first single “Got Some Teeth.” With a playful New Orleans jazzsounding horn and bass samples and humorous rhymes about Obie’s exploits at bars, it is the best thing on this album, mostly because it sounds nothing like the rest of this subpar release. If Obie had kept up the humor and the creativity instead of just rapping about “bitches,” guns and the hood, Cheers might have been something special.

Instead, the listener is stuck with the same old Shady formula. Nate Dogg shows up on “The Setup.”There is the harsh pseudo-political track “Average Man”that kicks off the album in the same way that “White America” knocked the door down on Eminem’s The Eminem Show. On plenty of tracks, there are gunshot sound effects as if 50 Cent were roaming about the studio shooting at pictures of Ja Rule.

That formula worked for Eminem on his past two albums.

And in fact, if Em’s next album was still dark and still had guest spots from D-12, Dr. Dre and Nate Dogg, and still only had one upbeat funny first single, that would still work for Eminem. His immense talent and creativity will carry that vehicle as long as he wants it to.

But Obie Trice can’t hold a candle to Eminem. Having any less talented MC use Eminem’s blueprint is like giving a 5year-old a “Picasso paint-by-numbers” and expecting it to look like the Sistine Chapel. It just won’t happen.

Whether it was Obie’s decision to make Cheers sound this way, or Eminem’s decision as executive producer is unimportant. Both were unable to find and showcase Obie’s strengths. And that fatal flaw makes Cheers the first clear failure to come out of the young Shady-aftermath camp.

Makeout Albums

1. Let’s Get It On Marvin Gaye

If the title doesn’t already state it, this album is about lovemaking. Marvin Gaye’s performances were always sexually charged, but on this album Gaye brings it out in its full glory.With its silky sensuality and seductive grooves, Let’s Get It On is the quintessential makeout album.The title track, along with “Sure Love to Ball” and “Keep Gettin’ it on,”are all beautifully constructed songs that exude sexuality and love.

2. Lovers Rock Sade

Her voice is one of the smoothest in history and her songs ooze emotion. This album is one of Sade’s best, featuring passionate songs like “By Your Side” and the title track, “Lover’s Rock.” To put it bluntly, if you have this CD, you don’t even need a woman.

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CHARTS PARASOL RECORDS TOP 10 SELLERS 1. Mojave 3 - Spoon And Rafter (4AD Records) 2. Oranger - Shutdown The Sun (Jackpine Social Club Records) 3. The Ladybug Transistor - The Ladybug Transistor (Merge Records) 4. Secret Shine - After Years (Clairecords) 5. Stars - Heart (Arts & Crafts Records) 6. The Pearlfishers - Sky Meadows (Marina Records - Germany) 7. The Twilight Singers - Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair (Birdman Records) 8. The Green Pajamas - Through Glass Colored Roses (A Hidden Agenda Record) The Decemberists - Her Majesty, The Decemberists (Merge Records) 9. The Perishers - From Nothing To One (NONS Records - Sweden) 10. The Finishing School - Destination Girl (Telegraph Records)

Azure Ray - Hold on Love Bad Boy Bill - Behind the Decks Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress Cracker - Countrysides Howie Day - Stop All the World Now Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism Randy Macho Man Savage - Be a Man Maserati/The Mercury Program - Confines of Heat Fun Lovin’ Criminals - Welcome to Poppy’s Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man - Out of Seasons Gov’t Mule - The Deepest End The RZA - The Birth of a Prince Hey Mercedes - Loses Control Ladytron - Softcore Jukebox Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead Mark Farina - Air Farina Ludacris - Chicken & Beer Jet - Get Born Sleeping at Last - Ghost Stereolab - Instant 0 in the Universe (EP) Paul Van Dyk - Reflections Paul Westerberg - Come Feel Me Tremble

Much in the same vein as Marvin Gaye, Al Green offers up sensual and soulful lyrics that create the perfect mood.

Green’s voice reaches perfection on these tracks as he sings about what else but love.“Let’s Stay Together” features Green’s velvet vocals as he sings to the tune of perfect romance.

4. Voodoo D’Angelo

For people who don’t want to go all the way back to Barry White or Al Green, D’Angelo’s neo-soul revolution is a more than adequate alternative.

“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” ranks as one of the most sensual music videos of all time and that song stands up on its own as you provide your own visual accompaniment.

5. Simple Things Zero 7

Don’t dare call Zero 7 techno because it is not. And even though it is made on computers, this funky, jazzy collection of songs has plenty of soul.

Featuring whispy keyboard effects, pulsating beats and airy vocals, Simple Things will not only help you get with that special someone, but it’ll make you look cool in the process. SPIN’s “Babymaker LP” of the year is a must have.

Reader’s Top 5 1. Jimmy Eat World - Clarity 2. Al Green - Greatest Hits 3. Radiohead - Kid A 4. Janis Joplin - I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama 5. Nathaniel Merriwether Presents - Lovage Submitted by Evan Kereiakes

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OCTOBER 2-8 2003 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

Live DJ – C-Street, 9pm-1am, cover

D-lo and Spinnerty – The Highdive, 10pm, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

Joan Hickey, jazz piano – original compositions and jazz classics performed with the UI Concert Jazz Band – Tryon Festival Theatre, $2-5

UI Symphony Orchestra – symphonies by Mozart, Barber and Shostakovic, Donald Schleicher, conductor – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $2-5 UI Philharmonia – Jack Ranney, conductor; Claire Happel, harp – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 3pm, $2-5

MondayOctober6

FILM The Amasong Chorus: Singing Out – a new documentary

by Jay Rosenstein – Beckman Auditorium, 7-9pm

LIVE MUSIC

LECTURES

Jet,American Minor – The Canopy Club,10pm,$6 Finga’Lickin’– The Office,10pm,free

Witnessing War Crimes Trials – Third Floor, Levis Faculty Center, 7:30pm Talk on Introducing Islam – 151 Loomis, 6-9pm

CHICAGOSHOWS OCTOBER

NEW RELEASES

Next week: Top Five “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” performances. e-mail us at music@readbuzz.com

3. Greatest Hits Al Green

buzz

DJ 2ON2OUT – Barfly,9pm,free G-Force DJ – Kam’s, 10pm-close

MUSIC PERFORMANCES Community Drum Circle – all levels welcome – Ten Thousand Villages, 7-9pm

TuesdayOctober7 LIVE MUSIC Verde Hootenanny – bluegrass jam - Verdant News and Coffee, 7pm,free Open Mic – Espresso Royale,7:30pm,free Open Mic/Open Jam hosted by Brandon T. Washington – The Canopy Club,10pm,$2 Will Rogers Acoustic Night – Tommy G’s,9pm,free

DJ DJ D-LO and DJ Spinnerty – Barfly, 9pm, free Drew Patterson & 2ON2OUT – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free G-Force DJ – TK Wendl’s, 9pm-close Seduction with DJ Resonate – Barfly, 10pm, free DJ Hoff – Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm Live DJ – C-Street, 9pm, no cover

KARAOKE

Karaoke – Senator’s Pub, 8pm-12am

DANCING Salsa Dancing – salsa every Tuesday to recorded music – McKinley Foundation, 9:45-11:45pm

LECTURES Kimono Dressing Demonstration and Lecture – Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, 7pm

10/1 Saves the Day @ House of Blues 10/1 Calexico @ Metro, 18+ 10/3 Leftover Salmon @ House of Blues 10/3 Nada Surf @ Metro 10/3 Dashboard Confessional @ Aragon Ballroom 10/4 IDA @ Schubas 10/4 Steve Winwood @ House of Blues 10/5 56 Hope Road/Down the Line @ Metro 10/5 Fischerspooner @ House of Blues 10/7 The Polyphonic Spree, Starlight Mints @ Metro 10/8 Switchfoot, Blue @ Metro 10/10 Death Cab For Cutie, The Long Winters @ Metro 10/11 Death Cab For Cutie, Pinebender @ Metro 10/11 Smokey Robinson @ House of Blues 10/11 Kid Koala @ Abbey Pub 10/13 Simply Red @ House of Blues 10/14 Alice Cooper @ House of Blues 10/16 Electric Six @ Double Door 10/16 Rufio @ Metro, all ages 10/17 Soulive, Me’Shell Ndegeocello @ House of Blues 10/18 DJ Justin Long @ Metro Smart Bar 10/19 Longwave/Calla @ Double Door 10/24 Cowboy Mouth, Cracker @ House of Blues 10/25 The Walkmen @ Double Door 10/26 Echo and the Bunnymen @ Metro 10/29 Fuel @ House of Blues 10/31 Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe @ House of Blues

NOVEMBER 11/1 Dirtbombs @ Double Door 11/7 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ House of Blues 11/15 The Shins @ House of Blues, tickets on sale 8/13 11/22 Tom Jones @ House of Blues 11/22 Alabama @ Allstate Arena 11/23 Tom Jones @ House of Blues 11/24 Symphony X @ Metro

C-UVENUES Assembly Hall First & Florida, Champaign, 333.5000 American Legion Post 24 705 W Bloomington Rd, Champaign, 356.5144 American Legion Post 71 107 N Broadway, Urbana, 367.3121

LIVE JAZZ at

Barfly 120 N Neil, Champaign,352.9756 Barnes and Noble 51 E Marketview, Champaign, 355.2045 Boltini Lounge 211 N Neil, Champaign, 378.8001 Borders Books & Music 802 W Town Ctr, Champaign, 351.9011 The Brass Rail 15 E University, Champaign, 352.7512 Canopy Club (The Garden Grill) 708 S Goodwin, Urbana, 367.3140 C.O. Daniels 608 E Daniel, Champaign, 337.7411 Cosmopolitan Club 307 E John, Champaign, 367.3079 Courtyard Cafe Illini Union, 1401 W Green, Urbana, 333.4666 Cowboy Monkey 6 Taylor St, Champaign, 398.2688 Clybourne 706 S Sixth, Champaign, 383.1008 Curtis Orchard 3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign, 359.5565 D.R. Diggers 604 S Country Fair Dr, Champaign, 356.0888 Embassy Tavern & Grill 114 S Race, Urbana, 384.9526 Esquire Lounge 106 N Walnut, Champaign, 398.5858 Fallon’s Ice House 703 N Prospect, Champaign, 398.5760 Fat City Saloon 505 S Chestnut, Champaign, 356.7100 The Great Impasta 114 W Church, Champaign, 359.7377 G.T.’s Western Bowl Francis Dr, Champaign, 359.1678 The Highdive 51 Main, Champaign, 359.4444 Huber’s 1312 W Church, Champaign, 352.0606 Illinois Disciples Foundation 610 E Springfield, Champaign, 352.8721 Independent Media Center 218 W Main St, Urbana, 344.8820 The Iron Post 120 S Race, Urbana, 337.7678 Joe’s Brewery 706 S Fifth, Champaign, 384.1790 Kam’s 618 E Daniel, Champaign, 328.1605 Krannert Art Museum 500 E Peabody, Champaign, 333.1861 Krannert Center for Performing Arts 500 S Goodwin, Urbana, Tickets: 333.6280, 800/KCPATIX La Casa Cultural Latina 1203 W Nevada, Urbana, 333.4950 Lava 1906 W Bradley, Champaign, 352.8714 Legends Bar & Grill 522 E Green, Champaign, 355.7674 Les’s Lounge 403 N Coler, Urbana, 328.4000 Lincoln Castle 209 S Broadway, Urbana, 344.7720 Malibu Bay Lounge North Route 45, Urbana, 328.7415 Mike & Molly’s 105 N Market, Champaign, 355.1236 Mulligan’s 604 N Cunningham, Urbana, 367.5888 Murphy’s 604 E Green, Champaign, 352.7275 Neil Street Pub 1505 N Neil, Champaign, 359.1601 Boardman’s Art Theater

15

126 W Church, Champaign, 351.0068 The Office 214 W Main, Urbana, 344.7608 Parkland College 2400 W Bradley, Champaign, 351.2528 Phoenix 215 S Neil, Champaign, 355.7866 Pia’s of Rantoul Route 136 E, Rantoul, 893.8244 Pink House Routes 49 & 150, Ogden, 582.9997 The Rainbow Coffeehouse 1203 W Green, Urbana, 766.9500 Red Herring/Channing-Murray Foundation 1209 W Oregon, Urbana, 344.1176 Rose Bowl Tavern 106 N Race, Urbana, 367.7031 Senator’s Pub 1001 N. Dunlap, Savoy Springer Cultural Center 301 N Randolph, Champaign, 355.1406 Spurlock Museum 600 S Gregory, Urbana, 333.2360 Strawberry Fields Cafe 306 W Springfield, Urbana, 328.1655 Ten Thousand Villages 105 N Walnut, Champaign, 352.8938 TK Wendl’s 1901 S Highcross Rd, Urbana, 255.5328 Tommy G’s Country Fair Shopping Center, Champaign Tonic 619 S Wright, Champaign, 356.6768 Two Main 2 Main, Champaign, 359.3148 University YMCA 1001 S Wright, Champaign, 344.0721 Verde/Verdant 17 E Taylor St, Champaign, 366.3204 Virginia Theatre 203 W Park Ave, Champaign, 356.9053 White Horse Inn 112 1/2 E Green, Champaign, 352.5945 Zorba’s 627 E Green, Champaign

CHICAGOVENUES House of Blues 329 N Dearborn, Chicago, 312.923.2000 The Bottom Lounge 3206 N Wilton, Chicago Congress Theatre 2135 N Milwaukee, 312.923.2000 Vic Theatre 3145 N Sheffield, Chicago, 773.472.0449 Metro 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, 773.549.0203 Elbo Room 2871 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago Park West 322 W Armitage, Chicago, 773.929.1322 Riviera Theatre 4746 N Racine at Lawerence, Chicago Allstate Arena 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, 847.635.6601 Arie Crown Theatre 2300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, 312.791.6000 UIC Pavilion 1150 W Harrison, Chicago, 312.413.5700 Schubas 3159 N Southport, Chicago, 773.525.2508 Martyrs 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, 773.288.4545 Aragon 1106 W Lawerence, Chicago, 773.561.9500

Boardman’s

Art Theatre 126 W. Church St. Champaign, IL

WednesdayOctober8

o Tri

LIVE MUSIC ParaDocs – The Iron Post,6pm,TBA Mission 19,Orphans – The Iron Post,10pm,TBA Fontama,Michael Franti,Spearhead – The Canopy Club,10pm,$10

M $ PC 3

DJ Chef Ra – Barfly, 10pm DJ Joel Spencer – Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm Live DJ – C-Street, 9pm, no cover

627 E. GREEN 344-0710

TONIGHT AT 9:30 $3.00 COVER

Winner Best Picture Venice Film Festival!

R, runs 119 minutes, flat, presenented in HPS-4000/DD. Daily at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m., matinees on Sat/Sun at 2:00 p.m.

7 British Independent Film Nominations, including Best Picture!

R, runs 107 minutes, flat, presented in HPS-4000/DD. Nightly at 9:30 p.m. only.

Listen to WPGU FM107.1 to win movie tickets, and more! eTickets/reserved seats: www.BoardmansArtTheatre.com

BOARDMAN’S THEATRES www.BoardmansTheatres.com 1-800-BEST PLACE (800-237-8752) 351-0068 eTickets/reserved seats: www.BoardmansArtTheatre.com

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WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

buzz

ThursdayOctober2

Rock and the postseason: Loving the Cubs in October

U of I Jazz Combo #2 – Iron Post, 7pm Joni Laurence – Aroma Cafe, 8pm, free Rec Records Benefit: Murder by Death, Ettison Clio, Dearest Fae, Lady Radio – Courtyard Cafe, 8pm, $5 Gabe Rosen – acoustic rolk/folk – Embassy Tavern, 8pm, free Cougars, The Greedy Loves, Pacific UV –Cowboy Monkey, 9pm, $5 PCM Trio – Zorba’s, 9:30pm, $3 Astral Project – Iron Post, 10pm, TBA Bret Michaels (of Poison) – The Canopy Club, $18

BY SETH FEIN | STAFF WRITER

S

DJ In the Red Room with J-Phlip – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Orby – Joe’s Brewery, 10pm, cover Live DJ – C-Street, 9pm, free Live DJ – Ruby’s, 9pm-1am, free Live DJ – Two Main Lounge, 10pm-close, free B96 Mixmaster Series: Mixin Marc and Tony 2 Much – The Highdive, 10pm, $5

G- Force Karaoke – Pia’s in Rantoul, 9pm-close

The Sea and Cake plays at The Highdive Friday at 7:30pm

MUSIC PERFORMANCES Chip McNeil – jazz saxaphone, accompanied by Doug Bickel, piano; Dennis Marks, bass; and Joel Spencer, drums – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $2-5 Three Tales – Beryl Korot, video, and Steve Reich, music; a three part documentary video opera adderessing technology and its consequences – Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $17-28

DANCING Ballroom Dancing – Non-smoking, cash bar – Regent Ballroom, 7:30-10:30pm, $7 Salsa Dancing – Non-smoking, cash bar; dress code: no blue jeans, tennis shoes or hats – Regent Ballroom, 11pm-1am, $4

G.Lee and Jet Blonde,Ripley Caine – Iron Post,9:30pm,$3 Starlight Mints, Menthol, The Reputation – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm,$8 Teen Night:Jiggsaw,Nadafinga – Lava,10pm,$3 Roscoe Plush – The Canopy Club Too Slim and the Taildraggers – The Highdive,8pm,$8 Cold,The Revolution Smile – The Canopy Club,10pm,$14 Dank – Tommy G’s, 10pm-2am

ON STAGE

COMEDY

DJ

The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre presents Road To Nirvana – This dark comedy tells a story about two ex-movie moguls on the skids, Al and Jerry, reuniting to co-produce the biggest blockbuster film ever – an autobiographical account of Nirvana, the world’s biggest female pop star. She will even star in it as herself – but only if she can find producers willing to meet her extraordinary terms – The Station Theatre, 8pm, $8

Potted Meat Sketch Comedy – 112 Greg Hall, 7-11pm

LECTURES Cultural Industries: Producing Economies, Creating Meanings, and Defying Dichotomies – Lily Kong, National University of Singapore , Levis Faculty Center, 3rd Floor, 7:30pm Freedom and Form: The Language and Literacy Practices of Two Mexican Schools – 242 Education Building, noon, free From Equality to Diversity: The Detour from ‘Brown to Grutter’ – Max L. Rowe – Auditorium, College of Law, 4pm, free International Conference: The State of Medieval Studies – Illini Union, 2pm Martial Arts and the Globalization of U.S. and Asian Film Industries – Levis Faculty Center, 3rd Floor, 4pm Reading Brown: Peter Irons, author of Jim Crow’s Children – YMCA, noon, free Rich Man’s Mail: Western Union’s Gilded Age – 126 Library and Informaton Science Building, 3pm

OTHER Wine Tasting – Interlude Bar, Krannert Center, 5pm, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCES William Moersch and Ricardo Flores, percussion – program of solo and duo percussion works including Argentine tango, Japanese Kodo drunning and multi-keyboard – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $2-5

ON STAGE Parkland Theatre presents “The Laramie Project” – Written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, this drama looks at the events surrounding the 1998 death of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie,Wyo., as told through the voices of the townspeople. The director, Randi Jennifer Collins Hard, has cast over 70 community members to bring the town of Laramie to life – Parkland Theatre, 8pm, $5-10 The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre presents Road To Nirvana – This dark comedy tells a story about two ex-movie moguls on the skids, Al and Jerry, reuniting to co-produce the biggest blockbuster film ever – an autobiographical account of Nirvana, the world’s biggest female pop star. She will even star in it as herself – but only if she can find producers willing to meet her extraordinary terms – The Station Theatre, 8pm, $10

FILM Reel World International Film Series – Hero, China – Latzer Hall, YMCA, 7:47pm

LECTURES

FridayOctober3 LIVE MUSIC The Prairie Dogs – Iron Post,5pm,TBA The Sea and Cake,Catherine Irwin (of Freakwater)– The Highdive, 7:30pm,$12 Gabe Rosen,Kate Hathaway – Embassy Tavern,8:30pm,free Second Wind – Iron Post,8:30pm,TBA Terminus Victor, V9R9D, Water Between Continents – Mike ‘n Molly’s,9pm,$3 Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Split Lip Rayfield – Cowboy Monkey,10pm,$8 Mike and Joe – The Canopy Club,10pm,$4 The Brat Pack – Tommy G’s, 10pm-2am, cover

DJ DJ Tim Williams – The Highdive,10:30pm,$5 DJ Bozak – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Mertz – Joe’s Brewery, 11pm, cover DJ – Two Main Lounge, 10pm-1am, cover

OCTOBER 2-8, 2003 | I MEAN CAN YOU PLAY SOME HIP-HOP FROM MTV

MENDOZA MUSIC LINE

LIVE MUSIC

KARAOKE

buzz

Constructing Pan-Chinese Cultures: Globalism and The Shaw Brothers Cinema –407 Levis Faculty Center, 9am Defending the Undefendable: The Work of a Public Defender – Latzer Hall, YMCA, noon October Ally Meeting. Domestic Partner Benefits Policy at UIUC: panel discussion – Lucy Ellis Lounge, 1080 Foreign Language Building, noon-1:30pm Seeking El Directo: Signs of Postwar Danger in Salvadoran Media and Talk – 109A Davenport Hall, 35pm

SaturdayOctober4 LIVE MUSIC Todd Snider – The Canopy Club,7pm,$10 Angie Heaton,Joyful Sorrow – Borders,8pm,free IMC Folk Music Series: James O’Brien, MJ Walker – ChanningMurray Foundation,8pm,$10 Jamnation – Embassy Tavern,9:30pm,free

DJ Tim Williams – The Highdive,10:30pm,$5 DJ Asiatic’s Mixology 101 Saturdays: DJ Asiatic, Tsunmi Entertainment – Tonic,10pm,$5 DJ Hipster Sophisto – Barfly, 9pm, free G-Force DJ – hip hop – White Horse, 10pm-close The Naughty Boy – Joe’s Brewery, 11pm, cover Noiseboy – Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $1

KARAOKE G-Force Karaoke – Lincoln Castle Lodge, 9pm-close

DANCING Nightclub Dancing – Two Main Lounge, 5-7pm Salsa Dancing – Two Main Lounge, 7-10pm

ON STAGE Parkland Theatre presents “The Laramie Project” – Written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, this drama looks at the events surrounding the 1998 death of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie,Wyo., as told through the voices of the townspeople. The director, Randi Jennifer Collins Hard, has cast over 70 community members to bring the town of Laramie to life – Parkland Theatre, 8pm, $5-10 The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre presents Road To Nirvana – This dark comedy tells a story about two ex-movie moguls on the skids, Al and Jerry, reuniting to co-produce the biggest blockbuster film ever – an autobiographical account of Nirvana, the world’s biggest female pop star. She will even star in it as herself – but only if she can find producers willing to meet her extraordinary terms – The Station Theatre, 8pm, $10

LECTURES Convocation for 'Ghandi day of Service’ – 100 Noyes, 9am3pm

MARKETS Market at the Square – Art, crafts, produce, flowers, plants, food, coffee, music & more; every Saturday morning through Nov 8 – SE Lot of Lincoln Square, Downtown Urbana, 7am-noon

SundayOctober5 LIVE MUSIC No Rules Jazz Quintet – Iron Post,7pm,TBA Keller Williams – The Canopy Club,10pm,$15

DJ DJ Spinnerty – Mike ‘n Molly’s,10pm,TBA Fresh Face Guest DJ – Barfly, 9pm, free

omewhere, right now, there is a child experiencing this for the first time. I did in 1984.

Although my memory of it is vague, it’s in there. I can remember my father, not yet totally gray and still optimistic, screaming at the TV, or more specifically, Leon Durham, to get his glove fixed. I can remember the look on his face when Steve Garvey ended our chance to advance to the Series. I can remember it better than most of my childhood memories. And I think that is why I feel the way I do now.

This is not a music column. It can’t be. Not this week and hopefully, not next week either.

I spend my days immersed in music. If I’m not pretending to be a DJ at Barfly on Mondays, then I am helping book and promote shows at The Highdive and Cowboy Monkey. And when I’m not doing that, I am playing in my band, whether it be the 14 weeks I spent touring this year, or doing a show at the Iron Post in sleepy downtown Urbana. If I am not doing that, I’m going to a live show of some kind. Point being, I got my degree in creative writing from Poo of I, but I got my education in music appreciation.

More specifically, rock music appreciation. I even exchanged porn for pitchforkmedia.com (check it out—pompous-ass indie hilarity from Chicago).

But in everything that I do, baseball finds it’s way into the scope of things. My DJ name is 2ON2OUT, a reference to a high pressure situation in a ball game(two runners on base, two batters out). This column is called the Mendoza Music Line, which is a reference to a saying that states whether a position player is batting above .200. My best memory from childhood is being the winning pitcher on a Little League Championship baseball team. I am baseball and it is me.

By the time you are reading this, the Cubs and Braves will have battled it out for two games and my hope, like all other north side die-hards, is that we are looking to play spoiler for those nasty Braves in Atlanta. My hope is that we end our drought of 58 years without a spot in the Series. My hope is that we take Boston in Game 7.

My hopes are high.

The Cubbies are playing in October for a variety of reasons, but none can be more apparent than our fearless leader and inspirational bulldog, Dusty Baker. He has brought us to the promised land and for that, I will be eternally grateful.

In terms of being a rabid sports fan, I can safely say that last Saturday was the single greatest day of my life. Between the Cubbies clinching the Division and my Purdue Boilermakers leveling Notre Dame, I feel like a new man. I feel as if a great weight has been lifted from the shoulders of the whole north side and everyone else who follows the happenings in the friendly confines.

The Cubs have proven to me that faith, in whatever form it comes in, is worth having. It is the only thing that we should hope for.

And this week, I have it. You gotta believe.

The delicate balance between my love for sports and my love for music rides merely on the idea that both are synonymous with each other. They represent all things simple and innocent to me. Like a day in the sun with nothing to do, music and sports are worth every minute.

There are too many great shows in town this week. And that, in itself, is disappointing, because I will not be able to attend all of them based on this beautiful turn of events.

All systems stop temporarily this week in my life and I can proudly say that if The Sea and Cake are on stage tomorrow at The Highdive and Borowski’s on the mound as well, you know where I’ll be. And it won’t have anything to do with a nonexistent distaste for such an unbelievable post-rock band like The Sea and Cake. I love that band.

But I don’t love anything as much as the Cubbies in October.

I don’t know where the Cubs will stand when this column goes to press. And I don’t really care, because I know as well as anyone who shares my sentiments that this is big. This is huge.

That child pretending to be Prior, Wood, Miller, Simon, Grudzielanek, Gonzalez, Ramirez, Alou, Lofton or Sosa is in for a treat.

Being a Cubs fan is a lifelong journey, and for that 5-year-old, it’s only just begun.

Welcome to October Cubs fans. Grab an Old Style and check your pulse. It feels just like it should: sweet.

Some final footnotes: Sympathy for Sox fans. They played a good season and you all should be proud of what they did accomplish.

No sympathy to Cards fans. LaRussa and Morris are whiny ass pussies who should be fined for even being allowed to participate in such a fine game.

And the fact that Barry Larkin is playing with the Reds again next season should be reason enough to keep our faith in the pastime. buzz Seth Fein is from Urbana. He is a member of Orphans and he spins indie rock at Barfly every Monday night under the moniker 2ON2OUT. He is, in fact, an umpire for men’s softball as well. He can be reached at sethfein@readbuzz.com.

music

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Starlight Mints

Oklahoma indie quintet mixes pop with bizarre

BY MARISSA MONSON | CALENDAR EDITOR

T

ucked neatly under Oklahoma City, near the underbelly of the state, lies Norman, Okla., the third largest city in the state, not barely topping 100,000. Typical, as far as middling towns go, but The Starlight Mints, who hail from the sleepy railroad town, are anything but typical.

With an indescribable sound, single phrase observations like space rock and British invasion do not fully capture the music of The Starlight Mints. With influences like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and David Bowie, the eccentric indie pop quintet mixes a little pop with a little bizarre.

“There is a lot of great music that we grew up listening to, and you can’t help but try to rip off that stuff as much as possible, so I consider our sound a mix of all of our favorites,” Andy Nunez, drummer and co-founder of The Starlight Mints said.

Touring can be a bittersweet trip for The Starlight Mints; they love their studio time just as much as being on the road.

“It seems like the grass is always greener; sometimes we love touring, but on our last tour, when we stopped, we were ready to stop,” Nunez said.

In May, they released their third album, Built on Squares, an easily definable tribute to their influences of the past,

1906 W. Bradley Ave.

calendar

buzzpicks Jet takes off at The Canopy Club

with the twist of influences like Kraftwerk that has contributed to their signature sound.

Both Nunez and lead singer Allen Vest co-produced the album with longtime friend Trent Bell from Bell Labs, whose creds include Flaming Lips and Ester Drang among others and the only recording studio in Oklahoma City as far as Nunez is concerned.

The Mints incorporate the vibraphone, cello, trombone, trumpet and violin into their latest album to produce a poppy blend of psychedelia that loosely resembles Pavement.

“We try to jam things together that at first wouldn’t sound like they go together, but we stick them together anyway,” Nunez said.

“We just get in there and have a lock-in and go crazy.”

The Starlight Mints had so much material for Built on Squares they had to pick and choose what to put on the album. “We are really anxious to go back in the studio and record more,” Nunez said.

Currently, The Starlight Mints find themselves in the midst of a hectic tour with Polyphonic Spree, and the recent death of a family member for Polyphonic Spree frontman Tim Delaughter has left The Mints with a few cancellations.

“We were stranded in New Orleans for a while and the owner of the club that we were supposed to play at put us up in a nice hotel, so it could have been a lot worse.”

For the Norman natives who grew up playing in the high school marching band and

•

19 & up to Enter

PRIVATE PARTIES CALL TED 217 766-5108

orchestra, The Starlight Mints have come a long way. On the second leg of their tour, they make stops with California indie rock marvel, Grandaddy, followed by the College Music Journal showcase and a tour of their own up the East coast.

After the tour, The Starlight Mints will return to Norman, back to the studio and back to the club Nunez owns, Opolis Production.

“We opened this club to try and get things going in the town,” Nunez said. “When I was growing up there was always that illusion that things were going on.”

That illusion was dispelled as The Flaming

Lips, another Norman native, gained steam on the indie rock scene, and members of The Starlight Mints began cultivating a sound.

Booking bands like The Shins and Enon has packed the place in the past, but Nunez still has trouble filling his 150 person club 90 percent of the time.

Outside of Norman city limits, Oklahoma and the South, The Mints continue to make waves. They have come along way, and from here on out, success only gets sweeter.

Its Miller Time at Kam’s!

Flying all the way from Melbourne, Australia, rock ‘n’ rollers Jet will be hitting The Canopy Club stage Monday. Jet have already played major British festivals like Reading and Leeds and graced the cover of New Music Express. They’re hoping to have similar success in the States as their new album, Get Born, is released on Tuesday. Providing support for Jet will be Champaign’s very own American Minor.

Fusing together the fashion and swagger of garage rock bands like The Strokes with country-influenced blues rock, their performances are not to be missed.

For extra photos, check out readbuzz.com

13

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calendar

Starlight Mints

Oklahoma indie quintet mixes pop with bizarre

BY MARISSA MONSON | CALENDAR EDITOR

T

ucked neatly under Oklahoma City, near the underbelly of the state, lies Norman, Okla., the third largest city in the state, not barely topping 100,000. Typical, as far as middling towns go, but The Starlight Mints, who hail from the sleepy railroad town, are anything but typical.

With an indescribable sound, single phrase observations like space rock and British invasion do not fully capture the music of The Starlight Mints. With influences like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and David Bowie, the eccentric indie pop quintet mixes a little pop with a little bizarre.

“There is a lot of great music that we grew up listening to, and you can’t help but try to rip off that stuff as much as possible, so I consider our sound a mix of all of our favorites,” Andy Nunez, drummer and co-founder of The Starlight Mints said.

Touring can be a bittersweet trip for The Starlight Mints; they love their studio time just as much as being on the road.

“It seems like the grass is always greener; sometimes we love touring, but on our last tour, when we stopped, we were ready to stop,” Nunez said.

In May, they released their third album, Built on Squares, an easily definable tribute to their influences of the past,

1906 W. Bradley Ave.

calendar

buzzpicks Jet takes off at The Canopy Club

with the twist of influences like Kraftwerk that has contributed to their signature sound.

Both Nunez and lead singer Allen Vest co-produced the album with longtime friend Trent Bell from Bell Labs, whose creds include Flaming Lips and Ester Drang among others and the only recording studio in Oklahoma City as far as Nunez is concerned.

The Mints incorporate the vibraphone, cello, trombone, trumpet and violin into their latest album to produce a poppy blend of psychedelia that loosely resembles Pavement.

“We try to jam things together that at first wouldn’t sound like they go together, but we stick them together anyway,” Nunez said.

“We just get in there and have a lock-in and go crazy.”

The Starlight Mints had so much material for Built on Squares they had to pick and choose what to put on the album. “We are really anxious to go back in the studio and record more,” Nunez said.

Currently, The Starlight Mints find themselves in the midst of a hectic tour with Polyphonic Spree, and the recent death of a family member for Polyphonic Spree frontman Tim Delaughter has left The Mints with a few cancellations.

“We were stranded in New Orleans for a while and the owner of the club that we were supposed to play at put us up in a nice hotel, so it could have been a lot worse.”

For the Norman natives who grew up playing in the high school marching band and

•

19 & up to Enter

PRIVATE PARTIES CALL TED 217 766-5108

orchestra, The Starlight Mints have come a long way. On the second leg of their tour, they make stops with California indie rock marvel, Grandaddy, followed by the College Music Journal showcase and a tour of their own up the East coast.

After the tour, The Starlight Mints will return to Norman, back to the studio and back to the club Nunez owns, Opolis Production.

“We opened this club to try and get things going in the town,” Nunez said. “When I was growing up there was always that illusion that things were going on.”

That illusion was dispelled as The Flaming

Lips, another Norman native, gained steam on the indie rock scene, and members of The Starlight Mints began cultivating a sound.

Booking bands like The Shins and Enon has packed the place in the past, but Nunez still has trouble filling his 150 person club 90 percent of the time.

Outside of Norman city limits, Oklahoma and the South, The Mints continue to make waves. They have come along way, and from here on out, success only gets sweeter.

Its Miller Time at Kam’s!

Flying all the way from Melbourne, Australia, rock ‘n’ rollers Jet will be hitting The Canopy Club stage Monday. Jet have already played major British festivals like Reading and Leeds and graced the cover of New Music Express. They’re hoping to have similar success in the States as their new album, Get Born, is released on Tuesday. Providing support for Jet will be Champaign’s very own American Minor.

Fusing together the fashion and swagger of garage rock bands like The Strokes with country-influenced blues rock, their performances are not to be missed.

For extra photos, check out readbuzz.com

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WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

buzz

ThursdayOctober2

Rock and the postseason: Loving the Cubs in October

U of I Jazz Combo #2 – Iron Post, 7pm Joni Laurence – Aroma Cafe, 8pm, free Rec Records Benefit: Murder by Death, Ettison Clio, Dearest Fae, Lady Radio – Courtyard Cafe, 8pm, $5 Gabe Rosen – acoustic rolk/folk – Embassy Tavern, 8pm, free Cougars, The Greedy Loves, Pacific UV –Cowboy Monkey, 9pm, $5 PCM Trio – Zorba’s, 9:30pm, $3 Astral Project – Iron Post, 10pm, TBA Bret Michaels (of Poison) – The Canopy Club, $18

BY SETH FEIN | STAFF WRITER

S

DJ In the Red Room with J-Phlip – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Orby – Joe’s Brewery, 10pm, cover Live DJ – C-Street, 9pm, free Live DJ – Ruby’s, 9pm-1am, free Live DJ – Two Main Lounge, 10pm-close, free B96 Mixmaster Series: Mixin Marc and Tony 2 Much – The Highdive, 10pm, $5

G- Force Karaoke – Pia’s in Rantoul, 9pm-close

The Sea and Cake plays at The Highdive Friday at 7:30pm

MUSIC PERFORMANCES Chip McNeil – jazz saxaphone, accompanied by Doug Bickel, piano; Dennis Marks, bass; and Joel Spencer, drums – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $2-5 Three Tales – Beryl Korot, video, and Steve Reich, music; a three part documentary video opera adderessing technology and its consequences – Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $17-28

DANCING Ballroom Dancing – Non-smoking, cash bar – Regent Ballroom, 7:30-10:30pm, $7 Salsa Dancing – Non-smoking, cash bar; dress code: no blue jeans, tennis shoes or hats – Regent Ballroom, 11pm-1am, $4

G.Lee and Jet Blonde,Ripley Caine – Iron Post,9:30pm,$3 Starlight Mints, Menthol, The Reputation – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm,$8 Teen Night:Jiggsaw,Nadafinga – Lava,10pm,$3 Roscoe Plush – The Canopy Club Too Slim and the Taildraggers – The Highdive,8pm,$8 Cold,The Revolution Smile – The Canopy Club,10pm,$14 Dank – Tommy G’s, 10pm-2am

ON STAGE

COMEDY

DJ

The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre presents Road To Nirvana – This dark comedy tells a story about two ex-movie moguls on the skids, Al and Jerry, reuniting to co-produce the biggest blockbuster film ever – an autobiographical account of Nirvana, the world’s biggest female pop star. She will even star in it as herself – but only if she can find producers willing to meet her extraordinary terms – The Station Theatre, 8pm, $8

Potted Meat Sketch Comedy – 112 Greg Hall, 7-11pm

LECTURES Cultural Industries: Producing Economies, Creating Meanings, and Defying Dichotomies – Lily Kong, National University of Singapore , Levis Faculty Center, 3rd Floor, 7:30pm Freedom and Form: The Language and Literacy Practices of Two Mexican Schools – 242 Education Building, noon, free From Equality to Diversity: The Detour from ‘Brown to Grutter’ – Max L. Rowe – Auditorium, College of Law, 4pm, free International Conference: The State of Medieval Studies – Illini Union, 2pm Martial Arts and the Globalization of U.S. and Asian Film Industries – Levis Faculty Center, 3rd Floor, 4pm Reading Brown: Peter Irons, author of Jim Crow’s Children – YMCA, noon, free Rich Man’s Mail: Western Union’s Gilded Age – 126 Library and Informaton Science Building, 3pm

OTHER Wine Tasting – Interlude Bar, Krannert Center, 5pm, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCES William Moersch and Ricardo Flores, percussion – program of solo and duo percussion works including Argentine tango, Japanese Kodo drunning and multi-keyboard – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $2-5

ON STAGE Parkland Theatre presents “The Laramie Project” – Written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, this drama looks at the events surrounding the 1998 death of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie,Wyo., as told through the voices of the townspeople. The director, Randi Jennifer Collins Hard, has cast over 70 community members to bring the town of Laramie to life – Parkland Theatre, 8pm, $5-10 The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre presents Road To Nirvana – This dark comedy tells a story about two ex-movie moguls on the skids, Al and Jerry, reuniting to co-produce the biggest blockbuster film ever – an autobiographical account of Nirvana, the world’s biggest female pop star. She will even star in it as herself – but only if she can find producers willing to meet her extraordinary terms – The Station Theatre, 8pm, $10

FILM Reel World International Film Series – Hero, China – Latzer Hall, YMCA, 7:47pm

LECTURES

FridayOctober3 LIVE MUSIC The Prairie Dogs – Iron Post,5pm,TBA The Sea and Cake,Catherine Irwin (of Freakwater)– The Highdive, 7:30pm,$12 Gabe Rosen,Kate Hathaway – Embassy Tavern,8:30pm,free Second Wind – Iron Post,8:30pm,TBA Terminus Victor, V9R9D, Water Between Continents – Mike ‘n Molly’s,9pm,$3 Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Split Lip Rayfield – Cowboy Monkey,10pm,$8 Mike and Joe – The Canopy Club,10pm,$4 The Brat Pack – Tommy G’s, 10pm-2am, cover

DJ DJ Tim Williams – The Highdive,10:30pm,$5 DJ Bozak – Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Mertz – Joe’s Brewery, 11pm, cover DJ – Two Main Lounge, 10pm-1am, cover

OCTOBER 2-8, 2003 | I MEAN CAN YOU PLAY SOME HIP-HOP FROM MTV

MENDOZA MUSIC LINE

LIVE MUSIC

KARAOKE

buzz

Constructing Pan-Chinese Cultures: Globalism and The Shaw Brothers Cinema –407 Levis Faculty Center, 9am Defending the Undefendable: The Work of a Public Defender – Latzer Hall, YMCA, noon October Ally Meeting. Domestic Partner Benefits Policy at UIUC: panel discussion – Lucy Ellis Lounge, 1080 Foreign Language Building, noon-1:30pm Seeking El Directo: Signs of Postwar Danger in Salvadoran Media and Talk – 109A Davenport Hall, 35pm

SaturdayOctober4 LIVE MUSIC Todd Snider – The Canopy Club,7pm,$10 Angie Heaton,Joyful Sorrow – Borders,8pm,free IMC Folk Music Series: James O’Brien, MJ Walker – ChanningMurray Foundation,8pm,$10 Jamnation – Embassy Tavern,9:30pm,free

DJ Tim Williams – The Highdive,10:30pm,$5 DJ Asiatic’s Mixology 101 Saturdays: DJ Asiatic, Tsunmi Entertainment – Tonic,10pm,$5 DJ Hipster Sophisto – Barfly, 9pm, free G-Force DJ – hip hop – White Horse, 10pm-close The Naughty Boy – Joe’s Brewery, 11pm, cover Noiseboy – Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $1

KARAOKE G-Force Karaoke – Lincoln Castle Lodge, 9pm-close

DANCING Nightclub Dancing – Two Main Lounge, 5-7pm Salsa Dancing – Two Main Lounge, 7-10pm

ON STAGE Parkland Theatre presents “The Laramie Project” – Written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, this drama looks at the events surrounding the 1998 death of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie,Wyo., as told through the voices of the townspeople. The director, Randi Jennifer Collins Hard, has cast over 70 community members to bring the town of Laramie to life – Parkland Theatre, 8pm, $5-10 The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre presents Road To Nirvana – This dark comedy tells a story about two ex-movie moguls on the skids, Al and Jerry, reuniting to co-produce the biggest blockbuster film ever – an autobiographical account of Nirvana, the world’s biggest female pop star. She will even star in it as herself – but only if she can find producers willing to meet her extraordinary terms – The Station Theatre, 8pm, $10

LECTURES Convocation for 'Ghandi day of Service’ – 100 Noyes, 9am3pm

MARKETS Market at the Square – Art, crafts, produce, flowers, plants, food, coffee, music & more; every Saturday morning through Nov 8 – SE Lot of Lincoln Square, Downtown Urbana, 7am-noon

SundayOctober5 LIVE MUSIC No Rules Jazz Quintet – Iron Post,7pm,TBA Keller Williams – The Canopy Club,10pm,$15

DJ DJ Spinnerty – Mike ‘n Molly’s,10pm,TBA Fresh Face Guest DJ – Barfly, 9pm, free

omewhere, right now, there is a child experiencing this for the first time. I did in 1984.

Although my memory of it is vague, it’s in there. I can remember my father, not yet totally gray and still optimistic, screaming at the TV, or more specifically, Leon Durham, to get his glove fixed. I can remember the look on his face when Steve Garvey ended our chance to advance to the Series. I can remember it better than most of my childhood memories. And I think that is why I feel the way I do now.

This is not a music column. It can’t be. Not this week and hopefully, not next week either.

I spend my days immersed in music. If I’m not pretending to be a DJ at Barfly on Mondays, then I am helping book and promote shows at The Highdive and Cowboy Monkey. And when I’m not doing that, I am playing in my band, whether it be the 14 weeks I spent touring this year, or doing a show at the Iron Post in sleepy downtown Urbana. If I am not doing that, I’m going to a live show of some kind. Point being, I got my degree in creative writing from Poo of I, but I got my education in music appreciation.

More specifically, rock music appreciation. I even exchanged porn for pitchforkmedia.com (check it out—pompous-ass indie hilarity from Chicago).

But in everything that I do, baseball finds it’s way into the scope of things. My DJ name is 2ON2OUT, a reference to a high pressure situation in a ball game(two runners on base, two batters out). This column is called the Mendoza Music Line, which is a reference to a saying that states whether a position player is batting above .200. My best memory from childhood is being the winning pitcher on a Little League Championship baseball team. I am baseball and it is me.

By the time you are reading this, the Cubs and Braves will have battled it out for two games and my hope, like all other north side die-hards, is that we are looking to play spoiler for those nasty Braves in Atlanta. My hope is that we end our drought of 58 years without a spot in the Series. My hope is that we take Boston in Game 7.

My hopes are high.

The Cubbies are playing in October for a variety of reasons, but none can be more apparent than our fearless leader and inspirational bulldog, Dusty Baker. He has brought us to the promised land and for that, I will be eternally grateful.

In terms of being a rabid sports fan, I can safely say that last Saturday was the single greatest day of my life. Between the Cubbies clinching the Division and my Purdue Boilermakers leveling Notre Dame, I feel like a new man. I feel as if a great weight has been lifted from the shoulders of the whole north side and everyone else who follows the happenings in the friendly confines.

The Cubs have proven to me that faith, in whatever form it comes in, is worth having. It is the only thing that we should hope for.

And this week, I have it. You gotta believe.

The delicate balance between my love for sports and my love for music rides merely on the idea that both are synonymous with each other. They represent all things simple and innocent to me. Like a day in the sun with nothing to do, music and sports are worth every minute.

There are too many great shows in town this week. And that, in itself, is disappointing, because I will not be able to attend all of them based on this beautiful turn of events.

All systems stop temporarily this week in my life and I can proudly say that if The Sea and Cake are on stage tomorrow at The Highdive and Borowski’s on the mound as well, you know where I’ll be. And it won’t have anything to do with a nonexistent distaste for such an unbelievable post-rock band like The Sea and Cake. I love that band.

But I don’t love anything as much as the Cubbies in October.

I don’t know where the Cubs will stand when this column goes to press. And I don’t really care, because I know as well as anyone who shares my sentiments that this is big. This is huge.

That child pretending to be Prior, Wood, Miller, Simon, Grudzielanek, Gonzalez, Ramirez, Alou, Lofton or Sosa is in for a treat.

Being a Cubs fan is a lifelong journey, and for that 5-year-old, it’s only just begun.

Welcome to October Cubs fans. Grab an Old Style and check your pulse. It feels just like it should: sweet.

Some final footnotes: Sympathy for Sox fans. They played a good season and you all should be proud of what they did accomplish.

No sympathy to Cards fans. LaRussa and Morris are whiny ass pussies who should be fined for even being allowed to participate in such a fine game.

And the fact that Barry Larkin is playing with the Reds again next season should be reason enough to keep our faith in the pastime. buzz Seth Fein is from Urbana. He is a member of Orphans and he spins indie rock at Barfly every Monday night under the moniker 2ON2OUT. He is, in fact, an umpire for men’s softball as well. He can be reached at sethfein@readbuzz.com.

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I’M PLAYING TALIB KWELI RIGHT NOW | OCTOBER 2-8, 2003

CDReviews

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VARIOUS ARTISTS Openingbands.comp ★★★

BY BRIAN MERTZ They can’t get all of the credit. But unless you are some type of self-centered, stuck-up, naysaying Champaign scenester, you have to admit that the OpeningBands.com crew has played a sizable role in the growth of the Champaign rock scene over the past year.

Founded on the notion of promoting local music, OpeningBands has helped organize major contests for local bands, hosted local showcases at The Canopy Club and run the definitive Web site for Champaign-Urbana music. Now they’ve made another contribution with a compilation of songs by 17 local acts.

Like many compilations, Openingbands.comp has a good concept, but it doesn’t manage to fully deliver on that idea.

The comp starts with a bang with a new song from The Pitch called “Awake to Heal” which should have fans of The Pitch (as well as newcomers) salivating for their soon-to-be released debut. Other highlights include Lorenzo Goetz’s slowly-building “The Breathing Room,” Ladyradio’s wonderful, chaotic musical tapestry called “Torch Singer” and G-Lee and Jet Blonde’s catchy “Heartbeat Everywhere.”

In fact, the OpeningBands staff has done a great job of making sure that all of the songs chosen for this compilation are at the minimum, solid. Most of the tracks go beyond that, and newcomers to the Champaign music scene should be pleasantly surprised by the amount of talent shown on this disc.

But unfortunately, Openingbands.comp also lacks some of the key players in the Champaign scene. Noticeably absent are contributions from major Champaign bands like The Blackouts, Temple of Low Men, American Minor, Triple Whip, Centaur and even The Red Hot Valentines.

In defense of the compilation, it is only billed as “A snapshot of Champaign-Urbana 2003” and no photograph can capture every detail of reality. Similarly, no compilation is going to be able to get contributions from every band they want, either because of space or logistics. Hopefully next year’s Openingbands.comp will be able to include some of these luminaries of the Champaign scene so newcomers to the music scene here can hear even more of the spectacular talent that is thriving here.

For diehard fans of the local scene, some of the tracks on this compilation will feel a little too familiar. Contributions from some bands, like Sick Day (“Skirt Sniffin’”), Absinthe Blind (“The Break”) and Kate Hathaway (“Red Eyed Toe”) have all been previously released by those bands. It’s another flaw that seems inherently built into almost every compilation.

But again, by the time volume two of this compilation comes around, OpeningBands will be able to attract more original releases for their comp.

Openingbands.comp isn’t the definitive guide to Champaign’s current rock scene. Perhaps throwing in last year’s Innocent Words Records compilation and the upcoming comp from Innocent Words would be close. But really, the best way to understand the scene is to get out to shows, and OpeningBands would have it no other way.

MUSIC REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ no stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Un-listenable

CARLA WERNER Departure

OBIE TRICE Cheers

Columbia Records

Shady/Interscope Records

★★★

★

BY LINDSEY REU

BY BRIAN MERTZ

Good things come to those who wait—and to those who endure country-music competitions. At least this mantra is true for Carla Werner, a singer-songwriter who has masterfully combined a powerful voice, legendary influences and soulful lyrics on her debut album Departure for a listening experience that begs to be repeated.

A New Zealand native who enjoyed success as a pre-teen sensation in country music competitions during the mid1980s comes alive as she realizes her vision in Departure.

Werner left the country music scene when she was 16, and when she returned to music three years later, she covered everything from jazz to pop to reggae. Her self-proclaimed influences include Kate Bush, Bob Marley, Chrissie Hyndes and Jeff Buckley. Her eclectic taste in music has given her a distinct voice and an earthy sound.

Although Departure is her first album, her songs drip with maturity and passion. Nothing on this CD is watered down, and it is obvious by the raw emotion in her lyrics that she did not compromise her artistic license during production.

Werner’s voice is reminiscent of Heather Nova, but her songs are more emotional, more intimate, more real. She is not a singer that you will understand after listening to the CD once, which was precisely Werner’s goal for Departure.

Werner invites you unabashedly into her life experience.

Certain tracks, like “Wanderlust” and “Love You Out,” are easier to swallow on first listen, while songs like “Under” and “Enough” are rough around the edges and require an acquired taste. Most of Werner’s songs deal with love, personal relationships and heartache, but she manages to avoid the depressing, “feel-bad-for-the-jilted-girl” syndrome to which so many female acoustic singers fall victim. Instead of giving listeners a list of complaints about men and love, Werner bestows us with her soulful outlook on love and life.

In her mesmerizing song “Iodine Red,” she crones, “Just like poetry unrecited/I’m aware of my own importance you close your eyes to see/The fire that burns in you’s desire that isn’t mine to free.”

Departure represents a full range of musicality with upbeat, jazzy tunes like “Make It Up” and “Heaven Is A Word,” earthy songs like “Iodine Red” and ballads like “Love You Out.” Werner worked with four different producers on this album, a decision that yielded a diverse album with distinctly different sounds throughout. Departure is not a monotonous album that is condemned to the shelf after the initial fascination fades. Werner’s songs become better with each go-around.

Departure is not a perfect album.There are a few songs listeners will inevitably skip because of their odd sound and obscure lyrics, but the songs that will be repeated over and over for their uniquely beautiful sound and profound words outnumber the forgettable ones. Werner’s first try provides us with great promise of what is yet to come.

TopFive

Imitation may be the most sincere form of flattery, but it is still just imitation.

It’s not exactly clear who is driving the imitation on Cheers, the debut from Eminem’s latest protege, Obie Trice.

What is clear, though, is that either Obie or Em is enamored with the formula that made The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show such critical successes. Cheers is a hollow shell of both of those albums.

Despite the hype surrounding him, Obie Trice doesn’t have the lyrical skills that Eminem or Em’s other protege, 50 Cent, have. He just sounds like the legions of other hard rappers struggling to get noticed, except Obie has Dr. Dre and Eminem making beats for him.

Cheers does have a few bright spots.“Don’t Come Down” has a cool tweaked vocal sample for the hook that unfortunately Trice’s rhymes do not complement. In fact, the flow is so bad that the listener waits more for Obie to stop rapping and the vocal to come back.

Eminem makes a guest appearance on the violent and misogynistic “Lady.”For Eminem, it feels like more played-out lyrical subjects, but his expert manipulation of syllables and rhythms is always something amazing to behold.

And then there is the trick that Eminem has been exploiting since his hit single “Real Slim Shady.” Obie Trice’s means of drawing listeners into his dark, brooding album is his first single “Got Some Teeth.” With a playful New Orleans jazzsounding horn and bass samples and humorous rhymes about Obie’s exploits at bars, it is the best thing on this album, mostly because it sounds nothing like the rest of this subpar release. If Obie had kept up the humor and the creativity instead of just rapping about “bitches,” guns and the hood, Cheers might have been something special.

Instead, the listener is stuck with the same old Shady formula. Nate Dogg shows up on “The Setup.”There is the harsh pseudo-political track “Average Man”that kicks off the album in the same way that “White America” knocked the door down on Eminem’s The Eminem Show. On plenty of tracks, there are gunshot sound effects as if 50 Cent were roaming about the studio shooting at pictures of Ja Rule.

That formula worked for Eminem on his past two albums.

And in fact, if Em’s next album was still dark and still had guest spots from D-12, Dr. Dre and Nate Dogg, and still only had one upbeat funny first single, that would still work for Eminem. His immense talent and creativity will carry that vehicle as long as he wants it to.

But Obie Trice can’t hold a candle to Eminem. Having any less talented MC use Eminem’s blueprint is like giving a 5year-old a “Picasso paint-by-numbers” and expecting it to look like the Sistine Chapel. It just won’t happen.

Whether it was Obie’s decision to make Cheers sound this way, or Eminem’s decision as executive producer is unimportant. Both were unable to find and showcase Obie’s strengths. And that fatal flaw makes Cheers the first clear failure to come out of the young Shady-aftermath camp.

Makeout Albums

1. Let’s Get It On Marvin Gaye

If the title doesn’t already state it, this album is about lovemaking. Marvin Gaye’s performances were always sexually charged, but on this album Gaye brings it out in its full glory.With its silky sensuality and seductive grooves, Let’s Get It On is the quintessential makeout album.The title track, along with “Sure Love to Ball” and “Keep Gettin’ it on,”are all beautifully constructed songs that exude sexuality and love.

2. Lovers Rock Sade

Her voice is one of the smoothest in history and her songs ooze emotion. This album is one of Sade’s best, featuring passionate songs like “By Your Side” and the title track, “Lover’s Rock.” To put it bluntly, if you have this CD, you don’t even need a woman.

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CHARTS PARASOL RECORDS TOP 10 SELLERS 1. Mojave 3 - Spoon And Rafter (4AD Records) 2. Oranger - Shutdown The Sun (Jackpine Social Club Records) 3. The Ladybug Transistor - The Ladybug Transistor (Merge Records) 4. Secret Shine - After Years (Clairecords) 5. Stars - Heart (Arts & Crafts Records) 6. The Pearlfishers - Sky Meadows (Marina Records - Germany) 7. The Twilight Singers - Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair (Birdman Records) 8. The Green Pajamas - Through Glass Colored Roses (A Hidden Agenda Record) The Decemberists - Her Majesty, The Decemberists (Merge Records) 9. The Perishers - From Nothing To One (NONS Records - Sweden) 10. The Finishing School - Destination Girl (Telegraph Records)

Azure Ray - Hold on Love Bad Boy Bill - Behind the Decks Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress Cracker - Countrysides Howie Day - Stop All the World Now Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism Randy Macho Man Savage - Be a Man Maserati/The Mercury Program - Confines of Heat Fun Lovin’ Criminals - Welcome to Poppy’s Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man - Out of Seasons Gov’t Mule - The Deepest End The RZA - The Birth of a Prince Hey Mercedes - Loses Control Ladytron - Softcore Jukebox Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead Mark Farina - Air Farina Ludacris - Chicken & Beer Jet - Get Born Sleeping at Last - Ghost Stereolab - Instant 0 in the Universe (EP) Paul Van Dyk - Reflections Paul Westerberg - Come Feel Me Tremble

Much in the same vein as Marvin Gaye, Al Green offers up sensual and soulful lyrics that create the perfect mood.

Green’s voice reaches perfection on these tracks as he sings about what else but love.“Let’s Stay Together” features Green’s velvet vocals as he sings to the tune of perfect romance.

4. Voodoo D’Angelo

For people who don’t want to go all the way back to Barry White or Al Green, D’Angelo’s neo-soul revolution is a more than adequate alternative.

“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” ranks as one of the most sensual music videos of all time and that song stands up on its own as you provide your own visual accompaniment.

5. Simple Things Zero 7

Don’t dare call Zero 7 techno because it is not. And even though it is made on computers, this funky, jazzy collection of songs has plenty of soul.

Featuring whispy keyboard effects, pulsating beats and airy vocals, Simple Things will not only help you get with that special someone, but it’ll make you look cool in the process. SPIN’s “Babymaker LP” of the year is a must have.

Reader’s Top 5 1. Jimmy Eat World - Clarity 2. Al Green - Greatest Hits 3. Radiohead - Kid A 4. Janis Joplin - I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama 5. Nathaniel Merriwether Presents - Lovage Submitted by Evan Kereiakes

calendar

OCTOBER 2-8 2003 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

Live DJ – C-Street, 9pm-1am, cover

D-lo and Spinnerty – The Highdive, 10pm, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

Joan Hickey, jazz piano – original compositions and jazz classics performed with the UI Concert Jazz Band – Tryon Festival Theatre, $2-5

UI Symphony Orchestra – symphonies by Mozart, Barber and Shostakovic, Donald Schleicher, conductor – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $2-5 UI Philharmonia – Jack Ranney, conductor; Claire Happel, harp – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 3pm, $2-5

MondayOctober6

FILM The Amasong Chorus: Singing Out – a new documentary

by Jay Rosenstein – Beckman Auditorium, 7-9pm

LIVE MUSIC

LECTURES

Jet,American Minor – The Canopy Club,10pm,$6 Finga’Lickin’– The Office,10pm,free

Witnessing War Crimes Trials – Third Floor, Levis Faculty Center, 7:30pm Talk on Introducing Islam – 151 Loomis, 6-9pm

CHICAGOSHOWS OCTOBER

NEW RELEASES

Next week: Top Five “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” performances. e-mail us at music@readbuzz.com

3. Greatest Hits Al Green

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DJ 2ON2OUT – Barfly,9pm,free G-Force DJ – Kam’s, 10pm-close

MUSIC PERFORMANCES Community Drum Circle – all levels welcome – Ten Thousand Villages, 7-9pm

TuesdayOctober7 LIVE MUSIC Verde Hootenanny – bluegrass jam - Verdant News and Coffee, 7pm,free Open Mic – Espresso Royale,7:30pm,free Open Mic/Open Jam hosted by Brandon T. Washington – The Canopy Club,10pm,$2 Will Rogers Acoustic Night – Tommy G’s,9pm,free

DJ DJ D-LO and DJ Spinnerty – Barfly, 9pm, free Drew Patterson & 2ON2OUT – Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free G-Force DJ – TK Wendl’s, 9pm-close Seduction with DJ Resonate – Barfly, 10pm, free DJ Hoff – Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm Live DJ – C-Street, 9pm, no cover

KARAOKE

Karaoke – Senator’s Pub, 8pm-12am

DANCING Salsa Dancing – salsa every Tuesday to recorded music – McKinley Foundation, 9:45-11:45pm

LECTURES Kimono Dressing Demonstration and Lecture – Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, 7pm

10/1 Saves the Day @ House of Blues 10/1 Calexico @ Metro, 18+ 10/3 Leftover Salmon @ House of Blues 10/3 Nada Surf @ Metro 10/3 Dashboard Confessional @ Aragon Ballroom 10/4 IDA @ Schubas 10/4 Steve Winwood @ House of Blues 10/5 56 Hope Road/Down the Line @ Metro 10/5 Fischerspooner @ House of Blues 10/7 The Polyphonic Spree, Starlight Mints @ Metro 10/8 Switchfoot, Blue @ Metro 10/10 Death Cab For Cutie, The Long Winters @ Metro 10/11 Death Cab For Cutie, Pinebender @ Metro 10/11 Smokey Robinson @ House of Blues 10/11 Kid Koala @ Abbey Pub 10/13 Simply Red @ House of Blues 10/14 Alice Cooper @ House of Blues 10/16 Electric Six @ Double Door 10/16 Rufio @ Metro, all ages 10/17 Soulive, Me’Shell Ndegeocello @ House of Blues 10/18 DJ Justin Long @ Metro Smart Bar 10/19 Longwave/Calla @ Double Door 10/24 Cowboy Mouth, Cracker @ House of Blues 10/25 The Walkmen @ Double Door 10/26 Echo and the Bunnymen @ Metro 10/29 Fuel @ House of Blues 10/31 Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe @ House of Blues

NOVEMBER 11/1 Dirtbombs @ Double Door 11/7 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ House of Blues 11/15 The Shins @ House of Blues, tickets on sale 8/13 11/22 Tom Jones @ House of Blues 11/22 Alabama @ Allstate Arena 11/23 Tom Jones @ House of Blues 11/24 Symphony X @ Metro

C-UVENUES Assembly Hall First & Florida, Champaign, 333.5000 American Legion Post 24 705 W Bloomington Rd, Champaign, 356.5144 American Legion Post 71 107 N Broadway, Urbana, 367.3121

LIVE JAZZ at

Barfly 120 N Neil, Champaign,352.9756 Barnes and Noble 51 E Marketview, Champaign, 355.2045 Boltini Lounge 211 N Neil, Champaign, 378.8001 Borders Books & Music 802 W Town Ctr, Champaign, 351.9011 The Brass Rail 15 E University, Champaign, 352.7512 Canopy Club (The Garden Grill) 708 S Goodwin, Urbana, 367.3140 C.O. Daniels 608 E Daniel, Champaign, 337.7411 Cosmopolitan Club 307 E John, Champaign, 367.3079 Courtyard Cafe Illini Union, 1401 W Green, Urbana, 333.4666 Cowboy Monkey 6 Taylor St, Champaign, 398.2688 Clybourne 706 S Sixth, Champaign, 383.1008 Curtis Orchard 3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign, 359.5565 D.R. Diggers 604 S Country Fair Dr, Champaign, 356.0888 Embassy Tavern & Grill 114 S Race, Urbana, 384.9526 Esquire Lounge 106 N Walnut, Champaign, 398.5858 Fallon’s Ice House 703 N Prospect, Champaign, 398.5760 Fat City Saloon 505 S Chestnut, Champaign, 356.7100 The Great Impasta 114 W Church, Champaign, 359.7377 G.T.’s Western Bowl Francis Dr, Champaign, 359.1678 The Highdive 51 Main, Champaign, 359.4444 Huber’s 1312 W Church, Champaign, 352.0606 Illinois Disciples Foundation 610 E Springfield, Champaign, 352.8721 Independent Media Center 218 W Main St, Urbana, 344.8820 The Iron Post 120 S Race, Urbana, 337.7678 Joe’s Brewery 706 S Fifth, Champaign, 384.1790 Kam’s 618 E Daniel, Champaign, 328.1605 Krannert Art Museum 500 E Peabody, Champaign, 333.1861 Krannert Center for Performing Arts 500 S Goodwin, Urbana, Tickets: 333.6280, 800/KCPATIX La Casa Cultural Latina 1203 W Nevada, Urbana, 333.4950 Lava 1906 W Bradley, Champaign, 352.8714 Legends Bar & Grill 522 E Green, Champaign, 355.7674 Les’s Lounge 403 N Coler, Urbana, 328.4000 Lincoln Castle 209 S Broadway, Urbana, 344.7720 Malibu Bay Lounge North Route 45, Urbana, 328.7415 Mike & Molly’s 105 N Market, Champaign, 355.1236 Mulligan’s 604 N Cunningham, Urbana, 367.5888 Murphy’s 604 E Green, Champaign, 352.7275 Neil Street Pub 1505 N Neil, Champaign, 359.1601 Boardman’s Art Theater

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126 W Church, Champaign, 351.0068 The Office 214 W Main, Urbana, 344.7608 Parkland College 2400 W Bradley, Champaign, 351.2528 Phoenix 215 S Neil, Champaign, 355.7866 Pia’s of Rantoul Route 136 E, Rantoul, 893.8244 Pink House Routes 49 & 150, Ogden, 582.9997 The Rainbow Coffeehouse 1203 W Green, Urbana, 766.9500 Red Herring/Channing-Murray Foundation 1209 W Oregon, Urbana, 344.1176 Rose Bowl Tavern 106 N Race, Urbana, 367.7031 Senator’s Pub 1001 N. Dunlap, Savoy Springer Cultural Center 301 N Randolph, Champaign, 355.1406 Spurlock Museum 600 S Gregory, Urbana, 333.2360 Strawberry Fields Cafe 306 W Springfield, Urbana, 328.1655 Ten Thousand Villages 105 N Walnut, Champaign, 352.8938 TK Wendl’s 1901 S Highcross Rd, Urbana, 255.5328 Tommy G’s Country Fair Shopping Center, Champaign Tonic 619 S Wright, Champaign, 356.6768 Two Main 2 Main, Champaign, 359.3148 University YMCA 1001 S Wright, Champaign, 344.0721 Verde/Verdant 17 E Taylor St, Champaign, 366.3204 Virginia Theatre 203 W Park Ave, Champaign, 356.9053 White Horse Inn 112 1/2 E Green, Champaign, 352.5945 Zorba’s 627 E Green, Champaign

CHICAGOVENUES House of Blues 329 N Dearborn, Chicago, 312.923.2000 The Bottom Lounge 3206 N Wilton, Chicago Congress Theatre 2135 N Milwaukee, 312.923.2000 Vic Theatre 3145 N Sheffield, Chicago, 773.472.0449 Metro 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, 773.549.0203 Elbo Room 2871 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago Park West 322 W Armitage, Chicago, 773.929.1322 Riviera Theatre 4746 N Racine at Lawerence, Chicago Allstate Arena 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, 847.635.6601 Arie Crown Theatre 2300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, 312.791.6000 UIC Pavilion 1150 W Harrison, Chicago, 312.413.5700 Schubas 3159 N Southport, Chicago, 773.525.2508 Martyrs 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, 773.288.4545 Aragon 1106 W Lawerence, Chicago, 773.561.9500

Boardman’s

Art Theatre 126 W. Church St. Champaign, IL

WednesdayOctober8

o Tri

LIVE MUSIC ParaDocs – The Iron Post,6pm,TBA Mission 19,Orphans – The Iron Post,10pm,TBA Fontama,Michael Franti,Spearhead – The Canopy Club,10pm,$10

M $ PC 3

DJ Chef Ra – Barfly, 10pm DJ Joel Spencer – Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm Live DJ – C-Street, 9pm, no cover

627 E. GREEN 344-0710

TONIGHT AT 9:30 $3.00 COVER

Winner Best Picture Venice Film Festival!

R, runs 119 minutes, flat, presenented in HPS-4000/DD. Daily at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m., matinees on Sat/Sun at 2:00 p.m.

7 British Independent Film Nominations, including Best Picture!

R, runs 107 minutes, flat, presented in HPS-4000/DD. Nightly at 9:30 p.m. only.

Listen to WPGU FM107.1 to win movie tickets, and more! eTickets/reserved seats: www.BoardmansArtTheatre.com

BOARDMAN’S THEATRES www.BoardmansTheatres.com 1-800-BEST PLACE (800-237-8752) 351-0068 eTickets/reserved seats: www.BoardmansArtTheatre.com

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WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

Abbey Pub 3420 W Grace, Chicago, 773.478.4408 Fireside Bowl 2646 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, 773.486.2700 Schubert Theatre 22 W Monroe, Chicago, 312.977.1700

ART LISTINGS “Fall Luncheon and Lecture” – Kathy Cottong, director of The Arts Club of Chicago, will speak in an event sponsored by the Krannert Art Museum Council at the Krannert Museum on Oct 3 at 12pm. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Call 333-1861 for reservation information.

“Kids @ Krannert” – The Carle Foundation is sponsoring a children’s workshop with blues musicians on Oct 4 from 10am-12pm. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. 333-1860.

“Ceramics Heritage at the University of Illinois: A Bus Tour” – Tour led by guest curator Richard D. Mohr. Oct 4, 13pm. Reservations required. Call 333-1861 for reservation information.

“Artists @ Krannert : Fattening Frogs for Snakes” – Prose reading and musical performance by John Sinclair, poet, political activist, and one of the leading authorities on the blues. Oct 8. 5:30 p.m. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. 333-1860.

Call for Entries – Entries needed for juried show at High Cross Road Studio during October. Any 2-D or 3-D collage or assemblage work created in the past two years will be considered. Submit actual work, slides or photos for consideration. Consideration fee is $15. All work must be ready to hang. Work weighing more than 50 pounds must be noted as such. Commission is 25 percent. Mail submissions with check to Sandra Ahten, 1408 S Vine, Urbana, IL 61801. Call or e-mail for more details or other arrangements. Note: It is not necessary for work to be for sale.

Portraits – Award winning portrait artist Sandra Ahten is currently accepting commissions for portraits for holiday giving. Portraits are priced at an affordable range and professional exchange or barter may be accepted. For examples of work and a quote, contact Sandra Ahten at (217) 367-6345 or spiritofsandra@hotmail.com Creation Art Studio Art Classes for Children and Adults – All classes offer technical instruction and the exploration of materials through expressive, spontaneous art and experimentation. Independent studies of personal interests and ideas, dreams, etc. are expressed and developed through collage and assemblage art and through drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Children meet MonThu from 3:30-5pm, and Sat 11am-12:30pm. Adolescents meet Fri 4-5:30pm. Adults meet Thu at 10am and Sat between 1:30-5:30pm for two or more hours. Create designs, a still life, portraits, landscapes and more. Open to beginners and advanced students. Adult Open Studio meets Tue 7-9pm. Drop-ins welcome. Come with a friend.

Call to make special arrangements for a group. CPDU's offered. For information, contact Jeannine Bestoso at 3446955. Creation Art Studio is located at 1102 E Washington, Urbana. www.creationartstudios.com

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 • UIC PAVILION - CHICAGO Located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago-just minutes from downtown Chicago Outlets

217-351-2626

or

ticketmaster.com

MAJ

A PRODUCTION

Join Artists and Workshops at Gallery Virtu – Gallery Virtu, an artist-owned cooperative, now invite applications from area artists. The Gallery also offers workshops for adults, teens and children in knitting, embroidery, photography, jewelry making, printmaking, papermaking, bookbinding and ribbon flowers. Gallery Virtu offers original works by the members including: jewelry, pottery, collages, sculptures, journals, hats, handbags and other textiles. For more information please call 762-7790, visit our

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website at www.galleryvirtu.org, e-mail workshops@galleryvirtu.org or visit the gallery. Regular hours: Thu 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm. 220 W Washington Street in Monticello.

Art Classes at High Cross Studio – All classes are held at High Cross Studio in Urbana. 1101 N High Cross Road. Email or call for reservations and details. (217) 367-6345 or spiritofsandra@hotmail.com..

“Portrait Paintings with Oils” – This course will provide instruction in painting portraits from photographs. Paint a portrait of your loved one or yourself. Mon-Fri daytime class and weekend workshop offered.

"Collage for the Soul" – Students will learn a variety of collage techniques, including photo and photocopy transfer, papermaking and manipulation, and frontage, while exploring a particular subject, such as a place, a memory, an experience or a relationship. No art-making experience necessary.

"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" – For adults who have always wanted to learn to draw, but felt as if they lacked talent or confidence.

Other Classes: “Making Monoprints,” “Art With Intention” (Open Studio). For information on these visit http://www.spiritofsandra.com and click on "classes," then e-mail or call for reservations.

ART EXHIBITS & GALLERIES Boneyard Pottery – Ceramic Art by Michael Schwegmann and more. 403 Water St, Champaign. (217) 355-5610. TueSat 11am-5pm.

Broken Oak Gallery – Local and national artists. Original art including photography, watercolors, pottery, oil paintings, colored pencil, woodturning and more. Refreshments served by the garden all day Saturday. 1865 N 1225 E Rd., White Heath. (217) 762-4907. Thu-Sat 10am-4pm.

Cinema Galley – Local and regional artists including many University of Illinois and Parkland College faculty members. 120 W Main, Urbana. (217) 367-3711. Tue-Sat 10am4pm. Sun 1-5pm.

Cafe Kopi – Art work from local artist Kate Sammons on display. 109 N Walnut, Champaign. (217) 359-4266. Mon-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 11am-8pm.

Creation Art Studios – Hosts a continuous and evolving display of works by students and associates of the studio.

Landscapes, florals, animal life and expressive art in various mediums by Jeannine Bestoso are also currently on display. For information, contact Jeannine Bestoso. 1102 E Washington St., Urbana. (217) 344-6955.Tue-Sat 1-5:30pm; and scheduled studio sessions. www.creationartstudios.com Country in the City – Antiques, architectural, gardening, home accessories. Custom designing available. 1104 E Washington St, Urbana. (217) 367-2367. Thu-Sat 10am5pm.

Framer's Market – Frame Designers since 1981. Current featured artists: Charlotte Brady - Botanical Watercolors, Barry Brehm - Landscape Photography, Larry Hamlin - Aquatint Etchings, Patrick Harness - Vibrant Oils and Pastels, Hua Nian - Abstract Watercolors & Pastels, David Smith -

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OCTOBER 2-8, 2003 | CAN YOU PLAY SOME HIP-HOP?

Talking dirty with Bret Michaels

BY ANDY SIMNICK | STAFF WRITER

A

piece of rock history will be returning to Urbana this evening. He may not have the influence of The Beatles or the mythic image of Jimi Hendrix, but he has written a vast number of songs that are still belted out in unison by inebriated partygoers 15 years after their release. His name is Bret Michaels, and his latest tour promoting his new solo effort Songs of Life will showcase a new side few rock fans have experienced yet.

Michaels, best known for leading the quintessential hair metal band Poison, has played in countless arenas, started a movie production company with Charlie Sheen and pretty much was the biggest rock star in the world during his prime. However, not resting on his laurels, he is exploring another creative outlet through a solo tour.

“I’m really excited to play solo,” Michaels said. “For me, it’s all the ability to go out and do a great show. At this point in my career, I’m not going to go and sell out arenas. Why kid myself? I’m just going to go out and play.”

Known for the sirens, green lighting and, most notably, the two-tiered stage, Poison’s stage show has become nearly iconic.

However, this solo tour, although involving Poison songs as well as old and new songs written by Michaels, will not have the extensive setup.

“We’re not trying to compare it to a Poison show,” Michaels said. “Imagine seeing the Stones in a club. It’s a completely different experience. You’re not going to see lamps and pyro and stuff blowing up. All the energy is going to come from the music.”

On some tracks, such as the venerable “Fallen Angel,” friends of Michaels will accompany him during the set. The band, known as American Anthem, has played with Bret before.

“We’ve played the Roxy as well as Billboard Live,” Michaels said. “It’s really good sounding.”

The transition from filled arena to crowded club is a significant one, according to Michaels.

He feels that although the energy will remain constant, the outlet for this energy will change.

“Honestly, it’s a different mindset. The reason is simple really. It’s math. When you’re on a stage in an arena, you turn your energy into the music. When we play ‘Look What the Cat Dragged In’ and I take off running, I have an abundance of energy. At the Canopy, I’ll put that energy back into the crowd. ‘Fallen Angel’ will have the same energy as before.”

Michaels has written all of Poison’s hits as well as countless other songs during his illustrious career, some of which appear on Songs of Life. He credits his longevity and success to his ability to turn ideas into a finished product.

“I have always liked creating,” Michaels

said. “My gift is my ability to turn thought in an actual, tangible product. There are millions of talented people, but the real trick is to turn it into something. Say a guy writes a song but doesn’t know what do with it. That idea goes to waste.”

With the constant transition of mainstream musical genres, some have written off Poison as relics from the 1980s.

Despite the criticism, their arena shows still garner large audiences, and the music still attracts generations of loyal fans.

“Touring for us is a chance to play for anyone that shows up,” Michaels said.

“We bridged the generation gap. I’ve got guys that were fans in the old days bringing their 10-year-olds to shows. They’re out there jamming right along with us.”

Bret Michaels and Poison are one of the few bands from their era to continue to produce new material today. Michaels credits that to the band’s integrity to their music.

9

music

“Every genre has a couple bands that survive. A lot of the bands from our genre jumped ship. If you hated it, why the fuck did you do it in the first place? They tried to get back in and the fans didn’t buy it. When Alice In Chains came about, I never said let’s fight this.

I said let’s get them on tour with us.”

One difference that separates Bret Michaels from many other lead singers is his focus on the music rather than the trends. He is very determined to keep playing his style of music, whether it is with Poison or solo.

“I like new bands such as Saliva, but I want to be a first-rate Poison, not a second-rate Saliva. I love what they do, but I’d rather do what I do. Maybe one day the radio will play the shit out of it. We weren’t hip when we started, so why stop now.”

One concern voiced by many fans upon hearing of the solo tour is the fate of Poison.

Despite rumors, Michaels claims this is part of the creative flexibility that keeps the group together.

“I originally got into music to be out of the box,” Michaels said. “I have no reason to leave Poison to go solo. If Ricki wants to work on his art or C.C. wants to sing in a side project, we say go and do it.”

Regardless of the fate of Poison and Bret Michaels, as well as their detractors, no one can argue the influence that Poison have had on today’s artists. For many of the bands starting today, Poison were a major point of reference in developing musical tastes.

“Josie from Saliva, a friend of mine, one time says ‘come on out on stage.’ He says, ‘This is the real deal. Poison sticks to their guns. This is what we grew up on,’” Michaels said. “Bands today grew up on Guns N’ Roses and Poison.”

Aside from the partying and his side projects, Bret Michaels has always been about the music from day one.

“You would find me to be a genuine person, and that has spread to the music. I grew up, picked up a guitar, started writing songs, and quit high school to play music. I’m not advocating anyone to drop out of school, but I’m real. A lot of bands sound fresh right now, and because of them rock ‘n’ roll lives on. Bands today such as All-American Rejects and Green Day are citing Poison. In 2010, who knows what will happen. For me, rock ‘n’ roll has to continue. I don’t want it to stop.”

This mentality and the ability to maintain musical integrity in a landscape dominated by trends and sweeping change have allowed Bret Michaels and Poison to remain together for over 15 years. This mentality will also carry over to the Canopy stage, leading Bret Michaels to put on a great show for those in attendance tonight. buzz

See Bret Michaels tonight at The Canopy Club for $18.

Michaels new solo album Songs of Life is in stores now.

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AHH THE SWEET SWEET SMELL OF PAGE DESIGN IN OCTOBER. | OCTOBER 2-8, 2003

playreview Road to Nirvana ★★★

Arthur Kopit

BY NIK GALLICHIO | STAFF WRITER The hole-in-the-wall Station Theatre perfectly reflects Arthur Kopit’s bizarre play Road To Nirvana. The venue holds a cozy 75 or so audience members in a pleasantly dingy room. The off-beat atmosphere is characterized by the wide age range this play attracts. Though multiple generations were represented, this is by no means a family play. The close seating invites the audience to become comfortable with each other, and the music in the background provides a good conversation starter.

(Honestly, why did time forget Madonna’s “Like a Prayer?”)

The play opens with a scene intended to shock and keeps stunning the audience the whole way through. The story revolves around Al and Jerry, two very different men, who are getting back into the filmmaking business together. Al’s unending high energy and nonstop in-your-face nature keeps the audience on its toes, while Jerry is a modern-day, nervous, sniveling Willie Loeman who gets cajoled into being a part of the “deal to end all deals.” And then there’s the female, Lou, who quietly magnifies the shady dealings. Though seemingly a mere pawn to use only when convenient, she eventually proves herself. Lou is the center to the theme of control and which gender has it. Furthermore, the themes of manipulation and greed are dealt with onstage in such a way that when the audience isn’t raucously laughing, they’re asking, “Did that really just happen?”

The witty banter of the first half balances out the slightly more serious tone of the second half. Following intermission, the plans that the characters circled around and alluded to in the first act culminate when a rock star named Nirvana enters the scene. The movie deal which Al and Jerry are caught up in involves Nirvana(Mindy Manolakes), an eccentric femme fatale, who has written the story of her life as a screenplay. Since her fame is a trump card, she gets to set the stakes.

Al and Jerry’s response to her terms for the opportunity to create her movie are what makes them the men they are. Brad Mehrtens plays Al, whose booming voice fills the room and threatens to match the size of his ego. He is set up as such a unique character that he can encourage you to cry one minute and make you laugh the next without breaking a sweat.

Elliot Kolkovich’s Jerry is not blessed with such confidence. He is depicted in a thoroughly pathetic light, acted with alarming precision. During the first half, Al relays an anecdote to Jerry concerning an airplane he was on that circled the airport because it wasn’t able to land. At times, the play seems to become in love with its own wit and forgets that it has a story to tell, but the audience is so wrapped up in the sharp quips that it hardly seems to matter.

The smart, fast-paced writing makes the 90minute play fly by. A night on the town in an unassuming venue featuring this play will provide an interesting date that is guaranteed to elicit conversation. It’s one of the few plays that offers lines like “I was considering killing you” as a compliment.

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Furniture Lounge – Local artist Dean Schwenk along with many other local and fine artwork/pottery. Also specializing in mid-century modern furniture from the 1920s1980s, retro, Danish modern, lighting, vintage stereo equipment and vinyl records. 9 E University, Champaign. (217) 352-5150. Sun-Mon 12-4:30pm, Wed-Sat 11am-5:30pm.

Gallery Virtu Cooperative – Original fine art and crafts from member artists including jewelry, pottery, paintings, collages, hats, handbags and other textiles, sculptures and journals. The Gallery also offers workshops; a new schedule of classes is on the website. 220 W Washington St, Monticello. (217) 762-7790. Thu 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm. www.galleryvirtu.org

Working together matters.

Glass FX – New and antique stained glass windows, lamps, and unique glass gifts. Gallery is free and open to the public. Interested in learning the art of Stained Glass?

Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Stained Glass Classes offered. 202 S First St, Champaign. Mon-Thu 10am5:30pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm. (217) 359-0048. www.glassfx.com.

Griggs Street Potters – Handmade functional and decorative pottery. 305 W Grigg St, Urbana. (217) 344-8546. MonFri 11am-4pm, or call for appointment.

The High Cross Studio Gallery – Works by Sandra Ahtens on display. Artist studio space available. 1101 N High Cross Rd, Urbana. Tue 7-9pm, Thu 3-5pm, Fri 3-5pm and by chance or appointment. spiritofsandra@hotmail.com Hill Street Gallery Inc. – Oil and watercolor paintings, hand painted T-shirts, handmade jewelry. 703 W Hill, Champaign.

(217) 359-0675. Sat 12-5pm or by appointment during the week.

International Galleries – Works from local artists. Lincoln Square Mall. (217) 328-2254. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am6pm, Sun 12-5pm.

Larry Kanfer Gallery – University of Illinois images by photographic artist Larry Kanfer. Unique diploma frames and other UI gifts. Sepia Champaign-Urbana Collection also on display. Available now: 2004 Prairiescapes and University of Illinois calendars. 2503 S Neil, Champaign. (217) 398-2000.

Free and Open to the Public. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. www.kanfer.com LaPayne Photography – Specializes in panoramic photography up to 6 feet long of different subjects including sporting events, city skylines, national parks and University of Illinois scenes. Las Vegas Strip photo show coming soon.

816 Dennison Dr, Champaign. (217) 356-8994. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and by appointment.

Have you ever noticed how much more you can accomplish when you work together?

At United Way of Champaign County, we bring together community partners to focus on what matters most... results.

By giving to United Way, you’re helping not just one group, but our entire community. When you add your investment, to the investments of your family and friends, imagine the positive impact you can make on the people of Champaign County. That, after all, is what matters. www.uwayhelps.org

Old Vic Art Gallery – Fine and Original Art. 11 E University, Champaign. (217) 355-8338. Mon-Thu 11am-5:30pm, Sat 11am-4:30pm.

Springer Cultural Center – cultural, recreational and educational programs for all ages as well as workshops, lectures, exhibits and performances. Offers classes in dance, music, theater, visual arts, health/wellness and for preschool children. 301 N Randolph Street, Champaign. 398-2376. MonThu 8am-9pm, Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm5pm. www.champaignparkdistrict.com Steeple Gallery – Works from Gary Ingersoll, including many Allerton Park photos on display. Also showing vintage botanical and bird prints, antiques, framed limited edition prints. 102 E Lafayette St, Monticello. 762-2924. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. www.steeplegallery.com Verdant News and Coffee & Verde Gallery – Magazines, newspapers, coffee, beverages and fine pastries along with the Verde Fine Art Gallery. 17 E Taylor St, Champaign. 3663204. Cafe hours: Mon-Sat 7am-10 pm; Gallery Hours: TueSat 10am-10pm. www.verdant-systems.com/Verde.htm UIUC Japan House – Public Tours: Every Thursday, 1-4pm, Third Sat of each month, 1-5pm or by appointment. 2000 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana. (217) 244-9934. email japanhouse@uiuc.edu.

Ziemer Gallery – Original paintings and limited edition prints by Larry Ziemer. Pottery, weavings, wood turning and glass works by other artists. Gallery visitors are welcome to sit, relax, listen to the music and just enjoy being surrounded by art. 210 W Washington, Monticello. Tue 10am-8pm, Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Al (Brad Mehrtens) speaks with Lou (Deb Duderstadt) in Road to Nirvana.

calendar

OCTOBER 2-8 2003 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

Original Acrylic Landscapes, Cindy Smith - Stone & Wood Sculpture, Bill Stevens - Humorous Recycled Metal Sculptures, Steve Stoerger - Steel & Glass Sculpture, Bonnie Switzer - Abstract Acrylic Paintings. 807 W Springfield Ave., Champaign. (217) 351-7020. Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Road To Nirvana is being performed at the Station Theatre, 223 N. Broadway, Urbana, from Oct. 1-4.

You’ll just have to go see it to find out that it takes balls to be in showbiz.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM YOUNG

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www.ziemergallery.com

ART OPENINGS

"Held Together" & "Unopened Places" – Verde Gallery presents "Held Together," sculptures by Sandra Ahtens and "Unopened Places," paintings and drawings from Jana Manson on display through Oct 4. Opening reception on Thu Sept 18, 7-9pm. Gallery Hours: Tue-Sat. 10am-10pm. www.verdant-systems.com/Verde.htm.

ART-ON VIEW NOW “Whistler and Japonisme: Selections from the Permanent Collection” – Marking the 100th anniversary of James McNeill Whistler’s death, this exhibition highlights his works on paper and examines the influence that Japanese woodcuts had on his artistic technique. On display at the Krannert Art Museum through March 28, 2004.

500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am8pm, Sun 2-5pm. (217) 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 "Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art" – The magnificent African art collection of David and Clifford Gelbard focuses on the cultural significance and aesthetic beauty of masks and sculptures—many of which were created for ceremonial and ritual purposes. This exhibition includes a wide array of objects and celebrates the durable, expressive essence of festivals, rites and coming-of-age ceremonies. On display at the Krannert Art Museum through Oct 26. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. (217) 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 "Visualizing the Blues: Images of the American South, 1862-1999" – Every picture tells a story and this exhibition of more than 100 photographs of the Mississippi Delta region portrays a profoundly vivid narrative of life in the American South. These photographs, taken from the Civil War era through 1999, show the rhythms of life from this almost mythic region and powerfully document the sources of inspiration for the lyrics and melodies of Blues musicians. Among the photographers represented are Margaret Bourke-White, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks, Andres Serrano and many others. On display at Krannert Art Museum through Nov 2.

500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am8pm, Sun 2-5pm. (217) 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 Featured Works XIII: "The Spirit of Mediterranean Pathos: The Early Work of Pierre Daura" – Pierre Daura (18961976) was a member of significant modern art movements in the early 20th century. This exhibition highlights a recent gift of works by Daura and explores the forms and colors of his paintings and drawings from about 1910 to the late 1930s. On display at Krannert Art Museum through Nov 2. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat. 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. (217) 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 "Land and Water" – The Middle Room Gallery @ the UCIMC presents "Land and Water," a group photography show curated by Lissa Raybon on display through Sept 30. The group show will focus on landscape and nature photography and will feature local photographers Lisa Billman, Jennifer Gentry and Lissa Raybon. 218 W Main St, Urbana. http://www.gallery.ucimc.org/ “Separate and Unequal: Segregation and Three Generations of Black Response, 1870-1950.” – This exhibit highlights the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision of 1896, which legally sanctioned racial segregation in the United States until 1954 when the Supreme Court overturned Plessy in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. Materials from the Library's collections and archives highlight the historical period between these two landmark civil rights cases. Sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor, the Brown v. Board of Education Commemorative Committee and the University of Illinois Library. On view at the University of Illinois Main Library, first floor hallway, during library hours. 1408 W Gregory Dr, Urbana.

Hours vary.

333-2290. http://www.oc.uiuc.edu/brown

“Through Larry Kanfer’s Lens: From Prariescapes to Cityscapes” – The latest exhibit of photographic artwork by critically acclaimed fine-art photographic artist, Larry Kanfer, features "visually stunning Prairiescapes®" (Minneapolis Star-Tribune) up to 8 feet wide. The large format photographs invite you to contemplate the vast grandeur of America's heartland, with its rich traditions and seasonal cycles of the prairie, juxtaposed against images of Midwest cityscapes, highlighting intimate architectural details. This truly awe-inspiring collection reveals the unique synergy between the land and the people of the prairie. On display at the Lark Kanfer Gallery through Oct 24. 2503 S Neil, Champaign. (217) 398-2000. Free and Open to the Public. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. www.kanfer.com

The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre presents Road To Nirvana – This dark comedy tells a story about two ex-movie moguls on the skids, Al and Jerry, reuniting to co-produce the biggest blockbuster film ever – an autobiographical account of Nirvana, the world’s biggest female pop star. She will even star in it as herself – but only if she can find producers willing to meet her extraordinary terms. – All performances are at 8pm. Ticket prices are $8 Thu and Sun, $10 on Fri and Sat, and Wed night is a special two tickets for the price of one. For reservations please call 217-384-4000.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 23

THEATRE LISTINGS Parkland Theatre presents “The Laramie Project” – Written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, this drama looks at the events surrounding the 1998 death of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo., as told through the voices of the townspeople. The director, Randi Jennifer Collins Hard, has cast over 70 community members to bring the town of Laramie to life. Performances are Oct 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8pm and Oct 12 at 3pm. A post-performance talk with the director and actors will be held on Fri, Oct 3 after the show.

General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students (over 12) and seniors, and $5 for youths 12 and under. Special priced nights are opening night, Wed, Oct 1 when all tickets are $2.99 and Thu, Oct 9 when all tickets are half their regular price. Call (217) 351-2528 for tickets and information.

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I N G I N F I R F C A R S E A L G R A A L A M A N N I E D S A R R E C K M A I N I T E S E W S

T E T L E Y S

L A M E L D Y R A P G I S E I C N E

T O P B R A S S

I S A Y

A S P S

C R I A N T C

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film & tv

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS ★★★

BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER

E

urope is not particularly nice this time of year—at least, not in this season’s films.

From Le Divorce’s presentation of bitter French ethnocentrism to The Order’s appalling depiction of Italian sacrilege, the movie theater has served as the continent’s worst possible travel brochure. With Dirty Pretty Things, director Stephen Frears turns London into a seedy nether world of economic, medical and sexual manipulation, but delivers a European film that’s finally worth the trip.

His troubling picture centers around the Baltic Hotel, which from the outside looks no less wholesome than the neighborhood Hilton.

Inside, however, the Baltic is shadier than an oak tree: prostitutes serve nightly both guests and employees, and one particularly sleazy bellman—so much so that the other employees

moviereview

LUTHER ★★

BY ANDREW CREWELL | STAFF WRITER

O

ften in historical epics, filmmakers are asked to walk a thin line. On one hand, it’s difficult to make a historically significant and accurate picture without boring the audience out of the theatre with a four-hour endurance race. On the other hand, if important facts are left out or brushed over the audience could be confused and come off as insignificant. Unfortunately, in the telling of his tale, director Eric Till commits the latter of the fallacies and trivializes the account of the well-known religious leader Martin Luther’s life.

Luther, like many religious figures of the past, was well-educated. As a lawyer, he was well-respected and a successful scholar. He later became a monk and a respected societal figure. As time went by, Luther believed the Roman Catholic Church was committing injustices. He accused the religion of wrongful interpretation of God’s word, and forgiving indulgences for profit. It was these views that spurred his most famous writing, the “95 Theses” that he nailed to his church’s main doors, and his excommunication from the Roman Church.

Inspired by his first writings, the local public responded with wild support. A mass revolt from the Roman leadership followed and

buzz OCTOBER 2-8 2003

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arts

| TAG!! YOU’RE IT!!

ARTIST’S CORNER call him “Sneaky”—specializes in the business of removing kidneys. His customers are illegal immigrants, and for the low, low price of one kidney, Sneaky provides them with fake passports so they can escape their impoverished London lives.

This doesn’t sit particularly well with Okwe (Chhiwetel Ejiofor), a Nigerian refugee who uncovers the illicit activity at the hotel when he finds a human heart clogging a toilet. Ejiofor gives a marvelously understated performance as Okwe, somewhat of an underground Renaissance man: he drives a cab during the day, works the front desk at the Baltic at night and inspects co-workers for sexually transmitted diseases in his spare time. With only a slight twitch of the mouth or raising of the eyebrow, Ejiofor silently articulates the persistence and fear that drive Okwe’s journey into the darkest regions of a city that does not even consider him a citizen.

Like most good thrillers, Dirty Pretty Things begins slowly and ambiguously, gradually speeding up to a sprint for its tense, twisting climax. Steve Knight’s script sits back on its heels as long as possible, but when it takes off, a true form of gripping suspense follows close behind. Much of the film takes place in the most seamy, secretive locations—hotel rooms, underground parking garages and mortuary examination areas—and credit these private settings for the riveting, voyeuristic feel of Dirty Pretty

Luther’s ideas culminated in a translation of the Bible into more common language that the average German peasant could understand.

His life was filled with controversies, none bigger than marrying a nun estranged from her original religious beliefs, as he dealt the Roman church one of the biggest losses they ever had.

His teachings now inspire a Lutheran following of over 500 million worldwide.

Trying to avoid a Ben-Hur knockoff, the movie was cut down to the run time of 112 minutes. The ploy made the movie very watchable as it never dragged, but it lacked the scope you expect from a film of this stature. It seemed the film loosely brushed over all the exciting points of Martin Luther’s life without picking one to centrally base the movie around.

Joseph Fiennes is believable as Luther, but because of the scope of the movie will not receive any accreditation. Luther was a man with health problems, both physically and mentally, and Fiennes seems acceptably insane in his portrayal.

The cast as a whole is also very good. Alfred Molina and Claire Cox provide humor as supporters and are two of the reasons the film was fun, despite not being significant. There were even some scenes where the audience finds themselves laughing, and rooting one way or another for the historical characters. It is just a shame that so much of the story was cut out of the film.

While the audience stayed interested, Luther failed to communicate the story properly and ultimately will be accepted as a poor interpretation of the man’s life. According to the film,

Things. Like Dave Attell with a death wish, Frears thrusts deep into the dangerous world that emerges in the late-night hours when no one’s watching, and he comes out with a grimy, engaging tale of people searching for identity in the darkest corners of society.

Once again, Frears works with unflinchingly sinister material and infuses grim subject matter with shadowy mystique. It’s a return to form for the director of Dangerous Liaisons, The Grifters and Mary Reilly, who most recently made a thoroughly enjoyable foray into sophisticated romantic comedy with High Fidelity.

But Dirty Pretty Things manages to be more than just an unsettling thriller, as there’s actually a love story peeking out from behind the gloom of unsanitary surgery and unrelenting immigration officials. As Okwe investigates the hotel’s hidden occurrences, he looks after Senay (Audrey Tautou), an illegal Turkish immigrant who lets Okwe crash on her couch. Unlike her perky romantic heroine in Amelie, Tautou plays Senay with a far more restrained sense of trampled ambition. Senay has large eyes, mussed hair and a crushed spirit; as she secretly pines over Okwe (of which he is completely oblivious), every man she encounters seeks to sexually exploit her. Without revealing too much, it’s safe to say that Senay gets her revenge in stunningly redemptive ways that will have women laughing and men groaning.

Fortunately, none of the dingy depravity of

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS | AUDREY TAUTOU Dirty Pretty Things appears exploitative or gratuitous. At times, the film is a bit inaccessible, simultaneously drawing viewers in while turning them away with a plot that feels occasionally labored. But this isn’t a movie that’s meant to knock socks off; rather, it’s meant to get shoes dirty and reveal a side of England that can’t be seen on BBC. There’s a fascinatingly old-fashioned sense of America as refuge, made all the more enthralling by the message that such an image is valid in the modern day. For these immigrants, hope is a fake passport, a plane ticket, and a postcard of New York, and while it ain’t pretty, Dirty Pretty Things is a legitimately thrilling European excursion.

SECONDHAND LIONS ★★★★ Michael Becerra

Martin Luther was just a crazy lawyer who called the Pope a dope, stuck it to a nun and became a religious icon for his “vision.”

To compare the movie to something a little more common, Luther is the Keystone Light of films. It tried to be the king, but fell hopelessly short of Budweiser. At the same time, it went down smooth and wasn’t bitter at all. The effort is applauded, but a Braveheart only comes along every so often.

Mahomet

"It's a movie for everyone."

★★★★ Danielle Clem Champaign

"It’s a sweet family movie."

SCREEN REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ no stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Unwatchable

Road to Production “Jason (is) big on sharks,” said Elliot Kolkovich, an Illini Media Company employew projects and activities in a town can ee, who plays the role of Jerry. The notion of bring people of diverse backgrounds and seeing oneself as a predator in the confines of walks of life together as community theater an aquarium environment was core to their does. The Celebration Company’s running character development process.

McCain’s use of shark- or predator-like production of American playwright Arthur Kopit’s Road to Nirvana is a prime example of exercises in order to further the dramatic what community theater is all about; the show dynamic of this play also struck Mindy has allowed not only the cast members, but its Manolakes, the kindergarten teacher who experienced director as well, to branch out cre- plays Nirvana: “Everyone in the show is behaving like a predator. atively, sharing a meanEveryone wants someingful story of absurdity thing from everybody else.” with an area that isn’t Manolakes was added sevre g u l a r l y e x p o s e d t o eral weeks into the rehearsal the genre. process, both because of her “You don’t see too later entrance into the play as many absurdist plays well as her character’s disaround here,” commented tance from the others on Jason McCain, the show’s stage. All of the actors were director. “I just want to taught to see themselves, as show the community what Jason McCain well as the others, as sharks it’s about.” Although he and piranhas vying for their has acted and directed across the country in all scales of theater, the food. They were instructed not to mug to the Parkland instructor sees his directorial debut audience, only to each other, in order to furboth at the Station Theatre and in the absurdist ther isolate the audience from the action, something not easy to do in the intimate space genre with his current show.

The tradition of community theater is about of the Station Theatre.

The challenge of doing a satirical absurdist learning and creating, and this is exactly what the cast and crew have been doing for the last show like Road to Nirvana is that the actors month in preparation for the show’s opening must all work under similar understandings last Thursday. Pieces like Road to Nirvana, a of what each scene is trying to convey and play that satirizes another satire, David what the audience needs to see. “Everyone has Mamet’s Speed the Plow, require an entirely dif- to be on the same page,” said Kolkovich. Their ferent approach for the director, cast and crew goal is to get the audience to buy into the alike. McCain began by setting some parame- satire. The more seriously the characters seem ters for the actors—five community members to be taking themselves, the easier it is for the ranging from a kindergarten teacher in her audience to get caught up in the absurd nature 21st year acting at the Station to a recently of the reality the actors are trying to depict.

Playing around with notions of meaning in graduated student in his first full-length production. For a story just outside reality, but life and absurdities in the world around us— closer than many would like to believe, he like the entertainment industry that Kopit reinforced the notion of the wall between the scathingly criticizes in his play—is what creataudience and performers. This led to a set of ing theater is all about, and this is why Road to guidelines that made the actors dynamic simi- Nirvana fits perfectly into the tradition of comlar to a fish bowl, wherein they were encour- munity theater that has seen 31 seasons at the buzz Station Theatre in Urbana. aged to develop their characters together.

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C-UViews

LUTHER | JOSEPH FIENNES

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BY BRIAN WARMOTH | STAFF WRITER

R.S. ENTERTAINMENT

moviereview

I’LL SHOW YOU SOME DIRTY PRETTY THINGS.. | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

Central Illinois The Right Help Right at your Fingertips Making it easy to find the right therapist A free referral service Affiliate of the 1-800-Therapist Network Call

[ [ You don’t see too many absurdist plays around here, I just want to show the community what it’s about.

A

my Clay is a resident of Urbana, but originally from Baton Rouge, La. Initially a student at George Washington University, Clay aspired to become a politician and a lawyer, but did not find personal fulfillment in those endeavors, and turned to philosophy and creative writing instead. She wrote the play Mousetrap last spring, which sold out both nights of its run.

She’s currently involved in a program that offers a writer’s workshop for foster youth.

What inspires you?

My friends. Being among artists who are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in their field, such as music—music really inspires me.

What themes are present in your work?

I think the major theme in my work revolves around intimacy—closely examining the quiet events of life carefully and turning them inside out to view all of the different parts.

Why did you choose the piece you are featuring?

Honestly, it’s a piece that I care deeply about that I am in the process of working on.

Also, it’s the most evolved piece of fiction in my possession at this point.

What environment do you best like to work in?

I work really well in crowded places. The thing I hate most when I am in a really creative phase is silence—I can’t work in silence and I prefer the activity of plazas and coffee shops. Otherwise, if I am working alone—I like low light, good Japanese incense and the right music in the background. One of my favorite places to work is amidst artists performing. I get into the rhythms of their work and find my own place in it. It’s a real inspiration.

Excerpt from Sweetness I can’t remember exactly how old I was when I first had them, but I know it was on the Greyhound bus traveling between Houston and Las Vegas. The memory sits strong in my mind the way the sweetness of the chocolate sits in my stomach after a package of them. Mom bought them because I loved them, because we were poor and she couldn’t give me better things in life and because she felt guilty. They filled a hole in both of our lives…

These smells mixed with gas fumes, the urinal and that particular smell that only a seasoned bus traveler can identify—that smell of people sitting too

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM YOUNG

5:23 PM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM YOUNG

10/1/03

MIRAMAX FILMS

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close together—one that an optimist would label hope and a cynic, desperation. To me it became the smell of people getting on with getting on.

True to dramatic form Jerry (Elliot Kolkovich) and Al (Brad Mehrtens) conspire to win Nirvana.

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arts

ARE YOU JOE KING? | OCTOBER 2-8, 2003

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Joking with the king of deadpan

S

[

[

I can’t write a joke on purpose. I just have to react.

else with their time.

He talks about technology very carefully. He says it in a very serious manner, maybe even a little on the quiet side. Maybe if he talks too loud and the computer hears him, it would force him to waste the rest of his life on it. He keeps an eye on these things. He didn’t know that you can send pictures via e-mails; when he got one he thought his computer was going to explode.

He hopes to have all of his material on DVD by the time of the show. Like his HBO stand up special and his Oscar-winning short film, The Appointments of Dennis Jennings. He says that no one has been able to get his material since it’s all out of print, so he’s trying to get it all out again.

Perhaps he could e-mail his work to everyone.

Just send one e-mail out to the entire world that

would have everything he has ever done on it.

At the end of the e-mail he could say, “Thank you and have a nice life. Do not reply.”

“Right,” he says. “Then I could have a big bonfire and burn the computer and all the technology I have.” buzz

Comedian Steven Wright comes to the Virginia Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK

MIRAMAX FILMS

time in August 1982, Wright was booked on Johnny Carson, a childhood dream. In 1986, he was nominated for a Grammy for his comedy album, I Have a Pony. Wright won an Oscar in aying that Steven Wright’s humor is dry 1989 for Best Short Film, Live Action for “The would be like saying that the Atlantic Ocean is Appointments of Dennis Jennings,” in which a damp. On stage, Wright comes off as com- patient kills his psychiatrist. He’s done two pletely unaffected and bored. Articles on HBO specials, Steven Wright: On Location in Wright are chock full of words like “mono- 1988 and Wicker Chairs and Gravity in 1990. He tone” and “deadpan.” His deep, sometimes goes on tour every so often, but frequently gets nasal, Boston voice delivers jokes at an aching- bogged down by the travel, even though he ly slow pace that almost makes the audience loves doing the shows. He’s also appeared in burst with anticipation. Once after a few arid many films; as the pilot from So I Married an moments into his routine he said in his droll Axe Murderer, the unseen radio DJ in Reservoir voice, “I’m feeling kind of hyper,” to a Dogs and his riveting turn as the guy on the couch in Half Baked. response of huge laughter.

Four years ago, he directed his first film, One Wright will appear at The Virginia Theatre on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. While other comedians Soldier, about a Union soldier’s reflections on rely on bits where they talk about a certain life and death, an experience he enjoyed.

“I loved it. I would love to do topic for a while (Richard it again some time. I loved it Pryor said that while he is because there was a million a comedian he can’t tell artistic decisions,” he says. jokes), Wright relies solely Wright wrote the film, directed it on jokes. Like Henny and provided some of the music.

Youngman, the king of “It was like being in art school.” the one-liners, Wright He wants to direct again and keeps them coming, the Steven Wright writes ideas down and works on only difference—he slows them, but he doesn’t have them down quite a bit. one specific project that Absent from Wright’s routine is any kind of piece on politics or real- he’s developing.

He also maintains his Web site, ly anything else. These jokes come from his ability to turn the world over on itself. He’ll www.stevenwright.com, where he posts news take something that happens or is said every articles, tour dates, clips of other performancday and he’ll explain how he sees that as an es, his paintings, and a list of books he has odd fact with a one-liner. One of his old jokes never written, including Phyllis and Her Eyelids: is, “Why is it a penny for your thoughts, but The story of a man living in a semi-parallel uniyou have to put your 2 cents in? Somebody’s verse who is arrested for inventing hockey and making a penny.” After that he’ll move on to Jesus and Santa Claus: The story of two midanother joke about an oddity of life that no one dleweight boxers in Berlin in the early 1900s.

He didn’t want to put any of his jokes on the else seems to see.

“I can’t write a joke on purpose. I just have Web site, which is fine because there are to react,” he says. The material then is gathered numerous fan sites that post them—as well as some that aren’t his. just by observing and hanging out.

“The thing that bothers me is that some of “I just hang around and wait for it,” he says.

During his act, he is like a painter painting. those jokes aren’t mine. Some of those are He’s never really done with his work, and it’s good, but some are horrible,” he says. “There’s never completely new. When painting he no rules on the Internet, it’s like the might let the paint sit for a while, then come wild west.”

“It would be like if someone broke into back to it and decide to add something. In his act, he’s constantly coming up with new mate- Barnes and Noble and ripped out Chapter 13 rial. He’ll try out some jokes in a show and see of all the (copies of) Oliver Twist and put in his if they work, but there is a base to what he own Chapter 13 where Oliver goes to Miami does. So his shows are actually more like an act and sells boats. Then someone would read it in progress that is constantly being improved. and think, ‘Man that Dickens is an asshole.’”

A Web site is an ambitious venture for He doesn’t write jokes as a job.

“I read every day and that helps me write Wright considering that he is very wary of jokes. I don’t read just to be able to write, I love technology. “I have all these things, the comreading. It’s just like a clock, one gear turns the puter, the cell phone. I keep it … I use it … If you use it, you can slip into this.” This being other,” he says.

This kind of creative process explains the the endless cycle of “shredding time” as he randomness of his career. After performing at calls it, where people keep using the invenan open mic night, Wright became a regular at tions that are supposed to save time, that end Ding Ho’s Comedy Club and Chinese up taking more time. People, he says, keep Restaurant in Cambridge, Mass. Around this using these inventions and don’t do anything

moviereview

★★★★

BY MATT MITCHELL | CONTRIBUTING WRITER DUPLEX | BEN STILLER, DREW BARRYMORE

moviereview

DUPLEX ★★★

BY PAUL WAGNER | STAFF WRITER

D

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VIRGINIA THEATRE

BY ELLIOT KOLKOVICH | EDITORIAL ADVISOR

film&tv

OCTOBER 2-8 2003 I GO RENT WAKING LIFE.

rew Barrymore screams mediocrity in this fairly witty comedy, which mocks numerous comedy cliches. Alongside co-star Ben Stiller, whose character Alex Rose is strikingly similar to Meet the Parents’ Greg Focker, Barrymore comes across like an amateur actress in her very first screen role.

When the couple moves into a new duplex so Stiller’s character can finish his novel, the sweet old lady who lives downstairs loses her sweetness quickly, so they decide to kill her. In one scene, Stiller shoots a spear gun into the wall of the old woman’s apartment, nearly missing Barrymore’s head, while she’s getting tea out of the adjoining room.

Duplex is definitely an enjoyable film, but it possesses some glaring flaws. The first and most noticeable problem is casting Barrymore.

Stiller is considered by many to be very talented and has shown his range of comedic and acting ability in many recent films. But Barrymore fails to hold her own as a co-star, displaying little acting ability and even less comedic presence. Facial expressions are important in the production of quality comedy, but Barrymore tries much, much too hard with nonverbal communication and ends up looking somewhat foolish. With a different, more talented actress, Duplex could have been comic gold for Stiller and director Danny DeVito.

Duplex also lacks likeable supporting characters. Mrs. Connelly, the not-so-sweet old lady, is described in the movie as “the weirdest seven minutes in his life,” but is more of a plot device than any form of comic relief. Officer Dan is a police officer who jumps far too quickly to ridiculous conclusions about Barrymore and Stiller, which keeps audiences from enjoying otherwise funny situations.

The ending of this film disappoints as well.

The film was a cynical, darker comedy right up to the end of the film when it turned into an “and everyone lived happily ever after” Hollywood film, drastically changing the film’s tone. With a different leading actress and a more fitting ending, Duplex would have been a very good, funny film. Instead it was a decent film, with some very witty lines. Either way, Duplex is a movie to go see.

W

ith 1991’s Slacker, Richard Linklater set the high watermark for 1990s credit-cardfunded indie cinema. His second film as writer and director, Dazed and Confused (1993), became an instant rock ‘n’ roll high school classic, and Before Sunrise (1995), remains the most convincing romantic comedy ever made, despite the fact that Ethan Hawke is onscreen for the entire film. Linklater has always been at his best when directing his own material but with writer Mike White (Chuck and Buck, The Good Girl) and actor/rocker Jack Black, he’s made The School of Rock, an exceptionally funny kids’ movie as well as an invigorating celebration of kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll.

Dewey Finn (Black) has been dumped from his band, and his roommate, Ned Schneebly (White), is hassling him for rent. All Dewey wants to do is rock, and he’s disgusted with Ned and everyone else for expecting him to sell out and get a job. He hangs fliers in search of a new band and scams his way into a “temp” gig at a prestigious prep school for some quick cash. His students are overachievers; they complain when he tells them to go ahead and slack

moviereview

THE RUNDOWN ★★★

BY AARON LEACH | STAFF WRITER

F

or the past half decade, it seemed as though the role of the bulky action star had gone the way of the dinosaurs. With former action icons Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger quickly reaching pacemaker age, it seemed like the void would never be filled. But action fans should fear no more. The Rock has come to keep the balding but bring back the bulk.

The Rundown takes viewers into the life of Beck (Duane Johnson, aka The Rock). Beck is a bounty hunter hired to find Travis Walker (Sean William Scott), a college drop-out archaeologist on the search for an ancient artifact that could bring him fame and fortune.

Unfortunately, Hatcher (Christopher Walken) is also interested in finding the same trinket.

Hatcher is a ruthless slumlord type who forces the inhabitants of his land to work the mines for next to nothing, and will have no problem with killing Travis and Beck if he doesn’t get what he wants. The movie, directed by Peter Berg (Very Bad Things), whom many may know as Dr. Kronk from Chicago Hope, offers a little

for the rest of the day. When he overhears their classical music class, inspiration strikes: he will use the class to form a band, enter the Battle of the Bands, and steal the $40,000 prize.

Under immense pressure from their parents and the draconian reign of Principal Mullins (Joan Cusack), these kids are ripe for rebellion, although they don’t know it yet. They are proficient classical musicians at the age of 10, and their parents have warned them not to waste their time on rock music. The theme is familiar: Dewey breaks the rules and teaches them to break the rules, and in the process he learns something valuable about himself and about the rock he loves so mightily. It’s not about the Benjamins, as his drummer reminds him; it’s about playing a kick-ass show.

The film is a tad slow getting off the ground, but it accelerates nicely once Dewey gets in front of the classroom. Most of the film is spent watching him school these youngsters in rock history and method, and his rapport with them is natural, spontaneous and funny. This role was written with Jack Black in mind, and it’s impossible to imagine the film without him.

After his scene-stealing supporting parts in High Fidelity and Orange County, it’s nice to see him with enough space to truly spaz out.

Black and the kids carry the film, and the underused Cusack is perfect as the uptight principal of the school; it’s good to see her doing more than hawking cell phones. The profanely acerbic Sarah Silverman is one of the funniest people alive, but there’s not enough for her to work with in her role as Ned’s uptight careerist girlfriend Patty.

Black’s performance is propelled by music, something for everyone. Think of it as Indiana Jones meets Romancing the Stone meets 48 Hours meets WWE Smackdown. The action is innovative with some interesting wire-work. It’s a mix of The Matrix and WWE-style fighting.

The Rock truly defines himself as this generation’s action icon. After moderate success with The Scorpion King, The Rock proves himself here as a bona fide movie star. He shows restraint in his performance, not the over-thetop delivery from The Scorpion King. Everything seems natural with nothing too forced. There is even an excellent “passing of the torch” moment in the beginning of the film. As Beck is being introduced, he enters a bar and passes by none other than Schwarzenegger himself who tells him simply, “Have fun,” and then exits.

With all the media comparisons between the two, this was a great addition to the movie.

Scott also shows he has more range than his Stiffler character. He and The Rock have almost the same amount of comedic moments throughout the film. Of course, the always interesting, always ingenious Walken is almost worth the ticket price all by himself with a hilarious monologue about the Tooth Fairy.

The film, however, is not without its share of problems. There are some definite tonal inconsistencies throughout the movie. Mostly, it wants to be an action-packed, buddy comedy with light-hearted fight sequences. But at times it goes into R-rated territory with unnecessarily

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COLUMBIA PICTURES

10/1/03

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK | LAURA KIGHTLINGER, JACK BLACK and most of the music that buoys the film (The Clash, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, et al.) is at least 10 years older than these kids. While Black schools his students, Linklater schools his audience, many of who have been raised on the tepid, self-indulgent cant that is filed under “rock” these days. One of the core lessons of The School of Rock is that what’s packaged as rock ‘n’ roll on MTV and corporate radio is a pale echo of the music that energized these kids’ parents when they were young.

Jack Black’s schtick isn’t easy to pin down.

His approach to epic rock in Tenacious D and The School of Rock is ironic to some degree—that is to say, it’s funny, and bands like Yes and Rush and Zeppelin weren’t necessarily trying to be funny. But his passion for the music is undeniably sincere. His over-the-top performance veers toward parody, but in the end, as he’s rocking out on stage surrounded by ecstatic and proud 10-year-olds, it’s a genuinely moving tribute to the passion and juvenile energy that is the lifeblood of rock ‘n’ roll.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

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THE RUNDOWN | THE ROCK brutal scenes. This also causes inconsistencies for Walken’s character. It is terrible enough that he is basically enslaving an entire people to mine for gold. Watching him massacre an entire tribe of freedom fighters was too much. The Rundown is fairly intelligent for the most part as well, but that still doesn’t stop it from dipping into comedic material that Scott would have been more likely to try in the American Pie films.

The Rundown is pure entertainment, plain and simple. It’s hard to lump it into one genre as it reaches into action, adventure and comedy in order to come up with an exhilarating and fun combination that will leave audiences more than satisfied. Move over Vin Diesel, here comes The Rock!

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AMERICAN SPLENDOR ★★★★

PAUL GIAMATTI AND HARVEY PEKAR Both delightfully intricate and amusingly simple, American Splendor is the opposite of this summer’s bloated adaptation of The Hulk. While Ang Lee attempted to transfer a comic book into real life, Berman and Pulcini render real life into a comic book and stretch it into a commentary on happiness, accomplishment and the disheartened lifestyle of Middle America. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly.

CABIN FEVER

no stars JORDAN LADD AND RIDER STRONG Nothing could have saved Cabin Fever from its own devouring illness. Not only did the number of plot flaws rival the body count, but even the overt sexual content and gore lost their appeal after awhile. (Daniel Nosek) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

DUPLEX ★★★ DREW BARRYMORE AND BEN STILLER Despite a terrible performance by Drew Barrymore, this comedy, directed by Danny DeVito, is moderately entertaining and funny. If you can look past its many flaws, you should be able to get a few laughs from this film. (Paul Wagner) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

FREAKY FRIDAY ★★★ JAMIE LEE CURTIS AND LINDSAY LOHAN Freaky Friday’s family-friendly plot still includes a mother and daughter unsympathetic to one another’s problems because each is convinced her own life is more difficult than the other’s. After a mysterious fortune cookie puts a fateful spell on the pair, Anna, the daughter, and Tess, the mom, wake up in each other’s bodies. (Janelle Greenwood) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

moviereview

Thursday October 2nd

Movie Night in the Beer Garden!

Dress Warm!

A film by local director Jason Pankoke.

Oktoberfest Beers are Here!

Market

Neil

Walnut

Main

University

105 N. Market St. Downtown Champaign 355-1236

MAGDALENE SISTERS ★★★★

BY JANELLE GREENWOOD | STAFF WRITER

A

t a time when the Catholic Church suffers from its greatest scrutiny comes a film that reveals its history through the broken souls of women sent to an Irish convent in the 1960s.

The film focuses on three young women whose families punish them for their sexual sins by sending them to the Magdalene Asylum. This convent masks itself as a laundry facility that cleans the souls of young women by turning them into washwomen; meanwhile the stereotypical clergy and nuns spend their free time beating and degrading these women.

The nuns use cruelty to guide these women’s lives and the resentment towards them continually grows until they give up.

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MATCHSTICK MEN

SEABISCUIT ★★★★

NICOLAS CAGE AND SAM ROCKWELL No, this isn’t a film about pyromaniacs or arsonists invading a town. Instead, matchstick men are con artists, and here the cons go between friends and family members. When Cage’s character finds out he has a daughter, they meet and she wants to join in on the con.The story is fun and entertaining, but the book is much better and doesn’t have the slow, confusing moments that the movie does. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

TOBEY MAGUIRE, JEFF BRIDGES AND CHRIS COOPER The Seabiscuit phenomenon was one of the most captivating in United States history and this film does it justice.

(Andrew Crewell) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

★★★

ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO ★★★★

JOHNNY DEPP AND ANTONIO BANDERAS Once Upon a Time in Mexico is an action film that is every bit as intense as it is gorgeous. Fans of the trilogy will not be disappointed, and most audiences will be delighted with the fresh style of action as well as the intelligence present in the script. Paying homage to western campiness with memorable characters and a bit of goofball humor, this is the summer blockbuster that moviegoers should have received two months ago.(Aaron Leach) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

OPEN RANGE ★★ KEVIN COSTNER AND ROBERT DUVALL Open Range mixes slow-paced historical nostalgia with slower-paced Little House on the Prairie references, pitting free range herders against static, prejudiced ranchers. At times, the film plays a little like Gangs of the Old West and anyone who’s even heard of classic Westerns like Shane or The Searchers can pretty much stay two steps ahead of Open Range at all times. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL ★★★ JOHNNY DEPP AND GEOFFREY RUSH All eyes are on Depp in his scene-stealing turn as Capt. Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. The characters are not all that developed and sometimes the action scenes are a bit long, but overall the film comes together as a good action flick. (Janelle Greenwood) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

THE RUNDOWN ★★★ THE ROCK AND SEANN WILLIAM SCOTT The Rundown is pure entertainment, plain and simple.It’s hard to lump it into one genre as it reaches into action, adventure and comedy in order to come up with an exhilarating and fun combination that will leave audiences more than satisfied.

(Aaron Leach) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

Many of these women, such as Bernadette (Nora-Jane Noone), don’t even understand why they were sent to the convent in the first place. At the beginning of the film Bernadette flirts with some school boys, but never actively pursues anything. After accepting the role that the sisters give her, she gives up her identity and resorts to whoring herself to a handyman to get out of the asylum.

The Magdalene Sisters focuses on the irony that the people who Catholics turn to in times of need use these people as vehicles to act upon their own sins of rage. Individual stories come together beautifully to reveal the horrors of living in a place that looks more like a prison camp or insane asylum than the respectable laundry it claims to be. These women are far from insane, and their sins by today’s standards seem commonplace, which draws out our empathy for them.

Crispina (Eileen Walsh) almost becomes painful to watch as she holds onto the dream of getting to see her son again. Nobody is allowed to visit these women and most of their families throw them away.

The brilliant and probably most vital aspect of the film is that these four women never truly

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community

OCTOBER 2-8 2003

SECONDHAND LIONS ★★★★ ROBERT DUVALL AND MICHAEL CAINE Two old men, who might have been successful bank robbers in the 1920s, take custody of their nephew. Melodramatic story, tears and laughter ensure and manipulate your emotions, but make you love every second. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

UNDERWORLD ★★ KATE BECKINSALE AND SCOTT SPEEDMAN Werewolves, vampires and humans, oh my! This Romeo and Juliet tale pits love against an eternal war between vampires and werewolves. Look for great action sequences and a dark tone similar to The Matrix. And then there’s also Kate Beckinsale in all leather to watch for. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

OPENING THIS WEEKEND LOST IN TRANSLATION

BILL MURRAY AND SCARLETT JOHANSSON Bill Murray find a relationship with a younger woman in this intelligent film set in Japan and directed by Sofia Coppola.

Opening at Beverly and Savoy

THE MAGDALENE SISTERS ★★★ NORA-JANE NOONE This is the true story of women who were sent to a convent/laundry facility to be cleaned of their sins. However, they were also beaten and brutalized along the way. This story powerfully shows women who rose against the Catholic Church in the name of decency. (Janelle Greenwood) Opening at Boardman’s Art Theatre

OUT OF TIME

DENZEL WASHINGTON AND SANAA LATHAN Denzel Washington, fresh from his Oscar-winning performance in Training Day and his lead role in the crappy John Q., portrays a cop framed for a heinous crime.

Opening at Beverly and Savoy

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK ★★★★

(From left) brothers Shamar, 2, Brandon, 5, and Christopher Hunter, 6, wait outside their home in Burch Village before going to the park.

JACK BLACK AND JOAN CUSACK Jack Black plays a rock star who bottoms out and becomes a teacher at a prep school. (Matt Mitchell)

Q & A

CarrieHomann

C

arrie Homann, owner of Carrie’s in downtown Champaign, has served the community with her business for 18 years.

Originally from Mattoon, Carrie currently lives in downtown Champaign with her daughter.

What type of antique merchandise is sold here?

We sell retro furniture, vintage clothing and other different collectibles.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

My daughter.

THE MAGDALENE SISTERS | NORA-JANE NOONE bond, which would have been the easy way to make it a “females bonding through a horrible situation” cliche. Instead, it shows their emotions caving in and their compassion for others dying. At one point, the nuns line the women up in the nude to insult their bodies and to degrade them. Survival turns into an existence that has no value for them.

This true story goes into Catholicism’s collapse and rips out the realism of what really goes on behind closed doors, enough to where someone watching it will crave anti-depressants when it’s over.

5

working on her credit. Hunter has gone back to school to get her General Educational Development (GED), she’s working on her credit and trying to get a job. Both women are determined they won’t be left unprepared when the time comes to take a new path, and they’re hoping to help some of their fellow residents out along the way.

The sisters, who are both on a task force for the redevelopment, go door to door trying to keep residents informed and get them interested. Jones said she wants to see them get involved.

Hunter said they need to make sure residents know what’s going on.

“They think that they’re going to be taken care of; they don’t know that when it’s over, it’s over,” Hunter said. “You’re not guaranteed anything, and you can end up in the cold if you don’t help yourself.”

Jones agreed that it’s really up to the individual.

“They can do things right now to help their family,” Jones said. But, she added, they have to want to. People are going to need training, they’re going to need jobs, and they’re going to need to change, she said.

“They got time to work on it,” Jones said.

“This is something that’s going to benefit them too. We’re walking that long line, and we’re not saying that it’s going to be easy but you can start doing things on your own and gradually you’ll start getting there.”

“I want to know that when Burch Village gets torn down I got a plan,” she said. “I got a plan and I know where I’m going.” buzz

MIRAMAX FILMS

Drive-thru Reviews

CHECK OUT THOSE SISTAS!! | OCTOBER 2-9, 2003

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

10/1/03

What is the one thing that always makes you smile?

That would also be my daughter.

PHOTO | ELLIOT KOLKOVICH

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Who is your favorite historical figure?

Elvis Presley.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Going fishing with my dad.

What did you want to be growing up?

As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian.

How would you describe the ChampaignUrbana area?

I’ve lived here for 15 years and I like the area.

The college here provides diversity for Champaign in terms of culture.

What is the best part of your day?

The best of my day would have to be early morning. It’s quiet and I’m able to think about things before I start my busy day.

What is your favorite place to go in the Champaign-Urbana area?

I like to go to the park with my daughter; there are always different activities at the park. My favorite place to eat at is Radio Maria. My favorite place to shop is downtown Champaign.

What music do you primarily listen to?

In the store, we primarily play the oldies, early jazz, and music from the 1920s and 1930s.

If you could live in another era of time, when would you choose to live?

1920s. I love the fashion during that time.

And the art decor.

What advice would you give to anyone that wants to open a business?

Think twice this day in age. Back when I first started, everything was easier because there was less competition. Today, business owners have to deal with more competition.

What’s the best movie you’ve ever seen?

The best movie I’ve ever seen was probably Gone with the Wind.

What are you the most passionate about?

Shopping.

What do you do to relax?

Shopping. And sitting down and having a cocktail.

What is the meaning of life?

I would have to say doing good for others and being happy.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

My daughter and our animals. And red licorice too.

What makes you get up in the morning?

Coffee!

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4:56 PM

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community

changed. It is no longer the home of crimeridden apartments any more than any other part of the city, according to Champaign City Council member Kathy Ennen.

But many officials say the previous redevelopments will have all been for naught unless Burch Village is redeveloped. In fact, Forsyth said Burch Village is really the “last piece of bad neighborhood that has to go away.”

Pat Stebbins, a commissioner on the HACC Board of Directors, agreed that “we cannot revitalize the corridor on Bradley with Burch Village sitting there.” She added that having Burch Village across the street would make it harder to sell Taylor Thomas houses and that the difference between the two developments would most likely increase feelings of isolation.

“It’s very isolating to live in public housing,” Stebbins said. “With that fence separating you from the rest of the world it’s hard to see beyond your current conditions.”

Mixing it up Project developers know public housing creates isolation.

Peter Levavi, one of the developers on the project from Brinshore Development, said there is a “general consensus that isolating public housing residents in their own development lessens life choices” and doesn’t expose them to the full world of options they have.

All parties involved in the development agree on a mixed-income development.

Ennen said having a diverse economic neighborhood is a goal of the council.

“It really uplifts the whole community when we don’t have (an) area of city pinpointed for poverty,” she added. “It improves the flavor of the area and of the neighborhood.”

She said isolating poverty only serves to “cramp dreams and stop hopes.”

“We’re creating a neighborhood, not a fenced-in project,” Ennen said. “And, a lot of good things (about) having a village, we’re not wanting to take that feel away.”

Ennen said the project will take much work. While much can be accomplished

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buzz

OCTOBER 2-8 2003

A lot of hope With a price tag ranging from $7 to $20 million, the proposed redevelopment of Burch Village carries many funding requests. The City of Champaign has already guaranteed $400,000 of their HOPE funds for the year.

The fate of the redevelopment rides on getting the tax credits from the state. But without the HOPE VI fund to demolish the current housing, the project will not be possible.

“We can’t afford to redevelop without HOPE VI,” Forsyth said. “We’re not planning on not getting the funding but if HOPE VI doesn’t happen we might very well be back to the drawing board.”

Patricia Stebbins, HACC Board commissioner, agreed that the redevelopment would go better with HOPE VI, but said the project can be done without HOPE VI; it just won’t be done the same way.

“We need to have HOPE VI to do public housing,” Stebbins said. “Without it even the other units would be more difficult to fund.”

Stebbins said the cuts the HACC has faced are making changes difficult and added that they fear more cuts because of the Iraq war.

“We may be seeing the closing down of public housing as we know it,” Stebbins said.

“We can’t afford to run public housing on 60 percent of the funding we used to receive.”

With such tight budget constraints, outside funding for the redevelopment is vital.

There are many parts to getting the redevelopment off the ground, Stebbins said. “If one domino doesn’t fall into place, it could stop the whole thing,” she added.

Making room for a community With funding possibilities in place and determined developers, the city and the HACC have begun making plans for their many displaced residents.

Of the 67 units on site at Burch Village, 40 total units will be replaced, and a third of those units would be designated for public

PHONE: 217/337-8337 DEADLINE: 2 p.m. Monday for the next Thursday’s edition.

INDEX

Two-year-old Shamar Hunter looks past the iron fence that encloses the public housing project to watch a truck drive by. Diane Hunter believes the fence works to "separate us from the community."

housing. Essentially Burch Village will be going from a 67-unit public housing project to a 50-unit mixed income housing development with roughly 13 public housing units throughout the property.

That means that a lot of Burch Village’s current residents are going to be displaced and many people are concerned about just where those displaced residents are going to live.

“Everyone’s going to be relocated, nobody’s homeless,” Forsyth said. “The Housing Authority has a relocation plan in the works; by federal law everyone has to be given options.”

It’s never easy to relocate more than 100 people, Stebbins said, but it can be done.

Residents of Burch Village will be given several options for relocation. They will be offered Section 8 vouchers which they can take anywhere in or outside of the community, a rent subsidy where a portion of the market rent is paid by the government. They can move into another public housing unit. They can move to an entirely new community.

They can try to qualify to purchase a home.

And they can try to qualify to live at Burch Village once it’s complete.

The final option for residents who don’t qualify for housing is a lump sum cash option. However, those involved in the relocation process will be doing everything they can to make this the most unattractive option. As Forsyth said, “you don’t want them to end up living in a car because that’s where they spent the money.”

“We all live here, we’re not removed from the situation,” Forsyth said. “No one wants to hear in six months that people slipped through the cracks.”

Making their own way Burch Village resident Ruth Jones knows she’s going to have to take care of her own interests.

Jones and Hunter have been doing all they can to prepare for the coming redevelopment—if it happens. The sisters would like to own their own homes and have been doing what they can to reach their goals.

Jones works, has taken seminars and is

21

OCTOBER 2-8 2003 | IN THIS WORLD THERE ARE ALWAYS THINGS WE WANT THE TRICK IS KNOW WHAT IS NEED VERSUS WANTED

through beautification and planning, many old perceptions and stereotypes still need to be addressed, she said.

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

4

10/1/03

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4:55 PM

Page 1

22odds & end Mr. Bush may want to borrow your car AND ANOTHER THING

W

hen I was in college, there was a guy who lived on our dorm floor who became a pain in the ass.

We were all freshmen and getting to know each other and he seemed like a good guy, pretty decent at basketball, so we hung out with him. We went out after a game and he bought the first round, but after that his wallet never left his pants. It was just the beginning.

He wanted to borrow your car. He tried to steal your girl. He tried to pick fights. He would talk about people behind their backs. He was a jerk. He probably needed medication.

He reminds me a lot of our president.

Remember back when George Bush gave us that tax refund, around $300? Everyone was so damned happy with him. Everyone could pick up that DVD player or use the money as I did, for a few nights of beer and strippers. It’s just like the guy from college buying beer the first night out.

Our president tried to impress us and get in our good graces. Actually, I think bribing is the correct word, but whatever. He was basically kissing ass, setting us up so he could take advantage of us later. He’s been acting like a freaking tool ever since.

Mr. Bush has put our economy in a tailspin rivaled only by the film roles taken by Cuba Gooding Jr. He’s got us in a fight with other countries. Mike Tyson looks restrained compared to him. He’s appointed his ridiculous friends to important positions. He hasn’t finished anything he’s started. He’s manipulative.

He is kind of an idiot, just like the guy from college. And, quite a few people have had just about enough of him.

I didn’t even mention the lying about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. Still, he may be more dangerous when he tells the truth.

His administration is in hot water for a press leak that exposed the identity of a CIA operative. The operative is married to former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV, who has criticized the Bush handling of Iraqi intelligence, but I’m sure that has nothing to do with it. It’s still never a good idea to narc on your own people.

I’ve seen JFK about a hundred times and I’m fairly convinced the CIA had something to do with killing John F. Kennedy. Now, Bush has the stones to piss them off. I’d go ahead and keep the top on the limousine for a few more months if I were him.

So now, the White House is being probed. It’s about time, since they’ve been probing us like a sadistic doctor at a colon cancer screening since

they took office.

Security adviser Condoleeza Rice said she “knew nothing” of the White House leaking the information. It’s always a good sign when a ranking official uses the same excuse as Sergeant Schlutz on Hogan’s Heroes. She added it’s not “the way that the president would expect his White House to operate.”

That’s probably right, though I’m not sure how he expects his White House to operate. I’m sure he’s happy so long as someone will play Lincoln Logs or Candyland with him a few times a week.

I’m sure they’ll say the president had no knowledge of the leak. I bet they’ll be right.

Anytime someone says he has no knowledge of something, I gotta say, I believe them.

Now, they’ve got the Justice Department investigating the leak, except they’re investigating their own superiors. Yeah, that usually works out pretty good. Anytime you expose your boss for wrongdoing you can generally be sure that a big promotion isn’t far away. I’m sure John Ashcroft would like to help out, but he is probably busy covering up the breasts of statutes.

Wilson said in a telephone interview that four reporters from three television networks called him in July and told him that White House officials had contacted them to encourage stories that would include his wife’s identity.

Robert Novak, a popular columnist, finally helped the White House out and mentioned her in his July 14 column. The leak could be considered a federal crime and it could endanger the life of the operative and anyone who had contact with her over several years. I mean, it’s hard to operate secretly when everyone knows who you are.

So there, it could be a crime. But nobody will probably even care that much.

It doesn’t seem like all that big of a deal when you consider all the stupid shit his administration has pulled. I mean, geez, we can overlook a few things here and there. That’s what you want in a leader really, someone whom the public has so little confidence in that they will skip over criminal activity.

It won’t be long until he’ll want to borrow our cars or something.

Michael Coulter is a videographer at Parkland College and a bartender. He writes a weekly email column, “This Sporting Life” and has hosted several local comedy shows. He can be reached at coulter@readbuzz.com.

DON’T BE THAT GUY | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

this week Th Oct 2 Wine Tasting 5pm, free Chip McNeill, jazz saxophone 7:30pm, $2-$5 Three Tales Beryl Korot, video and Steve Reich, music 7:30pm, $17-$28 Talkback: following the show, free

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William Moersch and Ricardo Flores, percussion 7:30pm, $2-$5

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ian Hunter, 30, was already living at Burch Village in Champaign when her sister Ruth Jones, 31, moved in about two years ago. The sisters came to the public housing project on Bradley Avenue for two different but similar reasons. They stayed because there hasn’t been a better choice. Hunter, the mother of eight children, lives with her husband. She decided to come to the project from Chicago after her son was diagnosed with cancer.

Jones, the mother of six, lives with her husband. She decided to come to the project from Rantoul because it was closer to her job as a cook at the University of Illinois.

Living at Burch was to be temporary, Hunter said. The mission of public housing in Champaign County is to prevent impoverished individuals and families from spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent or utilities. But as many discover, the sisters have found it’s harder to get out of an undesirable situation than to get in one. Both sisters said they dream of owning their own homes, a dream that may be in reach.

Long known for drugs, prostitution and crime, Burch Village has never had a good reputation in the Champaign community.

Hunter and Jones admit that the project is known for its bad reputation, but that’s part of the reason they say the project needs to be redeveloped.

“I would like my kids to live next door to doctors, lawyers and nurses,” Jones said.

“They’re not getting that here. All they see is gang members, prostitutes and drug dealers.

I don’t want my kids to see that and think that’s the only life there is for them. I want them to know that there’s more.”

The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) and city officials want this to happen in Burch Village. The current plan is to tear down all of the existing units at Burch Village, down to the roads, and start from scratch.

Sixty-seven existing public housing apartments would be demolished in the plan. The new development consists of 50 total units built on the existing Burch Village—roughly a third of them would be public housing. In short, not all Burch Village residents will be able to come back to the new development.

But it all depends on funding.

Kerri Forsyth, a neighborhood development coordinator for the city, has been assigned to work part time at the HACC until the project is complete. Forsyth said most of the project’s money would come from a HOPE VI grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HOPE VI program is focused on redeveloping existing

3

community

OCTOBER 2-8 2003

A Fresh Start: Redeveloping Burch Village D

Joan Hickey, jazz piano 3pm, $2-$5

Funding for Three Tales is provided by “Silicon, Carbon, Culture,” a joint initiative of the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Fine and Applied Arts, with support from the Madden Initiative and the Offices of the Provost and Chancellor.

buzz

BY SARAH JO BRENNER | STAFF WRITER

Su Oct 5

Some Krannert Center programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, and patron and corporate contributions.

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public housing with lower-density housing because it has been determined that “a concentration of low-income people in one area is not successful,” Forsyth said.

The HACC is planning to apply for HOPE VI funds for the project, but they must demonstrate a “commitment” to the project.

They will first have to apply for tax credits by Dec. 15. Once those are secured, financial planning could continue with the HOPE VI application. The HACC applied for the money this year but got turned down.

But Jones and her sister aren’t pinning all their dreams on one hope.

Jones won’t leave things to chance. She said she believes it’s up to individuals to make better lives for themselves, and she isn’t just talking about other residents. Jones organizes social events and plans educational talks and workshops for Burch Village residents at the project’s Resource Center. She has had colleges, credit counseling services, banks and several other organizations come to the center.

“My key point is that residents need to help themselves,” Jones said. “There are a lot

of intelligent people out here but they don’t know how to put it to use. And, there are a lot of programs out there to help them but they have to search for them.”

“Some of these residents may be at the lowest point in their lives, and all they need is for somebody to uplift them,” Jones said. She added that in all reality the residents of Burch Village “may be here for a while” and that they need to do what they can while they can.

A visible need It seems there is a lot to be done whether the redevelopment happens or not.

The picture Hunter and Jones paint of their neighborhood is not a pretty one, but then many of the realities of Burch Village are not pretty.

Surrounded by a thick, black iron fence, the public housing project is to pick out along the residential Bradley Avenue. Identical redbrick buildings placed closely together line the property. The only identifying marks are the apartment numbers and signs of age.

Rusted pipes decorate the buildings. Doors are scratched and banged up; screens are torn

and missing. There is more mud than grass along the cemented walkways that serve as yards for the apartments.

Years ago, Burch Village was only a small part of a big problem—the north side of Champaign. The 400 block of Bradley Avenue all the way up to the railroad tracks was notorious for drugs, prostitution and gang activity. It was the “bad” part of town, and although few community members have forgotten that stigma, much has changed in recent years.

Parkside and Mansard Square, two privately owned housing developments that seemed to breed trouble, have since been torn down. In their place now stand Oakwood Trace and the soon-to-come Taylor Thomas Homes, both geared to bringing a mixedincome population to the area.

Oakwood Trace, now run by the HACC, has no public housing units; its 61 units are either tax credit or market rate. The new Taylor Thomas Homes development, on which the city plans to break ground this year, will bring in 15 single-family homes to the area. The face of Bradley Avenue has

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

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Diane Hunter sits in the living room with her 3-year-old daughter Rachel. Hunter has lived at Burch Village, the public housing project on Bradley Avenue in Champaign, with her husband and eight children for the past three years.

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Volume 1, Number 30 COVER DESIGN | Amy Hanlon

editor’snote This week, my column will not be on an article or column appearing in Buzz. It will be on a column that did not run in this week’s issue. I have wrestled with myself over publishing the column that I decided not to run.

The decision made me lose sleep, question my journalistic ethics and search for my definition of free speech.

I will not name the column, nor the columnist or the topic of the column. But it forced me to make decisions that were not popular with some important people on my staff and in my life. I had people who I loved telling me to go one way and I had those I respected telling me to go another.

In the end, I found that making unpopular decisions can be impossible. I discovered that editors must sometimes restrict speech. As editor, I believed my job description was to promote as much speech as possible, in as many forms as possible. Past columns I have written have espoused this ideal, especially my plea for letters. That’s why making a decision to hold or allow a controversial piece was such a difficult decision.

In the past, I decided not to run stories because of their libel content. These stories lacked sources, appeared biased or seemed one-sided. As a former metro editor at The Daily Illini, I had to make decisions like these on a daily basis.

In the case of this week, the column’s vivid writing combined with its message created a

difficult decision for me. Yet, the column contained vulgar and obscene terms that should not be printed in this publication. For the first time, I found myself questioning what is appropriate and inappropriate. It tortured me to decipher the line of obscenity and how far our publication should go.

To be honest, I never thought I would tell a writer I could not publish their views in the magazine, views I respected and believed in.

The issue befuddled me so much I found myself dreaming about the repercussions of publishing the column.

Finally, after talking with a number of people, I came to the conclusion that the column belonged in another publication, one that catered to that form of expression. I realized Buzz is not a completely open forum where people can publish vulgar or offensive language, even if the language conveys an important and necessary message.

All opinions should be heard and all forms of expression should be expressed.

Unfortunately, every magazine has its specific niche and sometimes, not all voices match the tone of those publications.

TR

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OCTOBER 2-8 | I ‘M SICK :-(

CROSSWORD PUZZLE (ANSWERS ON 17)

WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

ACROSS 1 Not running away from a challenge 9 Drink 15 1985 Springsteen hit 16 Siouan speakers 17 Bag holder 18 Mimic 19 France/Hungary separator, once: Abbr.

20 Product stamp 22 All-out 25 Stuff 26 Roh ___ Woo, former South Korean president 27 Hindu aphorisms 28 Singer Sumac 29 Starting point 30 Shut up 31 Grieg’s “___ Death” 32 Singular 33 “The Magic Mountain” novelist 35 Half-day exam, briefly

37 80’s defense let-

3 “Chéri” novelist,

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4 Like Beethoven’s

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5 Saints’ grp.

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inventory 45 Mus. work 46 Popular airplane maker 48 “How Can ___ Sure?” (1967 hit) 49 Bring in 51 ___-Irish 52 Bad spelling?

56 Court strategy 57 ___ Islands, east of Miami 58 G.I. ID 61 Doesn’t act well 62 “Need help?” response 63 Starts again 64 Bottom-line figures DOWN 1 They may involve dukes 2 Loverlike

1920

Symphony No. 6

and others 7 Destined for markdown: Abbr.

8 Some tea bags 9 Higher-ups 10 Words to an old chap?

11 Bud 12 Not too sexual or violent 13 It’s a tight fit 14 Treasure 21 Without believability 23 Cologne with a literary name 24 Part of many a refrain 29 Like “Frankenstein” 31 Actress/singer Marcovicci 34 “Almost” 36 Old royal emblems 37 Lofty

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Volleyball serving,(/n) orange and blue. No more frogs.(/n) Sniff. Too bad! Adieu.

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EB - Your smile gets me every time, so stop smiling and make your move - just one of the little people at the V.Room!

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DirtyTalk Dan- Finally it published! Your hard work shows you're a talented writer. You inspire me and I love you! - Bre

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Hey Mary-- I peed in your pool!! I peed in your pool!! -net

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ITARP Hotty-- I watch you walk with your blue bookbag everyday, you strong handsome man.

Please let me curate your goodies.--your Aussie Queen Marsh - You are the only one I want to make beautiful music with... you bring the jello...

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Carol-Thinking of you is like having my mind on my money and my money on my gine

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Hey Nettie I peed in yo' pool I peed in yo' pool!

Amy- You make diseases sexy.

Puzzle by Rich Norris

38 “Fat chance”

44 Storyteller

55 Political suffix

40 Delivers with

47 Terminators, in

59 Part of many a

effort 42 Handsome young men 43 “What are you waiting for?!”

film 50 Quilt patch 53 Commend 54 Perceived

bus. name 60 Bother

Lauren- If you were a donut and I was coffee, would you let me get you wet?

Betsy- There’s just something about you when you dress up like a man... it makes me question my sexual preference.

Sade says lover’s rock.

Aneel- Is it my fever, or are you hot?

Keir- You know all those sweet talks? Yeah, they were from me. I want your nuts. -Adam Adam- I wish I was as cool as Keir, so I could receive some of your affection.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

BUZZ STAFF

Editor-in-chief Tom Rybarczyk Art Director Meaghan Dee Copy Chief Erin Green Arts Katie Richardson Music Brian Mertz Entertainment Jason Cantone Calendar Marissa Monson Assistant Music Editor Jacob Dittmer Calendar Coordinators Lauren Smith, Cassie Conner, Erin Scottberg Illustrations David Chen Photography Elliot Kolkovich, Adam Young, David Southard Copy Editors Elizabeth Zeman Designers Adam Obendorf, Carol Mudra, Marissa Monson, Jason Cantone Production Manager Theon Smith Editorial Adviser Elliot Kolkovich Sales Manager Lindsey Benton Marketing/Distribution Melissa Schleicher, Willis Welch Publisher Mary Cory All editorial questions or letters to the editor should be sent to buzz@readbuzz.com or 2449898 or buzz, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, Ill., 61820.

Buzz magazine is a student-run publication of Illini Media Company and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Today and every day, five million lightning bolts will flash between earth and sky somewhere on our planet. At any given moment, two thousand thunderstorms are raging.While you may not be in the literal presence of one of these elemental outbreaks in the coming week, Aries, I believe you will channel a similar kind of energy: You'll be fiercely and tenderly alive with the blended force of primal fire and water.

This doesn't necessarily mean you'll careen out of control; you may be able to express the booming power in its most constructive form, cleansing and clarifying everything you touch.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): My investigation of recent Taurean behavior reveals that you have committed two spankable offenses. I will not, however, authorize any enforcers to turn you over their knees and apply their palms forcefully to your buttocks -- not yet, anyway. First I want to give you a chance to atone, by filling in the gaps in your understanding and ripening the attitudes that led to your deviation from the righteous path. Or would you prefer to avoid the hard work of making amends and instead just accept a spanking?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I should caution you that this horoscope may be banned in certain parts of Louisiana, South Dakota, and Arkansas, as well as a number of other areas around the world in which silky uproarious techniques of sacred yumyum are considered dangerous to the status quo.The fact is, Gemini, you have the potential to be a genius of love in the coming weeks. You are poised to discover higher forms of pleasure that would make plain old ordinary hedonism irrelevant. A previously unimaginable level of erotic mastery is within your reach.

Now memorize this coded message: freesurgingfearlesswideawakerapturewrestler.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): HELP WANTED: Practical dreamers with high emotional intelligence needed to become experts in the following subjects: the art of possessing abundant resources without feeling greed or a sense of superiority; the science of cultivating luxurious comfort in a way that does not lead to spiritual sloth; and a knack for enjoying peace and serenity without diluting one's ambition. Applicants should be members of the Cancerian tribe. Send evidence of your skills to Poised Plenitude, c/o freewillastrology@hotmail.com.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your natural scent is strong and good these days. Your body is more flexible than usual and your willpower is extraordinarily supple. Even when you're tired, your voice is a healing melody; when you're well-rested, the words you

express can disperse tensions that have lingered for a long time.

Your ability to protect and inspire others reminds me of a mother dispensing snappy wisdom to her children. And your courage is teeming with innocent savvy. I swear you could hypnotize an agitated rattlesnake or gently crack open a closed mind.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Do you have affluenza? The PBS TV show "Affluenza" (http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/) define it as follows: the sluggish, unfulfilled feeling that results from struggling to keep up with the Joneses; the stress, overwork, waste, and indebtedness caused by an addiction to consumer goods.

Signs that you suffer from this malady include the following: 1.

You'll pay more for a t-shirt if it has a cool corporate logo on it. 2.

You're willing to work 40 years at a job you hate so you can accumulate lots of stuff. 3. You believe that if you buy the cocktail dress, the cocktail party will come. If you have even a mild version of affluenza,Virgo, I recommend that you seek a cure in the coming days. The astrological time is ripe to learn about having fun and living successfully without spending lots of money.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): On my twentieth birthday, I found a big bag on the ground while walking across a vacant lot in Durham, NC. Odd symbols adorned the outside. Inside were taxidermically preserved specimens of a hummingbird, snake, bat, lizard, frog, and praying mantis. I brought the find home and sought the counsel of my roommate, who was knowledgeable about strange phenomena. He speculated that the animals were raw materials for a magic spell, and said the symbols were ancient alchemical formulas. Maybe it was coincidence, but the next month was a miracle. I met two new lifelong friends, discovered the person who became my greatest teacher, and got a glimpse of my life's purpose for the first time. I predict that if you're alert as you wander through the world, Libra, you will come upon a comparable good luck treasure this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): By a margin of 4-1, my Scorpio readers have voted to impose on me a six-week ban on all references to maddening ambiguity. You have informed me that you're weary of grappling with enigmas wrapped inside conundrums.

You want earthy instructions and simple truths. Maybe I'll start obeying your orders next week, but I'd be remiss if I didn't let you know that you're about to be offered odd gifts from people in transition, benevolent interventions that require major course corrections, and mysterious help from the Great Beyond.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): To the naked eye of the casual observer, there won't seem to be enough love or money or other

good stuff to go around this week. But if I'm reading the astrological omens correctly, you will be able to magically stretch and expand the resources to fulfill not only your own needs but those of a small multitude. Just assume, then, that you'll have the same mojo that Jesus allegedly had when he fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fishes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): "New studies of the brain suggest that play may be as important to life as sleeping and dreaming," writes Stuart Brown in "National Geographic." In other words, science is on the verge of confirming what we play activists have always preached: To be a healthy master of reality, you have to play every day. This is always true, of course, but it's twice as true for you right now. To make sure you know exactly what we're talking about here, Capricorn, study Brown's definition: "Play is spontaneous, pleasurable behavior that has no clearcut goal and does not conform to a stereotypical pattern."

Lauren- This cold keeps making me cough, I wish I could have something else from you to make me spasm.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Are you afraid of what you want?

Are you suspicious of success? Are you suffering from a hope deficit? Do you tend to go numb when in the presence of possibilities that should excite you? Then this week will be a boon.You will have the chance to pull off a rare form of exorcism -- an exorcism not of grotesque demons and dumb-ass ghosts, but rather of the jaded cynicism that subtly corrodes your intelligence.Take this opportunity, my dear Aquarius, to cleanse yourself of the reflexive doubts that the world around you has brainwashed you into regarding as normal.

404 girls- I really enjoyed the night at your place, we should do it again sometime (maybe even with pokey sticks, or some sort of poking stick).

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The daily grind is on the verge of crushing your spirit; you're way too close to giving in to the petty pressures of everyday insanity. In my astrological opinion, therefore, you're ready to indulge in what French poet Charles Baudelaire called "a taste for the infinite." More than that: You desperately need to cultivate a voracious hunger for the infinite.

Call it going back to your spiritual roots if you like. Think of it as talking to God or expanding your consciousness or meditating till your heart melts into a state of union with your eternal source.

You've got to get yourself some deep and intimate communion with the Divine Wow. Rob Brezsny's Free Will ✍ HOMEWORK: ☎ Try to peek into your subAstrology beautyandtruth conscious mind and figure out the most important truth that you have been utterly oblivious to. www.freewillastrology.com.

@ f r e e w i l l a s t r o l o g y. c o m 415.459.7209(v)• 415.457.3769 http://www.freewillastrology. com P.O. Box 798 San Anselmo, CA 94979

LUCUSL- You are da bomb.

To the hot girl in those tight black pants at COs on Thursday (yeah, you), I think you looked great and I wanna be your sugar daddy.

To everyone reading this instead of paying attention in class, we love you. Send some next week!

Matt- Wanna get bronchitis the fun way?

Marvin - Let’s get it on.

DJ Mertz- You’ve got musical talent and you’re gonna be a lawyer, why hasn’t someone snagged you?

Tom- thanks for soup, your rock.

Diane and Gary- I predict clear skies ahead for the two of you.

Jacob- I’ll be your meat wad any day of the week. :-)~~~ SWEET “DIRTY” TALKS ARE FREE. To submit your message go to www.readbuzz.com and click on the Sweet Talk link. Please make your message personal, fun, flirty and entertaining. Leave out last names and phone numbers because we (and probably you!) could get in big fat trouble for printing them. We reserve the right to edit your messages. Sorry, no announcements about events or organizations. (Enter those at cucalendar.com)

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SNEEZE. | OCTOBER 2-8 2003

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