Buzz Magazine: Dec. 11, 2003

121103buzz0120

20

12/10/03

4:09 PM

Page 1

THE CIRCLE IS PERFECT. | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17 , 2003 buzz

z buz Dec. 11-Dec. 17, 2003 Arts | Entertainment | Community

FREE!

COMMUNIT Y

Q&A with Nargile owner (page 4) ARTS

Retro store offers hot finds (page 5) MUSIC

Hybrid fuses rock and electronics (page 7) CALENDAR

Dressy Bessy come to Cowboy Monkey (page 12) FILM

Come get some Honey (page 14)

Hookah bar lights up Champaign

121103buzz0219

12/10/03

4:09 PM

Page 1

2

RHYTHM IS MY LIFE | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 buzz

insidebuzz 3 5 8 10 14

COMMUNIT Y

Hookah bar lights up Champaign ARTS

Dickens’ Christmas tale MUSIC

Tupac resurrected CALENDAR

See all there is to do in C-U FILM

Pull into this Station

Volume 1, Number 41 COVER DESIGN | Amy Hanlon

editor’snote

B

eing a music fan in ChampaignUrbana can be a challenge sometimes. With so much variety in musical genres, it’s easy to end up defining yourself narrowly.

If you are strictly a hip-hop fan, you eventually get into a routine of going to the clubs where this town’s fine hip-hop DJs and live acts drop great beats and rhymes. If indie rock is your fare, you know which venues to frequent. If you dig the sounds of house music, you head out to clubs and house parties on the weekends. Champaign-Urbana has all of those scenes plus thriving country, jazz, blues, industrial and even reggae scenes.

With all this variety and a multitude of venues that are specific homes to these sounds, it is easy to become comfortably pigeonholed into one label. That guy is a hip-hop head.

That girl is a house kid. That cynical chap in horn-rimmed glasses only likes indie rock.

A lot of venues in town make a concerted effort to offer a variety of sounds over the course of a week. And that is something that should be applauded. But which fans show up each night is almost solely dependent on what is playing through the sound system.

Unfortunately, what this means is that except for a few souls who drift between scenes, music fans in this town often end up compartmentalized as concertgoers.

But I witnessed some things last week that I believe will start to buck that trend and lead to greater overlap between the music scenes in

this town. And it all took place at Champaign’s newest venue—Nargile.

I wandered into Nargile on Tuesday afternoon before it opened, and the place was a mess. I naturally had some doubts about it being able to open in four days.

But working there that afternoon were famous faces from the local indie rock scene and the hip-hop scene. And then there were people who just believed in Nargile enough to get it opened through sheer force of will.

Even more encouraging was the opening night lineup with Jason Finkelman’s Nu-Orbit Ensemble, At Knifepoint and Orphans upstairs and DJ ImpacT, the premiere house DJ in C-U, downstairs. And at the end of the night, fans of all different types of music filed out together with smiles on their faces.

I felt privileged to spin downstairs the next night while the hip-hop acts held it upstairs.

After just one night there, I already feel like I’m part of something big.

Nargile’s ability and willingness to have multiple genres operate under the same roof on the same night is a major boon to Champaign-Urbana music as a whole. The fact that people are checking out new styles of music there is even bigger.

This is not to say that Nargile is going to unite the different music scenes into one big happy family overnight. But just being around new people with different tastes can only lead to good things for everyone.

-- Brian Mertz, Music Editor

C

orrection—A photo in last week’s “All things C-U” section misidentified a performance at the Station Theatre. The photo was really taken at Krannert Theater. The buzz regrets the mistake.

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 Photography Adam Young, Christine Litas, Katy Mull, John Loos, Katie Richardson Copy Editors Elizabeth Zeman, Suzanne Sitrick Designers Meaghan Dee, Jason Cantone, Marissa Monson, Carol Mudra, Adam Obndorf, Amy Hanlon Production Manager Theon Smith Editorial Adviser Elliot Kolkovich Sales Manager Lindsey Benton Marketing/Distribution Melissa Schleicher, Maria Erickson Publisher Mary Cory All editorial questions or letters to the editor should be sent to buzz@readbuzz.com or 337-8137 or buzz, 57 E. Green 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 of Illinois administration, faculty or students.

Tommy G’s Bar and Grill

featuring food by Foudini’s

Fri., December 12 FREE FOOD FRIDAYS! David Davenport live - free food, no cover! 5-7 PM

Renegade

Southern rock - catch them here on NYE 2004, too! 10 PM

Sat., December 13

Razor Sharp

A great R & B band from C-Umaking their Tommy G’s debut.. The G-spot is Champaign’s west side music connection!

FREE MUSIC no cover weekdays!

Every Tuesday Adam wolf’s Acoustic Night Plus $2 Tuesdays - two dollar drafts,cans, dom. Bottles, well drinks, order of wings, basket-o-spuds, chips-n-salsa.

Every Wednesday Kilborn Alley Thursdays - Pool Tourney, Cash Prizes, 7 PM Coming in December

19 - E.S.P., 20 - Aces Wild 123 S. Mattis, Champaign - Counrty Fair Mall, 359-2177

www.tommygs.com

HEADACHE RELIEF Without Drugs.....

there’s nothing mysterious about chiropractic healthcare. It’s a natural method that treats the causes of FREE EXAM physical symptoms & X-RAY rather than just the (IF NEEDED) NEW PATIENTS ONLY symptoms. If you’re like one in six Americans who suffer from headaches, please let us help you!

COVERED BY STUDENT INSURANCE

SNELL

CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC 1802 Woodfield Dr., Savoy (2 Blocks North of Savoy 16)

CALL 352-9899 (24-Hr. Answering Service)

Dr. Joseph Snell...

Your F irst C hoice in H ealth C are!

19

buzz DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17 , 2003 | NO MORE DIRTY TALKS!

AND ANOTHER THING...

Coulter’s Christmas performed by the Boss

BY MICHAEL COULTER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

miss driving home for Christmas. My folks winter in Texas now, so I usually just stay around town and instead give local bar owners something to celebrate: my spirited patronage for about eight days in a row, sort of a redneck Hanukkah. That drive home was nice though. I’d take the back roads most of the way, thinking about the past year and listening to the gravel crack under my tires. It wasn’t just a trip to the market. This was driving. It felt like I was going somewhere.

I would usually listen to Nebraska, by Bruce Springsteen, and I still believe it’s the best driving record ever made. It should be noted that I’m talking about driving by yourself, not with someone else.

I put it on one time when my friend Jackson and I were driving to Chicago for a night of carousing, and he asked me if my mother knew she had a little girl. If it’s a big fun drinking trip and you’ve got Jackson in the car, it’s probably best to go with Hum’s Electra 2000, but by yourself, choose Nebraska.

It’s an acoustic album and the songs are stark and honest. They remind me, I suppose, of the way living in the country felt. That record played a big part in one of my favorite Christmas memories.

On Christmas Eve, my dad and his friends would deliver baskets to the poorer folks around the county. When they were finished, there was a certain amount of drinking. This was understandable. It was tough on these guys to see these disadvantaged families, especially the children, at Christmas.

When their rounds were complete, the guys would come out to our house and stand around the garage drinking beer and whiskey. My friends and I would do the same, except we hadn’t really done anything beforehand. We’d get drunk with the old guys and laugh and roll our eyes if any of them started to cry while talking about their morning deliveries.

One Christmas Eve night after everyone was gone, my dad and I sat at the kitchen table, still drinking, still drinking both beer and whiskey strangely enough, and Dad asked how my drive home had been. I was drunk enough to try to explain this record I liked so much. I went to the car and got the tape and my father and I listened to a couple of songs. He got it, though I’m not really sure he liked it.

He then went and got a tape of his own, He Stopped Loving Her Today, by George Jones. I’d always mostly hated country music up until

then, but it was different this time, listening to it with my dad. It’s a pretty sad song to begin with, and we were famously drunk to end with, but this song didn’t seem all that different that any of the songs I was listening to.

Of course, by the end we were both sort of crying, that kind of drunken cry where you hug each other at the end and think somehow things will be different. Strangely, things were a little different after that. We had a moment we’d never really had together, a moment of letting our guards down, a moment of trust between the two of us. I’m not sure if Dad ever listened to Bruce Springsteen after that, but I’ve since worn out a few George Jones records.

My point, I guess, is that Christmas music is whatever makes you personally feel like it’s Christmas. I can hear George Jones on July 4, and I’ll still think of Christmas. George Jones is also pretty great driving music no matter what time of year.

There’s another great driving record, 49th and Melancholy by Otis Gibbs. It’s one of my favorites. It’s acoustic and the lyrics are real and beautiful and important. Sure, I was disappointed that the song “Great American Monkey Choir” wasn’t about the escapades of a marauding band of singing monkeys, but it’s a fine song either way.

It turns out Otis has put out a CD of Christmas songs called Once I Dreamed of Christmas, and if this one is anything like his first one, it may be one of the best Christmas records of all time. At the very least it will be the only decent Christmas record of all time.

Otis will be playing these songs at Best Buy on Dec. 14 at 3:00.

Your much better bet may be to see him, also on Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Iron Post in Urbana around 8:00. He’ll be performing songs from his new CD and you really shouldn’t miss it. It’s about the only thing that might put me in the Christmas spirit.

He’s great no matter what songs he’s singing, but with any luck, I may even find another favorite Christmas song, one that’s actually about Christmas. buz z

Drop us a line. buzz@readbuzz.com

ON SALE NOW!

6:00pm All Ages

Michael Coulter is a videographer at Parkland College. He writes a weekly e-mail column, “This Sporting Life” and has hosted several local comedy shows.

8:00pm 18 & Over

8:00pm 18 & Over

Outlets

217-351-2626

or

ticketmaster.com

www.jamusa.com

A

PRODUCTION

®

12/10/03

4:08 PM

Page 1

18odds & end Twelfth Night continued from page 5 Single-gender casting is particularly fitting for Twelfth Night, as gender confusion and cross-dressing are central to the play. For most of the play Viola is disguised as the boy page Cesario who woos Countess Olivia on Duke Orsino’s behalf. An Orsino-Olivia-Viola love triangle ensues and is especially thrown into confusion when Viola’s twin brother Sebastian enters the scene, but all works out for the foursome in the end.

Rylance’s performance as Olivia is outstanding. He plays her as nervous and constantly flustered with the perfect blend of comedy and compassion, and the role showcases his talent for quickly relaying emotions through subtle facial expressions. Olivia’s animated wooing of Cesario is wildly hilarious, culminating in a fantastic scene in which the overly excited Olivia runs frantically around stage until she faints.

Michael Brown and Peter Shorey also offer exceptional performances as Viola and the aging Maria. Their mannerisms, speech and actions are subtly and believably feminine— never outlandish or overdone. Rylance and Shorey wear white face and sweep across the stage as if floating in their massive dresses.

Nothing seems forced or contrived in these portrayals of female characters.

The jesting of the decadent Sir Toby Belch (Bill Stewart), Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Albie Woodington) and Feste (Peter Hamilton Dyer) add appropriate amounts of comic fun throughout the play. Dyer is a sensitive, subdued Feste, providing an excellent contrast to the raucous Sir Andrew and Sir Toby, and Liam Brennan’s tender Orsino further contrasts with all the play’s foolery.

The production does retain some of the intimate feel of the Globe with several interactive moments. Dyer, Walker and Rylance are particularly skilled at involving the audience with glances and gestures.

The only disruption to this intimate atmosphere is that a few actors can be difficult to hear or understand in all parts of the theater at times, perhaps because of the differences in acoustics between the Chicago space and others (especially the Globe).

During its run at the Globe last summer, Twelfth Night won the adoration of many London critics along with several awards, including the Olivier Award, Critics Circle Award, Time Out Award and the Evening Standard Special Award. After returning to the Globe for 12 additional performances in October, the production began its five-city U.S. run. If the Chicago version is any indication, all the hype surrounding last summer’s performance was definitely merited. Twelfth Night is a dazzling, accessible production— Shakespearean performance at its best.

I WISH MY HOROSCOPE WAS BETTER THIS WEEK... | NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 3, 2003

buzz

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Six miles from Maui is a Hawaiian island that tourists never visit -- Kahoolawe. The U.S. Navy seized it in 1941 and used it as a target range for decades. After years of protests by Native Hawaiians, the Navy finally stopped bombing and began a clean-up campaign. Last month it formally turned control of the island over to the rightful owners. "You can get a feel on Kahoolawe of what it was like to live on Hawaii at the time of our ancestors," says Native Hawaiian Davianna McGregor. "We can practice our traditions there without it being a tourist attraction. It's one place we can go to be in communion with our natural life forces." Every one of us has a personal version of Kahoolawe, Aries: a part of our psyche that has been stolen or colonized by hostile forces. It's a perfect moment for you to take back yours.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Three billion years ago, the Earth's original single-cell organisms thrived in a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. As a byproduct of their metabolism, however, they released an abundant amount of oxygen. It was a pollutant that ultimately made their environment uninhabitable for them, though it prepared the way for the oxygen-breathers that now dominate the planet. Now let's meditate on how this might be a useful metaphor for you, Taurus. Is there any "pollutant" produced by the person you were in the past that could be valuable for the person you will become in the future?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Vanessa Lucero, a 14-year-old New Mexico girl, is your role model this week. In October, she was named homecoming princess at her high School. On the weekend of her reign, she also played in a game for the football team, becoming the first female in school history to score a touchdown. During the span of a few glorious hours, she wore both a helmet and a tiara. Like Vanessa, you Geminis now have the potential to notch triumphs in two separate spheres using different sets of skills.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The world's most famous Cancer, U.S.President George W.Bush, has described his relationship with newspapers this way: "I glance at the headlines just to kind of get a flavor for what's moving. I rarely read the stories, and get briefed by people who read the news themselves." Please don't imitate Bush's approach as you gather information in the coming days, my fellow Crabs. It's crucial that you never rely on thirdhand reports as you penetrate to the root of every unfolding plot.You know how journalists sometimes bury really interesting and mysterious details at the end of their stories? That's what life will do.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): After a study found that a majority of heterosexual men dive into sexual intercourse without any warmup, Britain launched its first annual National Foreplay Day last

July. How about if we borrow this holiday for your use, Leo? I'm not saying you've been remiss in your approach to maximizing erotic pleasure, but there's always room for improvement.

Besides, from an astrological perspective this is a favorable time to expand your mastery of the arts of love. In fact, let's borrow another British holiday, National Orgasm Day. I hereby proclaim this Universal Foreplay and Orgasm Week for all Leos.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): This week's horoscope features the poetry of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Delivered at a news briefing, it provides a perfect frame for the current state of your fate. "As we know," he said, "there are known knowns.

There are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns. That is to say, we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don't know we don't know." You, Virgo, are very close to discovering at least two of your personal unknown unknowns.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): My Libran friend John was constantly harassed and shamed by his father over trivial issues when he was growing up. A typical scenario often occurred in the kitchen as John scanned the refrigerator for an appetizing snack. "You idiot!" his dad would scream at him. "How many millions of times have I told you not to hold the refrigerator door open so long?"

John would immediately close the door and leave in silence, feeling humiliated and hungry. When he told me this story today, here's what I advised him to do: Keep his refrigerator door open for as long as it takes to wipe away the pain of his father's inane cruelty.To the rest of you Libras I say: Rebel in a way that will heal a wound from childhood.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Like every species, harmful microbes evolve over time in response to environmental conditions. Syphilis, for example, was far more lethal and fastspreading 500 years ago. It killed its human victims relatively quickly, which diminished its ability to proliferate in new hosts.

Ultimately, a milder variety developed to ensure the survival of the species. An infected person lived longer and could spread the syphilis strain further. I propose that you adopt this model as a metaphor for dealing with your bad moods, aberrant behavior, and temporary attacks of insanity. Cultivate your relationship with the milder forms of these pathologies, confident that this will make the nastier versions obsolete.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I saw the Acura commercial on TV tonight. The car was driving through a remote high desert.

Through the magic of computer graphics, it seemed to be creating the road as it moved, laying down paved blacktop where before there was only dirt. I thought of you immediately, Sagittarius. You're in a comparable situation, right? There's no path where you're going, so you'll have to make it for yourself as

you proceed.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn actress Drea de Matteo's career is in full bloom. Besides her regular role on HBO's "The Sopranos," she has been in nine movies since 2001.To what should we attribute her success? Lots of talent, for one. A playwright mother who exposed her to the theater early, for two.

During her recent appearance on Carson Daly's "Last Call" TV show, she revealed a ballsy magic that constitutes a third ingredient. She told Daly she keeps the testicles of her Great Dane, which she had neutered a few years ago, in a jar of formaldehyde by her bed.Take inspiration from her example, Capricorn. It's high time you acknowledged the fact that skill and hard work may not be enough to get you where you want to go; you also need mojo.

BY EMILY WAHLHEIM | STAFF WRITER

I

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): "So many of us are not in our bodies, really at home and vibrantly present there," says dancer Gabrielle Roth. "Nor are we in touch with the basic rhythms that constitute our bodily life. We live outside ourselves -- in our heads, our memories, our longings -- absentee landlords of our own estate." Does any of that description fit you, Aquarius? If so, here's good news: The months ahead will provide you with the best opportunity ever to come home to your body, to inhabit it with robust awareness and gratitude. And it all starts now. To show you're ready, find a place to be alone in the dark, put on music that moves you, and dance yourself all the way back into your body.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Each week I give my readers homework. A recent assignment was to finish the sentence, "The one thing that keeps me from being myself is __________." Many respondents filled in the blank with "my fears." Other common answers were "lack of money," "my spouse," and "my obsession with everyone's images of me." But the best contribution was from Ann-Marie at www.getunderground.com. She said, "The one thing that keeps me from being myself is people's reluctance to lick patent leather." By not taking herself too seriously, she showed that *nothing* can keep her from being herself.

Drawing inspiration from her sterling example, Pisces, finish this sentence in a more humorous way than you normally might: "The one thing that keeps me from being myself is __________."

A bartender at Nargile, a new bar in downtown Champaign, puts away a bottle of vodka that lines the shelf of the downstairs part of the bar along with several hookahs.

HOMEWORK: Rob Brezsny's Free Will ✍ ☎ What gifts do you want for Astrology beautyandtruth Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Yule, and the winter solstice?

Write to Buddha Claus at 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

3

community

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

Hookahs and music make Nargile

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

n five days, the owners and management of Nargile have managed to fill a void in the Champaign-Urbana community. Though the idea behind Nargile, a new hookah bar in downtown Champaign, has been in the works for several months, the physical property was transformed in just five days. Many of the changes to Nargile, located at 207 W. Clark St., and most recently home to Ruby’s, are simply cosmetic. The pool tables and carpeting are gone and the atmosphere has certainly changed as well.

“The difference in here is amazing,” said General Manager Garenne Bigby. “This place now has a sleeker look. It is a unique bar where you can sit with friends and enjoy cocktails, smoke a hookah, dance or see live music.”

The concept behind Nargile was inspired by Barfly owner Andrew Cotner’s visits to several hookah bars in California. After visiting Cotner in California, Bigby, also a manager at Barfly, looked into the possibility of bringing a hookah bar back to Champaign. After months of researching successful hookah bars on the

West Coast and some frantic renovations, Nargile opened to the public on Dec. 5.

Hookahs are ancient water pipes that originated in India. Originally made out of coconut shells, hookahs then spread to Turkey where they were refined into their current style which has remained the same for over 500 years.

Nargile gets its name from the Turkish word for hookah.

People throughout the Middle East have smoked hookahs for centuries as a social activity. They would smoke tobacco mixed with molasses and fruit as a social activity and to relieve stress. Smoking through a hookah is said to give a more flavorful and smooth taste.

In Europe, many people forgo dessert to instead smoke a hookah as an after-dinner treat.

Now, hookah bars like Nargile are growing in popularity across the United States. Based on this Middle Eastern standard of smoking, hookah bars have become especially popular in New York, Chicago and California. In California, where cigarette smoking is banned in restaurants, hookah smoking has become people’s alternative to cigarettes. At Nargile,

hookahs cost $8 and visitors can choose from a variety of flavored tobaccos, including peach, mango and coconut. The tobacco in the hookahs at Nargile is virtually tar-free and contains less than 1 percent nicotine.

“Smoking hookahs is not just for regular smokers,” said Erin Fein, Nargile assistant manager. “Nonsmokers can enjoy it too. For me, it is the first smoke that does not aggravate my asthma.”

The hookahs make for a very different environment at Nargile. Unlike most bars, a cloud of cigarette smoke does not linger in the air.

Instead, the bar is only slightly hazy with the smoke from the hookahs, which give off a pleasant aroma. With the front lounge’s dark red walls and flickering votive candles, guests cannot help but feel relaxed.

The lounge also encourages the social aspect of hookahs, as it offers visitors plenty of space to sit and enjoy a hookah or drink. On Saturday, groups of visitors had pushed their tables together to share their hookahs and trade flavors. However, despite spacious surroundings, by 10 p.m. on Nargile’s second

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1 7 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Showing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, Nov. 26 to Dec. 14. Tickets: $65-75

buzz

46

ACROSS Gorges Liquid offering at a “bar” Kind of valve Be a segue for Asian clue collector Indefinite yes Online newsgroup system Occult characters?

Churned-out prose Keep away Straining aid Game ender, perhaps Unfeminine Karat measure Underling Counterparts Fore-play?

Piano piece Does up differently Pang Natural rustler Dancing stimulus Got really upset Invoice fig.

47 48 49 51 52 53 54 55

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Chauffeur’s order Hot Stored ___ Beach, Calif.

Firecracker King topper Pair for the court Doesn’t look good?

DOWN “The Fall” novelist Physicist ___ Störmer Foch’s force Something may be written in it Top of the Catholic Church?

Sausage-wrapped British breakfast dish Kitchen gadgets ___ Islands, which include the Cyclades Gumbel’s “Today” successor They’re usually fruitflavored Bash a bit Reduced “Terrible pity”

14 23 24 26 27 28 29 30

31

32

34 36 38 40

41 42 43

Escape mech1 2 3 4 5 6 anisms?

15 Surety concern 17 In sorry shape Track event 19 Bullets, so to 22 23 speak By and large 25 Account 27 28 29 30 31 “The Sacred 33 Wood” writer, 1920 35 How many symphonies 38 37 Chopin wrote 39 40 Great American 47 46 Cookies rival 49 50 Busiest Fly-by-nights?

52 Tracy’s “Tortilla 54 Flat” co-star Dorough of Puzzle by Bob Peoples the Backstreet Boys 44 Eighty-___ (early Traffic stopper, someOklahoma hometimes steader) Senate wear 45 Cons One may be full of scales

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

44

45

16 18 20

21 24 26 32 34

36

41

42

43

48 51 53 55 11/1/03 (No. 1101)

47 50

Good watcher It may make a bust: Abbr.

PHOTOS | KATY MULL

121103buzz0318

Jennifer Hargens-Rysanek (left), Chris Mangun, Cherie Emling and Filip Rysanek enjoy some drinks and try a hookah at the only hookah bar in Champaign-Urbana on Saturday night.

4:07 PM

Page 1

community

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

Senior in LAS and former Illini Media Company employee Laura Wagner rocks out to the opening act, Apollo Project, at Nargile on Saturday night. Of the band's performance, Wagner said, "It's like a spiritual experience, especially when it's people I know and love."

How would you describe Nargile?

It’s a downtown alternative to the downtown bars. Unlike other bars where you see people wasted, running around, there is something else to do here besides get drunk. There is a lot more here than the average bar. You can do so many things: dance, see live music or decide to have a drink with friends.

What types of clients are you hoping to attract?

I think we have a more sophisticated clientele. Nargile is not for everyone. It is for people who are into music and entertainment. We have a very laid-back crowd.

What is the best part of your job?

Seeing people happy and seeing people enjoy all the hard work. I like seeing that people are into hookahs. We went into this seeing the trend in Chicago and New York and did not know if it would work here. On Friday night, I saw seven or eight hookahs on tables. That was really fulfilling.

What are some of your other interests?

I am a music lover. I love music more than life. I am in two bands, Sanya N’Kanta, which is mix of R&B, reggae and rock, and Goldfronts, which I can’t really describe, you would just have to see it. I am also a full-time student at the University of Illinois.

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

INDEX Employment Services Merchandise Transportation Apartments Other Housing/Rent Real Estate for Sale Things To Do Announcements Personals

000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900

• PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD! Report errors immediately by calling 337-8337. We cannot be responsible for more than one day’s incorrect insertion if you do not notify us of the error by 2 pm on the day of the first insertion.

• All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher. The Daily Illini shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement, at any time.

• All employment advertising in this newspaper is subject to the City of Champaign Human Rights Ordinance and similar state and local laws, making it illegal for any person to cause to be published any advertisement which expresses limitation, specification or discrimination as to race, color, mental handicap, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, prior arrest or conviction record, source of income, or the fact that such person is a student.

• Specification in employment classifications are made only where such factors are bonafide occupational qualifications necessary for employment.

• All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, and similar state and local laws which make it illegal for any person to cause to be published any advertisement relating to the transfer, sale, rental, or lease of any housing which expresses limitation, specifications or discrimination as to race, color, creed, class, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, personal appearance, sexual oientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or the fact that such person is a student.

• This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal oppportunity basis.

DEADLINE:

2 p.m. Monday for the next Thursday’s edition.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Always treat others exactly the way you would like to be treated. And, never underestimate anyone.

What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

The staff I put together here at Nargile. Also, I would say going from washing dishes at Jupiter’s a year and a half ago to running bars now.

RATES: Billed rate: 34¢/word

HELP WANTED | Full Time Express Personnel Services 217.355.8500 101 Devonshire Dr., Champaign

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES $250-$500/week. Will train to work at home helping the US Govt. file HUD/FHA mortgage refunds. No experience necessary. Call toll-free 1800-778-0353.

Services

100

BUSINESS SERVICES Body Therapy Center Student and staff discounts on professional massage therapy. Relieve your tension and stress from a professional with 17 years of experience. Gift Certificates Available. 206 N. Randolph, Suite 518. 355-8001 Member AMTA. thebodytherapycenter.com

CLEANING Exact Extraction. Carpet & upholstery cleaning. Free estimates. 6883101.

Photo Sellers 30 words or less + photo: $5 per issue

Action Ads • 20 words, run any 5 days (in buzz or The Daily Illini), $14 • 10 words, run any 5 days (in buzz or The Daily Illini), $7 • add a photo to an action ad, $10

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished

Merchandise 200 BOOKS COMPARE TEXTBOOK PRICES! Search 24 bookstores with 1 click!

Shipping and taxes automatically calculated. http://www.bookhq.com

Apartments

400

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished | Unfurnished

107 N. Busey, U. August 2004 3 level townhouse, cathedral ceiling living room, loft deck. Must see to appreciate. Sleeps 4, 2 full baths, gas heat, central air, washer/dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, internet, and cable ready. Two free parking spaces. $1380/month.

1 Bedroom Luxury Apartments

New Security Building

Washer/dryer, AC, balcony, dishwasher, intercom, ethernet, contemporary furnishings, microwave.

605 E. Clark St., C. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

3 & 4 bedroom luxury apartments 205 S. Sixth St.

Security Building

Washer/ dryer, AC, balconies, dishwasher, ethernet, 48’ TV, microwave. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

101 E. Daniel, C.

New Security Building

2 bedroom and bi-level 4 bedroom, two bath. Imported furnishings, balconies, skylights, cathedral ceilings, washer/ dryer in each apt. Security underground parking. Aug. 2004 www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

101 S. Busey, U. 1 bedroom apartment with

PAID UTILITIES! Living room, eat-in kitchen, porch, parking, laundry facilities, air conditioning, furnished. August 2004. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852 102 S. Lincoln Horizon Apts.

Green and Lincoln, U.

August ‘04. New 2, 4 bedroom luxury furnished apartments.Sundeck, Balconies, Skylights, 2 Full Baths, Cathedral Ceilings, Ceiling Fan, Laundry on each floor. Assigned parking. Sound proofing. Utility discount, security system. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

LAWN CARE FREE ESTIMATES: Tree trimming, Topping, Removal, Stump Grinding.

384-5010.

Paid-in-Advance: 25¢/word

Garage Sales 30 words in both Thursday’s buzz and Friday’s Daily Illini!! $10. If it rains, your next date is free.

What is the one reason people should come to Nargile?

To try something different. This is a place for people who are sick of going to the campus or downtown bars and want to experience something completely different.

Employment 000

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished

105 E. John 2 bedroom furnished, great location.

Includes parking. www.ugroup96.com 352-3182 106 DANIEL, C. For August 2004. 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, ethernet available.

Some townhouses Phone 352-3182.

Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 1107 S. 4TH AND GREGORY, C. For August 2004. 4 bedroom townhouse apartments. Best location.

Completely furnished. Laundry, parking garage, elevator. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 111 E. CHALMERS, C. August 2004. One bedroom. Furniture, skylights, off-street parking, laundry. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 207- 211 JOHN Prime Campus Location 4 Bedrooms Phone 352-3182 THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 2, 3, 4 bedroom luxury apartment

New Security Building

1005 S. SECOND, C Efficiencies. Fall 2004. Secured building. Private parking. Laundry on site, ethernet available. Phone 3523182. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com

808 S. Oak, Champaign Imported furnishings, sound proofing, A/C, 2 balconies, burglar alarms, laundry. Utility discount.

Parking. Aug 2004. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

1006 S. 3RD, C. Aug 2004. Location, location. One, bedrooms for fall. Covered parking & laundry, furnished & patios, ethernet available. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com

203 S. Sixth. C. For August 2004. Large 2,3,4 bedrooms, 2 baths. Balconies, laundry, covered parking. Phone 352-3182.

Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com

502 E. University, C.

Security Building 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, large rooms, AC, furnished, parking, quiet building. Aug. 04 369-0237. www.zhengrentals.com

502 W. Green, U Aug 2004 A fireplace and a private balcony is what you will have with this cozy 4 bedroom, 2 full bath apartment. Nice furniture, fully carpeted, washer/dryer, garbage disposal, microwave, and dishwasher. Internet and cable ready, central air. $1120/month.

Call 352-3674 or 377-1552 506 E. Stoughton, C For August 2004. Extra large efficiency apartments. Security building entry, complete furniture, laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available.

Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign.

THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 509 BASH COURT, C. Fall 2004 Great 3 and 5 bedrooms, near 6th and Green. Fully furnished, microwaves and dishwashers. Off-street parking. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 509 E. White, C. Aug. 2004. Large 1 bedrooms. Security entry, balconies, patios, furnished. Laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available. Phone 352-3182.

Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 604 E. White, C. Security Entrance For Fall 2004, Large 1 & 2 bedroom furnished, balconies, patios, laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available.

Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroups96.com 605 S. Fifth, C. Fall 2004 5th and Green location Outdoor activity area. 1 bedrooms available. Garage off-street parking.

Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign.

THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 805 S. Locust, C. 2 & 4 bedroom luxury furnished apartments. Contemporary furnishings, bi-level, laundry, AC, large rooms, microwave, dishwasher, parking. Aug. 2004. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852 HEALEY COURT APARTMENTS 307-309 Healey Court.

Fall 2004. Behind Gully’s. Newly remodeled bathrooms. 2 bedrooms.

Some 2 baths, ethernet available.

Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com JOHN SMITH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT www.johnsmithproperties.com (217)384-6930 “believe the hype”

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished ENGINEERING CAMPUS Large Studio APTS Fall 2004 50% renewal rate!

Secured Bldg., ethernet available UGroup96.com 352-3182

JOHN STREET APARTMENTS 58 E. John August 2003. Two and three bedrooms, fully furnished. Dishwashers, center courtyard, on-site laundry, central air, ethernet available.

Call Jon or Heather, resident managers, at 384-5416 anytime for your appointment.

352-3182 University Group

OLDE TOWNE

Off-campus. 2 bedroom. Hardwood floors. www.ugroup96.com 352-3182

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Unurnished

JANUARY ‘04 Large studios. Secured building, and ethernet. www.ugroup96.com 352-3182

Moving to Chicago? Let me help.

Free service to find you the perfect apartment. Any neighborhood or price. Nick 312-397-2796. nickpatterson@coldwellbanker.com

OFF-CAMPUS APARTMENTS Unfurnished

Remodeled 3 BR. 1.5 mi. from campus on busline. 1213 S. Anderson, U. $850/mo. + deposit. No pets.

Available now. 621-8325.

ROOMS Beautiful furnished Savoy house wants single 20’s non-smoking housemates. Students welcome. 7 or 8 month lease to end Aug. 15th $275-325 plus utilities. Email partnow@uiuc.edu or call 907-3509298.

Efficiency rooms on campus $250-$310, all utilities paid. 3676626

ROOMMATES Female roommate wanted to live with three great girls. Beautiful apartment and parking available.

Price negotiable. For more information contact 1-708-612-6351 or subletbankier@hotmail.com

Things to Do 700 VACATION | TRAVEL #1 SPRING BREAK COMPANY in Acapulco now offers 3 destinations!.

Go Loco in Acapulco, Party in Vallarta, or get Crazy in Cabo- with BIANCHI-ROSSI TOURS. Organize a group and travel for FREE. Book now before it’s too late! Call 800875-4525 or www.bianchi-rossi.com

Brand new luxury 1, 2, 3, bedroom apartments available in Champaign.

Call Manchester Property Management at 359-0248 for an appointment.

SUBLETS 1 bedroom furnished, 603 E. White available Jan. $380/mo. 355-6595 or galmarin@uiuc.edu.

CUTE 2 BR apartment for $595/mo!

Off of Green, 4 blocks East from Lincoln. Furnishing, heat, and parking included. Grace 721-7101 One female to share 2 BR Urbana apartment. Huge bedroom, hardwood floors, great roommate. $375/mo utilities included. Available Dec-Jan. 217-766-1432 or jcchurch@uiuc.edu.

You name it

Seeking female for a 3 bedroom apartment in Savoy for Spring 2004.

Utilities included. 309-241-5935.

Spring Sublet. Close to quad. Free parking and internet. Price negotiable. New building. 217-377-0849 SPRING/SUMMER 1 in 3 bedroom .

Furnished, W/D, Dishwasher, A/C. Internet included 2nd & John. $290/mo, 766-2084, dmcnutt@uiuc.edu.

Studio, furnished, hardwood floors, W/D, cozy, on campus, $565, available 01-01 1108 W. Nevada, 334-9342.

Trendy Downtown Champaign Loft.

1200 square feet. 12 foot ceilings.

Hardwood floors. Washer/Dryer.

Parking. $650/month. Josh 3903108.

Other Rentals 500 HOUSES 512 W. High, U. Aug 2004. Excellent 5BR, furnished home. Hardwd floors, off-street parking, W/D, dishwasher. $1,750/mo.

Todd 778-9052.

buzz

classifieds

Lifelong Champaign resident Garenne Bigby has held up a frantic pace for the last few days. Bigby is the General Manager of Nargile, a new hookah bar he helped open Dec. 5. He is also the General Manager of Barfly, 120 N. Neil St. Located at 207 W. Clark in Champaign, Nargile features live music, dancing and a DJ. Bigby, who is also a fulltime student at the University of Illinois, is anxious to introduce hookahs and Nargile to the Champaign-Urbana community.

What has been your biggest challenge in opening a new business?

Keeping up with the supply and demand for hookahs. Also, putting this place together. We had five days to get this place ready. We had about 30 people who came and pitched in, not knowing what they were being paid, and tiled the floors, painted and made the curtain.

17

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 | MAKE SOME MONEY FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, SELL SOMETHING AT THE BUZZ!!

“Champaign-Urbana is a very diverse and open community,” said Bigby. “People here don’t just settle for what is given to them and Nargile is a place where people can experience something completely different and very dynamic.” buzz

Q & A

GarenneBigby

buzz

Daily Illini and Buzz Classifieds

while others seem content to sit and smoke their hookahs quietly. At Nargile, either option is possible, as vastness of the bar allows each area to remain separate. The pounding of the music from the back and downstairs cannot be heard in the front area, where it is still quiet enough to hold a conversation and soft R&B music plays.

“Nargile has a nice contrast of musical options,” said customer Christopher Watson. “There is versatility. With the upstairs and the downstairs there is space for everyone to exist.”

Even with all the other options available to guests at Nargile, it is hard to forget the prevalence of the hookah. Waitresses are constantly carrying the elaborate pieces through the front area and down the stairs to the basement and hookahs sit prominently on quite a few tables, as even first-time smokers like Jeff Ince anxiously await their turn to smoke.

“We got the lemon-flavored tobacco and it’s really light,” said Ince. “I wanted to try tobacco, but I also wanted to try a new bar in town.”

The newness of the idea behind Nargile is what sets it apart from other bars in the Champaign-Urbana community. With Nargile, Bigby hopes to create a type of atmosphere that has been lacking around Champaign-Urbana, especially by introducing hookahs.

buzz

337-8337

night, the scattered tables in the front of the bar were almost all occupied.

“Business has been incredible so far,” said Bigby. “Our first night we were at legal capacity at 11 p.m. We have created a large demand for hookahs. We only have 10 now but are hoping to have 40 or 50 by the spring.”

The social aspect and relaxing feeling that comes with smoking hookahs lead many visitors, including University of Illinois student Martha Quinlain, to Nargile on Saturday night.

Quinlain has been waiting for a hookah bar to come to come to the Champaign-Urbana area.

“I studied abroad in Paris last semester and went to hookah bars there so I wanted to go to another one,” said Quinlain. “It’s a very social thing to do. As a nonsmoker, it’s a nice way to have a smoke without the tar but still have the relaxation benefits and chill.”

However, Nargile offers much more than just hookahs. The simplicity of the interior and the friendliness of the staff makes guests feel comfortable even without smoking a hookah. There are a wide variety of alternatives to smoking, including a venue for live music in the back room and a DJ spinning reggae, R&B and house music downstairs.

“Nargile is very laid-back,” said employee Lori Sison. “It’s a place where you can come and not have to have a loud conversation and the hookahs make for a calm atmosphere. The downstairs though, it is more upbeat.”

On Saturday, some visitors freely wander Nargile, experiencing all of its different aspects,

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

4

12/10/03

PHOTO | KATY MULL

121103buzz0417

We’ll sell it for you

Page 1

film

CHECK OUT DIANE KEATON NAKED. | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 buzz

Come register to win over $13000 in stocking stuffers!

ts Retro Shir ge coats Velvet Frin ls and shaw

Drive-thru Reviews

Clothing Vintage Furniture Antiques les Collectib Jewelry BAD SANTA ★★★

BILLY BOB THORNTON AND BERNIE MAC Any way you cut it, Bad Santa accomplishes something that has never been done before. It makes an absolute travesty of something as wholesome and serene as Christmas, and does it without falling completely on its face. Just don’t take the little ones to see it, or you’ll have a lot of explaining to do.

(Andrew Crewell) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

BROTHER BEAR ★★ Mon - Sat 10-5,Sun 1-5 (217) 352-3231 204 N. Neil (Downtown) Champaign, IL 61820

JOAQUIN PHOENIX AND PHIL COLLINS While American animators still have a long way to go to achieve the sheer grandeur and exhilarating imagination of foreign animation, such as in last year’s Spirited Away, Brother Bear shows they do have their moments. It’s just unfortunate that their visuals have to be spoiled by rudimentary plots, discardable characters and downright ugly music. (John Loos) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

CAT IN THE HAT ★ MIKE MYERS AND ALEC BALDWIN With many offensive jokes meant for adults and few witty remarks for kids, The Cat in the Hat barely even tries to satisfy its target audience and should only repel their parents. It is a foul film I do not recommend, and I would not, could not, sit through it again. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

ELF ★★★ WILL FERRELL AND JAMES CAAN The film itself really makes no attempts to hide its basic premise as a Christmas movie.There’s Santa, perfectly played by Ed Asner.There’s the head elf, portrayed by Bob Newhart.There’s the grumpy, anti-Christmas guy, James Caan. (Dan Maloney) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

GOTHIKA ★★ HALLE BERRY AND ROBERT DOWNEY JR. Halle Berry looks unattractive and Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t do drugs. If that’s not totally crazy enough, Berry also plays a psychiatrist who becomes a client. This film is doing modest business, although it is very predictable.

Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

THE HAUNTED MANSION

EDDIE MURPHY AND JENNIFER TILLY Ever since he started making kid comedies, Eddie Murphy has become sweeter than candy. This continues the trend that Eddie Murphy only makes terrible, terrible, terrible movies. that no one could possibly like if they are older than a gradeschooler. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

HONEY ★★ JESSICA ALBA AND LIL’ ROMEO Honey outperforms its expectations. Projected by some to be the next Glitter, Mariah Carey’s acting fiasco, the picture is a mild success. Taking the story with a grain of salt, since some scenes are straight out of another universe, there seems to be something for everyone.The dancing is fun, the kids are cute, Alba is easy on the eyes and the soundtrack is hot.These days, that’s about all anyone can ask for. (Andrew Crewell) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

THE LAST SAMURAI ★★★★ TOM CRUISE AND KEN WATANABE The Last Samurai is an epic adventure with a great soul and a great message. With so many bad samurai movies in the vaults, it is refreshing to see a film finally relate the concept of the samurai to moviegoers in a way they can understand: a Tom Cruise flick. One of the year’s best films and one of Tom Cruise’s best performances. (John Piatek) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

buzz

Dandelion: groovy gear for anyone

LOVE ACTUALLY ★★★ HUGH GRANT AND EMMA THOMPSON The film’s delicate blend of outrageous comedic scenes, which also prove that Brits can perform slapstick and dry humor equally, mix well with heartwarming confessions from each of the characters. A holiday romantic classic for people of all generations. (Janelle Greenwood) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

BY KATIE RICHARDSON | ARTS EDITOR

RUSSELL CROWE AND PAUL BETTANY Weir buffs will get a kick out of watching this film and remembering The Truman Show. While Truman’s aquatic-oriented scenes introduced the director’s ability to craft stimulating scenes of sea-swept peril, Master and Commander achieves a far higher degree of oceanic fanfare. It’s a glorious tale of adventure on the high seas sure to put wind in any landlubber’s sails. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

THE MATRIX: REVOLUTIONS ★★ KEANU REEVES AND LAURENCE FISHBURNE In the utterly disappointing The Matrix: Revolutions, the Wachowskis simultaneously step away from that which made the previous films worthwhile and indulge in the elements that made them hollow. Gone are the eye-popping action sequences of high-tech originality and legitimate conceptions of a machine-oriented future spun out of control.

(Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

THE MISSING ★★★ TOMMY LEE JONES AND CATE BLANCHETT Despite its historical resonance, there’s something missing from The Missing, and after more than two long hours that something is, surprisingly, heart. What begins as a brave, passionate story of one family’s resolve winds up as little more than a sprawling, forgettable rescue mission. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

PIECES OF APRIL ★★★★ KATIE HOLMES AND PATRICIA CLARKSON Katie Holmes yet again proves to be one of Hollywood’s greatest young talents in this heartwarming and heartsmashing black comedy. A true treat, if maybe a little late for the Thanksgiving theme it oozes. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly

THE STATION AGENT ★★★★ PETER DINKLAGE AND PATRICIA CLARKSON In his debut film, McCarthy crafts a uniquely memorable slice of small-town America and resists the temptation to draw condescending comic relief from his characters’eccentricities.

Instead, he scatters a few charmingly funny scenes throughout his softly subtle script, which won the award for Best Screenplay at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Boardman’s

certainly not your run-of-the-mill department store. Dandelion loves people with “independent fashion sensibilities.” If you were the type of person who got made fun of in high school because you didn’t dress like everyone else, but pon entering Dandelion, one is overcome are now told by passers by that they love your with the smell of burning Nag Champa incense, individuality, you’ll be in apparel heaven. loads of accessories like sunglasses and barThough the shop sells ties, blazers and polo rettes, rows of boots and an overwhelming shirts, it is most proud of its reputation for havamount of clothes from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and ing the kookiest “kooky wear” in Champaign. today. Whether you’re in search of a hip retro For example, they’ve got the makings for a Madonna flashback outfit, a Cher revisit or a ‘20’s flapper/prom queen ensemble. Mix and match the decades if you like: no matter what your mom says, leg warmers can look good with a poodle skirt.

Walk in with the intent of being creative; there are no limitations at this place. At Dandelion, hot pink is the new black, tie-dye is as classic as pearls and Bjork is idolized rather than made fun of for that swan get-up she wore to the Oscars.

For those who love Dandelion’s ambiance but worry the shop will be dangerously quiet, fear not: while you’re there you’ll no doubt have the opportunity to rock out with Jimmy Smith, Beck or Neil Young. The store has as good of taste in music as it does in couture. buzz Sara Hudson of Champaign, owner of Dandelion Vintage and Used Clothing, poses with one of the store’s many hats.

U

MASTER AND COMMANDER ★★★★

OPENING THIS WEEKEND LOVE DON’T COST A THING

STEVE HARVEY AND NICK CANNON A high school loser pays a cheerleader to pose as his girlfriend so he can be cool. This is a remake of a 1987 film and proves that stupid and cheesy high school crap is a genre no longer held exclusively by whites. (Jason Cantone) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE

JACK NICHOLSON AND DIANE KEATON Something about Jack Nicholson makes older women want to strip down naked and I’m not talking about the audience members. After Kathy Bates’ memorable skinny dip, Diane Keaton gets naked in this romantic comedy also featuring Keanu Reeves and Amanda Peet. (Jason Cantone) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

STUCK ON YOU

MATT DAMON AND GREG KINNEAR They’re conjoined twins. Conjoined at the upper butt cheek.

Cher is dating a child actor. Hahaha ... groan. (Jason Cantone) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

OPENING WEDNESDAY RETURN OF THE KING

ELIJAH WOOD AND IAN MCKELLAN The final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy could quite possibly be the best. Advanced ticket sales are already available. If you don’t know what this movie is about, get out from under a rock. (Jason Cantone) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

BY JOHN LOOS | STAFF WRITER

A

5

arts

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17 | THE CLOWN IS DOWN

s Ebenezer Scrooge sees his name glowing on a gravestone shown to him by the Ghost of Christmas Future, he screams in disbelief and crumples into tears. When the scene is over, the lights go up, and the few actors and volunteers at the rehearsal clap enthusiastically. Joe Porter, the actor playing Scrooge, stands up, wipes the tears from his cheeks, and jokingly references Elvis Presley.

“Thank you, thank you very much,” he says, grinning.

The Rantoul Theater Group’s holiday production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, led by Porter, promises to be a very thoughtful, dramatic look into the well-known, usually lighthearted tale of Christmas cheer.

“I’ve always loved the story,” says Porter, who studied up on Dickens and his story in

outfit or a cheap contemporary classic, Dandelion Vintage and Used Clothing, located at 9 Taylor St. in the heart of downtown Champaign, provides local hipsters with their hip gear.

With the slogan, “Not the mall since ‘93,” Dandelion lives up to its self-imposed title. It seems, since the store started in 1993, everyone on and off campus has been there at least once.

Brimming with one-of-a-kind buys, this shop is

preparation for the role. “But the movies make Scrooge’s transformation at the end unbelievable for me. Here, I want the audience to despise Scrooge.”

Director Clay Nelson also researched the story and decided to present it in a more traditional light.

“Originally it was more of a ghost story,” Nelson says. “So we made the script a little darker and a little more serious than usual.”

The cast, which consists of over 60 actors, both children and adults, has been rehearsing since September for their Dec. 3 opening. Many of these actors double as costume-makers and set-builders or take on extra roles (there are a total of 85 roles). Karen Seib, who plays Mrs. Dilber and is in charge of costumes, acknowledges a communal feel to the production.

“Mothers and grandmothers have sewn costumes for the kids,” she says. “That’s a timesaver to the max.”

Larry Smith, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, along with Porter and several others, made most of the set pieces from scratch, including several pieces of 18th century furniture.

“Since there are so many scene changes, there are lots of props,” Smith says offstage. “And

playreview

5

Twelfth Night at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater ★★★★

William Shakespeare

BY ELIZABETH ZEMAN | STAFF WRITER

C

hicago is the last stop for the Shakespeare Globe Theatre’s American tour of Twelfth Night, first staged at the Globe in London last summer, and it’s worth every cent of the rather expensive ticket price. This brilliantly acted “original practices” production, now at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, finds the humor and poignancy within Shakespeare’s lines and puts on an incredibly captivating show.

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a hilarious play of cross-dressing, mistaken identity, desperately smitten wooers and a bit of drunken revelry.

The Globe company’s approach to the play is what Artistic Director Mark Rylance and Master of Play Tim Carroll call “original practices”: an all-male cast, hand-sewn Elizabethan dress that costumers have painstakingly tried to make as historically authentic as possible, live period music and a celebratory jig to end it all.

Instead of trying to recreate the Globe Theatre’s unique outdoor playing space in an indoor theater, the Chicago production is set against a replica of a 16th-century hall screen, bringing it closer to the play’s original staging at Middle Temple Hall than the production’s first performances at the Globe.

This production is also part of the Globe’s trend toward single-gender casting, including this summer’s all-male productions of Richard II and Edward II and the all-female Richard III. continued on page 18

confident and excited about the production. some of them were quite a challenge to make.”

“This could be one of the most impressive Along with authentic furniture, Nelson is utilizing fog machines and black lights to enhance pieces of theater this region has ever seen,” he says. buzz the scarier scenes.

“I always wanted the opportunity to do a big show with special effects,” Nelson says, adding that sound effects will also be used to immerse A Christmas Carol opened at the Grissom Hall Theater in Rantoul at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3 and runs the audience into the dark atmosphere.

“There are some very somber themes of life until Dec. 14. and death,” says Porter. “It’s not really for young children.”

But in spite of the show’s seriousness, the cast shares plenty of laughs in between scenes.

“We always have a lot of fun,” says Harriet Hinderer, who has a minor role. “Scrooge is awesome and Jacob Marley is awesome.”

Doug Rokke, who plays Fezziwegg, loves the people involved in the production.

“These are just phenomenal people. It’s exciting to get up there and perform with them,” Director Clay Nelson (foreground) observes a scene between Doug he says.

Rokke (left), Jake Beinborn (middle) and Joe Porter (right) in which As for the star, Porter feels Scrooge travels back to his past.

PHOTO | JOHN LOOS

4:07 PM

fabulous to funky

16

12/10/03

PHOTOS | CLAIRE NAPIER

121103buzz0516

121103buzz0615

6

12/10/03

4:07 PM

Page 1

arts

LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! EWEHHHHHHHHHHH | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

buzz

ARTIST CORNER

BAD SANTA (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:50 3:00 5:00 7:20 9:35 11:30 Sun. - Thu. 12:50 3:00 5:00 7:20 9:35 BROTHER BEAR (G) Fri. - Tue. 1:05 2:55 Wed. & Thu. 1:05 2:55 4:45 ELF (PG) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 1:15 3:00 3:15 5:00 5:15 7:20 9:20 11:30 Sun. - Tue. 1:00 1:15 3:00 3:15 5:00 5:15 7:20 9:20 Wed. & Thu. 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:20 9:20 GOTHIKA (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:45 3:00 5:15 7:45 10:00 12:15 Sun. - Thu. 12:45 3:00 5:15 7:45 10:00 HONEY (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:15 9:20 11:30 Sun. - Thu. 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:15 9:20 LOVE ACTUALLY (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:45 4:00 7:00 9:40 12:15 Sun. - Thu. 12:45 4:00 7:00 9:40 LOVE DON'T COST (NR) Fri. & Sat. 12:45 3:00 5:15 7:30 9:45 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 12:45 3:00 5:15 7:30 9:45 MASTER & COMMANDER (PG–13) Fri. - Tue. 4:45 7:30 10:15 PIECES OF APRIL (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 3:10 5:00 7:15 9:20 11:30 Sun. - Thu. 1:00 3:10 5:00 7:15 9:20 SOMETHING GOTTA GIVE (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 12:50 1:20 4:15 4:45 6:45 7:15 9:20 9:50 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 12:50 1:20 4:15 4:45 6:45 7:15 9:20 9:50

STUCK ON YOU (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:35 12:05 Sun. - Thu. 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:35 CAT IN THE HAT (PG) Fri. & Sat. 1:10 1:30 3:00 3:30 4:45 5:30 7:30 9:30 11:30 Sun. - Tue. 1:10 1:30 3:00 3:30 4:45 5:30 7:30 9:30 Wed. & Thu. 1:30 3:30 5:30 7:30 9:30 HAUNTED MANSION (PG) Fri. & Sat. 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:15 9:15 11:15 Sun. - Thu. 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:15 9:15 LAST SAMURAI (R) Fri. - Mon. 12:45 1:00 3:45 4:00 6:45 7:10 9:45 10:15 Tue. 12:45 1:00 3:45 4:00 6:45 7:10 9:45 Wed. & Thu. 12:45 3:45 6:45 9:45 MATRIX REVOLUTIONS (R) Fri. & Sat. 7:00 9:35 12:10 Sun. - Tue. 7:00 9:35 THE MISSING (R) Fri. & Sat. 1:20 4:00 7:10 9:45 12:15 Sun. - Tue. 1:20 4:00 7:10 9:45 Wed. & Thu. 7:10 9:45 TIMELINE (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 7:20 9:45 12:10 Sun. - Tue. 7:20 9:45 RETURN OF THE KING (PG–13) Tue. 0:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 Wed. & Thu. 11:15 11:45 12:00 1:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 9:00

Showtimes for 12/12 thru 12/18

B

rooke Schoenman is a junior majoring in international studies at the University of Illinois. She is a true renaissance woman—she loves to draw and develop interior designs, and she is also a gifted singer and guitarist. Brooke’s sense of humor is evident in her art, which reflects the light, ironic idiosyncrasies that occur in all of our lives. She and her creations serve as truly revitalizing experiences for those of us who tire of being bombarded with dark gothic images created by “artistes.” Without an ounce of pretense in her body or her work, Brooke effortlessly manages to affect all of those who come into contact with her and her interesting take on life.

Which medium best expresses your artistic talent?

I think interior design best expresses my artistic talent. Good artistic talent is not only taking personal preferences or experiences and putting them in visual form, as in my drawings, but it is also being able to take another’s perspective and putting that in visual form. Interior design involves taking the space and the space owner’s preferences into consideration while creating. I think this sort of versatility adds dimension to an artist.

What colors do you find you like working with best and why?

I really enjoy using bold/bright colors

when working, especially a lot of yellows and reds. I feel those colors really stand out; they are visually stimulating.

Are there any reoccurring themes in your work?

I find that in my drawings I pull in a lot of sarcasm and exaggeration. Basically, most of my inspiration comes from something that is causing some sort of agitation in my life. I then put that in a form I can look at and maybe even laugh at. As for design, I find I like fun, young and playful themes. I especially like boldness and mixing patterns, such as checks and polka dots.

(217)

355-FILM

$5.50 Kids all shows $5.75 Seniors $6.50 Late Shows Fri & Sat $6.50 Students $6.00 DAILY Matinees til 6pm No passes ALL DIGITAL STEREO Unlimited Free Drink Refills & .25¢ Corn Refills

Stadium Seating Gives YOU An Unobstructed View All Rocking Chairs

SHOWTIMES 12/12 - 12/16

SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE (PG-13)

(SAT/SUN 11:05) 1:40, 4:15, 6:50, 9:25 FRI/SAT LS 12:00 STADIUM SEATING 11:30, 2:05, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50 STUCK ON YOU (PG-13) STADIUM SEATING 11:35, 2:05, 4:35, 7:05, 9:30 FRI/SAT LS 12:00 LOVE DON'T COST A THING (PG-13) STADIUM SEATING 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40 FRI/SAT LS 11:55 THE LAST SAMURAI (R) 3 PRINTS / 3 SCREENS 12:15, 12:40, 3:15, 3:40, 6:15, 6:45, 9:15, 9:40 STADIUM SEATING (SAT/SUN 11:00) 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 FRI/SAT LS 11:00 HONEY (PG-13) STADIUM SEATING (SAT/SUN 11:00) 1:10, 3:20, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50 FRI/SAT LS 12:00 THE HAUNTED MANSION (PG) 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:25 FRI/SAT LS 11:30 BAD SANTA (R) 11:35, 1:35, 3:35, 5:35, 7:35, 9:35 FRI/SAT LS 11:35 THE MISSING (R) 12:30, 5:45 FRI/SAT LS 11:30 TIMELINE (PG-13) 3:10, 9:05 THE CAT IN THE HAT (PG) 1:15, 3:05, 5:05, 7:00, 9:00 FRI/SAT LS 11:00 GOTHIKA (R) 1:40, 3:45, 5:50, 7:55, 10:00 FRI/SAT LS 12:05 MASTER AND COMMANDER (PG-13) STADIUM SEATING 1:25, 4:10, 6:55, 9:45 ELF (PG) STADIUM SEATING (SAT/SUN 11:05) 1:10, 3:25, 5:25, 7:35, 9:40 COUPON FRI/SAT LS 11:45 20 OZ.DRINK LOVE ACTUALLY (R) with $2.50 purchase of 46oz. bag of buttery popcorn (SAT/SUN 11:00) 1:40, one per ad @ Savoy 16 Exp. Dec. 2003 "DI" 4:15, 6:50, 9:25 BEST DEAL in eNewsletter at www.savoy16.com FRI/SAT LS 12:00

www.savoy16.com

Since you have plans to go abroad in the spring, how will Italy affect your work?

Italy is such a beautiful place, not to mention a center for art and design. I think that being surrounded by all the magnificent work there can only be a springboard for more interesting creations. A change of scenery is always beneficial. I really can only imagine what new things I will be seeing when I’m overseas.

It’s exciting!

Why did you start creating?

I can honestly say that creating drawings started out of boredom freshman year of college really late at night when guitar was an unacceptable means of entertainment.

I then realized it was almost therapeutic.

Design, I think, was inevitable.

I remember play- Brooke poses with pillows and chair, both of which she decorated.

SAVOY 16 Route 45 & Burwash Ave.

ing around with my bedroom design when I was young. Plus, I have a keen sense of organization, so making a room flow together visually and functionally was actually a very pleasing activity for me.

PHOTO | KATIE RICHARDSON

BY KATIE RICHARDSON | ARTS EDITOR

buzz DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

moviereview

PIECES OF APRIL ★★★★

BY JASON CANTONE | ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

K

atie Holmes’ newest film, Pieces of April, serves as both a faithful revival for the career of one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars, and as a voyeuristic look into a family no different than any other. The comedy is dark, the emotions powerful and the performance by Patricia Clarkson brilliantly sarcastic. This combination allows the film to transcend simplistic Thanksgiving themes.

Despite the film’s opening, which involves Holmes pleasuring her boyfriend (Sisquo) in his nether regions (mostly off-camera), family members of all ages can fall into the film’s emotional heartbreak when a dying mother gives her troublesome daughter one last chance to redeem herself on Thanksgiving day.

With dark comedic panache that the Coen brothers would envy, writer/director Peter Hedges (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?) brings together a family falling apart at the seams.

Grandma is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and the film treats her not despairingly

this week

buzz Christmas

Th Dec 11

Tis better to give than to receive... but sometimes you can have both!

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

Spread a little Christmas cheer this Saturday, Dec. 13 with buzz

Wine Tasting 5pm, free

Kurt Elling with the Laurence Hobgood Trio 7:30pm, $22-$30 Patron Co-sponsor: Jane Bishop Hobgood Corporate Silver Sponsor:

Give

@

or with pity, but in a realistic manner that families with older relatives can relate to. Mother (Clarkson) is dying of cancer, but refuses to give up her dark comedy, which lightens even the most troublesome situation.

One particular joke made on the long car trip from the family’s home to April’s dilapidated New York apartment allows the film’s emotional dichotomy to effectively flourish.

Within a matter of seconds, the audience will transform from a state of sadness and pity to elated joy at Clarkson’s perfect humor. Although Holmes gives the best performance of her career to date, it is Clarkson who provides the emotional punch and delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. This marks a phenomenal year for Clarkson, who also starred in critical f a v o r i t e s T h e S t a t i o n A g e n t (reviewed on page 14) and All the Real Girls.

Characters don’t exist in this film simply for laughs or to be that odd, stereotypical uncle who drinks like a fish, as seen

krannert center

Fr Dec 12

Su Dec 14

The Nutcracker 7:30pm, $9-$20

The Nutcracker 2pm, $9-$20

Kurt Elling with the Laurence Hobgood Trio 7:30pm, $22-$30

Gilles Vonsattel, piano 3pm, $5-$31 Patron Sponsor: Anonymous

Afterglow: LaMonte Parsons Experience 9:30pm, free Creative Intersections Sponsor:

Season Sponsors Coporate Season Underwriters

Patron Season Sponsors

CAROLE AND JERRY RINGER

THE ICE STORM (1997) Based upon a brilliant novel by Rick Moody, this film (starring Kevin Kline, Joan Allen and with an Oscar-nominated performance from Sigourney Weaver) explains wife swapping and sex in a 1973 suburb. As Holmes’ first film, this heartbreaker gave Holmes some well-deserved indie cred despite Dawson’s Creek.

GO (1999) This innovative film from young director Doug Liman tells the story of a botched drug deal from three different perspectives. This black comedy reminded cinema critics and viewers alike that Liman’s Swingers wasn’t just a fluke: He is one of the best young directors and Holmes is one of the best young actresses out there.

THE GIFT (2000) Many young men know this film from one short scene in the rain. Holmes begins dancing and then slowly takes off all of her clothes. But despite the film’s formulaic structure, it again reaffirms that Holmes is the real deal.

ABANDON (2002) With this film, Holmes attempted to assert herself as a marquee star. However, the poor plot and stupid girl-in-danger theme took away that well-deserved opportunity.

—Jason Cantone

trying to use that Still (cheap) residential

internet service

?

for your business

Let’s face it. Sure there are a lot of cheap alternatives for Internet access.

All bandwidth rates are symmetrical. That means both your upload speeds and download speeds are at the service level you select.

The Nutcracker 7:30pm, $9-$20

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

FILMS FEATURING KATIE HOLMES

Shouting Ground DSL is a business-class DSL for business.

Lines are monitored 24/7. Service comes with a real Internet router. Not some cheap “$5” piece of plastic.

The Nutcracker 2pm, $9-$20

Receive

in many Thanksgiving pieces.

Unlike Jodie Foster’s Home for the Holidays, which was an uninvolving piece of family drama that never brought the viewer into the family’s lives, Pieces of April allows each character to engage the viewer. Whether it’s the odd, obsessive upstairs neighbor played brilliantly

by Will & Grace’s Sean P. Hayes or April’s father (Oliver Platt), who tries to mend the family’s inevitable crisis, this is a brilliant ensemble cast of all ages.

Made for less than $300,000, this film’s style is understandably basic. The film’s pace trods along at times, which might bore viewers who have little experience with awkward family dramatics but the simplicity is also a virtue. For those who give this heartfelt dark comedy a chance, they will discover one of Thanksgivin g’s great est delicacies.

15

But this is your business we’re talking about.

You can’t afford downtime, or not being able to reach a competent human when you have questions.

Sa Dec 13

5 canned goods at Jerry’s IGA on West Kirby Ave. in Champaign starting at 1pm a $10 gift certificate to Record Service, Illini Basketball Tickets or other great prizes!

film

| YEAH, KATIE HOLMES!

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.

Want to run Internet servers at your location? No problem.

Need real IP address space? No problem.

Shouting Ground Technologies, Inc. 105 South Walnut Street, Champaign

217/351-7921 admin@shout.net www.shout.net

Shouting Ground DSL. Business-class DSL for business...

Page 1

THE STATION AGENT ★★★★

BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER

T

here’s an utterly neutral simplicity to the city of Newfoundland, N.J., where even the slightest bit of fun seems about as accessible as a trip to the moon. It’s a rundown haven of colorless indifference, but The Station Agent, set in this quiet Eastern town, is hardly without flair.

To call this sweet, graceful film offbeat would be like calling Kill Bill: Vol. 1 just a little bloody.

Yet, just as Tarantino’s exploration in Western ninja exploitation achieves a grandiose quality from its breathtaking arrogance, The Station Agent accomplishes a dynamic purity from its quirky, gentle heart. In fact, it might be the exact opposite of Kill Bill—it exemplifies filmmaking at its most soft, vulnerable and restrained—but this little truffle of independent artistry is nearly as good.

Peter Dinklage stars as Fin, a soft-spoken train expert whose demeanor stands about as

moviereview

HONEY ★★

BY ANDREW CREWELL | STAFF WRITER oney, as a film, is a bit of an anomaly. On one hand, it comes off just as everyone expected from the trailers: a complete disaster of accomplished cinematic convention. On the other hand, a little light shines through in the form of the good-hearted story and the surprisingly fun dance scenes.

The story is a little old hat, a sort of ghetto Coyote Ugly, Jerry Bruckheimer’s attempt to bring country music into focus. Jessica Alba, of TV’s Dark Angel, is dancing phenom Honey Daniels, and is just waiting to get seen by the top acts. She finally catches a big break while working at a nightclub, gets in tight with the celebs and by the end of the movie is the most sought-after dance choreographer in the hiphop music video world.

One of the film’s better qualities comes through in the background stories. While not preaching or considering itself a statement film, Honey subtly points out some benefits of communal ties formed through hip-hop music and dance styles.

Alba’s character, in her spare time, teaches a dance class at a local community center and strives throughout the movie to give back to the

tall as he does. At 4 feet 5 inches tall, Fin specializes in one-word sentences and keeps to himself, save for his interactions with Henry Styles (Paul Benjamin), his friend and co-worker at a model train store in Hoboken, N.J. When Henry dies and leaves him a half-acre of land in Newfoundland, Fin moves there and soon meets two other tortured loners: Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), a middle-aged painter coping with the death of her adolescent son and the resulting separation from her husband, and Joe Oramas (Bobby Cannavale), an overbearing, compulsively friendly Everyman in town tending to his sick father.

Despite Fin’s general reluctance to invite anyone into his simple, self-sufficient life (he walks everywhere he goes, no matter how far away the destination is from him), the three gradually bond, and their friendship results in a surprisingly natural unity. Fin, Olivia and Joe are vastly different people, but writer/director Thomas McCarthy senses an underlying union between their weakened hearts; all are tormented by circumstances beyond their control, feeling out of place in skin that no longer seems to belong to them.

Wherever he goes, Fin deals with comments about his dwarfism, ranging from cruel to naively well-intentioned. In one tenderly predictable scene, a young girl, played by Lovely and Amazing’s wonderful Raven Goodwin, asks Fin, “What grade are you in?” He politely responds, “I’m done with school.”

Fin’s introverted reservation doesn’t necessarily make him the most initially endearing impoverished community that raised her with everything she has.

The best illustration of this is when Honey takes two down-and-out children, products of a typical broken home in the projects, and befriends them. Little Raymond, a nappyhaired 8-year-old, and his older brother Benny, played by Lil’ Romeo, are seemingly saved just in time. Honey is the role model who keeps them out of the trouble they are headed toward, and through the power of dance get them interested in a life outside of drugs and crime.

Otherwise, unfortunately, the film sputters and shuts down. The early dance scenes are as hokey as they could possibly be, and Honey’s rivalries with another music video dancer and her ex-boss are a drain on the audience’s patience for bad dialogue.

What’s more is that the characters are wholly unbelievable outside of the kids in Honey’s dance class. Mekhi Phifer is a do-good barber who works his way into Honey’s heart—not too bad, but his entire existence and shop are stolen right out of Barber Shop. And when asked to think for itself, the film can’t seem to make a character worth the audience’s attention.

Hilariously bad in parts of the film is David Moscow as Michael, Honey’s antagonistic boss.

When there is a rich white man at the head of a video production studio, especially a man with no overt talent outside of marketing, he should not be throwing around lines like “Bitch, how you gonna play me like that?” Ethnically challenged scenarios like this pop up continually throughout the film.

buzz

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 | BEHOLD ... I’M NOT WEARING ANY PANTS

Not your father’s breakbeats

protagonist, but Dinklage’s reserved performance layers his psychological isolation with an almost childlike vulnerability. Fin establishes a mental wall because he is no longer willing to see himself the way that others see him, and it takes emotional outcasts like Olivia and Joe to break it down.

Fin doesn’t change the town or accomplish anything brilliant; rather, The Station Agent is about a small man whose presence in a small town brings together a coalition of big hearts.

The uncomplicated purity of the film’s central friendships suggests a straightforward splendor in the effect that floundering people can have on each other. The characters in The Station Agent are lost inside themselves, but like Lost in Translation, lonesome souls mutually mend as a result of their complimentary personalities.

In his debut film, McCarthy crafts a uniquely memorable slice of small-town America and resists the temptation to draw condescending comic relief from his characters’ eccentricities.

Instead, he scatters a few charmingly funny scenes throughout his softly subtle script, which won the award for Best Screenplay at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Even at its most emotionally wrenching, The Station Agent feels optimistic rather than melancholy, and while the plot may seem contrived, the film unfolds with the savvy realism of a believably uplifting crowd-pleaser.

Yet, The Station Agent is reflective and enlightening rather than trite and redemptive.

It also pulls no punches in developing its characters’ unlikely bonds and the connections they

Hybrid and Dub Pistols twist traditional electronic sounds on Chicago stage

BY BRENDAN CLARK | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

ith their new album Morning Sci-Fi released in October, Hybrid began their supporting U.S. tour earlier this month with special guests from a variety of other well-known groups. On Nov. 16, the band made their way through Chicago with Dub Pistol Barry Ashworth.

For those not acquainted with the artists, Hybrid and the Dub Pistols are two of the most distinguished producers of electronic music to date. Hybrid was founded by Chris Healings and Mike Truman of Wales, who made a name for themselves by blending a unique classical emphasis with renowned synth programming and impressive sequencing.

The duo has since grown out of keyboardstrewn, computerized studios into a full live band, incorporating a mixture of acoustic instruments and support from dozens of other artists, be it Peter Hook of New Order or an entire Russian orchestra.

The Dub Pistols have an equally remarkable history. Preferred to be considered a punk act by frontman Barry Ashworth, who says that punk is the only appropriate genre because “anything goes,” the Dub Pistols live up to this image with their style and the music they produce. Creating everything from rock to house, hip hop to ska, there is truly no easy way to

THE STATION AGENT | PATRICIA CLARKSON make with one another that help them overcome their most repellent interpersonal characteristics. Fin, Olivia and Joe each represent an unattainable otherness, but even when they threaten to be problematic, their distinct differences turn out to be what brings them together.

Fin, always well-dressed and introspective, represents to Olivia a youthful innocence both in stature and personality, and to Joe a serenely impervious charisma, and his arrival in Newfoundland effects small, but radically important, change in all those around him.

He comes from a place where everybody knows his height, but both Dinklage and the pleasantly captivating film, The Station Agent, stand tall.

C-UViews Master and Commander ★★★

classify what they do exactly.

“We just try to throw everything into the pot and see what comes out. Sometimes that’s reggae, sometimes that’s full-on breaks.

Sometimes it’s melodic, it just depends,” Ashworth said. And the Dub Pistols’ latest full-length offering, Six Million Ways to Live, is all the proof one needs to agree. Both groups are on pre-eminent breakbeat and progressive house label Distinctive.

Ashworth both started and closed the Metro show with two separate DJ sets, playing alone.

“I wasn’t willing to bring my whole band over here yet. I want to sort of come back, hang out and meet people, see what the general buzz is and then bring the band back later,” Ashworth said.

His first set was to some extent a recap of what’s been hot in breaks this year. Opening with a remix of DJ Shadow’s “GDMFSOB,” he played a number of tunes, like FC Kahuna’s “Hayling” and Raw as Fuck’s “No Replica,” that have consistently blown the roof off of venues all this year.

In his second set, later that night, he played newer, more exclusive material until the night was over. Given the chance to speak his mind, Ashworth expressed concern over the recent rave legislation. “Dance is the oldest way of expressing yourself, wherever … If you ban anything and drive it underground, sooner or later it will come back bigger and stronger

Chris Hossfeld

HONEY | JESSICA ALBA, MEKHI PHIFER When it comes down to it, however, Honey outperforms its expectations. Some expected it to be the next Glitter, Mariah Carey’s acting fiasco, but the picture is a mild success. Taking the story with a grain of salt, since some scenes are straight out of another universe, there seems to be something for everyone. The dancing is fun, the kids are cute, Alba is easy on the eyes and the soundtrack is hot. These days, that’s about all anyone can ask for.

SCREEN REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ no stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Unwatchable

7

music

Champaign

"I thought there was gonna be more action, but instead it was kind of boring."

★★★★ Mike Nutall Champaign

"Crow's best movie since Gladiator."

★★★★ Ehab El-Khabiry Champaign

"I got seasick because there was so much water."

Barry Ashworth of the Dub Pistols spins at the Metro in Chicago.

than anything. I just hope that if there’s anyway anybody in America feels about anything, it’s just that you can’t let these kind of laws take over.”

Hybrid played in between Ashworth’s opening and closing sets. Their set was a half-and-half combination of reworked and remixed tracks from their earlier releases and their latest songs off of the new album. Since the addition of Adam Adam Taylor of Hybrid works the Metro crowd.

Taylor (guitar and vocals), Alex Madge (drums) and Tim Hutton largely transmit a mysterious feel, and Taylor’s (bass), the group has been playing their shows vocals are in most cases somewhat haunting, in more of a rock style, breaking between each dealing with a number of his struggles in life. song, changing tempos and doing more instru- The first single off Morning Sci-Fi, “True to ment switches than the usual changing of a Form,” “is about a personal struggle; I’ve got a problem with apathy … And ‘Still Awake,’” soundbank in their keyboard controllers.

Despite this recent emphasis on being more which is slated to be released as a single early of a band than a production duo, Hybrid still next year, “is kind of my bite back at it,” Truman said. plans to remain true to their roots.

During the show, the darker elements of “When (you’re) using a live kick-drum, when you should have that really piercing, Hybrid’s new material were adequately balfuck off 909 kick underneath there … it doesn’t anced by their more epic and uplifting songs quite work,” Truman said. “But blending the from their first release, Wide Angle. They ended two, utilizing technology to make your sound their set with what is perhaps their most celebetter, so you’re not relying on it completely, brated song, “Symphony.”

As for what’s next, both Hybrid and the Dub it’s a good mixture really.”

Although Healings and Truman downplay Pistols have a lot planned for the future. the change in dynamic resulting from the addi- Hybrid plan to continue releasing singles and tional group members, saying it’s “just more remixes of songs from Morning Sci-Fi through friends to play with,” the sound and texture of the next year, along with records from their their music has changed notably since they live session at Maida Vale studios and another began working on the new CD. Only one song, compilation. Hybrid are also preparing for “High as a Skyscraper,” really harks back to another U.S. tour in the middle of 2004, which will be longer and reach many more cities than the Chris-and-Mike sound.

“It’s scary because you’ve already got a their tour last month.

Ashworth said that, because of delays in precedent set with the first one, so you don’t want to disappoint people with the second releasing Six Million Ways to Live, the Dub one, but you still want to cover a bit of new Pistols nearly have an entire new album written already, though it will be a while until it is ground,” Truman said.

The new album definitely carries a rock feel, fully produced and ready for release. Their latwith Taylor doing almost all the vocals and the est 12-inch release, a remix of George Michael’s live drums and bass over the electronics, but it “Casual Sex,” is a reggae-tinged dance-floor retains that distinctly Hybrid sound throughout. bomb with an ample bassline. buzz “It’s a perfect meeting of minds, (a) bunch of really talented bastards,” Healings said.

The major change is not in the production itself, but in the tone and emotion of the music; Both Morning Sci-Fi and Six Million Ways to Live are no longer climactic dance-floor anthems, the available in record stores now. For Hybrid live sets, check new songs explore much deeper and darker out www.hybridized.org. For more information on either sectors of the band’s soul. The instruments artist, their label’s Web site is www.distinctiverecords.com.

PHOTO | BRENDAN CLARK

film

moviereview

H

CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S TOP TEN FILMS NEXT WEEK! | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 buzz

PHOTO | BRENDAN CLARK

4:06 PM

PARAMOUNT FILMS

14

12/10/03

MIRAMAX FILMS

121103buzz0714

121103buzz0813

4:06 PM

Page 1

music

HOW MANY TUPAC ALBUMS CAN THERE BE? | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

CDReviews

8

12/10/03

2PAC Resurrection: Soundtrack Interscope

★★★

BY JASON CANTONE Legends of hip hop do not come any larger than Tupac Shakur. No matter how successful his career was, a series of money-hungry executives began doing their best to turn his death into a marketing scheme.

After his controversial death (controversial in that many believe he is, in fact, still alive and kicking), a series of uneven posthumous albums began to spring up faster than boy bands in the late 1990s. However, the Resurrection soundtrack, produced by Eminem,doesn’t make the same mistakes as past compilations. This album neither exploits previous Tupac hits in the name of creating a greatest hits compilation nor does it exploit previously unheard tracks as marketing tools. Instead, it gives a glimpse into what the music of Tupac would sound like if he was, indeed, resurrected.

The four previously unreleased tracks provide the biggest emotional punch, especially the single “Runnin’ (Dying to Live).” This single features lyrics from both Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. Most rap fans don’t know that

these rap heavyweights recorded the original version of this song together with Outlawz before their feuding escalated. Originally, the song was set to appear on Tupac’s Thug Life album, but didn’t make the final cut. This version, produced by Eminem and sampling “Dying To Live,” a 1971 album cut from blues-rocker Edgar Winter, can be considered a worthy alternate version. This beyond-the-grave duet between two enemies who started out as friends can be considered the paramount single on this album. The song also proves there are politics at play as the track ends with the Notorious B.I.G saying, “I would never wish death on nobody.”

Like many soundtracks, Resurrection also contains an unneeded duet aiming to pair a legend with a rising star.

Here, the song “The Realist Killaz” pairs Tupac and 50 Cent in a single, sounding more like a ripped bootleg from a mix tape than an original piece. The two rappers share many similarities, which are exploited with this pairing, but the song’s true focus seems to be more to disparage an unnamed rapper than to bring the past and future of rap symbolically together.

The album also contains inspired choices such as “Same Song,” which was Tupac’s first-ever appearance, when he provided verses along with Digital Underground.“Death Around the Corner” is a classic Tupac song that resonates even more deeply on this album. As he raps about life’s struggles and his fear of dying, it will further show listeners that Tupac might be a rap myth, but he was also a mortal man.

PEARL JAM Lost Dog Epic

★★★★

BY JACOB DITTMER As the years go passing by, new bands and pop sensations come and go. Certain bands will stand out over the years as they transcend the pop labeling and carve a niche for themselves.Then, after years of making albums, bands find themselves on the classic hits radio station where they are subjected to having only five of their most popular songs played. Don’t think this to be true?

Think about how many times you’ve heard Zeppelin’s

“Stairway to Heaven” and “Kashmir” on the radio.

One thing is true of these great bands; they have die-hard fans that will gobble up anything with the band’s name on it.

Pearl Jam is on their way to becoming a classic rock station staple in about 20 years, but for now they are ours. With seven studio albums and an enormous amount of live concert material available, Pearl Jam have a lot to offer for the any fan.

Lost Dog is a release that gives die-hard fans just what they want, more music. Compiling unreleased tracks, B-sides, songs found on singles, promotions and special compilations, Lost Dog has Pearl Jam from their grunge years to their latest release, Riot Act. Pearl Jam have two poles to their music, the hard-rock grunge sound they started with, and their eclectic subdued sound.The two discs divide these two poles rather nicely.

Looking at the track listing makes this album look like it was released with two prominent Pearl Jam hits in mind— the Ten-era B-side “Yellow Ledbetter” and the fan-club Christmas single “Last Kiss.” Luckily the remaining tracks aren’t just filler for these two songs.

A serious strength of this double-disc set is the packaging and liner notes. The booklet alone gives a stronger song and band history than a VH1 special. Each song on this collection has information on its author, producer, band players and the era in which it was recorded. Furthermore, little notes from the band members gives anecdotal flair to some of the songs’ creations.

A nice window into the band’s prolific eras is given through the liner notes with a wealth of songs included that were recorded for Ten, No Code and Binaural. Sometimes it’s a challenge to guess which era a song is from, but the booklet reveals the songs’ foundations.

But alas, some of these songs are unreleased and were not deemed worthy of release by some people’s standards.

Fans looking for the memorable hooks and rock sound of songs like “Evenflow” will be disappointed with rock songs that pale in comparison. Some of the tracks do venture into fun territory, with songs like “Gremmie out of Control” and its surfer rock sound. Another point of interest is Eddie Vedder’s soft and somber song,” Dead Man,” which was intended to be on the Dead Man Walking soundtrack but for one reason or another didn’t make the cut.

The Pearl Jam vault has scores of other songs and unreleased material and this is merely the cream of the crop.With a nonchronological ordering, Lost Dog has the band’s music catalog bouncing all over time periods while maintaining a coherent flow throughout. Die-hards will be tickled pink with

buzz

this release because they’ll know 20 years from now when listening to “Alive” for the 100th time on their favorite classic rock station that Pearl Jam has much more to offer.

BIZ MARKIE Weekend Warrior Tommy Boy

★★★

BY BRIAN MERTZ “Not number one, but here to have fun” is what Biz Markie rhymes on the first full track of his new album Weekend Warrior. And that about sums up the latest effort from the man who is best known for his “crooning” in his breakthrough 1980s hit “Just A Friend.”

Weekend Warrior isn’t going to be remembered as a groundbreaking hip-hop album. But if Biz Markie’s rhyming style and the musical sounds of that now gone era of hip hop appeal to you, then Weekend Warrior is an amusing listen.

Biz Markie’s metaphorical skills have always made him a special MC (aside from his singing voice and all the goofy mugging he does for photo shoots). And this album is full of references to Magnum PI,The Nutty Professor, basketball and Mike Tyson. He even has a track called “Chinese Food” where the Biz rhymes about egg rolls and peapods.

On many hip-hop albums, guest MCs often add cool touches to tracks, if not stealing the tracks themselves. Biz is wise in his use of guests on Weekend Warrior. Elephant Man and P. Diddy only appear as backing vocals and neither are given full verses to rhyme over on the tracks “Let Me See U Bounce” and “Do Your Thang.”This is a smart move considering Elephant Man is as annoying as the bastard love child of Lil Jon and Fran Drescher singing Rod Stewart in a karaoke bar in Rantoul. And we don’t need to get into P. Diddy’s rhyming skills.

Of course, some guests work really well. Jazzy Jeff adds his trademark sample scratches to “Tear Shit Up” to create what would have been an anthem eight years ago. And Erick Sermon lights up the harpsichord-flavored track “Not A Freak.”

In general though, there is nothing remarkable about this album.“Friends” sees Biz singing the famous hook “Why can’t we be friends?” in his “Just A Friend” style, but the magic doesn’t return.

buzz

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

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 Nargile 207 W. Clark St., Champaign Neil Street Pub 1505 N Neil, Champaign, 359.1601 Boardman’s Art Theater 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 Springer Cultural Center 301 N Randolph, Champaign, 355.1406 Spurlock Museum 600 S Gregory, Urbana, 333.2360 The Station Theatre 223 N. Broadway, Urbana, 384-4000 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 123 S. Mattis Ave, Country Fair Shopping Center, 359.2177 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

ART NOTICES Creation Art Studios: Art Classes for Children and Adults – All classes offer technical instruction and the exploration of materials through the expressive and spontaneous art process. Independent studies of personal interests and ideas, dreams, etc. are expressed and developed through collage and assemblage art and throughdrawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Adult Open Studio meets Tue night 7:00 to 9:00 Call to make special arrangements for a group. For more information contact Jeannine Bestoso at 344 6955. CPDU’s offered. Studio is located in east Urbana at 1102 E. Washington St. www.creationartstudios.com

calendar

13

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 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 GALLERIES & EXHIBITS Aroma Cafe – “Micrograms: Photos and Collage” by Rohn Koester on display through Dec 14.118 N. Neil. Open 7 days a week, 7am-midnight. 356-3200.

Boneyard Pottery – Ceramic Art by Michael Schwegmann and more. 403 Water St, Champaign. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm.

355-5610.

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. Thu-Sat 10am-4pm. 762-4907.

Cafe Kopi – Photographs from self-taught photograpger Lisa Billman on display through Dec. 109 N Walnut, Champaign. Mon-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 11am-8pm. 359-4266.

Cinema Galley – Local and regional artists including many University of Illinois and Parkland College faculty members. Currently on display through Dec 24:“Dennis Rowan: New Works on Paper and Artist’s Books.” 120 W Main, Urbana. Holiday Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-7pm. Sun 1-5pm.

367-3711.

Creation Art Studios – Current display features paintings and drawings by Shoshanna Bauer, Audrey Martin and Jennifer Martin, Jeannine Bestoso and an evolving display of recent student works in ceramics, paintings and drawings. For information, contact Jeannine Bestoso. 1102 E Washington St, Urbana. Mon-Fri 3-5:30pm, Sat 1-4pm and scheduled studio sessions. 344-6955. www.creationartstudios.com Country in the City – Antiques, architectural, gardening, home accessories. Custom designing available. 1104 E Washington St, Urbana. Thu-Sat 10am-5pm 367-2367.

Framer’s Market – Frame Designers since 1981. Ongoing work from local artists on display. 807 W Springfield Ave, Champaign. Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. 3517020.

Furniture Lounge – Collection of fine art photographic images by local artisan Glenn Harriger on display through Dec 24. Also specializing in mid-century modern furniture from the 1920s-1980s, retro, Danish modern, lighting, vintage stereo equipment and vinyl records. 9 E University, Champaign. 352-5150. Sun-Mon 12-4:30pm, Wed-Sat 11am-5:30pm.

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. 359-0048. www.glassfx.com.

Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm Sun 11am-3pm. 398 2000. 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. 816 Dennison Dr, Champaign.

Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and by appointment. 356-8994.

Old Vic Art Gallery – Fine and original art, hand signed limited edition prints, works by local artists, art restoration, custom framing and periodic shows by local artists. 11 E University, Champaign. Mon-Thu 11am-5:30pm, Sat 11am4:30pm. 355-8338.

Steeple Gallery – Vintage botanical and bird prints, antiques, framed limited edition prints. 102 E Lafayette St, Monticello. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. 762-2924. www.steeplegallery.com 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. 762-9786. www.ziemergallery.com

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

ART-ON VIEW NOW

Gallery Virtu Cooperative – Original works by the nine artist-owners: jewelry, pottery, paintings, collages, hats, handbags and other textiles, sculptures and journals.

The Gallery also offers workshops. 220 . Washington St, Monticello. 762-7790. Thurs 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm. www.galleryvirtu.org

“Ethereal Organics” – Photographs from Jim Hultquist on display at Cafe Aroma. Hultquist:“A project in the study of light interacting with natural forms.” 118 N Neil, Champaign. Open 7 days a week, 7am-midnight. For information contact Amanda Bickle. 356-3200. art4aroma@yahoo.com

Hill Street Gallery Inc. – Oil and watercolor paintings, hand painted T-shirts, handmade jewelry. 703 W Hill, Champaign. Sat 12-5pm or by appointment during the week. 359-0675.

“Nevertheless: That’s Our Guarantee!” – Solo exhibit focusing on graphic design by local artist John Havlik on display through Dec 12. Show will display works demonstrating Havlik’s ability to visually respond to a wide range of artistic presentations and a series of pieces created to demonstrate the range of products a graphic designer is involved with. With tongue-in-cheek humor, Havlik provides an insider’s look at the graphic design profession. Visit www.nevertheless-guaranteed.com for a peek at this exhibit. 115 E University, Champaign. Mon-Fri 10am-3pm and Mon-Thu evenings 6-8pm, Sat 12-2pm.

Larry Kanfer Gallery – New Upper Midwest images and sepia Champaign-Urbana Collection on display by renowned photographic artist, Larry Kanfer. Ready for the holidays: Prairiescapes and University of Illinois calendars and unique boxed gift cards. Gift certificates available.

2503 S Neil, Champaign. Free and Open to the Public.

351-2485. Handicapped accessible and open and free to the public.

“One Place After Another” – The Illini Union Art Gallery presents this non-traditiona 3-D show through Feb 4.

Opening receoption is Dec 12, 7-9pm. 1401 W Green, Urbana. Open every day 7am-10pm.

“E-Motion2: Our Reality as Seen and Unseen” – A unique dance/technology installation in which programmer Ben Schaeffer, choreographer Luc Vanier, and composer Bradford Blackburn come together through motion capture technology to create an alternate version of reality.

On display at the Krannert Art Museum through Jan 4.

500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am8pm, Sun 2-5pm. 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 “Anna Pottery: Plagiarism as Art” – Reintroduces Illinois to its greatest potters, the brothers Cornwall and Wallace Kirkpatrick, and their Anna Pottery (1859-96). The exhibition focuses on the brothers’ large-scale incised works that obsessively reproduce texts from quirky yet mundane sources like telephone books and corporate reports.

Ahead of its time, the Kirkpatricks’ work is a forerunner to the outsider art and pop art of today. Anna Pottery: Plagiarism as Art is on view through Jan 4. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 25pm. 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 “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 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 “Faculty Art Exhibition” – Features the newest work by current faculty in the School of Art and Design. This exhibition is one of the oldest, continuously-running faculty exhibitions in the country. Works of painting, sculpture, installation art, glass, and other media will be on display through Jan 4. Gerald Guthrie will give a talk about his work, 12pm Dec 17. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, ThuSat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. 333-1860.

Suggested Donation: $3

12

12/10/03

4:05 PM

Page 1

calendar

ThursdayDec11 LIVE MUSIC

WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 buzz

Monster Honkey - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $3 David Davenport – classic rock – Tommy G’s, 5-7pm, free Renegade - Tommy G’s, 10pm, TBA

DJ

Parkland Big Band - Iron Post, 7pm, TBA Acoustic Music Series: Angie Heaton, Eleni Moraites Aroma, 8pm, free Lamonte Parsons Jazz Trio - Senator’s Pub, 8pm, TBA Chambana - Zorba’s, 9:30, $3 Ekoostik Hookah - The Canopy Club, 10pm, $8 Serling, Barron James Band, Doxy - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $3 Temple of Low Men, Sick Day - Iron Post, 10pm, TBA Grass Roots Revival with Micheal (Homer) Jones and Jamie Lou – Verde Cafe and Gallery, 7:30-9:30pm, free

Afterglow: LaMonte Parsons Experience – the swingin’ jazz – Lobby, Krannert Center, 9:30pm, free Kurt Elling with the Laurence Hobgood Trio – Studio Theatre, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $22-30

DJ

ON STAGE

DJ Resonate - Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Lego, DJ Vamp - The Highdive, 10pm, $5 DJ Delaney - Nargile, TBA, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCES UI Symphony Orchestra – Here’s a romantic program featuring a guest singer in two arias from Samson et Dalila

by Camille Saint-Saëns along with the Symphony No. 3 by Roy Harris and Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony (No. 3) – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $2-5 Kurt Elling with the Laurence Hobgood Trio – Studio Theatre, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $22-30

DJ Bozak - Barfly, 9pm, free House Party: DJ Impact, DJ Mertz, DJ J-Phlip, DJ Reflex Nargile, 10pm, $5 DJ Tim Williams - The Highdive, 10pm, $5

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

The Nutcracker – Clara and her Nutcracker prince battle evil mice, journey to the Kingdom of Snow, and visit the Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker is presented by the CU Ballet in cooperation with Krannert Center. Sinfonia da Camera provides live musical accompaniment, and the Central Illinois Children’s Chorus makes a guest appearance – Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center, 7:30pm

LIVE MUSIC Roger Clair - Cowboy Monkey, 5pm, free Kevin Hart Trio - Iron Post, 5pm, TBA David Davenport - Tommy G’s, 5pm, TBA Pocket Big Band - The Highdive, 5:30pm, $3 Darrin Drda’s Theory of Everything - Channing-Murray Foundation, 8pm, TBA Planetfest Pre-Party: Illini Contraband, Air This Side of Caution, TBA - The Canopy Club, 10pm, TBA Everybody Uh Oh, Dressy Bessy, Skeletons - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $6 Innocent Words Presents: Lorenzo Goetz, Big Buildings, The Greedy Loves - Iron Post, 10pm, $3

ON STAGE

The Nutcracker – Clara and her Nutcracker prince battle evil mice, journey to the Kingdom of Snow, and visit the Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker is presented by the CU Ballet in cooperation with Krannert Center. Sinfonia da Camera provides live musical accompaniment, and the Central Illinois Children’s Chorus makes a guest appearance – Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center, 2pm, 7:30pm

WORDS Santa Lucia Procession and Book signing – Karin Dovring Changing Seasons – Skandinavian Link (on Kirby near Prospect), 2-5pm

SundayDec14 LIVE MUSIC Irish Traditional Music Session hosted by Lisa Boucher Mike ‘n Molly’s, 5pm, free The Blues Jam hosed by Kilborn Alley - The Canopy Club, 10pm, $2

SaturdayDec13 C-U Metal/Rock Fest: Made, Impale, Black Myst, SHRED, Synikal, Bleeding With Victory, One Below Nothing, Fear Unknown - Channing-Murray Foundation, 1pm, $5 The Red Hot Valentines, Missing the Point, Fall Out Boy, The Minor League - Phillips Recreational Center, 5pm, $4 Over the Rhine, Susan Enan - The Highdive, 7pm, $12 Kathy Harden and the King Bees - Iron Post, 9pm, TBA Tons O Fun Band - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $3 The Pitch, Red Hot Valentines, The Minor League Nargile, 10pm, $5 Razor Sharp - Tommy G’s, 10pm, TBA Planetfest: Fuel, Revis, The Red Hot Valentines, Fall Out Boy, Kill Hannah, Sloth, TBA - The Canopy Club, TBA, $20 Bruiser and the Virtues - Embassy Tavern, TBA

DJ

Verde Hootenanny - bluegrass jam - Verde Gallery, 7pm, free Adam Wolfe - Tommy G’s, 9pm, TBA Open Mic/Open Jam hosted by Openingbands.com - The Canopy Club, 10pm, $2

WednesdayDec17 LIVE MUSIC

DJ

Open Mic: Poetry/Spoken Word hosted by Illusion - The Canopy Club, 7pm, $2

MUSIC PERFORMANCES Gilles Vonsattel, piano – a student at The Juilliard School, is out on the concert circuit, performing with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, the Boston Pops and the Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, among other prestigious artists. His Krannert Center recital includes works by Bach, Liszt, Bartók, Schumann, and Ravel – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 3pm Judy Collins Christmas Show – Virginia Theatre, 7pm

MondayDec15 LIVE MUSIC Los Straitjackets, World Famous Pontani Sisters, Legendary Shack Shackers - The Highdive, 8:30pm, $12 Openingbands.com Showcase: FCAB, The Rushmores The Canopy Club, 10pm, $3

DJ 2ON2OUT - Barfly, 9pm, free The Noiseboy - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free DJ Betty Rocker - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, free

VOTED ONE OF CU’ S FINEST RETRO STORES!

ROB MCCOLLEY A Boy Named Laurie...

Seduction: DJ Resonate - Barfly, 9pm, free Lyle The Electrician - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free Preston Wright, Jim Creason - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $1 NOX: DJ ZoZo - The Highdive, 10pm, $2

DJ Chef Re Reggae - Barfly, 9pm, free Joel Spencer - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $1 DJ Spinnerty, DJ D-Lo - The Highdive, 10pm, free

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 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

Tokyo Bay Watches flasks * cigarette cases

music

| BRING BACK HOMEGROWN

With MTV, BET and Clear Channel-owned hip-hop radio stations only airing hip hop that revolves around the bling and the booty, don’t expect to hear any of these 14 songs unless you pick up the album. That’s not a terrible thing though, considering that not one of these 14 tunes feels good enough to be a single.

Cooler DJs might drop tracks like “Get Down” and “Turn Back The Hands of Time” in a club. But if you’re trying to hear whatever happened to The Diabolical Biz Markie, you’ll need to pick up Weekend Warrior on your own. And if you don’t, its doubtful that Biz will be offended. He’ll just keep on rapping and DJing like he’s been doing for years now.

DJ

SPOKEN WORD

The Nutcracker – Clara and her Nutcracker prince battle evil mice, journey to the Kingdom of Snow, and visit the Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker is presented by the CU Ballet in cooperation with Krannert Center. Sinfonia da Camera provides live musical accompaniment, and the Central Illinois Children’s Chorus makes a guest appearance – Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center, 2pm

LIVE JAZZ at

LIVE MUSIC

Fresh Face Guest DJ - Barfly, 9pm, TBA Blends By Otter - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free

ON STAGE

DJ Hipster Sophisto - Barfly, 9pm, free

TuesdayDec16

Irish Traditional Music Session hosted by Lisa Boucher Bentley’s Pub, 8pm, free Kilborn Alley - Tommy G’s, 9pm, TBA Finga Lickin’ - The Canopy Club, 10pm, free Open Mic Night hosted by Mike Ingram - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $2

DJ

LIVE MUSIC

FridayDec12

DJ Resonate - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $1 DJ Tim Williams - The Highdive, 10pm, $5

buzz DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

Legal Records

★★★

BY KATIE RICHARDSON Accolades surround area bands like Absinthe Blind, The Blackouts, Lorenzo Goetz and Temple of Low Men, and while they are all deserving of praise, the talents of other local musicians sometimes fall to the wayside in the wake of their immense spotlight.

This reviewer urges you to keep attending their concerts but also has a suggestion for your future CD purchases: local musician Rob McColley, who released his fourth album, A Boy Named Laurie Sings Juicy Songs from the Devotions, this past April.

And why should we shine our light on an artist whose Juicy cover features him in a half-opened purple velvet dress shirt? Aren’t such maneuvers synonymous with egotistical, pretty-boy pop stars? Well yes, but the artist is only committing a sin if he doesn’t realize that those tactics are cheesy.

Given the cutting lyrical wit present in tracks like “Green for Danger”and “While My Paranoid Android Gently Weeps,” it is highly unlikely that McColley isn’t purposefully exploiting contemporary pop stereotypes. He continues this farcical theme with the music itself, setting the groundwork for a brilliant album that questions how we categorize performers identities and stretches the limits of our musical expectations. Upon first listen, any audience would immediately notice that the music itself is lush and beautifully compiled: McColley and his crew should be composing love songs for a major label because their tunes are on point.

His lyrics, though, like this line from “I Wish I could be a Smoker,” hardly reflect the lament found in traditional pop ballads: “Sitting around coffee shops / complaining about government / living like the French / holds a fascination, an enticement / tinkering with power tools / commuting with the working class / watching fast cars / will they accept me if I refuse to light it?”

McColley delivers these words with the conviction of someone truly in pain. The accompanying psychedelic music heightens the sardonic tension between voice and melody. The play between these two forces makes this song an ironic joy ride that has you simultaneously thinking,“God, that boy’s voice is so reminiscent of Dylan-esque melancholy” and “Did he just say ‘will they accept me if I refuse to light it?’”

Admittedly, this is a little off-putting at first because we’ve learned to expect certain cookie-cutter lyrics from even our “deepest” singers: pop-rock songs should house the expression “couldn’t even get out of bed” in at least one verse. They should not, as is present in “While my Paranoid Android Gently Weeps,” carry the phrase, “who needs money / the only thing money can buy is friends.”

Hopefully, McColley has no intention of forfeiting his terse humor in order to pander to other people’s standards.

After a few listens to Juicy it’s clear that he probably could— his music is tight, and he has a good enough command of language to pop out some sort of recycled version of Elliot Smith’s “Miss Misery” if he so desired.

Ultimately, though, his unconventional style proves him to be a daring artist who boldly chooses to mess with traditional forms, and one local musician who has been sorely and unfairly overlooked.

CHARTS PARASOL RECORDS TOP 10 SELLERS 1. Will Owsley - The Hard Way (Lakeview Entertainment) 2. Moonbabies - The Orange Billboard (A Hidden Agenda Record) 3. M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts (Gooom Records - France) 4. Dipsomaniacs - Praying Winter (Camera Obscura Records - Australia) 5. The Unicorns - Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone? (Alien8 Records - Canada) 6. Sun Kil Moon - Ghosts Of The Great Highway (Jetset Records) 7. Absinthe Blind - Rings (Mud Records) 8. The White Stripes - The Hardest Button To Button (XL Recordings - UK) 9. The Wannadies - Before & After (A Hidden Agenda Record) 10. The Ladybug Transistor - The Ladybug Transistor (Merge Records)

RECORD SERVICE TOP 10 SELLERS 1. Alicia Keys - The Diary of Alicia Keys (J-Records) 2. The Strokes - Room On Fire (RCA) 3. The Beatles - Let It Be Naked (Capitol) 4. A Perfect Circle - Thirteenth Step (Virgin Records) 5. Missy Elliot - This Is Not A Test (Elektra) 6. Robert Randolph and The Family Band Unclassified (Warner Brothers) 7. Lizz Wright - Salt (Verve) 8. Rage Against the Machine - Live At The Grand Olympic Auditorium (Sony) 9. Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress (Sanctuary Records) 10. Coheed & Cambria - In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (Equal Vision Records)

a

n ba

627 E. GREEN 344-0710

am $3 h C

THURSDAY AT 9:30 $3.00 COVER

Unique Gifts Within Your Budget 9 E. Taylor St. • 355-WEED Mon-Wed 11-6 • Thu-Sat 1-9 • Sun 1-5

MUSIC REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ no stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Un-listenable

Psst...

Did you hear Circles is the perfect place for all your holiday gifts?

contemporary clothing, accesories, jewelry, and shoes

gift certificates in any denomination

107 N. Walnut Downtown Champaign 359.2195

open untill 8 pm thursday & friday

NEW RELEASES B-Legit - Word Pimpin’ Black Market Fetus - Midwest Meltdown Broken Bottles - In the Bottles Down South Georgia Boys - ’Til Death Do Us Part Charlie Hunter and Bobby Previte - Come in Red Dog, This Is Tango Leader Joe - And Then...

Year Future - Year Future (EP) T. J. Kirk - Talking Only Makes It Worse The Mars Volta - Live (EP) Sarah McLachlan - Remixed!!

Memphis Bleek - M.A.D.E. Modern Life Is War - My Love. My Way. Raekwon - The Lex Diamond Story The Rum Diary Poisons - That Save Lives Scarling - Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole (EP) The Spits - The Spits James Yorkston - Some

turquoise * amber * moonstone

necklaces * rings * earrings vintage * used clothing gift certificates

Gifts Galore: PJs, Bubble Bath, Handbags, Scarves, etc.

121103buzz0912

5

Top Five returns next week with: 2003’s biggest disappointments in music

FINE ART AND CRAFTS

BY CENTRAL ILLINOIS ARTISTS William Baker Benjamin Baxley Chris Berti David Bushman Elizabeth Coleman Aleksander Credo-Balos Glen Davies Alex Fekete Pam Friese Gerald Guthrie Melissa Huff

Amy Huisinga Billy Morrow Jackson Siti Mariah Jackson James Kearns Ron Kovatch Shirley Kramer James Lynch Christiane Martens John Miller Dwain Naragon Jeffrey Nichols Laura O’Donnell

Victoria Rapoport Dennis Rowan Katy Rush Peggy Shaw Jean Stoia Joan Stoltz Rich Sunden Billie Jean Theide Rimas VisGirda Victor Wang Melinda Willis

120 WEST MAIN ST. URBANA • 217-367-3711 HOLIDAY HOURS 10AM-7PM TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 1-5PM SUNDAY

9

121103buzz1011

12/10/03

10

calendar

4:04 PM

Page 1

calendar

buzzpicks

DJ Lego brings Chicago beats to The Highdive Thursday nights at The Highdive have featured some big name mainstream Chicago DJs over the last few months. The trend continues this Thursday, but with a slight twist. Lego has gained mainstream attention with his remixes for mega-stars like Beyonce and his appearances on Q101’s radio show, Sonic Boom. But Rafael “Lego” Rodriguez still commands the respect of the underground house scene. Fusing together traditional Chicago house sounds with a Latin twist, Lego has had smash hits all over the globe. Lego’s club night at Red Dog in Chicago has been going strong for 11 years and is the longest running club night in the city. His new label, Pootin Muzik, promises to be a global force for house music. Central Illinois house hero DJ Vamp will get things started at 10 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Dressy Bessy at Cowboy Monkey The Denver-based energetic indie pop group Dressy Bessy finishes their tour at Cowboy Monkey this Friday with support from local favorites Everybody Uh-Oh and Skeletons. Dressy Bessy is currently sitting on the College Music Journal’s Top 10, with their new self-titled release out on the soon-to-be-defunct Kindercore Records. This is indie pop at it’s best: simple, smart and fun. Go see this band.

Dressy Bessy, Everybody Uh-Oh, Skeletons, Friday, Dec. 12, Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $6

Los Straitjackets bring Christmas early

It’s Miller Time at the White Horse Inn!

“Little Drummer Boy,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and other traditional Christmas songs are twisted into a sound that’s origins lie along palm tree-lined beaches in Southern California. Los Straitjackets’ Christmas Pageant blends Christmas traditions with a surf rock sound, leaving you wanting to bask on the beach. However, the wrestling masks would leave tan lines. That’s the twist. This is not traditional surf revival; Los Straitjackets mixes a twang and wrestling masks for an amazing live sound that has caused a stir. Along with Legendary Shackshakers, a roots rockabilly outfit, and Pontani Sisters, Los Straitjackets are sure to draw a crowd. Come early and enjoy the openers.

Los Straitjackets, World Famous Pontani Sisters, Legendary Shack Shakers, Monday, The Highdive, 8:30pm, $12

C A M U S F A S T B A L L S

H O R S T I N T H E M A I N

A R M E E

S T O N E

M I T E R

S C O T C H N E N E A L O G R I N G R O E A T H T H O I D A W V E W I E A K E

S L I C L E O R S S S R L E A D M E A Y R E R S

A E G E A N

L A U E R

A D O I L D I N T O E S S S O S P A P M E S H M A C H O M E N I A L P R E G A M E E S T Y L E S A F K I T T E N S E R O T I C L A G U N A D I A D E M S N E E R S

Boardman’s

Gift Certificates

Champaign-Urbana's premiere source of information for both bands and fans:

- c-u's most complete and up to date concert listings OB

- online forums and instant messaging - cd reviews, articles and editorials

openingbands.com

Art Theatre

126 W. Church St. Champaign, IL

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King at the Lorraine

eTickets online at www.BoardmansLorraineTheatre.com

The Station Agent R, runs 88 minutes, presented in HPS-4000/DD.

Don’t just get a ticket, get a RESERVED SEAT!

Showtimes: daily at 5:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.

Matinees on Sat/Sun at 3:00 p.m.

Why stand in line, pay more, and get less at a multiplex?

eTickets/reserved seats: www.BoardmansArtTheatre.com

LOTR’s: “The Return of the King” starts midnight Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Costume contest at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17...great fun and neat prizes!

BOARDMAN’S THEATRES www.BoardmansTheatres.com 1-800-BEST PLACE (800-237-8752) 217/355-0068 eTickets/reserved seats: www.BoardmansArtTheatre.com

For extra photos, check out readbuzz.com

11

121103buzz1011

12/10/03

10

calendar

4:04 PM

Page 1

calendar

buzzpicks

DJ Lego brings Chicago beats to The Highdive Thursday nights at The Highdive have featured some big name mainstream Chicago DJs over the last few months. The trend continues this Thursday, but with a slight twist. Lego has gained mainstream attention with his remixes for mega-stars like Beyonce and his appearances on Q101’s radio show, Sonic Boom. But Rafael “Lego” Rodriguez still commands the respect of the underground house scene. Fusing together traditional Chicago house sounds with a Latin twist, Lego has had smash hits all over the globe. Lego’s club night at Red Dog in Chicago has been going strong for 11 years and is the longest running club night in the city. His new label, Pootin Muzik, promises to be a global force for house music. Central Illinois house hero DJ Vamp will get things started at 10 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Dressy Bessy at Cowboy Monkey The Denver-based energetic indie pop group Dressy Bessy finishes their tour at Cowboy Monkey this Friday with support from local favorites Everybody Uh-Oh and Skeletons. Dressy Bessy is currently sitting on the College Music Journal’s Top 10, with their new self-titled release out on the soon-to-be-defunct Kindercore Records. This is indie pop at it’s best: simple, smart and fun. Go see this band.

Dressy Bessy, Everybody Uh-Oh, Skeletons, Friday, Dec. 12, Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $6

Los Straitjackets bring Christmas early

It’s Miller Time at the White Horse Inn!

“Little Drummer Boy,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and other traditional Christmas songs are twisted into a sound that’s origins lie along palm tree-lined beaches in Southern California. Los Straitjackets’ Christmas Pageant blends Christmas traditions with a surf rock sound, leaving you wanting to bask on the beach. However, the wrestling masks would leave tan lines. That’s the twist. This is not traditional surf revival; Los Straitjackets mixes a twang and wrestling masks for an amazing live sound that has caused a stir. Along with Legendary Shackshakers, a roots rockabilly outfit, and Pontani Sisters, Los Straitjackets are sure to draw a crowd. Come early and enjoy the openers.

Los Straitjackets, World Famous Pontani Sisters, Legendary Shack Shakers, Monday, The Highdive, 8:30pm, $12

C A M U S F A S T B A L L S

H O R S T I N T H E M A I N

A R M E E

S T O N E

M I T E R

S C O T C H N E N E A L O G R I N G R O E A T H T H O I D A W V E W I E A K E

S L I C L E O R S S S R L E A D M E A Y R E R S

A E G E A N

L A U E R

A D O I L D I N T O E S S S O S P A P M E S H M A C H O M E N I A L P R E G A M E E S T Y L E S A F K I T T E N S E R O T I C L A G U N A D I A D E M S N E E R S

Boardman’s

Gift Certificates

Champaign-Urbana's premiere source of information for both bands and fans:

- c-u's most complete and up to date concert listings OB

- online forums and instant messaging - cd reviews, articles and editorials

openingbands.com

Art Theatre

126 W. Church St. Champaign, IL

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King at the Lorraine

eTickets online at www.BoardmansLorraineTheatre.com

The Station Agent R, runs 88 minutes, presented in HPS-4000/DD.

Don’t just get a ticket, get a RESERVED SEAT!

Showtimes: daily at 5:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.

Matinees on Sat/Sun at 3:00 p.m.

Why stand in line, pay more, and get less at a multiplex?

eTickets/reserved seats: www.BoardmansArtTheatre.com

LOTR’s: “The Return of the King” starts midnight Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Costume contest at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17...great fun and neat prizes!

BOARDMAN’S THEATRES www.BoardmansTheatres.com 1-800-BEST PLACE (800-237-8752) 217/355-0068 eTickets/reserved seats: www.BoardmansArtTheatre.com

For extra photos, check out readbuzz.com

11

12

12/10/03

4:05 PM

Page 1

calendar

ThursdayDec11 LIVE MUSIC

WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 buzz

Monster Honkey - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $3 David Davenport – classic rock – Tommy G’s, 5-7pm, free Renegade - Tommy G’s, 10pm, TBA

DJ

Parkland Big Band - Iron Post, 7pm, TBA Acoustic Music Series: Angie Heaton, Eleni Moraites Aroma, 8pm, free Lamonte Parsons Jazz Trio - Senator’s Pub, 8pm, TBA Chambana - Zorba’s, 9:30, $3 Ekoostik Hookah - The Canopy Club, 10pm, $8 Serling, Barron James Band, Doxy - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $3 Temple of Low Men, Sick Day - Iron Post, 10pm, TBA Grass Roots Revival with Micheal (Homer) Jones and Jamie Lou – Verde Cafe and Gallery, 7:30-9:30pm, free

Afterglow: LaMonte Parsons Experience – the swingin’ jazz – Lobby, Krannert Center, 9:30pm, free Kurt Elling with the Laurence Hobgood Trio – Studio Theatre, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $22-30

DJ

ON STAGE

DJ Resonate - Barfly, 9pm, free DJ Lego, DJ Vamp - The Highdive, 10pm, $5 DJ Delaney - Nargile, TBA, free

MUSIC PERFORMANCES UI Symphony Orchestra – Here’s a romantic program featuring a guest singer in two arias from Samson et Dalila

by Camille Saint-Saëns along with the Symphony No. 3 by Roy Harris and Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony (No. 3) – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $2-5 Kurt Elling with the Laurence Hobgood Trio – Studio Theatre, Krannert Center, 7:30pm, $22-30

DJ Bozak - Barfly, 9pm, free House Party: DJ Impact, DJ Mertz, DJ J-Phlip, DJ Reflex Nargile, 10pm, $5 DJ Tim Williams - The Highdive, 10pm, $5

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

The Nutcracker – Clara and her Nutcracker prince battle evil mice, journey to the Kingdom of Snow, and visit the Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker is presented by the CU Ballet in cooperation with Krannert Center. Sinfonia da Camera provides live musical accompaniment, and the Central Illinois Children’s Chorus makes a guest appearance – Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center, 7:30pm

LIVE MUSIC Roger Clair - Cowboy Monkey, 5pm, free Kevin Hart Trio - Iron Post, 5pm, TBA David Davenport - Tommy G’s, 5pm, TBA Pocket Big Band - The Highdive, 5:30pm, $3 Darrin Drda’s Theory of Everything - Channing-Murray Foundation, 8pm, TBA Planetfest Pre-Party: Illini Contraband, Air This Side of Caution, TBA - The Canopy Club, 10pm, TBA Everybody Uh Oh, Dressy Bessy, Skeletons - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $6 Innocent Words Presents: Lorenzo Goetz, Big Buildings, The Greedy Loves - Iron Post, 10pm, $3

ON STAGE

The Nutcracker – Clara and her Nutcracker prince battle evil mice, journey to the Kingdom of Snow, and visit the Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker is presented by the CU Ballet in cooperation with Krannert Center. Sinfonia da Camera provides live musical accompaniment, and the Central Illinois Children’s Chorus makes a guest appearance – Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center, 2pm, 7:30pm

WORDS Santa Lucia Procession and Book signing – Karin Dovring Changing Seasons – Skandinavian Link (on Kirby near Prospect), 2-5pm

SundayDec14 LIVE MUSIC Irish Traditional Music Session hosted by Lisa Boucher Mike ‘n Molly’s, 5pm, free The Blues Jam hosed by Kilborn Alley - The Canopy Club, 10pm, $2

SaturdayDec13 C-U Metal/Rock Fest: Made, Impale, Black Myst, SHRED, Synikal, Bleeding With Victory, One Below Nothing, Fear Unknown - Channing-Murray Foundation, 1pm, $5 The Red Hot Valentines, Missing the Point, Fall Out Boy, The Minor League - Phillips Recreational Center, 5pm, $4 Over the Rhine, Susan Enan - The Highdive, 7pm, $12 Kathy Harden and the King Bees - Iron Post, 9pm, TBA Tons O Fun Band - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $3 The Pitch, Red Hot Valentines, The Minor League Nargile, 10pm, $5 Razor Sharp - Tommy G’s, 10pm, TBA Planetfest: Fuel, Revis, The Red Hot Valentines, Fall Out Boy, Kill Hannah, Sloth, TBA - The Canopy Club, TBA, $20 Bruiser and the Virtues - Embassy Tavern, TBA

DJ

Verde Hootenanny - bluegrass jam - Verde Gallery, 7pm, free Adam Wolfe - Tommy G’s, 9pm, TBA Open Mic/Open Jam hosted by Openingbands.com - The Canopy Club, 10pm, $2

WednesdayDec17 LIVE MUSIC

DJ

Open Mic: Poetry/Spoken Word hosted by Illusion - The Canopy Club, 7pm, $2

MUSIC PERFORMANCES Gilles Vonsattel, piano – a student at The Juilliard School, is out on the concert circuit, performing with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, the Boston Pops and the Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, among other prestigious artists. His Krannert Center recital includes works by Bach, Liszt, Bartók, Schumann, and Ravel – Foellinger Great Hall, Krannert Center, 3pm Judy Collins Christmas Show – Virginia Theatre, 7pm

MondayDec15 LIVE MUSIC Los Straitjackets, World Famous Pontani Sisters, Legendary Shack Shackers - The Highdive, 8:30pm, $12 Openingbands.com Showcase: FCAB, The Rushmores The Canopy Club, 10pm, $3

DJ 2ON2OUT - Barfly, 9pm, free The Noiseboy - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free DJ Betty Rocker - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, free

VOTED ONE OF CU’ S FINEST RETRO STORES!

ROB MCCOLLEY A Boy Named Laurie...

Seduction: DJ Resonate - Barfly, 9pm, free Lyle The Electrician - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free Preston Wright, Jim Creason - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $1 NOX: DJ ZoZo - The Highdive, 10pm, $2

DJ Chef Re Reggae - Barfly, 9pm, free Joel Spencer - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $1 DJ Spinnerty, DJ D-Lo - The Highdive, 10pm, free

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 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

Tokyo Bay Watches flasks * cigarette cases

music

| BRING BACK HOMEGROWN

With MTV, BET and Clear Channel-owned hip-hop radio stations only airing hip hop that revolves around the bling and the booty, don’t expect to hear any of these 14 songs unless you pick up the album. That’s not a terrible thing though, considering that not one of these 14 tunes feels good enough to be a single.

Cooler DJs might drop tracks like “Get Down” and “Turn Back The Hands of Time” in a club. But if you’re trying to hear whatever happened to The Diabolical Biz Markie, you’ll need to pick up Weekend Warrior on your own. And if you don’t, its doubtful that Biz will be offended. He’ll just keep on rapping and DJing like he’s been doing for years now.

DJ

SPOKEN WORD

The Nutcracker – Clara and her Nutcracker prince battle evil mice, journey to the Kingdom of Snow, and visit the Land of Sweets. The Nutcracker is presented by the CU Ballet in cooperation with Krannert Center. Sinfonia da Camera provides live musical accompaniment, and the Central Illinois Children’s Chorus makes a guest appearance – Tryon Festival Theatre, Krannert Center, 2pm

LIVE JAZZ at

LIVE MUSIC

Fresh Face Guest DJ - Barfly, 9pm, TBA Blends By Otter - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, free

ON STAGE

DJ Hipster Sophisto - Barfly, 9pm, free

TuesdayDec16

Irish Traditional Music Session hosted by Lisa Boucher Bentley’s Pub, 8pm, free Kilborn Alley - Tommy G’s, 9pm, TBA Finga Lickin’ - The Canopy Club, 10pm, free Open Mic Night hosted by Mike Ingram - Cowboy Monkey, 10pm, $2

DJ

LIVE MUSIC

FridayDec12

DJ Resonate - Mike ‘n Molly’s, 10pm, $1 DJ Tim Williams - The Highdive, 10pm, $5

buzz DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

Legal Records

★★★

BY KATIE RICHARDSON Accolades surround area bands like Absinthe Blind, The Blackouts, Lorenzo Goetz and Temple of Low Men, and while they are all deserving of praise, the talents of other local musicians sometimes fall to the wayside in the wake of their immense spotlight.

This reviewer urges you to keep attending their concerts but also has a suggestion for your future CD purchases: local musician Rob McColley, who released his fourth album, A Boy Named Laurie Sings Juicy Songs from the Devotions, this past April.

And why should we shine our light on an artist whose Juicy cover features him in a half-opened purple velvet dress shirt? Aren’t such maneuvers synonymous with egotistical, pretty-boy pop stars? Well yes, but the artist is only committing a sin if he doesn’t realize that those tactics are cheesy.

Given the cutting lyrical wit present in tracks like “Green for Danger”and “While My Paranoid Android Gently Weeps,” it is highly unlikely that McColley isn’t purposefully exploiting contemporary pop stereotypes. He continues this farcical theme with the music itself, setting the groundwork for a brilliant album that questions how we categorize performers identities and stretches the limits of our musical expectations. Upon first listen, any audience would immediately notice that the music itself is lush and beautifully compiled: McColley and his crew should be composing love songs for a major label because their tunes are on point.

His lyrics, though, like this line from “I Wish I could be a Smoker,” hardly reflect the lament found in traditional pop ballads: “Sitting around coffee shops / complaining about government / living like the French / holds a fascination, an enticement / tinkering with power tools / commuting with the working class / watching fast cars / will they accept me if I refuse to light it?”

McColley delivers these words with the conviction of someone truly in pain. The accompanying psychedelic music heightens the sardonic tension between voice and melody. The play between these two forces makes this song an ironic joy ride that has you simultaneously thinking,“God, that boy’s voice is so reminiscent of Dylan-esque melancholy” and “Did he just say ‘will they accept me if I refuse to light it?’”

Admittedly, this is a little off-putting at first because we’ve learned to expect certain cookie-cutter lyrics from even our “deepest” singers: pop-rock songs should house the expression “couldn’t even get out of bed” in at least one verse. They should not, as is present in “While my Paranoid Android Gently Weeps,” carry the phrase, “who needs money / the only thing money can buy is friends.”

Hopefully, McColley has no intention of forfeiting his terse humor in order to pander to other people’s standards.

After a few listens to Juicy it’s clear that he probably could— his music is tight, and he has a good enough command of language to pop out some sort of recycled version of Elliot Smith’s “Miss Misery” if he so desired.

Ultimately, though, his unconventional style proves him to be a daring artist who boldly chooses to mess with traditional forms, and one local musician who has been sorely and unfairly overlooked.

CHARTS PARASOL RECORDS TOP 10 SELLERS 1. Will Owsley - The Hard Way (Lakeview Entertainment) 2. Moonbabies - The Orange Billboard (A Hidden Agenda Record) 3. M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts (Gooom Records - France) 4. Dipsomaniacs - Praying Winter (Camera Obscura Records - Australia) 5. The Unicorns - Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone? (Alien8 Records - Canada) 6. Sun Kil Moon - Ghosts Of The Great Highway (Jetset Records) 7. Absinthe Blind - Rings (Mud Records) 8. The White Stripes - The Hardest Button To Button (XL Recordings - UK) 9. The Wannadies - Before & After (A Hidden Agenda Record) 10. The Ladybug Transistor - The Ladybug Transistor (Merge Records)

RECORD SERVICE TOP 10 SELLERS 1. Alicia Keys - The Diary of Alicia Keys (J-Records) 2. The Strokes - Room On Fire (RCA) 3. The Beatles - Let It Be Naked (Capitol) 4. A Perfect Circle - Thirteenth Step (Virgin Records) 5. Missy Elliot - This Is Not A Test (Elektra) 6. Robert Randolph and The Family Band Unclassified (Warner Brothers) 7. Lizz Wright - Salt (Verve) 8. Rage Against the Machine - Live At The Grand Olympic Auditorium (Sony) 9. Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress (Sanctuary Records) 10. Coheed & Cambria - In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (Equal Vision Records)

a

n ba

627 E. GREEN 344-0710

am $3 h C

THURSDAY AT 9:30 $3.00 COVER

Unique Gifts Within Your Budget 9 E. Taylor St. • 355-WEED Mon-Wed 11-6 • Thu-Sat 1-9 • Sun 1-5

MUSIC REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ no stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Un-listenable

Psst...

Did you hear Circles is the perfect place for all your holiday gifts?

contemporary clothing, accesories, jewelry, and shoes

gift certificates in any denomination

107 N. Walnut Downtown Champaign 359.2195

open untill 8 pm thursday & friday

NEW RELEASES B-Legit - Word Pimpin’ Black Market Fetus - Midwest Meltdown Broken Bottles - In the Bottles Down South Georgia Boys - ’Til Death Do Us Part Charlie Hunter and Bobby Previte - Come in Red Dog, This Is Tango Leader Joe - And Then...

Year Future - Year Future (EP) T. J. Kirk - Talking Only Makes It Worse The Mars Volta - Live (EP) Sarah McLachlan - Remixed!!

Memphis Bleek - M.A.D.E. Modern Life Is War - My Love. My Way. Raekwon - The Lex Diamond Story The Rum Diary Poisons - That Save Lives Scarling - Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole (EP) The Spits - The Spits James Yorkston - Some

turquoise * amber * moonstone

necklaces * rings * earrings vintage * used clothing gift certificates

Gifts Galore: PJs, Bubble Bath, Handbags, Scarves, etc.

121103buzz0912

5

Top Five returns next week with: 2003’s biggest disappointments in music

FINE ART AND CRAFTS

BY CENTRAL ILLINOIS ARTISTS William Baker Benjamin Baxley Chris Berti David Bushman Elizabeth Coleman Aleksander Credo-Balos Glen Davies Alex Fekete Pam Friese Gerald Guthrie Melissa Huff

Amy Huisinga Billy Morrow Jackson Siti Mariah Jackson James Kearns Ron Kovatch Shirley Kramer James Lynch Christiane Martens John Miller Dwain Naragon Jeffrey Nichols Laura O’Donnell

Victoria Rapoport Dennis Rowan Katy Rush Peggy Shaw Jean Stoia Joan Stoltz Rich Sunden Billie Jean Theide Rimas VisGirda Victor Wang Melinda Willis

120 WEST MAIN ST. URBANA • 217-367-3711 HOLIDAY HOURS 10AM-7PM TUESDAY-SATURDAY, 1-5PM SUNDAY

9

121103buzz0813

4:06 PM

Page 1

music

HOW MANY TUPAC ALBUMS CAN THERE BE? | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

CDReviews

8

12/10/03

2PAC Resurrection: Soundtrack Interscope

★★★

BY JASON CANTONE Legends of hip hop do not come any larger than Tupac Shakur. No matter how successful his career was, a series of money-hungry executives began doing their best to turn his death into a marketing scheme.

After his controversial death (controversial in that many believe he is, in fact, still alive and kicking), a series of uneven posthumous albums began to spring up faster than boy bands in the late 1990s. However, the Resurrection soundtrack, produced by Eminem,doesn’t make the same mistakes as past compilations. This album neither exploits previous Tupac hits in the name of creating a greatest hits compilation nor does it exploit previously unheard tracks as marketing tools. Instead, it gives a glimpse into what the music of Tupac would sound like if he was, indeed, resurrected.

The four previously unreleased tracks provide the biggest emotional punch, especially the single “Runnin’ (Dying to Live).” This single features lyrics from both Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. Most rap fans don’t know that

these rap heavyweights recorded the original version of this song together with Outlawz before their feuding escalated. Originally, the song was set to appear on Tupac’s Thug Life album, but didn’t make the final cut. This version, produced by Eminem and sampling “Dying To Live,” a 1971 album cut from blues-rocker Edgar Winter, can be considered a worthy alternate version. This beyond-the-grave duet between two enemies who started out as friends can be considered the paramount single on this album. The song also proves there are politics at play as the track ends with the Notorious B.I.G saying, “I would never wish death on nobody.”

Like many soundtracks, Resurrection also contains an unneeded duet aiming to pair a legend with a rising star.

Here, the song “The Realist Killaz” pairs Tupac and 50 Cent in a single, sounding more like a ripped bootleg from a mix tape than an original piece. The two rappers share many similarities, which are exploited with this pairing, but the song’s true focus seems to be more to disparage an unnamed rapper than to bring the past and future of rap symbolically together.

The album also contains inspired choices such as “Same Song,” which was Tupac’s first-ever appearance, when he provided verses along with Digital Underground.“Death Around the Corner” is a classic Tupac song that resonates even more deeply on this album. As he raps about life’s struggles and his fear of dying, it will further show listeners that Tupac might be a rap myth, but he was also a mortal man.

PEARL JAM Lost Dog Epic

★★★★

BY JACOB DITTMER As the years go passing by, new bands and pop sensations come and go. Certain bands will stand out over the years as they transcend the pop labeling and carve a niche for themselves.Then, after years of making albums, bands find themselves on the classic hits radio station where they are subjected to having only five of their most popular songs played. Don’t think this to be true?

Think about how many times you’ve heard Zeppelin’s

“Stairway to Heaven” and “Kashmir” on the radio.

One thing is true of these great bands; they have die-hard fans that will gobble up anything with the band’s name on it.

Pearl Jam is on their way to becoming a classic rock station staple in about 20 years, but for now they are ours. With seven studio albums and an enormous amount of live concert material available, Pearl Jam have a lot to offer for the any fan.

Lost Dog is a release that gives die-hard fans just what they want, more music. Compiling unreleased tracks, B-sides, songs found on singles, promotions and special compilations, Lost Dog has Pearl Jam from their grunge years to their latest release, Riot Act. Pearl Jam have two poles to their music, the hard-rock grunge sound they started with, and their eclectic subdued sound.The two discs divide these two poles rather nicely.

Looking at the track listing makes this album look like it was released with two prominent Pearl Jam hits in mind— the Ten-era B-side “Yellow Ledbetter” and the fan-club Christmas single “Last Kiss.” Luckily the remaining tracks aren’t just filler for these two songs.

A serious strength of this double-disc set is the packaging and liner notes. The booklet alone gives a stronger song and band history than a VH1 special. Each song on this collection has information on its author, producer, band players and the era in which it was recorded. Furthermore, little notes from the band members gives anecdotal flair to some of the songs’ creations.

A nice window into the band’s prolific eras is given through the liner notes with a wealth of songs included that were recorded for Ten, No Code and Binaural. Sometimes it’s a challenge to guess which era a song is from, but the booklet reveals the songs’ foundations.

But alas, some of these songs are unreleased and were not deemed worthy of release by some people’s standards.

Fans looking for the memorable hooks and rock sound of songs like “Evenflow” will be disappointed with rock songs that pale in comparison. Some of the tracks do venture into fun territory, with songs like “Gremmie out of Control” and its surfer rock sound. Another point of interest is Eddie Vedder’s soft and somber song,” Dead Man,” which was intended to be on the Dead Man Walking soundtrack but for one reason or another didn’t make the cut.

The Pearl Jam vault has scores of other songs and unreleased material and this is merely the cream of the crop.With a nonchronological ordering, Lost Dog has the band’s music catalog bouncing all over time periods while maintaining a coherent flow throughout. Die-hards will be tickled pink with

buzz

this release because they’ll know 20 years from now when listening to “Alive” for the 100th time on their favorite classic rock station that Pearl Jam has much more to offer.

BIZ MARKIE Weekend Warrior Tommy Boy

★★★

BY BRIAN MERTZ “Not number one, but here to have fun” is what Biz Markie rhymes on the first full track of his new album Weekend Warrior. And that about sums up the latest effort from the man who is best known for his “crooning” in his breakthrough 1980s hit “Just A Friend.”

Weekend Warrior isn’t going to be remembered as a groundbreaking hip-hop album. But if Biz Markie’s rhyming style and the musical sounds of that now gone era of hip hop appeal to you, then Weekend Warrior is an amusing listen.

Biz Markie’s metaphorical skills have always made him a special MC (aside from his singing voice and all the goofy mugging he does for photo shoots). And this album is full of references to Magnum PI,The Nutty Professor, basketball and Mike Tyson. He even has a track called “Chinese Food” where the Biz rhymes about egg rolls and peapods.

On many hip-hop albums, guest MCs often add cool touches to tracks, if not stealing the tracks themselves. Biz is wise in his use of guests on Weekend Warrior. Elephant Man and P. Diddy only appear as backing vocals and neither are given full verses to rhyme over on the tracks “Let Me See U Bounce” and “Do Your Thang.”This is a smart move considering Elephant Man is as annoying as the bastard love child of Lil Jon and Fran Drescher singing Rod Stewart in a karaoke bar in Rantoul. And we don’t need to get into P. Diddy’s rhyming skills.

Of course, some guests work really well. Jazzy Jeff adds his trademark sample scratches to “Tear Shit Up” to create what would have been an anthem eight years ago. And Erick Sermon lights up the harpsichord-flavored track “Not A Freak.”

In general though, there is nothing remarkable about this album.“Friends” sees Biz singing the famous hook “Why can’t we be friends?” in his “Just A Friend” style, but the magic doesn’t return.

buzz

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 | WANT TO GET YOUR EVENT LISTED ON OUR CALENDAR? Send your listings to calendar@readbuzz.com

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 Nargile 207 W. Clark St., Champaign Neil Street Pub 1505 N Neil, Champaign, 359.1601 Boardman’s Art Theater 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 Springer Cultural Center 301 N Randolph, Champaign, 355.1406 Spurlock Museum 600 S Gregory, Urbana, 333.2360 The Station Theatre 223 N. Broadway, Urbana, 384-4000 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 123 S. Mattis Ave, Country Fair Shopping Center, 359.2177 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

ART NOTICES Creation Art Studios: Art Classes for Children and Adults – All classes offer technical instruction and the exploration of materials through the expressive and spontaneous art process. Independent studies of personal interests and ideas, dreams, etc. are expressed and developed through collage and assemblage art and throughdrawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Adult Open Studio meets Tue night 7:00 to 9:00 Call to make special arrangements for a group. For more information contact Jeannine Bestoso at 344 6955. CPDU’s offered. Studio is located in east Urbana at 1102 E. Washington St. www.creationartstudios.com

calendar

13

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 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 GALLERIES & EXHIBITS Aroma Cafe – “Micrograms: Photos and Collage” by Rohn Koester on display through Dec 14.118 N. Neil. Open 7 days a week, 7am-midnight. 356-3200.

Boneyard Pottery – Ceramic Art by Michael Schwegmann and more. 403 Water St, Champaign. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm.

355-5610.

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. Thu-Sat 10am-4pm. 762-4907.

Cafe Kopi – Photographs from self-taught photograpger Lisa Billman on display through Dec. 109 N Walnut, Champaign. Mon-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 11am-8pm. 359-4266.

Cinema Galley – Local and regional artists including many University of Illinois and Parkland College faculty members. Currently on display through Dec 24:“Dennis Rowan: New Works on Paper and Artist’s Books.” 120 W Main, Urbana. Holiday Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-7pm. Sun 1-5pm.

367-3711.

Creation Art Studios – Current display features paintings and drawings by Shoshanna Bauer, Audrey Martin and Jennifer Martin, Jeannine Bestoso and an evolving display of recent student works in ceramics, paintings and drawings. For information, contact Jeannine Bestoso. 1102 E Washington St, Urbana. Mon-Fri 3-5:30pm, Sat 1-4pm and scheduled studio sessions. 344-6955. www.creationartstudios.com Country in the City – Antiques, architectural, gardening, home accessories. Custom designing available. 1104 E Washington St, Urbana. Thu-Sat 10am-5pm 367-2367.

Framer’s Market – Frame Designers since 1981. Ongoing work from local artists on display. 807 W Springfield Ave, Champaign. Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. 3517020.

Furniture Lounge – Collection of fine art photographic images by local artisan Glenn Harriger on display through Dec 24. Also specializing in mid-century modern furniture from the 1920s-1980s, retro, Danish modern, lighting, vintage stereo equipment and vinyl records. 9 E University, Champaign. 352-5150. Sun-Mon 12-4:30pm, Wed-Sat 11am-5:30pm.

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. 359-0048. www.glassfx.com.

Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm Sun 11am-3pm. 398 2000. 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. 816 Dennison Dr, Champaign.

Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and by appointment. 356-8994.

Old Vic Art Gallery – Fine and original art, hand signed limited edition prints, works by local artists, art restoration, custom framing and periodic shows by local artists. 11 E University, Champaign. Mon-Thu 11am-5:30pm, Sat 11am4:30pm. 355-8338.

Steeple Gallery – Vintage botanical and bird prints, antiques, framed limited edition prints. 102 E Lafayette St, Monticello. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. 762-2924. www.steeplegallery.com 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. 762-9786. www.ziemergallery.com

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

ART-ON VIEW NOW

Gallery Virtu Cooperative – Original works by the nine artist-owners: jewelry, pottery, paintings, collages, hats, handbags and other textiles, sculptures and journals.

The Gallery also offers workshops. 220 . Washington St, Monticello. 762-7790. Thurs 12-4pm, Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm. www.galleryvirtu.org

“Ethereal Organics” – Photographs from Jim Hultquist on display at Cafe Aroma. Hultquist:“A project in the study of light interacting with natural forms.” 118 N Neil, Champaign. Open 7 days a week, 7am-midnight. For information contact Amanda Bickle. 356-3200. art4aroma@yahoo.com

Hill Street Gallery Inc. – Oil and watercolor paintings, hand painted T-shirts, handmade jewelry. 703 W Hill, Champaign. Sat 12-5pm or by appointment during the week. 359-0675.

“Nevertheless: That’s Our Guarantee!” – Solo exhibit focusing on graphic design by local artist John Havlik on display through Dec 12. Show will display works demonstrating Havlik’s ability to visually respond to a wide range of artistic presentations and a series of pieces created to demonstrate the range of products a graphic designer is involved with. With tongue-in-cheek humor, Havlik provides an insider’s look at the graphic design profession. Visit www.nevertheless-guaranteed.com for a peek at this exhibit. 115 E University, Champaign. Mon-Fri 10am-3pm and Mon-Thu evenings 6-8pm, Sat 12-2pm.

Larry Kanfer Gallery – New Upper Midwest images and sepia Champaign-Urbana Collection on display by renowned photographic artist, Larry Kanfer. Ready for the holidays: Prairiescapes and University of Illinois calendars and unique boxed gift cards. Gift certificates available.

2503 S Neil, Champaign. Free and Open to the Public.

351-2485. Handicapped accessible and open and free to the public.

“One Place After Another” – The Illini Union Art Gallery presents this non-traditiona 3-D show through Feb 4.

Opening receoption is Dec 12, 7-9pm. 1401 W Green, Urbana. Open every day 7am-10pm.

“E-Motion2: Our Reality as Seen and Unseen” – A unique dance/technology installation in which programmer Ben Schaeffer, choreographer Luc Vanier, and composer Bradford Blackburn come together through motion capture technology to create an alternate version of reality.

On display at the Krannert Art Museum through Jan 4.

500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am8pm, Sun 2-5pm. 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 “Anna Pottery: Plagiarism as Art” – Reintroduces Illinois to its greatest potters, the brothers Cornwall and Wallace Kirkpatrick, and their Anna Pottery (1859-96). The exhibition focuses on the brothers’ large-scale incised works that obsessively reproduce texts from quirky yet mundane sources like telephone books and corporate reports.

Ahead of its time, the Kirkpatricks’ work is a forerunner to the outsider art and pop art of today. Anna Pottery: Plagiarism as Art is on view through Jan 4. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, Thu-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 25pm. 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 “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 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. 333-1860. Suggested Donation: $3 “Faculty Art Exhibition” – Features the newest work by current faculty in the School of Art and Design. This exhibition is one of the oldest, continuously-running faculty exhibitions in the country. Works of painting, sculpture, installation art, glass, and other media will be on display through Jan 4. Gerald Guthrie will give a talk about his work, 12pm Dec 17. 500 E Peabody, Urbana. Tue, ThuSat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Sun 2-5pm. 333-1860.

Suggested Donation: $3

Page 1

THE STATION AGENT ★★★★

BY MATT PAIS | LEAD REVIEWER

T

here’s an utterly neutral simplicity to the city of Newfoundland, N.J., where even the slightest bit of fun seems about as accessible as a trip to the moon. It’s a rundown haven of colorless indifference, but The Station Agent, set in this quiet Eastern town, is hardly without flair.

To call this sweet, graceful film offbeat would be like calling Kill Bill: Vol. 1 just a little bloody.

Yet, just as Tarantino’s exploration in Western ninja exploitation achieves a grandiose quality from its breathtaking arrogance, The Station Agent accomplishes a dynamic purity from its quirky, gentle heart. In fact, it might be the exact opposite of Kill Bill—it exemplifies filmmaking at its most soft, vulnerable and restrained—but this little truffle of independent artistry is nearly as good.

Peter Dinklage stars as Fin, a soft-spoken train expert whose demeanor stands about as

moviereview

HONEY ★★

BY ANDREW CREWELL | STAFF WRITER oney, as a film, is a bit of an anomaly. On one hand, it comes off just as everyone expected from the trailers: a complete disaster of accomplished cinematic convention. On the other hand, a little light shines through in the form of the good-hearted story and the surprisingly fun dance scenes.

The story is a little old hat, a sort of ghetto Coyote Ugly, Jerry Bruckheimer’s attempt to bring country music into focus. Jessica Alba, of TV’s Dark Angel, is dancing phenom Honey Daniels, and is just waiting to get seen by the top acts. She finally catches a big break while working at a nightclub, gets in tight with the celebs and by the end of the movie is the most sought-after dance choreographer in the hiphop music video world.

One of the film’s better qualities comes through in the background stories. While not preaching or considering itself a statement film, Honey subtly points out some benefits of communal ties formed through hip-hop music and dance styles.

Alba’s character, in her spare time, teaches a dance class at a local community center and strives throughout the movie to give back to the

tall as he does. At 4 feet 5 inches tall, Fin specializes in one-word sentences and keeps to himself, save for his interactions with Henry Styles (Paul Benjamin), his friend and co-worker at a model train store in Hoboken, N.J. When Henry dies and leaves him a half-acre of land in Newfoundland, Fin moves there and soon meets two other tortured loners: Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), a middle-aged painter coping with the death of her adolescent son and the resulting separation from her husband, and Joe Oramas (Bobby Cannavale), an overbearing, compulsively friendly Everyman in town tending to his sick father.

Despite Fin’s general reluctance to invite anyone into his simple, self-sufficient life (he walks everywhere he goes, no matter how far away the destination is from him), the three gradually bond, and their friendship results in a surprisingly natural unity. Fin, Olivia and Joe are vastly different people, but writer/director Thomas McCarthy senses an underlying union between their weakened hearts; all are tormented by circumstances beyond their control, feeling out of place in skin that no longer seems to belong to them.

Wherever he goes, Fin deals with comments about his dwarfism, ranging from cruel to naively well-intentioned. In one tenderly predictable scene, a young girl, played by Lovely and Amazing’s wonderful Raven Goodwin, asks Fin, “What grade are you in?” He politely responds, “I’m done with school.”

Fin’s introverted reservation doesn’t necessarily make him the most initially endearing impoverished community that raised her with everything she has.

The best illustration of this is when Honey takes two down-and-out children, products of a typical broken home in the projects, and befriends them. Little Raymond, a nappyhaired 8-year-old, and his older brother Benny, played by Lil’ Romeo, are seemingly saved just in time. Honey is the role model who keeps them out of the trouble they are headed toward, and through the power of dance get them interested in a life outside of drugs and crime.

Otherwise, unfortunately, the film sputters and shuts down. The early dance scenes are as hokey as they could possibly be, and Honey’s rivalries with another music video dancer and her ex-boss are a drain on the audience’s patience for bad dialogue.

What’s more is that the characters are wholly unbelievable outside of the kids in Honey’s dance class. Mekhi Phifer is a do-good barber who works his way into Honey’s heart—not too bad, but his entire existence and shop are stolen right out of Barber Shop. And when asked to think for itself, the film can’t seem to make a character worth the audience’s attention.

Hilariously bad in parts of the film is David Moscow as Michael, Honey’s antagonistic boss.

When there is a rich white man at the head of a video production studio, especially a man with no overt talent outside of marketing, he should not be throwing around lines like “Bitch, how you gonna play me like that?” Ethnically challenged scenarios like this pop up continually throughout the film.

buzz

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 | BEHOLD ... I’M NOT WEARING ANY PANTS

Not your father’s breakbeats

protagonist, but Dinklage’s reserved performance layers his psychological isolation with an almost childlike vulnerability. Fin establishes a mental wall because he is no longer willing to see himself the way that others see him, and it takes emotional outcasts like Olivia and Joe to break it down.

Fin doesn’t change the town or accomplish anything brilliant; rather, The Station Agent is about a small man whose presence in a small town brings together a coalition of big hearts.

The uncomplicated purity of the film’s central friendships suggests a straightforward splendor in the effect that floundering people can have on each other. The characters in The Station Agent are lost inside themselves, but like Lost in Translation, lonesome souls mutually mend as a result of their complimentary personalities.

In his debut film, McCarthy crafts a uniquely memorable slice of small-town America and resists the temptation to draw condescending comic relief from his characters’ eccentricities.

Instead, he scatters a few charmingly funny scenes throughout his softly subtle script, which won the award for Best Screenplay at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Even at its most emotionally wrenching, The Station Agent feels optimistic rather than melancholy, and while the plot may seem contrived, the film unfolds with the savvy realism of a believably uplifting crowd-pleaser.

Yet, The Station Agent is reflective and enlightening rather than trite and redemptive.

It also pulls no punches in developing its characters’ unlikely bonds and the connections they

Hybrid and Dub Pistols twist traditional electronic sounds on Chicago stage

BY BRENDAN CLARK | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

ith their new album Morning Sci-Fi released in October, Hybrid began their supporting U.S. tour earlier this month with special guests from a variety of other well-known groups. On Nov. 16, the band made their way through Chicago with Dub Pistol Barry Ashworth.

For those not acquainted with the artists, Hybrid and the Dub Pistols are two of the most distinguished producers of electronic music to date. Hybrid was founded by Chris Healings and Mike Truman of Wales, who made a name for themselves by blending a unique classical emphasis with renowned synth programming and impressive sequencing.

The duo has since grown out of keyboardstrewn, computerized studios into a full live band, incorporating a mixture of acoustic instruments and support from dozens of other artists, be it Peter Hook of New Order or an entire Russian orchestra.

The Dub Pistols have an equally remarkable history. Preferred to be considered a punk act by frontman Barry Ashworth, who says that punk is the only appropriate genre because “anything goes,” the Dub Pistols live up to this image with their style and the music they produce. Creating everything from rock to house, hip hop to ska, there is truly no easy way to

THE STATION AGENT | PATRICIA CLARKSON make with one another that help them overcome their most repellent interpersonal characteristics. Fin, Olivia and Joe each represent an unattainable otherness, but even when they threaten to be problematic, their distinct differences turn out to be what brings them together.

Fin, always well-dressed and introspective, represents to Olivia a youthful innocence both in stature and personality, and to Joe a serenely impervious charisma, and his arrival in Newfoundland effects small, but radically important, change in all those around him.

He comes from a place where everybody knows his height, but both Dinklage and the pleasantly captivating film, The Station Agent, stand tall.

C-UViews Master and Commander ★★★

classify what they do exactly.

“We just try to throw everything into the pot and see what comes out. Sometimes that’s reggae, sometimes that’s full-on breaks.

Sometimes it’s melodic, it just depends,” Ashworth said. And the Dub Pistols’ latest full-length offering, Six Million Ways to Live, is all the proof one needs to agree. Both groups are on pre-eminent breakbeat and progressive house label Distinctive.

Ashworth both started and closed the Metro show with two separate DJ sets, playing alone.

“I wasn’t willing to bring my whole band over here yet. I want to sort of come back, hang out and meet people, see what the general buzz is and then bring the band back later,” Ashworth said.

His first set was to some extent a recap of what’s been hot in breaks this year. Opening with a remix of DJ Shadow’s “GDMFSOB,” he played a number of tunes, like FC Kahuna’s “Hayling” and Raw as Fuck’s “No Replica,” that have consistently blown the roof off of venues all this year.

In his second set, later that night, he played newer, more exclusive material until the night was over. Given the chance to speak his mind, Ashworth expressed concern over the recent rave legislation. “Dance is the oldest way of expressing yourself, wherever … If you ban anything and drive it underground, sooner or later it will come back bigger and stronger

Chris Hossfeld

HONEY | JESSICA ALBA, MEKHI PHIFER When it comes down to it, however, Honey outperforms its expectations. Some expected it to be the next Glitter, Mariah Carey’s acting fiasco, but the picture is a mild success. Taking the story with a grain of salt, since some scenes are straight out of another universe, there seems to be something for everyone. The dancing is fun, the kids are cute, Alba is easy on the eyes and the soundtrack is hot. These days, that’s about all anyone can ask for.

SCREEN REVIEW GUIDE

★★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★ no stars

Flawless Good Mediocre Bad Unwatchable

7

music

Champaign

"I thought there was gonna be more action, but instead it was kind of boring."

★★★★ Mike Nutall Champaign

"Crow's best movie since Gladiator."

★★★★ Ehab El-Khabiry Champaign

"I got seasick because there was so much water."

Barry Ashworth of the Dub Pistols spins at the Metro in Chicago.

than anything. I just hope that if there’s anyway anybody in America feels about anything, it’s just that you can’t let these kind of laws take over.”

Hybrid played in between Ashworth’s opening and closing sets. Their set was a half-and-half combination of reworked and remixed tracks from their earlier releases and their latest songs off of the new album. Since the addition of Adam Adam Taylor of Hybrid works the Metro crowd.

Taylor (guitar and vocals), Alex Madge (drums) and Tim Hutton largely transmit a mysterious feel, and Taylor’s (bass), the group has been playing their shows vocals are in most cases somewhat haunting, in more of a rock style, breaking between each dealing with a number of his struggles in life. song, changing tempos and doing more instru- The first single off Morning Sci-Fi, “True to ment switches than the usual changing of a Form,” “is about a personal struggle; I’ve got a problem with apathy … And ‘Still Awake,’” soundbank in their keyboard controllers.

Despite this recent emphasis on being more which is slated to be released as a single early of a band than a production duo, Hybrid still next year, “is kind of my bite back at it,” Truman said. plans to remain true to their roots.

During the show, the darker elements of “When (you’re) using a live kick-drum, when you should have that really piercing, Hybrid’s new material were adequately balfuck off 909 kick underneath there … it doesn’t anced by their more epic and uplifting songs quite work,” Truman said. “But blending the from their first release, Wide Angle. They ended two, utilizing technology to make your sound their set with what is perhaps their most celebetter, so you’re not relying on it completely, brated song, “Symphony.”

As for what’s next, both Hybrid and the Dub it’s a good mixture really.”

Although Healings and Truman downplay Pistols have a lot planned for the future. the change in dynamic resulting from the addi- Hybrid plan to continue releasing singles and tional group members, saying it’s “just more remixes of songs from Morning Sci-Fi through friends to play with,” the sound and texture of the next year, along with records from their their music has changed notably since they live session at Maida Vale studios and another began working on the new CD. Only one song, compilation. Hybrid are also preparing for “High as a Skyscraper,” really harks back to another U.S. tour in the middle of 2004, which will be longer and reach many more cities than the Chris-and-Mike sound.

“It’s scary because you’ve already got a their tour last month.

Ashworth said that, because of delays in precedent set with the first one, so you don’t want to disappoint people with the second releasing Six Million Ways to Live, the Dub one, but you still want to cover a bit of new Pistols nearly have an entire new album written already, though it will be a while until it is ground,” Truman said.

The new album definitely carries a rock feel, fully produced and ready for release. Their latwith Taylor doing almost all the vocals and the est 12-inch release, a remix of George Michael’s live drums and bass over the electronics, but it “Casual Sex,” is a reggae-tinged dance-floor retains that distinctly Hybrid sound throughout. bomb with an ample bassline. buzz “It’s a perfect meeting of minds, (a) bunch of really talented bastards,” Healings said.

The major change is not in the production itself, but in the tone and emotion of the music; Both Morning Sci-Fi and Six Million Ways to Live are no longer climactic dance-floor anthems, the available in record stores now. For Hybrid live sets, check new songs explore much deeper and darker out www.hybridized.org. For more information on either sectors of the band’s soul. The instruments artist, their label’s Web site is www.distinctiverecords.com.

PHOTO | BRENDAN CLARK

film

moviereview

H

CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S TOP TEN FILMS NEXT WEEK! | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 buzz

PHOTO | BRENDAN CLARK

4:06 PM

PARAMOUNT FILMS

14

12/10/03

MIRAMAX FILMS

121103buzz0714

121103buzz0615

6

12/10/03

4:07 PM

Page 1

arts

LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! EWEHHHHHHHHHHH | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

buzz

ARTIST CORNER

BAD SANTA (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:50 3:00 5:00 7:20 9:35 11:30 Sun. - Thu. 12:50 3:00 5:00 7:20 9:35 BROTHER BEAR (G) Fri. - Tue. 1:05 2:55 Wed. & Thu. 1:05 2:55 4:45 ELF (PG) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 1:15 3:00 3:15 5:00 5:15 7:20 9:20 11:30 Sun. - Tue. 1:00 1:15 3:00 3:15 5:00 5:15 7:20 9:20 Wed. & Thu. 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:20 9:20 GOTHIKA (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:45 3:00 5:15 7:45 10:00 12:15 Sun. - Thu. 12:45 3:00 5:15 7:45 10:00 HONEY (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:15 9:20 11:30 Sun. - Thu. 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:15 9:20 LOVE ACTUALLY (R) Fri. & Sat. 12:45 4:00 7:00 9:40 12:15 Sun. - Thu. 12:45 4:00 7:00 9:40 LOVE DON'T COST (NR) Fri. & Sat. 12:45 3:00 5:15 7:30 9:45 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 12:45 3:00 5:15 7:30 9:45 MASTER & COMMANDER (PG–13) Fri. - Tue. 4:45 7:30 10:15 PIECES OF APRIL (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 3:10 5:00 7:15 9:20 11:30 Sun. - Thu. 1:00 3:10 5:00 7:15 9:20 SOMETHING GOTTA GIVE (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 12:50 1:20 4:15 4:45 6:45 7:15 9:20 9:50 12:00 Sun. - Thu. 12:50 1:20 4:15 4:45 6:45 7:15 9:20 9:50

STUCK ON YOU (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:35 12:05 Sun. - Thu. 1:00 4:00 7:00 9:35 CAT IN THE HAT (PG) Fri. & Sat. 1:10 1:30 3:00 3:30 4:45 5:30 7:30 9:30 11:30 Sun. - Tue. 1:10 1:30 3:00 3:30 4:45 5:30 7:30 9:30 Wed. & Thu. 1:30 3:30 5:30 7:30 9:30 HAUNTED MANSION (PG) Fri. & Sat. 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:15 9:15 11:15 Sun. - Thu. 1:15 3:15 5:15 7:15 9:15 LAST SAMURAI (R) Fri. - Mon. 12:45 1:00 3:45 4:00 6:45 7:10 9:45 10:15 Tue. 12:45 1:00 3:45 4:00 6:45 7:10 9:45 Wed. & Thu. 12:45 3:45 6:45 9:45 MATRIX REVOLUTIONS (R) Fri. & Sat. 7:00 9:35 12:10 Sun. - Tue. 7:00 9:35 THE MISSING (R) Fri. & Sat. 1:20 4:00 7:10 9:45 12:15 Sun. - Tue. 1:20 4:00 7:10 9:45 Wed. & Thu. 7:10 9:45 TIMELINE (PG–13) Fri. & Sat. 7:20 9:45 12:10 Sun. - Tue. 7:20 9:45 RETURN OF THE KING (PG–13) Tue. 0:01 12:01 12:01 12:01 Wed. & Thu. 11:15 11:45 12:00 1:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 9:00

Showtimes for 12/12 thru 12/18

B

rooke Schoenman is a junior majoring in international studies at the University of Illinois. She is a true renaissance woman—she loves to draw and develop interior designs, and she is also a gifted singer and guitarist. Brooke’s sense of humor is evident in her art, which reflects the light, ironic idiosyncrasies that occur in all of our lives. She and her creations serve as truly revitalizing experiences for those of us who tire of being bombarded with dark gothic images created by “artistes.” Without an ounce of pretense in her body or her work, Brooke effortlessly manages to affect all of those who come into contact with her and her interesting take on life.

Which medium best expresses your artistic talent?

I think interior design best expresses my artistic talent. Good artistic talent is not only taking personal preferences or experiences and putting them in visual form, as in my drawings, but it is also being able to take another’s perspective and putting that in visual form. Interior design involves taking the space and the space owner’s preferences into consideration while creating. I think this sort of versatility adds dimension to an artist.

What colors do you find you like working with best and why?

I really enjoy using bold/bright colors

when working, especially a lot of yellows and reds. I feel those colors really stand out; they are visually stimulating.

Are there any reoccurring themes in your work?

I find that in my drawings I pull in a lot of sarcasm and exaggeration. Basically, most of my inspiration comes from something that is causing some sort of agitation in my life. I then put that in a form I can look at and maybe even laugh at. As for design, I find I like fun, young and playful themes. I especially like boldness and mixing patterns, such as checks and polka dots.

(217)

355-FILM

$5.50 Kids all shows $5.75 Seniors $6.50 Late Shows Fri & Sat $6.50 Students $6.00 DAILY Matinees til 6pm No passes ALL DIGITAL STEREO Unlimited Free Drink Refills & .25¢ Corn Refills

Stadium Seating Gives YOU An Unobstructed View All Rocking Chairs

SHOWTIMES 12/12 - 12/16

SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE (PG-13)

(SAT/SUN 11:05) 1:40, 4:15, 6:50, 9:25 FRI/SAT LS 12:00 STADIUM SEATING 11:30, 2:05, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50 STUCK ON YOU (PG-13) STADIUM SEATING 11:35, 2:05, 4:35, 7:05, 9:30 FRI/SAT LS 12:00 LOVE DON'T COST A THING (PG-13) STADIUM SEATING 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40 FRI/SAT LS 11:55 THE LAST SAMURAI (R) 3 PRINTS / 3 SCREENS 12:15, 12:40, 3:15, 3:40, 6:15, 6:45, 9:15, 9:40 STADIUM SEATING (SAT/SUN 11:00) 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 FRI/SAT LS 11:00 HONEY (PG-13) STADIUM SEATING (SAT/SUN 11:00) 1:10, 3:20, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50 FRI/SAT LS 12:00 THE HAUNTED MANSION (PG) 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:25 FRI/SAT LS 11:30 BAD SANTA (R) 11:35, 1:35, 3:35, 5:35, 7:35, 9:35 FRI/SAT LS 11:35 THE MISSING (R) 12:30, 5:45 FRI/SAT LS 11:30 TIMELINE (PG-13) 3:10, 9:05 THE CAT IN THE HAT (PG) 1:15, 3:05, 5:05, 7:00, 9:00 FRI/SAT LS 11:00 GOTHIKA (R) 1:40, 3:45, 5:50, 7:55, 10:00 FRI/SAT LS 12:05 MASTER AND COMMANDER (PG-13) STADIUM SEATING 1:25, 4:10, 6:55, 9:45 ELF (PG) STADIUM SEATING (SAT/SUN 11:05) 1:10, 3:25, 5:25, 7:35, 9:40 COUPON FRI/SAT LS 11:45 20 OZ.DRINK LOVE ACTUALLY (R) with $2.50 purchase of 46oz. bag of buttery popcorn (SAT/SUN 11:00) 1:40, one per ad @ Savoy 16 Exp. Dec. 2003 "DI" 4:15, 6:50, 9:25 BEST DEAL in eNewsletter at www.savoy16.com FRI/SAT LS 12:00

www.savoy16.com

Since you have plans to go abroad in the spring, how will Italy affect your work?

Italy is such a beautiful place, not to mention a center for art and design. I think that being surrounded by all the magnificent work there can only be a springboard for more interesting creations. A change of scenery is always beneficial. I really can only imagine what new things I will be seeing when I’m overseas.

It’s exciting!

Why did you start creating?

I can honestly say that creating drawings started out of boredom freshman year of college really late at night when guitar was an unacceptable means of entertainment.

I then realized it was almost therapeutic.

Design, I think, was inevitable.

I remember play- Brooke poses with pillows and chair, both of which she decorated.

SAVOY 16 Route 45 & Burwash Ave.

ing around with my bedroom design when I was young. Plus, I have a keen sense of organization, so making a room flow together visually and functionally was actually a very pleasing activity for me.

PHOTO | KATIE RICHARDSON

BY KATIE RICHARDSON | ARTS EDITOR

buzz DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

moviereview

PIECES OF APRIL ★★★★

BY JASON CANTONE | ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

K

atie Holmes’ newest film, Pieces of April, serves as both a faithful revival for the career of one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars, and as a voyeuristic look into a family no different than any other. The comedy is dark, the emotions powerful and the performance by Patricia Clarkson brilliantly sarcastic. This combination allows the film to transcend simplistic Thanksgiving themes.

Despite the film’s opening, which involves Holmes pleasuring her boyfriend (Sisquo) in his nether regions (mostly off-camera), family members of all ages can fall into the film’s emotional heartbreak when a dying mother gives her troublesome daughter one last chance to redeem herself on Thanksgiving day.

With dark comedic panache that the Coen brothers would envy, writer/director Peter Hedges (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?) brings together a family falling apart at the seams.

Grandma is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and the film treats her not despairingly

this week

buzz Christmas

Th Dec 11

Tis better to give than to receive... but sometimes you can have both!

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

Spread a little Christmas cheer this Saturday, Dec. 13 with buzz

Wine Tasting 5pm, free

Kurt Elling with the Laurence Hobgood Trio 7:30pm, $22-$30 Patron Co-sponsor: Jane Bishop Hobgood Corporate Silver Sponsor:

Give

@

or with pity, but in a realistic manner that families with older relatives can relate to. Mother (Clarkson) is dying of cancer, but refuses to give up her dark comedy, which lightens even the most troublesome situation.

One particular joke made on the long car trip from the family’s home to April’s dilapidated New York apartment allows the film’s emotional dichotomy to effectively flourish.

Within a matter of seconds, the audience will transform from a state of sadness and pity to elated joy at Clarkson’s perfect humor. Although Holmes gives the best performance of her career to date, it is Clarkson who provides the emotional punch and delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. This marks a phenomenal year for Clarkson, who also starred in critical f a v o r i t e s T h e S t a t i o n A g e n t (reviewed on page 14) and All the Real Girls.

Characters don’t exist in this film simply for laughs or to be that odd, stereotypical uncle who drinks like a fish, as seen

krannert center

Fr Dec 12

Su Dec 14

The Nutcracker 7:30pm, $9-$20

The Nutcracker 2pm, $9-$20

Kurt Elling with the Laurence Hobgood Trio 7:30pm, $22-$30

Gilles Vonsattel, piano 3pm, $5-$31 Patron Sponsor: Anonymous

Afterglow: LaMonte Parsons Experience 9:30pm, free Creative Intersections Sponsor:

Season Sponsors Coporate Season Underwriters

Patron Season Sponsors

CAROLE AND JERRY RINGER

THE ICE STORM (1997) Based upon a brilliant novel by Rick Moody, this film (starring Kevin Kline, Joan Allen and with an Oscar-nominated performance from Sigourney Weaver) explains wife swapping and sex in a 1973 suburb. As Holmes’ first film, this heartbreaker gave Holmes some well-deserved indie cred despite Dawson’s Creek.

GO (1999) This innovative film from young director Doug Liman tells the story of a botched drug deal from three different perspectives. This black comedy reminded cinema critics and viewers alike that Liman’s Swingers wasn’t just a fluke: He is one of the best young directors and Holmes is one of the best young actresses out there.

THE GIFT (2000) Many young men know this film from one short scene in the rain. Holmes begins dancing and then slowly takes off all of her clothes. But despite the film’s formulaic structure, it again reaffirms that Holmes is the real deal.

ABANDON (2002) With this film, Holmes attempted to assert herself as a marquee star. However, the poor plot and stupid girl-in-danger theme took away that well-deserved opportunity.

—Jason Cantone

trying to use that Still (cheap) residential

internet service

?

for your business

Let’s face it. Sure there are a lot of cheap alternatives for Internet access.

All bandwidth rates are symmetrical. That means both your upload speeds and download speeds are at the service level you select.

The Nutcracker 7:30pm, $9-$20

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

FILMS FEATURING KATIE HOLMES

Shouting Ground DSL is a business-class DSL for business.

Lines are monitored 24/7. Service comes with a real Internet router. Not some cheap “$5” piece of plastic.

The Nutcracker 2pm, $9-$20

Receive

in many Thanksgiving pieces.

Unlike Jodie Foster’s Home for the Holidays, which was an uninvolving piece of family drama that never brought the viewer into the family’s lives, Pieces of April allows each character to engage the viewer. Whether it’s the odd, obsessive upstairs neighbor played brilliantly

by Will & Grace’s Sean P. Hayes or April’s father (Oliver Platt), who tries to mend the family’s inevitable crisis, this is a brilliant ensemble cast of all ages.

Made for less than $300,000, this film’s style is understandably basic. The film’s pace trods along at times, which might bore viewers who have little experience with awkward family dramatics but the simplicity is also a virtue. For those who give this heartfelt dark comedy a chance, they will discover one of Thanksgivin g’s great est delicacies.

15

But this is your business we’re talking about.

You can’t afford downtime, or not being able to reach a competent human when you have questions.

Sa Dec 13

5 canned goods at Jerry’s IGA on West Kirby Ave. in Champaign starting at 1pm a $10 gift certificate to Record Service, Illini Basketball Tickets or other great prizes!

film

| YEAH, KATIE HOLMES!

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.

Want to run Internet servers at your location? No problem.

Need real IP address space? No problem.

Shouting Ground Technologies, Inc. 105 South Walnut Street, Champaign

217/351-7921 admin@shout.net www.shout.net

Shouting Ground DSL. Business-class DSL for business...

Page 1

film

CHECK OUT DIANE KEATON NAKED. | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 buzz

Come register to win over $13000 in stocking stuffers!

ts Retro Shir ge coats Velvet Frin ls and shaw

Drive-thru Reviews

Clothing Vintage Furniture Antiques les Collectib Jewelry BAD SANTA ★★★

BILLY BOB THORNTON AND BERNIE MAC Any way you cut it, Bad Santa accomplishes something that has never been done before. It makes an absolute travesty of something as wholesome and serene as Christmas, and does it without falling completely on its face. Just don’t take the little ones to see it, or you’ll have a lot of explaining to do.

(Andrew Crewell) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

BROTHER BEAR ★★ Mon - Sat 10-5,Sun 1-5 (217) 352-3231 204 N. Neil (Downtown) Champaign, IL 61820

JOAQUIN PHOENIX AND PHIL COLLINS While American animators still have a long way to go to achieve the sheer grandeur and exhilarating imagination of foreign animation, such as in last year’s Spirited Away, Brother Bear shows they do have their moments. It’s just unfortunate that their visuals have to be spoiled by rudimentary plots, discardable characters and downright ugly music. (John Loos) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

CAT IN THE HAT ★ MIKE MYERS AND ALEC BALDWIN With many offensive jokes meant for adults and few witty remarks for kids, The Cat in the Hat barely even tries to satisfy its target audience and should only repel their parents. It is a foul film I do not recommend, and I would not, could not, sit through it again. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

ELF ★★★ WILL FERRELL AND JAMES CAAN The film itself really makes no attempts to hide its basic premise as a Christmas movie.There’s Santa, perfectly played by Ed Asner.There’s the head elf, portrayed by Bob Newhart.There’s the grumpy, anti-Christmas guy, James Caan. (Dan Maloney) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

GOTHIKA ★★ HALLE BERRY AND ROBERT DOWNEY JR. Halle Berry looks unattractive and Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t do drugs. If that’s not totally crazy enough, Berry also plays a psychiatrist who becomes a client. This film is doing modest business, although it is very predictable.

Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

THE HAUNTED MANSION

EDDIE MURPHY AND JENNIFER TILLY Ever since he started making kid comedies, Eddie Murphy has become sweeter than candy. This continues the trend that Eddie Murphy only makes terrible, terrible, terrible movies. that no one could possibly like if they are older than a gradeschooler. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

HONEY ★★ JESSICA ALBA AND LIL’ ROMEO Honey outperforms its expectations. Projected by some to be the next Glitter, Mariah Carey’s acting fiasco, the picture is a mild success. Taking the story with a grain of salt, since some scenes are straight out of another universe, there seems to be something for everyone.The dancing is fun, the kids are cute, Alba is easy on the eyes and the soundtrack is hot.These days, that’s about all anyone can ask for. (Andrew Crewell) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

THE LAST SAMURAI ★★★★ TOM CRUISE AND KEN WATANABE The Last Samurai is an epic adventure with a great soul and a great message. With so many bad samurai movies in the vaults, it is refreshing to see a film finally relate the concept of the samurai to moviegoers in a way they can understand: a Tom Cruise flick. One of the year’s best films and one of Tom Cruise’s best performances. (John Piatek) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

buzz

Dandelion: groovy gear for anyone

LOVE ACTUALLY ★★★ HUGH GRANT AND EMMA THOMPSON The film’s delicate blend of outrageous comedic scenes, which also prove that Brits can perform slapstick and dry humor equally, mix well with heartwarming confessions from each of the characters. A holiday romantic classic for people of all generations. (Janelle Greenwood) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

BY KATIE RICHARDSON | ARTS EDITOR

RUSSELL CROWE AND PAUL BETTANY Weir buffs will get a kick out of watching this film and remembering The Truman Show. While Truman’s aquatic-oriented scenes introduced the director’s ability to craft stimulating scenes of sea-swept peril, Master and Commander achieves a far higher degree of oceanic fanfare. It’s a glorious tale of adventure on the high seas sure to put wind in any landlubber’s sails. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

THE MATRIX: REVOLUTIONS ★★ KEANU REEVES AND LAURENCE FISHBURNE In the utterly disappointing The Matrix: Revolutions, the Wachowskis simultaneously step away from that which made the previous films worthwhile and indulge in the elements that made them hollow. Gone are the eye-popping action sequences of high-tech originality and legitimate conceptions of a machine-oriented future spun out of control.

(Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy.

THE MISSING ★★★ TOMMY LEE JONES AND CATE BLANCHETT Despite its historical resonance, there’s something missing from The Missing, and after more than two long hours that something is, surprisingly, heart. What begins as a brave, passionate story of one family’s resolve winds up as little more than a sprawling, forgettable rescue mission. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Beverly and Savoy

PIECES OF APRIL ★★★★ KATIE HOLMES AND PATRICIA CLARKSON Katie Holmes yet again proves to be one of Hollywood’s greatest young talents in this heartwarming and heartsmashing black comedy. A true treat, if maybe a little late for the Thanksgiving theme it oozes. (Jason Cantone) Now showing at Beverly

THE STATION AGENT ★★★★ PETER DINKLAGE AND PATRICIA CLARKSON In his debut film, McCarthy crafts a uniquely memorable slice of small-town America and resists the temptation to draw condescending comic relief from his characters’eccentricities.

Instead, he scatters a few charmingly funny scenes throughout his softly subtle script, which won the award for Best Screenplay at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. (Matt Pais) Now showing at Boardman’s

certainly not your run-of-the-mill department store. Dandelion loves people with “independent fashion sensibilities.” If you were the type of person who got made fun of in high school because you didn’t dress like everyone else, but pon entering Dandelion, one is overcome are now told by passers by that they love your with the smell of burning Nag Champa incense, individuality, you’ll be in apparel heaven. loads of accessories like sunglasses and barThough the shop sells ties, blazers and polo rettes, rows of boots and an overwhelming shirts, it is most proud of its reputation for havamount of clothes from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and ing the kookiest “kooky wear” in Champaign. today. Whether you’re in search of a hip retro For example, they’ve got the makings for a Madonna flashback outfit, a Cher revisit or a ‘20’s flapper/prom queen ensemble. Mix and match the decades if you like: no matter what your mom says, leg warmers can look good with a poodle skirt.

Walk in with the intent of being creative; there are no limitations at this place. At Dandelion, hot pink is the new black, tie-dye is as classic as pearls and Bjork is idolized rather than made fun of for that swan get-up she wore to the Oscars.

For those who love Dandelion’s ambiance but worry the shop will be dangerously quiet, fear not: while you’re there you’ll no doubt have the opportunity to rock out with Jimmy Smith, Beck or Neil Young. The store has as good of taste in music as it does in couture. buzz Sara Hudson of Champaign, owner of Dandelion Vintage and Used Clothing, poses with one of the store’s many hats.

U

MASTER AND COMMANDER ★★★★

OPENING THIS WEEKEND LOVE DON’T COST A THING

STEVE HARVEY AND NICK CANNON A high school loser pays a cheerleader to pose as his girlfriend so he can be cool. This is a remake of a 1987 film and proves that stupid and cheesy high school crap is a genre no longer held exclusively by whites. (Jason Cantone) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE

JACK NICHOLSON AND DIANE KEATON Something about Jack Nicholson makes older women want to strip down naked and I’m not talking about the audience members. After Kathy Bates’ memorable skinny dip, Diane Keaton gets naked in this romantic comedy also featuring Keanu Reeves and Amanda Peet. (Jason Cantone) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

STUCK ON YOU

MATT DAMON AND GREG KINNEAR They’re conjoined twins. Conjoined at the upper butt cheek.

Cher is dating a child actor. Hahaha ... groan. (Jason Cantone) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

OPENING WEDNESDAY RETURN OF THE KING

ELIJAH WOOD AND IAN MCKELLAN The final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy could quite possibly be the best. Advanced ticket sales are already available. If you don’t know what this movie is about, get out from under a rock. (Jason Cantone) Opening at Beverly and Savoy

BY JOHN LOOS | STAFF WRITER

A

5

arts

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17 | THE CLOWN IS DOWN

s Ebenezer Scrooge sees his name glowing on a gravestone shown to him by the Ghost of Christmas Future, he screams in disbelief and crumples into tears. When the scene is over, the lights go up, and the few actors and volunteers at the rehearsal clap enthusiastically. Joe Porter, the actor playing Scrooge, stands up, wipes the tears from his cheeks, and jokingly references Elvis Presley.

“Thank you, thank you very much,” he says, grinning.

The Rantoul Theater Group’s holiday production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, led by Porter, promises to be a very thoughtful, dramatic look into the well-known, usually lighthearted tale of Christmas cheer.

“I’ve always loved the story,” says Porter, who studied up on Dickens and his story in

outfit or a cheap contemporary classic, Dandelion Vintage and Used Clothing, located at 9 Taylor St. in the heart of downtown Champaign, provides local hipsters with their hip gear.

With the slogan, “Not the mall since ‘93,” Dandelion lives up to its self-imposed title. It seems, since the store started in 1993, everyone on and off campus has been there at least once.

Brimming with one-of-a-kind buys, this shop is

preparation for the role. “But the movies make Scrooge’s transformation at the end unbelievable for me. Here, I want the audience to despise Scrooge.”

Director Clay Nelson also researched the story and decided to present it in a more traditional light.

“Originally it was more of a ghost story,” Nelson says. “So we made the script a little darker and a little more serious than usual.”

The cast, which consists of over 60 actors, both children and adults, has been rehearsing since September for their Dec. 3 opening. Many of these actors double as costume-makers and set-builders or take on extra roles (there are a total of 85 roles). Karen Seib, who plays Mrs. Dilber and is in charge of costumes, acknowledges a communal feel to the production.

“Mothers and grandmothers have sewn costumes for the kids,” she says. “That’s a timesaver to the max.”

Larry Smith, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, along with Porter and several others, made most of the set pieces from scratch, including several pieces of 18th century furniture.

“Since there are so many scene changes, there are lots of props,” Smith says offstage. “And

playreview

5

Twelfth Night at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater ★★★★

William Shakespeare

BY ELIZABETH ZEMAN | STAFF WRITER

C

hicago is the last stop for the Shakespeare Globe Theatre’s American tour of Twelfth Night, first staged at the Globe in London last summer, and it’s worth every cent of the rather expensive ticket price. This brilliantly acted “original practices” production, now at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, finds the humor and poignancy within Shakespeare’s lines and puts on an incredibly captivating show.

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a hilarious play of cross-dressing, mistaken identity, desperately smitten wooers and a bit of drunken revelry.

The Globe company’s approach to the play is what Artistic Director Mark Rylance and Master of Play Tim Carroll call “original practices”: an all-male cast, hand-sewn Elizabethan dress that costumers have painstakingly tried to make as historically authentic as possible, live period music and a celebratory jig to end it all.

Instead of trying to recreate the Globe Theatre’s unique outdoor playing space in an indoor theater, the Chicago production is set against a replica of a 16th-century hall screen, bringing it closer to the play’s original staging at Middle Temple Hall than the production’s first performances at the Globe.

This production is also part of the Globe’s trend toward single-gender casting, including this summer’s all-male productions of Richard II and Edward II and the all-female Richard III. continued on page 18

confident and excited about the production. some of them were quite a challenge to make.”

“This could be one of the most impressive Along with authentic furniture, Nelson is utilizing fog machines and black lights to enhance pieces of theater this region has ever seen,” he says. buzz the scarier scenes.

“I always wanted the opportunity to do a big show with special effects,” Nelson says, adding that sound effects will also be used to immerse A Christmas Carol opened at the Grissom Hall Theater in Rantoul at 7 p.m. on Dec. 3 and runs the audience into the dark atmosphere.

“There are some very somber themes of life until Dec. 14. and death,” says Porter. “It’s not really for young children.”

But in spite of the show’s seriousness, the cast shares plenty of laughs in between scenes.

“We always have a lot of fun,” says Harriet Hinderer, who has a minor role. “Scrooge is awesome and Jacob Marley is awesome.”

Doug Rokke, who plays Fezziwegg, loves the people involved in the production.

“These are just phenomenal people. It’s exciting to get up there and perform with them,” Director Clay Nelson (foreground) observes a scene between Doug he says.

Rokke (left), Jake Beinborn (middle) and Joe Porter (right) in which As for the star, Porter feels Scrooge travels back to his past.

PHOTO | JOHN LOOS

4:07 PM

fabulous to funky

16

12/10/03

PHOTOS | CLAIRE NAPIER

121103buzz0516

4:07 PM

Page 1

community

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

Senior in LAS and former Illini Media Company employee Laura Wagner rocks out to the opening act, Apollo Project, at Nargile on Saturday night. Of the band's performance, Wagner said, "It's like a spiritual experience, especially when it's people I know and love."

How would you describe Nargile?

It’s a downtown alternative to the downtown bars. Unlike other bars where you see people wasted, running around, there is something else to do here besides get drunk. There is a lot more here than the average bar. You can do so many things: dance, see live music or decide to have a drink with friends.

What types of clients are you hoping to attract?

I think we have a more sophisticated clientele. Nargile is not for everyone. It is for people who are into music and entertainment. We have a very laid-back crowd.

What is the best part of your job?

Seeing people happy and seeing people enjoy all the hard work. I like seeing that people are into hookahs. We went into this seeing the trend in Chicago and New York and did not know if it would work here. On Friday night, I saw seven or eight hookahs on tables. That was really fulfilling.

What are some of your other interests?

I am a music lover. I love music more than life. I am in two bands, Sanya N’Kanta, which is mix of R&B, reggae and rock, and Goldfronts, which I can’t really describe, you would just have to see it. I am also a full-time student at the University of Illinois.

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

INDEX Employment Services Merchandise Transportation Apartments Other Housing/Rent Real Estate for Sale Things To Do Announcements Personals

000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900

• PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD! Report errors immediately by calling 337-8337. We cannot be responsible for more than one day’s incorrect insertion if you do not notify us of the error by 2 pm on the day of the first insertion.

• All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher. The Daily Illini shall have the right to revise, reject or cancel, in whole or in part, any advertisement, at any time.

• All employment advertising in this newspaper is subject to the City of Champaign Human Rights Ordinance and similar state and local laws, making it illegal for any person to cause to be published any advertisement which expresses limitation, specification or discrimination as to race, color, mental handicap, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, prior arrest or conviction record, source of income, or the fact that such person is a student.

• Specification in employment classifications are made only where such factors are bonafide occupational qualifications necessary for employment.

• All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, and similar state and local laws which make it illegal for any person to cause to be published any advertisement relating to the transfer, sale, rental, or lease of any housing which expresses limitation, specifications or discrimination as to race, color, creed, class, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, personal appearance, sexual oientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or the fact that such person is a student.

• This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal oppportunity basis.

DEADLINE:

2 p.m. Monday for the next Thursday’s edition.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Always treat others exactly the way you would like to be treated. And, never underestimate anyone.

What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

The staff I put together here at Nargile. Also, I would say going from washing dishes at Jupiter’s a year and a half ago to running bars now.

RATES: Billed rate: 34¢/word

HELP WANTED | Full Time Express Personnel Services 217.355.8500 101 Devonshire Dr., Champaign

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES $250-$500/week. Will train to work at home helping the US Govt. file HUD/FHA mortgage refunds. No experience necessary. Call toll-free 1800-778-0353.

Services

100

BUSINESS SERVICES Body Therapy Center Student and staff discounts on professional massage therapy. Relieve your tension and stress from a professional with 17 years of experience. Gift Certificates Available. 206 N. Randolph, Suite 518. 355-8001 Member AMTA. thebodytherapycenter.com

CLEANING Exact Extraction. Carpet & upholstery cleaning. Free estimates. 6883101.

Photo Sellers 30 words or less + photo: $5 per issue

Action Ads • 20 words, run any 5 days (in buzz or The Daily Illini), $14 • 10 words, run any 5 days (in buzz or The Daily Illini), $7 • add a photo to an action ad, $10

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished

Merchandise 200 BOOKS COMPARE TEXTBOOK PRICES! Search 24 bookstores with 1 click!

Shipping and taxes automatically calculated. http://www.bookhq.com

Apartments

400

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished | Unfurnished

107 N. Busey, U. August 2004 3 level townhouse, cathedral ceiling living room, loft deck. Must see to appreciate. Sleeps 4, 2 full baths, gas heat, central air, washer/dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, internet, and cable ready. Two free parking spaces. $1380/month.

1 Bedroom Luxury Apartments

New Security Building

Washer/dryer, AC, balcony, dishwasher, intercom, ethernet, contemporary furnishings, microwave.

605 E. Clark St., C. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

3 & 4 bedroom luxury apartments 205 S. Sixth St.

Security Building

Washer/ dryer, AC, balconies, dishwasher, ethernet, 48’ TV, microwave. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

101 E. Daniel, C.

New Security Building

2 bedroom and bi-level 4 bedroom, two bath. Imported furnishings, balconies, skylights, cathedral ceilings, washer/ dryer in each apt. Security underground parking. Aug. 2004 www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

101 S. Busey, U. 1 bedroom apartment with

PAID UTILITIES! Living room, eat-in kitchen, porch, parking, laundry facilities, air conditioning, furnished. August 2004. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852 102 S. Lincoln Horizon Apts.

Green and Lincoln, U.

August ‘04. New 2, 4 bedroom luxury furnished apartments.Sundeck, Balconies, Skylights, 2 Full Baths, Cathedral Ceilings, Ceiling Fan, Laundry on each floor. Assigned parking. Sound proofing. Utility discount, security system. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

LAWN CARE FREE ESTIMATES: Tree trimming, Topping, Removal, Stump Grinding.

384-5010.

Paid-in-Advance: 25¢/word

Garage Sales 30 words in both Thursday’s buzz and Friday’s Daily Illini!! $10. If it rains, your next date is free.

What is the one reason people should come to Nargile?

To try something different. This is a place for people who are sick of going to the campus or downtown bars and want to experience something completely different.

Employment 000

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished

105 E. John 2 bedroom furnished, great location.

Includes parking. www.ugroup96.com 352-3182 106 DANIEL, C. For August 2004. 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, ethernet available.

Some townhouses Phone 352-3182.

Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 1107 S. 4TH AND GREGORY, C. For August 2004. 4 bedroom townhouse apartments. Best location.

Completely furnished. Laundry, parking garage, elevator. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 111 E. CHALMERS, C. August 2004. One bedroom. Furniture, skylights, off-street parking, laundry. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 207- 211 JOHN Prime Campus Location 4 Bedrooms Phone 352-3182 THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 2, 3, 4 bedroom luxury apartment

New Security Building

1005 S. SECOND, C Efficiencies. Fall 2004. Secured building. Private parking. Laundry on site, ethernet available. Phone 3523182. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com

808 S. Oak, Champaign Imported furnishings, sound proofing, A/C, 2 balconies, burglar alarms, laundry. Utility discount.

Parking. Aug 2004. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852

1006 S. 3RD, C. Aug 2004. Location, location. One, bedrooms for fall. Covered parking & laundry, furnished & patios, ethernet available. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com

203 S. Sixth. C. For August 2004. Large 2,3,4 bedrooms, 2 baths. Balconies, laundry, covered parking. Phone 352-3182.

Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com

502 E. University, C.

Security Building 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, large rooms, AC, furnished, parking, quiet building. Aug. 04 369-0237. www.zhengrentals.com

502 W. Green, U Aug 2004 A fireplace and a private balcony is what you will have with this cozy 4 bedroom, 2 full bath apartment. Nice furniture, fully carpeted, washer/dryer, garbage disposal, microwave, and dishwasher. Internet and cable ready, central air. $1120/month.

Call 352-3674 or 377-1552 506 E. Stoughton, C For August 2004. Extra large efficiency apartments. Security building entry, complete furniture, laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available.

Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign.

THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 509 BASH COURT, C. Fall 2004 Great 3 and 5 bedrooms, near 6th and Green. Fully furnished, microwaves and dishwashers. Off-street parking. Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 509 E. White, C. Aug. 2004. Large 1 bedrooms. Security entry, balconies, patios, furnished. Laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available. Phone 352-3182.

Office at 309 S. First, Ch. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 604 E. White, C. Security Entrance For Fall 2004, Large 1 & 2 bedroom furnished, balconies, patios, laundry, off-street parking, ethernet available.

Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroups96.com 605 S. Fifth, C. Fall 2004 5th and Green location Outdoor activity area. 1 bedrooms available. Garage off-street parking.

Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, Champaign.

THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com 805 S. Locust, C. 2 & 4 bedroom luxury furnished apartments. Contemporary furnishings, bi-level, laundry, AC, large rooms, microwave, dishwasher, parking. Aug. 2004. www.mhmproperties.com 337-8852 HEALEY COURT APARTMENTS 307-309 Healey Court.

Fall 2004. Behind Gully’s. Newly remodeled bathrooms. 2 bedrooms.

Some 2 baths, ethernet available.

Phone 352-3182. Office at 309 S. First, C. THE UNIVERSITY GROUP www.ugroup96.com JOHN SMITH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT www.johnsmithproperties.com (217)384-6930 “believe the hype”

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Furnished ENGINEERING CAMPUS Large Studio APTS Fall 2004 50% renewal rate!

Secured Bldg., ethernet available UGroup96.com 352-3182

JOHN STREET APARTMENTS 58 E. John August 2003. Two and three bedrooms, fully furnished. Dishwashers, center courtyard, on-site laundry, central air, ethernet available.

Call Jon or Heather, resident managers, at 384-5416 anytime for your appointment.

352-3182 University Group

OLDE TOWNE

Off-campus. 2 bedroom. Hardwood floors. www.ugroup96.com 352-3182

CAMPUS APARTMENTS Unurnished

JANUARY ‘04 Large studios. Secured building, and ethernet. www.ugroup96.com 352-3182

Moving to Chicago? Let me help.

Free service to find you the perfect apartment. Any neighborhood or price. Nick 312-397-2796. nickpatterson@coldwellbanker.com

OFF-CAMPUS APARTMENTS Unfurnished

Remodeled 3 BR. 1.5 mi. from campus on busline. 1213 S. Anderson, U. $850/mo. + deposit. No pets.

Available now. 621-8325.

ROOMS Beautiful furnished Savoy house wants single 20’s non-smoking housemates. Students welcome. 7 or 8 month lease to end Aug. 15th $275-325 plus utilities. Email partnow@uiuc.edu or call 907-3509298.

Efficiency rooms on campus $250-$310, all utilities paid. 3676626

ROOMMATES Female roommate wanted to live with three great girls. Beautiful apartment and parking available.

Price negotiable. For more information contact 1-708-612-6351 or subletbankier@hotmail.com

Things to Do 700 VACATION | TRAVEL #1 SPRING BREAK COMPANY in Acapulco now offers 3 destinations!.

Go Loco in Acapulco, Party in Vallarta, or get Crazy in Cabo- with BIANCHI-ROSSI TOURS. Organize a group and travel for FREE. Book now before it’s too late! Call 800875-4525 or www.bianchi-rossi.com

Brand new luxury 1, 2, 3, bedroom apartments available in Champaign.

Call Manchester Property Management at 359-0248 for an appointment.

SUBLETS 1 bedroom furnished, 603 E. White available Jan. $380/mo. 355-6595 or galmarin@uiuc.edu.

CUTE 2 BR apartment for $595/mo!

Off of Green, 4 blocks East from Lincoln. Furnishing, heat, and parking included. Grace 721-7101 One female to share 2 BR Urbana apartment. Huge bedroom, hardwood floors, great roommate. $375/mo utilities included. Available Dec-Jan. 217-766-1432 or jcchurch@uiuc.edu.

You name it

Seeking female for a 3 bedroom apartment in Savoy for Spring 2004.

Utilities included. 309-241-5935.

Spring Sublet. Close to quad. Free parking and internet. Price negotiable. New building. 217-377-0849 SPRING/SUMMER 1 in 3 bedroom .

Furnished, W/D, Dishwasher, A/C. Internet included 2nd & John. $290/mo, 766-2084, dmcnutt@uiuc.edu.

Studio, furnished, hardwood floors, W/D, cozy, on campus, $565, available 01-01 1108 W. Nevada, 334-9342.

Trendy Downtown Champaign Loft.

1200 square feet. 12 foot ceilings.

Hardwood floors. Washer/Dryer.

Parking. $650/month. Josh 3903108.

Other Rentals 500 HOUSES 512 W. High, U. Aug 2004. Excellent 5BR, furnished home. Hardwd floors, off-street parking, W/D, dishwasher. $1,750/mo.

Todd 778-9052.

buzz

classifieds

Lifelong Champaign resident Garenne Bigby has held up a frantic pace for the last few days. Bigby is the General Manager of Nargile, a new hookah bar he helped open Dec. 5. He is also the General Manager of Barfly, 120 N. Neil St. Located at 207 W. Clark in Champaign, Nargile features live music, dancing and a DJ. Bigby, who is also a fulltime student at the University of Illinois, is anxious to introduce hookahs and Nargile to the Champaign-Urbana community.

What has been your biggest challenge in opening a new business?

Keeping up with the supply and demand for hookahs. Also, putting this place together. We had five days to get this place ready. We had about 30 people who came and pitched in, not knowing what they were being paid, and tiled the floors, painted and made the curtain.

17

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 | MAKE SOME MONEY FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, SELL SOMETHING AT THE BUZZ!!

“Champaign-Urbana is a very diverse and open community,” said Bigby. “People here don’t just settle for what is given to them and Nargile is a place where people can experience something completely different and very dynamic.” buzz

Q & A

GarenneBigby

buzz

Daily Illini and Buzz Classifieds

while others seem content to sit and smoke their hookahs quietly. At Nargile, either option is possible, as vastness of the bar allows each area to remain separate. The pounding of the music from the back and downstairs cannot be heard in the front area, where it is still quiet enough to hold a conversation and soft R&B music plays.

“Nargile has a nice contrast of musical options,” said customer Christopher Watson. “There is versatility. With the upstairs and the downstairs there is space for everyone to exist.”

Even with all the other options available to guests at Nargile, it is hard to forget the prevalence of the hookah. Waitresses are constantly carrying the elaborate pieces through the front area and down the stairs to the basement and hookahs sit prominently on quite a few tables, as even first-time smokers like Jeff Ince anxiously await their turn to smoke.

“We got the lemon-flavored tobacco and it’s really light,” said Ince. “I wanted to try tobacco, but I also wanted to try a new bar in town.”

The newness of the idea behind Nargile is what sets it apart from other bars in the Champaign-Urbana community. With Nargile, Bigby hopes to create a type of atmosphere that has been lacking around Champaign-Urbana, especially by introducing hookahs.

buzz

337-8337

night, the scattered tables in the front of the bar were almost all occupied.

“Business has been incredible so far,” said Bigby. “Our first night we were at legal capacity at 11 p.m. We have created a large demand for hookahs. We only have 10 now but are hoping to have 40 or 50 by the spring.”

The social aspect and relaxing feeling that comes with smoking hookahs lead many visitors, including University of Illinois student Martha Quinlain, to Nargile on Saturday night.

Quinlain has been waiting for a hookah bar to come to come to the Champaign-Urbana area.

“I studied abroad in Paris last semester and went to hookah bars there so I wanted to go to another one,” said Quinlain. “It’s a very social thing to do. As a nonsmoker, it’s a nice way to have a smoke without the tar but still have the relaxation benefits and chill.”

However, Nargile offers much more than just hookahs. The simplicity of the interior and the friendliness of the staff makes guests feel comfortable even without smoking a hookah. There are a wide variety of alternatives to smoking, including a venue for live music in the back room and a DJ spinning reggae, R&B and house music downstairs.

“Nargile is very laid-back,” said employee Lori Sison. “It’s a place where you can come and not have to have a loud conversation and the hookahs make for a calm atmosphere. The downstairs though, it is more upbeat.”

On Saturday, some visitors freely wander Nargile, experiencing all of its different aspects,

PHOTO | CHRISTINE LITAS

4

12/10/03

PHOTO | KATY MULL

121103buzz0417

We’ll sell it for you

12/10/03

4:08 PM

Page 1

18odds & end Twelfth Night continued from page 5 Single-gender casting is particularly fitting for Twelfth Night, as gender confusion and cross-dressing are central to the play. For most of the play Viola is disguised as the boy page Cesario who woos Countess Olivia on Duke Orsino’s behalf. An Orsino-Olivia-Viola love triangle ensues and is especially thrown into confusion when Viola’s twin brother Sebastian enters the scene, but all works out for the foursome in the end.

Rylance’s performance as Olivia is outstanding. He plays her as nervous and constantly flustered with the perfect blend of comedy and compassion, and the role showcases his talent for quickly relaying emotions through subtle facial expressions. Olivia’s animated wooing of Cesario is wildly hilarious, culminating in a fantastic scene in which the overly excited Olivia runs frantically around stage until she faints.

Michael Brown and Peter Shorey also offer exceptional performances as Viola and the aging Maria. Their mannerisms, speech and actions are subtly and believably feminine— never outlandish or overdone. Rylance and Shorey wear white face and sweep across the stage as if floating in their massive dresses.

Nothing seems forced or contrived in these portrayals of female characters.

The jesting of the decadent Sir Toby Belch (Bill Stewart), Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Albie Woodington) and Feste (Peter Hamilton Dyer) add appropriate amounts of comic fun throughout the play. Dyer is a sensitive, subdued Feste, providing an excellent contrast to the raucous Sir Andrew and Sir Toby, and Liam Brennan’s tender Orsino further contrasts with all the play’s foolery.

The production does retain some of the intimate feel of the Globe with several interactive moments. Dyer, Walker and Rylance are particularly skilled at involving the audience with glances and gestures.

The only disruption to this intimate atmosphere is that a few actors can be difficult to hear or understand in all parts of the theater at times, perhaps because of the differences in acoustics between the Chicago space and others (especially the Globe).

During its run at the Globe last summer, Twelfth Night won the adoration of many London critics along with several awards, including the Olivier Award, Critics Circle Award, Time Out Award and the Evening Standard Special Award. After returning to the Globe for 12 additional performances in October, the production began its five-city U.S. run. If the Chicago version is any indication, all the hype surrounding last summer’s performance was definitely merited. Twelfth Night is a dazzling, accessible production— Shakespearean performance at its best.

I WISH MY HOROSCOPE WAS BETTER THIS WEEK... | NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 3, 2003

buzz

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Six miles from Maui is a Hawaiian island that tourists never visit -- Kahoolawe. The U.S. Navy seized it in 1941 and used it as a target range for decades. After years of protests by Native Hawaiians, the Navy finally stopped bombing and began a clean-up campaign. Last month it formally turned control of the island over to the rightful owners. "You can get a feel on Kahoolawe of what it was like to live on Hawaii at the time of our ancestors," says Native Hawaiian Davianna McGregor. "We can practice our traditions there without it being a tourist attraction. It's one place we can go to be in communion with our natural life forces." Every one of us has a personal version of Kahoolawe, Aries: a part of our psyche that has been stolen or colonized by hostile forces. It's a perfect moment for you to take back yours.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Three billion years ago, the Earth's original single-cell organisms thrived in a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. As a byproduct of their metabolism, however, they released an abundant amount of oxygen. It was a pollutant that ultimately made their environment uninhabitable for them, though it prepared the way for the oxygen-breathers that now dominate the planet. Now let's meditate on how this might be a useful metaphor for you, Taurus. Is there any "pollutant" produced by the person you were in the past that could be valuable for the person you will become in the future?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Vanessa Lucero, a 14-year-old New Mexico girl, is your role model this week. In October, she was named homecoming princess at her high School. On the weekend of her reign, she also played in a game for the football team, becoming the first female in school history to score a touchdown. During the span of a few glorious hours, she wore both a helmet and a tiara. Like Vanessa, you Geminis now have the potential to notch triumphs in two separate spheres using different sets of skills.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The world's most famous Cancer, U.S.President George W.Bush, has described his relationship with newspapers this way: "I glance at the headlines just to kind of get a flavor for what's moving. I rarely read the stories, and get briefed by people who read the news themselves." Please don't imitate Bush's approach as you gather information in the coming days, my fellow Crabs. It's crucial that you never rely on thirdhand reports as you penetrate to the root of every unfolding plot.You know how journalists sometimes bury really interesting and mysterious details at the end of their stories? That's what life will do.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): After a study found that a majority of heterosexual men dive into sexual intercourse without any warmup, Britain launched its first annual National Foreplay Day last

July. How about if we borrow this holiday for your use, Leo? I'm not saying you've been remiss in your approach to maximizing erotic pleasure, but there's always room for improvement.

Besides, from an astrological perspective this is a favorable time to expand your mastery of the arts of love. In fact, let's borrow another British holiday, National Orgasm Day. I hereby proclaim this Universal Foreplay and Orgasm Week for all Leos.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): This week's horoscope features the poetry of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Delivered at a news briefing, it provides a perfect frame for the current state of your fate. "As we know," he said, "there are known knowns.

There are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns. That is to say, we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don't know we don't know." You, Virgo, are very close to discovering at least two of your personal unknown unknowns.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): My Libran friend John was constantly harassed and shamed by his father over trivial issues when he was growing up. A typical scenario often occurred in the kitchen as John scanned the refrigerator for an appetizing snack. "You idiot!" his dad would scream at him. "How many millions of times have I told you not to hold the refrigerator door open so long?"

John would immediately close the door and leave in silence, feeling humiliated and hungry. When he told me this story today, here's what I advised him to do: Keep his refrigerator door open for as long as it takes to wipe away the pain of his father's inane cruelty.To the rest of you Libras I say: Rebel in a way that will heal a wound from childhood.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Like every species, harmful microbes evolve over time in response to environmental conditions. Syphilis, for example, was far more lethal and fastspreading 500 years ago. It killed its human victims relatively quickly, which diminished its ability to proliferate in new hosts.

Ultimately, a milder variety developed to ensure the survival of the species. An infected person lived longer and could spread the syphilis strain further. I propose that you adopt this model as a metaphor for dealing with your bad moods, aberrant behavior, and temporary attacks of insanity. Cultivate your relationship with the milder forms of these pathologies, confident that this will make the nastier versions obsolete.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I saw the Acura commercial on TV tonight. The car was driving through a remote high desert.

Through the magic of computer graphics, it seemed to be creating the road as it moved, laying down paved blacktop where before there was only dirt. I thought of you immediately, Sagittarius. You're in a comparable situation, right? There's no path where you're going, so you'll have to make it for yourself as

you proceed.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn actress Drea de Matteo's career is in full bloom. Besides her regular role on HBO's "The Sopranos," she has been in nine movies since 2001.To what should we attribute her success? Lots of talent, for one. A playwright mother who exposed her to the theater early, for two.

During her recent appearance on Carson Daly's "Last Call" TV show, she revealed a ballsy magic that constitutes a third ingredient. She told Daly she keeps the testicles of her Great Dane, which she had neutered a few years ago, in a jar of formaldehyde by her bed.Take inspiration from her example, Capricorn. It's high time you acknowledged the fact that skill and hard work may not be enough to get you where you want to go; you also need mojo.

BY EMILY WAHLHEIM | STAFF WRITER

I

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): "So many of us are not in our bodies, really at home and vibrantly present there," says dancer Gabrielle Roth. "Nor are we in touch with the basic rhythms that constitute our bodily life. We live outside ourselves -- in our heads, our memories, our longings -- absentee landlords of our own estate." Does any of that description fit you, Aquarius? If so, here's good news: The months ahead will provide you with the best opportunity ever to come home to your body, to inhabit it with robust awareness and gratitude. And it all starts now. To show you're ready, find a place to be alone in the dark, put on music that moves you, and dance yourself all the way back into your body.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Each week I give my readers homework. A recent assignment was to finish the sentence, "The one thing that keeps me from being myself is __________." Many respondents filled in the blank with "my fears." Other common answers were "lack of money," "my spouse," and "my obsession with everyone's images of me." But the best contribution was from Ann-Marie at www.getunderground.com. She said, "The one thing that keeps me from being myself is people's reluctance to lick patent leather." By not taking herself too seriously, she showed that *nothing* can keep her from being herself.

Drawing inspiration from her sterling example, Pisces, finish this sentence in a more humorous way than you normally might: "The one thing that keeps me from being myself is __________."

A bartender at Nargile, a new bar in downtown Champaign, puts away a bottle of vodka that lines the shelf of the downstairs part of the bar along with several hookahs.

HOMEWORK: Rob Brezsny's Free Will ✍ ☎ What gifts do you want for Astrology beautyandtruth Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Yule, and the winter solstice?

Write to Buddha Claus at 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

3

community

DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003

Hookahs and music make Nargile

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

n five days, the owners and management of Nargile have managed to fill a void in the Champaign-Urbana community. Though the idea behind Nargile, a new hookah bar in downtown Champaign, has been in the works for several months, the physical property was transformed in just five days. Many of the changes to Nargile, located at 207 W. Clark St., and most recently home to Ruby’s, are simply cosmetic. The pool tables and carpeting are gone and the atmosphere has certainly changed as well.

“The difference in here is amazing,” said General Manager Garenne Bigby. “This place now has a sleeker look. It is a unique bar where you can sit with friends and enjoy cocktails, smoke a hookah, dance or see live music.”

The concept behind Nargile was inspired by Barfly owner Andrew Cotner’s visits to several hookah bars in California. After visiting Cotner in California, Bigby, also a manager at Barfly, looked into the possibility of bringing a hookah bar back to Champaign. After months of researching successful hookah bars on the

West Coast and some frantic renovations, Nargile opened to the public on Dec. 5.

Hookahs are ancient water pipes that originated in India. Originally made out of coconut shells, hookahs then spread to Turkey where they were refined into their current style which has remained the same for over 500 years.

Nargile gets its name from the Turkish word for hookah.

People throughout the Middle East have smoked hookahs for centuries as a social activity. They would smoke tobacco mixed with molasses and fruit as a social activity and to relieve stress. Smoking through a hookah is said to give a more flavorful and smooth taste.

In Europe, many people forgo dessert to instead smoke a hookah as an after-dinner treat.

Now, hookah bars like Nargile are growing in popularity across the United States. Based on this Middle Eastern standard of smoking, hookah bars have become especially popular in New York, Chicago and California. In California, where cigarette smoking is banned in restaurants, hookah smoking has become people’s alternative to cigarettes. At Nargile,

hookahs cost $8 and visitors can choose from a variety of flavored tobaccos, including peach, mango and coconut. The tobacco in the hookahs at Nargile is virtually tar-free and contains less than 1 percent nicotine.

“Smoking hookahs is not just for regular smokers,” said Erin Fein, Nargile assistant manager. “Nonsmokers can enjoy it too. For me, it is the first smoke that does not aggravate my asthma.”

The hookahs make for a very different environment at Nargile. Unlike most bars, a cloud of cigarette smoke does not linger in the air.

Instead, the bar is only slightly hazy with the smoke from the hookahs, which give off a pleasant aroma. With the front lounge’s dark red walls and flickering votive candles, guests cannot help but feel relaxed.

The lounge also encourages the social aspect of hookahs, as it offers visitors plenty of space to sit and enjoy a hookah or drink. On Saturday, groups of visitors had pushed their tables together to share their hookahs and trade flavors. However, despite spacious surroundings, by 10 p.m. on Nargile’s second

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1 7 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Showing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, Nov. 26 to Dec. 14. Tickets: $65-75

buzz

46

ACROSS Gorges Liquid offering at a “bar” Kind of valve Be a segue for Asian clue collector Indefinite yes Online newsgroup system Occult characters?

Churned-out prose Keep away Straining aid Game ender, perhaps Unfeminine Karat measure Underling Counterparts Fore-play?

Piano piece Does up differently Pang Natural rustler Dancing stimulus Got really upset Invoice fig.

47 48 49 51 52 53 54 55

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Chauffeur’s order Hot Stored ___ Beach, Calif.

Firecracker King topper Pair for the court Doesn’t look good?

DOWN “The Fall” novelist Physicist ___ Störmer Foch’s force Something may be written in it Top of the Catholic Church?

Sausage-wrapped British breakfast dish Kitchen gadgets ___ Islands, which include the Cyclades Gumbel’s “Today” successor They’re usually fruitflavored Bash a bit Reduced “Terrible pity”

14 23 24 26 27 28 29 30

31

32

34 36 38 40

41 42 43

Escape mech1 2 3 4 5 6 anisms?

15 Surety concern 17 In sorry shape Track event 19 Bullets, so to 22 23 speak By and large 25 Account 27 28 29 30 31 “The Sacred 33 Wood” writer, 1920 35 How many symphonies 38 37 Chopin wrote 39 40 Great American 47 46 Cookies rival 49 50 Busiest Fly-by-nights?

52 Tracy’s “Tortilla 54 Flat” co-star Dorough of Puzzle by Bob Peoples the Backstreet Boys 44 Eighty-___ (early Traffic stopper, someOklahoma hometimes steader) Senate wear 45 Cons One may be full of scales

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

44

45

16 18 20

21 24 26 32 34

36

41

42

43

48 51 53 55 11/1/03 (No. 1101)

47 50

Good watcher It may make a bust: Abbr.

PHOTOS | KATY MULL

121103buzz0318

Jennifer Hargens-Rysanek (left), Chris Mangun, Cherie Emling and Filip Rysanek enjoy some drinks and try a hookah at the only hookah bar in Champaign-Urbana on Saturday night.

121103buzz0219

12/10/03

4:09 PM

Page 1

2

RHYTHM IS MY LIFE | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17, 2003 buzz

insidebuzz 3 5 8 10 14

COMMUNIT Y

Hookah bar lights up Champaign ARTS

Dickens’ Christmas tale MUSIC

Tupac resurrected CALENDAR

See all there is to do in C-U FILM

Pull into this Station

Volume 1, Number 41 COVER DESIGN | Amy Hanlon

editor’snote

B

eing a music fan in ChampaignUrbana can be a challenge sometimes. With so much variety in musical genres, it’s easy to end up defining yourself narrowly.

If you are strictly a hip-hop fan, you eventually get into a routine of going to the clubs where this town’s fine hip-hop DJs and live acts drop great beats and rhymes. If indie rock is your fare, you know which venues to frequent. If you dig the sounds of house music, you head out to clubs and house parties on the weekends. Champaign-Urbana has all of those scenes plus thriving country, jazz, blues, industrial and even reggae scenes.

With all this variety and a multitude of venues that are specific homes to these sounds, it is easy to become comfortably pigeonholed into one label. That guy is a hip-hop head.

That girl is a house kid. That cynical chap in horn-rimmed glasses only likes indie rock.

A lot of venues in town make a concerted effort to offer a variety of sounds over the course of a week. And that is something that should be applauded. But which fans show up each night is almost solely dependent on what is playing through the sound system.

Unfortunately, what this means is that except for a few souls who drift between scenes, music fans in this town often end up compartmentalized as concertgoers.

But I witnessed some things last week that I believe will start to buck that trend and lead to greater overlap between the music scenes in

this town. And it all took place at Champaign’s newest venue—Nargile.

I wandered into Nargile on Tuesday afternoon before it opened, and the place was a mess. I naturally had some doubts about it being able to open in four days.

But working there that afternoon were famous faces from the local indie rock scene and the hip-hop scene. And then there were people who just believed in Nargile enough to get it opened through sheer force of will.

Even more encouraging was the opening night lineup with Jason Finkelman’s Nu-Orbit Ensemble, At Knifepoint and Orphans upstairs and DJ ImpacT, the premiere house DJ in C-U, downstairs. And at the end of the night, fans of all different types of music filed out together with smiles on their faces.

I felt privileged to spin downstairs the next night while the hip-hop acts held it upstairs.

After just one night there, I already feel like I’m part of something big.

Nargile’s ability and willingness to have multiple genres operate under the same roof on the same night is a major boon to Champaign-Urbana music as a whole. The fact that people are checking out new styles of music there is even bigger.

This is not to say that Nargile is going to unite the different music scenes into one big happy family overnight. But just being around new people with different tastes can only lead to good things for everyone.

-- Brian Mertz, Music Editor

C

orrection—A photo in last week’s “All things C-U” section misidentified a performance at the Station Theatre. The photo was really taken at Krannert Theater. The buzz regrets the mistake.

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 Photography Adam Young, Christine Litas, Katy Mull, John Loos, Katie Richardson Copy Editors Elizabeth Zeman, Suzanne Sitrick Designers Meaghan Dee, Jason Cantone, Marissa Monson, Carol Mudra, Adam Obndorf, Amy Hanlon Production Manager Theon Smith Editorial Adviser Elliot Kolkovich Sales Manager Lindsey Benton Marketing/Distribution Melissa Schleicher, Maria Erickson Publisher Mary Cory All editorial questions or letters to the editor should be sent to buzz@readbuzz.com or 337-8137 or buzz, 57 E. Green 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 of Illinois administration, faculty or students.

Tommy G’s Bar and Grill

featuring food by Foudini’s

Fri., December 12 FREE FOOD FRIDAYS! David Davenport live - free food, no cover! 5-7 PM

Renegade

Southern rock - catch them here on NYE 2004, too! 10 PM

Sat., December 13

Razor Sharp

A great R & B band from C-Umaking their Tommy G’s debut.. The G-spot is Champaign’s west side music connection!

FREE MUSIC no cover weekdays!

Every Tuesday Adam wolf’s Acoustic Night Plus $2 Tuesdays - two dollar drafts,cans, dom. Bottles, well drinks, order of wings, basket-o-spuds, chips-n-salsa.

Every Wednesday Kilborn Alley Thursdays - Pool Tourney, Cash Prizes, 7 PM Coming in December

19 - E.S.P., 20 - Aces Wild 123 S. Mattis, Champaign - Counrty Fair Mall, 359-2177

www.tommygs.com

HEADACHE RELIEF Without Drugs.....

there’s nothing mysterious about chiropractic healthcare. It’s a natural method that treats the causes of FREE EXAM physical symptoms & X-RAY rather than just the (IF NEEDED) NEW PATIENTS ONLY symptoms. If you’re like one in six Americans who suffer from headaches, please let us help you!

COVERED BY STUDENT INSURANCE

SNELL

CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC 1802 Woodfield Dr., Savoy (2 Blocks North of Savoy 16)

CALL 352-9899 (24-Hr. Answering Service)

Dr. Joseph Snell...

Your F irst C hoice in H ealth C are!

19

buzz DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17 , 2003 | NO MORE DIRTY TALKS!

AND ANOTHER THING...

Coulter’s Christmas performed by the Boss

BY MICHAEL COULTER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

miss driving home for Christmas. My folks winter in Texas now, so I usually just stay around town and instead give local bar owners something to celebrate: my spirited patronage for about eight days in a row, sort of a redneck Hanukkah. That drive home was nice though. I’d take the back roads most of the way, thinking about the past year and listening to the gravel crack under my tires. It wasn’t just a trip to the market. This was driving. It felt like I was going somewhere.

I would usually listen to Nebraska, by Bruce Springsteen, and I still believe it’s the best driving record ever made. It should be noted that I’m talking about driving by yourself, not with someone else.

I put it on one time when my friend Jackson and I were driving to Chicago for a night of carousing, and he asked me if my mother knew she had a little girl. If it’s a big fun drinking trip and you’ve got Jackson in the car, it’s probably best to go with Hum’s Electra 2000, but by yourself, choose Nebraska.

It’s an acoustic album and the songs are stark and honest. They remind me, I suppose, of the way living in the country felt. That record played a big part in one of my favorite Christmas memories.

On Christmas Eve, my dad and his friends would deliver baskets to the poorer folks around the county. When they were finished, there was a certain amount of drinking. This was understandable. It was tough on these guys to see these disadvantaged families, especially the children, at Christmas.

When their rounds were complete, the guys would come out to our house and stand around the garage drinking beer and whiskey. My friends and I would do the same, except we hadn’t really done anything beforehand. We’d get drunk with the old guys and laugh and roll our eyes if any of them started to cry while talking about their morning deliveries.

One Christmas Eve night after everyone was gone, my dad and I sat at the kitchen table, still drinking, still drinking both beer and whiskey strangely enough, and Dad asked how my drive home had been. I was drunk enough to try to explain this record I liked so much. I went to the car and got the tape and my father and I listened to a couple of songs. He got it, though I’m not really sure he liked it.

He then went and got a tape of his own, He Stopped Loving Her Today, by George Jones. I’d always mostly hated country music up until

then, but it was different this time, listening to it with my dad. It’s a pretty sad song to begin with, and we were famously drunk to end with, but this song didn’t seem all that different that any of the songs I was listening to.

Of course, by the end we were both sort of crying, that kind of drunken cry where you hug each other at the end and think somehow things will be different. Strangely, things were a little different after that. We had a moment we’d never really had together, a moment of letting our guards down, a moment of trust between the two of us. I’m not sure if Dad ever listened to Bruce Springsteen after that, but I’ve since worn out a few George Jones records.

My point, I guess, is that Christmas music is whatever makes you personally feel like it’s Christmas. I can hear George Jones on July 4, and I’ll still think of Christmas. George Jones is also pretty great driving music no matter what time of year.

There’s another great driving record, 49th and Melancholy by Otis Gibbs. It’s one of my favorites. It’s acoustic and the lyrics are real and beautiful and important. Sure, I was disappointed that the song “Great American Monkey Choir” wasn’t about the escapades of a marauding band of singing monkeys, but it’s a fine song either way.

It turns out Otis has put out a CD of Christmas songs called Once I Dreamed of Christmas, and if this one is anything like his first one, it may be one of the best Christmas records of all time. At the very least it will be the only decent Christmas record of all time.

Otis will be playing these songs at Best Buy on Dec. 14 at 3:00.

Your much better bet may be to see him, also on Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Iron Post in Urbana around 8:00. He’ll be performing songs from his new CD and you really shouldn’t miss it. It’s about the only thing that might put me in the Christmas spirit.

He’s great no matter what songs he’s singing, but with any luck, I may even find another favorite Christmas song, one that’s actually about Christmas. buz z

Drop us a line. buzz@readbuzz.com

ON SALE NOW!

6:00pm All Ages

Michael Coulter is a videographer at Parkland College. He writes a weekly e-mail column, “This Sporting Life” and has hosted several local comedy shows.

8:00pm 18 & Over

8:00pm 18 & Over

Outlets

217-351-2626

or

ticketmaster.com

www.jamusa.com

A

PRODUCTION

®

121103buzz0120

20

12/10/03

4:09 PM

Page 1

THE CIRCLE IS PERFECT. | DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 17 , 2003 buzz

z buz Dec. 11-Dec. 17, 2003 Arts | Entertainment | Community

FREE!

COMMUNIT Y

Q&A with Nargile owner (page 4) ARTS

Retro store offers hot finds (page 5) MUSIC

Hybrid fuses rock and electronics (page 7) CALENDAR

Dressy Bessy come to Cowboy Monkey (page 12) FILM

Come get some Honey (page 14)

Hookah bar lights up Champaign