NO MORE BEER
WHAT IF?
IN HER OWN WORDS
Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach faces a possible alcohol ban. page 3
The Missouri Tigers pose the first big threat to the SDSU football team. page 5
Emma Stone of “Easy A” talks about improv and her future page 6 co-star
dailyaztec the
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Vol. 96, Issue 11
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913
w w w. T h e D a i l y A z t e c . c o m
INDEX:
calendar ... 2
Tw i t t e r : T h e D a i l y A z t e c
food & drink ... 3
sports ... 5
entertainment ... 6
TODAY @ STATE Last day to add classes Women’s Studies Colloquium, 12 p.m. Faculty Recital: Jeremy Kurtz, bass, 12 p.m.
classifieds / backpage ... 8
Electronic reserves Disability course cut from library earns its keep ‘Disability and Society’ was slated to be cut, but students fought to keep it. ASHLEY MORGAN S TA F F W R I T E R
From parking structures to the interior of bathroom stalls, fliers could be found around campus reading, “We want this class!!!!!!!!” Instructor Mendy McClure, her class of 137 students and her teaching assistants have spent the first part of this semester campaigning through letter writing, word-of-mouth and posters to prevent their class from being cut and to lift the enrollment cap off of the upper division General Studies 420 course known as “Disability and Society.” The class focuses on the human experience of individuals with disabilities, such as the attitudes toward individuals and interrelationships between societal institutions and needs of people with disabilities, according to the San Diego State General Catalog. Last Friday, McClure was ecstatic as the College of Education decided to open enrollment of the class to a total of 300 students, she said.
Audrey Rynberg / Staff Photographer
Electronic Reserves were used by 10 percent of classes per semester. Budget constraints caused the cancelation.
ROBERT MORENO S TA F F W R I T E R
The budget cuts at San Diego State have claimed another victim, as the library has had to eliminate its Electronic Course Reserves system. The elimination of ECR is expected to save the library about $50,000 a year, according to Mark Stover, interim associate dean of Library and Information Access. Stover said the cost to keep ECR included paying for two full-time staff members, new software and copyright costs, which was the most expensive. The $50,000 the library saved from eliminating ECR will now be primarily spent on the library’s electronic databases and electronic journals. Stover estimated that 10 percent of the classes taught every semester used the ECR system. The decision to eliminate ECR was made by Jon Cawthorne, dean of Library and Information Access. The decision was made after a year of consulting with many people around campus. “The idea grew out of severe budget cuts and really looking at services we could no longer support,” Cawthorne said in an e-mail. History professor Kathryn EdgertonTarpley had been using the ECR system for her students for six years. She would use ECR for her graduate seminar about Chinese history and for an upper division writing class
through the history department. She said she is disappointed the ECR system will no longer be available to her students but understands the library’s budgetary decisions. “I’m certainly not blaming the library. It’s the budget cuts. I understand that the library cannot afford it,” Edgerton-Tarpley said. She said with the elimination of ECR, her students must now either buy an expensive course reader or get the readings on paper reserve in the library. Stover said although ECR is no more, faculty members still have resources for their students to read materials electronically. “We realized that the same kind of service that we were providing through ECR could be managed by individual faculty members themselves through their Blackboard sites,” Stover said. He also said Montezuma Publishing and Instructional Technology Services can help in aiding the faculty with publishing and electronic material. Stover said the elimination of ECR is a sad loss for the library. “We were actually one of the pioneers in using electronic reserves,” Stover said. “I believe we were, if not the first, one of the very first university libraries to use ECR. So it’s a loss. It’s a sad thing in a way that we can’t provide this anymore. We were sort of like a trendsetter or pacesetter in that area.” Before its elimination the library used the ECR system for about 15 years.
“Of course I started to cry, I was ecstatic. I sent out a thank-you to my students, my 137 troops I call them, because I really feel, I deeply feel, that if it wasn’t for their effort, I don’t think on my own this would have ever been possible” — Mendy McClure, “Disability and Society” professor “As it worked out, this fall GS420 was offered (and) there were students that registered for it,” Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Ric A. Hovda, said. “We did have to cap it until we could see how the rest of our numbers looked … and we have some room so we will open that section up to more students. I’m impressed that so many students cared so much and helped a whole campus see how important this course is, so I have great admiration for seeing the posters up and people advocating.”
“Of course I started to cry, I was ecstatic,” McClure said. “I sent out a thank-you to my class, my 137 troops I call them, because I really feel, I deeply feel, that if it wasn’t for their effort, I don’t think on my own this would have ever been possible.” The enrollment cap was placed on the class because of a change in the target number of full time equivalent students given by the Cal State University system to SDSU, giving each college within the university new FTES targets as well, Hovda said. McClure said the reason why the class was still offered this semester was because students signed up for the class in early enrollment, before the decision to discontinue the class was made, and this could have possibly put students’ graduation in jeopardy. “This summer I was told the class was cut one day after the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, one day before The San Diego Union-Tribune came out with an article about how friendly the San Diego State University campus was toward students who were in the gay and lesbian minority groups,” McClure said. “And the school is going to go out and celebrate the fact that they have all of this diversity, and all this excitement about this particular minority group while they just cut the only class (about disability); it was unconscionable and it was morally wrong.” People with disabilities represent the largest minority group in the country, McClure said. “It’s most definitely an important class,” Director of Diversity in the Office of the President, Aaron Bruce, said. “One of the reasons it’s important is this is one group that crosses so many different types of diversity, whether it’s sexual orientation or age or ethnicity or religion, gender, all of those groups potentially have people who have disabilities, so therefore it is everyone’s concern and it is a part of humanity to address.” “I don’t think people should feel sorry or pity disabled people because that doesn’t really help anybody, but instead learn how to treat them like you would normally treat someone; I think that’s what is really important about this class,” finance senior Justin Wei said. “Students who are going to be graduating from here are going to be going into fields where they are going to be dealing with people with disabilities,” GS420 student and psychology junior Angela Van Ostran said. “I think it would do a disservice to the students who are graduating from here and entering the workforce if this class is not here.” The College of Education does not currently know if it will be offering this course in the spring or placing an enrollment cap on the current number of students, but will be re-evaluating the situation before then, Hovda said.
2
The Daily Aztec
This week in San Diego
W E D N E S DAY , S e p t . 15
Fa c u l t y Re c i t a l : J e r e my Ku rt z , b a s s Location: Rhapsody Hall (M113)
Time: 12 to 12:50 p.m. Jeremy Kurtz, studio artist teacher in the School of Music and Dance performs pieces by Schubert, Gliere and Rabbath. Kurtz is a principal bassist with the San Diego Symphony and will be accompanied by pianist Ines Irawati.
Women’s Studies Colloquium Location: Arts and Letters 105 Time: 12 to 1:45 p.m. Come see “Sex before the Revolution: LGBTQ Histories in Pre-Sandanista Nicaragua,” presented by Victoria González-Rivera.
T H U R S DA Y , S e p t . 16
Todd Durkin Talk: Finding Your Passion! Location: Aztec Athletic Center Auditorium
Time: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Todd Durkin, personal trainer and motivational speaker, will make an appearance.
S D S U F i l m m a ke r s S h ow c a s e Location: Don Powell Theatre Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Watch some of SDSU’s best new undergraduate films.
S t o n e Te m p l e P i l o t s Location: Viejas Arena Time: 7 to 11 p.m. Stone Temple Pilots will perform in concert.
F R I DA Y , S e p t . 17
J e s s H u m p h r ey Dance Pe r fo r m a n c e Location: Dance Studio Theater (ENS 200) Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m. The dance performance is entitled “Also Beauty.”
Barona Million Dollar Hole-in-one Shootout Location: Stadium Golf Center Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is the last day of the event in which individuals can pay $1 per golf ball to attempt a hole-in-one shot worth $1 million.
Here Not There: San Diego Art Now Location: MCASD La Jolla Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the exhibit that runs until the 19th and see local contemporary artists’ works.
www.AplusReview.com
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
SAT U R DAY , Sept. 18
M O N DAY , S e p t . 2 0
Time: 6:30 to 11 p.m. The band Paramore will perform.
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Hour-long workshop about manners.
P a ra m o r e Location: Viejas Arena
Business Etiquette Location: Career Services
C a m p u s M ov i e Fe s t Location: Aztec Green
T U E S DAY , S e p t . 21
Time: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Student filmmakers will showcase their work.
Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin Location: La Jolla Playhouse
Taking Aim Exhibition Location: Museum of Photographic Arts
Time: 7:30 p.m. Charlie Chaplin’s story is told through this musical that runs until Oct. 17.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit features work from 40 different photographers and runs until Sept. 26.
Phoenix Location: Open Air Theatre
S U N DAY , Sept. 19
C h a rg e r s G a m e Location: Qualcomm Stadium
Time: 1:15 p.m. The San Diego Chargers will play against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
C P R / A E D / F i r s t A i d C e rt i f i c a t i o n Location: Aztec Recreation Center Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Instructors of the one-day class will teach the information needed to become a first aid and CPR / AED rescuer.
Time: 8 to 11 p.m. The band Phoenix will perform and Neon Indian will make an appearance.
Re s u m a n i a Location: Casa Real Time: 12 to 2 p.m. Learn tricks to improve your résumé.
Submit your event to: dailyaztecnews@gmail.com
“I always score higher with A Plus!” - Abby, Business Major
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
FOOD & DRINK
The Daily Aztec
3
Possible alcohol ban for Kate Sessions Park SYDNEE BROOKER S TA F F W R I T E R
Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park is known as a beautiful San Diego spot where people can relax, play frisbee with friends, have a picnic or drink a beer. Recently however, there has been debate regarding the environment this park is fostering, and the question of an alcohol ban has been raised. According to a report issued on Aug. 16, Kate Sessions Park follows the San Diego Municipal Code 56.54, and there is a 12hour alcohol ban from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., making it illegal to drink during these times seven days a week. However, the report claims neighbors are getting fed up with the increased amount of traffic, noise, trash, vulgar behavior and more. The park was constructed to serve 3,500 to 5,000 community members within a halfmile radius of the park, but since alcohol was banned from beaches, coastal parks and Mission Bay Park in November 2008, the park has been used by others who are not part of the immediate community. In January, the process to amend code 56.54 began, and the first public hearing about this issue took place. The report claims the Santa Clara / Pacific Beach Recreation Council voted 4-0 to change the 12-hour ban to a 24-hour ban. On June 29, the Park and Recreation Board director held a meeting with community members to brainstorm ways to compromise and amend the code. The recommended amendments include a 24-hour ban on weekends and holidays, and only allowing alcohol from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. According to a story from 10news.com, the recommendations will now go to a city council committee, and if passed, to city council where
Maura Ochoa / Staff Photographer
Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park is a popular spot for many San Diegans, including SDSU students, to relax and enjoy Pacific Beach. The park is located on Lamont Street, just off of Grand Avenue near Mount Soledad. Currently, a park-wide alcohol ban may be put into effect, but debates are still ongoing.
the final vote will take place. It could take two months before the final decision is made. Deputy Director of the community neighborhood committee Clay Bingham said City Council Public Safety and Neighborhood Services is the committee that will hear the proposed amendments. “However, there is no date yet,” Bingham said. “We don’t know when (the issue) will be heard before the committee. Apparently
two notes have been sent to Public Safety and Neighborhood Services to have the Kate Sessions alcohol ban placed on their agenda for an upcoming meeting.” The next Public Safety and Neighborhood Services meeting is supposedly set for 2 p.m. next Wednesday in the City Administration Building. However, there has been no confirmation yet. For those interested in this debate,
Bingham recommended going to the meeting where the proposed amendments will be heard. At sandiego.gov, city council committee meetings are posted under the “Information” tab. The agendas for upcoming meetings are made available as well as meeting times and locations. These meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to voice their opinions. The report issued on Aug. 16 can also be found on this website.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
SPORTS
The Daily Aztec
5
MATT-ER OF FACT
What if the Aztecs upset No. 25 Missouri? MATT MCCLANAHAN S TA F F C O L U M N I S T
File Photo
The San Diego State football team will try to move to 3-0 this weekend when it plays No. 25 Missouri on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo.
E
ven at San Diego State, where being a long shot is commonplace, there is a suppressed hope for the unlikely and always a threat of getting suspended in football’s anticipation freefall. Missouri is the big favorite this Saturday, and judging by the message boards, Tiger fans are just a mild brand of anxious. Not here. Nothing gets blood running through the veins like an underdog scratching at the neck of an upset. Oh yeah … except for cocaine. That stuff gets the blood de-curdled real well. But enough about the SDSU drug bust of ‘08, subsequently turning this place into the mad cop frenzy it is today. Right now, football. I’m here to talk about the big “what if” against the Tigers. What if the Aztecs flee to Missouri this Saturday, and never return because atavistic farm boys poach them for their California-dried skin? Wait, my bad. That’s not the big “what if” (although a valid concern). Let’s try this again: What if SDSU beats the Tigers
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
this weekend? Would it alter the lukewarm college football culture in San Diego? Would a 3-0 start and a major upset turn the stiles at Qualcomm? Hell if I know. But here’s a certainty: Watching a game unfold into the hands of a “nonBCS school” would be more than any privileged Big XII team could handle. It would leave Missouri fans with the sort of dejection found on the silly rabbit’s face when told “Trix are for Kids”(ignore the product placement. I’m forced to sell out because The Daily Aztec keeps me off its esteemed payroll, despite slavery ending at least 10 years ago. Send hate mail to sports@thedailyaztec.com). The 25th-ranked Tigers have a quarterback who will likely have his way with the Aztecs’ secondary. But Missouri did lose its top two receivers from last year, and the Tigers’ former starting running back was kicked off the team after he was charged with sexually assaulting his tutor. And get this: His tutor was a man … Just kidding, that’s not factual. Which reminds me of a joke: What do you get when a Missouri running back and a tutor cross paths? Answer: A sexual assault charge. But the Tigers return plenty of experience elsewhere and their traditionally soft Big XII secondary is vastly improved. And the defensive front will be much better than what SDSU has impressively trucked through thus far. As for the Aztecs, their fate will once again rest heavily on Jesus Christ and quarterback Ryan Lindley. And at this point, we can’t say Jesus is an SDSU fan. Nor can we claim Lindley to be a big-game quarterback. Against the four best teams last year, Lindley averaged 40 fewer passing yards and completed just 48 percent of his passes. His touchdown to interception ratio was a hellish 8-to-7, and the Aztecs lost all four of those games. But maybe things have changed this year for SDSU. Maybe everything will change with an upset this weekend. But one thing is for sure: College football is a year-round sport, and the six days leading to a game will always belong to the underdog. While Missouri fans are a mild brand of anxious, SDSU will revel in the excitement and the what-ifs and the anticipation … and then maybe snort a little cocaine.
—Matt McClanahan is a journalism senior. —This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.
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FOR SDSU FOOTBALL 88
Points scored by SDSU this season
21
Points given up by the Aztecs this year
47
First downs for SDSU this season
462
Rushing yards for the Aztecs this year
632
Passing yards for SDSU this season
4
Sacks for the Aztecs this year
2
Wins for SDSU this season
0
Losses for the Aztecs this year
Advanced Test Preparation
Advanced Test Preparation
Score Higher, Aztecs!
6
ENTERTAINMENT
The Daily Aztec
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
UNDER THE SCOPE
A word with Hollywood’s promising starlet MAGGIE PEHANICK E N T E R TA I N M E N T E D I T O R
“Easy A” opens this Friday in theaters everywhere. The movie, already being lauded by critics as being the next “Mean Girls,” is a fresh take on literary classic “The Scarlet Letter.” Recently, The Daily Aztec was able to sit down and discuss the film with its lead, rising star Emma Stone.
The Daily Aztec: What drew you to play the role of Olive? Emma Stone: It’s really rare to read a really well-written, fleshed-out, funny character that’s female, especially in a comedy. That’s exciting right off the bat. The script is so clever, and I really liked Olive’s perspective on things. She’s no damsel in distress. DA: How much of your scenes were improvised? ES: A pretty fair amount. Olive talked so much that a lot of those words were on the page for her. I felt like I was doing a little much if I added too much improv to Olive, but many of the other actors were so fantastic with ad-libbing.
career path to be eligible to take on more adult roles? ES: I don’t really know that it’s ever a conscious choice on my part. When scripts come along, if it’s something I really want to do, I’m going to go audition for it. I try to bring that person to life in any way that that character is supposed to be. It’s been nice to be able to jump all over the chart and not just play one certain age. DA: Did you have any experiences in high school that are similar to that of your character? ES: I really didn’t have anything in common with Olive because I was home schooled for most of high school. So, I was on my own for most of that experience. As far as personality goes, I think she and I are pretty eerily similar in a lot of ways. That might be one of the reasons I responded so quickly to her when I read the script. I could understand her viewpoint and where she was coming from and what it was like to have a family like that because I have really open, straight parents and we talk about everything.
DA : What did you learn from some of the more experienced actors throughout filming? ES: I am so grateful any time I get to work with someone who’s been in the film industry for a sustained period of time. I’m learning all the time, and it’s like being in the master’s class all the time.
DA: Hester Prynne from “The Scarlet Letter” is one of the most memorable characters from English literature. What would Hester think of how Olive dealt with her own situation in the 21st century? ES: Hester decided to be silent about what was going on, and Olive is wildly outspoken and lying the entire time as well. Olive doesn’t actually sleep with any of these people. It’s almost the reverse problem in a way, even though they’re both being ostracized. In terms of it being an updated “Scarlet Letter,” a big part of the book’s influence is that when you’re young and you read something or you watch something, you tend to apply it to your life. The first time you read a book that you really, really loved and you felt like you were that character or that character — finally, someone understood you. Since she’s reading that in class and she sees these eerie similarities, I think it pushes her to go further with it.
DA : How have you defined your
DA: What was the experience like to
DA: Do you think a film such as “Easy A” could have been made 10 years ago? ES: The speed of technology is a big part of the story. The digital age and text messaging and Twitter and webcams are vital to how she is able to explain everything that’s happened to her. So, I’m sure there could have been some differences 10 years ago but the issues that we’re dealing with feel so time sensitive. In terms of the characters, I would hope that those are relatively timeless.
play the lead role? ES: I put more pressure on myself but I don’t think it had to do with the size of the role. I think it had more to do with just wanting to make sure that the Olive on the page came to life accurately. It was just a daily fight to make sure I was doing her justice all along the way because she was written so well on the page. DA : Would you ever be interested in starring in a movie musical? ES: Well, I got to sing in this one, which was nice. I will tell you the only real musical role that I would be dying to play would be Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.” I think she’s just the greatest.
but they know who they are.
DA: Do you think “Easy A” glamorizes promiscuity with younger girls? ES: That is something I’ve turned over and over in my mind a lot. Hopefully the lesson to be taken from the film is the importance of honesty and being who you truly are and just not to feel pressure from those outside sources. DA: How has playing Olive made you grow as an actress? ES: I was allowed to do things I have not been able to do since or maybe
will ever get to do again like breaking the fourth wall by talking straight into the camera, which was wild. I needed to sustain my focus and my energy because that was a really quick shoot. It was probably 70 percent of the regular length you get for a movie shoot, and it just required a lot of focus.
DA: Was it a conscious choice to make Olive more down-to-earth or was that already in the script? ES: She had humanity in the script. She was a human being, so yes, that was Olive all along.
DA : This movie is based primarily on rumors and gossip. How do you avoid the Hollywood rumor mill as a young actress? ES: That’s got to be luck because I don’t know what you can do to stay out of that kind of thing other than just going about living your life and hoping that people don’t decide to write a bunch of crazy stuff. It’s an interesting double-edged sword, but I’m sure I would answer differently if I had a billion rumors floating out there that people believed to be true. But I’ve been lucky thus far. DA: Would you be interested in reprising your role for a “Zombieland” sequel? ES: I think we all loved making that movie and would love to see what happens next, especially in 3-D. DA: What can you tell us about your upcoming projects? ES: I’m shooting a movie called “The Help” right now in Mississippi, and we’re shooting “Friends with Benefits” right now at the same time, so I did one scene the other night last week with Justin Timberlake. It was so much fun. He’s hilarious. It’s insane to shoot with Justin Timberlake on Hollywood Boulevard because pretty much every take is interrupted by “Yo, JT!” DA: Who’s your favorite leading man so far that you’ve worked with? ES: I’m not going to name names,
Courtesy of Sony Pictures Publicity
Emma Stone stars as Olive, a modern day Hester Prynne sporting a scarlet letter.
PASS THE POPCORN
Newest virginity comedy gets down and dirty AMANDA MACIAS S TA F F W R I T E R
Madonna sang about it. The first, second and third “American Pie” movies were definitely all about it. It is sometimes associated with prom night. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, the film is about virginity. In directors’ Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland’s new comedy, “The Virginity Hit,” every possible intrusive detail of a New Orleans anti-virginity pact is cinematically chronicled and introduced into the viral video hall of fame. As Zack (Zack Pearlman) and friends seek to get their buddy Matt (Matt Bennett) to cash in his V-Card, they run into a series of unimaginable situations. In this adventure, Zack seeks to retrieve his best friend and adopted brother Matt from the depths of his self-diagnosed acute medical condition known as “blue balls and a broken heart.” In doing so, the gang finds itself on the road from the New Orleans swamps to the depths of one of fashion’s biggest label stores: Ralph Lauren. As the film progresses, the complexity in achieving their underlying goal becomes painfully difficult and embarrassing when a potential female suitor steps in to shake things up, offering Matt a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — one that gets Matt and Zack almost too close for comfort.
“The Virginity Hit” is an artistically original film based on the all-too-commonly referenced topic of premarital sex and the celebration that inevitably follows. While some people rejoice with a handshake or a highfive, the characters in this film are bonded together by a sociable puff and pass of a suggestive hookah. What the film lacks in A-list celebrities it compensates for with a generous amount of references to YouTube videos and porn stars. In addition to giving a whole new meaning to “charitable fundraising,” the film provides a documentary-esque feel with its momentary character interviews and asides. “The Virginity Hit” has the roller coaster comical sense of “The Hangover,” the camera handling of “Cloverfield” and the love / hate appeal of MTV’s “Punk’d.” Interestingly enough, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, creators of funnyordie.com, jointly produced this film and though neither made any cameo appearances, the film still manages to provide a hearty laugh or two. Despite the fact that the film has no prequel and no sequel is to be anticipated, there is no end to its abundant modern social references. From Rickrolling to Sunny Leone, the surprises never end. “The Virginity Hit” accurately represents and appeals to its young adult target audience and provides a handful of memorable quotes and film sequences. This may not be a box office door
buster but it manages to warrant its fair share of “Did that really just happen?” moments, which makes it worthwhile in the end. For more information about the film, visit thevirginityhit.com or call the “Virgin Helpline” at 888-743-4335.
Movie: The Virginity Hit Directed by: Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland Release Date: Sept. 10 Grade: C
Courtesy of Sony Pictures Publicity
With blockbusters like 2007’s raunchy “Superbad” to live up to, “The Virginity Hit” fails to satisfy audiences.
ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
TURN IT UP
The Daily Aztec
7
OUT AND ABOUT
Ra Ra Riot finds its sound A celebration of local flavor DREW SCOGGINS S TA F F W R I T E R
Though Ra Ra Riot’s debut album, “The Rhumb Line,” gave listeners a taste of its highly developed version of orchestral pop, it was apparent that the band was still in the process of defining its sound. There were plenty of catchy hooks, but at times the album seemed to lack cohesion. On its new album “The Orchard,” Ra Ra Riot seems to finally come into its own. The strings evoke images of Victorian-era ballroom dancing and forbidden romances under the moonlight, but the steady rhythms ground the music, giving it a contemporary feel. It’s a strange conglomeration of many influences that blend into something incredibly unique. Although there may be nothing as immediate as “The Rhumb Line” track “Can You Tell,” Wes Miles’ softspoken vocals are beautiful in a very fragile way; they take the listener deep into the folds of the wandering melodies. Midway through the album, the band introduces the haunting voice of Alexandra Lawn in the song “You And I Know,” which
may be one of the strongest tracks. Lawn develops a quiet intensity that slowly builds throughout the song to an incredibly satisfying finish. Ra Ra Riot is not taking many risks when it comes to individual songs, but the album itself stands alone in the genre, as there are no others like it. Although some may brush it off as another breezy chamber pop album, “The Orchard” is a multifaceted gem that is a challenging but incredibly rewarding record.
The Orchard Ra Ra Riot
Courtesy of Larry Stein
SPIKE HEMANS Courtesy of Barsuk Records
FEATURED THIS WEEKEND Thursday, Sept. 16 Happy Ending Thursdays
P r i c e : $15 When: 9 p.m. Where: Belly Up Tavern What: Autolux with Gold Panda and the Dabbers P r i c e : $45 When: 9 p.m. Where: House of Blues What: Jaguares with Los Cenzontles P r i c e : $29.75 When: 7 p.m. Where: Viejas Arena What: Stone Temple Pilots P r i c e : Prices vary When: 7 p.m. Where: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre What: Jonas Brothers with Demi Lovato P r i c e : $45 When: 8 p.m. Where: Humphreys Concert’s By The Bay What: Tower of Power
Friday, March 26 Glamour & Glow P r i c e : $20 When: 9 p.m. Where: Belly Up Tavern What: Wild Child: An amazing recreation of a Doors concert with Jumping Jack Flash P r i c e : $8 When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Soma What: Forever Ends Now
P r i c e : $30 When: 8 p.m.
CONTRIBUTOR
On the second Saturday of every month on the 3800 block of a small street in the North Park neighborhood, galleries and studios open their doors and welcome in the crowds. Ray at Night, which celebrated its ninth anniversary last Saturday, has become a cornerstone in the visual arts community by being one of the longest running monthly events in San Diego. An eclectic crowd gathered last Saturday to see the many artworks on display, listen to live music and watch hourly dance performances and live studio demonstrations. In addition to formal
Where: House of Blues What: Mike Posner Up in the Air Tour P r i c e : $74.40 When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre What: Brad Paisley with Darius Rucker and Justin Moore P r i c e : $40 When: 8 p.m. Where: Humphreys Concerts By The Bay What: The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute
Saturday, Sept. 18 Dance 4 Haiti Fundraiser
P r i c e : $18 When: 9 p.m. Where: Belly Up Tavern What: The Walkmen with Japandroids and Dan Mangan P r i c e : $8 When: 7 p.m. Where: Soma What: The Mayors of SexyTown P r i c e : $35 When: 7:30 p.m. Where: House of Blues What: Hanson
Courtesy of Larry Stein
indoor shows, outdoor venues are set up on Ray Street, attracting both art aficionados and the casual passersby. “We set aside booths in the street for some artists,” Larry Stein, chairman of the Ray Street Business Association, said. “We even offer discounts for students who want to come and display their work.” Stein, who has been involved with Ray at Night since 2004, is the owner of Warp 9 Imaging, a photo studio and gallery in the center of the block. “The number of both artists and viewers has increased steadily since I have been involved in Ray at Night, and the attention that the community pays to the visual arts has also been growing.” One of the most impressive aspects of Ray at Night is the conversion of everyday business and retail spaces into venues for displaying visual art. Insurance offices, skateboard shops, coffee houses and bakeries all join in and contribute to the experience. Ray Street seems to be a unified community fully behind its art community and wants to see it succeed. Even the City of San Diego has thrown its support behind this remarkable North Park event, allocating $100,000 in Development Block Grants to improve the streetscape of Ray Street, which includes sidewalks and curbs as well as landscaping and maintenance. Galleries generally swap their shows every month, giving viewers a unique experience every second Saturday yearround. “North Park is such an eclectic area,” Joel Sharp, who owns a gallery on the street, said. “There is such a variety of people. I tend to compare it to SoHo in New York. People feel free to express themselves artistically.” Although small compared to some communities in large cities, Ray Street in North Park offers the city some unique perspectives on visual art and has established itself as one of the gems in San Diego’s cultural crown. Ray at Night is every second Saturday in the North Park neighborhood. Most galleries are located on the 3800 block of Ray Street, just off of University Avenue. Booths for artists are $60 or $25 for students. For more information, e-mail info@rayatnightartwalk.com.
P r i c e : $37 When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Viejas Arena What: Paramore with Tegan and Sara P r i c e : $34 When: 3:30 p.m. Where: Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre What: Uproar Festival with Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold
Courtesy of Larry Stein