Vox Magazine

07.07.16–08.11.16

SPROUTING UP

Shrub syrups help Columbia’s drinks bloom PAGE 4

BACK TO THE GRAVES A Texas band returns to the Ninth Street stage PAGE 13

Rodeo star

At 7 years old, Ada Ferrell is already breaking barriers in the rodeo world PAGE 6

IN THIS ISSUE

PUBLISHING NOTE: Vox will be on summer hiatus until Aug. 18.

We packed this issue with things to keep you busy until then. (We challenge you to drink a shrub cocktail on a glamping trip while listening to Shakey Graves’ music.)

Events for the online calendar can be submitted via the online form or by emailing vox@missouri.edu. See you soon!

ONLINE

FEATURE The rodeo is full of flair and showmanship. It’s also a second home for 7-year-old Ada Ferrell of Wright City. PAGE 6 THE SCENE Sycamore’s You Say Tomato, a combination of an heirloom tomato shrub, gin and club soda, livens Columbia’s cocktail scene. PAGE 4 NEWS & INSIGHT Camping in Missouri doesn’t have to be in the rugged outdoors. There are options to enjoy camp in comfort. PAGE 5 ARTS & BOOKS Wine and literature paired together can lead to enchanting worlds, especially if you’re reading the works of Victorian authors. PAGE 12

TINY TOWN TASTES: DOTTY’S CAFE A “for sale” sign sits in front of her restaurant, and Dotty Mann waits to retire. Vox went to Hartsburg to order the all-American fare before it’s gone.

320 LEE HILLS HALL COLUMBIA MO 65211 573-884-6432 VOX@MISSOURI.EDU ADVERTISING: 573-882-5714

We’re social.

INTOXICATING CREATIVITY Strangely, vices are often connected to talent.

Truman Capote, William Faulkner and F. Scott Fitzgerald each had their own drink of choice.

Learn how to make these writers’ favorite cocktails.

Vox Magazine

DIY FRIED PICKLES AND CRITIQUE Vox has been to six different restaurants this summer solely for fried pickles. Now, it’s time to see if a staff editor can compete with some of Columbia’s culinary establishments.

@VoxMagazine

EDITOR’S LETTER

MUSIC The folk-rock sound of Shakey Graves makes its way back to Columbia for a free concert at 9th Street Summerfest. PAGE 13 Q&A Josie Rugen’s love of improvisational comedy has motivated her to teach the art to the young actors of Boonville. She overcame stage fright and now acts on the fly. PAGE 14 COVER DESIGN: MADALYNE BIRD COVER PHOTO: HALEE ROCK CORRECTION: The correct wording of the proposed amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot is: “Shall the Constitution of Missouri be amended to state that voters may be required by law, which may be subject to exception, to verify one’s identity, citizenship, and residence by presenting identification that may include valid government-issued photo identification?”

July 7, 2016 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 24 | PUBLISHED BY THE COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN

CHRISTINE JACKSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

@VoxMagazine

Vox Mag

I’ve been afraid of cows since I was about 12 years old.

I recognize that this is a mostly irrational fear, but it’s one I have anyway.

It stems from what was, up until the very end, a lovely afternoon at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

My parents and I were getting ready to leave the zoo when I saw a pasture. Being a child of the suburbs, I’d only seen cows from the side of the road. I spotted a calf near the fence and decided to go take a look. What I learned that fateful afternoon is that one should never get too close to a calf when Momma Cow is around.

I had barely gotten within arms reach of the calf when its mother bounded over and let out what I can only describe as a milk-curdling scream. I haven’t gone near one since.

Luckily for photographer Halee Rock, Ada Ferrell doesn’t share my fear.

For this week’s feature, Halee followed 7-year-old Ada, who is already a rodeo veteran. She doesn’t just get near calves, she hops on their backs and holds on for as long as she can.

When I first heard Ada’s story I was skeptical. A little kid on the back of a bucking animal sounded like a bad idea to me. But after learning more about Ada and how much she loves rodeo, I was just impressed.

Ada is following a passion that’s literally trying to knock her to the ground, but still holds on as tight as she can. And when she does get thrown off, she dusts herself off and gets back up. It’s not a bad way to go through life.

Maybe I could learn a thing or two from this kid. After all, here I am scared of a usually gentle farm animal while Ada is at the rodeo — being fearless.

VOX STAFF Editor: Christine Jackson Managing Editor: Hannah Pederson Digital Managing Editor: Jenna Fear Art Directors: Madalyne Bird, Julia Terbrock Photo Editor: Ashley Reese News & Insight/ The Scene Editors: Ben Landis, Claire Lardizabal Music/ Arts & Books Editors: Mary Kaleta, Mike Tish Contributing Writers: Laura Davis, Keeley Dority, Gerard Edic, Max Havey, Madison Kelley, Brooke Kottmann, Madeline McClain, Maya McDowell, Jared McNett, Shane Sanderson Editorial Director: Heather Lamb Executive Editor: Jennifer Rowe Office Manager: Kim Townlain

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VOXMAGAZINE.COM | 07.07.16–08.11.16

PHOTOS BY HALEE ROCK , CLAIRE LARDIZABAL

RADAR

Vox’s take on the talk of the week

Rest in peace, ELIE WIESEL

BOMBINGS IN THE

MIDDLE EAST:

A SHIP WITHOUT ITS CAPTAIN Ten years after joining the St. Louis Blues, David Backes is leaving Missouri and joining the Boston Bruins. The team captain wrote a heartfelt thank you to Blues fans:

Ramadan ends with violence One of Baghdad’s most popular shopping streets was bombed Sunday. The blast left more than 250 people dead and around 175 wounded. The Iraqi capital has a population of about 7.8 million people — more than Kansas City, Chicago and Los Angeles combined — and is only 15 square miles larger than Columbia. Medina, Saudi Arabia, is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad and the second holiest city in Islam. A suicide bombing on Monday killed four people there outside of the Prophet’s Mosque.

JUNO, MEET JUPITER NASA traveled pretty far for its Independence Day celebration — about 1.74 billion miles, to be exact. Juno completed its 5-year journey by entering Jupiter’s orbit Monday night. It will study the planet’s formation and evolution until 2018.

“I will forever cherish the handshakes, the cheers and my time in this city.”

Elie Wiesel, an author and prominent Holocaust survivor, died Saturday at 87. Wiesel spent time in the United States as a professor and activist.

These three books form a trilogy that cemented his legacy: 1. Night has been translated into 30 languages and follows Wiesel and his family after they are forcibly taken to Auschwitz concentration camp.

2. Dawn focuses on one man’s internal struggle leading up to an execution.

3. Day explores whether life is worth living after one has experienced the kind of destruction that takes place in the other two novels.

THE WINDS OF CHANGE Gov. Jay Nixon backed the latest effort to bring a controversial project to Missouri. A 780-mile energy transmission line would bring wind power from Kansas to Missouri. Nixon says it will create $7 million in revenue within the first operational year, but farmers are concerned that their property value will decline.

Written by: Ben Landis, Claire Lardizabal, Mike Tish

February November

Summer Repertory 2016 from

Theatre

Greater Tuna is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

June

April

December September

Join us for the 2016 - 2017 Season

Corner Playhouse in the Fine Arts Annex June 17th - July 22nd

1800 Nelwood Drive | Columbia MO 65202 | 573.474.3699 | www.cectheatre.org PHOTOS COURTESY OF: HADI MIZBAN VIA AP, DAVID SHANKBONE VIA FLICKR, PAUL VERNON VIA AP, KEVIN GILL VIA FLICKR, DUSTIN GAFFKE VIA AP

7:30 pm: June 17, 18, July 8, 9, 22 2:00 pm: June 19, 25, July 13 Tickets: Rhynsburger Theatre box office, Mon - Fri, 2pm - 5pm and one hour before showtime (573) 882-PLAY (7529) theatre.missouri.edu 07.07.16–08.11.16 |

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You Say Tomato

Sycamore’s cocktail calls for a shrub, a syrup that’s making a comeback

Take your drinks up a notch with the addition of shrubs. Sycamore bartenders create a refreshing drink called You Say Tomato that makes use of a tangy tomato shrub combined with gin and club soda.

You might be asking yourself, “What on earth is a shrub?”

Sycamore Bar Manager Andrew Ruth says shrubs are essentially acid concentrates of flavor made by combining fruit, sugar and vinegar and then giving the mixture time to settle. This allows the sugar to pull out the natural juices in the fruit.

After a few days or sometimes weeks, the pulp is strained from the juice, which results in a flavorpacked shrub. “The longer you let it sit, the more complex the flavors get,” Ruth says.

Ruth’s shrub-based drink, which will be available through the summer, is made with roughly chopped tomatoes, granulated sugar, white balsamic vinegar, basil and black peppercorns.

The drink has a subtle-yet-potent tomato flavor that’s complemented by the gin. Paired with an aromatic basil and a sliced tomato garnish, the You Say Tomato is a light, cool cocktail that’s perfect for beating the summer heat.

The concentrate has been around for hundreds of years, and Ruth says it was used as a preservation tool by the pioneers.

“They could take their extra harvest at that time, and they could drink later in the year,” Ruth says. “Just like a lot of things behind the bar that are trending, they’ve been around a very long time.”

To put a local spin on shrubs, Ruth uses seasonal fruits and

vegetables he can get from the local farmers markets.

Shrubs offer a flavorful alternative to the classic simple syrup when making cocktails.

Since he started making shrubs a little over a year ago, Ruth has made shrubs out of beets, apples and even one with jalapeños, bell peppers and cilantro.

In addition to adding flavor, shrubs help balance the sweetness and acidity of a cocktail, so Ruth picks his spirits accordingly. “I like gin because of the herbaceous nature of it,” he says. “Juniper really pairs well with vegetal stuff, whether it is peppers or tomatoes.”

The result tastes like a lighter version of a Bloody Mary.

Jared Zillig, a Broadway Brewery bartender, makes his shrubs using a less-traditional method. He prefers to infuse vinegars with natural fruit flavors for two weeks before boiling them and adding in sugar.

“I am trying to control the amount of sweetness in my shrub,” Zillig says.

Shrubs are also easy to make at home. Zillig says that they have multiple uses outside of cocktails.

“You can use them as marinades or as dressing on a salad,” Zillig says.

“It’s even good just drinking it with a little soda water.”

— MAX HAVEY PHOTO BY TOM HELLAUER SYCAMORE YOU SAY TOMATO, $8 800 E. Broadway Mon.–Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.; bar open until 1 a.m.; closed Sunday, 874-8090 sycamorerestaurant.com

The Sycamore cocktail You Say Tomato includes a shrub made of tomatoes, sugar, balsamic vinegar, basil and peppercorns.

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NEWS & INSIGHT

Camping in style You don’t always have to rough it

BY MADELINE MCCLAIN

can choose from eight spacious Sibley tents, or bell tents, that come fully furnished with beds and furniture. Bell tents are tents made of canvas. They resemble yurts but don’t have a complex framework. Rustic outdoor showers and toilets are also available.

HOOT OWL HILLS Paola, Kansas, 168 miles west of Columbia Cost: Glamping rates for bell tents are $99 per person per night and includes breakfast.

Add $37 for a garden-to-table meal.

Website: hootowlgardens.com

Vintage trailers

Hoot Owl Hill provides decorated tents filled with vintage furnishings and a staff that can prepare campfires and even full meals.

It’s summer, and it’s unbearably hot outside. The stuffy heat can make camping uncomfortable. Luckily, Missourians have other options.

Glamping, or glamorous camping, offers an alternative to roughing it. You might be familiar with Tom Haverford’s way in Parks and Recreation.

Yurts, vintage trailers and luxury tents span the state and offer an array of accommodations to beat the heat.

Luxury tents

Nestled in Kansas’ version of wine country is Hoot Owl Hills. This glamping retreat is a 14-acre bed and breakfast. It offers a unique outdoor experience including two vineyards, a butterfly garden and a fruit tree patio. In addition, guests can arrange gourmet garden-fresh meals with Hoot Owl Hills and hop on a trolley to surrounding wineries. Glampers

KOPN 89.5fm...Where Else?

Monday thru Friday National Programming Line-up...

Already have a vintage camper or a trailer that works for glamping? The Second Annual Vintage Camper Rally from Sept. 9 to 11 in Eagleville might be a good option for you. Visitors from all over the country will gather to share their interest in refurbished vintage campers.

This rally will be held at Eagle Ridge RV Park, which is open to vintage campers and newer trailers set up for a weekend of glamping. Events include a potluck, a dutch oven cooking class and a swap-meet for vintage items that glampers no longer need. The public can attend an open-house tour of the vintage campers on Saturday at the RV park. If you’re searching for a blast from the past, stop by this glamping get-together.

SECOND ANNUAL VINTAGE CAMPER/ GLAMPER RALLY Eagle Ridge RV Park, Eagleville, 208 miles north of Columbia Cost: Camping fees are $30 per night; no fees for the rally.

Website: tincantourists.com

Yurts and cabins

Lake of the Ozarks State Park gives guests a unique camping experience with an assortment of lodging options.

For the more reserved glamper, consider sleeping in one of the park’s yurts. These solid-framed structures have a fabric top and locking door. Each yurt comes with multiple futons, a mini-fridge and air conditioning.

Need more than what a yurt has to offer? Consider the park’s outpost cabins that include beds, a kitchenette with a wood-burning stove, electricity and air conditioning. The restrooms and shower houses for the yurts and camper cabins are within walking distance. At the park, guests can hike, explore the Ozark Caverns, or head to the beach to swim, canoe, kayak or paddleboat.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS STATE PARK Lake of the Ozarks, about 77 miles south of Columbia Cost: The camper cabins and yurts are available for rent for $50 per weeknight and $55 per weekend night.

Website: www.mostateparks.com

Summer Repertory 2016 from

Theatre

Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman 8-9am and Noon-1pm

The Diane Rehm Show 9-11am

Fresh Air with Terry Gross 11am-Noon On your radio dial at 89.5 fm or live streaming at kopn.org PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDA WRISCHINK

Rhynsburger Theatre on the MU campus July 15th - July 24th

7:30 pm: July 15, 16, 21, 23 2:00 pm: July 17, 20, 24 Tickets: Rhynsburger Theatre box office, Mon - Fri, 2pm - 5pm and one hour before showtime (573) 882-PLAY (7529) theatre.missouri.edu 07.07.16–08.11.16

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Ada Ferrell, 7, has been riding since before she could walk. When Ada was only 2 weeks old, her mother, Adrienne, would hold Ada in her arms so the two could ride horses together. By the age of 4, Ada was competing in rodeo events.

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Not her first rodeo At 7 years old, Ada Ferrell is already a veteran of the Missouri rodeo circuit Photo story by Halee Rock Few 4-year-olds can even ride a bike, let alone manage a sheep or horse.

But Ada Ferrell is not like most kids. She’s been competing in riding events since she was a preschooler and currently takes part in about 25 events per year.

Ada’s father, Ben Ferrell, owns Glory Days Rodeo Company in Wright City, and she has found a passion for the messy, dusty world of rodeo.

Ada competes in several events, including calf riding, barrel racing and mutton busting, which is the same as calf riding but with sheep. Ada is not only one of few girls who compete in the male-dominated sport, but she’s also a champion in mutton busting and has placed as high as second in barrel racing.

For a long time, it’s been rare to find women competing against men when it comes to bull riding.

Lynn Jonckowski became the first woman in professional rodeo to participate at the same level as men when she competed at the 1992 Men’s World Bull Riding Championships in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Misconceptions about the number of women in rodeo are unfortunately common. A few years ago, Maggie Parker, a rodeo competitor from Michigan, was touted by the Daily Telegraph and a few other outlets as the “only female professional bull rider.” Although the claim is false, it still pops up as the top two results when “woman bull rider” is typed into a Google search.

Currently, women have a small number of rodeo events that are available on the professional level. Barrel racing, breakaway and team roping are usually the only events female rodeo competitors have to choose from.

It wasn’t until 2015 that the National High School Rodeo Association allowed girls to compete.

None of this concerns Ada. Once that gate opens and the round begins, she bears down for the run.

Ada is a prime example of someone who does what they want for the sheer thrill of it. For at least six seconds, everyone watches this 7-year-old girl as she shows the crowd that their perceptions are irrelevant. All Ada has to do is have fun — and hold on tight.

— Mike Tish

07.07.16

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RIGHT: Ada’s calf-riding vest protects her from the calf’s horns and hooves. Calves don’t buck or spin, but they are more agressive than sheep, so the extra protection is necessary.

BELOW: Ada’s dad holds a calf still before she and the calf are released into the practice pen. In order to prepare for next year, when she will be too old to compete in mutton busting, Ada has started to move on from sheep.

TOP: Ada rides a calf out of the gate, squeezing with her knees to stay on. Riding calves weigh between 100 and 350 pounds.

LEFT: Ada must stay on the calf for 6 seconds in order for her effort to count as a ride. She is only allowed to use one hand to help her stay on top.

ABOVE: Ada’s dad, Ben Ferrell, was ranked Missouri’s third-best bull rider in 2013 by the Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Association.

07.07.16–08.11.16

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ABOVE: Ada Ferrell watches her fellow competitors and waits for her turn at a Glory Days Rodeo event.

RIGHT: Ada participates in about 25 events each year. She usually competes against nine or 10 other kids, mostly boys. She is already a champion mutton buster.

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LEFT: So far, Ada only competes in Missouri rodeos, but when she gets older, she’ll be able to take part in competitions throughout the Midwest.

BELOW: Ada stands on top of her horse, Gypsy, to show off for her friend Reese before they take part in a barrel racing competition. Ada finished with a 14.7-second run. Gypsy was hesitant on the last barrel, but Ada whipped her around and finished in second place.

07.07.16

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ARTS & BOOKS

Sips and stories

Head to your favorite reading nook with one of these wines and a classic book BY BAYLI MARTIN

Wine certainly has a presence in Victorian literature. Why not have a glass in your hand to complement the wine between the pages?

“I think food and wine are significant in literature because they’re significant in human life; they signify a bond between us,” says Marlene Tromp, a professor of English and Women and Gender Studies at Arizona State University.

“If you share a bottle of wine with someone, it’s an act of bonding,” she says.

Thinking about literature in terms of wine or other beverages can be an interesting way to consider mood and themes. Creating your own pairings can make the story sweeter or more savory. Just pop the cork, open the pages, and pour.

Novel: Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire Wine: Cream Sherry Perhaps you’d like your reading list to include a bit of poetry. Charles Baudelaire’s book of poems, Flowers of Evil, is one that brims with themes of decadence, aestheticism and eroticism.

If novels are the entree, poetry is dessert. Flowers of Evil with a glass of cream sherry will make for a perfect night of poetry reading. With its golden color and warm, nutty flavor, this wine will be a calming and constant sip throughout Baudelaire’s shocking poetry.

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Novel: A Tale of Two Cities

by Charles Dickens Wine: Merlot In Book One of A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens writes of a wine shop in a suburb of Paris. When a particularly large wine cask breaks, red wine seeps out into the streets and covers everything. Here, Dickens foreshadows the blood that will spill in the streets later in the novel. A merlot’s smooth, full body will carry you gracefully through the highs and lows of Dickens’ novel. With flavors of red cherry and spice, this wine will supplement the sweet moments and combat the bitter.

Novel: Agnes Grey

by Anne Brontë Wine: White Zinfandel Brontë based this novel on her own experience as a governess. Wine and other libations illustrate masculinity in Agnes Grey, particularly a harsh, unyielding sort of masculinity, which Agnes frequently encounters with her employers. The naive, sweet nature of Agnes is echoed in the flavors of a white zinfandel. The story involves Agnes coming into her own and learning about herself, so a light wine with fruity flavors such as strawberry and peach is a good choice.

Novel: Sense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen Wine: Prosecco Sense and Sensibility, at its core, is both a tangled love story and a coming-of-age novel. The story follows three sisters, Elinor, Marianne and Margaret, as they move with their mother after their father dies and leaves them little money. They experience courtships and confusion as they learn about themselves and other characters. A sparkling wine, such as Prosecco, with its bright taste and bubbly texture resembles the novel’s tales of young love.

Novel: The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray focuses on a young man named Dorian whose life is altered by a portrait that ages in his stead. The novel explores the idea of art for art’s sake and what it means to value aesthetic beauty above all else. With its tannins and dark berry flavors, a cabernet sauvignon mirrors the intensity of the novel. Pairing a dry wine with a novel such as The Picture of Dorian Gray is also strategic — both finish strong, leaving lingering tastes in your mouth and mind.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF A BAUDELAIRE BOOK, COLLINS CLASSICS, DOVER THRIFT, PENGUIN CLASSICS AND WORDSWORTH CLASSICS; ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA TERBROCK

MUSIC

Shakey Graves rocks its way back to Columbia Ninth Street Summerfest attracts another popular band to its free concert series BY MIKE TISH

Shakey Graves brings its folk music to Columbia in a return to the local venue.

There’s going to be a party on Ninth Street tonight, and consider this your informal invitation. Ninth Street Summerfest is such a good time that Shakey Graves has decided to return to Columbia’s 11th music festival.

Shakey Graves is performing another gig at The Blue Note, or rather, on the street outside the venue.

Tonight’s show is the sixth of eight free performances that are offered during the fest. Upcoming shows are Dr. Dog on July 20 and Corey Smith on Sept.

16. Tonight, the solo act will perform with bandmates.

Shakey Graves’ front man is Alejandro Rose-Garcia, an actor turned singer who got involved in the independent music scene in 2011.

After Garcia decided to expand his band while recording his sophomore album, Shakey Graves grew not only in its sound but also in popularity.

Performances on Conan and the Late Show with David Letterman helped propel the band to the national stage.

Don’t worry, though, he’s still got that suitcase he uses as a kick drum.

Shakey Graves has performed at Bonnaroo, South by Southwest and is kicking off the North American portion of its tour tonight at the Ninth Street Summerfest. The catchy result from his blend of folk, blues and rock comes through best in “Dearly Departed,” one of the most popular songs from his 2014 album, And the War Came.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR/LEVI MANCHAK

The rhythm of Shakey Graves’ music is nothing short of contagious and will you make you want to move.

Its soulful lyrics make the band’s shows intimate and unforgettable.

Joe Kender and Izzy Williams remember going to see Shakey Graves when the band performed in Columbia last summer. Kender hadn’t heard of Shakey Graves before, but Williams knew his friend would enjoy attending the energetic show. This time, it was Kender who found out about the show and told Williams about it so they could go again.

Kender says he immediately called Williams when he saw Shakey Graves was returning. “I said, ‘I don’t know if you’ve heard of this Shakey Graves guy, but he’s coming to town,” Kender says jokingly. “I think you’d like his music.’”

Williams was surprised when he found out it would be a free concert.

“I don’t know how this came together,” Williams says. “He’s a phenomenal performer; I’m excited to see what he does differently this time around.”

The event’s page on Facebook is littered with posts from people who seem to echo Williams’ sentiment.

Mark Thrasher writes that “I can’t believe this is a free show, anyone even slightly interested must go to this.”

LISTEN LIVE AT Q1061.COM • DOWNLOAD THE Q 106.1 MOBILE APP

/Q1061Hits

SHAKEY GRAVES Tonight, 7 p.m., The Blue Note, Free, 874-1944, thebluenote.com

@Q1061 07.07.16–08.11.16

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JOSIE RUGEN of It’s Always Tuesday reflects on her start in improvised comedy and teaching teenagers

IT’S ALWAYS TUESDAY OPEN AUDITIONS July 19 6:30–7 p.m.

Head Start 385 W. Ashley Rd. Boonville

J

osie Rugen’s love for improvisation began in the drama group she joined at W.N. Clark Middle School in Fayette. She was inspired by teacher Bridget Hussey and participated in plays and theater projects. Now, Rugen works alongside her former teacher in the improv group It’s Always Tuesday.

“The fun part about being a teacher is seeing your students grow up and do great things,” Hussey says.

“You can become equals after they graduate and do these fun things together.”

When Rugen isn’t practicing her own improv, she’s helping teens find a passion for the craft at Boonslick Regional Library in Boonville, where she is a library assistant. She directs the teen group She Said What? for the summer reading program and teaches the improv style made famous by Comedy Sportz. Rugen referees two two-person teams, and the audience participates at the end of the performance by judging the results.

Rugen sat down with Vox to tell her tale of how she was introduced to improv and her love of acting on-the-fly.

What are your days like juggling between the library and acting?

I work five days a week at Boonslick Regional 14

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Library. My official title is library assistant, so I run the front desk. We have a small library, so I have many roles. I also do the teen program and storytelling for young kids for the summer reading program. It’s Always Tuesday practices are just once a week. I am currently in a play. It’s a production out of Blackwater called The Best of the West.

What influenced you to rekindle your passion for performing?

It’s Always Tuesday was just part of the Turner Hall River Rats, a thespian group in Boonville. I went to one of their performances. They were having open auditions, so I went to one, and I haven’t stopped going since.

Who introduced you to improv?

That would be Bridget Hussey. She taught the middle school drama club that I was in, and then when I joined this improv group, I dragged her along with me. Now, we perform together. After practicing with the team, we go to lunch together and chat. I really appreciate her company and all of her support.

For her to take the time to help me is just amazing.

What makes improv so special to you?

I’ve always loved to act. I’ve been in different kinds of theater since I was a baby. After I graduated from college and started working full time, it was really hard for me to be a part of plays because you need a lot of time to learn your lines, and they usually have practices almost every day. With improv, I can keep my love for the theater alive, but it doesn’t take as much time.

What’s the best part about improv? How do you conquer acting in front of an audience?

I really enjoy the people that I perform with. They are one of the big reasons I enjoy being a part of this group. Every member of my group is really awesome. When I was younger, I had a stage fright issue. I decided I needed to face my fears, and acting was one of those fears. I still get butterflies in my stomach, but just being on stage helps me face that fear. I love acting and have family that comes to the performances.

— MADDIE KELLEY PHOTO BY ANNA BRETT

THE TO-DO LIST

this week in Columbia

ARTS & CULTURE Swing Dance

Put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to swing away a summer night. The lesson will last 30 to 40 minutes, but time will fly by as you learn East Coast Swing and the Lindy Hop. A partner isn’t required, so all you need to bring are your dancing feet.

Tonight, 6 p.m., American Legion Post 202, Free, 816-519-5121

Amphitheater Concert Series: Community Band

Grab your favorite summer blanket or lawn chair, and get ready to enjoy this free outdoor concert. Embrace the warm summer weather while it lasts, and listen to the melodies of the community band.

Tonight, 7 p.m., Stephens Lake Park, Free, 874-7460

CIVIC Children’s Miracle Network Street Party At this charity event for kids, MU athletes will be around having fun with crafts, games and raffles at the 12th annual Street Party. TJ the Tiger of MU Children’s Hospital will be there, too. All proceeds benefit the hospital. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mid-America Harley Davidson, Free, 489-1580

Christmas in July

Celebrate the winter holiday during summer at Lizzi & Rocco’s Natural Pet Market. Bring your pooch, snack on a snow cone and snap some pictures with Santa to benefit Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue.

Monday, 4–7 p.m., Lizzi & Rocco’s Natural Pet Market, Free, 445-8249

FOOD & DRINK World Bartender Championship It’s on. Grab a seat as one of TGI Fridays World Bartender Championship events commences. The best of the best compete against one another and show their skills.

Drinks will be auctioned off to the crowd.

All proceeds go to Friends of Kids with Cancer. Friday, 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., TGI Fridays, $40 per table, 817-2440

Fourth Annual Harpo’s Luau Luaus are the perfect way to have fun in the sun. Come to Harpo’s for the tropicalthemed party that starts in the afternoon and rallies to the early morning hours.

Saturday, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Harpo’s, Free, 443-5418

MUSIC Masterworks: Mostly Mozart Mozart is known around the world for his ability to compose music in nearly

every genre. During this performance, the Missouri Symphony Orchestra will bring Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor to life through instruments and vocals.

Tonight, 7:30 p.m., Missouri Theatre, $22 in advance, $25–31, 875-0600

The SUMMER FUN Experts!

Planet East featuring Alexander East and Kevo Alexander East taught himself how to produce and engineer his own music, and eventually the Brooklyn-born DJ created Planet East, his record label. St. Louis rapper Kevo will perform with East for a night full of rap and East-Coast sound.

Saturday, 8 p.m., The Social Room, $5, 397-6442

Candlebox

Some of the most iconic music of the ’90s came out of Seattle, and Candlebox was part of that movement. The multi-platinum rock band returned in April with its recent album, Disappearing in Airports, and now the band is coming to Columbia. Tuesday, 8 p.m., The Blue Note, $22 in advance, $25 day of, 874-1944

SCREEN Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates (R)

Mike (Adam DeVine) and Dave (Zac Efron) are in search of two perfect dates for their sister’s wedding. Enter Tatiana (Aubrey Plaza) and Alice (Anna Kendrick), two women who end up responding to Mike and Dave’s online advertisement. Of course, the impersonal matches lead to trouble and debauchery.

F, R RUNTIME = 1:38

The Secret Life of Pets (PG)

When the owners are away, the pets will play. Snowball (Kevin Hart), a mischievous bunny, plans to get back at pet owners for their wrongdoings. Max (Louis C.K.), a pampered pooch living in New York, and his friends have to join together in order to save the day before dinnertime.

F, R RUNTIME = 1:30

Download the NEW Dirt Cheap App and get a FREE Dirt Cheap Koozie!

Bring in this coupon & receive $1 OFF any purchase of $20 or more!* *Must be 21 or older. Offer expires 8/7/16.

Still playing

The BFG (PG) F, R Central Intelligence (PG-13) F, R The Conjuring 2 (R) R Finding Dory (PG) F, R Free State of Jones (R) R Independence Day: Resurgence (PG-13) F, R The Legend of Tarzan (PG-13) F, R The Lobster (R) RT The Purge: Election Year (R) F, R The Shallows (PG-13) R Swiss Army Man (R) RT

Theaters F = Forum R = Regal

RT = Ragtag = Available in 3-D

Expires 8/7/16

3305A Clark Lane, Columbia, MO • 573.814.5111 07.07.16–08.11.16 |

VOXMAGAZINE.COM

15

t o H Spot

the Name & Location thursday

friday

sunday

saturday

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FREE WI-FI AVAILABLE!!

FREE WI-FI AVAILABLE!!

New Late Night Happy Hour Specials

www.addisonsophias.com

9 pm until midnight • Sunday through Thursday Features $2 Pints and $5 Nachos

709 Cherry St. • 256-1995

SUMER OF SOURS

www.addisonsophias.com

TUESDAY TRIVIA

HAROLDs happy hour Mon-SAt: 3PM til SOLD OUT

FRIDAY 6PM til 9PM

free to play!

AS LOW

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1000 beers / FREE WIFI / 16 taps Established 2006

3700 Monterey Dr. (573) 443-4350 • www.deucepub.com

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HAPPY HOUR 3:30–7

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2541 Broadway Bluffs Drive • (573) 815-7210 Sunday: 11am-10pm Monday-Thursday: 11am-10pm (bar closes at 11pm) Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm (bar closes at 12am)

23 S. 8th Street Lower Level of the Tiger Hotel Downtown

Late Night Happy Hour Happy Hour 10pm to Midnight 10pm to Midnight

6 PIZZA 9" 2-TOPPING $

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410 S. 9th St • 449-6927

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Happy Hour 10pm to Midnight

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Kitchen open until Midnight (11pm Sundays) • CHECK OUT OUR ROOF-TOP PATIO •www.theheidelberg.com

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cool

new food menu

Cupcakes • Wedding Cakes • Starbucks Coffee • Specialty Treats Daily Cupcake Specials • Custom Orders • Lattes Now offering Sandwiches, Soups and Salads.

23 S. 8th St • Columbia MO • 573.875.8888 HOURS: 6:30 am - 10:00 pm (7 days a week)

And..Stop in for our Outstanding Made-To-Order Hot Breakfast (Omelettes, Belgian Waffles, etc).