student blog

Esperanza Spalding hits the Englert / Rachael

From the moment Esperanza Spalding walked on stage Thursday night at the Englert, I knew it was going to be a fantastic show. Maybe it was because she took off her coat, sat in a chair, and poured a glass of wine. Can you say laid back? Love it.

I wasn’t wrong, either. Spalding took audiences through an hour and a half of a beautiful fusion of jazz and classical tunes—complete with so much intense scatting that it would have made even Ella Fitzgerald jealous. The reviews sure weren’t lying when they said Spalding had a voice like a siren.

Prior to Thursday night’s concert I had only heard a smattering of Spalding’s music, but I knew enough about it to walk into the show expecting a whole lot of jazz and enough feelings to make me swoon with joy. Though Spalding and the Chamber Music Society delivered on both accounts, there was a surprising amount of classical tune-age—something I hadn’t noticed in her 2008 release, Esperanza. (You know, if I had half a brain I would have realized the concert would be heavy into the classical, judging by the name and all…).

But here’s the thing: I love classical music. OK, in all honesty my love of classical doesn’t entirely come from playing violin for eight years (I was really bad), most if it comes from my infatuation with classical dance (hi Tchaikovsky!) and The Lord of the Rings soundtracks (nerd status). Really, all I’m saying is that I thoroughly enjoyed the high amount of classical music I heard on Thursday night. 

I also appreciated Spalding’s efforts to make a concise show—one that came full circle. She started in the chair with the wine and she ended in the chair with the wine. She took audiences through a beautiful and mellow classical piece featuring violin, viola, cello, and of course her trademark bass, and then added backing vocals, drums, and piano and picked up the pace. Every song flowed into the next—there wasn’t anything abrupt or harsh that interrupted the laid back vibe Spalding brought from the very start.

 Spalding’s intensity and clear love of her profession capped the entire night and made it an evening that will resonate with me for quite some time. Like so many of the reviews say, if Spalding ever performs in a town near you, don’t miss it.

—Rachael

oh the horror / Rachael

Alright, maybe most of it was pretty awful. I'm talking about last Tuesday's episode of "Glee," otherwise known as The Rocky Horror Glee Show. But I'm not going to talk about how Jayma Mays can't sing. I'm not going to talk about how, if Puck was in the episode, he would have made a killer Frank-en-Furter. I'm not going to talk about the pathetic acting jobs or the incest-vibe that was present throughout the entirety of the episode.

Fine, let's just get it out there: There's no way this episode would have ever worked if didn’t end the way it did. You can't PG "Rocky Horror." I will note that I do appreciate that this issue was addressed throughout most of the episode, so I do have to give out some points for that.

So the reason I waited so long to write this was because it took me until today to realize what I really thought of the episode. Sure, it was campy, kind of dumb, and the music wasn't even all that great (save John Stamos. Holy all that is gorgeous and talented) but the overall message of the episode was what made it all worth watching.

Sue Sylvester said it best: "Just because you’re free to say whatever you want, doesn’t always mean you should. Artists are free to push boundaries to make art, but when pushing boundaries is their only aim, the result is usually bad art. There’s a time and a place for everything, and squeamishness about what we want our children to be exposed to is not the same as bigotry.”

The whole point of doing Rocky Horror was for New Directions to push boundaries--boundaries that Mr. Shue wanted to push just because he felt like he could. It's one thing to make a bold statement with art--I think that's what most artists try to do--but it's another to make a bold statement just to startle people. Is that art? Is extreme boundary pushing for the sake of boundary pushing art or is it just purely for attention? You know, I don't know the answer to that question, nor am I going to try to answer it, but I'd like to hear what others of you have to say.

What about the artists? What do you think? Would you ever create something just to startle people or would you create something to startle with a purpose?

I really could be rambling at this point, and I probably am, but I think it's something to think about. I think that's what this entire episode of "Glee" was about. Rocky Horror was created, in my opinion, with a purpose of breaking down gender barriers and opening up audiences to the possibility that people who weren't necessarily "normal" by typical standards had a place where they fit in. Everyone has somewhere where they fit. That's what I think makes Rocky Horror important, and that's what I'm glad "Glee" realized in the end. If it weren’t for this last quote by Mr. Shue, I think the episode would have lost its purpose and ended up as just another bland episode.

"[Rocky Horror] was for outcasts. People on the fringes who have no place left to go but were searching for someplace, anyplace, that they felt like they belonged…the truth is with that perspective Rocky Horror is the perfect show for us.”

—Rachael

a rush of culture / Rachael

It's not often that I partake in extreme culture activities. I'd like to pretend that I do, but I don't really think that eating frozen Indian food and watching "Sister Wives" is legit enough to constitute a cultural experience. But Thursday night I was lucky enough to witness the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company perform at the Englert, and I was able to immerse myself in culture.

Cheesy enough for you? Just wait. It's about to get real.

What I got to experience on Thursday were rich colors, beautiful music, and enthralling dancers. The Company took the audience through its rich history--beginning with classic folk dances of the Philippines, moving through pieces representing specific cities and towns, to works capturing hundreds of years of Spanish colonization. Watching the different movements unfold onstage was really interesting, and it was especially so because I didn't know anything about Filipino history. Maybe it's just me, but I had no idea the Spanish spent 400 years colonizing in the Philippines. I'm sure my lack of knowledge is largely impart due to my naivety, but I'll admit that. Watching the fusion of Spanish and Filipino dances erupt in front of my eyes was so fascinating. I really learned something.

The things that really struck me about the dances weren't necessarily the steps. It was watching the dancers do the steps. Each and every one clearly loved what they were doing and it radiated from their faces. For me, that's what makes a dance performance worth watching. In the end, it's all about the passion behind the movement.

Ah, but I can't forget the music. One of the coolest things about the Bayanihan company was that the music was played live by musicians sitting right on stage behind the dancers. So cool, right? You don't see that often. Really it just reiterated the point that the group was all about spreading culture, and some serious, catchy folk music accompanying the dances is part of that.

Oh, and the costumes. There were so many costume changes I could hardly keep track! I have to give some serious credits to the costume designer, because I think that part just made the performance. The costumes were vibrant and bubbly, and represented the traditional garb of the different cities and towns and parts of history the Company was portraying at the time. For example, during the Spanish colonization section, the women donned more flamenco-style dresses and carried castanets, while during the Filipino folk dance section they wore more traditional outfits.

Overall, I was really impressed and really glad I went. This is going to sound bad but I usually stray away from going to events that don't initially spark my interest (I know I know I know that's a horrible attitude), but the Bayanihan dancers really reminded me that I have to stop doing that. I need to break away from what I know I like because I'm always surprised by how much I enjoy experiencing new things.

—Rachael

an open letter composed out of frustration / Rachael

 My Darling "Glee" cast members,

What's going on? No, I don't mean in your day-to-day life (though actress who plays Santana I do want to know what was up with that whole allegedly vandalizing Puck's car deal), I mean with your show. What happened during this summer that made this painful premiere episode so hard to watch?

Now, I realize writing has never been a strong point in this show. If we're being honest, developed plot lines don't play a strong role, either. But you've always had the fallback of bangin' music to at least get us through those painful episodes (the one I'm thinking about right now is when Mercedes struggles with extreme body image issues which are resolved within 40 minutes). But if we're being honest right now, and I believe this is the time for honesty, your premiere music was kind of crap.

OK, before you jump on me, hear me out: The new girl, Sunshine, played by Charice Pempengco, has one of the best voices I've heard in a long, long time. Her solo, "Listen" from Dreamgirls, was just beyond the realm of fantastic. I'm no music expert, believe me, but it made me feel some feelings. Rachel's solo at the end was also impressive but here's the thing: We know Lea Michele can sing. Frankly, I love her voice, but I just wanted to hear something new.

Right, so New Directions did preform "Empire State of Mind," yes, but it wasn't very good. Maybe it's because I was expecting more from the group, but it felt strained. Plus, get real, Finn shouldn't be rapping. I think Puck and Artie are the only ones that actually can kind of hold their own when it comes to Jay-Z impersonations. If I hear Mr. Shue rapping again I'm going to be seriously pissed.

Alright, so that's settled. Let's talk about the "Telephone" duet. SO GOOD. Why wasn't there more? Why didn't New Directions use that for their final number for the episode? Why?!? That's all.

I'm not even going to start in on "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" snippet by newbie Chord Overstreet (but really WHAT?!). Let's talk about the boys' "Billionaire" rendition. UGH. Not only is that song painful to listen to (just in general, not because of Overstreet), it was a poor choice for the first episode back. Yeah, yeah, Overstreet can sing, (seriously though, wow), but I think it would have been much more productive to let him shine on a classic rock song than on some pop/rap/whatever. Oh, and Artie raps again.

And please explain to me again why we didn't have a huge final number with the entire cast?

Some credit must be given to the beginning for addressing problems viewers have with the show. Yeah, like how they did that? I'm not the only one who thinks Mr. Shue shouldn't be rapping. Also, Brittany has more lines which is fantastic so thanks for listening to the fans on that one.

But once again, we find some underdeveloped plot lines. What in the world is going on with Rachel and Finn? Why does Mr. Shue go from hate to love so quickly? Where was Emma? Will Artie show any other jealousy towards "Other Asian?" Why doesn't "Other Asian" have any lines yet? Does this show stereotype itself by calling a kid "Other Asian"??!

I just have so many questions. But I'm still hoping that you'll be able to develop this season into something spectacular. Maybe. Well, at least I'm looking forward to the Britney Spears episode and the "Rocky Horror" Halloween epi.

Please don't ruin those.

Sincerely,

Distressed Viewer

--Rachael

And the title goes to... / Rachael

Ms. Lauren Froderman!

Alright, let me backtrack a bit since it's been forever since I've blogged, and almost longer since I watched SYTYCD. I hope I didn't fail you all (feelings) but I promise my reasons are legit (alright, not really, but they're there). So anyway, let's regroup and agree together that with this new school year, I'm going to rededicated myself this blog and the Arts. And reality television. (Does Jersey Shore count?...)

So here are my thoughts on Lauren winning: She deserved it. I'm not going to downplay any of the talent that was on this season, but Lauren was one of the frontrunners the entire time (at least in my eyes) and she really earned that title. Don't agree? Watch this and pay special attention to her facial expressions. Lauren's got passion plastered all over her face and that's exactly why she won.

If you followed the season at all, you'll remember times when the judges called out the other dancers for having awkward facial expressions, or for not letting themselves give into the passion and for thinking about the steps instead of just dancing them. I don't have the world's best memory, but if I remember correctly Lauren wasn't ever called out on not being passionate.

Here are some memorable Lauren clips for you to peruse while you question my sanity.

Check out Lauren during Vegas week dancing to an Etta James classic, or watch a montage of clips of her and Kent before the winner annoucement. Here's a clip of Lauren dancing with Billy during a dance that I personally felt really helped to showcase her talent (this one too!). Ugh, and you can't forget when she did that hot Lady Gaga-inspired dance with Billy!

So many bangin' videos.

Does anyone actually disagree that Lauren shouldn't have won? I know no one ever seems to want to comment on this wonderful (whatever I'm biased) blog, but I really think you should! Use a fake name, that's OK (right Rob?). Just start a conversation about dance, about the Arts, about how I'm crazy and have far too many feelings. Let's just start talking!

—Rachael

celebrating the beginning of the season! / Rachael

Now that you're all back in school mode (whether you're happy about it or not...I'm not) it's time to start thinking about what to do in your spare time. Sure, there's the whole traditional tailgating thing and a plethora of bars downtown, but if you're looking for something more cultural, educational, and (frankly) much more interesting, Hancher is the place to go.

I'm not just saying this because I'm an intern and writing for this blog. I swear on Bono (that's a big deal).

Hancher's season kicks off next week with Papa Grows Funk, a band that began in 2000 in New Orleans. If you haven't heard the group before, here's a YouTube video (I know, I'm YouTube CRAZY) that will get you started (and hopefully grab your interest). I can honestly say I'm not that into the funk or jazz genre (though I can appreciate both, believe me), but there's something captivating when I'm listening to PGF. I don't know exactly what it is but I find the smooth melodies incredibly calming.

If you're just not feeling the funk tunes, Hancher is bound to have something that will interest you at some point this year. After Papa Grows Funk, Ballet West II will make an appearance (I've talked about the company at length in a previous blog post and so I now shamelessly say go read it).

But honestly, my own personal highlights for the season include Fiddler on the Roof, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Merce Cunningham Legacy Tour, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops. What are your personal highlights? Which performances are you aching to see?

Now, I promise this isn't yet another seemingly hopeless attempt to get you guys to comment (but seriously, I love comments), but all I want you to do is think about it. Think about which shows interest you, which ones don't, which ones you just have to see because they're going to be so unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime that you just can't live without.

Think about it, then go out and get cultured!

—Rachael

A little bit of Emmy reflection / Rachael

Who watched the Emmys on Sunday? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't glued to the television from 4 p.m. (Emmy red carpet preview!) until 10 p.m. when the final award was handed out. I mean, I did take the occasional break to scavenge the fridge and nom on some chocolate, but for the most part I was attached to the couch.

I love award shows. I don't just love them for the obvious reason of oogling all the hot men and the pretty dresses, I think they're actually incredibly important for recognizing the Arts. That's why I think it's relevant to write about the Emmys on Hancher's blog (in case anyone was questioning my sanity. Not like you haven't been since day one). 

The Emmys, like every other famed award show, brings together the best writers, the best actors/actresses, the best comedians, the best musicians, etc., etc., you know how it goes. When there is that much talent in a single room, the outcome is fantastic.

I have to say this wasn't my favorite Emmys of all time, but there were so many high points (there were a few low points...but luckily Jimmy Fallon didn't talk too much so those were kept to a minimum). Let's start with the opening number featuring our favorite "Glee" members plus Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, and...Kate Gosselin? Watch that video and look for the best parts: Betty White and Jon Hamm, Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey, and, of course, Chris Colfer saying "bitches."

But I think my favorite part were the montages before the "Best Writer" cateogories where a question would be posed to the nominees. Though the comedy writers were the only ones who were actually funny (which I think was the point...) the real reason for it being such a highlight was because it's more personal. Writers tend to do everything behind the scenes and remain relatively unknown (unless they're featured on the show i.e. "30 Rock") but they're also the most important part of any show and it's fun to hear them talk about their influences. Plus, it took time away from Jimmy Fallon. (If you haven't caught on by now, I really don't like Fallon. I was pleasantly surprised because he did a pretty good job hosting, but then I promptly realized it was because they kept his speaking to a minimum. Point, academy). 

There were some suprises (all of the "Modern Family" wins and the "Mad Men" snubs...despite the latter winning Best Drama Series I was surprised the actors didn't win in their individual cateogories) and some much deserved wins. Really I'm thinking specifically of Jane Lynch's win. She's fantastic. Sue Sylvester is one of the most entertaining characters I've come across in recent years and Lynch does such a phenomenal job playing her.

Other highlights include "Top Chef" finally beating "The Amazing Race" in the best reality show cateogory, that chick that tripped and lost her shoe, Ryan Murphy winning for "Glee," and Tina Fey posing with the Emmy she didn't win.

Low points include Jewel, January Jones' outfit, "Parks and Recreation" not getting the recognition it deserves, and "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" not winning any awards.

—Rachael

live blogging SYTYCD...kind of / Rachael

You know when an episode starts off with a dance to Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" it's going to be good. The choreography in question was a little bland for my taste, and it looked a little Alice in Wonderland-esque, but I'll never hate on Sting. Sorry I'm biased. He's got a lot of feelings. I have a lot of feelings.

Anyway, I'm going to change things up a little bit and put a live-blog feel (it'll be posted after the fact, deal with it) to this episode.

8:00 p.m. We learn two dancers will get axed since no one was let go last episode. Wah wahh.

8:04 p.m. Apparently Gatorade is sponsoring this episode. Though, point to the Football-loving sports drink mega-company for finally recognizing dance is a sport. It's only about five million years behind the rest of the world.

8:05 p.m. Uh-oh, reference #1 to "Step Up 3D." This may be a long night...

8:08 p.m. Jose is in the bottom three (surprise) but hey, he made it really far for being all break-dancey style or whatever. I actually am incredibly impressed with him and it would have been great to see him go a little further, but top 6 isn't bad!

8:15 p.m. I missed a little because my friends are transporting their lives into my apartment but I caught that Billy is also in the bottom. Such a bummer, Billy is amazing. I hope the judges save him. In other news, Adechike is safe.

8:17 p.m. I love when they replay the dances from the night before, Robert was BANGIN' in that Bollywood dance. 

8:19 p.m. And our final girl, Lauren, joins the bottom three. Alright, now I'm seriously torn because I'm going to be really upset it Lauren gets kicked off, and I'm going to be equally upset if Billy gets kicked off. Female power? SO many feelings.

8:52 p.m. Live blog = fail. I got caught up on the phone with my sisters. V. important business.

8:54 p.m. Aaaaand Billy's pants are WAY too tight.

8:54 p.m. Oo it's all in America's hands from here on out! Vote, folks!

8:56 p.m. Lauren is safe, Billy and Jose are gone. Saw that coming, and gotta say I'm a little thankful there's still a girl left.

Alright, overall a really good episode (from what I saw...I'm sorry!!!!). Anyway, one last thing I wanted to talk about, the National Dance Day is on Saturday, and I'm encouraging you to take advantage of it by going out and dancing. Just do it, you'll have so much fun, you'll be celebrating the art of dance with thousands of others (even if it you can't see them), and you'll feel great about yourself. I promise!

-- Rachael

a brief update on that show we're following / Rachael

Look, it's been a week since "SYTYCD" aired. I know this, you know this, I was on my way home (again, I can't seem to say away) for a Tom Petty concert last weekend. And I'm moving next weekend so I've been busy. (I'm just trying to win an award for most excuses used in a blog, ever). Anyway, that's why this is happening now. It's OK, just go with it.

Ashley is gone! Well, she got injured (fractured rib) and had to leave, but still, that makes me so sad. She was fantastic, and now we're left with five guys, and one girl.

Rob actually asked me awhile ago to blog about the new format and if it's creating some gender issues because the females were getting eliminated super fast and the guys were dominating. Well, here are my thoughts (finally, I know, sorry Rob).

I don't want to look at this in regards to gender. I don't think there's a bias there and I don't think that the new format is necessarily making it tougher for girls than it is for the guys. I think what's unique about this season is that there are more talented guy performers than girl performers. That's a pretty hefty statement to make, but let's look through some of the dancers and I bet I can make you think the same way.

Cristina the salsa dancer. She was fantastic at ballroom dance, but could not hold her own when it came to other styles. Look at Jose, who specializes in break-dancing. He can hold is own in other styles, not because he's the best, but because he's got the personality and the spirit to push through and win the audience over. Cristina didn't have that.

Melinda the tap dancer was the same as Cristina. She didn't have the talent to push herself into excelling at different types of dance. I want to use Alex Wong to contrast her to (even though he left due to an injury) because Alex was a ballet dancer and did the best hip-hop routine I've ever seen. Melinda had to do ballroom dance and didn't do so hot. So it makes sense that she got booted.

I don't have much to say about Alexie because she was eliminated first, and Ashley (as we know) was forced to leave due to an injury. That leaves us with Lauren, who is so talented and such a diverse dancer, and honestly one of my favorites and I'm sure she's favored by many.

But don't get me wrong, every one of the dancers who were on/who are still on this show are so beyond talented it's out of control. But when it comes to choosing the best, I think all of the eliminations make complete sense and I don't think there are any issues with this season being male-dominated.

— Rachael

how far can you push reality television / Rachael

Let’s jump back into reality television for a moment because there’s something that needs to be addressed (even though I’m about six weeks late on addressing it). It’s called “Work of Art” and it’s Bravo’s latest foray into crafting reality shows around creating time-consuming projects in a day.

The reason I’ve been so late on addressing the show is because I haven’t sat through an entire episode yet, and didn’t feel as if it would be fair for me to comment. I still haven't, actually, but I can’t hold my opinion back anymore.

I caught about 20 minutes of world’s most disturbing episode the other week, but I’m going to spare you details. Why? Because a lot of the art included some really sweet pornography-inspired photos I’d rather forget.

Anyway, the premise of the show has got me thinking: How far can reality television push art? Is the reality competition insulting to artists who spend countless hours on projects? Does this show actually add anything to television? (Alright, arguably it may add a little more than "Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels." Maybe). 

Alright, here's some background for you if you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. "Work of Art" was created by Sarah Jessica Parker (who, honestly, I have less respect for after the disaster called "Sex and the City 2") and her production company, along with a few other rich and famous people. Basically, a group of artists are selected, given challenges that are really strange (like the pornography-photo one) and then judged and eliminated one by one until, theoretically, we're left with one top artist. It's basically "Project Runway" minus Heidi Klum plus some really weird paintings.

 Maybe I'm reading far too much into this, but I think it's kind of messed up. I get the whole designing clothes in a hurry, but I don't get creating artwork in a hurry (both artwork, yes, I understand that. Trying to fill in my gaps, here...)

It's the same deal for Bravo's other messed up show "Top Design," where interior decorators have to decorate rooms on the quick quick. Why? Are we reducing art to something that can be created in 24 hours and then judged when it sucks because the artists only had 24 hours? Is the goal to push artists to develop or to make a mockery of them?

Now, I need to admit something: I'm a Bravo addict. Seriously, it has taken me until this post to bash something that station has created. I'm even having a hard time doing it (this post has taken me a week to write. You wouldn't know this, and I shouldn't admit it, but there it is) because saying that I don't approve of something on Bravo pains me. But there it is. I don't like the concept behind "Work of Art." I think Bravo made a mistake.

What about the rest of you? 

— Rachael Lander