Comment Archives: stories: Music, Arts & Culture
Re: “Juicy Cuts”
Frank & Ernie's is evolving into a cool little joint. Very intimate place to see a performer. Props to KC for keeping the live music scene going!
Re: “Punk's Not Dead (Yet)”
"And for fuck's sake, turn your cell phone off."
Grow up and read "The New Yorker."
Perhaps you might understand being stupid with your writing and regretting your worded opinion.
That is not writing.
Re: “Top Torn Tix 2012”
First and foremost, I think it is important to remember that this article was written by a person offering his *opinion*. While this person gets paid to offer his opinion, and many readers put stock in it because of this, I think we can all agree that the arts are a VERY subjective field. What's sauce for the goose may be poison for the gander. Second, even if Mr. Templeton's voice were law--and I am sure that even he would agree it is not--I have not seen all ten shows on this list. And even if I had, I was also on stage as an 'intrepid member' of August: Osage County, and could not offer a truly objective opinion of the show. Regarding the craft itself, I would have to agree with theatrgoer37 re: DTA's opening comment. I don't think it is good form to down-talk my fellow storytellers. Our work is rewarding, certainly--but it is also difficult and challenging for all who aspire to it whole-heartedly. There is nothing more hurtful or infuriating than hearing an audience member--or, especially, a fellow artist--make a comment that trivializes that effort. In that vein, I will also respectfully disagree with the assessment of others on the comment thread that a show like BATB should be appreciated for its 'effort.' The idea that a show is good "especially when you consider [it was produced] primarily by students" is also, in my opinion, demeaning. I have met more than my fair share of people in theater who are union members and aren't worth the title, and those who have 'day jobs' who are the pinnacle of professionalism and hard work. But, ultimately, the work we do is for the audience's benefit, and if they leave the theater richer people, we have done our job. If we step onto that stage for anything less--especially something selfish like accolades or awards--we are doing a disservice to ourself, our production mates, and the audience.
Re: “Top Torn Tix 2012”
The Beauty and the Beast cast did amazing! Not only is the music difficult to live up to but it has held an amazing record on Broadway, maybe I am biased by being a SRJC student but I also saw the original broadway cast of Beauty and the Beast. I know this show very well and I must remark I have never seen a performance of this musical by a non-professional production that put more energy and enjoyment into the play. Normally I bored with school Beauty and the Beast but thankfully this production team as well as the cast created something fresh not simply copy cating the original. The acting was not flat, in fact I felt it was rather strong. This production has been nominated for American Conseveratory Theatre Festival as well as being one of only ten plays or musicals nominated to perform a scene there. Simply put I think it is better to look at the positive rather than the negative, and there is tons. And I know that the set and costumes were all made by the SRJC students during the show. It's about time I think the bohemian recognize a musical and a SRJC production
Re: “Top Torn Tix 2012”
I have seen every show on this list including Osage County, and speaking only as a patron I am disgusted with the comments I see here. Yes Osage County was a great performance, but BATB was hardly "amateur." The vocals were precise and the level of talent, not only from the leads but from the supportive cast was astounding (babette, wardrobe, lefu etc). That show is iconic and to attempt it is risky at best. The costumes were astounding especially when you consider the fact that they were made primarily by students. It was the only show last year I wanted to see twice. It was on par with most professional theater. The top comment from the "member of that intrepid cast" its distasteful at best. If you have a problem with this list perhaps you should question some of the other choices, not attack a show purely because it was performed by a college......don't be THAT actor, your audience doesn't appreciate it.
Re: “Top Torn Tix 2012”
Totally agree with the Beauty & the Beast vs. Osage County review. Osage County was really well done, and Beauty & the Beast was rather flat in the acting category, though it was beautiful, (except for Belle's "yellow-peep's have exploded" dress.)
Re: “Top Torn Tix 2012”
I am thrilled to see an SRJC on the list, but would argue that "Our Town" was significantly more compelling than "Beauty and the Beast". Technically smart and impeccably directed, there were outstanding performances throughout the cast, not only from George Gibbs and Emily Webb. The real connections I observed onstage, combined with genuine emotion, oozed charm and brought the old themes to life in our modern times.
Re: “Top Torn Tix 2012”
Really? An amateur production of Beauty and Beast makes the grade but not the 6th Street Playhouse staging of August-Osage County? I may be biased, having been a member of that intrepid cast but I'm of the opinion our production easily deserves the top spot on that list.
Re: “Dogg or Dunce?”
JaJerz, Thanks for your insight. The piece was never meant to disrespect Snoop as a talented rapper. He is an icon of West Coast music and known all over the world as a representative of the hip hop/rap era. Anyone would give him mad props for all his accomplishments.
The piece is actually a reflection on his questionable behavior over the past year. When Snoop went to Jamaica to record an album with Diplo, the Philadelphia-based EDM DJ, he was seen by many in the media and entertainment world as going through a mid-life identity crisis; his past few albums not cutting the commercial profit margin and his image strained by dippy reality TV shows.
Most, however, tried to view the image change as a conscience decision to transform his flamboyantly excessive, drug- and gun-toting lifestyle into a more spiritually enlightened leadership position in the music world; to bring attention to the sacred path of Rastafari while acting as a role model for commercially and materialistically seduced young hip hop artists. Throughout the past year, though, Snoop has done everything to solicit attention and nothing to demonstrate awareness.
Artists are free to change their image and we as fans continue to be fascinated by their choices. But to take such a major leap, professing allegiance to a religious practice with such brevity and arrogance, I believe there should be a higher level of respect shown for those who came before. Putting out pop ragga songs and donning red, gold and green does not qualify you as a Rasta. Neither does shouting Jah Rastafari on stage with a blunt in your hand.
All doubt and criticism aside, Snoop has ample time to prove his weight in gold. Whether that gold is measured in coinage or in enlightenment has yet to be seen.
Re: “Dogg or Dunce?”
Kind of disrespectful don't you think? Snoop is one of our great enduring rappers. Then he has a spiritual awakening as a Rastafarian and you make fun of him! Where is the tolerance? He is a prolific artist of our time and I think he should be taken seriously and should be respected.
Re: “Ch-Ch-Changes”
Studio 'E' is a unique and wonderful venue to see singer-songwriter's up close in an intimate setting.
Laurie has booked some great acts there where I have many memories and have seen many fabulous performers. To think it will be unavailable for future events is really disheartening.
I wish Laurie luck but it is my hope (and many others I'm sure) that Jeff Martin who owns the space will continue to sponsor more shows in that venue.
So Jeff, let me be the first to lobby for continuing concerts at Studio 'E' as the most down home and people friendly venue in Sonoma County!
Studio 'E' ~ Long May You Run........... ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Re: “Cloud Gazing”
Like what im seeing with sound im hearing...cheers. great imagination u have.
jono rezzillo
Re: “C'est Fantastique”
My hair is done up real purdy. On my way to the Hopmonk!
Re: “Machine Wash”
Yes, I concur. I also happened to spot the other two members, Alexis and Nikos, I presume, reading unacceptable periodicals at a Border's(pre-shutdown)...i believe Alexis was reading 'Town and Country' and Nikos was reading 'Model Airplane News'.
Re: “Machine Wash”
I saw this band once they totally ripped off the talking heads one of their songs was just a talking heads song no one just played another bands song but they did and another thing their tatoos are totally inaccurate they don't play ROCK ROLL its just jazzpunkrastafunk and they aren't fooling anyone also I take issue with the term epic in regards to their practice sessions because that's a colloquialism that doesn't apply here and also I once saw eden at the barnes and noble he was reading esquire unironically
Re: “Local Color”
This movie has a lot of things in it's favor. There are at least three well-known actors I recognize from other work, and the acting is great all around. The photography is really great too and full advantage is taken of the Russian River area's terrain, bridges and quaint Guerneville itself. There are creative photographic elements involving special techniques as well ( don't want to spoil it.) I think the plot of a dynastic family getting away with near-murder in a small community isn't out of place either. The qustion of how often to look the other way or acquiesce to power is something we all ask ourselves, or should ask ourselves, on a regularly.
Re: “Heavy Load”
I am an actress and I have never been so moved by a piece of theater, ever! And David if you havent seen ruined read it that is way more tremendous and that didnt move a tear out of my eye. I was sobbing like a baby the whole show of Elephant man. And you have to take into consideration you saw it opening weekend and the space they were given! It was one of my favorite shows ever! Sure your a critic doesn't mean you have to be so horribly rude!!!!! Trust me I know I was a journalist and even shows I hated I said it with out being brash!
Re: “Lights On”
Although I'll admit I'm not familiar with the music, as good as it may be, it seems to some that the film is less documentary and more embellished. Just check out what Bob Lefsetz says about it. http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/arc…
This Week's Issue
Re: “Not Fade Away”
I know Erma Murphy personally and she is just such a delight to work with that it is no wonder she has arisen to such a level of measurable success in the industry.I am sooo proud to know her and call her my friend.She is a true treasure to this community.