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Features

FEATURES

Jazz Spectacular ends with flair

Dan Julian
March 18, 2002

The School of Music’s Jazz Spectacular came to a conclusion Friday night as Octet I and the Guest Quintet performed at the Pasant Theatre.There were more than enough seats available, and it’s too bad more people didn’t jump at the opportunity to hear some solid jazz music.The evening opened with Jazz Studies director Rodney Whitaker leading Octet I through a selection of songs by Thelonious Monk and Kenn Cox, among others.East Lansing resident Robert Baecker, who saw two other jazz spectacular concerts last week, said this event shows off the talent of the jazz program.

FEATURES

Eerie likeness of Beatles tribute band entertaining

Dan Julian
March 18, 2002

As John Lennon chewed his gum and sipped on purified water Thursday night at Harper’s Downtown, 131 Albert Ave., he had trouble figuring out why more people weren’t there to see his band perform.“We’ve got some people outside trying to get people in here, but apparently it isn’t working,” he said to George Harrison, who was surprised he was performing at a place that looked like a disco club.“We’ve played at disco clubs before, with the big disco ball and everything,” he said.

FEATURES

Riverwalk brings a tale of soul searching to the stage

Tanee Elston
March 15, 2002

In a Riverwalk Theatre production of “Joe Turner’s Come & Gone,” residents of a boarding house for blacks soul-search to fill voids in their lives. The story takes place in 1911, and the residents of the boarding house find life adjustments difficult as they suffer from the effects of slavery and strive to relate to the urban present. Lamont Clegg, who plays a character of the boarding house named Bynum, said every character in the play searches for something different. “Much of the story is told through my character.

FEATURES

1964 ...The Tribute to play Harpers Downtown

Dan Julian
March 14, 2002

“1964”...The Tribute, will perform tonight at Harper’s Downtown, 131 Albert Ave. The Beatles tribute band has performed all over the world at various fairs, festivals, colleges and conventions, and have been featured in programs such as Entertainment Tonight, CNN and The USA Network. Christian Dorsch, general manager of Harper’s, said the response for the concert has been quite well. “We’ve been doing presold tickets and had lots of people calling,” he said.

FEATURES

Jazz veteran sizzles in trio performance

Dan Julian
March 14, 2002

Marian McPartland’s sparkling blouse wasn’t the only thing lighting up Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre on Tuesday night. Her spunky aura and friendly, witty conversation between pieces contributed to the warm and relaxing atmosphere.

FEATURES

Weekend guide

Friday • Renowned jazz performers share the stage with MSU’s jazz faculty members at the Pasant Theatre.

FEATURES

Disc masters the simple things

Dan Julian
March 13, 2002

Step aside Marvin Gaye and Al Green, Zero 7 just might have the new best album to accompany lovers’ next “gettin’ busy” session. Each song progresses with powerful stride, but sticks to a formula of quiet and steady groove. The use of loops and the dissidence of instruments in each song are perfectly orchestrated.

FEATURES

Remix album a solid compliment

Dan Julian
March 13, 2002

Sometimes the full length record isn’t enough - occasionally the ultimate fan needs more. But this isn’t always a plus, as bands may jump the gun with another product simply to make an extra buck.

FEATURES

Three Days of Rain at BoarsHead

Tanee Elston
March 12, 2002

In the midst of the BoarsHead Theater’s play “Three Days of Rain,” written by Richard Greenberg, there’s a love story, family issues and many reflections about the past. The play begins with the main character, Walker Janeway, who relocates to where his deceased father, Ned, and late business partner, Theo, had lived. The men had designed homes there, which eventually made them famous. BoarsHead spokeswoman Carey McConkey said the play deals with adults who don’t understand their parents. “These are 30-something children trying figure out their parents’ past,” McConkey said.

FEATURES

All About the Benjamins a stylish, fun crime caper

Drew Harmon
March 12, 2002

Ice Cube has turned out to be one smart cookie. For the most part, his forays into film have been pretty strong, with highlights like “Three Kings,” “Friday” and “The Players Club” being examples of the guy’s ability to write, act and even direct.