Top Wisconsin News for the Week of
November 17, 2008
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Low-fi photos bring back the fun La Crosse Tribune “Dan Zamudio carries his camera in a gray ski cap, tucked between folds
of frayed knitting. The camera once belonged to his mother. She died six
years ago. His father found it and considered throwing it out until Dan
snapped it up. The lower half is black and faded, though hardly caked with
age; the upper half is teal. Surrounding the lens like a half moon are the
etched silver letters of a name 'Diana.' Zamudio’s mom was a Judy. He
carries her camera like a rare egg. Every time the shutter clicks he holds
his breath. Every photo with this thing could be its last. 'This camera
won’t survive,' he said. 'I know that. I don’t want anything to happen to
it. It was my mother’s. I’ve taken great stuff with it. But I’ve made peace
with myself that something will happen.' Because it’s junk. It’s a vintage
Diana camera a chunk of Hong Kong plastic. Even the lens is plastic. Holding
it steady requires the patience of a sniper. Press down on the shutter and
you half expect a rubber flower to spring from the lens. As for the pictures
Zamudio’s favorite subject is fading Chicago, the remnants of neighborhoods
in the midst of seismic gentrification, and without exception, not a single
thing he’s ever shot has turned out sharp. Edges fade into soft crescent
blackness. Many have that signature smudgy blur of early photography. And
that’s the draw.”
Antique
restorers have always been 'green' Wisconsin State Journal “He and his brother are now among the most sought-after antique
furniture restorers in the Madison area, but at age 9, Mark Mahon could
often be found at the local dump in Union Grove, scrounging around for
hidden treasures. Digging through the mess might yield coins, a broken
baseball bat or, on one particular occasion, a rusty bike frame. With some
sandpaper, a can of forest green spray paint and the determined innovation
of an adolescent, Mark transformed the castoff into a renewed vehicle with
which to race his brother John, 13. Despite the older brother's instinct for
competition, he suggested they both add pinstripes to make the bike faster.
So, together, they did.”
Kenosha museum immerses guests in American Indian culture Racine Journal Times KENOSHA — “While many people tuned in to the Packers and Bears Sunday,
others checked out the Indians at the Kenosha Public Museum. Woodland Native
Americans starred in the museum’s monthly Sunday Funday at the museum, on
the lakefront at 5500 First Ave. The event featured tribal drumming,
displays and crafts for children. Those events are anchored by the museum’s
approximately 3,500-square-foot permanent exhibit, Four Seasons North
American Village. The village is an enormous step up from the small dioramas
of the old Kenosha museum. 'There was nothing so immersive or large,' said
Curator of Collections Gina Radandt. The village is part of a $2.5 million
exhibit, 'The Wisconsin Story,' a chronological walk through time in
southeastern Wisconsin. The current museum was a seven-year, $9.6 million
project which opened in 2001, Radandt said. 'What (the museum) did for our
membership was huge,' she said. The stars of Sunday’s event were the Night
Eagle Singers, a group from the area that includes about six different
tribes. They formed about 15 years ago, practice weekly and travel around
the country to perform, said William Brown, who led the drumming and singing
Sunday.”
Community recycles Dunn County News
“UW-Stout celebrated America Recycles Day with an art competition and more
on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the Great Hall and the Crystal Ballroom of the
Memorial Student Center. The day, according to event coordinator Krista
James of the UW-Stout biology department, 'is the only nationally recognized
day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled
products.' Area residents of all ages were invited to participate by
submitting artwork made of recyclable materials for the competition. A wide
variety of hands-on environmental educational activities and informational
booths were provided. Music by the band Little Willie entertained the
crowd.”
Arts Education
Spark, fuel, air - Madison biotech companies are devising innovative
products that could save lives and change the world The Isthmus
“While the hurt is on other sectors of the economy, the biotech industry
is booming, and Madison has established itself as a hub. 'Wisconsin and
Madison have a unique combination of resources,' says Tom Still, president
of the Madison-based Wisconsin Technology Council. 'It begins at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison and other research institutions and
progresses to technology transfer and intellectual property mechanisms and
includes vibrant investing and corporate communities.' Biotech in Wisconsin
is an $8 billion-a-year industry that employs more than 28,000 workers. And
Madison is at the epicenter. The University Research Park, now celebrating
its 25th anniversary, has 115 companies with more than 4,000 employees with
an average salary of $62,000. More than half of those companies have some
connection to the UW-Madison. 'The Madison area and Wisconsin can stand up
to competition from around the world,' says Still. 'This region has
established resources for entrepreneurs, which in many cases didn't exist
five years ago and isn't found in other places.'"
Take a hard look at bringing school vouchers to Racine Racine Journal Times
“Twenty thousand kids can’t be wrong. That’s roughly how many Milwaukee
students are utilizing the fast-growing voucher program to attend private
schools. Their parents could end up being wrong, of course, but at least
they had the choice. That’s an often forgotten word in the debate over
publicly funded school-choice programs. Before taking the leap into the
program, low-income parents in the Milwaukee district must weigh all of the
choices carefully. And the fact that public school enrollment there has
plummeted over the past decade should tell officials which choice is most
popular. Leaders should take a hard look at expanding the voucher program to
Racine. A proposal by state Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, to do just that
last year was greeted with only yawns. Most legislators are needlessly
afraid to touch this hot potato. Opponents of vouchers complain that the
program hasn’t solved all of the educational ills in Milwaukee. It’s
doubtful anything short of a magic wand could have done that already, in
fewer than 20 years. One study earlier this year suggested Milwaukee Public
Schools would have graduated 20 percent more students over a five-year
period had the district’s graduation rate matched that of school-choice
participants. The study shouldn’t be dismissed simply because it was funded
by a nonprofit organization that favors vouchers.”
Concordia
professor wants to be state superintendent GM Today MADISON (AP) – “A history and economics professor at Concordia
University in Mequon is running for state superintendent of public
instruction. Van Mobley joins current deputy state superintendent Tony Evers
as the only announced candidates for the nonpartisan position being vacated
by current state superintendent Libby Burmaster. She decided against seeking
a third term. Mobley says in order to run he is taking an unpaid leave of
absence next spring from Concordia. He is also managing partner of Do-Mo
Capital Management and a trustee for the village of Thiensville.”
Elmbrook looks at student-teacher text, online contact - Concerns raised
about liability over messages GM Today BROOKFIELD – “The Elmbrook School District is looking at banning text
messaging between students and teachers, along with communication via online
networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. The school board was supposed to
vote on the policy last week during its regular board meeting, but
discussion on the subject indicated the issue wasn’t settled. Superintendent
Matt Gibson suggested the issue go back to the policy and legislative
committee for review since both sides had strong feelings about their
positions.”
School scrapbook Wisconsin State Journal “Honors: Janet Moore of McFarland received a School Forest Award from
the LEAF (Learning, Experience and Activities in Forestry) Program at the
Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education conference held Oct. 31.
Moore has been a leader and parent volunteer for the McFarland School Forest
since 2006. She helped develop a forest management plan, a forest education
plan, organized professional development opportunities for teachers as well
as mobilizing volunteers to clear invasive species and conduct trail and
other repairs at the forest to restore the property and enable environmental
education to take place in a natural setting.”
Value-added
scores track schools' improvement on state test Wisconsin State Journal “Lincoln Elementary, whose students have struggled in some measures of
academic performance, suddenly has something to celebrate: A new analysis
says Lincoln students' reading and math skills are improving faster than
anywhere else in the Madison School District. The report by the district and
the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at UW-Madison is the first to
analyze Madison students' achievement levels by drawing upon a so-called
'value-added growth' system that looks at the amount of students'
improvement over time. Rather than just ranking the school by the scores on
the test, the value-added system looks at how the school's scores have
improved compared to the other schools in the district.”
Vice chancellor position search commencing UW Eau Claire – Spectator “One of the four possible candidates for the vacant Vice Chancellor of
Administration, Finance and Facilities position held forums Thursday and
Friday, highlighting the responsibilities of the new position as well as
some foreseen challenges. The search and screen committee, led by the Dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences Don Christian, is in the final stages of
the process reviewing the possible candidates, which began with application
reviews and video conferences to narrow the search down to the selected
four, Christian said. Candidate Nathaniel Jones III, chief financial and
administrative officer for the William Jewett Tucker Foundation at Dartmouth
College (N.H.), believes one of the largest issues facing the new vice
chancellor will be finding an efficient way to counter the steep reduction
of state funding to the university, while keeping the university's
performance high. 'In order to find the best solution,' Jones said at his
forum Thursday, 'you need to bring everyone's ideas together to collaborate.
My ideas may not always be the best for every issue.' When it comes to
funding, he said he plans to reduce expenses and more appropriately align
resources.”
Looking toward
the future: Radio-TV-Film students excel at regional competition Advance Titan “In Omaha, Neb. on Oct. 25, a national organization was hosting an
awards ceremony. Although 10 states and multiple Division I and II schools
were being represented at the ceremony, UW-Oshkosh students were often the
ones winning first prize. The National Broadcasting Society’s Region V
convention rewards student work in the fields of radio, television, film and
script writing. Oshkosh won 12 first place awards and three honorable
mentions in 38 categories at the annual event.”
With
state effort stalled, schools pursue tougher graduation requirements Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to raise the state's graduation requirements
in math and science, announced in his 2005 state of the state address, has
yet to go anywhere. But that hasn't stopped several Milwaukee area schools
from proceeding on their own. Germantown, Greenfield and Oconomowoc high
schools have increased their math or science requirements recently, so that
students will need three years of each to graduate. Now, the Oak
Creek-Franklin School District is contemplating a similar move for math. And
Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent William Andrekopoulos said he also
plans to propose increasing his school system's graduation requirements.
That will include not only three years of math and three years of science,
but also community service and online learning coursework. The effort is
part of a nationwide educational focus on science, technology, engineering
and math, known collectively as STEM, when fears are rising about the
country's ability to compete with the emerging economies of China and India.
Local educators say the changes also are needed to increase high school
graduates' ability to go on to higher education and do well.”
Community Arts
Milwaukee-area nonprofits brace for lean times ahead Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “The saying about living by the sword and dying by the sword has roots
in the Bible, not in Shakespeare. Maybe that's why leaders of some nonprofit
organizations in town probably had more thoughts about the apocalypse than
about As You Like It when they heard what happened to the Milwaukee
Shakespeare theater company. It's great to have someone write you huge
checks, especially if it's an annual thing. But if that person or foundation
suddenly hits bad times - well, look out below. Or look at the swift
aftermath of a decision by the Argosy Foundation to withhold an expected
$925,000 donation to Milwaukee Shakespeare last month because the stock of
Boston Scientific, on which Argosy built its giving, has plummeted in value.
The theater, which had a $1.3 million budget for this year, closed
overnight.”
Some shoppers plan new Christmas strategy Portage Daily Register “With the economy a cause for concern, area shoppers are altering their
gift-buying strategies to stretch their dollars for the holiday season.
Cheryl Hays traveled to Portage on Saturday from her home in Wisconsin Dells
to view the offerings at the annual arts and crafts sale at the Veterans of
Foreign Wars post, by local artist Joanne Neesam.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
Hmong New Year's event highlights culture Eau Claire Leader-Telegram “If you go by the lunar calendar, New Year's Day comes in November or
December, not on Jan. 1 as is typically celebrated. That's why Eau Claire's
Hmong community is celebrating the new year this weekend, explained Chao
Moua of Eau Claire, one of the organizers of this weekend's Hmong New Year's
celebration at the McPhee Center on the UW-Eau Claire campus. Attendance on
Saturday was higher this year than last, Moua said, a fact likely
attributable to the presence of a well-known Hmong singer, Mai Neng Thoa,
who was scheduled to perform for the first time in Eau Claire Saturday
night. Most people attending the festival wore ornate, traditional clothing,
although others donned Western-style clothes.”
Literary
THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY: Oxford grandmother spent years on illustrated
children’s Christmas book for her family. Now she’s sharing it by reading at
local schools Portage Daily Register “The illustrations for Judy Andres’ children’s book, 'Froggy’s Christmas
Tree Concert,' were created by Liesa Stienmetz, a Reedsburg artist who also
works at the Kalahari doing portraits. A Christmas gift with creativity
behind it is a rare thing these days. Lists are made, battles are waged in
stores and 'good enough' is often the cry of freedom from the crowds. With
Black Friday less than two weeks away, deals on items, rather than genuine
thought, often rule the gift-giving process. But this Christmas will be a
little different for Judy Andres and her family. This is the year a gift may
be turned into a family tradition for her grandchildren - and its creative
process has taken years.”
Bookmobile
barred from Wo-Zha-Wa parade because it lacked 'parade viewer appeal' Wisconsin Dells Events “The library's bookmobile was barred from entering the 2008 Wo-Zha-Wa
Parade because it didn't fit into the category of 'entertainment.' The
exclusion of the bookmobile set off some emotions at an October Kilbourn
Public Library Board meeting. 'This really bothered me. With all the stuff
that's in that parade, there's no reason why the bookmobile shouldn't have
been allowed,' said Trustee Gisela Hamm. Hamm is also a member of the
Wo-Zha-Wa Committee. The parade's organizer, Patrick Scully, said he
consulted with a Wo-Zha-Wa committee member and a past parade organizer who
both backed his position. 'It just wasn't something that's entertaining,' he
said.”
Media Arts
Northwoods expanding e-waste recycling Portage Daily Register “With new flat-screen TVs, laptops and tech gadgets on Christmas lists,
what to do with obsolete electronic items at home may soon be on everyone's
mind. For the last four years, Northwoods Inc. of Wisconsin in Portage has
taken in computers for the purpose of refurbishing and selling them. But now
they have launched a new plan to help this area become more green by
eliminating e-waste. With a book of pictures on his desk of Third World
countries littered with electronic waste, Jeffrey Aerts, president and CEO
of Northwoods, hopes their new program helps stop e-waste coming from this
area and helps create jobs here. By expanding its computer sales, service
and recycling program, Aerts said he would like to see the new e-waste
recycling program create around 10 new jobs for Northwoods.”
Performing Arts
Music
Learning from the best Ashland Daily Press “Louie Edwards, a member of the UW-Stevens Point jazz band and a former
Ashland High School Band member, recently performed with renowned artist
Wynton Marsalis. The students were able to perform with him, take part in a
clinic with him and see his evening concert with the Lincoln Center Jazz
Orchestra. It was an uplifting experience for all students involved.
Edwards, with the saxophone, is being hugged by Wynton Marsalis.”
Every seven days - There's something for everyone at weekly shows The Isthmus “The life of a weekly-gig musician is not an easy one. It's hard enough
to attract crowds to one-off shows, let alone convince people to come see
you on a regular basis. It's often the case, too, that you find yourself
playing for people who haven't come to hear you. They're there for dinner,
or drinks with friends, or even just to study, and musicians have to strike
a precarious balance between pleasant background music and unwelcome
distraction. Despite the challenges, the regular gig can also be a boon to
performers. It's a good chance to work out any kinks in a set list, to spend
more time getting comfortable as a band or solo artist, to discover what
works and what doesn't, and maybe even make a few tips along the way. So it
should come as no surprise that Madison has its share of weekly installments
from a wide range of musical acts.”
New
work for bassoon is intriguing Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Russell Platt's new Concerto for Bassoon and Strings is a lock to
become a standard work for bassoonists aspiring to more than sideman status
in classical music. Peter Kolkay, a brilliant young exponent of the
instrument, played the piece with the Waukesha Symphony on Sunday afternoon.
Platt's idiomatic writing made the instrument sound good, and Kolkay's warm,
commanding playing made Platt's striking melodies sound wonderful. In his
program notes, Platt cited the influence of Schoenberg and Copland, among
others, on his 1997 Bassoon Quintet, which the composer transformed into the
concerto this year. But my ear detected far more Debussy and Stravinsky in
the mix, with maybe a little Bartok in the finale. The first movement is
dreamy and deliciously overripe, rather like 'Afternoon of Faun.' A hint of
jazz harmony, as understood by European ears early in the last century,
spiced up the middle section.”
Entertaining with speed, precision Badger Herald “It is physically impossible not to smile during a Wisconsin Singers
performance. True, they are the equivalent of Fruity Pebbles in the cereal
hierarchy of performance arts — they’re infinitely sugary and absent of
nutritional value — but they mix cheesy fun so well with near flawless
technical precision that they can energize even the sternest and most
discerning audience.”
Theater
Broom
Street Theater turns 40 years old WKOW-TV Madison MADISON (WKOW) – “The Broom Street Theater has been around since 1969.
It's called an old radiator shop home since 1977. The walk up in front does
have an eclectic edge, but not as sharp as the shows it runs inside. Its
current production of dancing with my other is tame by comparison. There's
no place to park, except this bike rack. It's right out of the hippie
generation, but nothing says that like the inside of the Broom Street
Theater. It's actually quite interesting that the generation who coined the
phrase 'never trust anyone over 30,' is actually turning 40.”
Other
Making Majic GM Today “Some people need a B-school education, angel investors and years of
on-the-job experience before starting a business. Not Brookfield’s Mike
Jurken. The 21-year-old owner of Majic Enterprises started his business in
sixth grade with a boom box. 'I first started out as a DJ, and then the
business grew from there,' he says. 'I saved up my money and started buying
sound and A/V equipment.'”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
Museum plans
children's decorating event Beaver Dam Daily Citizen November 22
“The Dodge County Historical Society Museum invites children of all
ages to come to a tree decorating party from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on
Saturday, Nov. 22, at 105 Park Ave. in Beaver Dam. This year there will be
large trees on both the main floor and the upper level. The materials for
making the decorations will be furnished as will refreshments throughout the
afternoon. Young children should be accompanied by an adult.”
Arts Education
Celebrate American Education Week November 16-22 WEAC Press Release November 16 – 22
“Educators, parents, students, businesses and citizens throughout the
state will celebrate teamwork and investments during American Education
Week, which runs November 16-22. 'This week is a time to celebrate the
thousands of dedicated professionals who build the foundation for
Wisconsin’s future in our public schools every day,' Wisconsin Education
Association Council President Mary Bell said. 'It is also an opportune time
for Wisconsin citizens to honor the investments of our parents and
grandparents, as well as celebrate students, educators, parents and
communities working together for a brighter future,' Bell said. 'The
benefits of a great school go beyond individual benefits to each student.
Quality schools attract new businesses with quality jobs, encourage existing
businesses to stay and help property values increase,' she said. 'Investing
in schools improves everyone’s possibilities.' Countless celebrations will
take place across the state as communities, staff and administrators salute
those who make sure Wisconsin schools benefit everyone.”
Design expert to talk about how local shrine illustrates reality of world
and heaven La Crosse Tribune December 13
“The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is the most prominent
example of a classical church built anywhere in the world in the past 50
years, said Denis McNamara, an architectural historian. On Dec. 13, McNamara
will join men responsible for the art and design of the new building at a
conference called, 'Art and Architecture: A Return to the Sacred.' McNamara,
assistant director of the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary
of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, will give the keynote speech,
'Shadow, Image and Reality: Church Architecture as Image of Heaven.'”
Community Arts
Holiday clay class set for adults and children Hudson Star-Observer December 13
“An adult and child hand-building-with-clay class is scheduled from
10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at The Phipps Center for the Arts. The class
is geared to adults and children ages 4 ˝ years and older to be creative
together while making holiday gifts for teachers, friends and loved ones.
Participants will learn basic hand-building clay techniques such as
pinching, coiling and slab-building. Using white clay and colorful under
glazes, participants will create snowman figures, candleholders, candy
dishes and other gifts. The instructor will apply a clear glaze and fire the
work, which will be ready to pick up Friday, Dec. 19.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
Holiday Folk Fair adds $1 treats Milwaukee Journal Sentinel November 21-23
“Close Grab some zeli, do a side-order of halusky, add a small
fistick ezme, don't forget the khak, and wash it all down with salabat.
You've just eaten your way around the world via Czech sauerkraut, Slovak
noodles, Turkish salad, Egyptian cookies and Filipino ginger tea. But you
never left the Holiday Folk Fair International, and you ate it all for less
than $10.”
Literary
National Children's Book Week at Vaughn Public Library Ashland Daily Press November 17 – 23
“National Children's Book Week is a time-honored tradition.
Celebrated since 1919, it is dedicated to spreading the word about
children's literature and encouraging the joys of reading. Annually, the
week before Thanksgiving, schools and libraries applaud books and reading.
Celebrate National Children's Book Week at the Vaughn Public Library,
November 17-23, with some special programs and incentives. Kids (18 and
under), can bring their cards to the desk and have fines waived. This does
not include lost or damaged items.”
Terry Tempest Williams: Finding Beauty in a Broken World - Wisconsin Book
Festival presents renowned author at MMoCA The Isthmus November 18
“Terry Tempest Williams has established herself in that vanguard of
North American environmental essayists and socio-cultural critics alongside
such esteemed predecessors as Edward Abbey and Aldo Leopold. She is devoted
to the innate value of wilderness landscapes, a tireless partisan on behalf
of free speech with a penchant for 'ground-truthing' and a willingness to
engage parties on the opposite side of an issue in civil discussion -- to
listen even when there is little prospect of reconciliation. Her books,
including Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place, Red: Passion and
Patience in the Desert, and The Open Space of Democracy, are infused with a
clarity of thought and insight that is as crystalline as her eloquent prose.
Her new book, Finding Beauty in a Broken World, takes readers from Ravenna,
Italy, to Rwanda and back to the southwestern deserts and plateaus of Utah
and Wyoming, where she and her husband, Brooke, live. In a special program
sponsored by the Wisconsin Book Festival, Williams -- the Annie Clark Tanner
scholar of environmental humanities at the University of Utah -- is
scheduled to discuss Finding Beauty at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. In an email interview in anticipation of
her appearance in Madison, she addresses the genesis of her new book, its
central mosaic metaphor, Barack Obama’s potential as a transformative
figure, the significance of prairie dogs and the importance of knowing the
names of the flora and fauna where you live.”
Performing Arts
Dance
Wild Space
performs at RAC Sauk Prairie Eagle November 22
“Wisconsin history and modern dance will light the stage at the River
Arts Center in Prairie du Sac when Wild Space Dance Company takes to the
stage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22. The cost is $15 to $20 for adult tickets and $5
for students. Part of the program will feature selections from Map of
Memories, performed at Danceworks in Milwaukee last May telling the story of
the Polish immigrants who settled on Jones Island in Milwaukee in the middle
of the nineteenth century. According to a press release submitted by the
River Arts, Inc. the dance group was founded by Artistic Director Debra
Loewen in 1986. The Wild Space Dance Company is one of Wisconsin's most
creative performing companies. Its mission is to expand the audience for
contemporary dance through performances and outreach programs.”
Local stars step up for charity La Crosse Tribune November 22
“If you’re swept up in all the dancing mania spawned by 'Dancing With
the Stars,' then it’s time to turn out in support of the third annual La
Crosse version of 'Dancing with the Stars.' It will be at 7 p.m. Saturday,
Nov. 22, in Onalaska High School’s Performing Arts Center. Local stars have
been paired with dance instructors from Misty’s Dance Unlimited and other
dancers. The La Crosse Stars are Molly Nichols (TV 19), Andrew Dahl (Dahl
Automotive), Jerry Kember (School District of La Crosse), Jen O’Brien (Z93),
Don Hess (Hess Excavating), Mike Peterson (ReMax), Mike Nickelatti (Nickelatti
Construction), and Kelly Wilde (Classic Rock 100.1). Dancing with the stars
are Stan Breighton, Jamie Dahl, Tiffany Fischer, Jon Lamb, Alana Hess, Katie
O’Reilly, Kayla Wegner and Anna Smerud.”
Two to Tango 'swings' in November U W Eau Claire - Spectator November 22
“From 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 Two to Tango
plans on hosting two swing dance workshops and a New Orleans-style jazz
concert in the Council Fire Room, Davies Center. The second workshop will be
taught by professional swing instructors Cindy and Terry Gardner. It will
feature the original form of swing dance, the lindy hop, which is not
currently taught in the Eau Claire area. The first session is $5 for
students and $10 for community members. The second, more advanced session is
$20 for students, $35 for student couples and community members and $65 for
community member couples.”
Music
Intermission: Get your fill of Adam Palm now La Crosse Tribune Mondays
“Local man about music Adam Palm (pictured) is gigging around town
through the end of the year, but then it’s so long as he moves to Madison in
January. 'I will be back occasionally to play here and there, and I will
keep you updated,' he said, so moving away doesn’t necessarily mean never
playing around town anymore. If you want to catch him before he leaves, he
leads an open jam at 10 p.m. Mondays at The George Street Pub. At 9 p.m.
Friday, he and Joe Gantzer will perform at The Bodega Brew Pub. He’ll be at
the Freight House at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13, and at the Jay Street Joint
with his band Bombay and the band Moondawg for a 10 p.m. show Dec. 19.”
Locals perform in chorale holiday concerts Hudson Star-Observer December 5 - 7
“The acclaimed Valley Chamber Chorale will present its annual holiday
concert Dec. 5-7. Entitled 'On This Cold December Night,' the program
includes the choir and a chamber orchestra of professional musicians.
Selections will range from classic choral repertoire to contemporary carols.
Hudson-area members of the chorale are Lori Bahneman, Rebecca Huth and
Daniele Zenner. Mary Claire Olson of Hudson is a member of the group’s board
of directors.”
Theater
‘Hunting Widows Comedy Blast’ comes to Hayward Ashland Daily Press November 20
“Twin Cities housewife run amuck and comedian Holly Henson headlines
the Park Theater’s monthly comedy night on Nov. 20. 'The show is just in
time for the opening of deer season,' said event coordinator Connie Finch.
'It’ll be a great opportunity for women whose husbands and boyfriends are
getting ready for hunting to get out and have some real laughs. Men find
Holly hilarious too, so it will also be a great way for couples to spend
some time together before the hunters disappear into the woods for a week.'
Henson is dubbing the show a 'Hunting Widows Comedy Blast.'”
Mother of
all roles: 'Butterfly' tests the depths of parental emotion for singer who
will play lead in Madison Wisconsin State Journal November 21
“In the final moments of the opera Madama Butterfly, the title
character makes a heart-breaking decision: to hand over her son to his
long-absent father and the man's new American wife. It's a moment that Maria
Kanyova, mother of three, finds wrenching, even though she's brought it to
the stage many times. The soprano -- who already has played Butterfly, or
Cio-Cio San, at Lyric Opera of Chicago -- stars in the role Friday night,
Nov. 21, and Sunday afternoon, Nov. 23, in Madison Opera's production of
Puccini's Madama Butterfly. On one of those dates, Butterfly's son
will be played by Kanyova's own daughter, Elisabeth, age 4. Four-year-old
Simon Jenks of Madison also will perform the role.”
VIDEO OF THE DAY
New Exhibit
Peeks Into Famous Letters From Artists
“Two new exhibits are premiering this weekend at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson
Art Museum. One of them is called More Than Words, showing off hand written
letters of some of our most famous artists over the past century. The art
museum jumped at the chance to borrow 60 letters from the Smithsonian
Institution.”
Tuesday, 11/18
IN THE NEWS
Arts Education
Scrobbling spells order, OCD for Dale's musical scrabble Daily Cardinal “Dale's latest column gives his caveat for future scrobblers. Do you stress
out just counting the number times you’ve played Feist’s 'One, Two, Three, Four'
this month? You may be a victim of scrobbling. I discovered scrobbling a few
months ago. For those of you who aren’t familiar, scrobbling is the process by
which the gnomes that live inside my computer tell the gnomes that live at
Last.fm all the music I am listening to. Last.fm compiles charts about which
artists, albums and songs are played most frequently. It organizes this info
into weekly, monthly and yearly charts and then publishes this information—along
with a running list of your most recently played tracks—on your profile page.
You can also find your friends provided they, too, are one of the 21
million—according to Guardian.co.uk—who have also instructed their computer
gnomes to publish their listening habits. Then you can keep up with what they
are listening to, analyze their selections and feel superior because of your
friends’ great musical tastes.”
Study abroad numbers on the rise Badger Herald “University of Wisconsin students are studying abroad in record numbers, an
increase that ranks the university 10th among U.S. research universities,
according to a report released Monday. The Open Doors Report, which based its
findings on data from the 2006-07 academic year, shows the number of UW students
earning some of their academic credit abroad increased by 14 percent from the
previous year. Europe hosted the largest share of U.S. students at 57 percent,
Asia hosted 10 percent and Africa hosted the lowest amount at 4 percent. 'We’re
seeing great success in study abroad participation — in the social sciences, the
humanities and arts, but also more broadly in professional schools, like
business and engineering, that are setting ambitious goals,' said Dean of the
Division of International Studies Gilles Bousquet in a statement.”
New union designers finalize plans, unveil new additions Daily Cardinal “Wisconsin Union members unveiled major interior and exterior plans for the
new south union, including a possible light-rail stop. Members of the Wisconsin
Union are approaching the final months of planning for the new south-campus
union construction, which will commence after the demolition of Union South in
January. Planning for construction of the new south union began over two years
ago with web-based surveys where 17,000 community members offered input to the
design committee. According to Mark Guthier, director of the Wisconsin Union,
the committee consists of 15 university members including nine student
representatives. The project accounts for 40 percent of the university’s overall
Master Plan budget. However, Student Union Initiative leader Dan Cornelius said
the union project is relatively cheap in comparison to other UW System projects.
Former union directors constructed the current Union South in 1971 with timely
architecture, which directors are trying to do away with, according to
Cornelius.”
A different kind of risk - At Transition High, teens leave past behind Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “From the corner of N. 27th St. and North Ave., Transition High School looks
more like a strip mall than a place where teenagers are turning their lives
around. The Milwaukee public school, which opened in March, is home to students
working through challenges beyond the scope of what most traditional high
schools can handle. Some have been expelled. Others have served sentences in the
House of Correction or a youth facility. Some have been truant for more than a
year. But on a recent day, as they wrapped up online coursework and got ready
for an afternoon of off-campus rock climbing, students talked about how safe
they felt. 'This is a non-violent place,' said Charles Banster, 16, and a
sophomore. 'Nobody has problems here.' Another student, who said he had spent
time in a large school on the city's south side, agreed. The small environment
makes him feel like he's among family. 'I don't like too many people around me,'
said 14-year-old Tim Owens-Rice. 'I just feel paranoid.' In the past, that need
to define and defend his personal space has led to fights, he said.”
Community Arts
Mailbag (11/18) - 'Drood' a must see; area talent is no mystery Baraboo News Republic “Baraboo Theatre Guild has done it again. The Mystery of Edwin Drood is
very entertaining with fabulous talent and voices. The cast and those behind the
scenes are to be commended! The Baraboo area is privileged to have this wealth
of talent. Thanks for such a great show. All the effort certainly paid off.
Marcia and David Swanson, Baraboo.”
Media Arts
Visuality: Expands its in-house talent WisBusiness “Graphic Designer, Video Editor and Web Programmers join media firm Visuality,
a Madison-based media firm, is expanding by adding five talented people to its
in-house staff. Nick Carvin joins as video editor; Sarah Congdon as graphic
design; and Erik Kulik, Nick Rich, and Ryan Quinn join the Visuality team as web
programmers. 'We’re excited to expand our production capabilities by our growing
team of media experts,' says Visuality’s President, Jay Sapiro. 'Visuality
specializes in creative message development, state-of-the-art video, audio,
web-design, and interactive media. By having the talents of another graphic
designer, video editor and three new web programmers in-house, we’ll be able to
better deliver the work our clients expect and deserve.' Nick Carvin brings his
creative skills to the production side of Visuality as its newest video editor.
Nick’s training includes work as Lead Graphic Development Manager and Assistant
Editor at Performance Courseware in Janesville, Wis. Nick recently received a
Telly Award for his fine work. He serves as Communication Chairman and President
Elect for Media Communications Association-International, Madison and is an
instructor at Madison Media Institute.”
Performing Arts
Music
What I do: Luthier Wisconsin State Journal “Name: Lane Venden - Occupation: Luthier and owner of Lane's Lutherie &
Violins, 4269 W. Beltline - Web site:
www.laneslutherie.com I
have more than 20 years of experience as a luthier. I received accreditation
through the luthier program at Red Wing Technical College in Red Wing, Minn., in
1987. The classes included training on hand and power tools, ebony work, violin
varnish, bow repairs and bow re-hairing, violin repair, bridges and sound posts.
I've played music all of my life. I'm from Dodgeville and my parents brought me
to Madison for music lessons. My instructor told me about the Red Wing college
and I decided that being a luthier was what I wanted to be.”
Theater
Broom Street actor has heart attack on stage Wisconsin State Journal “Dramatic surprises are nothing new at Broom Street Theater, known for
experimental shows and often raw, original productions. Yet on Friday no one was
expecting the night to be upended the way it was — when Broom Street artistic
director Callen Harty suffered a heart attack while appearing in the play
Dancing With My Other. The play, in its premiere, was written by the late
Kathie Rasmussen, a friend of Harty's and a mainstay on the Madison theater
scene, who died last year of heart failure. Minutes after curtain call, Harty
was rushed by ambulance to UW Hospital, where he spent two days in intensive
care. He is now doing well and may be discharged Wednesday, Lauri Harty, his
niece, said Monday.”
Other
Arts, Humanities Medals Awarded - Bush Awardees Include Stan Lee, Olivia de
Havilland Washington Post “Stan Lee, who helped create hundreds of comic book superheroes, including
'Spider-Man,' and Olivia de Havilland, 92, who was nominated for an Academy
Award in 1939 for her portrayal of Melanie Hamilton in Gone With the Wind,
were among the recipients of the National Medal of Arts and the National
Humanities Medal at the White House yesterday. 'I wonder what took so long,'
said Lee, 85, in an interview Sunday. 'Say "He said it with a laugh" or I'll
shoot you.' The award to artists and arts patrons is billed as the highest
bestowed by the U.S. government. The humanities medal is considered the most
prestigious in its field. President Bush presented the awards.”
Building a New WPA - Great architects need a great canvas. New York needs
infrastructure. And a lot of people need jobs. A proposal. New York Magazine “Over the past eight years—the time it has taken America to absorb the body
blows of 9/11 and Katrina, launch two wars, watch its savings shrivel and its
debt balloon, and elect its first black president—a team of experts has been
studying the question of whether to fix the rickety old Tappan Zee Bridge or
throw it out and buy a new one. The panel has finally plumped for the second
option: a $16 billion juggernaut, with room for express buses and commuter rail.
Hallelujah! Now all we have to do is rustle up the money, assume the budget will
double, and wait another decade or two. That, and demand a design worthy of a
Hudson crossing. The study group’s report doesn’t touch on that topic, as if
actually designing a bridge were a finishing touch, something you do after the
technical issues have been taken care of. Yet the need for a new bridge is a
chance to build a marvel. Which is why it’s time to call an artist—say, Santiago
Calatrava.”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
Museum plans children's decorating event Beaver Dam Daily Citizen November 22 “The
DodgeCountyHistoricalSocietyMuseum invites children of all ages
to come to a tree decorating party from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov.
22,
at105 Park Ave. in Beaver Dam. This year
there will be large trees on both the main floor and the upper level. The
materials for making the decorations will be furnished as will refreshments
throughout the afternoon. Young children should be accompanied by an adult.”
Arts Education
Play puts talents, troubles onstage Badger Herald November 20 “Sex, drugs, money, hedonism and nihilism vie for the souls of three
20-somethings onstage when the Undergraduate Theatre Association opens its
production of This Is Our Youth on Thursday. Directed by University of
Wisconsin junior Charlie Bauer, the show hopes to explore the universal
hilarities and dangers of college-age life while displaying the depth of
undergraduate talent at the university.”
‘Alice’ hits home with student cast Powerful message on dangers of drug abuse
presented by West Bend High Schools GM Today November 21 – 22 WEST BEND – “Emily Gardipee wanted a more serious role, and a student
production committee wanted a serious play. She got one that will change her
forever, and it chose one that has shaken some to tears. Forget Disney and lose
that warm, fuzzy feeling school plays leave with audiences. Go Ask Alice
doesn’t have a happily ever after ending. This play chronicles a teen’s drug
abuse and its effect on family and friends in 1968.”
Langeteig will lead Holly Jolly Light Parade Baraboo News Republic November 22 “Downtown Baraboo, Inc. has announced the grand marshall for this year's WRPQ
740-TV43 Holly Jolly Light Parade is Alan Langeteig from Amcore Bank. 'Alan has
been the driving force behind Amcore's involvement in many DBI activities for
many years,' said Cindy Doescher, event promoter. 'Although he is a very humble
man who doesn't like to be in the spotlight, we felt it appropriate to honor
his dedication in a special way.' Amcore Bank has been the title sponsor for Faire
on the Square for five years and has been involved in supporting or
participating in the Holly Jolly parade since its inception.”
Media Arts
Logan associate principal in movie La Crosse Tribune November 19 & 20 “Logan High School Associate Principal Doug Leclair has a starring role in a
new feature-length independent film. In 7 Minutes, Leclair plays a collegiate
coach who must guide his team and program through the challenges of surviving
Title 9 cuts and fighting against itself. The film’s regional premiere will be
at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in Logan’s Weess Theater. Admission is $3. To
reserve a seat, call (608) 789-7710. For more about the film, which should be
considered PG-13, go to
www.7minutes-movie.com.”
Performing Arts
Dance
Luna Negra Dance Theater The Isthmus Performance November 20
Community outreach - November 18-20 “Devoted to the creation and presentation of contemporary dance by Latino
choreographers, Luna Negra Dance Theater is a Chicago-based company that
represents an amazing blend of contrasts, serious and funny, passionate and
serene, adventurous and subtle. The company's distinctive style blends ballet
and modern dance techniques, strongly flavored by Latino and Afro-Caribbean
dance forms. They will be performing in the Capitol Theater at Overture Center
for the Arts, 201 State Street, Madison, on Thursday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m.
The company will be participating in a number of community events during the
week that they are in the area. Community and Outreach Events with Luna Negra:”
UW Dance Fall Faculty Concert The Isthmus November 20-22 “Dance is inherently a collaborative art form. Choreographers collaborate
with dancers and artists -- composers, musicians, designers of lighting,
costumes, sets, and others -- to create movement in time and space. The
University of Wisconsin-Madison Dance Program is pleased to present a series of
outstanding collaborative dance works in this year's Fall Faculty Concert on
November 20-22 at 8:00 p.m. at the Margaret H'Doubler Performance Space in Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Avenue. Works by new
assistant professors Chris Walker and Kate Corby as well as excerpts of a new
work by guest artist Chris Elam, artistic director of Misnomer Dance Theater in
New York, will be showcased. New choreography by faculty dance artists Li Chiao-Ping,
Jin-Wen Yu and Marlene Skog will also be featured.”
Theater
'Murderers' is short on title, long on wit Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Through December 14 “A critic rarely passes judgment on a play's title, but I'm here to tell you
that dramatist Jeffrey Hatcher did himself and his cunning comedy no favors by
naming it Murderers. The show is so clever and satisfying, it deserves a more
descriptive moniker. 'Delightful Murders.' 'Delicious Murders.' Or how about
'They Had It Coming'?”
Madison Theatre Guild's "Over the River and Through the Woods" The Isthmus November 20-22; 28-29 “Comedy about a single man's grandparents' scheme to keep him from accepting a
new job, 7:30 pm on 11/20-22 & 28-29 and 3 pm, 11/23 & 29, Evjue Stage, Bartell
Theatre. $15; bring non-perishable food donations for Second Harvest Foodbank.
238-9322 Get ready to laugh out loud at this hilarious tale. Nick, a single
Italian-American from New Jersey dines with both sets of grandparents every
Sunday. Now he has to break the news that he has been offered his long-awaited
dream job. It comes with a price, however...and his grandparents, in their own
inimitable way, scheme to prevent him from accepting it. You will love this
heart-warming comic alternative for the holiday season!”
VIDEO OF THE DAY
Absolut Machines - Absolut
Quartet
“Visit
http://absolutmachines.com to interact with the machine. Hours: 9am-11pm EST. As
seen in the beginning of the video, the visitor to the site enters a melody on
their computer keyboard. The machine then uses this melody to generate an
original and unique 2 1/2 minute piece of music. The web visitor also recieves a
link to a webcam video of their piece being played.”
Wednesday, 11/19
IN THE NEWS
Arts Education
Grant for researching free
college tuition moving forward Racine Journal Times “RACINE —
A study to learn about the feasibility of the proposed free college tuition
program, the Racine Promise, is one step closer to reality. The City Council
authorized the city grant administrator on Tuesday to apply for a $8,000 We
Energies grant to study the cost, interest and feasibility of such a program.
The proposed program, which is far from finalized, could provide free college
tuition for nearly all Racine high school graduates. Details still need to be
worked out about how exactly the program would operate. Aldermen Aron Wisneski
and Greg Helding have both been working on the program and Wisneski said he
believes it would bring new residents to the city.”
School board alters high school
courses Wisconsin Dells Events “The Wisconsin Dells School
Board unanimously approved plans to alter English courses for high school
freshmen as well as offer biology to those freshmen students who score well on
standardized tests and earn good grades in science at the middle school. The
district is also diversifying its courses next year by offering the course,
exotic small animal science, by popular student demand, and an advanced
biotechnology course which could count for credit at Madison Area Technical
College. The changes to current courses and new course additions were approved
by the full school board Monday after they were recommended for approval by the
district's policy committee last week. As freshmen, students will be able to
take either physical science, biology or integrated science. Integrated science
was renamed; previously it was referred to as applied biology and chemistry and
is essentially the same class. It won't be offered through the agriculture
science department anymore, however.”
Sixth annual photo contest UW Whitewater – Royal Purple “Students, faculty and staff
proudly portrayed their best work at the sixth annual photo contest in the
Fiskum Art Gallery last Wednesday. A large range of subjects were used by the
entrees, including nature, black and white, travel, animals, people and even
digital enhancement. Guests were allowed to tour the exhibit and vote for their
favorites, out of the 290 submitted photos.”
Professor, student-made computer
game makes national impact UW Whitewater – Royal Purple “With the rise of interest in
video and computer games, one UW-Whitewater professor and her students have
created a computer game that was chosen to participate in the Serious Game and
Showcase Challenge Nov. 26-29 in Orlando, Fla. The challenge is sponsored by
the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference, and
people can submit military, academia and industry games to the challenge. Three
semesters ago, Assistant Professor of Multimedia Digital Arts & Communication
Elena Bertozzi and her students were approached by a former university biology
professor to create a game that would help high school and college students
learn about the different types of frogs native to Wisconsin.”
Men's chorus makes campus debut UW Whitewater – Royal Purple “When most people think of choir
groups, often time women's choral comes to mind. Rarely do people visualize
men's chorus, but a group of men on campus are hoping to change that
misconception. Last Sunday, a new chorus group on campus took center stage in
the Light Recital Hall. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Men's Chorus had
its debut concert; performing along with the Women's Chorale and Concert Choir.
The chorus sang 5 pieces, which included 'Sing dem Herrn' by Michael Praetorius,
'The Last Words of David' by Randall Thompson, 'Shenandoah' arranged by Kent
Newbury, 'Bring Him Home' by Claude-Michel Schonberg, and 'Please, Mr. Columbus'
arranged by Jack Baird. The concert began with the men singing from the back of
the room, and then proceeding to march to the stage. The songs that were
performed ranged in genre from a march to slower pieces. The Men's Chorus ended
their performance with a bang by performing a barbershop song, which was done
with a bit of acting.”
Aesthetically pleasing downtown
benefits all The Daily Cardinal “Money invested well worth the
cost of transforming UW-Madison. It was a cold fall afternoon in 2004 when I
happened to overhear the conversation of two alumni who sat down next to me in
the Main Lounge of the Memorial Union. The husband and wife had flown in from
Boston to visit the university they attended during the early 1950s. 'I hardly
recognize it,' the old man commented to his wife. Thirty years, six presidents,
and multiple renovations had passed since their last visit to Madison. 'Even the
Union has changed,' the husband continued, as he cast a glance in the direction
of his old studying spot. 'I used to study right there in that corner. I don’t
remember the place ever looking so nice.' Although my time here at the
university has totaled less than five years, the sentiments expressed by the
aging couple are becoming more relevant sooner to me than I would have
expected.”
Community Arts
Girl's Attitude Trumps Battle With Rare Muscular Disorder WISC-TV Madison MADISON, Wis. – “An area girl's
belief in herself is a source of strength in her battle with a rare muscular
disorder. Annie Heathcote, 10, of Mazomanie, is living with spinal muscular
atrophy. She was born with the disease, in which the communication between brain
and muscles doesn't work. According to the National Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Family Support Group, one in 6,000 babies are born with SMA. There are four
types of the disease, with the most severe diagnosed when the child is less than
6 months old. In Annie's case, her parents knew there was something wrong. She
never tried to crawl as a baby, and she can't stand or walk. But her family said
it is Annie's abilities that make her an inspiration. Annie uses her creative
thinking to easily keep pace with her brothers and sisters.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
Moe: Edgewood prof reveals enquiring mind Wisconsin State Journal “A couple of weeks ago, as he
began a reading of his new book, Jack Vitek asked the assembled group: 'Who here
has heard of Generoso Pope?' The reading was at Edgewood College, where Vitek
teaches English with a journalism concentration. Nobody in the audience had
heard of Pope. That did not surprise Vitek. It's one of the reasons he felt it
was important to write the new book, which is titled, The Godfather of Tabloid: Generoso Pope Jr. and the National Enquirer.
'He has had,' Vitek was saying
Tuesday, 'an influence on all our lives.'"
Dells souvenirs change, but
collectors now save them Wisconsin Dells Events “For the more than 100 years
tourists have been visiting the Dells, they have been buying souvenirs, and a
few Dells area residents have quite a collection of the antique ones. Bob
Steinweg's parents started the Uptown Trading Post in 1939 and he continues that
business along with Gifts of the World in Lake Delton since then. 'A lot of
people have been in the souvenir business in the Dells.' When his parents bought
the building from Art Kane for about $11,000, it had previously been a brewery
and a tavern. At that time the store was next door to the Arntz Cafe, which
Steinweg said was one of the best restaurants in town and people would line up
to get in the cafe. That helped his parents' business, he said.”
Literary
‘Do not disturb’ is the norm in America, not worldwide - Frances shares her
perspective on the place of reading in different cultures from abroad. Daily Cardinal “Most readers would probably
agree that reading is a solitary activity. It makes sense: after all, one
generally can’t get down at a book reading the same way one can at a concert,
and since books are so heavily dependent on individual interpretation, it’s
difficult to rally a lot of camaraderie around them like at movie premieres
('Harry Potter' excepted). In some ways, it’s something I really appreciate
about reading: the peaceful silence of the room, the escapism of it. I’m not as
pressured to stay current on literature the same way I am about music or movies,
since most people don’t talk about books the same way they do about television,
bands, even YouTube. When someone asks if you’ve read any good books lately,
it’s probably to break the silence, not a sincere question.”
Media Arts
Video analysis helps speed
injured athletes' rehabilitation Eau Claire Leader-Telegram “Dr. Leland Mayer drove his
shoulder into his chest after he flew over the handlebars during a bicycle ride
after church June 29. Mayer of Eau Claire broke his collarbone, his scapula
(shoulder blade) and some ribs, resulting in time off from his job as an
orthopedic surgeon at Luther Midelfort and time off the golf course. Last month,
Mayer underwent video analysis as part of his rehabilitation. During the
analysis, cameras captured his movements from two angles simultaneously as he
swung a golf club in the new physical therapy space in the new addition to
Midelfort Clinic-Luther Campus.”
Performing Arts
Music
Edo's Opus GM Today “Both musicians and patrons
alike know that attracting Dutch conductor Edo de Waart to the Milwaukee
Symphony Orchestra was a coup. De Waart, who will take over for Andreas Delfs
beginning in the 2009-10 season, is a world-renowned conductor, with a long list
of credentials. He currently serves as the chief conductor for the Hong Kong
Philharmonic and the Santa Fe Opera. 'There are only a few people on the planet
who can do what he does,' acknowledges Andy Raciti, assistant principal bass who
worked with de Waart at the Sydney Symphony earlier in their careers. Raciti
says de Waart’s conducting creates a magical presence. 'When an orchestra is
hitting on all cylinders … time expands and slows down,' Raciti says. 'You hear
every little thing. That’s what makes it so powerful.'"
Other
O’Keeffe program receives national award Milwaukee Business Weekly New Mexico - “A leadership
program for youth developed by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum has won the Coming up
Taller Award from the White House. The award recognized the museum for its Art
and Leadership Program, which was created in 1998 to nurture leadership skills
in artistically inclined local children from low-income families. Young people
attend the tuition-free program for two weeks in the summer and participate in
theater games, role-playing exercises, drawing and portraiture. Leadership
exercises are woven into all of the activities and help promote each student’s
ability to set goals, make sound decisions and articulate needs.”
Trek introduces chainless
bicycles GM Today RICHMOND, Va. – “Pedalers of the
world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains. If you've ever been
riding down the street and had your pants cuff ripped asunder, there may be a
revolution at hand. Trek Bicycle is part of a movement to bury the
finger-pinching, pants-munching, rust-prone sprocket and chain, and usher in an
era of belt-driven bikes that might have the inventors of the self-propelled
transportation Schwinning in their graves. Wisconsin-based Trek is introducing
two models this holiday season that are chainless, instead using technology most
often found in things like motorcycles and snowmobiles. While some smaller
custom bike makers have used them before, Trek is the first to use the
technology for mass-produced bicycles.”
THE MUSE: More than just words on a page - Students publish creative works in
campus magazine UW Whitewater – Royal Purple
December 31 “The Muse, a free literacy and
arts magazine, has been around more than 20 years, yet the wide majority of
students may not be familiar with it. Senior Will Thomas is one of the few who
has. 'Around freshman year, I remember picking one up around campus because all
the colored images caught my attention, and I looked into it,' Thomas said.
Thomas, a studio art major with an emphasis on painting, will submit his art
work for the first time and one short story.”
Performing Arts
Music
Classical & Jazz: Percussion ensemble combines genres UW Whitewater – Royal Purple December 6 “Students worked in unity at the
Percusion Ensemble last Thursday. The group is directed by Tobie Wilkinson. As
Wisconsin School Music Associate State Convention participates, the 14 students
in the Percussion Ensemble are a self-motivated group. Their performance last
Thursday proved their dedication. While they only have set practice twice a
week, many of the students get together to have extra practice. '[The Percussion
Ensemble] learns to work hard,' Tobie L. Wilkinson, director of percussion
studies, said. 'They aren't done with classes after two hours; they rehearse for
12 hours a day.' '[The Percussion Ensemble] has been working on this program for
three months,' Wilkinson said. 'At first I wasn't sold on the program, but now
I'm convinced, because I have learned that the students do this because they
love it.'"
Presenting
Reading the headlines — two
months early - Magician will unveil newspaper predictions
Racine Journal Times
November 22 “On Sept. 29, Bill Blagg III
turned on his tape recorder and recorded what he predicts will be the headlines
for this Saturday’s Journal Times and Kenosha News. The magician and
illusionist, who lives in Pleasant Prairie, then packed up the cassette tape
containing his predictions and immediately shipped it, via Federal Express, to
the Special Events office at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The box has
remained sealed — with original labeling and tracking information intact — since
its arrival at the university, according to Dwight Vaught, special events
coordinator at UW-Parkside. The sealed box has been displayed publicly on
campus, Vaught said, but its contents are known to no one but Blagg. That will
all change on Saturday night when the magician’s tape will be played as part of
his full-scale, touring illusion show which will take place at 6 p.m. at
Parkside’s Communication Arts Theatre as part of the university’s Arts Alive!
series. A member of the audience will remove the tamper tape, open the box and
play the cassette, and that moment will be the first time anyone other than
Blagg will know his predictions, Vaught said. If he is wrong, Blagg promises to
give $100 cash to all those who were present at Saturday night’s show before the
opening of the box.”
Theater
Soprano's career traces long path Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
November 20 - 21 “When Robin Follman says that
singing is in her blood, she's not speaking metaphorically. The soprano, in town
for her fourth engagement with the Florentine Opera, outlined some of her
family's long vocal history during an interview before rehearsal last week. Her
father's grandmother was Dorothea Derrfuss, an opera singer whose colorful life
included establishing a German-language radio station in Chicago. 'She was
raised by Bavarian nuns, and they taught her to sing,' Follman said. 'She came
to the U.S. and met a German baron. They married and had twin daughters, but he
deserted her and she had to find a way to make a living. So she sang opera all
over the country.' Her career was precarious; Great-grandmother Derrfuss
eventually had to give up her daughters to an orphanage. Both were talented
amateur singers. 'Ever since, all the women in the family could sing,' Follman
said. 'Not the men, though. The men are awful.' Follman had decided on a singing
career by age 10.”
VIDEO OF THE DAY
California Wildfire 2008-
Driving through flames on the 91
“A group of classical musicians
on their way to a Riverside Philharmonic concert this weekend were on the 91
freeway as the fire literally crossed it. They took this video (it gets crazy at
47 seconds in) and being orchestra geeks, most appropriately gave it the
soundtrack of Shostakovich's Symphony #10 (Mvt 2).”
WAB Wisconsin Arts News is a free service of the Wisconsin Arts Board, the state agency responsible for the support and development of the arts in Wisconsin. These articles are from a variety of
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