Archive for April, 2008
April 28th, 2008
Putting the Ira Glass-narrated radio documentary “This American Life” on Showtime doesn’t make much sense at first. The lack of images on the long-running NPR show actually enhances the effect by forcing the audience to mentally picture the subject. But some things you just have to see for yourself, and this is where Showtime’s counterpart show – also narrated by Glass – really takes off. From a paraplegic’s daily struggle with a life-threatening disability to an Iraqi transplant manning a booth labeled “Talk to an Iraqi” in the American Midwest, both the topics and conclusions of “This American Life” are candid and heartfelt. The second season airs on Showtime May 4th at 9 PM.
April 28th, 2008
There are some foods we like in spite of ingredients we normally wouldn’t touch and there are some foods we hate even if the ingredients are among our favorite dishes. Unfortunately, the latter is the category the NBC show 30 Rock falls under. Tina Frey, Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan are all great actors with great chemistry. Unfortunately, they just don’t mix, even with energetic interplay. Most of the blame lies on Baldwin, whose clearly powerful acting chops leaves Fey and Morgan clamoring to keep up. Still, 30 Rock has a fresh aroma and enjoyable aftertaste – it’s just everything in between that’s lacking. 30 Rock airs on Thursdays on NBC at 8:30 PM.
April 21st, 2008
While Desperate Housewives might have one of the best-looking casts on television, it also has one of the best opening narrations, which lays out the plot with sing-song clarity. One of ABC’s most memorable staples, the accessibility of Desperate Housewives is undeniable. Revolving around a circle of small town female friends, all of the title characters are exceptionally three dimensional: one minute the titular housewives are engaged in acts of desperation, but many times these very acts lead the characters to reconnect with their spouses, family and each other. Desperate Housewives airs on ABC Sunday at 8:00 P.M.
April 21st, 2008
The latest incarnation of the longest-running sci-fi show stars David Tennant as the Doctor, a nine century old space traveler with two hearts, a sonic screwdriver and space ship shaped like a telephone booth (one which ironically precedes Bill & Ted). Much like Supernatural follows the Winchesters as they drive into a different horror story every week; Dr. Who follows a similar pattern for science fiction. Much of the plots are tinged with classic science fiction themes like alienation, paranoia and subversion, but the stories, like the Doctor himself, are written with light-hearted sense of humor and even wonder. One of the most engrossing and compelling science fiction shows of recent memories, Dr. Who airs on Sci-Fi at 8:00 PM.
April 20th, 2008
If you read Part 1 of, “The State of the Music Scene”, last week and are looking for Part 2 don’t worry…it will be coming shortly. I intend it being a multi part series so I will be spacing them out. This article will be dedicated to open mic nights.
I’ve been participating in open mic nights since I was 16. It is a great opportunity for a young musician to showcase their talents and get used to playing in front of people. That doesn’t mean that only teenagers will enjoy an open mic night, quite the contrary, as the majority of these nights are filled with those 20 and over who either do not have a band or don’t want to do anything special (like playing a show) and just want to play. There are a few places that I know to have great open mic nights. From personal experience I can say that Chubby Rain House of Tunes in Poplar Grove is a great place to go on Wednesday nights. The sound system they have there, in my opinion, is excellent and so far the best I have experienced for open mic. I have heard that Mary’s Place on Madison Ave. in Downtown Rockford has open mic nights but I’d like to hear more about it. I was there for the first time last Friday for a show and had a good time…that’s all I can say about Mary’s Place from my experience. The last one that I’ll bring up here is JDs Sports Bar and Grill. I’ve spoken with them about their plans to help the ‘Local Music Scene’. They’re looking to add an open mic night in the near future and every Saturday night they are wanting to feature live acts that are new and want to get exposure, but only have enough material to play for maybe an hour. Finally, if you’d like to have a more relaxed setting I’d suggest contacting Border’s. Upon approval they give acoustic acts up to 2 hours to showcase your stuff. The point of this is that there are plenty of places in Rockford that support and encourage new artists. Check ‘em out and let me know your thoughts on this. Lastly, due to contractual obligations, Jason Pope.
April 14th, 2008
The spin-off’s of the long-running sci-fi show Dr. Who are a hard act to follow. On one hand, there’s Torchwood – primal, sensual and urban. But then there’s The Sarah Jane Adventures – bright, wondrous and platonic. The producers of the series do an excellent job of tailoring the themes and emotions to their lead characters. While Torchwood followed the anything-goes world of time-traveling ex-con Jack Harkness, The Sarah Jane Adventures is a coming-of-age tales about Maria (Yasmin Page) who forms a bond with the titular Sarah Jane Smith, a companion of Dr. Who decades ago and now an investigative reporter. The characters are warm and engaging, but the plot lacks the diverse originality of either Torchwood or Dr. Who. The Sarah Jane Adventures airs on Sci-Fi at 7:00 PM.
April 14th, 2008
As CSI enters into its eight season, it’s easy to wonder if the series is going the way of its NBC rival – Law And Order – with far too many spin-off’s for its own good. The heavily detailed mystery show still retains the punch which brought rampant popularity. Executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer has his fingers prints all over CSI, bringing his smooth, tell-tale emphasis on atmosphere and action into the crime lab. While the stories are just as gritty and accessible as ever, it’s occasionally tough for viewers to catch the details behind the admittedly rare cast or plot changes, as they aren’t referenced in the dialogue nearly enough, leaving some plot points unanswered for new viewers. CSI airs on Thursday at 8:00 PM on CBS.
April 13th, 2008
This article is called, “The Music Scene”, and as such I should obviously devote time to Rockford’s ‘Music Scene’. I have quite a few friends that are deeply involved in area music whether they are performers, promoters, or establishment owners and I’m lucky enough to get a chance to have great conversations every once in awhile. Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in the area:
1. The music scene in Rockford is alive but may be too hidden:
-I’ll need feedback on whether or not this is true for you the reader. Here’s my take - there are great bands in this town but all of the venues, largely, are located downtown. Be it CJ’s, Mary’s Place, Kryptonite, The Rock Box, etc. all great music tends to be within 2 miles of the river district. This is a problem only because there is no secret that Downtown is struggling, and quite badly I’d say. How many times do you read about proposals to revitalize downtown only to not see them being actualized? A shining example of Downtown’s challenges is the Midway Theatre or The Times. Both are beautiful locations with so much potential that currently lay in disrepair. It’s sad. Even The Paragon, seemingly one of the most successful restaurants in Rockford, has been abandoned.
2. The Good (or Bad) News - Metro Centre is drawing more relevant acts:
I remember when Poison, RATT, and Great White all came to the Metro Centre in the 90’s and only around 1,000 people showed up to see them. Sure, they were bands that were once popular but in the 90’s? No. But kudos to the Metro Centre folks in booking Bret Michaels this time around and capitalizing on the fame and popularity of VH1’s “Rock of Love”.
3. There is a good variety of music for all ages:
Want to see some good 21+ music? You’re sure to find some at Kryptonite or Big Al’s Lounge. Are you in High School or younger? There is a booming (though somewhat underground) all ages music scene - just visit The ELB or The Rock Box on a Friday night and see for yourself.
I realize that this article is somewhat brief but I really need to hear about what you think about the Rockford ‘Music Scene’. Part 2 of “The State of the Music Scene”, will be right here next week.
April 7th, 2008
I can’t over state just how big of a deal this Friday’s show at Mary’s Place is! It’s less of a show and more of an event because there is more going on than just music. Darkhouse Productions is hosting the event and will be giving away two $100 recording packages amongst many other things! As I tend to do I’m going to let Andrew Carlson, the producer and main person behind Darkhouse, explain it in his words. I have to do this because no one can better explain and articulate the excitement behind what’s going on here.
“It’s finally time…Darkhouse is throwing it’s OFFICIAL Grand Opening Party @ Mary’s Place Friday April 11th @ 8pm!!! We have three great bands joining us in the celebration: Matter Of Fact, First Round Failure & Kirkland. Plus: Special Appearances From Jonathan Bradley & The Rockford Rage Women’s Roller Derby. We’ll be giving away door prizes ALL night! Shirts, CDs, Posters, Rockford Rage Merch…AND Two $100 Recording Packages!!! We hope you’ll all join us in celebrating our Grand Opening and enjoy some great music & great prizes…it’s definitely going to be a great event!!! If you have any questions feel free to drop me a line here on MySpace and I’ll give you the latest info!!!” - Andrew Carlson
I do hope to see you all out there! It’s $5 at the door and we’re expecting no less than 200 people! Please be one of them! Check out Darkhouse at www.myspace.com/darkhouseonline
April 7th, 2008
A far cry from its camp classic cousin, the re-imagined “Battlestar Galactica” plays more like “Band of Brothers” in outer space: riveting, intense and even poignant. The crux of the show lies in the war between humans and Cylons, a race of robots who can be completely indistinguishable from humans. Four characters are revealed to be Cylon sleeper agents and struggle against their programming. Meanwhile, Katee Sackhoff (one of the best parts of the now-canceled Bionic Woman) returns as Starbuck, a mysterious resurrected fighter pilot who grows more physically and psychologically agitated the further she gets from Earth. Despite its space opera roots, Battlestar Galactica is one show everyone should give a chance. It airs on Sci-Fi Channel Fridays at 9:00 PM.
Previous Posts
