November 07, 2009
Shea Conner - Entertainment Reporter
Out of the ordinary
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
Turn your radio to 98.9 and you’ll hear a lot of hard rock bands singing about their ladies, whether they are addicted to them, love their girl’s assets or are simply celebrating the crazy ones.
Chicago hard-rock trio Chevelle has shared a lot of radio time with those bands since unleashing hits like “The Red” and “Send the Pain Below” in 2002 and 2003. And lead singer/guitarist Pete Loeffler has grown tired of being caught up in the Nickelbacks, Buckcherrys and Saving Abels of the world, the bands who release generic crossover hits that can be sandwiched between Britney Spears and Coldplay on Top 40 countdowns.
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
Even when Alex Ortiz was a firefighter in East Chicago and a nurse for the Illinois Masonic Medical Center, stand-up comedy was always in the back of his mind.
A sophisticated shopping experienceThursday, Nov. 5, 2009
Many will start their holiday shopping at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. They will fight huge crowds and long lines on little or no sleep while seeking out the best deals possible.
But some will start their shopping one week from today at the Sugarplum Festival at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, where they can enjoy wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music and the refined atmosphere of the museum.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
Entertainment briefs for Nov. 6, 2009
Sweet app!
Monday, Nov. 2, 2009
There are more than 100,000 iPhone applications in existence. Some provide users with valuable media and information. Others plaster fake mullets on photos of friends. Here are a few you just might want to check out.
Oh, the horror
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
In the ‘70s, “The Exorcist,” “Halloween” and “Jaws” frightened theater-goers to the point of physical shaking. In the ‘80s, iconic teen killers Freddy Kreuger and Jason Voorhees became Hollywood’s horror heroes. The ‘90s are largely remembered for the psychological scares of “The Sixth Sense,” “The Silence of the Lambs” and “The Blair Witch Project.”
Unfortunately, many will remember the ‘00s for the onslaught of dumbed-down torture porn films like “Hostel,” “Turistas” and “Captivity.” Or cookie-cutter slasher flicks like “Sorority Row” and “Prom Night.” Or mediocre remakes and revivals like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “When a Stranger Calls” and “The Wicker Man.”
Do you remember 2001’s “Jason X”? Jason was in outer freaking space!
Ugh.
Truthfully, only one or two horror films a year are ever really noteworthy. This article will sift through the junk and find the few gems this decade had to offer.
Hitting home
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
It’s hard to imagine that anyone who lives in St. Joseph today can relate to Russian villagers of the 19th century, but Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” indicates otherwise.
The play addresses concerns about the impact of industrialism on the environment. And like many today, the play’s main characters are losing their jobs after years.
“It’s amazing how relevant this play is for being written 100 years ago,” says Christopher “Bogey” Blodgett, a Missouri Western State College senior who will play Uncle Vanya in the college’s upcoming production of “Uncle Vanya.”
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
Entertainment briefs for Oct. 30
Clean it upWednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
With today’s technology, buying a vacuum can actually be pretty cool
Music for the mosh pit
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
While Mastodon and several other groups are turning their focus to multi-layered metal epics, Killswitch Engage is still making music to mosh to.
There will be pit action aplenty when the Massachusetts five-piece makes its second stop in Kansas City this year as headliner of the Freaker’s Ball at the Midland on Oct. 24.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
Entertainment briefs for Oct. 23, 2009
Atchison in the clouds over 'Amelia' movie
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
There’s something in the air in Atchison. It’s not a bird or a plane — it’s excitement.
Atchison native and famed pilot Amelia Earhart is the focus of “Amelia,” a Fox Searchlight movie starring Hilary Swank, Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor that will make its theatrical debut Friday at Atchison’s Royal Theatre.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
Halloween is truly a holiday for all ages. While kids collect Tootsie Rolls, lollipops and mini Snickers bars, the adults can indulge in a horror flick. And almost everyone has a cool costume they’d like to show off (except maybe Charlie Brown).
Many of the activities in St. Joseph and surrounding areas embody the same spirit. Some are for kids and some are for adults. Either way, there’s something for everyone.
Kick out the jams
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
Reader, beware! You’re about to see the word “Kick” more times than if you were reading a Chuck Norris biography.
At 4 p.m. Oct. 24, Kansas City pop group Kick Kick will headline the Kick Hunger benefit concert at Krug Park. The event will include three opening acts: Metis, It’s All About the Benjamins and Bear in the Ball Pit.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009
Between swimming, football, chores, homework and eight-hour weekday shifts at local eateries, it’s hard for some students to find the time to get together with the band and rehearse.
Reymundo makes more appearances this weekendFriday, Oct. 16, 2009
In the wake of filming his Showtime/Comedy Central special, comedian Alex Reymundo will make appearances at the following venues:
From the heart
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009
Alex Reymundo is a big-time comedian. He has starred in “The Original Latin Kings of Comedy,” one of Showtime’s highest-rated programs of all-time, alongside legends like George Lopez, Cheech Marin and Paul Rodriguez. And that’s not to mention his hour-long comedy special “Hick-Spanic” aired on both Showtime and Comedy Central.
Needless to say, it would be easy for him to play the celebrity card.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009
There are several reasons local rapper Geezel should be respected.
Everyone's invited
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009
St. Joseph offers a variety of places to enjoy live music, but those who are 16, 18 or 20 usually can’t get into them.
Autumn concoctions
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009
After another beautiful summer complimented by margaritas and lime beers, fall has arrived.
Boy, has it arrived quickly.
With temperatures in early October dipping into the 20s and 30s, people are packing on the layers and re-thinking the way they drink.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009
Entertainment briefs for Oct. 16, 2009
Dark discoveries
Friday, Oct. 9, 2009
After being labeled for years as emo, screamo and every other rhyming variation of the genre, The Used got tired of it. Like Weezer did with “Pinkerton” and Nirvana did with “In Utero,” The Used desired a unique, gritty new sound. Now, the Utah quartet has come up with a new genre that it feels more comfortable falling under: “Gross pop.”
“What do we want when we go into the studio? We want something kind of gross-sounding, but kind of poppy,” explains drummer Dan Whitesides. “Someone said ‘gross pop.’ And it just stuck.”
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009
It was difficult to tell who was the main headliner at last night's show at the Uptown. Sure, Brand New was the last to take the stage and got the loudest crowd response. But the group was outperformed by Atlanta's Manchester Orchestra. Either way, both bands rocked hard and gave emotional performances.
School of tailgating
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
For years, Kansas City arguably has been known as the best city in America for NFL tailgating. Arrowhead Stadium may be the home of the Chiefs, but the parking lot boasts on-the-site barbecue extraordinaires, loyal-but-friendly fans and conveniently placed port-a-potties.
But you’d be surprised by how good a time college football fans in the area are having every Saturday. In fact, some are having just as much fun before the game as they are at the game.
A taste of the Emerald Isle
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
Considering the Kansas City Irish Fest came and went just five weeks ago, many of you may wonder why visiting the Weston Irish Fest at O’ Malley’s Pub and Courtyard this weekend might be more fun. Corey Weinfurt, co-owner of O’Malley’s Pub and Weston Brewing Company, has an answer.
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009
Entertainment briefs for Oct. 9, 2009
Big time
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
Maybe Jason Aldean didn’t know he had a huge hit on his hands when he recorded “She’s Country,” but the 32-year-old Georgia native knew it had serious crossover potential the first time he heard it.
Love and Theft to open for Aldean
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
Jason Aldean released his most popular album to date, “Wide Open,” earlier this year. Just months later, rising country trio Love and Theft released its debut album, “World Wide Open.” So it only seems fitting that the group and Aldean would tour together this fall.
Review: ‘Zombieland’
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
From the super slow-mo action shots of blood-belching zombies terrorizing stunned humans during the opening credits to a finale that includes Woody Harrelson riding a roller coaster while picking off undead targets with glee, “Zombieland” provides ridiculous laughs, memorable characters, graphic zombie annihilation and even a few clever comic moments.
A new place to laughFriday, Oct. 2, 2009
The only thing missing was quality comedians who would be willing to work consistently in St. Joe. But DeSpain took a few pointers from his friends at Famous Johnny’s Comedy Club in Overland Park, Kan., and now Sammy and Casey’s is part of a comedy circuit.
Every second Saturday of the month, starting Oct. 10, Sammy and Casey’s will be a comedy club.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
Entertainment briefs for Oct. 2, 2009
Bring 'one of the scariest movies of all-time' to St. JoeMonday, Sept. 28, 2009
Most of you have probably never heard of "Paranormal Activity." But this frightening low-budget film is gaining buzz around the country.
An epic re-emergence
Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
For Austin alt-rockers ... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead (we’ll call them Trail of Dead for short), 2009 marked their return to the forefront of indie rock. Not only did the band release the critically praised album, “The Century of Self,” but they played some big shows including the All Points West Festival in Jersey City, N.J. and the South by Southwest Festival in Austin.
Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
Just when everyone was getting used to Myspace, Facebook came along and took the social networking world by storm. And now that most people have Facebook accounts, Twitter is the hot new networking site (of course!).
The good thing is that Twitter accounts may be the easiest to open and customize.
Imagining new worlds
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Anyone who walks into the first-floor gallery space of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building on the Northwest Missouri State University campus in Maryville won’t see any paintings on the wall or sculptures on display. Instead, they’ll see a computer, a projector and a short film being played on a screen.
Entertainment briefs for Sept. 25, 2009Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Entertainment briefs for Sept. 25, 2009
Get lost in the fun
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Most of us have never journeyed through a giant maze before. That type of experience is usually reserved for Harry Potter, while battling for the Tri-Wizard Cup in “The Goblet of Fire,” or Danny Torrance, while running away from his axe-wielding father in “The Shining.”
However, fantasy found a cornfield in northeast St. Joseph.
St. Joe Live 2009 Fall Movie Preview
Monday, Sept. 21, 2009
Now that the summer movie season is officially over, it’s time for dramas, family flicks and Oscar contenders to start invading the theaters. Here is a preview of the mainstream films coming to a theater near you this fall.
One big reunionFriday, Sept. 18, 2009
There’s no doubt that the South Side of St. Joseph displays a great sense of community and family. Perhaps, it shows most at the Southside Fall Festival.
“I like to think of the Southside Fall Festival as one great big family reunion,” says festival chair Sally Pike.
The festival is located at Hyde Park and will be open to the public from noon to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. And the three-day event has a little something for those of all ages.
Where the river flows
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009
The members of RiverSong Chorus have a new slogan: “Real women. Real harmony. Real fun.” And they’re living by it.
Entertainment briefs for Sept. 18, 2009Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009
Entertainment briefs for Sept. 18, 2009
St. Joseph native sheds pounds on TVTuesday, Sept. 15, 2009
When the season premiere of “The Biggest Loser” airs at 7 p.m. tonight on NBC, viewers in St. Joseph might see a familiar face. Former resident Sean Algaier will compete in the reality weight-loss contest in which 16 overweight contestants shed pounds and resist tasty temptations for a chance to win $250,000. Mr. Algaier lived in St. Joseph from 1983 to 1997, when he graduated from Central High School and moved to attend York College of Nebraska. Mr. Algaier, 30, now resides in Tulsa, Okla., where he works as a youth pastor.
Coming and going
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
For Jonathan Tyler, creating blues rock was just a natural progression. Growing up in his church in Dallas, Tyler was constantly around gospel music with blues roots. On the other hand, his father was a huge Southern rock fan.
“I think I was probably in the womb listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd,” Tyler laughs.
Great skate destinations
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
In many ways, skating rinks are like uncles. You probably haven’t visited one in a while, and you’re never quite positive when they’re available.
But when you do meet up, you realize they’re just as much fun as they were 20 years ago. And they’re always up for birthday parties and other family get-togethers.
This is a guide to some of the best skate centers in St. Joseph and surrounding areas. So next time you feel like getting the family off the couch and doing something active, try one of these locations.
Prairies and perceptions
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009
The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art will reveal two new exhibitions from 4 to 7 p.m. today: One from a large group of Midwestern artists and another from a rural Kansas painter.
The Midwest Paint Group’s “Works From Perception” features pieces from 10 different artists mainly from Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Six of the members studied at the Kansas City Art Institute, including Bob Brock, William Foust and Jeremy Long.
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009
Entertainments briefs for Sept. 11, 2009
LED to confusionMonday, Sept. 7, 2009
If you’ve been into the St. Joseph Best Buy store lately, you’ve probably noticed the beautiful TV on display near the entrance. Or you’ve noticed the crowd of salivating viewers in front of it.
That’s the Samsung UN 46B 6000 LED TV.
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009
Many of us probably couldn’t bear to work with our mothers, our spouses or our siblings. But for a few, work is all in the family. In honor of Labor Day, here are a couple, three brothers and a mother and her son who have hit their stride
working together.
You’ll love them (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Friday, Sept. 4, 2009
Any person who believes The Beatles weren’t the most influential band in the world is a fool. Just take a look at 1964: The Tribute, a band that has been called the “best Beatles tribute on Earth” by Rolling Stone magazine. The tribute plays a yearly concert at world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York and has sold out Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. The band had its own special on PBS and has played on the CBS “Early Show.” In fact, 1964: The Tribute is one of the top 200 highest box office-grossing bands in America.
'Snug’ it out
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009
This year will mark the seventh annual KC Irish Fest. Since 2003, the festival has become one of the fastest-growing in the country, and it’s now the third largest Irish festival in the United States. In fact, more than 94,000 people attended the event last year at Crown Center Square in the heart of Kansas City.
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