A&E

Shock rocker to play Indy Halloween festival

The fears of today and scares of years past will come together today as classic shock-rocker Alice Cooper performs a pavilion-only show at the Verizon Wireless Music Center. Cooper's performance is one highlight of Hardee's Stage Fright, an interactive carnival of horror, music and other Halloween events designed to chill visitors during the month of October.

James Dean fans commemorate legend's life, career and death

FAIRMONT, IND. -- Every year on Sept. 30, thousands of people are drawn to a small town in northeast Indiana. They come from all over the globe for one reason, for one person who isn't even there anymore: James Dean. Fairmount, the town where Dean grew up, has become the annual magnet for people who want to celebrate his life and his image. They participate in parades and look-alike contests, place flowers on his grave and have been known to even steal his headstone.

Ballet students dedicate their lives, schedules to art

As the alarm clock blasts a warning during the wee hours of the morning, any college student might be tempted to repeatedly hit "snooze." Getting up for a 10 a.m. class can be a huge struggle, not to mention the effort it would take to even think about rolling out of bed for an 8 a.m. lecture. Now imagine that struggle to get moving in the morning after dancing for more than eight hours the previous day.

Annual Fall Ballet showcases talent of music, dance

Aesthetic and aural beauty combine Friday and Saturday during the annual Fall Ballet. Presented by the IU Ballet Theater, these performances will encompass a wide variety of dance styles, exhibit choreography by four members of the Ballet Department faculty and feature a new composition by music professor Don Freund. Jacques Cesbron, ballet professor and choreographer for the "Earthdance Concerto," initiated the first Fall Ballet 14 years ago.

'Rent' returns to campus by popular demand

After less than two years, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical "Rent," will return to the IU Auditorium tonight. Back by popular demand from local theatergoers, "Rent" is the powerful and moving tale of a year in the life of bohemian New York. A smash hit all over the country, "Rent" came to Bloomington in Dec. 1999, and was one of the most popular choices on a list of 68 possible events presented to auditorium members who were polled earlier this year, according to Auditorium General Manager Bryan Rives.

'The West Wing' to address attacks

LOS ANGELES -- The third season of "The West Wing" will begin Wednesday with an unusual scene for unusual times: Martin Sheen and fellow cast members directly addressing viewers.

Blues Festival enjoys success

Bean Blossom, Ind., is known for the annual bluegrass festival that takes place at the Bill Monroe Campground and Music Park. But John Hall hopes his fledgling creation, the Bean Blossom Blues Fest, will become synonymous with the tiny town as well. He said the popularity of the 34-year-old bluegrass festival has given the relatively young blues event a boost.

Farm Aid returns to Indiana after 11 years

One of Indiana's most famous residents is inviting some of his friends over for a party. Bloomington native John Mellencamp brings one of his biggest achievements, the multi-act fund raising concert Farm Aid, back to Indianapolis for the second time this weekend. Mellencamp founded the concert alongside veteran rockers Willie Nelson and Neil Young to raise money for struggling farmers across the country.

Alma Azul says goodbye to lead singer in tribute concert

Alma Azul will say goodbye to their lead singer Saturday, but they won't let her leave without one last good time. The Latin rock band is scheduled to play their last show with lead singer Melisa Benavente at Second Story Nightclub, 201 S. College Ave., a favorite venue of the band where they always produce an exciting performance. "Alma Azul has been such a big part of my college career," said Benavente, who became tearful when speaking of cherished times with the band and how she will miss the group of musicians that mean so much to her. "It's been a phenomenon. Words cannot express the passion and excitement. I have been so blessed." she said.

Electric Bus brings music's roots to students

A piece of rock rolled onto campus Monday. The Electric Bus, a mobile music museum, pulled into Memorial Stadium's Orange Lot No. 4. The 18-wheeler unfolds into a 10,000 square foot exhibit featuring a variety of music history, artifacts, video clips and interviews, as well as instruments and recording equipment for students to experiment with.

Crows cut eight tour dates

Management for Counting Crows said Monday a scheduling conflict stemming from recording dates and the recent international crisis contributed to the band's cancellation of a scheduled Oct. 30 performance at the IU Auditorium. The concert was sponsored by the Indiana Memorial Union Board, who announced the cancellation Friday afternoon, shortly after the public ticket sale began at 10 a.m.

Culture, rhythm, fitness merge for belly dancers

They sway their hips, bob their heads and move their wrists in circles, as if immersed in a soothing trance before they begin. Dressed in baggy Turkish-style pants, many made by their own hands, and adorned with flashy jewelry, Banat Mara, the daughters of Mara, are enrolled in the belly dancing class offered through Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Internet slow after terrorist attacks

NEW YORK -- Internet traffic slowed and major news Web sites were jammed Tuesday as people craving details on the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks flooded online.

Chaotic scene unfolds before viewers

NEW YORK -- A chaotic scene of devastation unfolded on national television Tuesday with cameras catching a plane crashing into the World Trade Center and the subsequent collapse of both of the towers.

Jazz from Bloomington concert, other area events posponed

The performance by the Joshua Redman Quartet, scheduled for last night at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., was cancelled yesterday.

Annual 'Night at the Opera' supports Middle Way House

Hundreds of Bloomington residents and students will gather Sunday for Middle Way House's 13th Annual "Night at the Opera." This fundraising event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Middle Way House, 404 W. Kirkwood Ave., which helps and empowers victims of domestic violence and abuse. "Night at the Opera" will feature student vocalists from the IU School of Music. Lyric-coloratura soprano Lisa Williamson serves as Musical Coordinator for this event -- Williamson, while still a student in the IU Music School, has performed throughout the country and most recently made her debut at Carnegie Hall. The students will begin their performance at 6:15 p.m. in the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave..

2 trade papers mired in controversy

Lions Gate willing to take risks

Jazz Fables celebrates 12th anniversary of Bear's shows

'South Pacific' comes to IU

A new national tour of the award-winning musical "South Pacific" will launch at the IU Auditorium next month. The play will be in town for two nights only, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21 and 22. Tickets are on sale now at the IU Auditorium Box Office and at all Ticketmaster locations. "South Pacific" is not part of the Auditorium's regular fall schedule -- the tour is renting the Auditorium for the week of Sept.16. During the week, the Auditorium will be used for final rehearsals, leading up to the debut performance.