A&E

IU Auditorium season brings musicals, comedy for 2005-2006

From comedian David Spade to the popular musical "The Producers" to children's favorite "Clifford the Big Red Dog," the 2005-2006 IU Auditorium's season features a variety of performers and productions. The process of choosing the schedule began last September, when Director Doug Booher and the rest of the Auditorium staff began to find out which shows would be available for the upcoming year. People at the Auditorium compiled these options into a list, which was then sent out to students and non-student ticket buyers, who then voted on which shows they wanted to see, Booher said.

Students showcase their Mariachi skills

Mariachi is a traditional Mexican style of music showcased around the world. At IU, 20 students are preparing to perform a free Mariachi de la Flor End of Term Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Grand Hall. They are part of the Mariachi Performance and Culture class in the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology. By preparing for the concert, the students have gained knowledge of Latin American culture through mariachi music. Mariachi is most closely associated with the Jalisco region in Mexico, but the term also can refer to the musician and the ensemble that plays it.

Albuquerque prepares for 300th birthday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A yearlong celebration featuring art from Spain, dance from Mexico, Indian culture and a reenactment of a cattle drive will take place Albuquerque, N.M., as the city marks its 300th birthday. "There is something for everybody coming up over the next year or so," Mayor Martin Chavez told residents at a news conference where he was flanked by mariachis and costumed volunteers. "You are going to be so proud to be an Albuquerquean."

Filmmakers near finish with no plan of public showing for film

Adam Carroll and David Mickler now control their own graduation. After nearly four months, numerous weather and scheduling obstacles and a house fire that somehow left all five hours of tape unscathed, "Conversations With the Almighty" is almost finished.

George Lucas appears at convention

INDIANAPOLIS -- Fans of "Star Wars" took advantage of a rare opportunity Saturday to listen to the Jedi Master himself, George Lucas, who took center stage at a convention for the first time in about 18 years. "It was phenomenal. The best thing in the world, better than hearing the president speak," said Nicole Ryker, a lifelong fan.

Miss America fights to stay on air

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- How about Miss Arkansas in a cat fight with Miss Texas? Or Miss Alaska plotting with Miss Tennessee to get Miss Maine voted off the runway? Or a swimsuit contest featuring bikini-clad women walking the runway while covered in leeches? For Miss America, such scenarios would've been unthinkable once, when all it took to win was a fetching smile, a modicum of talent and a tight swimsuit.

Gospel singer performs pre-Passover concert

NEW YORK -- When Joshua Nelson sings the gospel music of his black ancestors, he commands attention. It's not just because of his fire-and-brimstone voice, the comparisons with the late Mahalia Jackson or even his discovery by Oprah Winfrey, whom he counts as a friend. It's the places he sometimes performs (synagogues), the word he avoids (Jesus) and his own faith (Jewish).

Digital IDEAS showcased

Digital art has continued to invade human life since its inception. Saturday, this creativity will convene on Bloomington. The Indiana IDEAS Festival offers students the opportunity to showcase their Interactive Digital Environments Arts and Storytelling or IDEAS and win money for it. They will also get to exhibit their work from noon to 4 p.m. in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center and the Wells-Metz Theatre during the event. Gordon Walton, executive producer at Sony Entertainment, will speak at 5 p.m.

Bugs moves from TV to gallery

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. -- What's art, doc? At the James A. Michener Art Museum, that question is answered with a new exhibit featuring more than 160 drawings, cels, paintings and related items from the golden era of Warner Bros. animation that made Bugs Bunny now officially a senior citizen and his fellow Looney Tuners into pop culture icons for generations of Americans.

Student takes celebrated music video to Cannes

One man stands alone against a black backdrop that sets the stage for a message. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he offers up silent prayers as graphic images of war, Sept. 11 and political leaders collide in the background. A female's voice is heard singing, "This world's a shame, it's time for a change. As time goes on, the hate still remains, so who do we blame? People are dying, the blind lead the blind. And all we say is, 'It's a sign of the times.'"

Free flowing with the wind beneath my skirt

IU composer receives Guggenheim Fellowship

IU professor and composer in residence Don Freund has been chosen to receive a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. The more than $35,000 award will allow Freund time to pursue his artistic endeavors.

Around The Arts

The Asian American Association will present the annual Taste of Asia Friday. The event is divided into two parts -- a talent show featuring performances by numerous student and community groups and the tasting of Asian cuisine from various restaurants in Bloomington. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; the program begins at 5:30 p.m.

Music instruction offered to low-income students

CHICAGO -- The narrow hallway of The People's Music School was cluttered with musical instruments, but it didn't slow the children noisily making their way to lessons.

Cannes Film Festival includes Iraqi film

PARIS -- An Iraqi film will compete at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time, vying for the top prize against veteran directors and past winners such as Gus Van Sant. The United States accounts for four of the 20 movies (from 13 countries) selected to compete at the festival running May 11-22, organizers announced Tuesday. The awards will be announced May 21.

Film salvaged from house fire gets cut to needed length

After spending Easter weekend with his family in New Albany, Ind., Adam Carroll returned to Bloomington to find every homeowner's nightmare: His house caught fire. "I should be really upset," Carroll said. "But what does being upset get me?"

Cherry blossoms ring in spring

The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in the heart of D.C., around the title basin of the Potomac River.

'Buffet' gives sculpture students opportunity to showcase work

It took them a while to set up and a while to take it down, but the event itself only lasted a few hours.

New gallery puts works into historical, stylistic context

CHICAGO -- There's nothing new in the new American Art galleries at the Art Institute of Chicago, at least in the sense of something never before seen. All the old favorites are there: Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks," Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Georgia O'Keeffe's "Black Cross, New Mexico," to name just a few of the most familiar.

Collection made public at Kinsey Institute

In the small art gallery in the Kinsey Institute early Friday evening, a crowd of people gathered for the opening reception of the "Identity -- Sexuality -- Gender: Contemporary Art from the Collection of Thomas Robertello" exhibit.