A&E

Panel explores enigma of creative process

The question might have evaded the two musicians, two writers and a visual artist had they not been sitting side by side comparing mediums. Instead, the strangers came together to dispel an enigma -- the enigma of the creative process.

Chicago hip-hop finds its stars in the underground scene

CHICAGO -- Before Kanye West and Twista shot to the top of the charts last year, their hometown's hip-hop scene was an unknown underground of artists with huge local followings but no quick route to the national stage.

Chicago playwright brings the 'HEAT'

Community members seeking shelter from the freezing winter chill can hibernate underneath the yellow-orange glow and warmth of stage lights. In celebration of Black History Month, the Bloomington Playwrights Project is performing the play "HEAT," written by Chicago-native Marsha Estell and directed by New York resident Anita Gonzalez, at 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, until Feb. 26 at the BPP, 312 S. Washington St..

Velvet, rich color dominate runways, capture fall 2005

Artist plans to meet American for dinner

NEW YORK -- A phone message to the nation: Please call 510-872-7326, Marc Horowitz wants to meet you for dinner. Go ahead dial it. If he doesn't answer, just leave him a message. That's what thousands of people have done after seeing his number scrawled on a dry-erase board in a Crate & Barrel catalog photo last fall.

Around The Arts

Jim Donovan, who rose to national prominence as a founding member and drummer for the multi-platinum band Rusted Root, will hold a special drumming event from 1 to 5 p.m.

Painters trade marketing skills in real world

Five years ago, Brown County resident Linda Meyer-Wright decided she needed a change. After spending years immersed in the depths of the business world as a social administrator, she needed a break and found her release in painting. After taking a few beginning classes from the John Waldron Arts Center, she said she ventured out on her own to start a new career.

A galaxy of art

In intricately detailed and other-worldly images, photographers are capturing star constellations and far-away galaxies. Labeled astrophotography, this craft seeks to study and create art while photographing the night sky.

Alexis Carter concert benefits Community Kitchen

Singer-songwriter Alexis Joi Carter is ready. She's always been ready. It was God, she said, who told her to slow down. Nearly 200 people congregated Saturday night at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., for "'Joi' to the World: A Personal Serenade to Thee," a benefit concert and CD release. The buzz emanating from the crowd showed -- they were ready, too.

Dancers compete for cash in weekend showcase competition

Senior Sarah Wilkins found herself $1,000 richer Sunday after dancing the afternoon away. Wilkins competed in Bloomington's first Showcase of the Arts Competition in Contemporary Dance this weekend in the dance studio at the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. The competition is part of the Showcase of the Arts series, which will award more than $15,000 to performers this year alone in the areas of visual arts, dance, drama, literature, music and musical theater.

Student designer shows off creations

To the background of birches, Individualized Major Program senior Katherine BonDurant reinvigorated timeless pieces in her fashion show "Winter in Red Square" Feb 5 at the Bloomington Convention Center. By contrasting stiff equestrian styles and fabrics with satin and silk in addition to delicate nuances, BonDurant softened her otherwise traditional line.

A model consumer

Concert to honor Black History Month

Composed of 80 or more members, mostly nonmusic majors, the African American Choral Ensemble has vast performance experience. Opening for performers like The Blind Boys of Alabama and Ray Charles and performing throughout the area, the ensemble is much in demand.

Nicaragua portrayed in photo exhibit

Lillian Casillas welcomes people into La Casa, or "the house" in Spanish, as though it is a home. Every academic year, about 8,000 people step foot into Casillas' "house," but only about 800 Hispanic students attend IU, making it a home not just for students of Hispanic background, but also for people interested in the culture.

Bigger fest compels chocoholics to eat more

A family with children walked out to their car Saturday evening. "We ate all the chocolate in the world, chocolate in the world, chocolate in the world..." they sang as their parents led them across the parking lot and away from the eighth annual Chocolate Fest.

Production reviews Arthur Miller's work

Words written more than 50 years ago take on new meaning as Bloomington High School North Theatre and Advanced Theatre Productions present "An Evening with Arthur Miller."

'Bacchai' receives facelift, new spin

When most people think of a Greek tragedy, they conjure up images of formal white robes. Check those preconceptions at the door, though, as the IU Department of Theatre and Drama presents "Bacchai" at the Wells-Metz Theater, beginning today.

University gives opera 'legs'

Fans of the opera will experience a modern twist on an old format as the IU Opera launches into its spring season. William Bolcom's "A View From the Bridge" comes to the IU Opera Theater this weekend and next, showing at 8 p.m. today and Saturday, with additional performances Feb. 11 and 12.

Chocolate cook-off to benefit charity

Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" isn't due out in theatres until this summer, but Bloomington residents can get a real cocao fix this Saturday at the Bloomington Convention Center.

Rastafarians descend on Ethiopia for concert lashes with Ethiopian culture

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia -- Throughout his life, Bob Marley looked to Ethiopia as the spiritual home of his Rastafarian faith.