A&E

Novel examines life after slavery

As diplomats from around the world meet in Durban, South Africa, at the United Nations' World Conference Against Racism to discuss, among other things, reparations for descendants of slaves and debt cancellation for African countries, it would behoove them to read David Anthony Durham's new novel. "Gabriel's Story" is a page-turner about a black family's search for a new life -- and a livelihood -- after the Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery on Independence Day, 1865.

Berry, Washington, Poitier mark historic Oscar night for black actors

LOS ANGELES -- On a night when Sidney Poitier described how different Hollywood was 53 years ago, the Academy Awards showcased how different as Halle Berry and Denzel Washington joined Poitier as the only black actors to win Oscars for lead roles. Berry won Sunday for her part as a death-row widow in "Monster's Ball," and Washington won for "Training Day," in which he dropped his nice-guy persona to play a flamboyantly corrupt cop.

'One for the Pot'

The Brown County Playhouse's most recent production hits the stage today, continuing every weekend through the rest of August. "One for the Pot," written by British playwrights Ray Cooney and Tony Hilton, is a "riotous farce" set in 1950s England. Jonathan Hardcastle (played by George R. Bookwalter) decides to give £10,000 to the son of his late business partner, provided he's the only living relative. With so much money on the line, a colorful cast of characters show up to try to get their hands in the pot. Director Bruce Burgun said in a press release that farce is difficult to pull off on stage because of "the chaos in which (it) thrives." "Chaos per se is not funny," he said. "It must be highly organized chaos to be effective."

Theater season marks transitive year ahead

Theater at IU tends to be high quality in production, but it usually remains an untapped source by students on campus. The work is an avenue for education and entertainment, but the theater also provides its practitioners -- here, fellow students -- with the opportunity to voice important (or not so important) issues. This year in particular, IU Theatre has chosen a season that will both entertain and educate. The question is, what do these shows have to say to the here and now? For the Department of Theatre & Drama, the season marks the end of the University Theatre and T300 Studio Theatre, as they will soon move into the Neal-Marshall Center on 7th Street and Jordan Avenue.

Music festival kicks off

The recital halls will resonate with the stylings of Handel, Bach, and the great masters of classical music. Lilting soprano melodies and the harmonies of barbershop quartets will reverberate in the University's great performance venues.

Film explores relationships

A dorm room, a camera and two naked college students. If this seems like your typical Saturday night, that's because it's supposed to. Student filmmakers and seniors Scott Schirmer and Dan Dixon use the art of film to explore human sexuality and gender relations in "Three Animals, One Stuffed." The 32-minute film, which will be shown at 7 p.m today in Ballantine Hall Room 228, follows a one-night-stand gone away. "I hope that it (will) make (the audience) think about gender roles and ask themselves whether these differences come from biology or whether it's intrinsic or if it's because of sociology," Schirmer said. Schirmer, who wrote and directed the film, is a homosexual: He said it was his amazement at heterosexual relationships that inspired him to write this film. "Being gay, I look at heterosexual people and I am always marveled at the fact that they can ever get along," he said.

Tridelphia avoids Phishy sound of jam bands

To hear guitarist Dave Miller say that his band's big mainstream influence is Phish might cause many to roll their eyes. Being a "Phish-influenced" band conjures up connotations of a typical college rock band. But to make that assumption would be selling Tridelphia short. The influence of Phish is not subtle, but neither is it primary to the sound of the band. Where other college jam-bands try mightily to sound as much like Phish as they can, Tridelphia uses the name as a reference point for those who have not heard their focused take on jazz and rock and roll.

Henna tattoos catching on

Alma Molina works quickly, squeezing the brown henna paste onto the hand of the young woman sitting across from her like an artist painting on a canvas. About 13 people are watching with awe, pining for their turn as she expertly crafts a freehand dragonfly design on freshman Stacee Griffith's hand and wrist. Once the paste is dry, it will leave a red stained design that will last between three and 15 days.

This Weekend's Calendar events

'Spider-Man' breaks records

LOS ANGELES -- "Spider-Man" has leaped from comic book to record book, becoming the first movie to hit $100 million in its first weekend.

Annual Well House event graces Art Museum

The IU Art Museum collaborated with the Well House Society to host the fifth annual Wine, Wisdom & Song. On the first and third floors of the IUAM, members of the Well House Society and other IU supporters gathered for a night of wine tasting, socializing and fun. The event was open to the public at a cost of $20 for non-members.

There's fun in the sun all summer long

As the dog days of summer drag on, and the infamous southern Indiana humidity rises, you may find the temptation to kick back in your La-Z-Boy, soak up the air conditioning and catch up on cable television's brain-draining smorgasbord of entertainment nearly impossible to resist. But a summer spent in Bloomington without enjoying her considerable natural resources is a summer wasted indeed, and the Parks and Recreation Department has prepared a tempting array of free entertainment that will keep your weekends booked from now until the leaves begin to turn.

Band offers unique style

IU student-based bands provide numerous entertainment and nightlife options. However, these bands tend to remain notably similar in content and style. Laborius Clef, an up and coming local band, challenges this commonality with a diverse sound and variety of instruments and influences.

A weekend of entertainment

The Queen of the Blues is coming to Bloomington. Koko Taylor, who had her first hit, Wang Dang Doodle, more than 35 years ago, is still on the road, and Friday she's bringing her Blues Machine to the Bluebird, 216 N Walnut St.

WHAT A DRAG

Angie Stevens stands in front of a massive powder-smeared mirror, staring at her thickly glossed pout. Running her hands through her artificial, but stunning, hair, she sways her hips to the beat pulsating through the dressing room floor. Upon realizing a reporter and photographer are in the room, she bellows for security. "Angie" is one of the five drag queens getting ready to perform Monday night at Bullwinkle's, 201 S. College Ave. The dressing room is a whirlwind of last-minute efforts to primp, spray, tape and tuck everything perfectly into place.

Club Night a 'success'

The 16th annual Live From Bloomington Club Night featured a variety of bands at a variety of clubs. While the total amount of proceeds going to the Bloomington Food Bank still has not been tallied, the organizers of the event agree that it was a success. "I think it went really well. There were a lot of people out at the bars and the clubs," senior Kristin Holtz, assistant director of Union Board's Live From Bloomington committee, said. "I would say it was definitely successful. We heard from the bands -- they were having a good time. The volunteers had a lot of fun. And the club owners thanked us afterward."

'Buffy' to host MTV Movie Awards

Sarcastic comic Jack Black and comely "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Sarah Michelle Gellar have been tapped to host the MTV Movie Awards show.

IU's a cappella groups recognized

Since 1995 Hot Lips Records has put out a Best of College A Cappella CD, and it has become a major competition among college a cappella groups. Tracks on the album are selected from the nearly 200 college a cappella cds that are produced each year. This year both of Indiana University's award winning a cappella groups, Straight No Chaser and Ladies First, made it onto the album.

Dark Star: Not your regular cover band

Monday night seven musicians graced the stage at Axis Nightclub, not claiming to be the Grateful Dead, but certainly sounding like them. Dead fans crowded the dance floor as Dark Star Orchestra played tunes by the legendary band. Hailing from Chicago, Dark Star Orchestra is a band devoted to playing Dead tunes. Not merely a typical cover band, DSO covers sound as well as song. With stunningly similar vocals, John Kadlecik, assumes the role of Jerry Garcia on lead guitar, while rhythm guitarist Rob Eaton nearly clones Bob Weir both vocally and physically.

An interactive experience

Rainbow Brite. 1998 in Canada. Popples. The taste of salt water. My little brother in a blue sled on Christmas. These are some of my memories. Elements from the mind such as memories, passion and discovery form to make the new SoFA Gallery exhibit come to life in front of the visitor's eyes.