A&E

'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.

Around The Arts

Eighth annual Lotus Festival holds volunteer information meetings Lotus Festival organizers will hold two orientation sessions for anyone interested in volunteering at the world music event in September. The first meeting will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. The second will take place 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Buskirk-Chumley. Inquiries can be directed to volunteer@lotusfest.org or to the Lotus Office at 336-6599. The Eighth Lotus Festival, an annual showcase of world music and arts, will be held in Bloomington from Sept. 19 -23.

Village Deli offers a sandwich aternative

With all the sandwich shops surrounding campus, a sub or your "usual" sandwich may be the last thing on your mind when looking for something to eat. But there is a place out there that offers an alternative to the everyday fare. The Village Deli offers classic sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more.

'Madama Butterfly' opens this weekend

"Madama Butterfly" is one of the best known operas today and is performed regularly in opera houses around the world. This classic, which was adapted by Italian maestro Giacomo Puccini from the play of the same name, comes to Bloomington this week as part of the Summer Music Festival. The performances will take place on July 28, 29, Aug. 3 and 4. The orchestra will be conducted by Imre Palló and directed by Mark Clark.

It's all in the crust

I have come to believe that any good home cook should know how to make a pie crust. I am a fool for anything wrapped in pie crust and view it as the little black dress of the culinary world: It serves well at breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack-time, and all manner of special occasions dishes. You can fill it with silky custard or savory quiche, pile it high with summer fruit, cut and press it into tiny appetizer tart molds, or fold it over and pinch it closed around spicy meat fillings. Once mastered, there is nothing in this world as useful or satisfying. Of course you can always buy a frozen or refrigerated pie crust, or add water to a mix to cut corners. All are fine in a pinch, but none can compare to the real thing. Homemade pie crust is worth the effort. Best of all, its flaky, delicate, melt-in-your-mouth goodness is composed of almost nothing at all. Everything it is made of is commonly found around the kitchen.