A&E

'Les Miserables' still casts magical spell

While many might not realize it, the musical sensation "Les Miserables" is more than 20 years old. But the musical version by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Shonberg, as timeless as Victor Hugo's novel, does not seem to be losing any luster.

Backstage set for revolution

At 11 a.m. Tuesday morning, "Les Miserables" stage manager Bryan Landrine runs through the IU Auditorium, watching stagehands assemble the set for the thousandth time. Landrine and his crew have only seven hours to make sure the set is assembled before curtain.

George Clinton to play Axis nightclub

Happiness cannot be bought, but for $23, temporary bliss can be purchased. George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic stop by Axis, 419 N. Walnut St., tonight at 9 p.m., bringing a 22-person band, an entourage of help and no opening act, giving the Godfather of Funk plenty of time to tear the roof off of Axis.

Motorcycle gang looks to heaven

The bushy beards, the bellies, the blue jeans and the black leather vests covered in emblem patches created an intimidating presence. Their motorcycles lined the sidewalk. Mingling with these bikers were men wearing khakis and button-down shirts, women in dresses and skirt-and-blouse ensembles. Everyone in the Rose Firebay Room of the John Waldon Arts Center that day have two things in common: They are all friends of Rich Remsberg, and they were all there to celebrate his book release.

National screenwriter to speak at film showing

She lost her job over network television's first interracial kiss. In 1977, nurse Valerie Grant, an African-American character on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives," kissed Richard, a white character, causing a deluge of criticism from angry viewers.

Exhibits

Around the Arts

Toronto band Mean Red Spiders will play at 8 p.m. tonight at Secret Sailor Books, 202 N. Walnut St.

'Susannah' tells American tale

Tennessee mountain folk await the spiritual revival of preacher Olin Blitch as rumors and jealous hearsay fly about a young lady in their community. That is only the beginning of what the IU Opera Theater's third production of the year, "Susannah" by Carlisle Floyd has to offer.

University theater tackles Moliere

Shakespeare is taught in 300-level acting, whereas the work of the French playwright Moliere is reserved for the 500-level courses.

Elliot, the Jazz June light up Rhino's

Elliott and the Jazz June have two of the sweatiest singer/guitar players ever known to man. As they dripped sweat all over their guitars, the audience saw the emotion and effort that goes into the music of each of these bands. The energy was infectious and characteristic of Wednesday night's concert at Rhino's.

Night of music to benefit charity

The Liberal Arts and Management program will be a beacon of light for Middle Way House Saturday night. The students of BUS X333:, Managing Business Functions, are sponsoring six hours of disc jockeys, bands, music and dancing to raise money for the charity while earning college credit.

Musical Current

DJs, Dateline and drugs Freshman Chris Oler tried to explain what's happening with today's rave scene while writing the agenda for the the DJs and Electronic Musician's Association, a campus group, on the board before its executive meeting: 1. Annie can't hold her liquor. 2. Exec reports 3. Venues 4. Adopt a crackhead program.

Exhibits

More ways than 1 to make satisfying sweet potatoes

Not long ago, in a graduate student lounge, the conversation turned to the subject of sweet potatoes.

Jazz bassist to perform at Buskirk

David Holland has been around. The 53-year-old Grammy-winning bassist has performed with such legends as Thelonius Monk and Stan Getz. For years, he accompanied Miles Davis, collaborating on 14 of his albums.

Chicago blues guitarist to play free concert Saturday at IMUG

For those who crave the blues style of Chicago, but can't afford the weekend trip, the Union Board Live From Bloomington committee has brought Chicago blues guitarist Keith Scott to campus for a free concert. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the Indiana Memorial Union Gallery.

Penning a Pulitzer

He had been passed over twice before. Passed over twice and arguably cheated on the last occasion. But the moment of truth again loomed, casting its daunting shadow. His stomach was tied in knots. He just had to get out of the office, away from his colleagues, their expectant looks and good-natured well-wishing. He had finished his work for the day, a cartoon depicting two college students passing a horde of sweatshop protesters. "My econ prof says exploiting labor is what made America great," reads the captioned dialogue.

Socko whips up Bluebird crowd

Megaman never stopped dancing, and twister wouldn't leave the club. Despite being eliminated early from the costume contest, the pair made up for what was lacking in fashion sense with enthusiasm. They danced, jumped and screamed in support of ska band Johnny Socko, a local favorite. Socko, who played a great show Halloween night at the Bluebird, was celebrating its 10th anniversary as a band.

Union Board stages musical at Buskirk-Chumley

Last year, the Union Board Fine Arts committee brought the student production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" to the Bloomington community. Based on this production's success, the committee decided to try again this semester, with a staging of the musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."

Dylan to play at IU tonight

Since he emerged from Greenwich Village in the 1960s his voice has been as craggy as his appearance disheveled.