The Perspective » Arts and Sports

Mr. Wolfe moves on

Lindsey Bressler — Sat, 22 May 2010 15:43:19 +0000

Band director Mr. Wolfe, second from right, with students

For the past six years, Mr. Wolfe has been conducting the Rincon/University High School marching band in everything they did. Friday night football games, concerts and band competitions were among his achievements. The Ranger Band has been extremely successful, even though this position came early in Mr. Wolfe’s career. “It was my first job after graduating from the University of Arizona with my master’s degree,” Mr. Wolfe said. Mr. Wolfe says he first became interested in music when “my parents took me to the mall and I saw the marching band before Santa came.”

“In seventh grade,” says Mr. Wolfe, “I started the trumpet and really enjoyed it so I stuck with it.” Ever since, Mr. Wolfe’s life has had something to do with music.

It was not until this April when Mr. Wolfe discovered he would be leaving the Ranger Band. He told the band his news “after the April concert.” Mr. Wolfe is leaving for Norman, Oklahoma, to attend Oklahoma University and obtain his doctorate in conducting. “With that, I can teach college students to be band directors.” Mr. Wolfe feels that he will extend more influence by acquiring his doctorates. He says 3 percent of his current students continue music. However, when he becomes a teacher who trains aspiring band directors, “there are more people who will teach more students,” he said.

Although Mr. Wolfe is excited about “new experiences and working with college students who are music majors,” he describes the situation of leaving as “bittersweet.” Mr. Wolfe looks back on his time as a band director fondly. His favorite part about directing band was, “working with the students and getting them to enjoy music.” He also appreciated “the different personalities in the group.” One of Mr. Wolfe’s favorite memories was the band’s trip to Carnegie Hall in 2008, he said. He notes that “the kids worked really hard” and that it was great to take “the kids who had never been on a big trip,” or even an airplane. The best part of band for Mr. Wolfe was “a combination of rehearsals and Friday night football,” amongst other things. “The best part is working up to it,” he says.

So where is the band headed without him? Mr. Wolfe is confident in his students. The band is “really strong,” says Mr. Wolfe and there are “great section leaders.” “Ability wise, [the band is doing] really well.” However, Mr. Wolfe says, “everything’s in their hands” when it comes to the future success of the Ranger band. Before he leaves, Mr. Wolfe has a few words of advice for his students: “Do what you love in life. Have fun with what you do, enjoy your work and career and always strive for the highest.”

What Now? Piloting you to aestheticism as the school days dwindle into summer.

Laura Van Slyke — Tue, 18 May 2010 04:45:51 +0000

Listen To:

The New Pornographers “Together”

I’ve been a worshiper of ‘The New Pornographers’ ever since 2008, when “Myriad Harbor” graced the shelves of my itunes. This band holds a nearly synonymous ambiance to that of ‘Peter Bjorn and John’ in the hard-hitting throb and echoing, ubiquitous vocals, and is essential to every established musical assemblage.

Tegan and Sara “Sainthood”

We are all surely familiar with the playful and charismatic music of Tegan and Sara. Deeply relevant, yet reliably nonsensical lyrics espouse themselves with inventive rhythms to create this admirably hip album, which is perfectly applicable to the meaningfully lackadaisical summer mindset.

The National “High Violet”

Attracted to the lingering and relaxed British vocals of “The Smiths”? The National’s new album ‘High Violet’ willingly fits the mold of a perfect surrogate. If you have a contemplative, tranquil and slightly melancholic disposition, this may be the album for you.

Read:

Tony Hoagland “What Narcissism Means To Me”

In the spirit of the upcoming poetry slam, this month I’m recommending Tony Hoagland’s truly ingenious and diverse collection of uproarious short poems. This absolute page-turner has a tendency to captivate, leaping quickly from staid tales of suicide to cunning one-liners about picking flowers. Buy this book. You will love it.

Go To:

“Nurturing Nature”

This shop is ideal for the environmentally conscious reader. Whether you are looking for soap, utensils, baby clothing, candles or lunch boxes, every item in this store is either made from recycled or locally grown material. I you aren’t necessarily inclined to purchase anything, the peaceful atmosphere is reason enough to make a trip down to Williams Center and check out this new and unique boutique.

What Now?

Laura Van Slyke — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:15:09 +0000

Archeology

Listen to:

Archeology- “Memorial”

If there were a soundtrack that perfectly exemplified a mixture of walking through a field of ankle-high grass and waking up on a Saturday morning, this would be it. A calm yet interested progression of beats accompanied by meditative and engaging harmonies will carry you peacefully through each song. ‘Archeology’ is a relatively new band and bears a resemblance to a harmonized, more upbeat, folk version of ‘Bright Eyes’- ideal for maintaining serenity in the weeks building up to what promises to be a taxing AP and finals season.

First Aid Kit- “The Big Black and the Blue”

With vocals as odd and engaging as those of ‘Imogen Heap’ and as magnificently drawn out as those of ‘Beirut’, ‘First Aid Kit’ is purely a band of beauty. The somewhat illegibility of the emotion-filled lyrics manufactures a near spiritual, engaging, pleasing effect. The songs of this album hold a strong similitude to the ‘Big Pink’ cover of ‘These Arms of Mine’ in the airy, resounding effect which tickles your ears upon contact.

Said the Whale- “Bear Bones”

In the continuation of what seems to be a forming trend in this months column- ‘Said the Whale’ is another harmonious, calming, near-folk band you simply must listen to. The acoustic sitting-in-the-back-of-a-truck feeling will calm your nerves as it blooms nascent visions of summer in your mind.

Aqueduct- “Or Give Me Death”

For the more angsty listener, the beautifully whiny vocals of David Terry practically coin the term “Indie Pop” in the cool, indolently expressed passion. The heartbreaking lyricism and hard hitting, synthetically created beats have proved addictive. An added bonus- the song “As You Wish” is based on the beloved, nineties classic movie “The Princess Bride”.

Go to:

Sabine’s Café

Cozied up right next to Antigone book store on 4^th Avenue is a hip, native, energetic coffee joint- perfect for studying, chatting, or simply a delicious non-fat latte. I highly recommend stopping by and supporting a local business, while at the same time dabbling in some good coffee and an eclectic environment.

“What Now?” Navigating you from cultural inanity since 2009.

Laura Van Slyke — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:08:21 +0000

This month…

Listen To:

Broken Bells

“The Ghost Inside” by Broken Bells

Feel an affinity towards the ‘Garden State’ soundtrack? Searching for a musical group as intoxicatingly catchy as Ke$ha that you would actually be willing to admit to liking? Broken Bells is the group for you. Featuring the lackadaisically cool vocals of James Mercer from the Shins, and the preposterously attractive beats of artist-producer Danger Mouse, Broken Bells is sure to be the hot, fresh band of March.

“On Melancholy Hill” by Gorillaz

From the band that brought us unassailable hits such as “Feel Good Inc.” and “Kids With Guns” comes a brand new CD, “Plastic Beach,” a guaranteed chart-topper. The up-beat blend of electronica, hip-hop and alternative rock, stringed together by relaxed British vocals and innovative lyrics promises not to disappoint.

Watch:

“That Touch of Mink” (1962)

This classic, endearing, romantic comedy features the acting of Cary Grant and Doris Day, both trademarks to 1960s Hollywood. If you are in the mood for light, classic humor and a predictably complicated plot, grab a blanket and some pop corn and turn on ‘That Touch of Mink.”

“Symphonies” by Dan Black (feat. Kid Cudi)

This music video is, in two words, imaginary and addictive. It will glue both your eyes and ears to the computer screen as you watch in silent awe.

Go to:

Razzle Dazzle, a fun and well-stocked vintage store on Grant Road. The multiplicity of genres is all over the board, from 1950s cocktail dresses to cashmere sweaters to 1980 cowboy boots. Whether you need an original dress for prom, a snazzy nightstand or you just happen to be in the neighborhood, I strongly recommend seeing for yourself what this store has to offer.

The Life and Times of a Desert Gardener – “Marching right along”

Josh Yoder — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:18:26 +0000

Spring is all around us, and with all the rain we have had lately, what a bright, colorful spring it is turning out to be. When one escapes to the out of doors, seeking a placid retreat from the office or classroom, as is irresistible this time of year, they are sure to find lushness in their surroundings. A walk along a midtown arroyo presents clear, sandy pools of leftover rainwater, and it’s hard not to notice that the ground underneath the thorny mesquites is covered with small plants, some sending up miniature yellow or purple blooms. The nitrogen buildup that occurs underneath mesquite canopies correlates with an especially diverse understory community. On the edge of town, at the East end of Speedway Boulevard, a short hike on the Douglas Spring Trail leads to beautiful waterfalls and gurgling meltwater from the snowcapped Rincon Mountains. Along the trail, Ocotillo plants have leafed out, the previously dead-looking stems bulging with green veins. The tips of the Ocotillo show premature buds, promising showy red flower spikes that will float like flags above the hillsides. The Sonoran Desert possesses an opportunistic flora which is currently taking advantage of the moisture and doing enough swelling, growing and blooming to make up for all the months of drought in the past year.

In the home garden, most everything seems happy. (Yes, I did just use the word “happy” to describe vegetation. In my world, plants have feelings too.) One reason for this happiness is that gardens tend to favor rainwater over city water, as the PH is slightly more acidic. This slight acidity of the water creates a more hospitable soil chemistry when it comes in contact with our typically alkaline soils. It was evident that the rains have been working their magic when I checked my tiny alleyway garden to find some monster white radishes. Over the past few weeks they have really gone craaaazy. Also looking good in the alleyway plot were some carrots, beets and a few garbanzo plants, which have started to flower.

As far as projects go, now is a good time of year to be thinking about growing your own herbs. It’s not too cold anymore and there are several months of ideal weather ahead before we get to the summer heat, when most herbs may not do much but survive, if they’re lucky. Many herbs do particularly well in containers, and do not need extremely fertile soil. A basic mix of three parts potting soil to three parts compost to one part perlite (for drainage) should be about right. You may also want to add some sand. Some plants to consider growing are basil, cilantro, parsley, sage, dill, rosemary, epazote (a Mexican herb used to flavor beans), and several different varieties of oregano. Mints can also be rewarding. Who doesn’t enjoy some iced mint tea after a long day of work? In general, the easiest to grow from seed from this list are basil, cilantro and dill. In my experience, it is easier to buy starts from a nursery for many other herbs. If you want to try your hand at herb gardening, the Tucson Organic Gardeners have a good article here: http://www.tucsonorganicgardeners.org/Assets/GrowingHerbs.pdf

Their website is very helpful with many other gardening questions as well.

As springtime blossoms around us, it’s tempting to wish for summer, the end of the school year and the freedom that will bring. I hope however, that we can all get outside and enjoy this beautiful season in the present, and find or create small oases of beauty around us. For it really is a wonderful time to dive in and appreciate all that we see growing around us. It’s a good time to be gardening.

The Life and Times of a Desert Gardener

Josh Yoder — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:07:34 +0000

It’s the middle of February here in the Sonoran Desert, and the last few weeks have brought El Niño moisture to the desert valley we call home. A recent foray up Picacho Peak had our hiking party skimming over a soft green carpet of what will soon be colorful wildflowers, and new grasses. Once at the top, the 360 degree view was smoothed by a humid haze that made it hard to distinguish the horizon.

A lot of things are going on in my gardens this month. The wildflowers that I seeded in my front yard have germinated with the rains and some supplemental garden hose showers, and are sure to put on quite a show in probably just a few weeks. The mix I planted contains California Poppy, Desert Marigold, Penstomen, Lupine, Blue Bells, and Cassia, which are all flowers native to Arizona. I bought the paper bag of seeds at the Native Seeds SEARCH store on 4^th Avenue, a great place to find interesting seeds for plants and crops that have a long and involved history in the Southwest.

Unfortunately, it is now too late to plant wildflowers from seed, but there are many other more conventional flowers available in nurseries for flower beds or containers. What better way to welcome the coming of spring than with beautiful, patio-brightening blooms such as miniature Sunflowers, Petunias, Pansies, Nasturtiums, Snapdgragons and Geraniums. Sweet Allysum can be planted too but must be kept in the shade when it gets hot. At our house, we have a large pot with Allysum draped all around the sides and over the edges. Right now it is almost entirely covered in delicate white blossoms, the scent of which is almost enough to make one fall completely in love with life.

Greens are looking especially healthy, as the weather right now is pretty much perfect for the cool-weather-loving plants. One project this year was to take an old wheelbarrow, fill it with a mix of potting soil and mature compost, and plant a small salad garden in it. This has allowed me to move it about the yard with ease to wherever the sun is shining, which has made the greens grow especially quickly. Anytime I care for a fresh salad, all I have to do is walk outside and pick right from the wheelbarrow. And I have to admit that I think it’s pretty cute too.

February is also the time to think about growing your own tomatoes. Many garden stores around town will be setting out young plants for you to snatch up and take home to a nitrogen-rich spot. If you have already started your own plants from seed earlier this year (something I didn’t get around to) then you are even more ahead of the game. Though growing good tomatoes can be difficult, the reward is completely worth it when you taste the difference in a tomato that ripened right on the plant.

It’s a season of promises, many hours outdoors in the sun, and lots of flowers. For those of you who may be interested in exploring a little green thumb action this spring, I encourage you to ask me any questions you might have, or head over to a lovely nursery where they will have ideas for how to make your garden dreams come true. In the meantime, grow green and have fun doing it.

What Now? A Beacon of Pop Culture Proposals

Laura Van Slyke — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:54:03 +0000

This month…

Listen to:

“I Have No Sister” by Oh No Oh My

Picture an aloof, upbeat, electronic version of ‘The Mountain Goats’ fused with the vocals of ‘The Decemberists’ and overall mood of ‘Noah and the Whale’. The outcome? The perfection that manifests itself in ‘Oh No Oh My’. If this band was a guy, I would marry it. If this band was a book, I would write it. If this band was a raspberry, I would jam to it. Also suggested: “walk in the park”.

“Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” by Phoenix

Interested in feigning three minutes of January summer? Phoenix isn’t necessarily a new band but their excited, buoyant songs will have you feeling the July sun beams and practically make your fingers itch to roll down your car windows. An added bonus: you may feel a sense of Arizona pride bubbling- due to, well, the name of the band.

Watch:

“Psycho”

This Hitchcock movie is an absolute classic. I know you have most likely heard of it (it being the most talked of and beloved thriller movie of all time) but have you seen it? The visual imagery, the edge-of-your-seat suspense, the mind boggling acting abilities of Anthony Perkins, this movie has it all. I can’t emphasize enough the artistic genius of Alfred Hitchcock, all I can tell you is to watch for yourself- all of the hype will not lead to a feeling of anticlimax. So, if you’re in the mood for a classy horror movie without the blood and guts, drive on over to Casa Video and watch ‘psycho’.

“Up In the Air”

Maybe it’s my love for the dark-haired bachelor suave of Cary Grant or maybe it’s my appreciation for a legitimately talented actor in our pop culture world where starlets like Paris Hilton are in the lime light, but George Clooney will absolutely captivate you in “Up in The Air”. The cinematography was fantastic and innovative, and the plot was the most refreshing I’ve seen in a long time; it was the first time in months that I have gone to the movies and not felt a gaping hole in my pocket or like I had been mugged in an alley of a hard earned 9 dollars and fifty cents. If you are in the mood for somewhat dark, suggestive humor, subtle wit, or simply good ole George Clooney- then I highly suggest taking the nine-dollar leap at any movie theatre near you.

Read:

“Into the Wild”

I’ve found in my meager 16 years of existence that it’s rare to find someone who legitimately follows their dream. I myself take part in the human talent of not actually practicing what I preach, or rather, what I believe. The book “Into the Wild” is simply put as the story of Chris McCandless, a man who fresh from college runs away from his home, all human connections, ditches his car and burns his money in an effort to truly go ‘into the wild’. While reading the book I found myself wondering if he was truly deranged and antisocial, or if he was simply finding a transcendentalist approach to finding self through nature. He had everything going for him; he was brilliant, supposedly handsome, and fantastically likeable (as evident from the characters he had brief contact but lasting effect with throughout his travels), and yet he deserted it all to die in an abandoned bus in Alaska. Why? I don’t exactly know. But he had the guts to do what no one I know would dream of- burn the materialistic, superficialities of the physical world in an attempt to live off the land and find a deeper meaning to life. So, here’s to you, Chris McCandless, for not only living what you believe, but dying for it.

Go to:

The earring bin at S.A.S. Fabrics

There’s something to be said about a three foot high earring bin in the back of a fabric store. Half the fun is owning ten-cent earrings, and the other is literally digging for hours to discover a matching pair. S.A.S. is a whole warehouse of neat, cheap things- from buttons and patches to leopard print fabric. Located at 5320 E. Speedway, come equipped with three dollars and a creative appetite.

What Now? A monthly cure for the culturally devoid.

Laura Van Slyke — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:07:46 +0000

Rachel Bilson & Hayden Christensen in "New York, I Love You"

This month…

Listen to:

“My Body’s a Zombie For You” by Dead Man’s Bones

A hybrid of Arcade Fire, Elvis Presley, and a sluggish, somewhat entrancing beat. The type of song that says everything you feel, even though you can’t exactly make out the words. I give this song two thumbs up for creating an overall mood of romantic darkness while maintaining a soft 1950 feel.

“Every Ghost Has Its Spectre” by Bitcrush

In the spirit of finals week and the stress of the Christmas season shopping scene, I highly recommend the calming sound of Bitcrush. The heavy, repetitive beats and drawn out lyrics form a somniferous addiction.

Watch:

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

John Frankenheimer’s classic political drama is one you should absolutely add to your list. Of course I’m partial to any movie with Frank Sinatra and Janet Leigh, but this movie is guaranteed to leave you on your toes with its dramatic romances and ahead-of-its-time political satire.

New York, I Love You

Now playing at the loft, New York, I Love You is a series of short films about love in the Big Apple. This Rendition of Paris, Je’taime is jam packed with stars such as Natalie Portman, Shia LeBeouf, Blake Lively, Bradley Cooper, and Orlando Bloom.

Read:

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

Sedaris has a habit of turning the heartbreakingly ordinary into comedic genius. With things as simple as eating a hamburger or having his blood sugar taken, Sedaris will impress you with his somewhat cynical and highly revealing wit. This book of collective essays will have you laughing out loud partly at Sedaris’ real life antics and partly at your own.

Celtic Woman: Isle of Hope, a Review

Carolina Baker — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:04:41 +0000

“Celtic Woman is like Riverdance for the Voice”- David Downes

On Monday November 16, 2009, I saw the show Celtic Woman: Isle of Hope at the Tucson Music Hall. The group is made up of 5 Irish women who began as soloists who were being produced by there now artistic director, David Downes. The girls are Lisa Kelly, Alex Sharpe, Lynn Hilary and Chloё Agnew who are the vocalists. They are joined by Máiréad Nesbitt who is the main violinist accompaniment who performs her own solos during the show. Celtic Woman (not a typo) began as a one time show and turned into what Celtic Woman is today. Every girl performs a solo as well as many group numbers throughout the show. The repertoire of the group is not just Irish music but also includes many new age and modern songs. Another thing about Celtic Woman that is very unique is that some songs are sung in English while others are sung in Irish Gaelic or Gaelige. They first got their American start thanks to a great help from PBS. They have been partnered showing many of their performances since the group began in 2005. They have become very popular in the states. At the show there was a full house! This Isle of Hope tour consisted of the 5 main girls as well as David Downes at the piano, a backup choir of 3 boys and 3 girls, 2 guitars, trumpets, saxophones, the élan pipes (basically the Irish version of the bagpipes) and two huge drum sets (and when I say huge I mean HUGE! All the percussion instruments could fill your bedroom!) including xylophones, cymbals, gongs, bongos, and large drums. The set up was just fabulous. The stage was covered in drapery on which they projected different colors and pictures. The girls were dressed in strapless gowns in bright colors and magnificent fabrics. The show began with a mysterious melody played by Máiréad. Something about it was so enticing and exciting. The girls sang an ensemble called “The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun”. From then on I was captured by the beauty of the music. The show continued and they sang many crowd favorites such as “Mo Ghile Mear” (in Gaelic meaning ‘My Dashing Darling’), “Spanish Lady”, and “At the Caeli.” They also included some songs familiar to Americans such as “You’ll Be In My Heart” from the Disney movie Tarzan and “You Raise Me Up.” Every song had something about it that made you want to listen. Each ensemble song represented every girl in a different way but at the same time, the song was a unit. It was incredible. The angelic voices of Celtic Woman gave me the chills or made me want to get up and dance! This show was something I will never forget. It was beautiful, magical, mysterious, exciting, enticing and of course a really excellent time.

I recommend the songs

“Orinoco Flow”

“The Call”

“Spanish Lady”

“Mo Ghile Mear”

These can be purchased on iTunes.

Also, you can see Celtic Woman at the Gammage Auditorium at ASU May 5, 2009.

What Now? A compilation of monthly suggestions.

Laura Van Slyke — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:57:22 +0000

This month…

Listen to:

“Coffee Girl” by The Tragically Hip

This song is the perfect soundtrack for lazy mornings, Sunday drives, or mellow reminiscing.

“A Grand Doesn’t Come For Free” The Streets

Who doesn’t love British hip-hop? This CD ranges from spunky (“Fit But You Know It”) to deliciously melancholy (“Dry Your Eyes”). Two thumbs up for clever lyrics sung by British accents.

Watch:

“Glee”

If there is one thing I recommend getting addicted to, it’s Glee. The music, the subtle wit, the lingering romances, every aspect of Fox’s new musical TV show is beautiful. Tune in Wednesday nights at 8.

“Eagle vs. Shark”

Taika Cohen’s 2007 movie about two hilariously awkward misfits. Think Napoleon Dynamite but with New Zealand accents and Jemaine Clement (from Flight of the Conchords).

Read:

“A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson

Hike along the Appalachian Trail with Bill Bryson in his sarcastically brilliant travel memoir, an absolute laugh from cover to cover. This is the perfect book for a stay-at-home nature lover. I highly recommend “A Walk in the Woods” if you are looking for a light, funny read while also picking up some interesting information about deforestation, wild animals and our national park system.

Buy:

A Crosley Rochester Entertainment Center at Target. This fantastic device includes a turntable, CD player, CD recorder, and tape deck. It’s as if all musical technology from the last 50 years met at a party and created a beautiful, beautiful baby.