12A - The Michigan Daily - Monday, September 28, 1998 Kiesler conducts USO By JuQuan Williams Daily Arts Writer The University Symphony Orchestra, a beloved part of the musical tradition at the University, is set to perform two pieces this evening. The theme will be heroism of epic proportions, a concept not too unfamiliar in literature or music. University Symphony Orchestra Hill Auditorium Tonight at 8 N Kenneth Kiesler will direct the USO tonight at 8 p.m. in Hill Auditorium. The orchestra will first per- f o r m Beethoven's Overture to "Coriolanus," 4p. 62. The piece was writ- ten in tribute to the Roman G e n e r a l provides a musical Kenneth Kiesler, a University Music professor, conducts the USO. Coriolanus, and soundtrack to Shakespeare's play of the same name. The second piece is Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10, Op. 53. Thought of by many as Shostakovich's greatest masterpiece, this Symphony was written in 1953 as his first since World War II and the Stalin Era. Beethoven brings Coriolanus' struggles of personal will against I I 4, WANT TO FLY? P " - The Air Force has an urgent need for pilots, navigators, engineers, and managers! No matter what your career plans, there's a way to see them soar. Join Air Force ROTC and develop leadership and management skills critical to career success. Great salary and benefits. Call Captain James Munford at 764-2403 desires of the public into the realm of astonishing sound. As Beethoven wrote, "Power is the morality of men who stand out from the rest, and it is also mine." This story of ancient lore was of personal significance to the composer and no doubt influ- enced his composition. Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 has been evaluated by a Russian commentator as, "(one) without a single tranquil movement in it." It is reflective of Shostakovich's times and highlights his viewing of youth as one of the conditions that strug- gles against Evil. Kenneth Kiesler has chosen a for- midable program for the evening. But his directorship of the University orchestras since 1995, and his founding music director position at the Illinois Chamber Orchestra provide great indication for his abilities. He has performed Shostakovich's music before at the International Festival for Music, and in 1998 received the Helen M. Thompson Award from the American Symphony Orchestra- League. With admission to the free con- cert, University students should get ready for an evening full of grand music. By Rob Mitchum Daily Arts Writer It's not easy being a jam band. To be successful, such groups must delicately straddle the line between improvisational genius and pure self-indulgence. At the same time, one must endure end- less touring schedules and con- stant comparisons to Grateful Dead (as the only rock-based jam band that most critics have heard of). Can a tiny band from Ohio like Ekoostik Hookah stand up to am for career info. Courtesy of Madison House Ekoostik Hookah, a collection of Jerry Garcia look-alikes, is known for its Dead-like sound. Hookab's n11ot Dead yet. y 1 AIR FORCE ROTC Leadership Excellence Starts Here f Because the last thing yotr ant tn college is a long-term commitment. c11 Ir this pressure? The Ekoostik Hookah Blind Pig Sept. 24. 1998 answer given Thursday night was an enthusiastic "yes. Greeting a tightl packed but enthusi- astic crowd at the Blind Pig, Hookah stretched out for a long, upbeat three- hour perfor- mance. The five - piece a sound that the Allman its music on a strong foundation of musical talent. As accom- plished as each member is, how- ever, the spotlight was almost always on lead guitarist Steve Sweney. The tall, lanky Sweney appeared to be physically wrestling with his instrument as he supplied lightning-fast blue- grass fills on "Lady Vanilla" and emotional blues leads on "Ridgway Sky." Most exciting was his playing on the multi-part instrumental "Slipjig Through the Poppy Fields," as he traversed the different movements with frightening ease and glorious soloing. The other standout Hookah member was keyboardist/gui- tarist/vocalist Dave Katz. While behind the keys, Katz added depth to the band's sound by adding subtle piano and organ counterpoint to Sweney's fiery solos. When Katz came out to the front of the stage wielding his acoustic guitar, the band's sound suffered from the lack of instru- mental diversity, but his catchy songwriting and soulful voice compensated for the loss. These qualities were most prevalent in the beginning of the second set, where two of Katz's songs provided the highlight of the show. The band's official outfit owed showcased more to theme song "Hookahville" quick- ly caused the crowd to resume dancing and singing along after the half hour set break. This set the crowd up to be absolutely floored by the next tune, "Ecstacy," where the epic vocals of the song melted away into theg fiercest jamming of the night. Ekoostik Hookah remains a lesser-known band, however, and thus the performance was not without its weak points. With a few exceptions (most notably the long, adventurous "Float") guitarist/vocalist Ed McGee's songs lacked the spark of Katz's compositions. The poor placement of his ballad "Pass the Cider" immediately followin "Ecstacy" all but sucked the energy right out of the room. The impromptu cover of the Doors "Roadhouse Blues" also provid- ed a lowlight, which reduced Hookah to the musical level of a credible bar band. Much more effective was the playful cover of Three Dog Night's "Mama Told Me," sung by drummer Eric Lanese. The bluesy, but playful inter- pretation and tight Sweney solo emphasized what works best for the Ohio quintet, and confirmed that Ekoostik Hookah has the right ingredients for success as a jam band. Brothers than those Dead fellows - a Southern-fried mix of blues and country-inflected rock. Like most successful jam bands, Ekoostik Hookah builds I I Don't Panic!! If you think you're pregnant... call us-we listen, we care. PROBLEM PREGNANCY HELP 975-4357 Any time, any day, 24 hours. Fully confidential. Serving Students since 1970. That's why AirTouch Student Prepaid Cellular requires no contracts, no monthly bills, no credit checks, and just for you, no long-term commitments. Plus, AirTouch is offering special discounted rates to Michigan college students, which means it's not only the easiest way to get cellular but the smartest. All you have to do is purchase what- Reptile Set-up for the Bearded Dragon includes: Lizard, case, cand4 heat liaht fnl ever airtime you want in advance. Even if it's just X10 worth. Because, hey, not everyone feels comfortable with a long-term commitment. * 9.95 vitamins, book and more. $ Regularly $183.09 You Save $83.14 Aquarium Set-up _-- 10 g Set-up for Fresh Water Includes:Tank, Now Full Hoodcl Filter For more details, call 1-800-AIRTOUCH or E-mail us at mistudentprepaid@airtouch.com Heater,Thermometer and more. $24.99* Used &Rare *Fish, gravel and ornaments not included BOOKS Bought & Sold ..i