ARTS
The Michigan Daily - Monday, December 2, 2002 - 7A
Chicago's Allister confides their turkey tales
By Tony Ding
Daily Arts Writer
There were no parking maids directing traffic, no
tour bus and auspiciously no line out the front steps of
St. Andrew's Hall on this chilly Friday evening after
Thanksgiving, as I scurried across Congress Street
under the looming glow of the GM Renaissance tow-
ers. Upon closer inspection, my fears for arriving too
early were calmed by the sight of a black Dodge van
towing a U-Haul trailer and the muffled hum of bass
guitar emanating from within St. Andrew's doors.
This was a punk rock gig in its simplest form.
Safely inside, the scene was, well, cozy - per-
fect for interviewing Chicago-based Allister, on
tour promoting their new record Last Stop Subur-
bia, released this October on the Drive-Thru label.
With influences from the Queers, Screeching
Weasels and Green Day, as well as Nirvana, Allis-
ter follows a simple edict of high velocity rhythms
and comprehensible, not-so-poetic lyrics. They've
been embraced by the new punk-rock industry,
with quiet followings spotting the two coasts.
Sitting in a row in St. Andrew's upstairs lounge,
the quartet nursed cold beers to their sweaty fore-
heads and shared what they did for Thanksgiving on
the road. "We ate at the Golden Corral in Cincinnati
after our gig there," Murphy the bassist replied. "We
had a $9 buffet, it was so good," adds Chris Rogner,
on guitars with his older brother Tim, who confesses
that they also got drunk and went bowling. "Then
we rolled some dice and gambled some money,"
quipped Dave Rossi, the drummer.
Allister credits its success to a lot of luck, but it's
evident that its good fortune are partly a result of the
positive energy they produce on stage for the
impressionable youths below. Like this show in
Detroit, most tour stops have been intimate garage
venues and basement clubs, with the exception of
this summer's Vans Warped Tour. Allister is psyched
about playing larger crowds though, for their next
stop will be at Chicago's House of Blues, where as
Rossi explains, "it's the first time we get into such a
big venue. It's rippin'!" The band is definitely on an
upswing as just this summer, they faced breakup
after co-founder John Hamada left Allister to go
back to school.
"He fights crime as a ninja now," jokes Tim Rogn-
er. The group was saved, however, when Tim's
younger brother Chris Rogner picked up the vacan-
cy. "I joined in June of 2002, right before Warped
Tour started," explains Chris. "We were desperate,"
says Murphy. "I pretty much just got a call from
these guys one day begging me to join," Chris adds,
"I've known them since they started." It didn't take
too much begging five years ago however, when
Allister wooed, the then also young, Californian
indie-punk label Drive-Thru to sign one of its first
bands, with a debut album that cost only $700 to
record, and with which Allister garnered its follow-
ing. "Drive-Thru helped us out tremendously,"
recalls Tim Rogner, "We had recorded the shittiest
quality 4-track demo tape that you could ever imag-
ine and we sent it out to a bunch of labels and they
were one of the only ones that responded. They were
like 'this is a real shitty recording but your songs are
really good.' The nicest thing (now) is we don't have
to work real jobs. This is our nine to five."
One of the unique aspects of Allister that sets
it apart from the rest of punk rock is their home-
town of Chicago. The band pays homage to a
local hangout called the Fireside Bowl in its
song "Somewhere on Fullerton," which has a
special place in the hearts of many Midwest
punk fans as an outpost for good live gigs, a rari-
ty in the region. When asked whether Allister
feels like a significant contributor to the often
non-existent scene, Tim Rogner asserts, "I think
we've carved a little bit of a niche for ourselves
within the scene." Yes, but what about that
scene? It is truly paltry in comparison to those in
Southern California or on the Jersey shores.
"Kids take a while to warm up here," notes Scott
Murphy when asked what he disliked about
Detroit. "I think kids in the Midwest are kind of
hesitant to start pits and kind of go crazy, like
say on the East or West coast," Murphy adds,
"But I think generally they're still having a good
time."
A telling stimulus for whatever punk scene may
exist in the Midwest lies with the suburban kids
whom mysteriously flock the genre. Allister
encapsulates this notion in their new album,
which, as Tim Rogner explains, "has to do with
the fact that a lot times there's a negative connota-
tion to the word 'suburbia,' where people think of
rich kids and white picket fences, shit like that."
When asked if they've found an older fan-base
Rogner laughs "I think it gets younger!" Teenage
fans, surreal sheltered neighborhoods and a
ramped lust for rebellion, independence, and sin
are the fuel feeding this ever-popular chic with
punk rock, pushed into mainstream by suburban
kids and a media hungry for their fat allowances.
Unfortunately, the money and fame won't last
forever, even for Allister. But with their former
band-mate John Hamada quitting the business for
a more stable future, Allister's current line-up still
denounces formal education. "Fuck school man,
get out of school!" toted Tim Rogner, who is him-
self ironically the only band member with a col-
lege degree. Scott Murphy, on the other hand isn't
shy about dropping out. "I think taking some time
off was the best thing I ever did, because I was
going to school just going through the motions,
like I didn't really know what I wanted to do and
felt like that wasn't where I wanted to be," rea-
sons Murphy. "Now when I do go back to school,
I want to be there, so I'll try harder. For some kids
I definitely think it is a good idea."
Davey Stone has so much strength in him.
Nights' a Hankkah hoot
By John Laughlin
Daily Arts Writer
There's a new grinch in town only
this one isn't green and doesn't reside in
Whoville. His name is Davey Stone and
he lives in the little town of Dukesberry.
Adam Sandler's "8 Crazy Nights"
(stemming from the phrase he coined in
his famous "Hanukkah Song") is a new
addition to the animated holiday cannon
complete with all the humor one would
expect from the creator of "Happy
Gilmore" and "Billy Madison."
Before the main feature, "8 Crazy
Nights" opens with the short, "A Day in
the Life of Meatball." In the short, San-
dler documents the events of his pet
bulldog throughout the day - from
going to the gym to having a tryst in a
hotel. Short and hilarious, it helps to set
the tone for the film that
follows: funny, juvenile, S
totally Adam Sandler.
Davey Stone is a men- *
ace to the small town of
Dukesberry. A once local EIGH'I
basketball legend, he has NI(
become a bitter drunk
who detests the holidays At Shoi
due to the death of his Qua]
parents on one of the Coll
nights of Hanukkah. One
night, Davey skips out on
a bar tab and destroys the town's holiday
ice sculptures. This leads to a courtroom
scene where an all-too-forgiving judge
finally has had enough. Enter Whitey, a
short, crippled little man with a big
heart. He offers to take Davey under his
wing as an assistant referee for the
town's youth basketball league, thus
saving him from being sentenced to
prison.
Davey wants nothing to do with this
funny little man and opposes him at all
times. Davey makes fun of the fat kid,
steals from the good-hearted woman
and turns Whitey into a "poopsicle."
These are just a few of the bad deeds
Davey continues to commit while
under the supervision of the very sweet
old man.
The misdeeds persist until Davey's
home catches fire and he is forced to
move in with Whitey and his sister.
Davey's cold heart finally begins to melt
and his antics slow down. Whitey is
intent on winning the annual Dukesber-
ry badge of honor and after Davey's
catharsis, the reformed delinquent is
able to help Whitey achieve his dream.
While short, "8 Crazy Nights" holds
many humorous moments through both
its musical numbers and the outrageous
toilet humor that can be expected from
Adam Sandler. Both Christmas and
Hanukkah are treated in the film, but
the emphasis is clearly placed on the,
Jewish holiday. Few, if
any, holiday movies cen-
ter on the Festival of
kk ALights as can be seen
with such recent releases
CRAZY of films like "The Santa
HTS Clause 2" Sandler leaves
the holiday in the back-
case and ground, however, and
ty 16 never brings it up in
mbia terms of an "issue" or
treats the subject with
any sort of severity. It is
for this reason that the film is refreshing
in that it isn't saying, "Hey everybody,
there is this whole other holiday out
there," but there is clearly a statement
being made in terms of recognition.
Sandler provides many of the voices
in the film, and his talent for characteri-
zation really shows. Each of the unique
voices he creates is very funny and one
might be surprised to find out just how
many he did for the film. While a bit
juvenile and most likely a Sandler-fan
film, "8 Crazy Nights" offers a humor-
ous getaway for the holidays.
)w
lit
iun
the michigan daily
AVAILABLE MID DECEMBER- Summer. DISTRIBU
912 S.Forest 2 bdrm. bi-level apt., 1 1/2 bath, No moreWe
kitch., dining area, living room, on-sight ldry., Receive a Vi
free prkg., A/C, new carpet & furniture, close Everybody q
to campus. Call Michelle 734- 222-9083 or Call home 1
215-514-0517. Wina free L
Leam how t
Grade A o
A a $ A health food
Spoke mode
* BROWSE & LIST FREE!I Gotowww.
E-mail: bank
i Telephone:1
TORS WANTED
estem Union Fees
isa ATM and Mastercard
qualifies
cent per minute calling cards
aptop or P.C.
o make extra income selling
organic coffee, calling cards and
drinks.
ls wanted!
spacebooth.com
k@spacebooth.com
-800-303-3351
to 619-269-4532.
***SPRING BREAK BLOWOUT*** !!BARTENDERS WANTED, $300/DAY
LOWEST PRICES & FREE TRIPS potentialno experience necessary, training
FREE MEALS AND PARTIES BY Nov 6th :. provided. 800-965-6520 ext.125.
15 YRS EXP.Sunsplashtours.com _ _ _ _ _
1-800-426-7710. r * i i '' - o'a. ' ' ' ' BENG (V .W F.F VRiiC9f
"fln-
ities reas - -
EFFICIENCY FOR SUBLET/RE-LEASE.
Avail. now-Aug. $614/mo. neg., heat, water,
parking incl.Unfumished.
998-1040 or amcgover@umich.edu
FOR RENT LG. furn. room in professional
fraternity house. Util. incl., free cable,
$340/mo.,email fieldl@umich.edu
HUGE ROOM IN 2 bdrm. apt. 910 Packard,
prkg. mcl. price very neg., 248-420-3896.
JAN.-APRIL SUBLET - Female roommate
needed at 543 Church St. Nice bi-level apart-
ment & great campus location. $625/month.
Call Varsity Mgmt. at 668-1100.
LARGE ROOM AVAIL. female pref. Jan 1st
thru Aug. In bi-level 3 bdrm. apt., 2 bath. &
parking @ 1100 Hill. Call 222-9033.
ROOM AVAIL. IN VERY MODERN
HOUSE.Jan.-Aug. for details call 368-6931.
Fax resume 1
*AT LAST!! SPRING BREAK IS NEAR!*
Book before Nov. 6th
FREE MEALS, PARTIES & DRINKS
2 FREE TRIPS LOWEST PRICE
SUNSPLASHTOURS.COM 1-800-426-7710
BEFORE YOU SPRING BREAK, E-BREAK!
The on-line authority for Spring Break 2003!
Visit www.ebreaknow.com for all of your
Spring Break needs!
NEED A PASSPORT or visa in 24 hrs.? Call
Skyking services 734-513-2902.
GLOBOPOLIS -'The world's hottest new
board game is seeking enthusiasts/marketers.
Interested in a fun, $-making opportunity for
the holidays? Check out game & opp. @
www.globopolis net
GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTORS FOR pre-
school thru high school classes - days,
evenings & weekends. Some gymnastics ex-
perience necessary. Gym America. 971-1667.
HOLIDAY HELP
$1725 base/appt. 1-5 week work program.
Apply now, start after finals. Customer ser-
vice/retail sales. No experience necessary.
Conditions exist.
www.semesterbreakwork.com. Call 944-1223.
MICHIGAN TELEFUND NOW HIRING stu-
dents for flexible night and weekend sched-
ules. Fun work atmosphere and great job ex-
perience. Earn up to $8/hr. plus nightly
bonuses. Start in Jan. 2003. Apply online or
stop by 611 Church, Suite 4F.
www.telefund.umich.edu. 998-7420.
MOVIE EXTRAS/ MODELS NEEDED!!
No experience necessary. Earn up to $150-
$450 per day! Call 1800-814-0277 ext 1116.
PART-TIME INTERNSHIP. AD sales, PR,
Distribution. Well Paid Flexible Hours. E-mail
ucal@bendnet.com with 'Intem' in subject line.
RESERVATION MANAGER -The Island
House Hotel, Mackinac Island, is seeking a re-
centgraduate with a degree in Hospitality or
related field to work in its reservations depart-
ment. 6 months on Mackinac Island and 6
months in the Detroit Area. Competitive
salary, medical allowance, profit sharing,
board and housing provided on Mackinac.
Contact Ryan at 1-800 626-6304
www.theislandhouse.com
PREPARATOR/ TECHNICIAN,
MUSKEGON MUSEUM OFART
Muskegon Public Schools seeks an experi-
enced Preparator/fTechnician for the Muskegon
Museum of Art to implement art exhibitions,
prepare art for transporting, proper collections
preparation & maintenance, & monitoring of
THE SCHOOL OF NURSING is looking
a bright, capable, student to join our infor
tion technology team. Duties are interest
and varied. Please send resume and poss
interview times to sn-its.hire@umich.edu.
for
ma-
ting
ible
UV I.Yi..VV VYW nk"VjJ2JJ .) I JIS.&t . on-
sotidate all into 1 low monthly payment. Min
10k Good/Bad credit. No fees, Bankruptcy
OK: Toll Free 866-882-6744.
Attention Advertisers!!
The final publication
for Fall semester is on.
Wed,12/11. We resume
normal publication on
Mon, 1/6.
Please note the
following early
deadlines for January:
Display LineAd
Publication Deadline Deadline
M. 1/6 W. 12/11 F. 1/3
T. 1/7 W. 12/11 M. 1/6
W. 1/8 W. 12/11 T.1/7
Contact us to hear about our great contract rates!
*Note: All deadlines are at 11:30 a.m.
ACAPULCO - BIANCHI-ROSSI TOURS -
SPRING BREAK!! The only company ex-
clusive to Acapulco! That's why we're the
BEST. "Go Loco In Acapulco" with the #1
Spring Break Company in Acapulco for 16
- years! Call 800-875-4525. www.bianchi-rossi.com
Be a Rep., travel FREE - ask how!
pp-
.l/
CHILD CARE WANTED for 23, 24, 26, 27,
30, 31 of Dec. & 2, 3 of Jan. From 9 a.m. until
3 p.m. Call 662-3062.
EARLY SPECIALS! Spring Break Ba-
hamas Party Cruise! 5 Days $299! Includes
Meals, Parties, Awesome Beaches, Nightlife!
Departs from Florida! Get Group - Go Free!!
springbreaktravel.com 1-800-678-6386.
EARLY SPRING BREAK SPECIALS! Cancun
& Jamaica from $429! Free Breakfast, Din-
ners & Drinks! Award Winning Company!
Group Leaders Free! Florida Vacations from
$149! springbreaktravel.com 1-800-678-6386.
JUST GIVE US 2 hours of your time per
week until Spring Break & travel free! South
Padre Island, Cancun,Acapulco & Matzalan.
No time & just wanna go? Huge on-site parties
& best prices. Friendly Help -8008212176or
email: tripinfo@InertiaTours.com
SPRING BREAK '03 with StudentCity.com!
The ultimate vacation in Cancun, Bahamas,
Mazatlan, Acapulco, Jamaica and more! Pack-
ages include airfare, 7 nights hotel, FREE
FOOD, FREE DRINKS and 150% Lowest
Price Guarantee! REPS WANTED! Organize
15 friends and get hooked up with 2 FREE
TRIPS and VIP treatment! Also earn extra
cash and bonus prizes just for promoting Stu-
dentCity.com! Call 1-800-293-1445 or e-mail
sales@studentcity.com today!
SPRING BREAK INSANITY!
www.inter-campus.com or call 1-800-327-
6013 guaranteed lowest prices! Free drinks/
meals/trips! Our 17th year! Reps wanted!
WANTED! SPRING BREAKERS! Sun
Coast Vacations wants to send you on Spring
Break 2003 to Cancun, Acapulco, Mazatlan,
Jamaica or the Bahamas for FREE! Call us
now at 1-800-795-4786 or email us at
sales@suncoastvacations.com!
**COME MAKE MONEY!** Roaming in
the Jungle. Call Mary for details 586-264-0676
or email at malong@tbigj.com
THESIS EDITING. Language, organization,
format. All disciplines 25 years U-M experi-
ence. 734/996-0566 or writeon@bizserve.com
#1 SPRING BREAK VACATIONS! Cancun,
Jamaica, Acapulco, Bahamas, Mazatlan, Florida,
S. Padre. 110% Best Prices! Book Now &
get Free Parties & Meals! Group Discounts.
Now Hiring Campus Reps! 1-800-234-7007.
endlesssummertours.com.
***ACT NOW! GUARANTEE the best
spring break prices! South Padre, Cancun, Ja-
maica, Bahamas, Acapulco, Florida & Mardi
Gras. TRAVEL FREE, Reps. Needed,
EARN$$$. Group Discounts for 6+. 1-888-
THINK-SUN (1-888-844-6578 dept. 2626) /
www.springbreakdiscounts.com.
CAACt ACAPtLCO ,IJAMAICA
AUAMA t FLO i A
R1 AR6
PANAMA FA Ct ft
S andpiper
Beacon
&AnC ~ RSO~F
AVAIL. NOW FROM Dec'02 - Aug'03! Fan-
tastic room in apartment. Parking, good loca-
tion on S. Forest. Female pref.
Call: 248-766-1491 ask for Lauren.
NEED PLACE TO LIVE 2ND SEMESTER?
Seeking female, responsible, non-smkr. Rent
$325/mo. Dexter, MI Cal 730-1041.
If!!!!!!!!!!WAIT STAFF, BUSSERS,
host/hostess apply in person at the Blue Nile
Restaurant 221 E. Washington St!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR THE PARENTS
Now's the time. Give them a full year, 26 issue
subscription to Christian Profiles. It's a gift
that's inexpensive, educational, original, and
easy to give. Email us for sample issues and