-U -u~ -~ ---~ - -Th *- w - -___ -- _a -0 0 a 0 S The Michigan Daily - Weekend Magazim 2B - The Michigan Daily - Weekend Magazine - Thursday, March 25, 2004 Random finds 'Milkshake' 'Toxic annoying A guide to who's where, what's happening and why T e We e d Ls you need to be there ..Te We e d Ls By Doug Wonert Daily TV/New Media Editor The Michigan Daily: Hi, is Hillary there? Random: This is she. TMD: You have been selected for the Random Student Interview. R No kidding! TMD: Seriously. Are you down for it? R: Absolutely. I'm game. TMD: If I wore a shirt that said "Kiss Me, I'm Irish," would you do it? R: Absolutely, why not? TMD: That's great. Because I'm wearing one right now. R: Well, come on over. TMD: I'll be right there, but I have to finish this interview first. Do you like bangers and mash? R: What's that? TMD: I'm asking the question here. Yes or no? R: Ok, I'll have to say ... possibly. TMD: Which dance instructor is cooler, Wade Robson or Darren from "Darren's Dance Grooves?" R: I'll have to go with Darren because he has a cooler name. TMD; Do you know how to do the pop-and- lock? R: The pop-and-lock? TMD: It was on Darren's Dance Grooves! R: No, how do you do it? TMD: It's a very complicated move involving moving around and popping your shoulders and locking. R: But you have to be double jointed or some- thing for that, don't you? TMD: Not how Darren does it. R: Darren's the man, though. How do you know about this? TMD: I work for Daily Arts. We know a lot of things. Did you see that clip on CNN a while ago where some breakdancers performed for the Pope? R: No, is that a true story? TMD: Yes, that is a true story. What do you think the Pope thought about it? R: I bet inside it was tearing him apart. TMD: Breakdancing was tearing the Pope apart? R: Yeah, why not? TMD: If someone used a pickup line on you, would you go out with them? R: If it was a creative one. If it wasn't like "I'll be your daddy mac," I think I'd go with it. TMD: Let me tell you that I can dance really well. R: What can you do that could impress me? TMD: I can do the pop-and-lock. R: No, you can't. TMD: Yes, I can. R: Where does this go? Is this some little thing or in a newspaper or what? TMD: Yes, this is the Daily. We're a newspaper. R: How do you pick people to do it? TMD: Just randomly. That's why it's the Ran- dom Student Interview. Let's talk politics ... do you think George Washington had a nice smile? R: I mean, he's on the dollar bill. That's not bad. He should show his pearly whites more often. TMD: You are aware he had wooden teeth, aren't you? R: Haha, no. Can you like use a different name, like a pseudo-name? I wouldn't want to disgrace my name. TMD: What name would you like us to use? R: What's a hot name? What name should I use? TMD: Like Alexis? R: Sure, Alexis sounds hot. TMD: Let's go with that. Who was your favorite father figure on "Full House:" Danny, Jesse or Uncle Joey? R: Uncle Jesse. He was sexy. TMD: You thought Uncle Jesse was sexy? R: Oh yeah ... oh man ... are you kidding? He has sideburns going for him. TMD: What job do you think is the worst possi- ble job you could ever have? R: Hmmmm ... worst job ... Port-a-Potty clean- er-outer ... that's what my roommate said. TMD: So you're going to go with Port-a-Potty cleaner-outer? R: No, let me get back to you. Next question. TMD: What song is more annoying: "Who Let the Dogs Out" or "The Macarena?" R: I think "Toxic." TMD: Why don't you like "Toxic"? R: The words just kind of get annoying. And that "Milkshake" song, but I think they retired it on "TRL" TMD: You know about P. Diddy's group, right? R: What group? TMD: It's called Da Band. It's a rap group. Do you think Da Band is the worst name for a group ever? R: Yeah, that is pretty lame ... kind of vague, don't you think? TMD: Yeah, I mean ... they're not even a band! If something was cool, would you say it was "sexy" or would you say it was "all that and a bag of pota- to chips?" R: Oh, sexy, for sure. TMD: So is "sexy" the new cool word to use? R: It's not the cool word to use. You say what you want. You say what you feel. You say what's in the moment. TMD: You sound like a Hallmark card. Well, thanks for doing this. Look for it in Weekend. Films opening Jersey Girl Ben Affleck better be thankful that Kevin Smith is a helluva nice guy. We surely know that, if we were casting for a movie, we wouldn't take a bum whose last feature role was the lead in "Gigli." At Showcase: 12:20, 2:35, 5:05, 7:25, 9:40, 11:55. The Ladyldilers It's going to be difficult to enjoy Tom Hanks in a comedic role. We've all become used to watching him as a quirky sap who gets romantically lostaat sea or who spends his time sending cute e- mails to a single gal. At Showcase: 12:10, 2:30, 4:45, 7:15, 9:30, 11:45. At Madstone: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40. Never Die Alone If you're going to bite the dust, you might as well take a few other homies with you. Good thinkin', DMX. At Showcase: 12:55, 2:55, 4:55, 6:55, 9:00, 11:10. Oligarkh (Tycoon: A New Russian) Do they think we'll be fazed by the fact that this is the highest-grossing film in Russian history? That ain't nothing here in the U. S. of A. At Madstone: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:35. Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed This is another one of those releases that makes you wonder how it was ever approved. At Showcase: Noon, 12:30, 1:00, 2:15, 2:45, 3:15, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:40, 7:10, 7:40, 9:20, 11:25. Thursday CAMPUS CINEMA The Company Boo hoo. Nobody gives a damn about ballet. At Michigan Theater. 7:00, 9:30. The Same River Twice Intriguing love story that unfolds in the Grand Canyon . At Michigan Theater. 7:15, 9:15. Touching the Void dude gets a really knee injury. At Theater. 7:00, 9:15. Some sweet State Union, League offer student musicians accessible, affordable venues Films holding By Megan Jacobs Daily Arts Writer It's no secret that establishing a career in the music industry is an ambitious goal. Dealing with the workload of an average University student doesn't make it any easier. For local bands and solo acts trying to hit it big, the University offers a few opportunities to get a head start. U Club Live in the Michigan Union's University Club features some of the hottest acts in town on Friday nights. "While we would like to get some up-and-coming artists, we really focus on student bands," said Karla Zinnecker, program coordinator for the Union. Besides the usual alternative- rock groups, the Union also offers open-mic nights, a stand-up comedy group Comedy Co., and Spoken Word, a poetry reading. As bands clamor for show dates, the Union begins booking acts early in the semester. "By the third week into fall term, we are already filled up and booking for winter," Assistant Program Coordinator Kristen Deaton said. To score a slot, bands must submit a demo tape and come in to discuss contracts. Headliners also get the opportunity to choose their own openers after listen- ing to other demos. An attractive feature of U Club Live is that, while it's free for students, me band still makes a buck or two thanks to support from the Union and Univer- sity Activities Center. "We pay head- liners $200 for a 45 to 60 minute set and openers $50," Zinnecker said. Budget cuts might drop the rates in the next year, but the Union is trying to save as much as possible with minimal impact on students. Future plans for the U Club and individual bands are on the drawing board. "Next year we would like to expand ... record and compile a CD and release it at an event party," Deaton said. If the necessary equip- ment is available, this is a likely ven- ture for this Central Campus hot spot. The Michigan League boasts a plethora of show opportunities for local music acts. Friday Night Live, offered every other Friday night, is similar to that hosted by the Union; bands that submit demo tapes two to three weeks ahead of time can usually secure a show date. "In the past we brought in locals, but now we just focus on student groups," Programming Coordinator Benita Murrel said. Like the Union, the League provides a sound system, microphones, minimal lighting and a stage. "It's a great place for people to see a free show and a nice opportunity to make money, but it's pret- ty informal. You don't exactly feel like a rockstar," said Tres Wolf, lead singer of modern rock band Oblivion. League headliners receive between $150 and $200 and openers between $50 and $75. Due to future budget cuts, those rates are likely to drop next year. Thursday Night Spotlight at the League is a unique showcase. There is a variety of performances, including a cappella groups, comedic performanc- es, poetry readings and Images of Identity, a group of black comedians. Thursday Night Spotlight has also fea- tured Mentality, a student organization that presents dialogues on mental health. Another distinctive feature of the League is Saturday Broadway. Twice per term, the League sponsors Musical Theater students to sing Broadway songs in the Underground. The League also features Six String Coffeehouse. "It's a more folk- acoustic venue," Murrel said. Six String provides open-mic nights, too, where solo singers get the opportunity to perform. "A lot of times performing at the League can really open doors," Mur- rel said. "From here, students can then book slots at the Blind Pig or other venues." Despite the available venues on campus, it is still an uphill climb to break into the music industry. "It's hard to get a foot in the door, especial- ly at places like Blind Pig," said Wolf. "We've been headlining there for a while now, and we just started getting contracted for Friday nights." The University helps give aspiring musicians a leg up by providing free venues for performances. Lots of tal- ent, in conjunction with affordable per- formance venues, paves the road for a big musical break. 50 First Dates Adam Sandier must be greatly disheartened by the fact that several of his highest-grossing comedies have been crappy romantic affairs with Drew Barrymore and Rob Schneider. That must really suck. At Showcase: Noon, 2:10, 4:25, 6:45, 9:00. At Madstone: 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15. Dawn of the Dead Supposedly it loses much of the original's anti-consumer undertones . At Showcase: 12:40, 1:10, 1:40, 3:00, 3:30, 4:15, 5:15, 5:45, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 11:30, Midnight, 12:30 (Fri. and Sat.). Hidalgo Viggo Mortensen is obviously not a good cowboy. He was on top of his game as the drill instructor in "G.I. Jane" and as Aragom in the "Lord of the Rings" movies, but he just can't make it happen on a sad- dle. At Showcase: 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:25. At Madstone: 1:30, 4:15, 7:05, 9:45. The Passion of the Christ We probably should probably add violent depictions of Christ's final hours to the list of cinematic scenarios that are guaranteed to make money. At Showcase: 12:15, 12:45, 1:15, 1:45, 2:50, 4:05, 4:35, 5:35, 6:35, 7:05, 7:35, 8:05, 9:05, 9:35. At Madstone: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45. Secret Window What will it take to convince people that Phone Numbers: Michigan Theater: 668-8397; State: 761-8667. Stephen King no longer writes decent material? "The Shining" and "Pet Sematary" were darn fine movies, but their good- ness is no reason to support the current garbage he's put- ting out. At Showcase: 1:20, 3:25, 5:40, 7:55, 10:00, 10:30, 12:10, 12:40 (Fri. and Sat.). At Madstone: 1:15, 3:20, 5:25, 7:30, 9:35. Starsky & Hutch How do people enjoy watching Owen Wilson? He's a complete klutz with the infantile brains of Keanu Reeves and only half the good looks. Ben Stiller should set his standards a bit hi gher. At Showcase: 1:05, 3:20, 5:50, 8:10, 9:50, 10:20, Midnight, 12:30 (Fri. and Sat). Taking Lives Giving an hon- est description of this movie would no doubt harm its already abysmal performance. So, in the spirit of generosity, I'll do it about the only favor I can imagine doing it: telling you that Angelina Jolie gets naked. At Showcase: 12:25, 2:40, 3:10, 4:50, 5:20, 7:45, 9:55, 10:25, 12:05 (Fri. and Sat.), 12:35 (Fri. and Sat.). Twisted It's too bad that this movie list has to end with a couple of piss-poor thrillers. At least "Taking Lives" makes use of Angelina Jolie's nakedness. This film is completely irre- deemable, and there's no rea- son to try to make it sound any better. At Showcase: 12:15 (Fri. and Sat.). Quality 16: 827-2837; showcase: 973-8380; The Triplets of Belleville Have you ever seen silent ani- mation? Have you ever seen silent animation on weed? At State Theater. 7:15, 9:30. MUSIC The Tallis Scholars The Tallis Scholars are the leading inter- preters ofaRenaissance sacred music. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. 8 p.m. $30- $40. 764-2538. THEATRE Don Giovani Come experi- ence a powerful opera about a devilish charmer performed by the University's School of Music. Mendelssohn Theater. 8 p.m. $8-$20. 764-2538. The Glue Factory "The Glue Factory" follows the lives of five apartments and their experi- ences during the blackout of August 2003. Arena Theater. 7 p.m. Free. Friday CAMPUS GNEMA The Company See Thursday. At Michigan Theater. 7:00, 9:30. Fog of War Hey, General McNamara, you're on Candid Camera. At State Theater. 9:15. Kitchen Stones A provoca- tive tour-de-force about observ- ing people's kitchen habits. At Michigan Theater. 7:15, 9:15. TIriplets of Belleville See Washington St., Ypsilanti. 10 p.m. $5. 483-6374. Michael Johnson Stomping those slow soul singers from the former Soviet Union. First United Methodist Church, 1001 Green Road. 8 p.m. Free 665-8558. Lady Sunshine & the X Band The former mistress o KCs backing band is back, and with her own terrifying collec- tion of rave-kids. The Firefly Club, 207 S. Ashley St.9 p.m $10. 665-9090. THEATRE Don Giovani See Thursday. The Glue Factory See Thursday. Saturday CAMPUS CINEMA The Company See Thursday At Michigan Theater. 7:00 9:30. Fog of War See Friday. Al State Theater. 2:15, 9:15. Kitchen Stories See Friday At Michigan Theater. 4:15 7:15, 9:15. Touching the Void See EARTH AND SKY: A IN THE LATI Saturday, M Hussey Roor Son The Culrures of Maps i Berna The Practice of Islaic Ihsa The Introduction of Modern Sci intellectual Community: Towm (ott )r Closing Remarks - Cornell Fle Ottonan & Modern Saturday, March 27, I-3pm Ann Arbor Public Library 343 S Fifth Ave Sara Schechner A Hands-on Workshop on theAs Pillar Sundial This workshop will provide hands-on construcnng and using two sgnifcan Instruments, the astrolabe and pillar s Participants will build their own instr are specially calculared to Ann Arbor is lmited; e-mail em n5as unih5Lea others admitted space pertmng ond; U-M Center for Middle 1080 S. University Ave. Suit Phone: 734-764-0350.1 website: httpigw Seduction...Conquest... Betrayaf A leaendar over's pursuit of more notcies or is bedjost... DON GIOVANNI Music BY W. A. MOZART UNIVERSITY PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA CONDUCTED BY MARTIN KATZ DIRECTED BY TIM OCEL UM SCHOOL OF MUSIC OPERA THEATRE MARCH 25 - 27 AT 8PM MARCH 28 AT 2PM LYDIA MENDELSSOHN THEATRE TICKETS $20 AND $15 - STUDENTS $8 W/lD LEAGUE TICKET OFFICE - 734-764-2538 a 1 .'.,...'.-~-." <7'.. s . F F mountain fim festival world tour www.danftemountainfestivasca location: rackham auditorium date: marc h 28, 2004 time: doors 4 6:00 p.m. show starts@ 6:30 p.m. prices: tickets $10 advance/$12 at door for information and tic kets, please c all: (734)764-3967 or visit us at: RECY . T www.recsports.umic h.edu/ 0m .'V*0.'...." 'TEO . I Y. $ Thursday. 7:15, 9:30. Touching Thursday. 7:00. At State Theater: the Void See At State Theater. MUSIC The Scars Only the festering and oozing kind tonight, none of the little sissy ones you got when your cat got run over. The Elbow Room, 6 S. Showtimes are effective Friday through Thursday. Matinee times at State Theater are effec- tive for Saturday and Sunday only.