14A - The Michigan Daily - Monday, October 2, 1995
J. Mascis plays it solo
By Heather Phares
Daily Arts Editor
"Do the words Lynrd Skynrd mean
anything to you?" a downright outgo-
ing J. Mascis yelled to the sold-out
crowd at the Blind Pig last Thursday.
Much like Dinosaur Jr.'s body of work,
Mascis' performance mixed the best of
classic rock and punk rock.
Ever since the "MTV Unplugged"
became the domain ofaging rock mono-
liths like Page and Plant and Eric
Clapton, solo-acoustic shows have
smacked of middle-aged artistic pre-
tensions and desperate bids for cred-
ibility.
However, performers like Mascis,
Bob Mould and Kristin Hersh make
their acoustic performances fresh and
vital, playing with the idea of what an
acoustic show can be. Instead of deliv-
ering quieter, slower renditions of the
hits, Mascis used the acoustic concert
to show off his excellent guitar playing
and singing, and even cracked a few
jokes during the evening.
It's no surprise to anyone that's lis-
tened to a Dinosaur Jr. album or seen
them live that J. Mascis is a great guitar-
ist. But sometimes the sheer volume of
his plugged-in style overpowers the fine
points of his technique; this acoustic
show provided fans an opportunity to
hear Mascis mix flamenco strumming
and delicate picking into his adept
rhythm playing.
His singing, too, came as a pleasant
surprise. Often Mascis sounds like he
needs to blow his nose or clear his
throat as he croaks out his songs. But on
Thursday his voice was as clear and
strong as it probably will ever be; he
actually hit most of the right notes in
each song - an accomplishment.
Most astonishing of all was Mascis'
jovial and outspoken mood. The notori-
J. Mascis
Blind Pig
September 28, 1995
ously reticent and closemouthedJ. made
jokes and talked with the audience.
"Hey, has anybody been watching that
PBS rock 'n' roll documentary thing?"
Mascis yelled to a few responsive
cheers. "Your city was all over it last
night!" Later on, he asked the crowd,
"Are you ready for Slayer?" and pro-
ceeded to play Carly Simon's "Antici-
pation."
Needless to say, the set-list was notr
packed with hits. In fact, the brief -
under 50 minutes - performance was
filled with some relatively obscure Di-
nosaur songs and some unusual covers.
Along with "Anticipation," Mascis per-
formed a Wipers song, the Smiths' "The
Boy With the Thorn in his Side"and, of
'Green is nothing new
We cut 1's bandmates out of the photo, just because.
course, Skynrd. Mascis also played a
few songs off of "Green Mind" in-
cluding"Flying Cloud," "Blowin' It"
and "The Wagon.i"
A terrific, if all too short show,
Mascis' performance proved again that
he is a true talent, undeserving of the
"slacker king" image he has. Plugged
or unplugged, it takes lots of work to
sound as effortlessly great as he does.
Cecilia Bartoli spread her world-class wings to soar
By Emily Lambert
Daily Fine Arts Editor
Forty-two hundred people waited ex-
pectantly for Cecilia Bartoli, the opera-
singer who has charmed audiences the
world over, to step onto the stage of Hill
Auditorium. Forty-two hundred hearts
beat faster in anticipation of hearing her
heavenly voice. Eighty-fourhundred eyes
watched the backstage door, searching
for the star. When the time came, Bartoli
stepped out, smiled at the crowd and sang
wondrously. She did not disappoint.
Bartoli, the twenty-nine year old, world-
famous mezzo-soprano, looked like a
princess and received a royal reception
from the packed house. Before she had
even let loose a note, the audience was
applauding madly. As the incredibly lik-
able Bartoli poured personality and emo-
tion in to her rich, gorgeous voice, the
audience loved her even more.
Bartoli eased into her program with
three tranquil songs of Vincenzo Bellini.
Though these had a calming effect, most
in the appreciative crowd still clapped
excitedly after each piece.
In Ravel's"Quatre Chants Populaires,"
the singer's famed expressiveness began
toshowinher faceandmovements. Bartoli
shrugged and grinned joyously in the
exuberant French song. Seconds later,
she subdued her role to sing a sorrowful
song from Italy. Then, to the audience's
. CeciliaBartoll
HillAuditorium
September 29, 1995
delight, Bartoli depicted a conversation
between a Hebrew father and son by
drastically, even comically, changing
her timbre and presentation.
With castanets and an operatic flour-
ish, Bartoli closed out the half with the
setting "Zaide," by Berlioz. Two lovely
songs by the under-appreciated nine-
teenthcentury composer Pauline Viardot
also graced the program.
Ironically, the evening'smost amazing
performance was of a wordless study by
Ravel. Bartoli performed this etude with
romantic finesse and spirit, showing that
the absence of words in a vocal piece did
not preclude her from portraying a multi-
tude of characters. She gracefully slid
down runs and sailed over high leaps,
treating each line like a small opera.
Accompanist Steven Blier played with
the perfect amount of prescribed energy,
delicacy and flamboyance. Though
Bartoli was the center of attention, no
piece was finished until Blier had coaxed
out the final notes. Bartoli never failed to
thank Blier after each selection, and nei-
ther did the audience.
To discuss Bartoli's incredible articu-
lation and control would underscore her
music-making. She was an involved, pas-
sionate musician whose technique seemed
inherent. Yet Bartoli's control was unde-
niably amazing, especially in the final
works by Rossini. In these pieces, for
which she is famous, the hundreds of
notes, skips and trills flowed by effort-
lessly.
The large demand to see Bartoli's re-
cital necessitated the use of Hill Audito-
rium, but a more intimate setting would
have beennicer. Her musical expressive-
ness, though, was cause enough for con-
tentment. Most admirers werejust thank-
ful to have a ticket.
At the conclusion of "La
Cenerentola," an adaptation of
Cinderella, Bartoli brought the audi-
ence to their feet. Charming, gracious
and just plain cute, the singer looked
amazed and honored by the applause,
which she has received in prestigious
halls all over the world. Bartoli gave
four encores before blowing kisses to
the balconies and disappearing behind
stage.
There was a fairy-tale ending to this
concert, the gala opening of the Univer-
sity Musical Society's 1995-96 season.
The audience that left Hill had music in
their heads and Cecilia in their hearts.
And, like awestruck children, all were
wishing upon an opera star.
By Kristin Long
For the Daily
In Disney's latest creation, we see
another child motivational movie about
sports. This time, however, it is about
soccer, the ever-growing sport that has
grabbed our nation since the sweep of the
World Cup in the summer of 1994. "The
Big Green" relies on a "been there, done
that" kind of aura that we feel when we
have repeatedly lived the same thing.
Movies like "The Mighty Ducks" come
to mind as a model for such films.
This new movie begins in a small town
in Texas that has gone to shambles since
the reign of its two greatest football stars.
The children find themselves hopeless
when they see that they are trapped in a
small town with little chance to someday
The Big Green
Directed by Holly
Goldberg Sloan
with Steve Guttenberg
and Olivia D'Abo
At Showcase
escape. They notice that their greatest
amusement comes in the form oflaying in
the middle of a field, covered with
"Cheetos," waiting for birds to eat the
treats from their chests.
With the arrival of Anna Montgomery
(Olivad'Abo)astheirnew school teacher
from England, they learn a greater appre-
ciation for themselves through playing
soccer. She receives nothing but a hard
time until she displays her native soccer
talents to a room of skeptical kids. Yet.as
they learn to respect her, they learn to
respect themselves. Tom Palmer (Steve
Guttenberg), the town sheriff and former
football great, helps Anna coach the kids.
The team begins its playing career with
a rocky start against Tom's old football
buddy Jay Huffer, who, unlike Tom, h
moved on to bigger and better thing
since his glory days. Of course, his tea
is themost fearless andunstoppableinth
league; they have little problem pouncin
over the poor beginners. From the fir
game to the last, we see nothing b
improvement by all the players.
Off the soccer field, the teammate
bond and the audience sees the underl
ing dilemmas oftheirlives. The kidshav
problems with everything from a drun
father to a mother who is an illegal alie
While they all share a special relation
ship, the maturity level for the almost 1
year-old kids is a bit exaggerated at timet
The concept of the youngsters havin
feelings that are bigger than their bodie
seems quite unrealistic.
This epitome of the children's sport
movie offers a cast of fine actor
Guttenberg takes a large step in a diffe
ent direction from his role as the youn
bachelor in the classic comedy "Thre
Men and a Baby." Unfortunately, hi
humor shows signs of age.
D'Abo ("The Wonder Years"), on th
other hand, is refreshing as the vivacio
teacher/coach, turning the town upsi
down. The child actors also fill the fil
with many future comedic hopeful
whom we will hopefully see in the futur
Apparently after the World Cup So
cer Tournament blasted the United State
writer/director Holly Goldberg Sloa
("Angels in the Outfield") was inspired t
write a story about her favorite sport. Th
flick is about her personal experiences i
soccer, a sport cherished by not only he
but by her children as well.
Although this film had some fine stabs
great humor, the stabs were used with som
thing like a sponge sword. For young chi
dren who have not already been enchante
bymovies such as "The Mighty Ducks,"th
film offers the motivation that many chi
dren might enjoy. For teenagers and adul
however, this movie is nothing more than
carbon copy of other young sport stories.
Barten diuxg $40
6 class meetings
Mondays Oct 9- Nov. 13, 6-8 pm
Wednesdays Oct. Is - Nov. 15, 6-8 pm
Learn How to Make over 100 drinks Nectarine Ballroom bartender Ken Mallwita
returns to teach this popular course. Students will receive a certificate of
graduation upon completion. Colored water, not alcohol, is used.
istructor Ken Mallwitz
Location: Boulevard Room
3 class metings
Thursdays Oct. 12 -Nov. 9,6:30-9 pm
$40
Registration Dates
Registration Site
Classes Begin
For more information
September 25-October 6
Mishigan Union Ticket Office @ 763-TKTS
No Mail-in registration
Refunds will only be given if the course is canceled
Use your Mcard
Week of October 9
Call UAC @ 763-1107
,~nnwoacV~m
Informative and fun, this hands-on course will cover benefits, contraindictions, basic
strokes, body mechanics, seated massage, face, neck, shoulders, back, foot & hand
reflexology, shatsu, accupressure, and full-body massage (clothed). Wear loose-
fitting clothing and bring a pillow and a mat or blanket to lie on.
Instructor: Marianne Nardini
L cation: Center Room
_._._
Medito tiozx
Session!I: 3 class meetings
Tuesdays Oct. 10-24,7:30-9:30 pm
Session II: 3 class meetings
Tuesdays Oct. 31-Nov. 14, 7:30-9:30 pm
Instructor: Carl Christoff
Location: Center Room
Session III: I class Meetng
Saturday Sept. 30,930 m-3:30 pm
Session Iv: i class meeting
Saturday Oct. 28,9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructr Carl Christoff
Location: Valley Room
Meditation Is a simple and direct practice -the moment-to-moment investigation of the mind/body process through calm, focused awareness. No special religious beliefs are
required; this is a spiritual process. Each class meeting will include sitting time, instruction, and group discussion. Bring a lunch to the Saturday sessions.
Scottish C nxtr-y $40 Womenx'm Self-I)efenc$e$0
I aa.x oi ig Session I: 4 class meetings
Tues. Oct. 10 -Oct 31, 6:30-8:30 pm
Mon. Oct.9-Nov. 27, 79 pm Session II: 4 class meetings
Tues. Nov. 7 -Nov. 28, 6:30-8:30 pm
Learn the basic steps and formations of Scottish Country Dancing and dance reels Enhance your self-esteem and learn how to protect yourself Become more
and jigs to the lively music offiddles, piano, and accordioni Great exercise and comfortable with your body and build assertiveness, awareness, sef-confdence, and
tots of fue No partner necessary. flexibilitty. Learn self-defense skills in a safe environment.
Instructor Helen Welford Intuctor: Deb Fedon
Location: East Room Location: Noth East Room
Tae-K3&woa dlo $40 Yoga $40
6 class meetings 6 class meetings
Thur. Oct. 5- Nov. 9,7-9 pm Wed. Oct. 11 - Nov. 15, 8-9:30 pm
Open to all skill levels, this class will teach a comprehensive style of self-defense, Reflect on the meaning of yoga and meditation. Explore the benefits of this ancient
building upon a solid foundation of traditional Tae-Kwon do. This style adds a tradition and discover what it can do for you in everyday life.
variety of self-defense tactics which borrow techniques from Aikido, Judo and
police defensive tactics. Tae-Kwon do emphasizes personal development, self- Instructor: David Rosenberg
defense, and harmonization of mind, body and spirit. This class offers the option to Location: Center Room
continue to more advanced levels.
Instructor: Greg Marquis
Location: East Room
Tai Cxhi Ch xn Tai Chi Chuaan
Session 6: 6class meetings 6 class meetings
Thurs. Oct S - Nov. 9, 6:30-7:30 pm Thurs. Oct. 5 - Nov. 9,7:30-8:30 pm
Tai Chi Chuan is an internal Martial Art which focuses on using the mind to This class is for students continuing from previous classes.
perform the movement, not brute strength. Its slow, graceful movements and
relaxed breathing process can contribute to a general improvement in health by Iutructor Aiji Pipho
relaxing mind and body, as well as improving balance and concentration. Location: Boulevard Room
Instructor: Aiji Pipho
Location: Boulevard Room
Ballroom Dance
Section I
Section II
Herman Humes
Bartending
Section I
Section II
Section III
Sonya Suponcic
Intro to
Cooking
CPR
Creating
With Clay
Section I
Section II
May Oppenheim
Massage
Section 1
Brian Chambers
Meditation
Kapila Castoldi
Photography
Beginning (ew&)
Photographing
the Nude
Garin Homer
Pool
Session I
Session II
Mondays U-Club-Union 6:00-8:00 10/9-11/13
Wednesdays U-Club-Union 6:00-8:00 10/18-11/22
Thursdays U-Club-Union 6:00-8:00 10/12-11/16
Amaze your friends, annoy your parents! Learn how to mix over 100 drinks. A certificate of
graduation will be awarded upon completion of the course. *Last two nights of each class will be
at The Nectarine Ballroom.
Mondays U-Club-Union 7:00-10:00 10/11-11/20
Wake up your tastebuds and learn to cook dishes from around the world. Regions such as China
India, the Meditarrian, France (pastries), Italy and more will be explored through the culinary arts. Festive,
healthy, vegetarian fare will be taught by Lovieen Bajwa, owner or Raja Rani. Breads by Ally Young
from Doughboys Bakery.
**Note: the 1st class will meet until 10:30 and will include a kitchen safety discussion and a waiver
of liability will be presented. **A $15 lab fee will be collected on the first night of class.
***Students are asked to bring their own pairing knife and peelers to class.
Mondays Parker Rm-Union 8:00-10:00 10/16-10/23
This course taught by The American Red Cross will cover basic CPR. A great skill for lifeguards,
people at the beach and everyone else to know. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the course.
Mondays Artspace-Union 6:30-9:30 10/23-11/27
Saturdays Artspace-Union 1:00-4:00 10/21-12/2
Learn to use ceramics as a vehicle for both personal and artistic expression. Techniques include
throwing, hand building, mold and tile making. Creativity and desire is a must.
*A $15 dollar lab fee will be collected by instructor on the 1st night of class.
Thursdays Watts Room-Union 7:00-10:00 10/19-12/7
Ahh... RELAX-.and forget about your worries. Learn the secrets to giving and receiving massges.
Each session, students will practice their techniques. Bring a towel. (10126 class will be in the Bates Rm)
Mondays Pond Rm-Union 7:00-8:30 10/9-11/13
This is an introduction to meditation. Registration will be held at the UAC office, 2105 Michigan Union
$40
$40
$40
$45 *
Mondays Anderson Rm-Union 8:00-10:00 10/9-11/20 (no class 11/6) $45/couple
Tuesdays Anderson Rm-Union 9:00-11:00 10/10-11/14 $45/couple
Put on your dancing shoes! In this course for beginners and intermediates, you'll learn various
dances such as the Rumba, Fox Trot, Cha-Cha, Swing, Waltz and the expressive Tango.
$42
$60*
$42
Free
$60*
$60*
$30
$30
Mondays
Artspace-Union
6:30-9:30 10/9-11/13
Tuesdays Artspace-Union 6:30-9:30 10/10-11/14
Learn how to use your own 35mm camera, while discovering the excitement and magic of printing your
own photos in the Beginning class. Techniques, lighting, and posing, while photographing a variety of
models in on-location and classroom settings will be explored in the Nude Photography course.
* A $15 lab fee for the Beginning class will be collected on the 1st night of class
*A $25 material and model fee will be collected for the Nude Photography class. Film will not be developed
in the Nude course.
Tuesdays Union Games Room 7:00-9:00 10/10-11/14
Tuesdays Union Games Room 9:00-11:00 10/10-11/14
anlorethe f,undamintals of billiards. Sessions include handouts, demos, and practice time.
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