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 $25 material and model fee will be collected for the Nude Photography class. Film will not be developed in the Nude course. Tuesdays Union Games Room 7:00-9:00 10/10-11/14 Tuesdays Union Games Room 9:00-11:00 10/10-11/14 anlorethe f,undamintals of billiards. Sessions include handouts, demos, and practice time. - Ctdf1 Y,,9LXXSCXXZL9Z4ftW 1*$ JkV 1 II 11