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Versu Entertainment & Culture at Vanderbilt

FEBRUARY 28—MARCH 12,2, 2008 NO. 7

RITES OF SPRING

PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE THURSDAY, FEB. 28 FRIDAY, FEB. 29 SATURDAY 3/1 Silverstein with The Devil Wears Prada — Rocketown John Davey, Rebekah McLeod and Kat Jones — Rocketown Sister Hazel — Wildhorse Saloon The Regulars Warped Tour alums and hardcore luminaries Silverstein bring their popular Indiana native John Davey just might be the solution to February blues — his unique pop/ Yes, they’re still playing together and touring. Yes, they can still rock sound to Nashville. teamed up with the Christian group The Devil folk sound is immediately soothing and appealing and is sure to put you in a good mood. with the best of ’em. Yes, you should go. Save all your money this THE RUTLEDGE Wears Prada for a long-winded U.S. tour. ($5, 7 p.m.) 401 Sixth Avenue South, 843-4000 week for that incredibly sweet sing-along to “All For You” (you know 410 Fourth Ave. S. 37201 ($15, 6 p.m.) 401 6th Avenue S., 843-4000 you love it). ($20-$45, 6 p.m.) 120 Second Ave. North, 902-8200 782-6858 Music in the Grand Lobby: Paula Chavis — The Frist Center for the Steep Canyon Rangers — Station Inn Red White Blue EP Release Show — The 5 Spot Visual Arts MERCY LOUNGE/CANNERY This bluegrass/honky-tonk band from North Carolina has enjoyed a rapid has a new champion in Red White Blue. Check out their EP Nashville’s best-kept secret? The Frist hosts free live music in its lobby every Friday night. BALLROOM popularity increase since it started playing gigs seven years ago. Enjoy a selection of wine and other beverages and listen to the music of jazz pianist and release party to hear their interesting blend of Americana, bluegrass ($10, 9 p.m.) vocalist Paula Chavis. and soft rock. ($5, 9 p.m.) 1006 Forrest Ave., 650-9333 1 Cannery Row 37203 (Free, 6 p.m.) 919 Broadway, 244- 3340 251-3020 Vinyl Soup with Chronics of the Nar — Windows on the & with Dawn Landes — Cumberland An Evening with the Jimmy Hall Trio — Bluebird Cafe Cannery Ballroom BLUEBIRD CAFE Local quartet Vinyl Soup seems to defy classification, drawing from a variety Jim Hall, a world-renowned jazz guitarist, visits the Bluebird, bringing with him his current This Dave Barnes-inspired act brings solid riffs and touching of genres to produce its unique rock sound. Catch the band supporting its touring band mates Scott Colley and Lewis Nash. Together the trio promotes “Magic Meeting,” flights of to the table in the Nashville music scene. Head over 4104 Hillsboro Road 37215 brand new , “Brandon and Travis,” released just this year. Hall’s latest studio endeavor. to Cannery Ballroom to find out why he’s kind of a big deal. ($15, 383-1461 (Cover TBA, 9 p.m.) 112 2nd Ave. N, 251-0097 ($10, 9:30 p.m.) 9 p.m.) EXIT/IN The Refugees — Bluebird Cafe Griffin House with Sons of William — Exit/In The Jack Pearson Band — 3rd & Lindsley 2208 Elliston Place 37203 All-girl trio The Refugees already have a Grammy to their name, and are Twenty-five-year-old Griffin House has his unique breed of down to a science. His Jack Pearson has been in the business for years and has worked with well-regarded as folk — many even describe them as the deep, classic American voice, guitar strumming and storytelling lyrics make him reminiscent everyone from Faith Hill to The Allman Brothers Band. Check him 321-3340 female version of Crosby, Stills and Nash. of — and definitely worth the ticket. ($12, 9 p.m.) out to see why he’s been in bands with some of the most legendary ($10, 9 p.m.) musicians in Nashville and beyond. ($8, 10 p.m.) STATION INN Gypse Pompe — Cafe Coco 402 12th Ave. S. 37203 Chris Mitchell and the Collection — 3rd & Lindsley This bluegrass group will take you back to the days of cowboys and hoopskirts with charming Dale Ann Bradley — Station Inn 255-3307 Check out the Ohio native, whose “finely tuned voice can cross a multitude fiddle and string arrangements. (Free, 11 p.m.) The 2007 International Association’s Female Vocalist of genre barriers.” Mitchell rejoined local dance band the Collection, with of the Year will be sharing her incredible voice at Nashville’s Bluegrass THE BASEMENT whom he worked in the ’90s, for exploration in jazz and funk sounds. Jabe & The All Night Circus — 12th South Taproom and Grill Mecca, Station Inn. If you haven’t heard of her (or bluegrass, for that (Cover TBA, 8 p.m.) Tracks from Jabe & The All Night Circus’s latest release “Rocket Surgery” are like a breath matter), you seriously need to see this show. ($10, 9 p.m.) 1604 Eighth Ave. S. 37203 of fresh air — no, maybe a kick in the stomach, of some much-needed, hard-rocking 254-1604 The Dust Poets — Americana. (Free, 9 p.m.) 2318 12th Avenue South, 463, 7552 The Art of Percussion — Schermerhorn Symphony Head to Vanderbilt’s own Blair Concert Series, which is featuring Canadian Center F. SCOTT’S RESTAURANT AND folk-pop group The Dust Poets. The five-man ensemble dabbles in a variety Cadillac Sky — Station Inn Are you a drummer that really digs the Symphony? Shostakovich’s You’ve got to hear these guys. Their fusion of bluegrass melodies and layered harmonies is JAZZ BAR of traditional styles, using an entirely acoustic collection of instruments. Symphony No. 10 in E minor (Op. 93) is the highlight of the show this completely entrancing, and likely like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Walk, don’t run, to (Free, 8 p.m.) week with a percussion showcase that will definitely rock your socks 2210 Crestmoor Road 37215 the Station Inn tonight. ($12, 9 p.m.) off (if anything at the symphony could do it, it’s this). ($30-105, 7 269-5861 Doug Hoekstra with Tori Sparks — Douglas Corner Cafe Ray Sisk and Friends with Daisy Dern, Dave Gibson and others — p.m.) Wired Magazine writes, “A lot of people write songs, Hoekstra writes five- SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY minute worlds.” Douglas Corner Cafe — CENTER ($5, 8:30 p.m.) 2106 8th Ave. S., 298-1688 With so much diverse music in Nashville, sometimes you wonder, where can I just get some Seriously, do you need a reason to see this Nashville tradition? old fashioned country/ Americana? Head to Douglas Corner Cafe to see Ray Sisk, whose How about acts like the Del McCoury band, Jimmy Dickens and the 1 Symphony Place 37201 Jonathan Richman with Tommy Larkins — The Five Spot melancholic voice and classic acoustic guitar is at the same time a nod to tradition and a legendary Ricky Skaggs? Buy your tickets NOW. ($34-49, 6:30 and 687-6500 Velvet Underground fanatic Jonathan Richman is a near-forgotten name breath of fresh air. ($5, 9 p.m.) 2106-A 8th Ave. South, 289-1688 9:30 p.m.) in rock, but his influence on the emerging punk scene in the late ’70s is 3RD AND LINDSLEY undeniable. His hit single “Roadrunner” has been covered by the likes of John Birdsong — F. Scott’s Hotpipes CD Release Show — Exit/In the Sex Pistols and the Violent Femmes, and it is often hailed as “the first Need some more jazz in your life? Come to F. Scott’s for some classic American cuisine, an The local foursome Hotpipes may fall into the extremely large and 818 Third Ave. S. 37210 punk rock song.” elegant atmosphere and most importantly, the music of John Birdsong, a well-known upright now nondescript category of , but their new wave garage 259-9891 ($12, 8:30 p.m.) 1006 Forrest Ave., 650-9333 jazz bass player in Nashville. (Free, 7 p.m.) rock sound definitely breaks the mold. The release party for their CAFE COCO David Dewese of the Luxury Liners — Edgehill Studios Cafe second CD will feature friends Courtney Tidwell, Hands Off Cuba and D Cowboy Dynamite with Meemaw — The End Funk DJ. (Price TBA, 8 p.m.) Given their song titles (“Don’t Taze Me Bro” and “I Hate Chores I Love Nashville-based singer- David Dewese certainly has a lot on his plate right now: 210 Louise Ave. 37203 S’mores”), maturity may not be a strong point of the teenage punk quartet He fronts two bands (The Luxury Liners and The Foxymorons), is releasing a solo CD and 321-2626 Hip Hop Night — Cafe Coco from Franklin, but they still manage to produce a catchy pop-punk sound is launching a clothing line. Despite his hectic schedule, he still manages to make some Join Nashville local DJ Wick-it this week with his smooth beats that will that will get you moving in no time. Expect material from their latest thoughtful, acoustic music. (Free, 7 p.m.) 1201 Villa Place Nashville 301.8539 at the very least inspire some solid head bobbing utilizing old-school album, “This World is our Playground,” released in April. jams mixed with modern dialogue created from personal voicemails, clips from Dave Chappelle and everything in between. (Free, 11p.m.)

FREE ADMISSION February–March, 2008 7 p.m. in Sarratt Cinema

for complete schedule visit the Web site www.vanderbilt.edu/iraqwarseries THIS ISSUE Versus Fiction O. FEBRUARY 28—MARCH 12, 2008 N 7 4 tA&NCFS  3 tA$PWFS-FUUFS"OJUB+PCC 3 Versus FROM THE EDITOR Magazine EDITORIAL BOARD Music

Editor in Chief t'PVSOFXBMCVNTZPVOFFEUPIFBS 4 Darcy Newell t.PEFSOGFTUJWBMTGPSSPDLHPET 5 t8FNBEFZPVSTQSJOHCSFBLNJY 5 Managing Editor 8 Chris Gearing Music Editor Garrett Faulkner Culture Culture Editors t7BOEZJTSFBMMZ SFBMMZHPPEMPPLJOH 6 Courtney Rogers t.JDIBFM$IBCPOSFXSJUFTIJTUPSZ 7 t3FUVSOPGUIFGMPXFSDIJME 8 Linda Vongkhamchanh Fiction Editor Ellie Mix As 2008 Rites performer DJ Kool once said (and will Features Contributors likely repeat on April 18th on Alumni Lawn), Jordan Bond t3JUFTPG4QSJOHQSFWJFX 9 Owen Canavan LET ME CLEAR MY THROAT. Daniel Cherry Ben Grimwood Maria Hibbard The Rites of Spring lineup — crucial information for 9 Amy Johnston which the campus has anticipated with baited breath. As Andrew Levy Diversions Davis McMillan I received the Music Group’s press release, I admit I felt Tawney Milam like Charlie Bucket with the coveted lineup acting as my Mallory Morse t$SPTTXPSE 4VEPLV 10 Will Parks golden ticket. I looked down at the headliners, prepared to 5 Eliza Robie be overcome with — Thomas Shattuck Sean Tierney Oliver Wolfe YESSSSSSS. Reanne Zheng PIC OF THE WEEK The Rites lineup this year is, to use a word of the Copy Editors people, incredibly sick. The Music Group has accounted Elizabeth Middlebrooks Medora Brown for all music styles and preferences, ensuring that there is Hannah Twillman something for every music fan, and beyond that, a unified, Art Director diverse experience for everyone. Matt Radford But it’s true — they hasn’t brought a musical superstar Designers back to campus after Quake, and you may argue that these Jose Garza Elizabeth Middlebrooks acts are not of “Kanye magnitude.” Courtney Rogers Yet Rites of Spring is a music festival (not unlike the Avery Spofford famous festivals we outline in the music section, plug Marketing Director plug plug), and it’s less about Kanye running around the George Fischer stage like a nut wearing a backpack crooning “Stronger” Advertising Manager and more about the experience, the warm weather, the day Madeline Pulman and the musicians picked whose styles inextricably lend Asst. Advertising Manager Angela Booker themselves to , soul-infused, once-in-a-lifetime live Advertising Staff performances. You don’t know bands like Grace Potter Carolyn Fisher and the Nocturnals or The Hill Country Revue? Well, it’s a David Gaffney good thing you have two months to get ready. Don’t worry. Killian Lamkin We’ll help. VSC Director Chris Carroll The bottom line? The Music Group has lived up to its Asst. VSC Directors Jeff Breaux Quake-made reputation and booked fantastic acts. Now Paige Clancy it’s up to you to get your hands on some of this music. Don’t blame us if you find some new favorites.

Darcy Newell “NOOGIE! IN QUEBEC” OLIVER WOLFE

Dine from a unique, eclectic and diverse menu of dishes from around the world -VODIGBWPSJUFT Wasabi crusted tuna salad Asian style shrimp dumplings Smoke Salmon pizza %JOOFS'BWPSJUFT Maple glazed duck over sweet potato risotto Black pepper crusted salmon Moroccan lamb shank Brazilian style Paella in spicy tomato broth

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go to 19th Avenue and take a left, West End take a right on Hayes Street Vanderbilt and Mambu is on the left between 18th and 19th Avenue. Versus • February 28—March 12, 2008 • 3 Poetry fiction Ember “If you put yourself out there and you’re lucky, it comes to you. You find it, and you know right away Will parks that’s it.” Contributor — Michael Chabon

And as you spoke the night thickened so I listened to every word, every meaning, Haikus every subtly immured in ephemera stumbling from your mouth. And in spite of the moment we fell Words to live by backwards from our feet, forwards into a collapse and a spiral that neither of us in seventeen syllables asked the way out of so we searched for the exit separately. I don’t have the time The air cooled around us To deal with your crap right now. in the heat of a passion we knew was there, somewhere; Wish I could pause you. a caress of the shaded shoulder and a grasp of the fatigued spirit that faded onto our malleable form and our harsh rhythm, Time to study yet? the muted aria with chords that sounded beautiful but I don’t think it’s quite that time. no one can ever hear, Test’s not for three hours. or at least I thought so.

And how animated was your face when you dictated the embellished brevity, our scarce attachment to the heart; and how lost were my eyes when I watched your face stare Anita Jobb out of the window into the distant , VU Station B #1234 · Nashville, TN 37235 · (123) 456 -7890 · [email protected] and fall in love with the depth of space.

We never wanted to sleep but Internship Coordinator February 28, 2008 our souls were weary and Human Resources Department I began to dream of a fire that Worldwide Group (USA) consumed our bed and seared our 666 Judgment Day Lane naked bodies, melting together , NY with faint force to a dirty brown, a blend into the dark where the last hue of red curled back Dear Sir/Madam, beneath the dying embers. I read with interest about Worldwide Group (USA) Summer Internship Program through the company Yet when our night weakened website. Please accept this cover letter as my official application for any position you can possibly offer the morning light cast me because I wrecked my car and I badly need laser hair removal. I am convinced I am a perfect match a lonely shadow of the flesh for your company because I’ve got the mad skillz and you’ve got the paycheck. on the ruffled sheets where my hands sifted through air, I am extremely interested in the field of work Worldwide Group (USA) has to offer. Who am I kidding? where my lips were left I have absolutely no idea what you do, what I would do; I found a flyer of yours at the Career Fair that says “You’ve Got What We Need.” And I guess I do! What have I got? A multi-figure car insurance entangled in an abandoned scent, bill, a joke of a major and I suppose a pretty decent rack. Is that what you need? Can you transfer this where my head lay burning cover letter to a Geico representative who needs a partner for his caveman? slowly, softly, discreetly. My experience spans from academia to the professional. For three years I have been active at the gym and getting my groove on at my favorite local fraternity. I can dance like I’m in a Timbaland and can walk in a semi-straight line after six mixed drinks. I have demonstrated my effective leadership through various programs at the university; I like to get things done. Like lunch and dinner. I am amazing at lunch and dinner. My main interests lie in sleeping, partying and LOST, interests that am I sure will add to the success of your company. This is how I know that Worldwide Group (USA) is everything I want to work for; I am just copying power phrases out of a book, so how about, “I have the depth of experience it takes to make a positive contribution.” Wow, that actually fits rather well. photography Awesome. Next paragraph.

I am appreciative of the time you have spent reviewing this letter and accompanying material. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future, because otherwise I am going to have to resort to Target or babysitting in Kentucky since last summer I was sued in the great state of for feeding toddlers whiskey with their milk to make them shut the hell up.

Most sincerely,

Anita Jobb

photography

mallory morse /Versus “Man at lake in hanoi” Oliver wolfe 4tFebruary 28–March 12, 2008tVersus

THURSDAY, FEB. 28 FRIDAY, FEB. 29 SATURDAY, MARCH 1 Get the funk rolling with G. Love Kid Rock teams up with Allman Don’t miss the Southern alt-rock quin- MUSIC and Special Sauce, who are Brothers legend Dickey Betts tet Sister Hazel at Wildhorse Sa- bringing their unique blues-infused and his band, Great Southern, loon at 6 p.m. The band is touring “My vocation is more in composition really than hip-hop to City Hall. Their new- in what will be an unforgettable hot on the heels of their independent est album, “Lemonade,” features a show. The concert starts at 8 p.m. release “Absolutely,” unveiled last anything else — building up harmonies using variety of contributors, including Ben at the Sommet Center, balcony October. Be sure to snag a general the guitar, orchestrating the guitar like an Harper and . The doors seats $22.50. admission ticket for $20, and stick army, a guitar army.” open at 8 p.m., tickets $20. around at least past “All For You.”

— JIMMY PAGE () SETLIST

Have you been looking for a change of pace? Has 2008 been disappointing your musical New senses? Look no further, fellow music fan. Our writers have laid out some of the best albums you of 2008 for your cochlear pleasure. need to hear

Last week we claimed that the lissome quintet that is is the modern reincarnation of The Clash. However, ‘VAMPIRE don’t take them lightly, even if you aren’t a fan of The Clash — this is good stuff. After seeing the music video for “Mansard WEEKEND’ Roof,” it makes some weird kind of sense that they play their seductively head-bobbing punk songs ironically on a yacht. When talking about the album, there are many highlights that should urge you to go quickly (perhaps even hurriedly) to your Vampire Weekend local record store to pick up the LP. Even though the album is excellent, I couldn’t move past the masterful four opening songs. Seriously, that should give you an idea of the quality of this album. “Mansard Roof” combines modern existential commentary on top of rollicking percussion licks, while the simplicity of “Oxford Comma” brings a mellow mood. But the CHRIS GEARING lyrics are the real show, with references to both Lil John and the Dalai Lama. The high energy single “APunk” showcases high-pitched lyrics and a fun riff, and the subtle charm of “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” is reminiscent of Guster with its Managing Editor nostalgic lyrics and solid musical score. As Spin Magazine’s choice for “The Year’s Best New Band,” Vampire Weekend is definitely worth your time and hard- earned dollars. Pick up their debut album for a refresher course on what ’n’ roll should sound like. z

For some music to have when going to the beach, making breakfast or just to smile to, Jack Johnson seems to be a mainstay among the realms of uplifting music. With his Hawaiian, acoustic-laden melodies, Johnson has never been one ‘SLEEP to overcomplicate. Throughout his career, his simple songwriting format has been effective and well received by fans and musicians alike. However, with his most recent effort, “,” Johnson aimed to change up the approach. THROUGH With the eco-friendly studio of Johnson-owned , Johnson wanted to diverge from his bread-and-butter sing-a-longs and make more of a statement on the present state of the world. With lyrics like “The truth is as we say not as THE STATIC’ we do …” describing the Iraq war and his various overtures on global warming and energy consumption, Johnson’s vocal Jack Johnson activism will be a different look to his music. This being said, his simple acoustic structure is still intact, like his references to all things reminiscent of 1970s hippies. His breezy style leads many to undermine his credibility as a musician. Even so, JORDAN BOND Johnson has never seemed so serious about preaching to his followers what concerns him the most. In the album, “Go On,” “Sleep Through the Static”, “,” and “Monsoon” are tracks that provide an adjusted lyrical approach with retention Staff Writer of his mellow surfer guitar approach. Overall, the album seems to give nothing but a resounding feeling of welcoming and well-being, or in Hawaiian vernacular, E komo mai! z

“Keep Your Eyes Ahead,” the latest album from the Portland band Helio Sequence, reaffirms the capabilities of this dynamic ‘KEEP YOUR duo, which they so boldly stated with their last album, “Love and Distance.” You would not think two people could create so much sound and energy; however, so many of these new tracks say just the opposite. “Can’t Say No” and “Hallelujah” EYES AHEAD’ especially have the power to rock you right out of your seat. But it’s not your typical intense guitar jam — Benjamin Weikel’s Helio Sequence keyboard/drum combination creates supernatural melodies, sending listeners on a musical voyage floating through outer space. Additionally, Brandon Summers’ vocals are an instrument in themselves, meshing perfectly with the mystical sounds of Weikel. The duo also knows how to slow it down and bring it back to reality, with a more classic acoustic guitar and piano sound. Although calmer, tracks like “Shed Your Love” and “Broken Afternoon” do not lack any musical talent. Their soothing ANDREW LEVY tunes and meaningful lyrics clearly represent the band’s multifaceted skill. I have not yet been fortunate enough to catch Staff Writer Helio Sequence live, but I would recommend their show to anyone who happens to cross their path. Until then, do as I have done and pick up this new album, “Keep Your Eyes Ahead.” Find out for yourself what Helio Sequence is capable of. z

Jam bands are not often given credit for their studio efforts. Critics — many of whom are incompetent — generally have two ways of dismissing the album outputs from the improvisational rock bands of today’s scene; either they are not representative ‘STICKS AND enough of the band’s undisputedly heralded live performances, or they are too similar to their live shows, choosing to include at times the aimless noodling of the live shows. One of New England’s prides, moe., just released their eighth full- STONES’ length record, “Sticks and Stones,” which positively proves these critics wrong. This album is concise and clearly the product moe. of a road-tested band that may be facing some interpersonal midlife crises. Upon my first thorough listen, I was completely taken aback by two of the tunes: the opener “Cathedral” and the sure-fire new hit “Deep This Time.” Try delving deeper into the lyric’s meanings, a problem that many moe.rons have struggled with communicating to their OWEN CANAVAN non-fan friends, and you will find not only that those two songs are even more enjoyable than first thought, but they also Staff Writer represent some of the band’s most mature instrumental nuances. With a guest fiddle player on “Conviction Song” and the mournful “September,” along with some choice mandolin work from lead guitarist , one will hear that this record, which was recorded in an abandoned church in upstate New York, brings out the already fascinating idiosyncrasies of guitarist ’s mechanical virtuosity, percussionist Jim Loughlin’s Mallet Kat and xylophone work and the always thick interplay between both ’s melodic bass and fratty vocals and his drummer, Vinne Amico. If you cast it away as a bad record after one listen, then I would cast you as the idiot screaming from the front row for “Plane Crash” before the house lights go down. z A spring break soundtrack

Try something Going on some exotic across the country. Jazz isn’t change of pace. The characters vacation? Looking for music to just for New York clubs or in the movie road tripped to new for a week. accompany your hours under old movies; it’s guaranteed to it; why can’t you? DeVotchKa, the sun? Try some authentic put almost anyone in a good ’ and Tony MARIA HIBBARD Hawaiian music to accompany mood. Try Mindi Abair’s “Life Tisdale collaborate to an Staff Writer your time in an exotic locale. Less Ordinary” or Dave Koz’s eclectic, yet somehow cohesive Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s (now “Lucky Man” for some easy, soundtrack — much like the Spring break: It conjures that’s an authentic Hawaiian catchy beats and soaring sax movie itself. The distinctive up images of white sands, mouthful!) album “Facing melodies. Although both play instrumental melodies that sun, relaxation, service work, Future” is no lame attempt at beautiful saxophone, Dave accompany the movie, with mission trips and of course, island music; this is the music Koz’s music is more rhythmic, their odd combinations of free time to listen to a plethora to which the hula dancers while Mindi Abair has found instruments, appear in the of music. You don’t need to jive. He was the most popular her niche in her gorgeous soundtrack, as well as the ever- switch on the old “Umbrella” singer in Hawaii before his melodies. Not a saxophone- hilarious “Catwalkin’” and, of or other popular standbys — death in 1997, and for good type person? Try some of course, “Superfreak.” Perhaps the extra time is almost a free reason: His rhythms are Chick Corea’s jazz piano the most appropriate to a road excuse to explore! Whether catchy, his melodies tuneful for something light but also trip, however, would be Sufjan ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’OLE your destination is the sunny and his tenor clear and exotic. catchy. His collaboration with Stevens’ “” — a type of beaches of the Caribbean, an Google him — he even looks Bela Fleck in “The Encounter” musical climax that combines ASB site or home sweet home, like an authentic Hawaiian is particularly engaging and motifs from all the other some new music should performer! He may be different. Even if you’ve never songs. Diverse enough to be accompany your journey and obscure, but sometimes these been a jazz person at all, try engaging, yet light enough to your destination. This way, you hidden gems turn out to be them out — hopefully, you’ll be entertaining, the soundtrack don’t have to just build houses the biggest sensations. come home from ASB with an to the little movie that could is to the beat of Soul’ja Boy, Going on Alternative Spring entirely different perspective perfect for a road trip. “soak up the sun” as Sheryl Break might mean a good on music as well. There’s so much music to Crow croons, or put “Sweet excuse to try some alternative Road-tripping it home or listen to, so give it a shot — Home ” on loop on music. (Hint, hint). Yes, you’re elsewhere? You’re going to make an effort to try a new the drive home. Hopefully, probably going to claim that need something to keep you musical palette this spring trying something different you need Kanye or Rihanna alert through the miles of break. z will make your spring break to get motivated, but for a highway. This spring break, soundtrack as memorable as change, listen to some jazz try listening to the “Little Miss DAVE KOZ LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE SOUNDTRACK the trip itself. at your site or on your drive Sunshine” soundtrack for a Versus t February 28–March 12, 2008 t 5

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 MONDAY, MARCH 3 TUESDAY, MARCH 4 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 Check out Blameshift, a post- Robin Trower may be Head out to the Schermerhorn Take a look at folk artist Malcolm MY hardcore band from Long Island racking up the years, but the Center to see the renowned Chief- Holcombe, who specializes in SPINS who have enjoyed a whirlwind soul of his music remains the tains. The band has accumulated a wide array of blues and old-time series of successes since their debut same. Don’t miss a live perfor- six Grammys during their 45-year country styles. His virtuosity with a album was released this past May. mance of his epic “Too Rolling career, but haven’t strayed from their number of instruments and hillbilly No need to break the bank, though; Stoned.” Advance tickets for traditional Irish sound. The tickets persona earned him a minor role a general admission ticket can be the 9 p.m. show at The aren’t cheap, though; be prepared in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” scored for as little as $5. The show Cannery are a bargain at to shell out $75 for a main floor Reserve yourself a seat by 9 p.m., kicks off at 8 p.m. $25. seat. The evening begins at 7 p.m. tickets $12.

Munchie Mart man, myth and legend Will Farmer Langerado festival a gives us 10 tracks that keep his speakers blast- ing. Stay tuned for other playlists from Vanderbilt sublime experience faculty, staff and students in the coming weeks. “LET’S RIDE” ANDREW LEVY Without warning, moe. unleashed a but the bigger site also allows for more onsite 1. Yo Gotti Staff Writer rollercoaster jam through the speaker stacks. camping and late night shows. If I could have The ups and downs of their astounding melodies changed anything from last year I would have Many people view music festivals as some seemed to hypnotize the crowd, as many, camped on grounds, so I could experience “INDEPENDENT” sort of hippie drug convention; an excuse for including myself, seemed to unconsciously the festival at an even greater level. But the 2. Webbie people, young and old, to further their own dance to the rhythm. Along with moe., My location is nothing without the artists, and personal corruption and aid in the demise Morning Jacket delivered an unforgettable Langerado again has not failed in signing an of others. However, many people have never show to close out one night. Confronted by amazing line-up. “POP BOTTLES” even been to a festival themselves. Therefore, an explosion of sound and light, I grasped the Headlining this year’s festival will be the 3. Lil’ Wayne I encourage those so uninformed to open fence to keep my footing. As neon glow sticks Beastie Boys, R.E.M. and Grateful Dead legend their eyes to the truths of these mind-altering, flew threw the jet-black sky, Jacket ripped the Phil Lesh & Friends. Raised by a Deadhead, cultural journeys that are music festivals. I am most enticed by the possibilities Lesh “BIG SHIT POPPIN’” Walking through the entrance of the brings to the festival. Whether he plays old 4. T.I. Langerado Music Festival one year ago, I could favorites or new hits, he is bound to leave feel the fans’ passion encompass my body as anyone with their mouth wide open and full it resonated from everyone around me. I felt of awe. R.E.M. and the Beastie Boys also bring “SWEETEST GIRL” oddly comfortable surrounded by people and a lot of musical diversity to the table, assuring 5. Wyclef Jean feat. Lil’ Wayne in a place so foreign to my norms. Piercings, that all tastes will be satisfied. The Beastie Boys tattoos, hair dye, pants, shorts, jorts, an infinite have opened up their style, cutting down on range of styles, but no one wore shoes. And as I the rap and showcasing their instrumental 6. “ZOOM” removed my own pair, I realized with the warm skill, while R.E.M. has consistently shown Lil’ Boosie grass between my toes, that this apparently their musical genius since their birth in diverse gathering of people were all one with Athens, Ga. Along with those greats, many “YOU DON’T KNOW ME” the festival. I had begun my understanding; night apart. “One Big Holiday” and “Off the other praised rockers will be lighting up the 7. almost in awe from the feeling, I began to Record” stunned the crowd with amazement. stages throughout the days, such as: The Roots, T.I. wander throughout the festival grounds The feelings from these incredible shows Ben Folds, The Wailers, Gov’t Mule and many attempting to grasp everything I saw. were incomprehensible, and after Widespread other sensational musicians. “UMMA DO ME” Even with the beautiful social harmony, the finished it all off, I was left to sit and wait until Anybody still searching for a last-minute 8. true spectacle lay within the music. Bands the next year’s festival. spring break trip should be forced down to Big Rocko played on multiple stages starting around As spring break quickly comes upon us, Cypress, March 6 through 9. It is absolutely noon, with the late-night shows rocking away Langerado is only a week away, and although guaranteed to kick off this year’s festival “HELLO” into the early morning. Toots, North Mississippi I do not understand how, this year looks to be season with enormous excitement and power. 9. All-Stars, Trey Anastasio and Matisyahu were a even better than last. The festival has changed Go for the fun, go for the music, but more than Shawty Lo feat. Jeezy few of the festival’s jaw-dropping sensations; locations this time around, to Big Cypress, anything else, go for the experience. Everyone however, not many compared to the body- Fla., a Seminole Indian reservation in the should allow themselves to experience this “I’M STRAIGHT” melting experiences left by moe. and My Everglades. Not only does this add an extra indescribable phenomenon known as a music 10. Morning Jacket. spice of Native American culture and history, festival. z T.I. Enjoying the ‘Music of the Night’ at Nashville Symphony

TAWNEY MILAM holds the potential for so Craig Schulman and Philip Christine, Hernandez and Staff Writer much more. Hernandez, all well-versed Hayden sang the lovely Entering the performers from Broadway duet “All I Ask of You.” The The chandeliers dim to Schermerhorn, guests are and stages around the sound of the full orchestra a level just above darkness. greeted by cool marble, world. coupled with the intensity Silence falls on the crowd. plush carpets and elegant With songs like “If I Can’t of the vocals was absolutely A blue glow washes over the chandeliers. The tinkle of Love Her” from “Beauty captivating. But the evening stage as the violins softly laughter and whispers of and the Beast,” “Impossible climaxed with Schulman, as enter and with the words, conversation waft through Dream” from “Man of La the Phantom, singing “Music “Look at my collection … the lobby and halls as Mancha” and “Stars” from of the Night.” “Nighttime isn’t it neat?” A voice like women in heels and soft “Les Miserables,” there was sharpens, heightens each that of Ariel begins to dance wraps are escorted to always something new to sensation / Darkness stirs through the symphony hall. their seats by well-dressed enrapture the attention of and wakes imagination / Though Ariel has not gentlemen. There is an the audience. Humor and Silently the senses abandon materialized from Disney’s atmosphere of relaxed fun were added into the their defenses.” Such raw “The Little Mermaid” or left expectation and excitement mix with selections such as emotion laced with passion the Magic Kingdom to visit for the performance about “Popular” from “Wicked” took everyone on a journey Nashville, her presence was to unfold on the stage. as sung by Hayden. With through the world of the felt in the Schermerhorn As a part of the the lyrics “Popular! / You’re Phantom. You could not STEVE HALL / www.hedrichblessing.com last Thursday night. symphony’s Pop Series: gonna be popular! / I’ll teach help but be pulled into Through pieces like “Part Broadway Tonight, the you the proper ploys / When his words as the “music music of the night…” friends. It’s an easy way to of His World,” the Nashville evening’s performance you talk to boys,” you could caress(ed)” all those lucky This is the perfect way to get off campus and nurture Symphony released a began with selections from not help but smile. enough to be in the room. describe an evening spent an appreciation for the arts. hypnotic power that assails “Guys and Dolls,” followed “Keep your eyes on As the song reached its end, at the symphony. Such a Upcoming performances the senses with its beauty. by “Wilkommen” from the chandelier.” This was a hush of awe was evident night is one of elegance, you might be interested in Many may believe that the “Cabaret.” The music alone the warning of singer and was quickly followed by beauty, grace and sensory attending include Beethoven symphony will only lull you would have been beautiful, Hernandez as we entered an eruption of applauding stimulation. The symphony Takes a Stroll, March 13-15 into a deep sleep, but I insist but we were graced with the the world of “Phantom of and a standing ovation. is a wonderful option for and a Celtic Celebration, that a night at the symphony singing of Tamra Hayden, the Opera.” As Raoul and “The power of the a date or an evening with March 20-22. z Amid slight changes in ‘Bedlam,’ the song remains the same

THOMAS SHATTUCK a picture at what summarizing opted out of ambient albums will still find evidence of Staff Writer album is like. noise and eerie background his influence, though in a different This is the band’s fourth LP, passages. In “The Bedlam in manner. I can’t say I’m the epitome of released on Jan. 29, and represents Goliath,” the band makes an In the past paragraph or music criticism; in fact, I generally everything the lead singer Cedric attempt at creating constant so, I’ve mentioned all things despise the entire process. I Bixler- Zavala and guitarist Omar movement, rarely pausing. The only that have changed. In spite of won’t pretend I understand why Rodriguez-Lopez have been striving real exception is “Tourniquet Man,” these differences, the album someone considers numbers useful for. “The Bedlam in Goliath” the sixth track of the album. somehow remains faithful to in relative comparison of two would most likely be the band’s The source of the constant the sound defined in the band’s dissimilar sounds — it doesn’t mean most accessible album, though movement seems to be the new preliminary album “Deloused in anything. I guess I believe reviews that’s about as pointless as saying replacement drummer Thomas the Comatorium.” This is true, THE BEDLAM IN GOLIATH / by Mars Volta should illuminate rather than sell, “Ulysses” is more accessible than Pridgen’s desire to destroy his for the band still maintains sonic but that’s an art few (myself not “Finnegan’s Wake.” drum set through sheer force. In manipulation as their identifying included) possess. I’d prefer not to give “The Bedlam starting with tracks three and four comparison to the band’s previous trait, and Cedric-Bixler’s lyrics With that in mind, I’m trying in Goliath” a genre, but if I was (“Ilyena”and “”) and work, the drums play a more central refuse to become anything close to to see how to approach The Mars pressed to do so, I’d call it prog- possibly following up with track and slightly less rhythmical role. coherent to anyone but himself. I Volta’s latest album “The Bedlam latin-punk-free-style ten (“Ouroborous”). At that point, Another change in the sound of the have to admire his determination, in Goliath.” Have you ever been with heavy occult influences. I wish if you don’t particularly like the new LP is that Rodriguez-Lopez considering that most critics merely woken by a bear, inexplicably I could be more elucidating, but album, I can understand. However, demonstrates an astronomical assault him for being esoteric to the wearing a taupe robe and a silver The Mars Volta have made a habit of if you say you hate it, I might be a amount of restraint in his guitar point of neurosis. I personally find watch, mauling your walls in making their music inconceivably tad confused. work. While his solos still approach it appealing, but that’s just me. attempt to rip them open and difficult to pin down. You’re just Assuming that you did in fact the incomprehensible, their length So, if you have a penchant for the muttering something about British going to have to listen to it. chose to listen to the album, there and atonality has been truncated occult, music or just a lot of free Romanticism? Assuming the Since the LP refuses to be are a few things worth highlighting. in exchange for precision. This time, be sure to find your way to answer is no, that might give you user-friendly, I’d recommend First of all, this time around, The fact aside, those fans of his solo “The Bedlam in Goliath.” z 6tFebruary 28–March 12, 2008tVersus ART FASHION RESTAURANTS RESTAURANTS FASHION ART MOVIES NIGHTLIFE THEATER CULTURE THEATER NIGHTLIFE MOVIES

FASHION Crime report: Vandy students too fashionable AMY JOHNSTON undergrads really skulk around campus after a long weekend of the week when personal style should be overridden by Staff Writer drenched in designer labels; or huddle in North Face fleeces, an intense need for caffeine. Although innocent until proven “Fratagonia” jackets, and Uggs? A Versus fashion crime guilty, Versus holds the truths of these fashionable characters On a given Monday morning, it may seem at first glance that reporter went to investigate. to be self-evident: These suspects disprove long-established the women and men matriculating on the Vanderbilt campus The suspects below, spotted on campus on Monday, Feb. stereotypes of “Vandy” culture, even before a Tuesday. Though wander around bleary-eyed; high-fiving one another over a 25, are charged with multiple crimes. First, each is suspected each suspect stealthily escaped after questioning by Versus, weekend of successful frat-hopping. Or it could appear they of having a unique sense of style that goes against the the information below might provide some clue to his or are bro-pounding in celebration of their fellow students’ cookie-cutter image of a “Vandy girl” or “Vandy boy,” and her future transgressions. And remember, in apprehending ability to attend three different theme parties on a Saturday wearing what expresses their unique views and cultural these fashionable perpetrators, citizens’ arrests are always night. It may seem this way. But one must wonder if this background. Second, these suspects are charged with the encouraged.z homogenized assumption is substantiated? Do all Vanderbilt crime of displaying too much personality and flair on a day

Suspect: Naveed Nanjee Suspect: Maia Cole Suspect: Russell Brewer Suspect: Ross Barajas Witnessed Wearing: Witnessed Wearing: In keeping with Witnessed Wearing: Elements of his self- Witnessed Wearing: His father’s coat, “eclectic, classic” style, a jacket, boots described “relaxed, athletic and sporty” a shirt he won in a raffle and pants of Gap sweater and jeans unknown origin. style; wearing Nike brand and workout gear Fashion Icon: Justin Timberlake with (the) fur and music note earrings. Suspect’s Style: Self-described as Preparation Time: five minutes Fashion Icon: Natalie Portman Style Icon: Derek Jeter “preposterous”

Suspect: Sean Kunz Suspect: Mariam Assadian Suspect: Frank Gallegos Witnessed Wearing: Witnessed Wearing: Her self-described “comfortable” Witnessed Wearing: Brown blazer. “I had an interview Lacoste pullover, Lacoste button down, Izod pants style, with “nothing really name brand.” Suspect sported (for the Officers’ Conference), so I wanted to look Fashion Icon: “None, I have my own style!” jeans from a Nashville boutique, red eyeglasses and professional” the suspect claimed). Interesting Fact About Suspect: converses. Fashion Icons: Super heroes. Gallegos claimed that a man Kunz confessed, “Boxers, not briefs.” Her favorite Nashville stores: Firefinch, 2L must dress for “what the occasion calls for.”

FASHION FASHION Lipstick’s hidden shades Your aura is purple of meaning and history ELIZA ROBIE Staff Writer

TAWNEY MILAM lip shades, rendering them safe for wearing ‘60s Sunshine. Psychedelic images Staff Writer — and kissing. of butterflies, summer pilgrimages, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Epic As a symbol, lipstick represents adventure, headbands, stringy beards and hippie words of the late Teddy Roosevelt. So since glamour and high living at a lower price. communes should wash over you like he brought it up, let’s talk about the stick. This was especially true during the Great the sweet grooves of The Grass Roots, Lipstick. Depression when women bought lipstick The Youngbloods and The Association. The beautiful Cleopatra is an ultimate as their one luxury item, empowering the Bohemian styles are making a full style icon dating back centuries. She women to transform a bleak day into one comeback this spring, and it’s time to may have been one of the first women with a sparkle of hope with one swipe of revisit their flowery ideals of love, peace to use a form of lipstick comprised of their favorite shade. Lipstick contributes and friendship. henna and carmine. An ancient Egyptian to first impressions and leaves a lasting The hippie subculture began as a scroll depicted women using a compact- mark (literally and figuratively). Following liberal youth movement in the 1960s, and size mirror and applying lipstick. Other World War II, women began lining their followers celebrated the counter-culture, founding mothers of the lipstick culture lips in red to draw attention to their sexy alternative lifestyles, music festivals and we live in today include Queen Schub-ad pouts and to give themselves an edge in psychedelic drug use in hopes of self- of Ur who used crushed red rocks as well competing with returning soldiers for jobs. exploration and spiritual revelation. important aspect of hippie culture, and as Poppaea Sabina, the wife of Roman As women began embracing feminist ideals, Whether or not mellow mushrooms are they would hitchhike or pack themselves Emperor Nero, who used a mixture of they burned their bras and changed their up your ally it is important to understand into a paint-splotched VW bus en route ochre, iron and ore. lipstick choices. Rejecting the femininity that underneath the somewhat shabby to Monterey Pop and Woodstock music Lipstick use during the Middle Ages has or submissive qualities of colors like red, exterior of the movement, it is one festivals. In a 1967 article entitled “The quite a history of designating social class. women embarked on a trend of naturals associated with a political agenda of peace Hippies: The Philosophy of a Subculture,” In 19th century Victorian culture, using with lots of shine. and anti-war demonstrations. Hippies Time Magazine outlined the hippie makeup was highly suppressed. Victorian As evidenced through history, a woman’s were known as societal dropouts; much culture with the following quote: “Do women who felt they could not live without choice of lipstick expresses her mood and of their political expression relied on a your own thing, wherever you have to a touch of color on their lips would kiss personality, can send an invitation and pacifist approach. Traveling was also an do it and whenever you want. Drop out. rose-colored crepe paper to achieve the has the power to seal the deal. Through Leave society as you have known it. Leave perfect pout. The Gibson Girls of the early color and shape, a woman’s lips make a it utterly. Blow the mind of every straight 1900s would bite their lips and suck on statement. person you can reach. Turn them on, if hot cinnamon drops to make them appear Without saying a word, your painted lips not to drugs, then to beauty, love, honesty, redder and more swollen. speak for you. So what are you saying? Do fun.” Milestones for the lipstick jungle include you command attention and authority with Fast forward almost a half a century, the 1928 invention of lip-gloss by Max your shade of red? Or perhaps embrace and we are seeing the hippie movement’s Factor, the 1966 trend of white lips in your more natural side with a sheer and legacy on the spring/summer runways. London, the 1973 introduction of Bonne sexy shimmer? With the rainbow of colors Did this arise because of a growing anti- Bell’s flavored Lip Smackers, the decision available on the market, the choices for war movement in our country? I know by Yves St. Laurent to number his lipsticks lipsticks are endless. Today you want to be not. No matter the motivation behind in 1975, the onslaught of black lips in 1979 glamorous like the old Hollywood starlets this trend, it’s very clear: This season, it’s and the rebirth of the natural look in 1988. in a shade of deep scarlet and tomorrow hip to be a hippie. We are seeing tie-dye, Luckily for the boy next door, your next you may want to prepare for summer fun beads, floral prints and peasant blouses. kiss won’t render him senseless because by choosing a pink gloss. Try something See by Chloe offers several ethnic printed of your lipstick choice. Toxic ingredients different and have fun because you can blouses that radiate bohemia while Antik used to be commonplace in lipsticks with be the person you choose to be; and your Batik’s brown suede vest would be perfect substances such as lead, mercury, arsenic lipstick can be the first step toward a new for an afternoon of cloud gazing in a field. and vermilion. In 1924, the New York you. It doesn’t matter if you are spending $250 Board of Health even considered banning For more information on the cultural to look like $2.50 or tie-dying your own lipstick for fear men would be poisoned by history of lipstick pick up “Read My Lips” by tees, just remember in the words of Scott the seductively toxic lips of the 50 million Meg Cohen Ragas and Karen Kozlowski.z McKenzie, “Be sure to wear flowers in women wearing lipstick. Fortunately for your hair.”z women today, scientists got to work and found new formulas to produce our favorite Versus t February 28–March 12, 2008 t 7 ART FASHION RESTAURANTS RESTAURANTS FASHION ART MOVIES NIGHTLIFE THEATER CULTURE THEATER NIGHTLIFE MOVIES

BOOK REVIEW ART A Pulitzer ‘what if?’ in noir Art and the City Michael Chabon’s ‘The Yiddish Policeman’s Union’ LINDA VONGKHAMCHANH Upon arriving at Vanderbilt as a freshman Culture Editor four years ago, Alex did not intend on pursuing art. After taking drawing and painting classes, DAVIS MCMILLAN mafia is a violent On a Sunday afternoon, Alex Reich, a senior she saw progress in her portraits and found Staff Writer sect of Orthodox in , took me on a mini tour her niche. After years of practice and guidance, What if the state of Israel had fallen during Jews, headed by of Vanderbilt’s Studio Arts Building, a haven she overcame the obstacles that she constantly World War II and the surviving Jews were a morbidly obese of skill and creativity for student artists. This faced as given dominion over a small swath of land in rabbi. He takes is the same place Alex spends several hours a portrait Alaska? This region grows, taking in refugees care of the spiritual a week painting portraits from photographs artist. from all over the world, and eventually well being of all she takes herself. Portraiture has been her Suddenly, achieves a tentative status as a US territory the devout Jews of long-time hobby and is the subject of her her ability known as Sitka. Sitka, and cuts a independent study of studio art. to render This outlandish idea is the premise for tidy profit on the Wearing a paint-smeared tee with a the human Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Chabon’s side. paintbrush in hand, Alex casually chatted with figure on “The Yiddish Policeman’s Union.” Part noir Sitka’s main me about her passion for portraiture and her canvas had novel, part alternate history, “The Yiddish language is MICHAEL CHABON hopes to pursue art after college, all while she evolved into Policeman’s Union” is a delightful, engrossing Yiddish, and continued working on the detailed shadows exquisite read from start to finish. Chabon crafts a fascinating noir slang by of an unfinished oil-on-canvas portrait of a one-of- Chabon’s novel centers around Meyer melding Yiddish’s natural tones with a darker, subdued young woman. a-kind Landsman, who, in true noir fashion, is a distinctly American edge. A stool pigeon is a “I find the human condition — the face portraits, rickety alcoholic well past his prime, living “shtinker,” a gun is a “shomer” and cigarettes and the eyes in portraits — very interesting. and in a run-down hotel in the outskirts of Sitka. are “papiros.” The characters babble back It shows emotion and I connect with it. A thoughts He is also recently divorced, and his new and forth like this, confusing the reader and portrait shows so much more than what of graduate boss happens to be his ex-wife and one true any Americans who cross their path. people think. There are so many layers to school were love. The district of Sitka is set to revert back Chabon’s story builds quickly, it. Every picture, every portrait, has a story put on hold to U.S. control in six weeks, and it is put to encompassing modern day events in an behind it,” Alex said. in order to Landsman and his partner Berko Shemets, almost unbelievably convenient way. He Alex considers Edouard Manet’s “A Bar at see where this talent could take her. an Inuit turned Orthodox Jew, to resolve all sticks close to conventional noir storytelling, Folies-Bergere” an inspirational piece. She After graduation, with the support of her of their existing cases. but manages to make it his own along the said she is moved by Manet’s ability to speak friends and family, Alex will follow her dream So things start off pretty complicated. It way. “The Yiddish Policeman’s Union” builds to the female viewer through the woman’s of being an artist, despite the uncertainty that only gets worse when a junkie living in the on recent religious ideas, featuring a group face and stare in the painting. comes with it. She aspires to eventually have same hotel as Landsman of Americans trying to Having grown up in , Alex was a studio in New York City and showcase her is murdered. The boy jump-start the apocalypse, immersed in a world of exquisite architecture, work in gallery shows. was a chess prodigy, but it manages to end on renowned museums and rich culture. She Very aware of the risky career path she has and possible Messiah, a bright note for both attributes her love for art to her surroundings chosen, Alex said, “A lot of people consider and Landsman takes a the Jews of Sitka and as a child and to the support of her family. portraiture a dead art, but I’m passionate personal interest in the Landsman. She recalled a moment in her childhood as a about it so why shouldn’t it be something I case. Landsman disobeys As an alternate history, young girl innocently painting “little people” pursue? If it doesn’t work out, I would just be orders and takes on the “The Yiddish Policeman’s in pictures that still adorn her parents’ home. happy to paint every day.” case, quitting drinking Union” works almost However, extensive schooling along with her She laughed, “But I do want people to see in the process (his DTs perfectly. The situation culturally rich background has strengthened my work and want to buy it.” provide the element of is unbelievable, but her artistic ability and the once “little people” Alex’s ambition, smarts and gregarious unreliable narration Chabon’s writing is so are now flawless portraits. personality will help her put a foot in the and potential insanity charming this doesn’t Alex started painting seriously when she door, yet her undeniable talent is what will necessary in all noir really matter. In the attended a liberal arts high school in the allow her to succeed in New York City’s art novels). end, the reader is left Bronx that allowed her to practice six to eight world. Pretty soon, Landsman pondering a world hours each week as an art major. Still carefully painting, Alex said, “I never and Shemets are barreling consumed by religious “I was lucky to attend a great school that went in thinking I have to be an artist. I just around Sitka, stepping fanaticism, a reflection exposed me to ceramics and life drawings,” love it. Even though it’s a scary thing to pursue on all the wrong toes. from which we might all she said. “There, I saw a whole different side this, I don’t want to look back in 20 years and Sitka’s equivalent of the benefit today.z of art.” regret not trying.”z

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Do you listen to music? Wear clothes? Like food? Go to the movies? Read books? WOW!WOW! That’sThat’s amazing.amazing. You would be perfect for Versus! Email the editor at [email protected] 8tFebruary 28–March 12, 2008tVersus ART FASHION RESTAURANTS RESTAURANTS FASHION ART MOVIES NIGHTLIFE THEATER CULTURE THEATER NIGHTLIFE MOVIES Red-carpet fashion: The Oscar’s best-dressed celebs REANNE ZHENG Staff Writer Anyone can read about who took home the statuettes, but the main event, as we all know, is the walk down the red carpet before the show. If you read my Oscar predictions a couple of weeks ago, you know I didn’t exactly ace all the predictions for winners, but I will venture to say who deserved honorary mentions for their impeccable taste on the biggest night of the year.

Heidi Klum, for her unparalleled glamour The color of confidence is best when worn by the ultimate golden girl. Red Cameron Diaz, for her natural glow is a popular choice on Oscar night, The former Charlie’s Angel shows but it helps when the dress is by John up in a ruched shell-pink number by Galliano and the wearer happens to be Christian Dior. Diaz opts to keep the one of the most radiant supermodels on romantic look demure by forgoing any the face of the planet. heavy makeup and keeping the (Bulgari) jewelry to a minimum. Even if women all around her are going for the dramatic, Diaz knows what looks good and works it.

Jennifer Garner/Keri Jessica Alba, for working Russell, for sticking to the the baby bump classics Normally, the idea of Black is safe, but it can feathers usually causes Cate Blanchett, for her originality also come off as boring. me to cringe and In a sea of billowing skirts and trailing Jennifer Garner offsets conjures up images of trains, twice-nominated Academy her black Oscar de la exotic dancers (not that Award winner Cate Blanchett stands Renta with eye-catching there is any shame in out in a sleek, navy blue Dries Van jewelry and her ravishing exotic dancing — just Noten. And while some of her peers but casual side-swept up- look at Diablo Cody). lace themselves with an abundance do. I know Ms. Alba has of diamonds, Blanchett elects to Keri Russell offers a been named on some distinguish herself by choosing similarly stunning package worst-dressed lists, but jewelry embellished by emeralds. in the lighter version with the feathered detailing Cate, we salute you for knowing the a nude Nina Ricci gown on Jessica Alba’s plum- difference between being trendy and cream-colored Elazer colored Marchesa and being a trendsetter. sling-backs by Jimmy actually helps to balance Choo. her baby bump.

RESTAURANT VANDERBILT MEDIA Seduced by Sambuca What’s up at VTV AVERY SPOFFORD spot for a sophisticated night out or a romantic date (example: try ordering a vintage cocktail “Balls to the Wall” “Cook!” Staff Writer What do you get when you combine What’s better than hanging out with your rather than the standard Bud or Natty). From its sultry music to its plush, dimly Along with the luxurious atmosphere adrenaline, charisma, hilarity, 40 ounces friends, catching up and enjoying a meal lit interior and rich entrees, Sambuca oozes and music, a diner at Sambuca can expect of Nitroglycerin and three ballsy men? care of VTV? The only catch is that you luxury. decadent food. Light fare is rare — popular Well, frankly, we’re not sure either ... maintain a constant dialogue explaining entrees include lobster enchiladas, hickory probably Kiefer Sutherland’s wedding. what you’re making. Easy and fun — that’s smoked prime pork chop and zebra pasta But that has nothing to do with anything. what “Cook!” tries to make everyday college Sambuca (shrimp, scallops and lobster in lobster cream 601 12th Avenue South Watch “Balls to the Wall.” cooking into. sauce). And although Sambuca is a great late- 615.248.2888 Produced by Brian Collura, Sahil Produced by Rachael Geisler $$$ night spot, it offers a special deal for early Patel and Benton Payne diners: visit the restaurant Sunday through Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the “SexRx” Chef’s Special, a three-course meal (soup or “SexRx” is a call-in talk show about Located on 12th Avenue in the urban “Outlet” salad, entree and dessert) for a flat rate of $20. Gulch area, Nashville’s new see-and-be-seen “Outlet” is a program dedicated to relationships and sex. We take questions Whether dining at Sambuca for a big hot spot for the business set, Sambuca offers GLBT life at Vanderbilt. Its goals are to and try to give out useful and entertaining a sophisticated atmosphere of metropolitan promote awareness about this community, advice. opulence in a modern supper-club setting. educate other students about GLBT issues Why you should watch it: Even if you Sambuca mirrors the old-time feel of a supper and encourage involvement in student think you know it all, you just might learn club with a focus on musical performance: organizations committed to fostering a something new. Plus, it’s a great way to jazz, classic rock or performances by what is welcoming environment on campus. find out what Vandy students are really described in a tabletop brochure as a “sultry Produced by Kristina Lyons and thinking about when it comes to sex and singer” are available seven nights a week relationships. from the restaurant’s main dining room stage. Brook Johnson The music’s carefree, elegant tone mirrors the attitude of the restaurant as a whole: “West End” unpretentious sophistication and sensuality. “West End” is a sitcom about the awkward adjustment to college The restaurant features multiple levels life. It’s centered on a sexually ambiguous but morally fundamental and dining rooms, including the “Balinese freshman, his borderline alcoholic roommate and their increasingly Balcony,” “Tambour Terrace” and a laid-back date, an evening out with friends or to get a and intimate bar lounge. The bar itself is an insecure best friend. They usually hang out with the only two girls on real meal during parents’ weekend, expect after-work watering hole for the twenty- and campus who haven’t filed restraining orders against them yet. All those delicious food and luxurious music in a 30-something businessperson set, attracting terrible things that happen to you and make you want to put a bullet cosmopolitan setting. A menu, photo gallery Nashville’s urban elite for relaxation and in your head, but leave your friends laughing their asses off — yeah, and calendar of music are available at www. networking. Sambuca is not the place to get that’s “West End.” sambucarestaurant.com. z Nash-trashed on a Thursday night, but is a great Produced by Brian Rodenbeck

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Friday, Soundtrack to April 18 Rites 2008 Spoon “Wagon Wheel” Colbie Caillat DJ Kool The Avett Brothers “Get Low” Lil Jon Jeremy Lister “The Underdog” Spoon

Saturday, “Sea Lion Woman” April 19 Feist

Lil Jon “One Fine Wire” Feist Colbie Caillat Old Crow “Kiss Me In the Dark” Medicine Show Randy Rogers Band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals “Falling or Flying” Grace Potter & Randy Rogers the Nocturnals Band “Paranoia In B Major” Hill Country The Avett Revue featuring Brothers members of North Mississippi “Hostage” Jeremy Lister Allstars H-Beam “Thrifty Bitch” H-Beam

Lil Jon Feist Old Crow Medicine Show Spoon Who he is: Hailing from Atlanta, Lil Jon Who she is: If Lil Jon became popular Who they are: Although OCMS may have Who they are: An indie rock band from has made a career out of three guttural singing “3,6,9, damn you fine,” then Feist formed around the Ithaca, NY, area, it certainly Austin, Texas, Spoon formed in 1993 and words: “Yeah,” “Okay” and “What?” Growing made a name for herself singing “1,2,3,4” to remains true to the spirit of true bluegrass with released its first album in 1996. The quintet up in an upper-middle-class family, Lil Jon the whirling of brightly colored iPods, while guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle to spare. has released six albums to date and shows no (born Jonathan Smith) escaped the “hard dancing in some spectacular onesies. Born The band hit it big while playing outside of a signs of stopping. Their most recent album, knock life” that many rappers infuse in both Leslie Feist in , Canada, Feist has also pharmacy in North Carolina (no joke) where folk “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga,” hit stores this past summer their persona and lyrics, but still managed to recorded music as a member of the super- mogul Doc Watson took notice and immediately and left fans speechless. For real though, the earn himself credibility in the rap and hip- popular indie group Broken Social Scene. helped the band start building a career. He album even debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard hop game. Exploding onto the scene a few Sure, she may owe some of her success to moved the band to Nashville with a career plan 200 list. Despite (or perhaps because of) its years ago with his hit with Usher “Yeah,” Lil the Apple commercial (prior to its airing, including playing the Grand Ole Opry, opening stupid name, the album reached for the sky Jon is probably most known for pioneering “1,2,3,4” was downloaded about 2,000 times for Dolly Parton and touring with Merle Haggard. on Billboard and was listed as one of the a new hip-hop sub genre, crunk. Yes, that’s per week — after, it hit 73,000 downloads), but But really, if you haven’t heard of OCMS by now, Best Albums of the Year by . right — crunk. Emanating from the south, I’m pretty confident she would have found you must have been under a rock for a few years. Contributing songs to shows like “The OC,” the subgenre lets intricate lyrics go by the her new indie queen crown on her own time. The band has been dominating the country/ “Veronica Mars” and “Chuck” and even to wayside in favor of strong bass beats and She has been nominated for numerous Juno bluegrass/Americana scene for years. Although the soundtracks of “Wedding Crashers” and frenetic chanting. What’s more, Lil Jon has Awards, and thus far has won four of them their rise to fame may have been Cinderella-like “Stranger Than Fiction,” Spoon is perpetually also popularized the “Crunk Cup” a jewel for both her solo work and her recordings in nature, they certainly back up their fame with on the cusp of runaway success. But hey encrusted chalice from which he sips. with Broken Social Scene. This year she was toe-tapping tunes that will please your ears even diddle diddle, they won’t run away with the Why he rocks: You’d be hard pressed also nominated for four Grammy’s for her if you bought your ticket for the nefarious Lil dish anytime soon. to find a college student who couldn’t 2007 album “,” but alas, went Jon. Why they rock: Energetic yet seductive, identify the tell-tale opening beats of home empty handed. Why they rock: You know National Public Spoon promises to become the new favorite “Get Low”: the “duh dum dum DUM” that Why she rocks: Sometime in the past Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion”? Old band of many Vanderbilt students this makes you immediately want to dance like few years, there has been a slow resurgence Crow Medicine Show is the modern go-to group spring. This rock ’n’ roll cornerstone’s live a complete jackass, regardless of the place of popularity to indie and folk music, for playing the classic country variety show. performances are downright fun and even or time. And while he is not always the most and musicians like Feist, who combine Forget the innumerable times they’ve played the more crowd-pleasing than getting a comprehensible of folks (I thought “Snap intellectual lyrics with an interesting Opry; OCMS takes touring to the extreme. Since technical. Catchy songs like “The Fitted Shirt,” Yo Fingers” was actually “Snackin’ Bagels” and appealing sound, are reaping all the they’ve been cutting records, the band has pretty ‘The Way We Get By” and “You Got Yr. Cherry for weeks), he is a complete genius. Never benefits. Furthermore, the Rites of Spring much been on a constant touring schedule with Bomb” will be stuck in your head days for days seen without his shoulder-long dreads, festival is traditionally dominated by men, breaks only for eating, sleeping and breathing. If after Rites. Their single “Don’t You Evah” has grill or his signature shades (which he, like both solo artists and in bands, and it is you want to know why the group is so popular, a delightfully snappy and funky bass line that Corey Hart, wears at night), Lil Jon has made refreshing to see a female musician as pick up their album “O.C.M.S.” or their newest, may leave you no choice but to shake those himself into somewhat of a caricature, thus talented and popular as Feist at the helm of “Big Iron World.” With singles like “Wagon hips from side to side. Their current anthem tapping into a goldmine for both himself this year’s stellar lineup (joined, of course, Wheel,” the band shows that even if it does play “The Underdog” utilizes all sorts of brass to and for funnyman Dave Chapelle, who by the effervescent Colby Caillat and rock Bob Dylan covers, it knows how to have fun add triumphant notes to their solid rollicking impersonates the rapper frequently. As far group The Nocturnal’s frontwoman Grace while crooning, “So rock me mama like a wagon acoustic guitar riff that keeps the rhythm going as Rites of Spring goes, Lil Jon promises to Potter). Her entire musical repertoire is wheel / Rock me mama any way you feel.” Expect as solidly as a conductor on a train. Honestly, if bring a frenzied, energetic and unbelievable superb, including her much older stuff, but kind of an edgier Woody Guthrie as you wait you’re not fighting the impulse to dance while performance, and I wouldn’t miss it, not for if nothing else, listen to “The Reminder.” with baited breath for OCMS to take the stage they’re onstage, you really need to turn up all the Crunk chalices in the world. —DCN B-A-D-A-S-S. —DCN this April. —CSG your hearing aid. —SFT 10tFebruary 28—March 12, 2008tVersus FLIP SIDE

two elle A Lifestyle Boutique for Women, Men, and Home Bring in today’s completed puzzle for a 15% discount! Official Wireless Provider of the Vanderbilt Commodores ŌōŊœŋŌUI"WFOVF4PVUIrŐŋŏŌŐœœœŏŎrXXXUXPFMMFDPN its.vanderbilt.edu/cellphone/Verizon VSA SUDOKU: To solve, fill in the blanks so the numbers 1-9 appear just once in each horizontal row, vertical column and 3x3 box.

SOLUTIONS

CLOSING PICS

“SUNSET AT HA LONG BAY” OLIVER WOLFE

“HULA! DOG SLEDDING” OLIVER WOLFE

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