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The Set List

No Comments 29 August 2008

The Set List
By Brian Washburn

Goodbye Music Hall
Hello Three Six Mafia

It’s a sad week for the Northwest Arkansas music scene. The much-loved, long-lived music shack, The Music Hall, located behind Foghorn’s and the old Hunan Manor on North College will be shutting its doors for good in October. The Music Hall will be missed.
The Music Hall has hosted such national acts as Underoath, Norma Jean, Anberlin, The All-American Rejects, Bowling For Soup, Modest Mouse (back in the day), Showbread, Blindside, The Chariot, The Dillinger Escape Plan, As Cities Burn, Alesana and Jonezetta.
The Music Hall has also given a bouncing start to Fayetteville bands such as The Wedding (when they began as Easier Said), Take It Back!, School Boy Humor, The Goodnight Fight (when they were decent and again when they came back worse) PM Today and Mourning After Massacre.
The Music Hall was certainly an integral part of the Northwest Arkansas music scene. However, that’s not to say this situation is all sad. Music Hall owner and operator Jeremy Brown posted on the venue’s MySpace page that he will now be focusing on bringing national tours and big name musicians to Northwest Arkansas, much like he did when he brought Story of the Year, Every Time I Die and From First To Last back in ’06. So this move should be a plus in everybody’s column.
The close down of the Fayetteville Music Hall did lead to a baffling decision to let the relatively new Rogers Music Hall remain open — an extremely questionable decision on the business and popularity side, in my opinion. Fayetteville, after all, is the college town. It just will not be the same without the location in Fayetteville.
But that’s not to say the good times witnessed at The Music Hall will be forgotten. I could never forget the first time I stepped foot inside the place, which was filled from wall to wall, and rocked out to the recently signed Fayetteville golden boys The Wedding back in 2004. That was not the first nor the last time I would watch The Wedding rock

the hall, much less watch shows there and perform there a number of times back in the day.
The biggest concert The Music Hall ever saw came in 2006 when national screamo/metal powerhouse Underoath blew the roof off the place two nights in a row, the second night was bigger and better, however. The shows were sold out and even got The Music Hall on the cover of Pollstar Magazine. This night was truly one of the highlights in the Northwest Arkansas music community.
Whenever it’s all said and done, the condensation gathered from the sweat of The Music Hall gatherers will remain on the pipes atop the ceiling. There will be other music venues, but in Fayetteville, there will only ever be one Music Hall.
Final Thought: Three Six Mafia will be hitting up Fayetteville on Sept. 19 for a concert the likes of Fayetteville has not seen before. Even though it will take place at the Fayetteville Town Center — I am still not sure if it can hold the number of people who will flock to this concert — Three Six Mafia are Oscar winners and currently on every five minutes on one of the 13 MTV channels.

Musician of the Week

No Comments 29 August 2008

Musician of the Week
Matt Jones

NAMA winner Matt Jones is headed to Los Angeles next month to pursue his career. He will be playing his last show in NWA for a while this Saturday night at Froggy’s on Dickson Street.
Instruments: Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals
Day job: I’m a fulltime musician, meaning my “day” doesn’t start until early evening.
First performance: My first performance was here on Dickson at U.S. Pizza. It was close to 10 years ago and I was 15 at the time. My friend and I had worked up some Dave Matthews covers that we thought sounded great, of course it was most likely a very hard set to sit through for anyone in the audience.
Favorite performance: I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to play all over the country, but I still love any show I get to play here in Fayetteville. This is my home and when I get to play in front of my family, friends and peers it reminds me why I love doing this in the first place.
Type of music: This is always a strange question to me and I never quite know how to answer. I listen to so many styles of music and I try my best to incorporate all of them. The biggest influences in my music are blues, folk and pop.
Originals or covers? You can’t beat the opportunity to play your own music in front of people, though I do enjoy playing covers as well. I really enjoy covering songs in a different way than the original, my favorite being a version of “God Is A Dancer” by Benjamin Del Shreve.
Sounds like: All your favorite music rolled into one…hopefully.
Songwriting Muse: The fragility of life and the small moments that make it worth living.
Influences: Any and all musicians who play on Dickson Street, Paul Simon, Jimi Hendrix, any Motown recording artist.
Accomplishments: I once went an entire day without speaking.
What kind of crowd do you draw: The best troublemakers in town.
Any albums: A very old EP that’s collecting dust though I’ve been working on a record for over two years now. It should be out before I die.
Back stage ritual: To simply tell the guys in the band that I love each one of them and to have a great time together.
Funniest or strangest thing that ever happened during a performance: I’d have to say winning a NAMA and the MC announcing my name while I was mid-pee.
Plans: Moving to Los Angeles in September.
Goals: To make this playing guitar thing a living.
New Projects: I’d like to invest more time into the Evening Of Soul project we did. It’s turned out to be something I’d like to perform again.

Upcoming shows and tours: August 30, Froggy’s. It’s the last show in Fayetteville for quite a while.
If you could open for anyone, who would it be? Benjamin Del Shreve…again.
Last CD purchased: “Either Side Of Midnight” – Jack McManus
Most played song/s on your I-Pod? “Trouble’s What Your In” – Fink, “27 Jennifers” – Mike Doughty, “Darwin” – Third Eye Blind
Web site: www.myspace.com/mattjones

Highlights

Eating Out

No Comments 29 August 2008

Eating Out
Restaurant Review by Leanna K. Potts

Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza
700 SE Walton Blvd., Suite 10
Bentonville
268-6748
Open 7 days a week
10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
The smell of yeast and Italian seasonings hits you as soon as you get out of your car and head for the door of Johnny Brusco’s.
There is nothing fancy about the restaurant, it’s just a large open room where you can sit at the counter if you prefer and watch the cooks hand toss the pizza dough. But, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting because of the smells and the attentiveness of the waitstaff.
Even as a first time customer, the servers made me feel like this was my hundredth time there. Despite the lunch hour rush, the staff was calm and friendly. They took the extra couple of minutes to sincerely make sure that we were enjoying our meal — not just asking in a distracted cursory manner as they rushed by. A number of repeat customers were heartily greeting Stella, their server, by name. This was interesting as the restaurant had only opened May 4.
When you go, go early so you can get a table. This is one of those restaurants where even after the new has worn off, they will continue to be inundated by repeat business because the food is outstanding.
The pizza dough is yeast raised and hand-thrown for both the pizza and the Stromboli. The crust is crisp, delicate and melt-in-your-mouth delicious from first bite to last.
The portions are large. Pizza is sold by the slice as well as the pie. A slice is almost the size of a small pizza. I tried a slice of pepperoni ($2.80) just to see how the crust tasted. The traditional Stromboli ($7.95) is out of this world, partly because of the hand tossed dough. The Lasagna is delicious and plentiful and comes with a crisp garden salad and garlic bread ($9.95). You can add a side of spaghetti for $2.25, but you would need a man-sized appetite to add it to the dinner portions they serve.
Appetizers like the Mini-Garlic Knots and Bread Stix made with that delicious dough and the wings are great starters. There is also a nice selection of salads in both regular and large sizes (nice portions) and include Greek, Chef, Caesar, Grilled Chicken and Tuna.
Besides a large selection of pizza toppings and specialty pizzas like Chicken Florentine, Pesto Pie, Veggie Deluxe with fresh spinach and tomatoes, and Mexican Border, there are Calzones and Stromboli and a variety of Subs including Johnny’s Special Oven-Baked Sub (ham, salami and cappicolla), Steak and Cheese, Tuna Melt, Veggie or Parmigiana (meatball, chicken, sausage or eggplant). Subs range from $6.25 to $6.95. Under the heading of Italian Dinners ($8.95-9.95), selections include Ravioli, Eggplant Parmigiana, Baked Ziti and Bronx Bomber for the meat lover (meatballs, sausage, pepperoni, onions and green pepper in marinara and topped with mozzarella). Save room for the Cinnamon Knots ($3.99) and Cheesecake desserts ($3.50).
There are lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. A children’s menu features Spaghetti and Ravioli dishes ($3.25 to $3.95). Draft and bottled beer and wine by the glass is also available.
Thanks, Stella, for taking such good care of me and all the rest of your customers. A special wave to the kitchen and the rest of the floor crew. Good job, guys!
Johnny Brusco’s is located in the new Fountain Plaza on Walton Blvd., just a short drive west of Interstate 540.

8 Days A Week Calendar

8 Days a Week

No Comments 28 August 2008

All events listed in 8 Days a Week are open to the public. To submit a listing, send to FFW, 203 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701, or fax to 444-7289, at least two weeks prior to event. Submissions are printed as space allows. Photographs and art are also considered.
Special Events

FAYETTEVILLE ARTS FESTIVAL: Friday through Sunday and Sept. 5-7 at the Fayetteville Town Center. Open Space preview party 7 p.m. Friday, $25; art show 9 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday. Interactive art activities for kids. Performing Arts kick off at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at Nadine Baum Studios. TheatreSquared presents “Moonlight and Magnolias”: 8 p.m. Sept. 5-6 and at 2 p.m. Sept. 7. Ceramic Cow Productions ” Pearls of Wisdom”: noon Sept. 10; $10. Arkansas Playwrights Workshop short plays: 2 p.m. Sept. 6; $7. 24 Hour Play Festival: 6 p.m. Sept. 7; $10. Fayettevilledowntown.org or 571-3337.

ARTISTS RECEPTION: 5 p.m. Friday at Four Square Fine Art Gallery, 112 W. Center St. in Fayetteville. FourSquareFineArt.com or 422-8607.

RAE RUSSELL AND EUGENE SARGENT RECEPTION: 5 p.m. today at ddp Gallery 7 E. Mountain St. in Fayetteville. ddpgallery.com or 442-0001.

WILLIAM MAYES FLANAGAN AND STUDENTS RECEPTION: 6 p.m. today at Arsaga’s on Crossover in Fayetteville. arsagas.org or 527-0690.

PRAIRIE GROVE CLOTHESLINE FAIR: 8:30 a.m. Saturday through Monday at Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. Arts and Crafts, food, and more. Free admission; $4 for parking. 751-5441.

HEARTWOOD FESTIVAL: 9 a.m. Saturday at Heartwood Gallery on Government Street in Fayetteville. Artist booths, demonstrations, and live, local music. 444-0888.

OBAMA-RAMA “FUN RAISING”: 3 p.m. Sunday at Nature’s Water, 275 Huntsville Rd. in Fayetteville. Silent auction, cash bar, hors d’oeuvres. Music by Jeff Kearny & Friends, and Still on the Hill. Speakers include Charles Robinson. $10; all proceeds benefit the Obama for President Campaign. 530-7486.

Words
LOCAL ECONOMIES BOOK CLUB: 6:30 p.m. today at Nightbird Books in Fayetteville. nightbirdbooks.com or 443-2080.

BOOKS BY TERESA BLAYLOCK AND SUSIE HOELLER: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Nightbird Books in Fayetteville. nightbirdbooks.com or 443-2080.

” THE HISTORY OF THE RAZORBACKS” BOOKSIGNING: 11 a.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble in Fayetteville. Rick Schaeffer, Frank Broyles, Ken Hatfield and other Razorback greats.

LIFEWRITING: 10 a.m. Monday at the Shiloh Museum. For people interested in writing the stories of their own lives or those of family and friends. springdaleark.org/shiloh or 790-2588.

Music

JANICE YOES VOICE RECITAL: 3 p.m. Sunday at the University of Arkansas Fine Arts Concert Hall. Free. 575-4701.

JAZZ BAND PERFORMANCE LAB: 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Northwest Arkansas Community College. With Ben Harris. Instruments and public performances required. Open to all instruments and skill levels. Contact Ben, beneharris@yahoo.com, or Dr. Steve Cooper, 619-4261.
Learning

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE: 7 p.m. today at the Shiloh Museum. springdaleark.org/shiloh or 750-8165.

QUILTERS: 6:30 p.m. today at the Holiday Inn in Springdale. $20 Membership required after first meeting. With Marilyn McSpadden. Workshop 9 a.m. Friday at the Jones Center. $30 for workshop. quiltguildnwa.org or 549-8230.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Presbyterian Disciples of Christ Campus Center in Fayetteville. 521-0808.

GREENDRINKS: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Smiling Jack’s, 262 N. School Ave. in Fayetteville. Northwest Arkansas environmental groups and citizens get together. 225-2077.

KNITTING WITH ALISON: at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Community Imagination Studio, 818 N. Sang in Fayetteville. $10-$35, for adults. Registration Required. communityimaginationstudio.org or 442-8585.

JUGGLING CLUB: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Jones Center for Families. Beginners welcome. jonesnet.org or 756-8090, ext. 518.

DRESS UP AND DANCE: 8 and 9 p.m. Fridays at Teatro Scarpino in Fayetteville. $10; scarpino.com or 409-3772.

FAYETTEVILLE INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCERS: 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Trinity United Methodist Church. 756-3298.

Mind, Body, Spirit

FAYETTEVILLE FREE THINKERS: 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fayetteville Public Library. fayfreethinkers.com or 442-6738.

ALL ABOUT MIDWIVES: 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Fayetteville Public Library. BirthNetworkNWA.org.

BUDDHIST MEDITATION: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Arkansas Yoga Center in Fayetteville. 422-6526.

A COURSE IN MIRACLES: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Unity of Fayetteville. unityfay.org or 442-0680.

DHARMA TALK: 11 a.m. Sundays at Dramis Hardwood Floors, 2275 S. School Ave. in Fayetteville. With Tibetan Buddhist Monk Ven. Geshe Thupten Dorjee. tcia.com or 587-8920.

STILL MIND MEDITATION AND CHANTING: 9 p.m. Sundays at the School of Metaphysics in Fayetteville. som.org or 527-6804.

Outdoors

UA RAZORBACKS HOST WESTERN ILLINOIS: 6 p.m. Saturday in Fayetteville.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HORSESHOE PITCHING: Monday at Walker Park in Fayetteville. 871-3724.

SCOOTER CLUB: 6 p.m. Mondays at Arsaga’s on Gregg in Fayetteville. myspace.com/fayettevillescooterclub or 313-0311.

FAYETTEVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 7 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on the Fayetteville Square. Odis Elevator and the Flights play Saturday morning. Evening market at 4 p.m. Thursday nights at the Mill District at the intersection of School Avenue and Sixth Street. fayettevillefarmersmarket.org or 236-2910.

ROGERS FARMERS’ MARKET: 7 a.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays through and 4 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 27, at Frisco Park. 936-5487.

SPRINGDALE’S FARMERS’ MARKET: 7 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the Jones Center for Families. 751-3352.

Minor Matters

FALL THEATRE CLASSES: Sept 15 through Nov. 17 at Arts Live Theatre, 1378 N. College in the Evelyn Hills Shopping Center in Fayetteville. Playmakers 1 (grades K-1): 4 p.m. Mondays, Playmakers 2 (grades 2-4): 5 p.m. Mondays, Comedy Improv (grades 8-12): 6 p.m. Mondays, Intro to Acting (grades 5-7): 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Advanced Acting Techniques (grades 8-12): 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Playmakers 2 (grades 2-4): 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Beginning Comedy Improv (grades 5-7): 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Playmakers 1 (grades K-1): 4 p.m. Thursdays, Guerrilla Theatre (grades 8-12): 5 p.m. Thursdays, and Lights! Camera! Action! (grades 8-12): 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. artslivetheatre.com or 521-4932.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS: Youth writing (grades 3-5): 4 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 16-Oct. 21, and Teen Creative Fiction (grades 6-12): 4 p.m. Wednesdays Sept. 17-Oct. 22 at the Fayetteville Public Library. Free, registration required. faylib.org or 571-2222.
Seniors

GAME DAY: 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Fayetteville Senior Center. 571-2920.

SIT AND BE FIT EXERCISE PROGRAM: 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Jones Center. Free. jonesnet.org or 756-8090, ext. 109.

CERAMICS: 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Fayetteville Senior Center. 571-2920.
NEWCOMERS BRIDGE :12:30 p.m. Fridays at the Fayetteville Senior Center. 571-2920.

BASIC DRAWING: 10:30 a.m. Mondays and ACRYLIC PAINTING: 10 a.m. Tuesdays at the Fayetteville Senior Center. 571-2920.

LIFT EXERCISE: 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Fayetteville Senior Center. With Melissa Powers. 571-2920.

LINE DANCING: 10 a.m. Tuesdays at the Jones Center. Free. jonesnet.org or 756-8090, ext. 109.
Auditions, Call for Volunteers, Entries

NATIONAL DRUM-OFF: Sign up at Guitar Center- Fayetteville at 160 E. Joyce Blvd. in Fayetteville. Limited to first 30 registrants. Competition starts Sept. 23. guitarcenter.com or 571-2900.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING: 9 a.m. Sept. 6 at Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd., in Springdale. Free. bbuchanan@nwacircleoflife.org or 750-6632.

THEATRESQUARED OPEN AUDITIONS:10 a.m. Sept. 13 at Nadine Baum Studios in Fayetteville. 16 and older; bring headshot/resume; contrasting monologues and a capella singing. Call to schedule time slot. theatresquared.org or 445-6333.

“YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU” AUDITION: 7 p.m. Sept. 22-23 at the Rogers Little Theater. RogersLittleTheater.com or 631-8988.

Art
ARSAGA’S, 1582 Crossover Road, Fayetteville. arsagas.org or 527-0690. Watercolors by William Mayes Flanagan and students through August.

ARSAGA’S, 2418 N. Gregg Ave., Fayetteville. arsagas.org or 444-6557. “Portals” by Clayton Scott through August.

ARTS CENTER OF THE OZARKS, 214 S. Main St., Springdale. artscenteroftheozarks.org 751-5441. “Passion for Pastels” by the Ozark Pastel Society through Sept. 19.

THE COMMON GROUNDS, 412 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. commongroundsar.com or 442-3515. Maggie Stephenson.

CRYSTAL BRIDGES AT THE MASSEY, 125 W. Central Ave., Bentonville. massey.crystalbridges.org or 418-5700. “Wendell Minor: In the American Tradition” through Oct. 19.

DDP GALLERY, 7 E. Mountain St. Fayetteville. ddpgallery.com or 442-0001. “Illuminated Nature” by Rae Russell and Eugene Sargent through Sept. 18.

MULLINS LIBRARY, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. 575-6702. “Strangers & Not So Strange” by Craig E. Nelson through August.

YOUTHCAN!’S COMMUNITY IMAGINATION STUDIO, 818 N. Sang Ave., Fayetteville. communityimaginationstudio.org or 442-8586. “Digital Eye by Harold Hull through Sept. 4.

Museums
ARKANSAS AIR MUSEUM, Drake Field, 4290 S. School Ave., Fayetteville. 521-4947. Aircraft from all eras of aviation history.

CLINTON HOUSE MUSEUM, 930 California Drive, Fayetteville. clintonhousemuseum.org or 444-0066.

GRAVETTE HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 503 Charlotte St. SE, Gravette. 787-7334. Early 1900s restored home with displays representing Gravette’s history.

PEA RIDGE NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, 15930 U.S. 62, Garfield. 451-8122. Self-guided road tour, 10-mile hiking trail, Civil War museum and bookstore.

PEEL MANSION MUSEUM AND HISTORIC GARDENS, 400 S. Walton Blvd., Bentonville. 273-9664. 1875 Italianate mansion with historic roses and plants.

PRAIRIE GROVE BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK, 506 E. Douglas St., US Hwy. 62, Prairie Grove. 846-2990. Civil War battlefield with original buildings.

ROGERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 322 S. Second St., Rogers. 621-1154. rogersarkansas.com/museum. “Down a Lazy River: Float Fishing on the White River” through December. “The Life Atomic: Growing Up in the Shadow of the A-Bomb” through Oct. 25. “Discovering the Bluff Dwellers” through September. “Virgil Lovelace and Life on the Farm” through August.

SHILOH MUSEUM, 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale. 750-8165. springdaleark.org/Shiloh. Closed for renovations.

SILOAM SPRINGS MUSEUM, 112 N. Maxwell St., 524-4011. “Arrowheads, Spear points, Knives & Drills: Some Stone Tools Found Near Siloam Springs” through Oct. 29.

Coming Soon
PINNACLE HILLS PROMENADE ART FESTIVAL: Sept. 5-7 at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers. pinnaclehills.info or 899-6294.
READING BY DONALD HARRINGTON: 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Crystal Bridges at the Massey, 125 W. Central Ave. in Bentonville. massey.crystalbridges.org or 418-5700.
EDDIE MONEY: 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Arkansas Music Pavilion at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Free, but tickets required. Benefits Let’s Bring Them Home, Advocates for the Missing. arkansasmusicpavilion.com.
“FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP”: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5-6 and Sept. 12-13, and 3 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale. $9-$20. artscenteroftheozarks.org or 751-5441.
MONSTER TRUCKS: 7:30 p.m. Sept.5-6 at Parsons Stadium in Springdale. $8-$20. 927-4530.
THE SECOND CITY: DEFACE THE NATION: 8 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. $20-$32. waltonartscenter.org or 443-5600.
KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL: LEE CREEK CLEANUP: 9 a.m. Sept. 6 from Devil’s Den State Park in Winslow to Natural Dam Park. Lunch and door prizes. 444-1755.
POLO IN THE OZARKS: 4 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Buell Farm near Goshen. Benefits Life Styles, Inc. Tailgating, casino, dinner and dancing. $10-$100. lifestylesinc.org or 521-3581.
MOSE ALLISON TRIO: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. $15-$30. waltonartscenter.org or 443-5600.
TONY BENNETT IN CONCERT: 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Downstream Casino near Joplin, Mo. $50-$100. Tickets in person at the Casino or through TicketMaster at 866-448-7849 or ticketmaster.com.
SUNDAY JAZZ AT NATURE’S WATER: 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at 275 Huntsville Rd. in Fayetteville. Featuring Emily Kaitz, Mary Catherine Reynolds and Louise Goldberg. $8. 799-7140.
SAVOR THE FLAVOR: Sept. 9 in Downtown Fayetteville. Benefits Faith In Action; sample from restaurants on Dickson and Downtown. $35, tickets available Aug. 4-Sept. 2, includes cookbook. 443-5600 or 713-1737.
READING BY PADMA VISWANATHAN: 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Nightbird Books in Fayetteville. nightbirdbooks.com or 443-2080.
MULBERRY MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL: Sept. 11-13 in Ozark. With Leftover Umphrey’s, Salmon McGee, The Wailers, The Avett Brothers, Perpetual Groove, Split Lip Rayfield, Hot Buttered Rum, New Monsoon, Big Smith, Great American Taxi, Cornmeal, Boom Box, Hackensaw Boys, Oakhurst, My Tea Kind, Blue Turtle Seduction, Elephant Revival Concept, Family Groove Company, Green Mountain Grass, Ben Miller Band, Dirtfoot, Speakeasy, Mountain of Venus, The Shotgun Brothers Band, 3 Penny Acre and more. mulberrymountainmusic.com.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH STUDIO TOUR: 9 a.m. Sept. 12-14 in Mountain View, Calico Rock, Pineville and Fox. Self guided tours to area artists private studios. OffTheBeatenPathStudioTour.com, 870-297-4129 or 888-679-2859.
JASON ALDEAN WITH ASH BOWERS: 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Arkansas Music Pavilion at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. $25. arkansasmusicpavilion.com.
OMNI’S FORUM ON GLOBAL WARMING: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Nightbird Books. Moderated by Dick Bennett; panelists include Malcolm Cleveland, Barbara Fitzpatrick, Art Hobson, Robert McAfee and Matt Petty. nightbirdbooks.com or 582-2291.
THEATRE SQUARED: “MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS”: 8 p.m. Sept. 11-13, Sept. 18-20 and at 2 p.m. Sept. 14 and Sept. 21 at Nadine Baum Studios in Fayetteville. $22. theatresquared.org or 445-6333.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Sept. 13-14 at Devil’s Den State Park. Free for spectators; fees for competitors. ambcs.com or 761-3325.
OZARK WRITERS LIVE!: 9 a.m. Sept. 13 at the Fayetteville Public Library. Donald Harrington, Dusty Richard, Tony Wappel and Ethel Simpson, Robert Cochran, Radine Trees Nehring, Pat Carr, Andrea Holander Budy, Arkansas Poet Laureate Peggy Vining and others. Free. faylib.org or 856-7250.
WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC DISTRICT HOMES: 10 a.m. Sept. 13 from the Siloam Springs Museum, 112 N. Maxwell St. in Siloam Springs. 524-4011.
STARRY STARRY NIGHT BENEFIT: 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at Denise and Hershey Garner’s Fayetteville home. $30. 442-8586.
ANI DIFRANCO: 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the AMP in Fayetteville. $25-$40. ArkansasMusicPavilion.com.
ROBERT CRAY BAND: 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. $28-$48. waltonartscenter.org or 443-5600.
PINK TRASH BALL: 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. $25; Benefits the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. Music by Ultra Suede. 750-7465.
“BILOXI BLUES”: 8 p.m. Sept. 19-20 and Sept. 26-27, and 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Rogers Little Theater. $7.50-$42. RogersLittleTheater.com or 631-8988. LA LAGARITIA PODEROSA: at 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale. $8-$16. artscenteroftheozarks.org or 751-5441.
TRIBUTE TO BENNY GOODMAN & PEGGY LEE: 2 p.m. Sept. 23 at Arend Arts Center, 1901 S.E. J St. in Bentonville. $5-$25. bentonville.k12.ar.us/arendarts or 855-9997.
BIKES, BLUES AND BBQ: Sept. 24-27 in Fayetteville. 527-9993.
BELLA VISTA BIG BAND: with Pamela Nelson at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista. 313-9715.
“MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS”: 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. $10-$16. waltonartscenter.org or 443-5600.

Wine of the Week

E Wine of the Week

No Comments 28 August 2008

E Wine of the Week
By Bruce Cochran

Spanish Wines
International styles gaining in popularity

Hello Everyone,
This week we’ll explore a wine region known for reds, a place whose style has transitioned in recent years from older, paler and drier to younger, darker and deeper. It’s also a great place to eat.
If you’re in Little Rock on Wednesday, that’s the date for the next eWine Sampling, at Cajun’s Wharf in Little Rock. Taste five wines for $10. No reservations needed, just drop by and taste at your own pace. Go to brucecochran.com for details.
Try a new wine this week!
Bruce

Spain’s Rioja
Aside from Sherry, Rioja is Spain’s best known wine region. This part of northern Spain is unofficially, but unabashedly, Basque, a place known for great food and wine. Traditionally based on the tempranillo grape, with a little blending involved as well, Rioja’s reds can sometimes resemble Bordeaux, other times California cabernet and still occasionally a pale, tired wine that most Americans don’t like. Let’s talk about the first two styles, since that’s what we’re seeing today.
Modern Rioja producers have embraced the “international” style of deep color, rich fruit and French oak, though American oak is popular there, too. Part of this new style is a result of fewer years in newer barrels, which helps retain the color and fruit.
There are three Rioja subregions:
Baja—the lower, eastern part, where the wines are heavy but often clumsy.
Alavesa—the middle part, often exhibiting a style that combines fruit with finesse. This area lies in a protected valley between the Ebro River, Spain’s largest, and the looming mountains of the Sierra Cantabria.
Alta—the highest part of the region, where the wines often tend toward elegance.
Bodegas Campo Viejo was born when two small Rioja estates merged in 1959. The name comes from a block of vineyard next to the original cellar with very old vines, “Campo Viejo.” Today, grapes are also sourced from throughout the subregion.
The Crianza (meaning two years of age, one in oak) is 75 percent tempranillo, 20 percent granacha (grenache, the Spanish claim it’s originally from their country), and 5 percent mazuelo. Whole grape clusters are 100 percent gravity fed, without undergoing any type of pressure. This gentle winemaking process also makes it possible to obtain fruit without bitterness from the skins. Predominately aged in American oak, with a little French oak as well.
Deeply colored, with nose of red and black berries, plus vanilla from the oak barrels, this is a New World style from today’s most exciting Old World country.

Film Schedule

Film Times

No Comments 28 August 2008

Film Times are for Friday, Aug. 29 through Thursday, Sept. 4. Key: FS-Fiesta Square, Fayetteville, 575-0393; R12-Razorback 12, Fayetteville, 521-4080; MT-Mall Twin, Fayetteville, 521-4080, S9-Sunset 9, Springdale, 751-2600; PC-Pinnacle Cinema 12, Rogers, 631-5927; TC-Town Center, Rogers, 631-5927. *Early and late shows on select days.

Opening
Babylon AD (PG13) Action adventure sci-fi with Vin Diesel, Gerard Depardieu and Charlotte Rampling. FS: 2:05, 4:15, 7:10, 9:15. R12: 1:05, 4:20, 7:20, 9:55. S9: 1:05*, 4:05, 7:00, 9:20*. PC: 1:25, 4:25, 7:20, 9:45.
College (R) Comedy about a wild college weekend. FS: 2:05, 4:35, 7:50, 10:00. R12: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30. S9: 1:30*, 4:35, 7:30, 9:45*. TC: 1:40, 4:45, 7:20, 9:40.
Disaster Movie (PG13) Comedy amidst natural disasters. Vanessa Minnillo. FS: 1:30, 4:55, 7:15, 9:25. R12: 1:15, 4:20, 7:25, 9:40. S9: 1:10*, 4:20, 7:15, 9:30*. PC: 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 9:35.
Fly Me To The Moon (G) Animated family film in 3D. R12: 1:10, 4:10. PC: 12:45, 2:50, 4:55.
Hamlet 2 (R) High School students prepare to stage a politically incorrect sequel to Hamlet. Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener. FS: 1:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:35. TC: 1:30, 4:25, 7:30, 9:55.
Traitor (PG13) An FBI agent tracks a terrorist who may be one of the agency’s own. Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce. FS: 1:45, 4:25, 7:05, 9:20. R12: 1:05, 4:05, 7:10, 9:50. TC: 1:05, 4:05, 7:00, 9:35.

Also Playing
The Dark Knight (PG13) Batman is back. Christian Bale and Heath Ledger. FS: 2:30, 5:45, 9:00. R12: 12:40, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45. S9: 12:55*, 4:00, 7:05, 10:10*. TC: 12:55, 4:00, 7:05, 10:10.
Death Race (R) Action adventure, sci-fi about a brutal car race. Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Ian McShane. R12: 1:25, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00. TC: 1:30, 4:35, 7:15, 9:45.
Hancock (PG13) Action comedy. Super hero (Will Smith) tries to repair his tarnished image. Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman. PC: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:25.
The House Bunny (PG13) A Playboy bunny kicked out of the mansion begins lodging at a sorority house. Anna Faris, Hugh Hefner. FS: 2:15, 4:45, 7:45, 9:55. R12: 1:05, 4:15, 7:20, 9:450. S9: 1:25*, 4:30, 7:20, 9:35*. PC: 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 9:30.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG) Family action adventure about a scientist who goes to the center of the earth. Brendan Fraser. R12: 7:15, 9:30. PC: 7:30, 9:50.
Kung Fu Panda (PG) Family animation film. FS: 1:25, 4:20.
The Longshots (PG) Story about an 11-year old girl football player. Ice Cube. FS: 1:40, 6:55. MT: 1:40*, 4:15*, 7:05, 9:35*. S9: 1:15*, 4:10, 7:10, 9:25*. TC: 1:10, 4:15, 7:25, 9:30.
Mamma Mia (PG13) Romantic comedy inspired by the music of ABBA. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan. FS: 1:50, 6:55. R12: 1:25, 4:15. PC: 12:50, 3:50, 7:05, 9:35.
Mirrors (R) Horror film with Keifer Sutherland. MT: 1:35*, 4:10*, 7:00, 9:30*. S9: 1:00*, 4:25, 7:25, 9:55*. TC: 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:50.
The Mummy (PG13) Adventurers in China unearth a cursed mummy. Brendan Fraser, Jet Li. FS: 4:10, 9:50. R12: 7:30, 10:00. PC: 1:35, 4:25, 7:25, 10:00.
Pineapple Express (R) Comedy. Stoners witness a murder and have to figure out how to reveal the information. Seth Rogan, James Franco. FS: 2:00, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00. R12: 1:20, 4:25, 7:25, 10:05. TC: 1:00, 3:45, 7:05, 9:35.
The Rocker (PG13) Comedy about a has-been drummer who joins a high school rock band. Rainn Wilson. FS: 4:30, 9:05. R12: 7:00, 9:55. S9: 7:30, 9:50*. PC: 1:30, 4:15, 7:25, 9:50.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (PG13) Sequel to the story of four friends whose lives take different directions. FS: 1:25, 4:05, 7:00, 9:30. PC: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40.
Space Chimps (G) Chimp astronauts. PC: 12:40, 3:40, 6:50, 9:00.
Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG) Animated Star Wars. FS: 2:10, 6:50. R12: 12:30, 2:40, 4:50. S9: 1:20*, 4:20. PC: 1:05, 4:35, 7:15, 9:40.
The Step Brothers (R) Comedy with Will Ferrell, John C Reilly and Mary Steenburgen. FS: 7:25, 9:30. TC: 1:35, 4:40, 7:45, 10:00.
Swing Vote (PG13) The presidential election must be decided by an ordinary guy. Kevin Costner, Willie Nelson. FS: 4:05, 9:00.
Tropic Thunder (R) Comedy written, directed and acted by Ben Stiller. Self-absorbed actors shooting a war film, end up in combat. Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black. FS: 1:35, 4:40, 7:35, 9:55. R12: 1:00, 4:10, 7:05, 9:40. S9: 1:10*, 4:15, 7:15, 9:45*. PC: 1:20, 4:20, 7:30, 10:00.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (PG13) Woody Allen film set in Spain. Two friends fall for the same guy. Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall. FS: 1:45, 4:25, 7:40, 9:45. TC: 1:25, 4:30, 7:25, 9:40.
The Wackness (R) Offbeat comedy about a shrink who becomes friends with a pot dealing patient. Ben Kingsley, Josh Peck, Mary-Kate Olsen. TC: 1:15, 4:10, 7:35, 10:05

Risa's Astrology

Risa’s Astrology

No Comments 28 August 2008

Risa’s Astrology
Esoteric Astrology
American Dreams and Sunday Streets
Events this week: In the Nevada playas, in Black Rock City, the experimental art and self-reliance community, Burning Man, is in full swing. Burning Man theme this year, American Dream: Nationality, Identity and the Nature of Patriotism, coincides with the Democratic and Republican conventions. Simultaneously transiting Mars squares the U.S. Jupiter Thursday, Saturday is new moon at eight degrees Virgo (when Burning Man, burns), and on Monday, Labor Day (we thank those who daily labor to serve us), the Republican Convention begins.
Obama has chosen Sen. Joe Biden, a multiple Scorpio (Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in Scorpio) as his running mate. Scorpio is the sign of the disciple, often hidden from view.
As we are now in Virgo, sign of health and pure foods. Slow Food Nation in San Francisco will be August 28-Sept 1, the largest celebration of food in America. Come to the Table, offers dinners and tasting throughout the San Francisco Bay area, see http://slowfoodnation.org/events/special-programming/slow-dinners/) And on Sunday, San Francisco will celebrate open streets with Sunday Streets (www.sundaystreetssf.com). Let’s do Sunday Streets in Fayetteville.
In Russia (Ray 7) events are heating up, affecting relations between the U.S. (Rays 2 and 6) and our old cold war partner. The drumbeat’s rumbling and who knows what will occur Sept. 6 when transiting Uranus squares the U.S. Mars. Bam! reads the Superman comics. (more at www.nightlightnews.com).

ARIES: The week progresses with more and more responsibility, which at first makes you impatient, but then you realize it’s all in a good day’s work to tend to all that you’ve built. Do most of your work in the morning. Afternoons may be filled with relationship issues. Have the intention to complete your work and to bring balance and right relations into all interactions. Then you’ll feel balanced, too.

TAURUS: Careful with health – doubly careful. There’s so much work the thought of it could send you to your bed. Although you’re very strong these days your health is balancing on a precipice needing constant tending. Lots of water, no sugar, nightly calcium/magnesium and turmeric for tired and achy muscles. The golden yellow purifies. Also Yogi Tea De-Tox, standing in the sun, and rest. This is your prescription for several weeks.

GEMINI: Tend home fires very carefully. Clean with Virgo detail, seeing into corners and crevices with eagle eyes. Make foods healthful and nourishing, take time with planning and cooking, and be sure all foods, utensils and surfaces are purifyingly clean. Communication could be a minefield with shadows from the past surfacing. Clean those up too. Plan a dreamy sort of trip and keep money close by. Then try to have fun.

CANCER: In order for life to progress, the past, held with care, protection, secrecy and in shock, must be unearthed. Your feelings have been harbored so deeply they’ve become tentacles, clinging to you for life support. This can’t be maintained forever. Therefore, as the future beckons, the past begins to dissolve. The suffering is actually a cleansing. Ignatia Amara, the grief homeopath, is useful here. Take it nightly. Three little cell salts under the tongue. Till the grief passes.

LEO: A previous idea of self and events surrounding that identity are surfacing. Much of the Cancer horoscope applies to you. However, you are assessing your self within the context of values. Are you valuable? Do you have value, what are your values? Included in your assessments are the value of your relationships and how they served your life. All experiences are valuable. We (you) are valuable. Criticism lessens all value. Praise enhances it (you).

VIRGO: With Saturn in Virgo and joining the Sun this week various feelings surface such as: you’re not enough, don’t do enough, you’re separate from everyone, need discipline, parents are restrictive, you feel alone and criticized, you are criticizing. On the other hand, sensing a new self is forming, your mind alights with new ideas, you recognize the need for analytical study and realize you’re perfect as you are. The former tends to wear you down; the latter grows you up into a full and perfect bloom.

LIBRA: Early in the week after communication difficulties and critical thoughts, everything becomes friendlier and you sigh with relief for all you want is right relations and when disharmony occurs you must flee. It’s important to note you create some of the disharmony because you’re seeking an even greater harmony. Are you living in two homes or can’t decide where to live? Each night review your day. And visualize plans for the next. These provide a structure of self-analysis and then self esteem. Prayer is the mighty mover.

SCORPIO: Everything’s hidden, quite like you. But not your feelings, shooting out from you like flares making you feel vulnerable. Wait a few days and this will cease. Your real concern is money, where it’s coming from and going. Concern about money is good. The tension helps us enter the battle and tension creates attention. You want financial ease and comfort. You will solve this for whatever you put your mind to, you accomplish. You’ll do the same with this challenge.

SAGITTARIUS: The battle you’re encountering is your own self image, self identity and responsibilities, which are reaching a critical stage. You’re called to extreme measures concerning work details. Don’t criticize yourself or others. Simply set your mind to accomplish the most you can each day. Don’t let up. You have the capacities and capabilities to withstand extreme pressure. In rare moments of relaxation, visualize hopping over to a harmonious situation/relationship that soothes and calms. The pressure will ease soon, but just for a while.

CAPRICORN: Plan finances carefully. They could feel like they’re slipping away. You are extremely responsible, but finances can be tricky now. Two areas in your Capricorn chart illustrate the need for constant financial surveillance, planning, tracking, discrimination and discipline. This takes work along with setting realistic goals, budgets and itemized accounts. Begin with a weekly ledger, keep all receipts, and study expenditures. You can definitely cut back, tithe and then save.

AQUARIUS: You, too, are focused on money. Capricorn also applies to you. Your aspirations, goals and long-term future plans provide you with a new emerging identity. With intentions for goodwill, proper financial preparation and planning, your rightful life’s work successfully manifests. That smile and financial savvy are the key. Any sort of despair is not allowed. Plod along and consider yourself a Taurus.

PISCES: Your life’s been topsy-turvy for about five years without easing up. This shakes your self-esteem like a personal revolution. Side issues are: how to bring in money, what to do in terms of work, making daily life more comfortable and how to choose amidst uncertainty. None of the known choices seem correct. You will live within this mystery for a month or more. Take each day quietly and with poise. Interior realities are working on you. Don’t fret or worry.
Risa D’Angeles is founder and director of Esoteric & Astrological Studies & Research Institute, a contemporary Wisdom School studying the Tibetan Djwhal Khul’s teachings as written in the Alice A. Bailey books. Email: risagoodwill@gmail.com. Web journal: www.nightlightnews.com.

Film Review

On the Aisle

No Comments 28 August 2008

On the Aisle
By Tony Macklin
How to spend your holiday
Tony Macklin’s list of 10
Labor Day Weekend is a great time to catch up on DVDs.

The following is a list of 10 movies I appreciated, whose DVDs were released within the last two years. There should be something for everyone.

THREE HIDDEN TREASURES
1. Hot Fuzz. This is a wacky spoof of action cop movies. Hot Fuzz does successfully what Tropic Thunder is trying not-so-successfully to do. It is over-the-top, but it’s not coarse and shallow like Tropic Thunder.
Hot Fuzz, a British comedy/drama, is bloody good in both senses of the word. But the graphic blood is more chocolate syrup than true gore. It has some subtlety, in the throwaway lines particularly an old man’s comment about a female cop. And it is stylish.
It has a superior cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, and even Timothy Dalton who once played James Bond. Thank goodness, Hot Fuzz has Simon Pegg rather than Ben Stiller.
Pegg plays a cop reassigned to a small, rural village, who finds more crime and intrigue than there it appears on the surface. Hot Fuzz is co-writer Pegg’s and co-writer/director Edgar Wright’s follow-up to the very popular Shaun of the Dead (2004) a comic send-up of zombie movies. It may take a little time to get on their wavelength, but if you can, Hot Fuzz is a treat.
2. The Lookout. Of all the offbeat movies I’ve recommended in the last two years, this is the most surefire. People really like it.
Terrific young actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a survivor of a car accident who is mentally-damaged. He is duped into participating in a bank robbery, with ironic results. Jeff Daniels renders a wonderful performance as his blind mentor.
The Lookout, written and directed by Scott Frank, is a worthy achievement.
3. Brideshead Revisited (The 25th Anniversary Edition DVD, released October 2006).Avoid the remake which presently is in theaters; it’s lame and fatuous.
The original, 11-hour film version was on British television; it then appeared on the USA TV on Masterpiece Theater. It may well be my favorite TV shows of all-time.
The TV miniseries, based on the 1945 novel written by Evelyn Waugh (male), stars Jeremey Irons, Diana Quick, Anthony Andrews, Claire Bloom, John Gielgud, and Laurence Olivier. That’s one remarkable cast.
Brideshead Revisited is human and brilliant. It not only is classic TV; it is classic art. Now, if you have 11 hours to spare…

TWO MOVIES THAT I LIKED MORE THAN MOST REVIEWERS
1. Street Kings. This is a slam-bang cop saga. It’s directed by David Ayers and based on material written by James Ellroy (who wrote L.A. Confidential). Keanu Reeves gives a solid performance.
2. What Happens in Vegas. I enjoyed the spirited, comic byplay between Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher, two likable actors. It’s a pleasant romp.

BLEAK BUT WORTHY FOR THE PERFORMANCES
1. Starting Out in the Evening. You have to decide if you think a stellar performance by Frank Langella as an aging New York author is worth seeing. I thought it was. But few others did. Starting Out in the Evening only made a paltry $.6 million at the box office. What Happens in Vegas made 80.1 million.
The Savages. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney and Tony-winner Philip Bosco struggle in this drama of a dysfunctional familial trio. Tamara Jenkins wrote and directed. If you can last until the end, The Savages has one of the best endings in years.

TWO OSCAR-WINNING FEMALE PERFORMANCES YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD HAVE SEEN
1. The Queen. If you somehow missed this, what are you waiting for? Helen Mirren with subtle range captures the many layers of the monarch when faced with Princess Di’s death. The symbolism is a bit arch, but Stephen Frears directs with panache and Michael Sheen adds quality as the young Prime Minister Tony Blair.
2. La Vie en Rose. Marion Cotillard portrays the anguished French songbird Edith Piaf. You don’t even have to read the subtitles.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST
1. The Bank Job. If you don’t want to see Jason Statham as a race dummy in Death Race presently at the theaters, you can watch him give a real performance in The Bank Job. It’s based on an actual robbery in Britain and Stratham portrays a man caught in the middle. The man actually can act. Saffron Burrows adds nice spice and that’s the perfect way to end a holiday weekend.

Live Music

LIVE MUSIC & CLUBS

No Comments 28 August 2008

LIVE MUSIC & CLUBS

Thursday, Aug. 28
Bayou: Keith Nicholson
Bordino’s: Nathan McLeod Trio
Brewski’s: DJ Showcase
Deja Vu: DJ Hurt ‘Em
Drifters: Karaoke
Electric Cowgirl: DJ Dayside
Froggy’s: The Itals, DJ Hod-I
George’s: Anniversary Festival: Randy Rogers Band, Bleu Edmondson, Randy Crouch & The Stragglers, Josh Abbott
Green Door: Jazz Jam
Jammin Java: Bluegrass Jam
Jose’s Streetside: Big Bad Bubba
Pesto Cafe: Kevin Bennoch
Smiling Jack’s: 3 Penny Acre
Speakeasy: DJ Greg
Tangerine: DJ Michael, Drag Show
Tony C’s Bar & Grill: Karaoke

Friday, Aug. 29
Arsaga’s Crossover: Matt Cameron & Scott Harrison
Arsaga’s Gregg: Allison & Mike
Bayou: Bad Karma
Chelsea’s Corner Cafe: Jive Market
Deja Vu: DJ Mixx Tenn
Firehouse Subs: Mac, Pat & Cousin Jerry
Froggy’s: Cousin Eddie, The Fundamental Elements, The Christmas Fuller Project, MARCA
George’s: Anniversary Festival: Nace Brothers, Bel Airs, Full House, Michael Burks
Green Door: HH Blues Band, Chester P. Band
Jose’s Streetside: DJ Hod-I
The OPO: The Darksuits
The Perk: Open Mic
ROTC: Mudcat & Friends
Smiling Jack’s: Cletus Got Shot, Crazy Neighbor
Speakeasy: DJ Greg
Tangerine: DJ Michael
Tony C’s Bar & Grill: Karaoke
Tony C’s Italian Gardens: Gravy Train

Saturday, Aug. 30
Arsaga’s Crossover: The Radio Sky
Bayou: The Larrys
Chelsea’s Corner Cafe: Sam the The Stylees
Deja Vu: DJ MixxTenn
Froggy’s: Matt Jones Band, Ben Rector, Josh Stewart
George’s: Anniversary Festival: Keller Williams, Pnuma Trio
Jose’s Streetside: Dave Stiles Band
Little O’Oprey: Live Jam
The Music Hall: Before His Throne, Doomsday Fall, The Battle Within, Even Heroes
The OPO: Use Curtis
Smiling Jack’s: Teddy & Warren
Soul Restaurant & Lounge: Jazz
Speakeasy: DJ Greg
Tangerine: DJ Michael
Tony C’s Bar & Grill: Karaoke
Tony C’s Italian Gardens: Gravy Train

Sunday, Aug. 31
Billiard’s Palace: Karaoke
Chelsea’s Corner Cafe: Mountain Sprout
Common Grounds: Earth Society, DJ SoulFree
Copeland’s: Claudia Burson Trio
Dickson Theater: Drag Show
Emelia’s Kitchen: Raja
George’s: Tiffany Christopher
Jose’s Streetside: Jeff Alvine
Pesto Cafe: Shannon Wurst
Tony C’s Bar & Grill: Karaoke

Monday, Sept. 1
Billiard’s Palace: Karaoke
The Perk: Acoustic Jam
Pesto Cafe: Darren Ray
Rogers Rec Room: Pope County Bootleggers

Tuesday, Sept. 2
Bayou: Blues Jam
Copeland’s: Effron White
George’s: Electric Lounge
Green Door: Blues Jam

Wednesday, Sept. 3
Drifters: Rocky C.
Ella’s Restaurant: Claudia Burson Trio
Froggy’s: DJ Voja
George’s: The Good Fear, J. Roddy Walston & The Business
Iron Horse: Jazz
Jose’s Southwest Grill: Claudia Burson Trio
Jose’s Streetside: Karaoke
Ozark Mountain Smokehouse Deli: Cletus Got Shot
Tony C’s Bar & Grill: Karaoke
Wet Pig BBQ: Karaoke

Thursday, Sept. 4
Bayou: Night Bluez
Bordino’s: Jazz
Brewski’s: DJ Showcase
Deja Vu: DJ Hurt ‘Em
Drifters: Karaoke
Electric Cowgirl: DJ Dayside
George’s: Charlie Robinson, Paula Nelson, Willie Straddlin
Green Door: Jazz Jam
Jammin Java: Jazz Jam
Jose’s Streetside: Little Hoojin
Pesto Cafe: Kevin Bennoch
Speakeasy: DJ Greg
Tangerine: DJ Michael, Drag Show
Tony C’s Bar & Grill: Karaoke

Venues
Arsaga’s Crossover: 527-0690
Arsaga’s Gregg: 444-6557
Bayou: 246-9337
Bordino’s: 527-6795
Brewski’s: 973-6969
Common Grounds: 442-3515
Copeland’s: 246-9455
Dickson Theater: 575-0500
Ella’s Restaurant: 582-0400
Firehouse Subs: 251-0044
Froggy’s: 521-3764
George’s: 442-4226
Green Door: 575-0111
Iron Horse: 631-9977
Jammin Java: 443-2233
Jose’s Streetside: 521-0194
Jose’s Southwest Grill: 750-9055
Little O’Oprey: 839-2992
The Music Hall: 251-7852
The OPO at Urban Table: 935-4646
The Perk: 251-7375
Pesto Cafe: 582-3330
ROTC: 521-2674
Smiling Jack’s 935-4899;
Soul Restaurant & Lounge: 442-0800
Speakeasy: 443-3279
Tangerine: 443-4600
Tony C’s Bar & Grill: 521-8669
Tony C’s Italian Gardens: 925-3401

Features

It's Hog Time!

No Comments 28 August 2008

New Coach, New Season, New Buzzword
Razorback fans passionate about Petrino
By Maylon T. Rice
Chuck Barrett says “passionate” is more than a just a seasonal moniker or buzzword when it comes to winning football games this fall. He says it’s developing into a way of life that thousands of Razorback gridiron fans have begun living: A passion for Hog football reminiscent of the former glory days that has been building since the hiring of new Hog coach Bobby Petrino.
“Now, true Razorback fans have always been passionate about the program,” said Barrett, the broadcast voice of the Hog football program in a recent pre-season interview, “But I can tell you from attending about 20 Razorback Club meetings all over this state with the coaching staff last winter, this spring and summer – the word “passionate” is being used and not in whispered terms about winning and making this program be the best it can be.”
Barrett sees a movement that is more than a temporary groundswell for the fall.
“The real passion of Razorback fans has returned and returned big time. And boy, oh, boy, are the true Hog fans “passionate” about this new coach and his new way of doing things,” Barrett said.
A new sheriff and a new system, is indeed, well established in Hog Town U.S.A. A businesslike, no nonsense approach, and up speed tempo are all in place, Barrett said.
While saying the Razorbacks should be fun in 2008, Barrett acknowledged that the program isn’t where the current coaching staff wants it to be. But as always, the program will be scrappy and may, actually surprise some people.
Barrett enters his 15th season as a part of the broadcast crew and his second season as the actual play-by-play announcer.
There are few changes in the in-booth staff this fall with Keith Jackson of Little Rock, joining Barrett as color analyst (it’s Jackson’s 9th year); former Hog quarterback Quinn Grovey as sideline reporter (in his 11th year) and co-host Scott Inman, the Little Rock television broadcaster (in his 10th year).
Barrett, who took over the slot a year after the death of longtime voice of the football Razorbacks Paul Ells, won’t talk about it, but he was selected as the 2007 Arkansas Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame.
The day for the Clarksville native is a busy one on game days. And for Barrett, one of his favorites things to do it literally open the stadium.
“I like to get there early, I mean real early and watch the stadium fill up,” he said. “I love to watch the crowd file in and fill up the stadium. At first it is slow with the early birds getting there and pretty soon it is a wave of red and white filling all the seats. It still gives me chill bumps to watch the stadium come alive with Razorback fans.”
As not only the voice of the broadcast, Barrett wears the hat of producing many, of not almost all, of the pre-game shows and much of the post game shows. He is also the on-camera host of the Sunday morning taping of the Bobby Petrino Coaches Show, when the previous Saturday’s game is dissected by the head coach and fans can get a first glimpse of next week’s opponent.
Barrett takes it all in stride. His duties have expanded with the addition of new athletic director, Jeff Long, and there have been some major changes in the Razorback program. For instance, Barrett has taken on the role as the “talent” in the daily Razorback website updates on Razorback sports.
“Oh, there is plenty to do when the fall season kicks off,” Barrett said. “Sometimes you almost look forward to being on the road. At least there you can hide out in the hotel room, away from the phone, friends and family in town for a Razorback game to get some work done.”
Barrett notes, as do many Razorback fans, that the Texas game on Sept. 13 in Austin looms large.
“It will be my first time behind the microphone in Memorial Stadium and to me that’s a big deal,” Barrett said.
Barrett, like all fans, is hoping for a win in Texas. It would be a sweet win over what is historically one of Arkansas’s biggest rivals.
But a bigger circle on most Hog fans’ calendars is Oct. 25 for the game in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Frank Broyles Field when Ole Miss comes to town.
“That will be a big game,” Barrett said. “No doubt about it, that’s a big game.”
In fact it was the Ole Miss game a year ago in Oxford, Miss., that led Barrett to the funniest highlight of the Razorback broadcasts.
“The Ole Miss folks had some balloons and fireworks at halftime. Well some of the stuff got tangled in some high voltage wires and there was some big time popping going on. We went off the air, but when we got back on the air, my broadcast partner Keith Jackson had the best line about the popping noises and fireworks.”
Barrett explained that it went something like this: Jackson said ‘Chuck me and you, we come from different neighborhoods. Chuck, you stood up thinking it was something patriotic like a 21-gun salute, me, I hit the floor thinking is was a drive-by shooting.’
While no one is asking for another impromptu power outage, Barrett does think some of this renewed passion for Razorback football may lead to some fireworks on offense for the Hogs in 2008.
“And for true Razorback fans, the winning can’t start soon enough.”

Broyles, Hatfield, Schaeffer at book signing
Hog fans can attend a book signing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble Booksellers on North College Avenue across from the Northwest Arkansas Mall.
Former coaches Frank Broyles and Ken Hatfield and longtime UA sports information director Rick Schaeffer will sign copies of Schaeffer’s book “The University of Arkansas Football Vault: The History of the Razorbacks.” Hog calling is welcome.

Razorbacks ranked high by some, low by others
The farther from Fayetteville you get, the higher the Razorbacks are placed in pre-season rankings.
What’s a sports fan to think after reading all the pre-season rankings of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks?
Confusion?
Awe?
Dread?
Only an accountant’s crunching of power ratings and rankings is likely to bring a resolution to the fact that this year’s football squad is literally ranked up and down and all over the nation’s gridiron map.
Why, the men’s magazine that proudly proclaims itself as “Entertainment for Men” has the Hogs ranks as high as 19th.
What? Nineteenth in a national poll?
Yep. Read all about it in Playboy’s preseason Top 25 that’s on news stands now. Nineteenth! Woo Pig Sooie.
But Sports Illustrated, the national sports magazine that devoted its southeastern United States cover to the University of Georgia Bulldogs, hints that the Dawgs in red and black are going to be the SEC’s No. 1 team. And alas the magazine also chooses the Georgia folks as college football’s No. 1 overall pick. But remember sports fans, the SI cover is a longstanding jinx in some minds.
The Razorbacks, in SI’s poison pen rankings, fall to last or sixth in the Southeastern Conference Western Division and 69th overall in the U.S. Yes, 69th out of a possible 119 in Division I major college football. That’s just behind No. 68 Central Florida. Thanks, SI. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
How ever Arkansas winds up, in the SI rankings the Hogs appear ahead of Kentucky at No. 72, and Vanderbilt, which is even further down the list.
SI is not the only publication that has the Hogs in the bottom of the SEC West. Hooten’s Arkansas Football Magazine’s own Barry Groomes also has the Porkers dead last in the SEC West.
In a story in Hooten’s by Jon Mark Beilue, Beilue has the Razorbacks ranked as No. 51 in the nation, with Georgia as No.1. The only SEC schools behind Arkansas are Kentucky at No. 52 and Vanderbilt at No. 70.
Jim Harris’ Arkansas 360 preseason magazine puts the Hogs next to last in the SEC West. Thank God for Mississippi State in that publication.
So what’s a fan to do?
Write it all off to a rebuilding year? A new coach? A coaching and athletic director change? A new sheriff in town?
Well, as many of these preseason pundits and ranksters well know, few teams end up as they were ranked preseason when the season comes to an end. So four months from now before Bowl Season begins, we shall all know how the Razorbacks fared. And in most polls, the Hogs have nowhere to go but up in the rankings — even the high perch awarded them by the editors of Playboy. Maylon T. Rice

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