(Click to read post) If the presidential candidates were beers, what kind of beers would Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain be? And who would be Pabst Blue Ribbon? Beers to You blog. May 12, 2008
England’s Elbow has had both a charmed and cursed existence, creating beautifully interesting records for what now amounts to something like five major labels. Plus, a review of Ween's latest. May 8, 2008
The Wachowski brothers have tumbled into a matrix of their own with “Speed Racer,’’ one which has rendered them completely out of touch with the outside world. Review. May 8, 2008
Daniel Helm stands in the gloomy basement of Appalachian Power Park showing off the park’s seemingly endless supply of gags. This is Power Park’s toy box. May 8, 2008
Capsule reviews of films in area theaters. For local movie times see the blue MovieFinder in the right-hand column at thegazz.com homepage. To view movie trailers, click here. May 8, 2008
Traci Ann Stanley is ready to enjoy her latest moment in the spotlight. Two weeks ago, the 21-year-old from Wayne County won the Charleston leg of Kenny Chesney’s “Big Star” contest.
- Book signing
- Dumbarton lecture
- Poetry Out Loud
- Bird lecture
There’s a free opening reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Callen McJunkin Gallery for a show of new oil on linen paintings by Elizabeth Geiger, a Charlottesville, Va., resident. May 8, 2008
Aspiring stars ages 13-23 have one last chance to audition for “Charleston’s Teen Idol.” The final pre-screening and preliminary rounds are at 6:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. May 8, 2008
Unlike People’s recent selection of Matt Damon, I have to seriously disagree with TV Guide, which named “Grey’s Anatomy’s” “McDreamy,” Patrick Dempsey, the sexiest star on TV. Puh-leaze. TV. May 8, 2008
(Click to read) Jeff Ellis comes to Taylor Books on Friday in Charleston, where you can hear live some cuts off his forthcoming new CD "Covering the Distance." Gatecrasher blog. May 7, 2008
South Charleston's Comedy Zone is looking for "The Mountain State's Funniest Person" in a contest that starts Wed., May 7 and runs through June 11.
(Click to read) What to do with gas prices being so high, but you still need to get away? To quote my father, "You've got a lot of damned squirrels." So make use of them. Strange Places. May 6, 2008
(Click to see post) Ron Sowell thought he was the featured act at last Saturday's singer-songwriter series at the Clay Center. Little did he realize the night had been hijacked and his life was the featured act. May 5, 2008
(Click to read post) The Fiberarts International show up at the Clay Center right now is worthy of regional impact. But does anyone care enough to see it there? ArtAttack. May 5, 2008
(Click to read blog) Why the best grape vines are not often grown in West Virginia, plus a look at the state of vino in the Mountain State. WineBoy blog. May 12, 2008
(Click to read post) I would like to introduce all of you, to my old friend from County Cork: Beamish Irish Stout. I hadn't seen him in awhile and ran into him in an "Irish" pub in Dayton, Ohio. May 3, 2008
Even at a dress rehearsal where paint was still being applied to sets and final musical cues were being confirmed, Capital High School’s production of “Phantom of the Opera” was captivating.
Twenty new oil landscapes of West Virginia scenes by Vermont-based artist Henry Isaacs go on display Saturday and remain up through May 31 at The Art Store, 1013 Bridge Road.
When it came time to hit the studio to record its full-length debut, The Red Velvet had an ace in its pocket: guitarist and vocalist Russ Fox, who runs Huntington’s Broadmoor Studios.
Got Elvis? FestivALL Elvis play contest deadline extended until May 15. Theater.
So the great TV Turnoff week of 2008 is over. It actually wasn’t all that hard — although my hectic work schedule probably had a little to do with that. My week wasn’t completely slip-up free, though, and I did learn a few things.
Phil Wade's rocking old-time-music-flavored band, The Wilders, appears Sunday at The Wild Bean in Lewisburg.
Electric 102.7’s T.J. King (left) served as emcee for the first preliminary round of the Charleston Town Center Mall and Coca-Cola sponsored “Charleston’s Teen Idol” singing competition, which took place on April 26.
The final batch of bands has been announced for the 12th annual music-packed jam band-centric All Good Music Festival from July 11-13 at Marvin’s Mountaintop in Masontown, Preston County. Hang on, this will take a while to list.
"Made of Honor" starts out as a tribute to “When Harry Met Sally ...’’ and backslides toward a less-than-honorable “My Best Friend’s Wedding’’ remake. Fortunately, it's clever and sexy enough.
Were “A Chorus Line” nothing more than a show about aspiring performers looking for work, Broadway audiences would not have kept coming for 15 years, making it — before “Cats” came along — Broadway’s longest-running hit ever.
It wasn’t one of Lakewood Church’s proudest moments the morning street preacher and homeless missionary Brandt Russo came to worship.
As expected, there are walls of grungy guitars on The Constantines’ latest offering. But this noted Toronto indie band also offers up plenty of food for the mind.
ABZ: A Poetry Magazine is continuing its poetry prize for a first book of poems.
In 2007, David Baker selected “Postcard on Parchment” by Christine Stewart-Nuñez. That book has just been published and is available from ABZ Press, your local bookstore or an online source.
In 2007, David Baker selected “Postcard on Parchment” by Christine Stewart-Nuñez. That book has just been published and is available from ABZ Press, your local bookstore or an online source.
“El Alambrista: The Fence Jumper” is a gem, a spinning heel-kick to the gut that tells the story of a modern Zorro, a budding wrestler who becomes a champion to the Mexican people. April 24, 2008
“Persepolis” tells, in animation, the story of a young upper-class Iranian girl coming of age during the fall of the shah and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini. It loses little in moving from graphic novel to screen. April 24, 2008
--“In Bruges”
--“The Savages”
--“Honeydripper”
--“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
--“4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days”
--“The Savages”
--“Honeydripper”
--“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
--“4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days”
On Friday, Town Center co-hosts a singing competition for West Virginia singers ages 13 to 23 as “Charleston’s Teen Idol” will hold preliminary rounds. April 24, 2008
It’s difficult to avoid comparisons to a famous alt-country songwriter when he’s your father. Perhaps that’s why Justin Townes Earle kicks off his debut with tracks that sound different. April 24, 2008
Gov. Joe Manchin will honor Charleston native rockers The Redding Brothers with a send-off celebration Sunday to mark their upcoming 25-day, seven-country tour in support of the U.S. troops. April 24, 2008
-- Song of the Day
-- Mimsy musings
-- Gazz, the e-mail
-- Mimsy musings
-- Gazz, the e-mail
There is no doubting the drive of rock band Freaktent. Since the band’s return after a year’s hiatus, it has fiercely followed a plan of promotion and play. April 24, 2008
Guitarist John Sizemore of Nitro doesn’t know what his former bandmates are talking about when they say, “Johnny resigned.” Sizemore says he didn’t quit Freaktent.
-- Dance festival
-- Gropius artist
-- Dance auditions
-- Art exhibit
-- Artists, craft makers
Wheat workshop
-- Gropius artist
-- Dance auditions
-- Art exhibit
-- Artists, craft makers
Wheat workshop
It’s rare that a singer/songwriter not only keeps getting better but that his material gets increasingly more potent. Such is the case with James McMurtry. April 24, 2008
(Click to read) It's not quite the Funky Chicken, but this spicy chicken recipe will pair well off the grill with some substantial red wines John Brown suggests. WineBoy. April 23, 2008
-- Song of the Day
-- Gazz, the e-mail
-- Gazz, the e-mail
Ben Stein's dishonest new documentary, “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed,’’ is a cynical attempt to sucker punch the scientific debate about evolution and "intelligent design." April 17, 2008
Since his 1996 debut, singer/guitarist James Hunter has wisely adhered to the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” His latest album picks up where 2006’s “People Gonna Talk” left off. April 17, 2008
The new Tricky Fish restaurant, brought to you by the folks behind Bluegrass Kitchen, is an enviro-friendly, straight-up eatery that has great potential. April 17, 2008
So perhaps the rumors of Judd Apatow’s demise were greatly exaggerated. “Forgetting Sarah Marshall’’ is yet another crowd-pleasing comedy like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin." April 17, 2008
The 28-year-old Fraziers Bottom native Todd Griffith is home this week courtesy of The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for whom he clowns around across the country. April 17, 2008
(Click to read) The new Callen McJunkin Gallery in downtown Charleston ups the game of being a “gallerist” as they say in the Big Leagues in NYC, LA and beyond. In fact, it's just like being there. April 16, 2008
(Click to read) "Beers to You " blogger Rich Ireland reveals the best beer blog postings he never wrote. April 20, 2008
(Click to read) There's a sentiment among wine drinkers new to the fold that white wine is inferior and, except for an occasional chardonnay, is not to be considered seriously. Wrong! WineBoy. April 14, 2008
There is no denying the success, popularity and power of “American Idol” as a TV show. But what makes a star of the top winners and what makes a bust of one? April 10, 2008
Recognized as one of country music’s premier guitarists, Keith Urban's Friday show at the Civic Center is virtually sold out. Here are some facts about him you may not know. April 10, 2008
Keith and Nicole fans showed their support for the couple when we asked you to tell us how the pair ranks in terms of celebrity couples. April 10, 2008
A wine dinner April 20, at Bridge Road Bistro in South Hills feature a specially prepared menu by Bistro chef Paco Aceves and the wines of Cinnabar Vineyards in California. WineBoy. April 10, 2008
--RFC turns 40
--Hey, Bud ...
--Gazz, the e-mail
--Hey, Bud ...
--Gazz, the e-mail
Tune into West Virginia Public Radio at 9 p.m. today to listen to a creative triumph, “Kettle Bottom,” an hourlong mini-masterpiece that brings West Virginia’s mine war era to vivid and compelling life. April 10, 2008
“Family Guy” and “The Office” are both said to have spin-offs in the works. “Prison Break” might get one (set in a women’s prison), and “Beverly Hills, 90210," too. Success is NOT assured. April 10, 2008
Nick Fry of Huntington has won the Christian/Gospel Stage on FameCast, the online artist discovery engine that collects, ranks and serves up the best emerging artists. April 10, 2008
Fiberart International 2007 show and “Things I Had No Words For: Women Artists from the Permanent Collection" debut at Clay Center art museum. April 10, 2008
Made up of the former members of Damien Rice’s band, Bell X1’s third release “Flock” is now one of the top-selling Irish releases ever and is an absolutely gorgeous record from start to finish. April 10, 2008
Day-by-day guide to entertainment on stage in Charleston, W.Va. area to July 2008, including Mountain Stage, Clay Center, W.Va. Symphony, community theater, FOOTMAD, Charleston Ballet, pop music & more.
(Click to read) The Clay Center has had its problems finding its stride since it opened. The new addition to its big, empty front yard is a welcome addition to humanizing the place's exterior. April 8, 2008
(Click to read post) This is definitely the season to enjoy special wine dinners hosted by some of the best chefs in our state. The next one is April 20, at Bridge Road Bistro in South Hills. WineBoy. April 7, 2008
(Click to read post) Does Budweiser really suck? Beer blogger Rich Ireland, who often uses 'Bud' as a whipping boy, has an alternative view about how well the ubiquitous brew accomplishes its mission.
Local playwright Dan Kehde has tackled controversial subjects before, but his latest drama, “The Trial of President George W. Bush,” pushes him into uncharted territory. April 3, 2008
Late last week, the producers of “Prison Break” made a shocking announcement: Sarah Wayne Callies will return to the show for season four. Why is this shocking? What about her decapitation? April 3, 2008
Arthur Miller 's "The Crucible" has much to offer a post-9-11 global community says the Kanawha Players director who brings the play to life locally next week. April 3, 2008
Sony’s Major League Baseball sim on PlayStation 3 is as close to real baseball as you’ll find on a console. No other title comes close to capturing the drama and excitement of America’s pastime. Video games. April 3, 2008
22-year-old Parkersburg rapper James “Kronik” Lilly is just days away from embarking on his first nationwide tour with West Coast rapper Frostbite. April 3, 2008
When R.E.M. was at its peak, its music was filled with urgency and energy — something the band lost over the years. R.E.M. picks up the pace on the enjoyable “Accelerate." New Sounds. April 3, 2008
“Nim’s Island" is a reasonably delightful new kids’ fantasy film and colorful, winning comedy based on Wendy Orr’s novel. Film review. April 3, 2008
Tickets go on sale Wednesday for some big-name country acts coming to this August's State Fair of West Virginia, which takes place near Lewisburg from Aug. 8 to 16. April 3, 2008
Reviews of new CDs by Latin singer Ersi Arvizu and Canada's premier blues outfit The Twisters. April 3, 2008
George Clooney’s “Leatherheads” plays everything safe, offering up all the solid defensive moves it needs. Yet the movie never takes any risks, never goes on the offensive. April 3, 2008
(Click to read) Without question, a new eatery is the best version of the Bridge Road/South Hills Market to date. Let's hope this one sticks around for a long while. You can see that it does by paying them a visit. Food blog. April 2, 2008
(Click to read) What defines a "pale ale" and why are there so many beers that now use the term? Beer blogger Rich Ireland serves up a "Pale Ale Primer." April 1, 2008
(Click to read) Head to Canaan Valley on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5 for a weekend of gourmet food and wine pairings chosen by ye old "WineBoy" himself, John Brown. March 29, 2008
The new blackjack dramedy “21,” about MIT math whizzes beating the bank in Las Vegas, stands when it should hit, never doubles down and wimps out tin the end. March 27, 2008
(Click to read) Shaken by the 2006 Sago Mine disaster, Kathy Mattea has come full circle and taken a spiritual look via music at her West Virginia heritage. March 27, 2008
“Stop-Loss’’ is one of the best of the many Iraq war/war on terror dramas because it is the most personal, built on a career-making performance by Ryan Phillippe. March 27, 2008
It’s the time of year when speculation about the fate of various shows is running rampant. 'Jericho' is done for but 'Friday Night Lights' is not yet safe. March 27, 2008
Given brotherly brawls, constant lineup changes and overall opinion the band is washed up, the last thing you’d expect is for The Black Crowes’ new album “Warpaint” to be very good. March 27, 2008
The 'Guitar Hero' game has revived classic rock tunes by bands like Black Sabbath, AC/DC and Pink Floyd to a whole new generation of listeners. March 27, 2008
Starting April 9, senior citizens get special rates on films, gallery and planetarium admission during Senior Days at the Clay Center, from noon to 5 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. March 27, 2008
If you love books and art, there’s a new Clay Center book club that focuses on the world of art filtered through the world of books. March 27, 2008
(Click to read) Is it a national trend? Who knows, but at least at Park Place Cinemas you can now self-butter your own popcorn. It's like "a hug from Jesus." Food blog. March 26, 2008
(Click to read) Ringo Starr releases his latest songs in an unconventional form -- on a USB device you van wear on your wrist. NewSounds. March 26, 2008
(Click to read) New work by Jamie Miller shows how the area artist has really taken her art to the next level. ART Attack blog. March 26, 2008
(Click to read blog) Rich Ireland corrects some errors about the new company that owns Guinness -- and then explains, why, exactly 'corporate beer' can ruin a perfectly good thing. March 26, 2008
--Web show: Wine
--Web show: Music
--Words to the wise
--Light-speed gazz
--Web show: Music
--Words to the wise
--Light-speed gazz
(Click to view WineBoy) The latest WineBoy Web show takes France apart wine region by wine region. Burgundy -- it's not just something in a green jug! March 20, 2008
--Poetry honors
--Actors sought
--Noon concert
--Motherhood art
--Cast announced
--Docents sought
--Guitar clinic
--Governor’s Arts Awards
--Actors sought
--Noon concert
--Motherhood art
--Cast announced
--Docents sought
--Guitar clinic
--Governor’s Arts Awards
Having already made the rounds at Sundance, if my childhood friend, Morgan Spurlock, was going to lure me out of Charleston for another festival he was going to have to mix it up. SXWS was just the ticket. March 20, 2008
I was initially excited for “The Return of Jezebel James.” It had a good pedigree, including “Gilmore Girls” creator at the helm and “Six Feet Under’s” Lauren Ambrose as one of its stars. Alas. March 20, 2008
When it comes to young bands with lots of juice, you just can’t beat those Brits. Take Switches, an amalgam of any number of pop-rock bands from the mid-’80s through the ’90s. March 20, 2008
FX will open the third season of its documentary series “30 Days’’ by sending creator Morgan Spurlock underground as he works in a coal mine for a month in Pineville, Wyoming County. March 20, 2008
In the spring, New River rafters are challenged by some of the biggest water of the year. Rafters don wetsuits, available for rental at most outfitters, to insulate themselves against the water’s cold temperatures. March 20, 2008
Every generation needs its come-of-age/face-your-bullies comedy about boys being boys being beaten up by other boys. Thus, “Drillbit Taylor’’ — a laugh-out-loud riff on just that subject. March 20, 2008
Today is the first official day of spring. With West Virginia ranking third in the nation in obesity, it’s clear that most of us aren’t getting enough exercise. So why not take advantage of the warm weather to get outside and burn some calories? March 20, 2008
Reviews of new CDs by vocal powerhouse Shirley "Goldfinger" Bassey and soul diva Margie Joseph. New Sounds. March 13, 2008
Somee fans will go to great lengths to save their shows. Like sending massive amounts of tabasco on the show's behalf. March 13, 2008
The Charleston Stage Company has announced the site for this year’s FestivALL "Location! Location! Location! Play" competition: Okay’s (formerly Blues, BBQ, Etc.) at Lee Street and Leon Sullivan Way. March 13, 2008
“Never Back Down’’ is a “Karate Kid’’ for the extreme fighting crowd, sset in a high school where the extracurricular activity is an underground mixed martial arts ring. Film Review. March 13, 2008
It might not be the most groundbreaking animated movie, but the bighearted new adaptation of the 1954 Dr. Seuss classic “Horton Hears a Who!’’ hits its target. Film Review. March 13, 2008
(Click to listen) "The dean of West Virginia's singer-songwriters" (as "Mountain Stage" host Larry Groce calls him) has a new CD out. Listen to the title cut off Todd Burge's "My Lost and Found." It's our 'Song of the Day.' March 14, 2008
(Click to read blog). Which Charleston restaurants serve the best bread in town, where the bread is the star? The garlic nan at Sitar of India? The poppyseed rolls at Tidewater? Cast your vote. There's a Blog In My Soup. March 14, 2008
(Click to read blog) 'Beers To You' blogger Rich Ireland fumes and fulminates at the state Legislature's failure to pass a craft beer bill that would boost tourism and bring West Virginia into better beer age. March 11, 2008
(Click to read blog) John Brown serves up a round-up of some of the best wines he has drunk of late including a California chardonnay that restored his faith in oakiness. WineBoy blog. March 13, 2008
(Click to read blogpost) Got a good recipe to share that uses marshmallow Peeps? You wouldn't by the only one -- it's a gourmet trend. Either that, or a joke. March 10, 2008
(Click to watch slideshow) Take an audio/visual tour with more than 30 photos and an interview with the hotshot young chef running The Greenbrier's recently opened Hemisphere restaurant. March 10, 2008
-- ‘WineBoy’ votes for change
-- Paddling to lunch
-- Regatta critique
-- Be a 'Song of the Day
-- Get gazz via e-mail
-- Paddling to lunch
-- Regatta critique
-- Be a 'Song of the Day
-- Get gazz via e-mail
“Forces of Nature,” the new National Geographic-produced large-format film at the Clay Center’s ElectricSky Theater, takes viewers on a stomach-churning flight through some of the worst of Mother Nature’s bullying. March 6, 2008
How is it that one 'Idol' contestant got kicked off for going topless when this season's David Hernandez goes the full monty and gets to stay? TV. Marh 6, 2008
Cult filmmaker Michel Gondry's silly, semi-successful satire “Be Kind Rewind" is about our memories of movies, our relationship to art and the YouTube zeitgeist. March 6, 2008
Reviews of new CDs by Steve Poltz and Dawn Landes, two singer-songwriters who set themselves apart from the more os singer-songwriters. NewSounds. March 6, 2008
Vote for changing your wine selections with John Brown as the the latest five-minute Webcast of “WineBoy,” recommends tasty alternatives to the same old red wines you’ve been sipping for, like, ever. March 5, 2008
(Click here to go to blog) How I thought the greatest Bordeaux wine I've ever tasted was a Zinfandel. John Brown's 'WineBoy' blog. March 4, 2008
(Click to go to blog). The recently announced lineup for the 2008 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta continues the City of Charleston's proud tradition of booking acts few people remember or cared about that much to begin with.
The iconic independent singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco, who appears Monday on “Mountain Stage” at Ohio University in Athens, has a work ethic just short of obsession. Feb. 28, 2008
-- Sojourner’s, Part 2
-- Songs of the Day
-- Digi-gazz
-- Songs of the Day
-- Digi-gazz
During the recent writers' strike, there was a lot of talk about how it could “change the face of television as we know it!” Checking in with what the real effects may be. Idiot Box. Feb. 28, 2008
“Penelope” is the kind of fairy tale that should stimulate conversations. When a movie does that, everyone lives happily ever after. Film review. Feb. 28, 2008
Yes, the $5 lunch still exists. And not just at Graziano’s Pizza. Gazz staffers took a quick walk around downtown on a recent weekday and found several options for $5 or less. Feb. 28, 2008
- Volunteering
"U2 3D," a glasses-required experiment that pushes the boundaries of the concert doc yet keeps one foot planted in the conventional concrete. FIlm Review. Feb. 21, 2008
-- WineBoy 24
-- Song of the Day
-- ArtAttack post-mortem
-- 'WoodSongs' to screen
If you see knitwear around Charleston that seems to be adorning objects and not people, you may have just stumbled on the work of the anonymous local “knitting graffiti artist” who goes by “Minni Purl.” Feb. 21, 2008
Formed in 2003, Charleston’s premier Latin band, Comparsa, is only now releasing its debut CD, “La Nueva Comparsa.” It was worth the wait. See the band live at Saturday's FOOTMAD show. Feb. 21, 2008
If ever a musical group traveled the fault lines of the modern world’s conflicts, it’s Le Trio Joubran, an oud trio that comes to “Mountain Stage” on Sunday. Feb. 21, 2008
Sitting through the offbeat teen comedy “Charlie Bartlett’’ makes you feel as if you’ve just watched three episodes of a new TV series you can’t wait to see more of. Feb. 21, 2008
"Vantage Point" is a preposterous yarn that relies on a quickly strained gimmick — the shooting of the U.S. president shown repeatedly from different characters’ viewpoints. Feb, 21, 2008
Here's a look at what’s new for your favorite shows in the wake of the writers’ strike conclusion. But I’ll warn you, it’s not all good news. Say goodnight "Journeyman" and..... Feb. 21, 2008
-Songs of the Day
-All music ‘RFC’
-Look to the skies
-Subscribe
-All music ‘RFC’
-Look to the skies
-Subscribe
Quiet, thoughtful and often very sad, "Defintely, Maybe" is that rare Hollywood romance that contains both feelings and ideas. Short review. Feb. 14, 2008
-African-American Academy Showcase
-Quilt entries sought
-Free documentary
-Power auditions
-Quilt entries sought
-Free documentary
-Power auditions
A gritty new CD by potent bluesman Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater and Stephen Stills' boy, Chris, finally finds his own voice. NewSounds reviews by Michael Lipton. Feb. 14, 2008
Decide for yourself who croons best when the West Virginia Symphony holds its Symphony Idol competition at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Clay Center.
Last Friday’s opening of the group show “Beating Art” in a Hansford Street house featured art hung, splashed, woven and strung just about everywhere. It was quite the happening. Our Art-Attack blog says it marks the arrival of a new guard of young artists. Feb. 14, 2008
The Chilton House in St. Albans starts up a new series of singer-songwriters in a historic home that's also back to being a restaurant again. Feb. 14, 2008
Got something to say back to gazz? E-mail us at gazz@wvgazette.com or drop a comment at one of our blogs. One reader had a little more Winston Walls history to share; another offers a view why Vandalia Lounge lost its audience. Feb. 14, 2008
Instead of a stale Valentine’s Day list like “TV’s Most Romantic Couples,” how about this: What TV characters (from current shows only) would be blind dates from hell? Feb. 14, 2008
‘The Spiderwick Chronicles’ may not be in the same fantasy league as the tales of Tolkien and Rowling. Yet the family flick is an all-around class act. Short review. Feb. 14, 2008
Kanawha Players open Michael Healey’s drama “The Drawer Boy” -- it’s a comedy, a mystery, a play about friendship and memory. It’s about war; it’s about theater. Feb. 14, 2008
Winston Walls, one of the world's premier Hammond organists, passed away at his home in Fort Meyers, Florida, on Feb 4 at 65 years of age. Michael Lipton recalls the ups and downs of a storied musical life. Feb. 8, 2008
Wanna see Bon Jovi for free? You might, if you enter the Bon Jovi online giveway, where a pair of tickets for the band's March 5 Pittsburgh show is up for grabs. Simply click the link and fill out the form by Feb. 20
If you’re unsure whether “Rock Band,” the next big thing in music games, is for you, there are three important questions you need to ask yourself. Feb. 7, 2008
“There Will Be Blood,” one of the leading Oscar contenders with eight nominations including Best Film, opens Friday at Park Place Stadium Cinemas, Marquee Cinemas, Teays Valley Cinemas and Great Escape Nitro. Feb. 7, 2008
-- Winston Walls’ passing
-- 'Breaking Art' opens Fri.
-- WineBoy’s reading list
-- DowntownWV lives
-- 'Breaking Art' opens Fri.
-- WineBoy’s reading list
-- DowntownWV lives
It’s a Tuesday night in January, and some friends have gathered at the Blue Parrot bar to form a virtual band and become virtual rockstars. Welcome to "Rock Star" world. Feb. 7, 2008
The “Guitar Hero” phenomenon took the gaming world by storm in 2005. Two years later, despite the stiff competition of “Rock Band,” the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Game Review. Feb. 7, 2008
“There Will Be Blood’’ is an epic about that most American trait, ambition. It's a movie in the mold of “Citizen Kane,’’ “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre’’ and “Greed.’’ And everybody goes a little mad in the end. Feb. 7, 2008
-- McClaugherty Raffle
-- 'Pillowman' Cast announced
-- Free concert/program
-- 'Pillowman' Cast announced
-- Free concert/program
(Click here to go to blog) Listen to our new 'Song of the Day,' called "Letters" by Charleston acoustic duo Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen From Mars" at the SoundCheck audio blog. Then hear them live this Friday, Feb. 8, 2008
Lightfoot? Rickles? Several name acts you don’t normally associate with concert tours in the Mountain State are headed this way. Jan. 31, 2008
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--FestivALL arts & crafts
--WV Music Hall of Fame
-- Attendance figures
--‘The Drawer Boy’
--WV Music Hall of Fame
-- Attendance figures
--‘The Drawer Boy’
Paul Corbit Brown, a social activist who expresses himself through his lens, opens an international photo exhibit at the state Cultural Center. Jan. 31, 2008
Dave Stacy follows his childhood friend, Morgan Spurlock, to the Sundance Festival as the filmmaker tries to break out a new film amid the pomp, circumstance and celebrities. Jan. 31, 2008
There are some TV shows that I’ll tape no matter what — even if it means bolting awake at 4 a.m. because I forgot to set the timer before I went to bed. TV column. Jan. 31, 2008
The Empty Glass was recently named by Nightclub & Bar magazine as one of the top 100 bars in the country. Nightclub & Bar magazine is a trade publication for bar owners and managers. Jan. 31, 2008
The “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour” 3D movie opens at Marquee Cinemas on Friday. The G-rated film features performances by Cyrus and her blonde counterpart, Hannah Montana. Jan. 31, 2008
As a rule, in romantic comedies you don’t crush the female star to death in the first scene. In “Over Her Dead Body,” however, Eva Longoria Parker’s character Kate checks out early. Jan. 31, 2008
- Jimmy who?
- Strange Event
- It’s a poem for you
- Digi-gazz
Clarksburg’s latest country music export, The Davisson Brothers Band, has been playing gigs all over the state to largely sold-out crowds. Catch them Friday at the Empty Glass. Jan. 31, 2008
--Wine Labels 101
--A show minus words
--Song of the Day
--Digi-gazz
--A show minus words
--Song of the Day
--Digi-gazz
Weekend afternoons are more family friendly at Marquee Cinemas at Southridge and at Huntington’s Pullman Square with a movie matinee program of G-rated cartoons aimed at children ages 2-8. Jan. 24, 2008
“How She Move” is “Stomp the Yard” without the yard, “You Got Served” with a Jamaican accent -- a laughably over-familiar melodrama about stepping where the “big contest” finale is a given. Jan. 24, 2008
--Award-winning venue
--Art opening I
--Art opening II
--Casting call I
--Casting call II
--Art opening I
--Art opening II
--Casting call I
--Casting call II
A competent but unremarkable crime thriller, “Untraceable” does introduce one fascinating, troubling notion — that Americans are so addicted to their media that they would happily become accessories to murder. Jan. 24, 2008
Mountain Stage goes live Sunday with a new start time. The old start time of 6 p.m. has been rolled back to 7 p.m. Mountain Stage’s Executive Producer Andy Ridenour says the time change is a natural evolution of the show. Jan. 24, 2008
Below are some of the open mic nights in the area that welcome seasoned and beginning performers, along with listeners ready to roll with the musical highs, lows and in-betweens. In Clubs. Jan. 24, 2008
Notes on: the wasted promise signified by Heath Ledger's death; not completely sold on "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles"; and strike talks resume. TV Column. Jan. 24, 2008
With a crash, boom and a bam, Broadway in Charleston brought “Stomp” to the Clay Center in Charleston Tuesday night. It was the first of two nights of “Stomp” and an exciting spectacle. Review. Jan. 23, 2008
This week's Our Art, features work by John Fulton Folinsbee, a landscape painter of the New Hope School who captured many grayer, grittier industrial scenes.
The work of teen artists Laura Gould, 15, and Joe Turner, 17, is featured in the opening of an art show at Komax Business Systems. Jan 17, 2008
Joe Wright’s doggedly faithful, emotionally stunted adaptation of Ian McEwan’s “Atonement” ends up being a confused slog — handsomely appointed and well-acted, but a slog nonetheless. Film review. Jan. 17, 2008
“Godzilla” meets YouTube in “Cloverfield,” a cheesy idea that gets a huge boost from the videocam immediacy of its style. Film Review. Jan. 17, 2008
“The Nutcracker,” that seasonal joint effort by the Charleston Ballet and West Virginia Symphony, drew much smaller crowds than last year to the Clay Center. Art News. Jan. 17, 2008
Charleston’s Byzantine has taken the metal music world by storm. That hasn't helped with the ongoing challenge of whether the band can survive. Jan. 17, 2008
- Send pix
- Send poems
- Gazz by e-mail
- Beer 101
- Dancers
- Larry the Cable Guy
- Ballet fundraiser
Michael Lipton reviews new CDs by a former Fishbone player John Bigham and the Boone County-powered music of a reunited Blue Million. New Sounds. Jan. 17, 2008
Is the long search for the new Meg Ryan over? That years long quest to find a leading lady who could make her romantic hurt feel funny could be over with Katherine Heigl in "27 Dresses." Film. Jan. 17, 2008
Delish Express is a welcome new addition to the revitalization of Washington Street. But don't expect the original Delish. Food blog review. Jan. 17, 2007
A joint show of work by Chris Dutch and Robin Hammer opens Saturday at the Clay Center, the continuation of an 18-year-long artistic collaboration. Jan. 10, 2008
- The art of aging wine
- Song of the Day
- After Gratzi
- Inbox gazz
“The Orphanage” is haunting in every way. Like the impossible compositions in M.C. Escher’s perspective-shifting artworks, this Spanish missing-child chiller reveals different meanings depending on your perspective. Film review. Jan. 10, 2007
When a show is announced in May and then shoved to midseason, there’s usually a reason. I’m guessing that the reason for “Cashmere Mafia” is because it flat out sucks. TV column. Jan. 10, 2007
Nashville’s The Coal Men serve up a huge slice of Americana pie with their second full-length release, “Beauty Is A Moment.” CD review. Jan. 10, 2008
-- George Strait tickets
-- Arts Grants available
-- Bell ringers auditions
-- Arts Grants available
-- Bell ringers auditions
T.A. Taylor, an actor who grew up in Charleston and was active in area theater, appears in part three of the CBS mini-series “Comanche Moon,“ which starts Sunday. Jan. 10, 2008
"The Bucket List,’’ starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, is a comic drama that p