Thursday, April 18, 1996 Philharmonic at "Bay" front by John Hafner Collegian Staff The Eric Philharmonic held a rehearsal at the Warner Theater on the evening of April 12. The performance marked the final open rehearsal of the Philharmonic's '95-'96 season. The many performers, musicians and chorus members alike, all had the same goal - to fine tune their program for the real thing, Saturday night's full length performance. The rehearsal was important for another, more exciting, reason. New-corner Peter Bay was at the helm, directing Eric's professional orchestra for the first time. The rehearsal and subsequent performance provided Erie with its first look at the young conductor, who comes to us from Rochester. David Stuntz, music instructor and concert choir director here at Behrcnd works with Maestro Bay as the Philharmonic's chorus director. He is excited about Erie's new conductor, saying that Bay "combines musical skills with Garfunkel &Garfunkel; return of Ringwald Garfunkel & Garfunkel Five-year-old James Garfunkel joined his father, Art Garfunkel, in performing the Simon and Garfunkel song, "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" during a weekend show in New York. According to the New York Times, it was a double take, since James resembles his father from "the out-of-control blond curls to the winsome high voice." The show itself took place during Art Garfunkel's cross-country trek which he is expected to complete late this month. Back to TV It's not Memorex, by Joe Ryan Colkgian Staff I'd like to take this time to suggest another CD necessary to fill your collection. The band known as Live was started by four 13 yr. olds from York, Pennsylvania. Chad Taylor, Patrick Dahlheimer, and Chad Gracey first performed at a talent show in their middle school. In the audience that day was Ed Kowalczyk who, upon hearing the music with its lacking vocals, volunteered to head up the foursome. Thus was born Public Affection. The band spent a decade touring small clubs in rural Pennsylvania emotional sensitivity." Stuntz admires Bay's easy going nature and personal touch to conducting. He describes the young maestro as a "normal person who conducts." When asked what it's like to work side-by-side with a person whose job typically demands respect, Stunt/. says that Maestro Bay "invites suggestions, and this is something out of the ordinary." It's this permission to interpret and suggest that makes the conductor a welcomed addition to the Philharmonic. Both the audience and the performers seem to respect the rookie director. His youth and vigor promise to provide many exciting, quality performances down the road. Paul Helfrich, the Executive Director of the Philharmonic, admitted that Peter Bay was the orchestra's "obvious choice" for Erie's new conductor. Helfrich had high aspirations for Bay's first performance in town, calling it "the beginning of a new era." Helfrich said that every effort was made to "do it up right, so people will remember" the The up-coming ABC show "Townies" is bringing Molly Ringwald back to television as a small-town Massachusetts girl. Also returning to television via ABC is Justine Bateman ("Family Ties") who will be taking part in "Men Behaving Badly," alongside Rob Schneider ("Saturday Night Live") and Ron Eldard ("E. R."). Bochco Pleads for "Murder One" Producer Steven Bochco is trying to muster up a new defense for his series "Murder One," which has been drawing bad ratin Is. Should the show be before changing its name to Live Live's first release, Mental Jewelry, produced a single called "Operation Spirit." It quickly gained airplay on MTV's "120 Minutes" and produced a moderate amount of recognition. It also led to a spot on the 120 Minute tour with such groups as Public Image and Blind Melon. In their free time between tours, Live compiled 13 songs which they recorded on their sophomore effort, Throwing Copper. Since its first single, "Selling the Drama," debuted on "120 Minutes," the album continued on to become one of the most successful in alternative history. It spawned a number of Entertainment performance. He is confident of Maestro Bay's ability, saying that his "enthusiasm and energy are going to result in a very successful tenure here with the Philharmonic." renewed for next season, he will be using his new formula of following two murder cases instead of one and giving the show a snappier pace. James Brown Sues James Brown is currently seeking unspecified damages in a lawsuit against four video companies for allegedly distributing bootleg films of his live conceits. Videfilm Producers International Ltd., Heron Communications Inc., JCI Video and Kultur are being accused by Brown and Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, of violating copyrights concerning the videos. top-ten hits including "I Alone," "Lightning Crashes," and "Selling the Drama," though the album itself didn't catch on until almost a year after its release. Perhaps the secret to Live's success has been the genuineness of its lyrics. "We tried to make Throwing Copper more than just your average trip down angst lane," describes Ed Kowalczyk. Songs range in intensity and topic, with such diverse themes as: the death of a mother during childbirth in "Lightning Crashes," to the suffocating monotony and alienation of small town life in "Shit Towne." "White Discussion" relays the conversation between two people Attending an open rehearsal is definitely a unique experience. The audience is free to move around, dress casually, and enjoy a sneak preview of upcoming performances. Docksider by Ryan Bogart Collegian Sioff If you've wondered, as I often have, what there is to do in Erie, the answer lies downtown. There, you can check out a number of bars and taverns that will best suit your lifestyle. If your preference is techno and dancing you can go to Felix's and see what all the hype is about. Or if you're into alternative and desire live bands, then go to the Docksider, commonly known as the 'Slider.' A number of well-known bands play there regularly including the Pittsburgh based band, the Clarks. The Dirges, from State College, have also been known to play there. Plato's Cave, the native Erie band, packs the 'Slider' as well, and Randy Baumann, the pianist, plays solo on weekday evening. The tavern attracts a number of college students from Gannon, it's "Li minutes before the end of the earth while "Iris" is the confessions of a fictitious spouse-abuser. The pure emotion in Live's music is something that comes from their years on the road, writing songs and performing. Ed Kowalczyk describes the experience: "Being on stage and talking to people is a strange thing, you can rape your audience with ambiguity and distance and they can rape you with prejudice and preconception." The song "Selling the Drama" was written for the precise purpose of describing the band's relationship with their audience. "...I've willed. I've walked, I've read, I've This "come as you arc" atmosphere, combined with the ornate interior of the Warner Theater and the talents of Eric's new conductor, made the evening a success . Mercyhurst, and Bchrend, according to Bob Nelson, 'Slider' owner. "It is a very comfortable atmosphere." Despite the number of alternative bands and the college crowd that it attracts, it also brings in blues bands. Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band, another State College band has deep roots in the blues and the lead singer, Tonya Brown, literally moves the audience with her soulful singing. She comes out on stage after the band plays a couple of songs, in which she showcases her soothing voice. The lone bar lines the north side of the tavern and it is very accommodating. The stage is set up at the end of the bar and raised about three feet. There is usually a three dollar cover charge to see a band, but they're worth it. This Friday, Dose, winner of the 150 band competition at the Graffiti Rock Challenge in Pittsburgh, will play. ye" talked...l know I've been here before... And to Christ, a cross, and to me, a chair, I will sit and earn the ransom from up here." A great influence on the music of Throwing Copper comes from its producer, Jerry Harrison. "He taught us so much about arrangement, showing us how to make our songs tighter and more musically concise," says guitarist Chad Taylor. The success of Throwing Copper has brought about massive tours and even an appearance on "MTV Unplugged." It appears that Livc has reached it's pinnacle, but the band has no delusions about slowing down. Pare 9
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