“Hard Truths,” an exhibit from artist Thornton Dial, explores complex social problems that have plagued, and still run deep, in our society today. Racism, alienation, global politics and homelessness are all targets for Dial, who expresses his opinions in very original pieces of art. Dial, born and raised in a rural town in Alabama, has…
‘Riding Hood’ a sappy mess
If there wasn’t any sound throughout “Red Riding Hood,” it would be one of the most gorgeous, moving movies that has been put out this year. Alas, the characters do open their mouths to reveal cheesy, overly dramatic lines and a plot one can see coming for miles. Director Catherine Hardwicke apparently hasn’t been able…
Strokes take different ‘Angle’ on new album
There’s a lot to be expected from a record five years in the making. The Strokes’ lengthy hiatus since 2006’s “First Impressions of Earth” had the band pursuing various side projects while sporadically converging to work on “Angles,” which was finally released March 18. On “Angles,” the band further develops the electronic and futuristic component…
Indy rock band hits the road
On Friday, I-Exist heads out on a nine-day, nine-city tour in guitarist Buddy Jackson’s sister’s Ford Expedition. They’ll venture from Barrington, Ill., all the way to Atkins, Ariz., live on bread and water —almost literally—and don’t expect much bathing time. “I’m kind of freaking out,” Brian Lenington, I-Exist’s lead singer, said. The band—featuring Butler senior…
Jordan Jazz keeps it smooth for annual concert
It’s time for campus to get a little more swank-ified. The Butler University Jordan Jazz will hold its annual “Sweet Jazz” concert at the end of the month. They are switching up locations and promising a relaxing night with some favorite pop standards and newer hits too. “We’re making it a bit more intimate this…
Fresh food delights at Monon
Monon Food Company is a small eclectic restaurant a short walk down the Monon Trail from the busy main strip of Broad Ripple. It offers a wide variety of different food selections and is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant itself is small, with most tables packed tightly together, resulting in a somewhat claustrophobic…
‘Rango’ pays homage to Westerns’ past
These days, animated films are always compared to those of Pixar. It’s just the way it is and probably always will be. “Rango,” though, released by Paramount Pictures is just as good as those famous Pixar films. Maybe better, in fact. Voiced by the likes of Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher and Ned Beatty, “Rango” is…
TRUE LIFE: I’M A JAVA JAMS WINNER with Lauren King and Katie Pederson
The Collegian asked 2011 Java Jams winners Lauren King and Katie Pederson about what makes them unique as musicians. Favorite song: KP: “The Cave,” by Mumford & Sons. LK: “White Balloons,” by Sick Puppies Favorite musician: KP: Jon Foreman LK: Imogen Heap Favorite lyrics that you have written: KP: “Even in my most impractical of…
Kevin Smith brings ‘Red State’ to campus
Out of all the theaters, in all the towns in all the world, Kevin Smith is coming to Butler. Smith, who wrote and directed the film “Red State,” surprised everyone when he bought his own film—instead of auctioning it off—at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Now, he is taking the film on a cross-country…
Taking Shakespeare to a new level
Shakespeare meets the 1950s in Butler University Theatre Department’s mainstage production of “As You Like It,” which opens at 8 tonight in Lilly Hall Studio Theatre 168. Director Tim Hardy is the university’s first Christel DeHaan Visiting International Theatre Artist. It is a four-year program that will bring a theater professional from another country to…