It was 1972 and President Richard Nixon was running for reelection. Late one evening an obscure, seemingly minor break in took place at Democratic party headquarters. Nobody at the time could have predicted that this incident would shake the foundations of the federal government.
[read more...]The breakthrough hit, “That’ll Be the Day,” was recorded by the American singer and songwriter who produced some of the most influential work in rock music, Buddy Holly.
[read more...]The roots of blues music run deep. This rich history can be traced along major highways running south to north through the American heartland. US. Route 61 is one these roads. It is known as the “Blues Highway.”
[read more...]On a recent Friday night at the Simpson Street Free Press student reporters joined Madison journalists Mark Eisen and Chris Murphy to watch the film, “Good Night and Good Luck.”
[read more...]Despite tough obstacles throughout life, Billie Holiday managed to become one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. That’s quite the accomplishment, even if her career didn’t last long.
[read more...]A biopic based on the memoir of rock and roller Cherie Currie; The Runaways is a thrilling film directed by Floria Sigismondi about the rise and fall of Joan Jett’s teenage band. The Runaways stars Kristen Stewart as the legendary Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as the seductive Cherie Currie. The storyline takes place in California during the mid 1970s, when Joan was just 17.
[read more...]The Madison School District is facing more budget cuts than ever and music programs will be among the first to go. Just in the last few years, one entire orchestra was cut from the Madison Memorial music program and more cuts will follow. For example, the music department is in need of important items such as instruments and stands, but no funds are available from the school district.
[read more...]Everyday new pop songs are blasting on the radio, Internet, and CD players for our entertainment. While you’re jamming to your favorite song, do you ever think of what it costs to produce such a song? Surprisingly, in many cases pop songs are worth millions of dollars. Yes, the catchy lyrics, and head nodding beats all come with a price. In fact, the song “Man Down” on Rihanna’s new album, “Loud”, cost around $1,078,000 to produce.
[read more...]It was a bright and beautiful afternoon when fellow staff writers, Antoneah Armour, Pallav Regmi, Victor Lien and I, went to visit Mahon Antique Restorations. Located less than five minutes from our south side newsroom, our editors told us this would be a good story. We weren’t sure why. We were anticipating a lecture about furniture, but instead we found something much more fascinating.
[read more...]As we Simpson Street Free Press reporters pulled up to the Sun Prairie Library’s parking lot, we gazed excitedly at the church-like building. While walking in, we noticed a small sample of the Arts Tribe Exhibition. We stopped in the library’s community room, there we met some Arts Tribe members.
[read more...]Memorial High School provides many unique and innovative art and music classes. Most students at my school have the opportunity to learn how to use a glass torch, handle a throwing wheel, create animations, sing in a choir, and play an instrument. Not only do these arts programs teach fine art and music, many studies have shown that arts education helps with overall academic achievement.
[read more...]Recently we visited Taliesin, the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most influential and well-known American architects. His home is unique because when he designed it, he combined influences from other cultures. Some of his other famous designs include the Guggenheim in New York City and the Monona Terrace, here in Madison.
[read more...]One of the many joys of music is its many different styles and genres. Just like there’s a book for everyone, there’s a musical style for everyone. Some people prefer jazz, others like rap. Artists like John Mayer and Jamie Cullum are adored by some, while others would much rather jam to Green Day. Unfortunately, today’s big retail stores are limiting the variety of music offered to the public.
[read more...]It seems that Governor Doyle and other state officials are reading their copies of the Simpson Street Free Press. After many recent editorials in this newspaper, and elsewhere, there is an effort underway in Wisconsin to increase the arts in our schools.
[read more...]Josie and I recently saw the world premiere of Murther!, a play written, casted, and directed by Jacob Turner.
[read more...]Every year, Verona Area High School’s theater department puts on a fall musical that always draws large crowds. As preparation and planning begin, many eager, young students show up for auditions.
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