arts & culture

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. [read more...]