Groovy, Jazzy October

 Best known for his Cherry Blossom Musical Arts productions with partner and singer Nancy Wood, Eugene composer Paul Safar was named 2013 Oregon Composer of the Year by the Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) and this summer completed a prestigious composition residency in Alaska. Several of Safar’s recent classically inspired works draw on themes and imagery from nature, including the title track of his alluring new CD, The Warbler Sings, which he releases in concert Saturday, Oct. 8, at The Jazz Station. Continue reading 

The Spin

Stop binge-watching Stranger Things on Netflix and get out into the dance community! XCape Dance Company presents X at 7:30 pm Friday, Oct. 7, at the Hult, featuring Work Dance Company, ZAPP, The Dance Factory, Flex Studios and music by Isaac Turner and Shelby Trotter. “X embodies the freedom of movement, self-expression, dedication, determination and passion exemplified by the Xcape Dance Company in their unique and inspiring shows,” says artistic director Vanessa Fuller. Tickets at hultcenter.org. Continue reading 

Teenage Dream

Girl Asleep paints a whimsical portrait of teen life

Girl Asleep

Movies about being a teenager have come a long way since I was a teen. (Let’s not talk about exactly how long it’s been.) The last few decades of teen storytelling have their charms, from John Hughes to 10 Things I Hate About You, but many teen movies have looked outward in a way that doesn’t always feel true to adolescent life, when the mess of things going on inside is as distracting, or maybe all-consuming, as school and friends and mean girls and attraction. Continue reading