Vocal Showcases

From opera singer Mary Wilson to the UO Gospel Choir, January is filled with talented vocalists

The UO Gospel Choir

The Jan. 16 Eugene Symphony concert at the Hult Center opens with some of the 20th century’s most powerfully dramatic music: the “Four Sea Interludes” from Benjamin Britten’s mighty opera Peter Grimes. This performance of one of the greatest English composers’ most popular concert works misses by just a few days cashing in on Britten’s centenary celebrations, but we don’t need no stinkin’ birthday excuse to enjoy his music. Continue reading 

Arts Hound

Oregon’s story wouldn’t be complete without Ken Kesey, and OPB took that to heart with “Ken Kesey,” part of its Oregon Experience film series. The one-hour special premieres 7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 16, at the McDonald Theatre; tickets are free on a first-come, first-served basis at mcdonaldtheatre.com or at the door. OPB TV will air the special on Jan. 20 at 9 pm.   Continue reading 

A Folk Odyssey

Of all the things to appreciate about the new Coen brothers film, Inside Llewyn Davis, I’m hung up on the color and the light. These days, it’s easy to give your photos a retro feel; just open Instagram and let the magic happen. It’s not so easy to make your entire film evoke the cover of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, right down to the cars, the streets and the color of Dylan’s jacket, which is echoed by the bag schlepped around by Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac).  Continue reading 

It’s About Time – January 2014

Last month the east Delta Ponds froze and then seven inches of snow fell, making for a rare and beautiful scene. When the snow melted on a single warm day, the ponds revealed dozens of patches of tapering, branching, clear lines radiating outwards from one point. These patterns were evenly spread across the ponds, three to 10 feet in diameter, over inch-thick ice. The mechanism behind the formation of these patterns is a topic of debate among my geophysical friends. Continue reading