Browsing: Arts and Life

In an unlikely pairing of two worlds, a new business recently started by three Baylor students aims to combine the selling of luxurious, high-fashion products with the humanitarianism of fighting third-world poverty.

Kith + Kin, whose name is derived from the word kinfolk or community of people, was founded earlier this semester by Waco senior Christen Batson, Fort Worth senior Meredith Noles and Dallas senior Jeffrey Sholden. The company was created as part of Baylor’s Accelerated Ventures program, a course that funds students for the opportunity to create real businesses and make real profits over a two-semester period. Kith + Kin utilizes a unique business model to sell high-quality leather bags, which are designed by Noles here in Waco, but manufactured by former prostitutes in Rwanda.

Impact. That’s what Uproar Record’s new artist, Austin junior Luke Hicks, wants to do with his music. His original songs, both about times of joy or heartbreak, are what he feels will touch his audience most.

It’s that time of the year again—the time when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announces the nominees for the next class of inductees.

Rock and other genre fans, who are still interested in the rock hall’s opinion of whom is worthy of enshrinement, get their musical undies all bunched up at perceived and real slights to their favorite artists.

A man attacked director Michael Bay with an air conditioner on the Hong Kong set of “Transformers: The Age of Extinction” on Thursday.

A statement the studio released described “a bizarre encounter with a man allegedly under the influence of a narcotic substance.”

It looks like “Glee” will take its final bow next year.

The Fox drama/musical will end its run after six seasons, Ryan Murphy, the series’ co-creator, said at a Paley Center for Media event honoring FX Networks on Wednesday night, according to TV Line.

By Adam Harris Reporter Though the tradition of giving mums for homecoming has faded on college campuses, many recognize the…

By Linda Nguyen Copy Desk Chief Down North Hewitt Drive about 20 minutes from campus,lies Texas Cantina. This restaurant, located…

Baylor gardeners are using a Baylor alum-produced documentary to motivate students to get active in solving hunger issues in Waco.

“We’ve been wanting to reach the community more and have a collaboration for a joint effort to stop hunger in Waco,” Elizabeth Ross said.

With homecoming weekend upon us, I searched for the perfect dip to serve at a tailgate event or game watch party at home. The Velveeta and Ro-Tel snoozer is a classic but overdone, and I needed something to wow.

However, the recipe I found is a bit more sweet than savory.

As Baylor Bears stomp back into town for the oldest homecoming traditions in the nation, they will be marching to beat of the – bells?

The McLane Carillon bells of Pat Neff Hall Tower will ring out as part of the annual Homecoming Recital at 5 p.m. today. The performance is free and open to the public.

The Waco Civic Theatre is enjoying some time in the spotlight. The local community theater has not only received a $50,000 grant from the Rapoport Foundation, which will be used to fund a complete renovation of their stage lighting system, but has also obtained the rights to perform the acclaimed Broadway musical “Les Miserables.”

The numbers said “Kick-Ass 2” was going to do just that. Before its theatrical release, audience tracking surveys estimated the superhero action-comedy could gross as much as $25 million its opening weekend.

Instead, the sequel took in only $13 million, finishing far behind the civil rights drama “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” and earning “Kick-Ass 2” an instant reputation as a flop.

A display of improvisation is returning to Jones Concert Hall. This is the second concert by the Baylor Jazz Ensemble following its swing-themed performance earlier in the semester.

The 18 members of the ensemble will perform songs of varying styles. Alex Parker, director of jazz studies, said the preparation for the varied program will be different than it was for the first concert of the year.

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will return to host the Golden Globes for the next two years, NBC announced Tuesday.

“Tina and Amy are two of the most talented comedic writer/performers in our business and they were a major reason the Golden Globes was the most entertaining awards show of last season,” said Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late-night programming at NBC, which broadcasts the Golden Globes. “We’re elated they wanted to host together again and that they committed for the next two years.”

Fans of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” know Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, but his very funny new memoir, “Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man’s Fundamentals for Delicious Living” (Dutton, $26.95), will allow readers to get to know the comedian behind the mustache. In the book, Offerman reveals he is a former student of kabuki fight theater, a guitarist, a woodworker, former set designer and that, as a break dancer(!), he went by the name Tick Tock. He writes of wooing actress Megan Mullally, who is now his wife. We caught up with Offerman over the phone.

Behind the production of Pigskin Revue are countless hours of work from organizations across campus in order to bring the tradition back for the 55th year.

“It’s wonderful to see the immense amount of work that the groups as a whole put into the acts,” said Cheryl Mathis, assistant director for campus programs.

Mathis works with Sarah Pullin, graduate apprentice for Student Productions, in overseeing the planning and execution of the show. Pullin is serving as executive producer for Pigskin for the second year.

(Spoiler alert: This story contains no actual TV spoilers.)

I would really like to talk to you about TV spoilers today, but first I need to know: Did you see the series finale of “Breaking Bad?” Are you caught up on “Game of Thrones?” You know who died on that one amazing episode of “The Wire” toward the end of Season Three, right?

Maybe we shouldn’t have that discussion. I don’t want to ruin anything for you.

Waco Civic Theatre’s upcoming production of “Superior Donuts” employs a central theme that locals may find particularly appetizing. In essence, it is a show about a small community, it is playing at a community theater, performed by members of a close-knit community, all with the help of businesses and sponsors who are part of that same community: Waco.

Other popular boy bands are no match for Uproar Records’ newest band. This semester, Manifest Music Company steps out with a unique edge on pop music.

The band, which formed in spring 2012 ,includes Montgomery, N. J., junior Mike Stanley on bass, Abilene senior Hugh Knight on piano, and Baylor alumnus Zac Flowers from Houston on guitar and Erik Williams from Colorado Springs, Colo., on drums.

As the weather cools down outside, I love to crank the heat up in my oven with an unending supply of fall-inspired baked goods and treats.

This week, I chose black velvet whoopie pies with orange filling. While I mostly opt for creative ways to cook with cinnamon or pumpkin spices, this Halloween recipe made for a spooky-sweet change to the usual pumpkin loaf.

Curious about the name, I found through research that these treats are native to the Amish and New England culture. From traditional chocolate to seasonal pumpkin, the name for these cream-filled goodies spawn from the reaction people gave upon finding one in their lunch box.

You wouldn’t guess that by purchasing a hot pink, lacy lingerie ensemble that, ahem, glows in the dark, you’d be waging war against breast cancer.

But, in fact, October is the month when fashion and beauty forces rally for this cause, offering a staggering number of products to fight the disease. (For the record, this includes fluorescent undies by Cosabella.)

So, really, buy a little something.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

Children paint beautiful pictures for someone special, even if they are only beautiful in their innocent eyes and the eyes of the receiver. As people grow up, many put away their paints, crayons and watercolors for other things like writing papers, reading and schoolwork.

Unless you’ve been hibernating in the arctic tundra for the past few months, you have probably heard of Miley Cyrus’ controversial shenanigans or seen a .gif of her twerking at the VMAs.

After taking a hiatus from music, Miley has certainly made a strong come-back. Her new wardrobe, which apparently consists only of crop tops and disco shorts, screams “I’m no longer Hannah Montana!” and with every new single, Miley acts more and more provocative.

The government shutdown that started early Tuesday has already hit the Federal Communications Commission, the government agency that among other things regulates obscenity on what used to be known as the public airwaves.

Which has led some viewers to ask: Does this mean that broadcast TV will turn into a rat’s nest of foul language and naked bodies? Teacher is away, so there might be orgies on “Castle.” No oversight, so that means f-bombs on “The X-Factor.” CBS might turn into HBO.

Oh, Lorde!

In an age where every twerk seems calculated and every hit single seems to be the product of a meticulous marketing campaign, young Lorde (the “e” is silent) and her smash hit “Royals” (Lava/Republic) is a true surprise. The moody pop anthem _ which champions regular folks instead of the ultra-rich and powerful, while maintaining a cool, detached vibe—jumped from her native New Zealand to the United Kingdom and finally to the United States this summer, where it is currently challenging Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry for the top of the pop charts.

(“Royals” already rules the alternative charts, where it has been No. 1 for seven weeks, the longest reign ever for a woman on that chart, passing Alanis Morissette’s 1995 run with “You Oughta Know.”)

Texas country crooners Eli Young Band will be performing on the main stage Saturday at the annual Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo. The Lariat had the chance to chat with drummer of the band, and discuss their future and passion for music.

Q: How has your career changed with the success of the “Life at Best” album?

A: Things have taken off in a good way. We’ve seen some of the biggest crowds we’ve seen, especially being on the Kenny Chesney Tour this year.
It’s been pretty incredible.

Baylor Theatre is thinking pink for its first main-stage production of the new school year with the popular musical comedy “Legally Blonde.” The play is proving to be a favorite with audiences and has sold out every performance. For one cast member in particular, this show is a big opportunity.

The iconic lead role Elle Woods, a bubbly, California sorority girl turned Harvard Law student, is played by Sarah Beard, a Gulf Breeze, Fla., senior and longtime participant in Baylor’s theater department.

Dr. Corey Carbonara, professor of film and digital media, was honored by the big leagues in Hollywood over the weekend.

Carbonara received an award for his outstanding teaching in the field of cinematography.

“I was totally shocked and totally humbled when I was told,” Carbonara said. “It was surreal.”

It’s a new semester and that means a new season for the nationally recognized Baylor Symphony Orchestra.

Maestro Stephen Heyde, director of orchestral activities and conductor-in-residence, will direct the Baylor Symphony in its first performance of the season at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Jones Concert Hall, located inside of the Glennis McCrary Music Building.

Working in a city with new emerging artists and art forms, it can be difficult for fresh musicians to get noticed and build a fan base. In Waco, one advantage Baylor students have is the opportunity to be signed on to the student-run music business organization, Uproar Records.

Each year, the label holds two rounds of auditions, which brings new artists and re-sign bands from previous semesters. One such band, Dreamboat, is now entering its second year with the record company and hopes to use this opportunity to continue to build its fan base in Waco while honing a new sound they’ve been working hard to perfect.