Acoustic concert comes to the Rankin Gallery
By BRIAN VAN STEENKISTE
Amusement Editor

On Tuesday, April 11 the Rankin Center Art Gallery hosted a free concert by Beth Wood. Wood was the final performer in Music Industry Management Association's (MIMA) concert series in the Rankin Center.

Talented entertainer Beth Wood brought her acoustic stylings to the Gallery where she played by herself for over an hour. She kept the crowd enthralled with her witty musical selections that drew people passing by into the crowded gallery. The show had a good turnout, and at one point more folding chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the large number of people coming in. The event received funding from the Student Activity Fund, which appeared to be money well spent as the crowd clapped enthusiastically after each song.

Chris Rayman, a freshman in the Auto program, knew that Wood was coming, but didn't know what day. After seeing the crowd outside the gallery and hearing music, he stopped to investigate. "They should do this more often. There's so many people who like to come in and see someone playing guitar," Rayman said. "The gallery is a good place for this because its the right atmosphere for it. Music is art, and it draws the crowd right in."

Wood sang about a variety of subjects in her performance including late night radio DJs, supermodels and their diets, Miles Davis, her father and different break-ups. She said that she gets inspiration for her songs from everyday living, friends, family, personal experiences and "all the freaks that I know."

Rayman also said that its good to have events like Wood's performance because of the Music Industry Management program. "I think it's a great idea (MIMA) brings something like this," he said. Rayman mentioned that Wood reminded him a little of Jewel and said, "(Wood) is pretty damn good."

Dan Cronk, the advisor for the Music Industry Management program and MIMA was at Wood's show and commented about the people who put it together. "It's primarily a student effort. All of the results of the concert series are the work of the MIMA students," Cronk said. He said that when students take ownership of the event they really put forth their best effort. "We take the role of advisor quite literally," Cronk said. "We assist when they ask, but we consider this as part of their education."

The students are responsible for all the production of the show, as well as any details necessary to make sure the events run smooth. Steven Good was the production manager for Beth Wood's show and was pleased with the performance. "We filled up the place. I was rather impressed with the turnout." Good said that MIMA has been working since the end of last semester to bring Wood.

Wood said that she has been a full-time professional musician for three years now, and before that, she had a day job and played on the weekends. "I love my job. It beats the hell out of sitting at a desk," Wood said. She said making music a career is a tough road, but said it was the best thing for her to do. "I've always done music. It's always been something I wanted to do."

"It's hard to get noticed (in the music world) unless you're fifteen with fake boobs and a belly button ring," Wood said. She said that she taught herself guitar, and according to her press information, she is classically trained in piano, violin, vocal and the harp. In addition to all of this, Wood has her own record label that she uses to release her own work. She has three CDs, 1996's "Wood Work," 1998's "New Blood" and her latest effort, "Late Night Radio." The single "Geometry" from "Wood Work" was featured on Fox's "Party of Five."

Anyone interested in Beth Wood can find out more about her at her homepage, www.BethWoodmusic.com. Tour-dates, a biographical section, mp3 and real audio files of her music as well as links and writings from Wood can be found on the website.



Earnest'-ly good time had by all
By MEGHAN CARBARY
Ferris State Torch

As the house lights dimmed, a hush fell about the audience of Williams Auditorium. Then, the stage lights slowly came up on a tidy English flat and a flurry of maids and butlers setting about their chores.

As the characters went about their tasks in an uncommonly comedic way, they set the mood for the evening -- light and side-splitting, but in a very serious way.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" was performed by the Ferris State Theater group on April 13, 14 and 15. The group worked hard to portray this timeless classic in a manor that was very crowd pleasing.

"It is always fun to do a classic that is old, but still funny," Director Katherine LaPietra said. "Everyone did a marvelous job, both the veteran and the new cast members."

The story of "Earnest" is a timeless tale of love, courtship and mistaken identities. For those who have not seen or read this Oscar Wilde classic, two men, both whom are pretending to be Earnest Worthing, make up much of a plot.

Jack Worthing is simple country man who frequents London to court his lady love, Gwendolen Fairfax. Miss Fairfax is kin to Algernon Moncrieff, a friend of Worthing. The play opens on Worthings' visit to Moncreiff, and the trouble of two Earnests beings from there.

Both Worthing and Moncrieff are of the opinion "why tell the truth when you could lie."

In a moment of desperation over a cigarette case, Jack reveals a secret to Algernon, which opens up a whole new pack of deception for the cast to get involved in. The plot continues to snowball and entraps all the characters along the way.

Meet Cecily Cardew, a hopeless romantic and carefree young women. Her interests lie in the love of Earnest Worthing, supposed brother to her caretaker. Her problems lie in the fact that Gwendolen Fairfax also believes she is in love with one Earnest Worthing. Headaches are on the rise from there when the two Earnests, end up in the same place at the same time.

Throw in a Bunberry, a doting aunt, a tiff between ladies and a misplaced baby, and the result is a crowd pleasing story that has laughs in store for all.

The whole cast of seemingly perfect strangers end up being closer than they every imagined, and in the end the lies all turn out to be true, and Jack Worthing really gets "Earnest" about things after all.

If you like witty comedy, and well worded plots, The "Importance of Being Earnest" was definitely one to see. FSU theater did a bang-up interpretation of it.

With a cast of students who are mostly veteran performers on the Williams stage, the chemistry seemed unmatched.

Phil Utley, a senior in Printing Management played the role of Algernon Moncrieff. "Everyone was excellent," Utley said. "I cannot say enough about the play. The rotating sets were great, and the butlers and maids were amazing. They really set the tone for us. Besides, it was fun to do, how often do you get to see people running around in spats?"

For some members of the cast, their roles proved to be more of a life lesson and learning experience than just a role in a play. "I really wasn't sure I could do this role," Mary Macfarlane, a sophomore in Liberal Arts and cast member said. "I dislike the character of Cecily Cardew immensely, it was an experience for me to learn, I feel it will help me deal with people of this nature better in my life."

Macfarlane also echoed the resounding statement that the cast was outstanding. "The cast really pulled together," she said.

"Excellent actors and actresses," agreed Erica Smith, a sophomore in public administration who played Gwendolen Fairfax said.

To put a wrap on the evening, cast member Scott Starkweather, a junior in advertising, who portrayed Jack Worthing, added the thought that, all in all, the play went "smashingly well."



Music, food and fun are coming to the campus Quad on April 29
By BRIAN VAN STEENKISTE
Amusement Editor

On April 29 the FSU Quad outside of the Rankin Center will be the site of the annual spring celebration, Ferris Fest. Bands, food, inflatable games, novelties and RSO and vendor booths will be combined in an outdoor setting for students to enjoy.

Carlisle Hall Council is sponsoring the inflatable games coming for Ferris Fest. The inflatable games are being co-sponsored by Entertainment Unlimited and are being funded entirely by the Student Activity Fund. Rocky Byington, the secretary of Carlisle Hall Council, said, "(The inflatable games are) proven to be a huge success. They were well liked last year and they've also been a big success at ZTA's Natural High events." Sumo suits, the bungee run, an inflatable Olympic obstacle course, the Velcro wall and "off with your head" will all be located in front of Clark Hall.

In addition to the free inflatable games, a number of novelties will also be on hand. For a nominal charge, students will be able to walk away with something from making wax hands, having a picture taken on the "big chair," posing for a fantasy photo and having motion cards made.

A number of RSO and vendor booths will also be at Ferris Fest. These booths will be positioned near the Rankin Center in the Quad. Dining Services will also be set up in the Quad near Helen Ferris. Food will be free for students with meal plans, and can be purchased by students without meal plans.

The highlight of the day will be the free music. A covered stage will be set up in front of the FLITE construction area for the performers. The winner of the Ferris' Finest Talent Showcase will perform at Ferris Fest and a drum circle is also being planned by MIMA. There are three acts confirmed, but others may be added.

Two of the three main acts are being brought by the Music Industry Management Association (MIMA). The "Jah Kings" are a reggae band from Kalamazoo that bring a spiritually positive message of acceptance and unconditional love. Their body-moving reggae beats were featured at last Spring's Reggae Fest and are sure to rock the house at Ferris Fest.

MIMA is also bringing Rev. Right -time and the 1st Cuzins of Funk. This funk band from Flint was recently signed to Atlantic Records and has a wild stage show. "(They're) crazy, non-stop energy for 90 minutes straight," Kara Helms, MIMA's external secretary, said. According to Helms part of the bands stage show is playing in the buff, but they will tone down their act for Ferris Fest.

"They're awesome bands," Helms said. "We wanted to try to get a diverse group that will appeal to everyone." Helms also said that even though Ferris Fest is on campus, there's a bunch of good music. "We're trying to give a positive message without taking all the fun out of it," Helms said. "I'd rather have it off campus, but with all the problems the university has been having with student behavior I can understand the community's desire to have it at the university."

EU is bringing Toshi Reagon as the headliner for Ferris Fest. Reagon and her band, Big Lovely, will play a combination of blues, funk, folk and gospel. Reagon recently appeared on the syndicated Motown Live and has received rave reviews in a variety of newspapers and magazines.

"The caliber of performers coming here is just fantastic," Director of Student Activities, Michelle Burke said. Burke said students should keep an open mind and come to Ferris Fest expecting to have a good day to eat good food and to just hang out.

According to Burke, the total cost of Ferris Fest is almost $40,000. It's also the last main event of the year, and the first official event on the Quad. "I'm very excited, " Burke said. "This is the new center of campus and this is what the Quad was built for, to have great events and to bring students together."

Burke also mentioned that Ferris Fest is a real collaboration with many student groups helping out and with tremendous support from the Physical Plant. The Quad will be cordoned off with snow fence in-between buildings. Check points will be set up for security and portable outhouses will be located between Clark Hall and the Rankin Center.

Williams Auditorium and the Dome Room are the alternative locations in case it rains. The bands will play in Williams and some novelties will be relocated to Williams as well. The remaining attractions will be housed in the Rankin Center and the Dome Room. If it's just sprinkling the show will go on as planned under the covered stage, but regardless the show will go on. Burke said that everything is paid for, so it will be here, rain or shine.