Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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THF MTX Friday, Jan. 13,2006 —I— —I— —I— m A -JL. T _JL I A ^ Page 5 Music SEEN 2005 Special to THE GAMECOCK Well-known local band Baumer plays Columbia’s venues year-round and has built a strong fan base. A recap of Columbia's ever-evolving entertainment scene Devon Uheh FOR THE GAMECOCK The Columbia music scene has long suffered from the overpowering appeal of Charlotte and Atlanta for touring bands and musicians, but fall 2005 was quite the exception. Playing host to numerous independent and mainstream favorites, Columbia had a few shining moments last semester. One of the first shows of the season was Acceptance, touring in support of their latest release, “Phantoms.” New Brookland Tavern was overflowing with fans excited to rock out. Energy flowed the whole night as the band played an eclectic mix of new and old, and slow- and fast-tempo songs. Acceptance ended their set with the dreamy fan favorite “Out of Line.” September brought Pirate Fest 2, featuring a handful of local talents. Burns Out Bright and The Heist and the Accomplice were crowd favorites and brought down the house with new and old material. New Brookland Tavern was happy to have Pirate Fest, which was a much bigger hit this year than the original Fest. The variety of sounds attracted an even greater variety of music supporters and contributed to the success of the show. South Carolina hardcore quintet Stretch Arm Strong played Headliner’s the way hardcore is meant to be — loud. Fall 2005 proved to be a great season for one of Columbia’s largest local bands. The CD release show for “Free at Last” sparked the band’s energy and motivation for their upcoming tour. Friends, parents and children of the band members were all present to support Stretch Arm Strong and the band seemed to be fueled by the endless audience energy. Burns Out Bright and Hopesfall prepped the crowd with their hard-hitting rock. The Bravery hit Columbia and performed a sold-out show at New Brookland Tavern. Fans crammed into the venue, dancing to the contagious beats of People in Planes and VHS or Beta first. Both bands gave solid performances and VHS or Beta broke the dancing ice with their single “Night on Fire.” In spite of the small venue, the Bravery was excited to play such an intimate show, and singer Sam Endicott said that was “the way rock shows are supposed to be, everyone packed together.” Hitting all 50 states, the Fat Wreck Tour blasted through Columbia, bringing with it punk rock, new wave and folk. The Soviettes opened the tour’s lineup with their rock ‘n’ roll-influenced garage rock. Smoke or Fire added a harder punk edge, and new wavers the Epoxies engaged the crowd with a mini light show. The tour’s headlining band, Against Me!, shouted out folk punk to the crazed fans. A member of the band’s crew had a full music • 6 Special to THE GAMECOCK Elton John made a stop in Columbia in November to perform his classic hits as well as some material from his new CD for thousands of grateful fans at the Colonial Center. MOVIE REVIEW Special to THE GAMECOCK Heath Ledger play^ the master of seduction Casanova in Lasse Hallstrom’s new take on the fabled ladies’ man. “Casanova” Heath Ledger ★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ Marjorie Riddle FOR THE GAMECOCK “Casanova,” starring Heath Ledger, paints a new picture of the legendary lover falling in love instead of seducing women and produces great laughs in the process. Ledger plays the philandering Casanova, who is infamously known for his reputation of passion and promiscuity. When arrested for his sexual casualness and its offenses against a local nunnery, Giacomo Casanova is ordered to settle down and marry or he will be executed. Casanova chooses a beautifully angelic but lustful virgin to be his bride. His betrothed has an admirer, Giovanni, who challenges Casanova to a duel over the fair lady.j Giovanni unfortunately isn t the most skilled swordsman, so his strong willed sister, Francesca, fights Casanova for him. Casanova discovers the ruse and finds himself intrigued by the feminist charm of Francesca. But for the first time in his life, Casanova’s own charm is rejected by a woman. Hilarious events ensue as Casanova tries to win over Francesca’s affections. When Francesca’s fiance Paprizzio comes to town, Casanova takes him in and tries to improve his disgustingly rotund appearance. Taking advantage of Paprizzio’s vulnerability, Casanova poses as Francesca’s fiance and attempts to get closer to her. Bishop Pucci arrives with the intent of ridding Venice of heretical behavior, which includes his wanting to execute the sacrilegious Casanova, and threatens not only Casanova’s chances of winning Francesca but also his very life. cnsnnoun • 6 i CD REVIEW Special to THE GAMECOCK Rehab sends messages of sarcasm to true believers of happiness in their new album, “Graffiti of the World.” New Rehab disc spits defiance and sensitivity “Graffiti the World" Rehab ★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ Adam Carter . FOR THE GAMECOCK Rehab’s new album “Graffiti the World,” if anything, is a flatly made denial of the concept of the American dream. ; They sneer at anyone who suffers the illusion of happiness in his or her own life with their tales of sorrow, heartbreak, infidelity, hypocrisy, lost innocence — and unexpectedly, faith put to the test. D. Alexander, who writes the lyrics for the band, confesses in “This I Know” his struggle with alcoholism, liberalized REHAB • 1