Diggin' in the Dirt

Pete Kilpatrick opened for that Guster concert I went to last semester. This musician hails from Portland, Maine. The 23-year-old has recently released "Louder Than the Storm", packed with mellow, original songs showing growth since his first release. Appearances are made by Guster's Adam Gardener and As Fast As' Spencer Albee.

Here is a clip of Kilpatrick singing "Diggin' in the Dirt" back when he opened for Guster. Enjoy.

Seeing Guster at the MCA

Last semester, myself and a few friends all went to see Guster perform at the MCA. My friend bought all the tickets early and we ended up getting good seats near the middle of the auditorium, down on the floor. Seats were filled up all the way to the balcony. Various other friends were scattered throughout the auditorium, making the atmosphere comfortable and more fun. Not a huge fan of the band before the concert, I ended up being very impressed and getting some of their music afterwards.

The only thing I didn't like about the concert was the MCA facility. It was difficult to get to your seats because the lack of good set-up, which pertains to the aisles mostly. Also, many concert-goers wanted to stand up before the band on the floor and were actually not allowed to and told to move because of fire codes.

Besides that, the concert was fine, but many concert-goers look forward to a little renovation at the MCA.

Broadway Play Hits the MCA

MAN OF LA MANCHA
4/26/06
7 p.m.

National Broadway production, "Man of La Mancha" is coming to Umaine through the MCA! This popular show has won 5 Tony awards. The show is only one act long and tells the story of Don Quixote in this play within a play. The musical is said to be extremeley funny. Tickets cost between $38-$48.

SEND ME ON MY WAY

Rusted Root
4/23/07
7:00 p.m.

Rusted Root was formed back in 1990 but remains a popular "jam band" even today. The band's music is an infusion of many influences. They incorporate percussion instruments from Africa, the Middle East, and Native American tribes. The concert will take place at the MCA and is sure to be an amazing night. Rusted Root is known for putting on great live shows. Tickets are still on sale and cost $15.

The Hudson Museum

Located inside the Maine Center for the Arts is the Hudson Museum. While there are many exhibits currently taking place, the museum has many permanent collections worth noting. Over 8,000 pieces make up the museum's collection, including pottery, gold, textiles, basketry, and art.

Student groups are welcome to plan trips to view these collections. Currently, however, these collections are being dismantled as part of the renovating of the MCA. Because this is going on, the Museum will travel with some items and speak to classroom groups.

Once renovations on the MCA/Hudson Museum are complete, there will be more to see than before. A temporary exhibit area will include traveling exhibits on a short-term basis and greet visitors when they enter the new facility. Also, a Maine Gallery and a World Cultures Gallery will be added.

Visit the Hudson Museum Tuesday-Friday, 9am - 4pm, Saturday, 11am - 4pm. It is closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays.

Source

Romeo, Juliet, and Whoopi

Many of us read Shakespeare's well-known play, "Romeo & Juliet", but did anyone ever really see it as it was intended to be seen? This past Tuesday, the Maine Center for the Arts hosted the Aquila Theatre Company of London as they put on the famous play. The play is definitely worth experiencing at least once. Television and movie adaptations are just not the same as viewing the live presentation. The theatre company is not only responsible for beautifully rehearsed productions all around the United States, but also provide professional training for practicing artists, and extensive educational programs.

Click here to view Aquila Theatre Company's website for more information.

Another upcoming event to look forward to is Whoopi Goldberg's comedy act coming this Saturday. She acted as the center square celebrity on one of my favorite game shows, "Hollywood Squares."



Sources:
Maine Center for the Arts website (for info and photograh)
Aquila Theatre Company