Jazz on the "Plazz"

The UNL Jazz Ensemble made some cool music on a hot fall day Sept. 29 on the Union Memorial Plaza, drawing an appreciative lunchtime crowd.

If You're Not Flying, What's the Point?

Innovative dance company STREB defies convention (and gravity) in the electrifying show Action Heroes, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Lied Center.

Led by choreographer and "action architect" Elizabeth Streb, STREB explores the boundaries of human motion using muscle, wit, speed and precision to defy conventional movement. Their energy packed performances are filled with performers that fly, bounce and ricochet off mats, harnesses and trampolines. Elizabeth Streb and her commandos hurdle over, under and through the challenges of their archenemy: gravity. STREB's credo is, "If you're not flying, what's the point?"

Using a Box Truss Performance Structure set, the performers work in an environment that broadens the workable area to include the ceiling, walls and air. This structure, as Elizabeth Streb explains, "robs the floor of its hegemony." This portable performance space comes complete with its own lighting, moving walls, video screens and sound.

In Action Heroes, STREB traces the lineage of American stunt artists who have thrilled audiences over the years. While these heroes managed to thrill thousands, they were often unappreciated and disrespected. In Action Heroes, STREB uses video-projection, narration, still images, music and the powerful movement of the performers to pay regard to these influential people.

Founded in 1985, STREB has performed in venues as varied as Lincoln Center and the Walker Art Center, from Paris to Australia, from the Minnesota Metrodome to MTV.

This performance is funded in part by the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, with lead funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additional funding provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Philip Morris Companies Inc.

Elizabeth Streb will deliver a pre-performance talk in the Lied's Steinhart Room 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Tickets are $34, $30 and $26, half-price for students.

Scarlata Premieres Lied Discovery Series Oct. 12

Rising vocal talent Randall Scarlata will display his expressive baritone at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in Kimball Hall. Scarlata's recital is part of the Lied Center for Performing Arts' Discovery! Series.

Accompanied by pianist Cameron Stowe, Scarlata will be singing selections by Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, Maurice Ravel, Samuel Barber and Xavier Montsalvage.

Winner of the First Prize at the 1999 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, Scarlata is making a name for himself with his extensive opera and recital schedule. In recital, Scarlata has performed throughout Europe and a recent engagement in Venezuela. In the United States, he has given recitals in New York at Alice Tully Hall and Merkin Concert Hall, as well as at Princeton University, Westminster Choir College, the Cleveland Art Song Festival and the Ravinia Festival. During the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 seasons, Scarlata will give concerts as a member of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society Two.

Scarlata has performed various opera roles including the Count in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, Mercutio in Gounod's Roméo et Juliette and Pelléas in Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande. His oratorio engagements include the role of Jesus in Bach's St. John Passion and in the world premiere of Samuel Adler's Ever Since Babylon in Washington, D.C.

Among his accolades are the Diallo Prize, the Lindemann Vocal Chair and the Walker Fund Prize, which sponsored his Washington, D.C., debut in the Young Concert Artists Series at the Kennedy Center in February 2000. In December 2000, the Young Concert Artists Series will present Scarlata at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, sponsored by the Summis Auspiciis Prize. His other major awards include first prize at the 1997 "Das Schubert Lied" International Competition in Vienna, first prize at the 1997 Joy in Singing Competition in New York, the 1998 Alice Tully Vocal Arts Debut Recital Award of the Juilliard School, and second prize at the 1999 Walter W. Naumburg Foundation International Vocal Competition.

Scarlata earned a bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music in 1992, then continued his studies in Vienna on a Fulbright Grant. He received his master's degree at the Juilliard School in 1998 as a student of Beverley Johnson and is currently a member of the Juilliard Opera Center. Scarlata has also been studying with Gérard Souzay for nearly a decade.

Tickets are $24 and $20, half-price for students. Call the Lied box office for ticket availability.

Directed by Alison Maclean, this screen adaptation of short stories by Denis Johnson stars Billy Crudup and Samantha Morton.

'Jesus' Son' and 'Our First Fight' at Ross Theater

Based on Denis Johnson's acclaimed collection of semi-autobiographical short stories, Jesus' Son, opens at the Mary Riepma Ross Film Theater on Oct. 5.

Johnson's tales, set in a Midwestern world of broken-down cars and bars, have become a cult favorite with both high-brow and low-life noir fans. This screen adaptation, directed by Alison Maclean (Crush), and starring Billy Crudup and Samantha Morton, faithfully captures Johnson's skewed, poetic vision.

Full of the heartbreak and hijinks that so often go hand-in-hand in a drug-addled life, Jesus' Son is a unique chronicle of a lost man who finds himself amongst the forgotten.

Also showing is a short feature, Our First Fight, by Jeff Jackson. When Billy's new girlfriend invites him to the gym for a workout, he soon realizes he's just walked into the fight of the century; man vs. woman, with no saving by the bell.

Jesus' Son and Our First Fight are showing on Oct. 5 through 8 and on Oct. 13 through 15. Screenings are at 7 and 9:15 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; at 1, 3:15, 7 and 9:15 p.m. on Saturdays; and at 2:30, 4:45, 7 and 9:15 p.m. on Sundays.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band in Concert Oct. 8

The School of Music presents the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band in concert at 3 p.m. Oct. 8 in Kimball Recital Hall. Tickets are $5 general admission and $3 for students and are available at the door beginning one hour before the performance. Proceeds from this concert will help support student travel and equipment.

Craig Cornish conducts the Symphonic Band and visiting professor Paula A. Crider (shown at right) conducts the Wind Ensemble in a program titled "Serenades, Songs and Dances." The program features three exciting new works for the wind band.

As did Stravinsky and Milhaud in the early part of the 20th Century, composers are now exploring the wonderful world of jazz as a basis for wind band composition. The rhythmic complexity of the jazz idiom provides not only a challenge for the performers, but also an exciting and entertaining experience for the listener as well.

The programs begins with Dana Wilson's "Celebration Fanfare." This short and lively opening fanfare is still in pre-publication and sets the tone for Wilson's next piece, the jazz oriented "Shakata, Singing the World Into Existence." Based on the ancient Aboriginal belief that the world was sung into existence, Dana Wilson creates an intriguingly different piece through the use of the stylistic and harmonic energy of jazz. "Shakata" includes great solo writing for saxophone, flute and oboe. Crider adds, "This piece really 'kicks!'"

Following, is Derek Bourgeios' "Serenade," a lovely melodic piece written for the composer's fiance as a wedding processional. The use of 11/8 time adds interest and leads the listener to wonder how the bride-to-be handled the shifting meter as she processed down the aisle, hearing this piece for the first time.

"Yiddish Dances" is a new piece by British Composer Adam Gorb and was written to celebrate Tem Rheynish's 60th Birthday. It contains four movements based on a lively set of Klezmer Dances and features virtuoso solos for E-flat clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone and tuba.

Donald Grantham's "J'ai ete au bal" (I went to the dance) was the recent winner of the highest prize for wind composition. Grantham's newest work is based on two Cajun tunes; one, a lovely waltz, the other a blazing fiddle tune. This performance will mark the Nebraska premiere of this exciting new work for wind band.

In addition to conducting the Wind Ensemble, Crider teaches advanced Music Education and Graduate Conducting Courses at the School of Music.

Following a distinguished 33-year teaching career, Crider has earned the honor of being named Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin, and is director emeritus of The University of Texas Longhorn Bands. She c has served as guest conductor, lecturer and adjudicator in 30 states, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Crider received degrees in Music and English Literature from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master of Music Education from The University of Texas. She has taught public schools at all levels, and holds the unique distinction of having been the first female in the state of Texas to serve as director of bands at a Class 5-A high school. Her Crockett High School Bands in Austin, Texas, consistently earned top honors in state and national venues. Prof. Crider was the recipient of the National Band Association's "Citation of Excellence" for her band's performance at the National Band Association Convention in Knoxville, Tenn.

Crider has written numerous articles for the Instrumentalist magazine, The Band Director's Guide, the National Band Association Journal, and three classroom texts: "Handbook for Brass Techniques," "Marching Band Methods," and "Guidelines for Conductors." Professor Crider has conducted Student Leadership Workshops throughout the Southwest, and regularly serves as consultant for teacher in-service workshops.

Recent honors and awards include two "Eyes of Texas" awards for teaching excellence, the Tau Beta Sigma "Outstanding Service to Music Award," and the Sudler "Legion of Merit." In 1995, Crider was inducted into the prestigious American Bandmaster's Association; only the third woman to be so honored. She is president of the National Band Association.

Fuller Recital at Kimball Hall Oct. 8

The School of Music presents faculty artist Craig Fuller, tuba, (shown at left), in recital at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 in Kimball Recital Hall. Admission is free.

Assisting Fuller will be NU music faculty members Nicole Narboni, piano; and Randall Snyder, piano. A brass ensemble conducted by Kenneth Kielniarz will join Fuller for a work by Edward Gregson. In addition, Fuller has chosen to perform works by Robert Schumann, Randall Snyder, Neal Corwell, Kenton Bales, and Krzysztof Penderecki.

Fuller is senior lecturer of music at the University of Nebraska and principal tubist of the Omaha and Lincoln symphonies. He is a frequent soloist with the Omaha Symphony, both on tour and on the orchestra's Omaha series concerts.

Fuller recently performed in the Chicago Symphony for a week of Subscription Concerts in Orchestra Hall with Daniel Baremboim conducting. Earlier in his career, he also played extra tuba with the Boston Symphony and toured with the Henry Mancini Orchestra.

Fuller is a graduate of Indiana University where he received his undergraduate degree and a Performer's Certificate. His primary teacher was Harvey Phillips and other teachers have included Gene Pokorny and Arnold Jacobs of the Chicago Symphony, Ronald Bishop, of the Cleveland Orchestra and Roger Bobo, formerly of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Fuller also attended the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood as a Beranek fellowship recipient. He participated in the Yale Summer School of Music and Art, the Aspen Music Festival and the Music Academy of the West.

In 1985 he was recognized by the Omaha Jaycees for his community service and professional achievements and named an "Outstanding Young Omahan."

Fuller is a clinician for Custom Music Company, distributor of Hirsbrunner Musical Instruments, AG Sumiswald, Switzerland. He also is a consultant for the N. P. Griffith company of Omaha, maker of tuba and euphonium mutes.

Gallery of Youth Exhibits Showcase 4-H Talents

By Ashley Anderson, IANR news assistant

Allison Strobel of Omaha hoped to end her decade-long 4-H career with a bang.

It ended with a boom.

The fiber art projects of Strobel and 19 other 4-H youth were chosen for display at the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery at the University of Nebraska. The items were chosen from the most creative 4-H entries displayed at the 2000 Nebraska State Fair.

The idea for Strobel's project was inspired by a Christmas shopping trip to Borsheim's. A beaded purse modeled after a Cherry 7-Up can captured her attention, but was out of her price range. Her solution? Make one.

The project required hand sewing more than 2,000 seed beads to a piece of sturdy fabric. Each bead was double-stitched, and the purse took a year to complete, said Strobel, 18.

Since she didn't have a pattern to follow, the finished product was the result of trial and error. Attaching the top of the purse was one of the most difficult tasks, she said.

"One of the most important things I learned was how to make compromise if I don't know how to do things," Strobel said. "I did a lot of experimenting."

The 4-H'ers presented their work to the public at a Celebration of Youth open house Sept. 24.

Shirley Niemeyer, NU textile specialist and an open house coordinator, said the gallery opening was a great opportunity for 4-H'ers to showcase their work while gaining public speaking experience and meeting other youth and faculty members.

Strobel's project and others will be featured in the Hillestad gallery weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Oct. 6 in the College of Human Resources and Family Science's home economics building.

Niemeyer said she encourages everyone to tour the gallery.

"It's a unique exhibition of textile-related exhibits created by youth, and an opportunity to see the impact of 4-H," she said.

While working on her own project, the daughter of James and Karen Strobel helped others complete theirs. Strobel and a friend served as junior leaders for their club, the 4-H Crazy Cooks, and introduced the younger members to baking, sewing and woodworking. The experience taught Strobel how to be patient and explain activities in terms that beginners can understand, she said.

4-H is part of Cooperative Extension in NU's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Shower of Stoles at Rotunda Gallery

"The Shower of Stoles: A Witness To Gay, Lesbian and Transgender People of Faith," will be on display from Oct. 8 to 14 in the Rotunda Gallery in the Nebraska Union.

The individuals represented by these stoles are active leaders in their faith communities who have been barred from serving because of their sexual orientation.

The exhibition is sponsored by the UNL Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Concerns and local faith communities, Cornerstone, St. Mark's on the Campus, FACES at First United Methodist, Christ United Methodist Church, South Street Temple, Unitarian Church, and First-Plymouth United Church of Christ.

Perlman Appears on ETV's Q&A Season Premiere

Harvey Perlman, the interim UNL chancellor, will appear on the season premiere of Q&A, the statewide Nebraska ETV Network's weekly interview series, at 7 p.m. Oct. 5. Q&A repeats at 11 p.m. the following Friday, at 3:30 p.m. the following Sunday and 8 a.m. the following Tuesday.

Perlman, a professor in the UNL College of Law, was dean of the UNL College of Law from 1983 to 1998. He will guide UNL until the Board of Regents selects a permanent successor to James Moesser, who resigned earlier this year to become the chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Well-known Lincoln radio personality Ward Jacobson hosts Q&A and will interview Perlman one-on-one.

Welsch Talks with Cather Scholar Rosowski

Renowned Cather scholar and author Susan Rosowski will be the guest on Roger Welsch & when the interview series airs at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13 on the statewide Nebraska ETV Network. The program will repeat on NETV2 (EduCable) at 2 p.m. Oct. 22.

Roger Welsch notes: "Sue Rosowski is one of our best resources on Willa Cather and one of the most prolific writers in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's English department. In her new book, Birthing a Nation: Gender, Creativity and the West in American Literature, she argues for a feminine, even feminist view of the American West and the American western."

Rosowski is the Adele Hall Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she has been on the faculty since 1982. She is the author of numerous books and articles on Cather and other American writers, as well as serving as the general editor of the scholarly editions of Willa Cather's fiction.

Statewide Examines Nebraska's Libertarian Party

Democrats and Republicans dominate Nebraska politics, but Libertarians are making inroads to the state's political landscape. Find out more about this growing political movement when Statewide, the Nebraska ETV Network's weekly magazine series, profiles the Libertarian Party in a special report airing at 8 p.m. Oct. 13.

Statewide, which includes up-to-the-minute news reports from across the state and other features of interest, repeats at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. on Sundays. This episode of Statewide repeats on NETV2 (EduCable) at 3 p.m. Oct. 15.

Although the Libertarian Party seldom attracts significant attention from voters or the news media, it has placed candidates on the ballot in all three of Nebraska's Congressional races. Statewide correspondent Mike Tobias interviews the state party chair, candidates and a political scientist to learn what Libertarians stand for and what they hope to accomplish in the Nov. 7 election.

Ducks and Dams on Outdoor Nebraska

An early teal season and a health check of the Harlan County Dam are featured on this week's edition of Outdoor Nebraska on the statewide Nebraska ETV Network. This episode of the outdoor news magazine series airs at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12, and repeats at 8 a.m. Oct. 14. The program repeats on NETV2 (EduCable) at noon Oct. 15.

For the first time in more than 25 years, Nebraska staged an early teal season in September. Outdoor Nebraska follows Nebraska Game and Parks Waterfowl Program Manager Mark Vrtiska as he identifies and talks about hunting the teal species of ducks.

Last spring, the Army Corps of Engineers conducted a major inspection of the Harlan County Dam. Outdoor Nebraska follows each step of the project from pumping the stilling basin empty to the significant fish salvage operation conducted by fisheries biologists from Nebraska Game and Parks.

Two new weekly segments offer viewers the opportunity to show off their favorite photographs for a statewide audience. Photos selected for use on "Viewer's Views" will highlight spectacular nature photography. Photos on "For the Scrapbook" will show off trophies taken by Nebraska hunters and anglers, from an impressive deer harvest to Junior's first catch. Photos should be sent to: Outdoor Nebraska TV, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503. Include the name of the photographer, names of people in the photos, location, date, size of fish, etc. Outdoor Nebraska will return all photos submitted.

Latino Culture Subject of PBS Dramas

Coinciding with National Hispanic Heritage Month, the statewide Nebraska ETV Network will broadcast two acclaimed dramas portraying the American Latino cultural experience: "American Playhouse: My Family-Mi Familia" and "La Ciudad (The City)."

"La Ciudad (The City)," airing at 11 p.m. Oct. 8, tells the stories of immigrants seeking community in the United States' largest city. It was filmed in New York City between 1992 and 1997 using a small number of professional actors along with actual residents of New York City's Latin American neighborhoods. "La Ciudad (The City)" features a homeless father and daughter who perform puppet shows on vacant lots, a young laborer killed while scavenging for bricks, two teenagers who fall in love only to lose each other in the dizzying world of a housing project, and a young garment worker struggling in a sweatshop environment.

"American Playhouse: My Family-Mi Familia" airing at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 on the statewide Nebraska ETV Network, features a multigenerational

Mexican-American family and explores issues common to families of all ethnic backgrounds. With a largely Latino cast including actors Jimmy Smits, Esai Morales, James Edward Olmos and Jennifer Lopez, "My Family-Mi Familia" follows the patriarch and matriarch of the Sanchez family and their offspring through four decades. Diverse characters include a troubled single father, a rebel caught between two ways of life, a Salvadoran immigrant seeking asylum in the United States, and a social activist.