Brick Style

Future of Brick Style

2010-09-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Future of Brick Style --- We will see. I need to find someone to take over the blog.

Reminiscing about Elon

2010-06-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

Often I would complain about the food selection in the Burlington, NC area. Although a meal at Applebee's, Chili's, Ruby Tuesdays, Outback Steakhouse, and anywhere else on Huffman Mill Rd. (which I refer to as the Fast Food Freeway), it is never figure or wallet friendly. I often enjoyed going home and having all of the DC area places available. Now that I am officially home for good, I find myself missing my staples places. For those you have the fortune of returning to Burlington, I want to impart some of my food wisdom on you.

#1 - South Bound Sandwich Works (otherwise known as SBSW) is in the Correct Time Plaza and is a hidden gem of a sandwich shop. With an authentic railroad theme, most of the sandwiches are named according to the theme. An insider there once told me that the best sandwich is "the Conductor". It is important to make the key ingredient swaps. First, swap the bread it comes on for the toasted sourdough. Secondly, swap the ham for turkey. This sandwich will definitely fill you up and be delicious.

#2 - Village Grill's Key West Chicken Salad was a staple during women's recruitment period. Village Grill was always packed with quick to-go orders. The salad comes with grilled chicken prepared "Key West" style that offered a different take on an average grilled chicken sandwich. It is also served with tortilla chips that adds a little guilt to the salad, but not enough to regret it. Add a little low-fat ranch to this salad and your mouth will melt.

#3 - Brixx Pizza is located in Alamance Crossing and is phoenix card friendly! Since Mellow Mushroom overshadowed Brixx pizza, it has been a quiet addition to the new shopping center. The sandwiches, salads, and pizzas are all divine. A margherita pizza always seems easy in nature and almost impossible to mess it up. However, as simple as it is, often places can mess it up if fresh ingredients are not used. Brixx Pizza uses fresh mozzarella and basil on a thin crust that makes this pizza delectable.

Shakori Hills Music Festival April 22-25

2010-03-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Shakori Hills music festival is on April 22-25th in Pittsboro, NC (about 45 mins south of Elon). Its an amazing 4-day grassroots event featuring lots of local and regional bands. The festival has a lot of dancing, local food, art and crafts. http://www.shakorihills.org/

Its a giant camping event, so you can pitch your tent, or park your car and sleep in that too.

A 4-day pass is $90, and daily passes to the festival range from $22-37 depending on the day you choose.

Or you can go for free by volunteering your time to help promote their solar cell project in the crowd while the bands are playing.

http://www.shakorihills.org/solarize-shakori-project/

Frightened Rabbit

2010-03-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's the beginning of spring break and that means some more great music is coming your way. This time I'll introduce you to Frightened Rabbit. They're from Scotland and they just might be my favorite band in the world. Their new album, The Winter of Mixed Drinks, has amazing lyrics, with catchy hooks and and a big sound. Don't take my word for it. Go to Youtube and listen to their new single, "Nothing Like You," and tell me how awesome they are.

Frightened Rabbit- Nothing Like You

The Morning Benders

2010-03-15T16:01:00.001-07:00

For my first post on this glorious blog I thought I'd write about one of my favorite bands, one I saw in concert last Friday. As the title suggests, I'm talking about The Morning Benders. This band from Berkeley, CA has come a long way since their debut album, "Talking Through Tin Cans,"
came out 2 years ago. That album was indie pop with an emphasis on 'pop.' Don't get me wrong, it was a very good album, but it seems almost empty compared with their new album, "Big Echo." The latter is produced by Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor, a man with a great skill for guitar flourishes, feedback and small details. All of that comes through on Big Echo. Lead singer Chris Chu is, to put it bluntly, phenomenal. He has an incredible voice that sounds like someone from the 60's and his musical vision is incredible. Don't take it from me, click on this link and enjoy Excuses, the opening song from Big Echo. It uses a Phil Spector wall of sound aesthetic to accomplish something that is both visually and auditorily stunning.

The Morning Benders- Excuses (youtube video)

Aimee Bender at Elon

2010-03-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Aimee Bender, one of my favorite writers in the world, is coming to Elon. She will be reading at 7:00 on March 17th. Details on the location soon. I imagine the reading wil be in either Whitley or McCrary.

5 Reasons why you should come see Aimee Bender in action

1. She writes fairytales for grown ups - Her stories all have this amazing fantastical element to them that makes them unrealistic but they are written so well, they become realistic. I am sure she is going to read a story that is both bizzare and heartbreaking.

2. She is really cool. Check out this interview.

3.She has named Oscar Wilde, Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm and Anne Sexton as influences on her writing. Who is influenced by The Brothers Grimm? Aimee Bender.

4. If your mind was blown by visiting writer Kevin Wilson, watch out. He says that she is HIS hero. She is mine too.

5. She does all the things were are told not to do in our writing. You know the warnings we get? She writes what she wants to write and she is kicking butt at it.

Local Businesses Bring Bikes to Burlington

2010-02-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

A new used bike shop has popped up on University Dr. right next to University Grill. Its called Elon Bike Shop Buy, Sell and Trade and they have a wide assortment of all types and sizes of bikes, including mountain bikes, nice road bikes, some vintage fixed gear bikes, and kids' bikes (training wheels included).

The shop seems to hold irregular hours (and likes to simultaneously hang open and closed signs in the window), so I wasn't able to go inside, but I just looked through the windows to see what they had. There was also a used, black drum set in the window.

All the bikes are very reasonably priced (all the price tags are dangling off the handle bars quite visibly) and probably in good working condition.

Have you thought of joining the cycling club at Elon but don't own a bike? Have you considered how fun it would be riding to school on a bike instead of driving this spring? There are probably a lot of reasons that's a really good idea, including being able to enjoy the weather on nice days, getting in a little bit of exercise, and saving gas and carbon emissions by keeping your car off the road a couple days each week.

If you're looking for high-end, new bikes, check out J&L Bicycle Co. in downtown Burlington, located at 216 Front St next to the future location of the Company Shops Market Co-op.

They offer a wide line of new bicycles of all kinds, as well as all the clothing, equipment and accessories you may want to go with your bike. They also have a couple weekly group rides that would be great to get involved in.

I noticed this sticker placed in the windows of a lot of stores downtown in solidarity, to help Company Shops Market raise funds and awareness for the local food co-op in Burlington's future. Keep it up CSM! Learn how to support them and the local food cause here.

If you have any desire or need for any kind of bike, Burlington's got you covered. Go snag one now so that you're ready to take an impromptu bike ride whenever our warm, spring days finally arrive.

Getting off the BioBus at Stop #3

2010-02-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

Dear downtown Burlington,

I'm so glad we've finally met. I feel like this will be quite a mutually beneficial acquaintance.

If you get off the BioBus at stop #3 (S. Spring St. at May Memorial Library), there are a number of pretty fantastic places to wander in and out of, especially if you're looking for food, coffee, cheap furniture, random antiques, thrift store clothing, a florist, a movie, or just interesting outdoor places to hang out on pretty days.

I'm a fan of all the random boutiques and inexpensive trinket shops and thrift stores around just about every corner. Ah, for example:

There are a couple restaurants on Front Street, including:

I just recently got the Mussaman Curry with tofu at Anna's Thai cafe. It was super creamy because not only do they add peanut butter to the sauce, but avocado too. The thick sauce also had tons of cashews, potato and onions in it. It was pretty deliciously spicy too. The inside of the restaurant is bigger but just as classy as Dan Thai and Simply Thai, however some rooms have a better atmosphere than others. It a place thats definitely worth checking out if you love thai food. You can even order delivery and take out ONLINE here.

On the corner of W. Davis Street and Spring Street, you can find a new NY Style pizza shop on, a fun, retro-themed coffee and pastry shop called the Perk-O-Later, or enjoy a peaceful yoga class, all within a single block.

The Perk-O-Later had a lifesized Elvis in the window as well as a giant frosted cake with records mushed into the frosting. I would've popped in for some steaming coffee but it was closed for the day already when I walked by at 1:30pm. Your best plan to get to this place during business hours would be to drive yourself, since its never open when the BioBus is making rounds. Their business may likely suffer because of this.

The outside of the yoga studio looked pretty intriguing, with the plastic laminated OM symbol hanging atop the heavy wooden door.

I've heard the owner of The Pizza Corner is from New York City. Its authenticity was confirmed when I saw that the slices they serve are about three times the size of your face and the crust this super thin....so I'm thinking this place is a pretty safe bet. Grab a slice or a gyro or a calzone and tell us what you thought of it!

There are also some other random places to look around and spots to sit outside if you and some friends are blessed with a sunny day and some spare time.

A Florist

Haute couture, most definitely.

The old Paramount Theater still shows movies and hosts events and performances seasonally.

This is the outdoor amphitheater right next to Anna's Thai Café.

While the BioBus is now going to downtown Burlington Monday-Thursday from 2:30pm-6:30pm to transport service learning classes and volunteers to their non-profit organizations safely and in an attempt at doing so in a greener way, you should go explore the downtown area in your spare time or after you've finished logging service learning hours at the office this spring.

We have a bright future together, downtown Burlington.

love,

the bored and underwhelmed Elon student

check this e-net post or this one for more info on how to get there!

Brickstyle wants to know your impression of the downtown area, as it is working hard to become a more exciting place for foot traffic as a place for people to gather. With the BioBus running most afternoons now, Burlington has their fingers crossed that Elon students will help bring some energy to the streets of downtown.

Top Five Stellar Albums of 2009

2010-02-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Last week I blogged a list of 25 Stellar Albums of 2009 (and purposefully left out the last five). I saved the remaining five because they deserve the respect of a more focused blog post.

For this mix, I included 2 songs from each album. Enjoy!

5. "Reservoir" by Fanfarlo. In October of last year I traveled to New York for some job searching/networking. The week I went just so happened to be during the CMJ Festival. The College Media Journal week-long event is for college radio where "indie" bands (large and small) play showcases hosted by blogs, labels, promotion companies, etc. I saw Fanfarlo at a pre-CMJ party, and they blew my mind somewhere between the well organized songs and passionate singing. I swiftly went to find a copy of their debut album "Reservoir." It did not let me down. Some "indie" bands have this very egotistical "we're so much better than you and we're just in it for the money and the fame and the Pitchfork street cred." I didn't get that vibe from Fanfarlo's live show or from their album. The album sounds like the members put forth a passionate effort to make music they believe in, and the result is an album that sounds like they didn't have to try hard to make quality music. Fanfarlo can best be described as a more soothing, less chaotic, European Arcade Fire.

4. "Broken" by Soulsavers. Soulsavers first caught my ears with "It's not how far you fall, it's how you land" which included the beautiful single "Revival." "Broken," Soulsavers' third album and second to feature Mark Lanegan on vocals, was created in an attempt to create the live sound the band discovered when touring with Lanegan to promote "It's not how far..." The album continues the same dark path in the previous albums with even deeper journeys into folk, rock, gospel, trip-hop, and soul. Mark Lanegan is featured on most of the songs, but the album also features contributions from Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Jason Pierce, Mike Patton, Richard Hawley, Gibby Haynes, and a few songs featuring the beautiful voice of a young Australian singer who goes by the name "Red Ghost." The Soulsavers duo keeps the music tight, lush and incredibly well mixed with beautiful instrument production while Lanegan maintains a nice balance by adding his raspy, dark disposition.

3. "200 Years of Bad Luck" by Crippled Black Phoenix. CBP is composed of members of Mogwai and Electric Wixard. While the members come from a post-rock background and CBP is considered post-rock, the album has a few progressive rock elements thrown in. The songs range from sort of short to really long, and all are top quality. Songs like "Burnt Reynolds" and "Rise Up and Fight" have an epic, soulful rock sound while other songs like "Time of Yer Life / Born for Nothing / Paranoid Arm of Narcoleptic Empire" and "Wendigo" reflect the post-rock background with slow, icy strings and swirling guitar. In between songs there are also occasional Monty Python-esque circusy songs to balance out some of the darker tones.

2. "Cheer Me, Perverts!" by Flat Earth Society. I stumbled upon FES while looking for modern groups that reflect Frank Zappa-like personalities. Flat Earth Society is a jazz orchestra from Belgium. Unlike a lot of avant-garde jazz, Flat Earth Society is highly listenable, and nowhere as freaky as Sun Ra or John Zorn. The pieces are well arranged, making chaos sound like clockwork with the tight relationships between all of the instruments. It's an instrumental album, but you can tell that there is a sense of humor involved with the songwriting. The music is lighthearted yet incredibly cerebral. While this album may not be appreciated on the first listen by those unaccustomed to this style of jazz, it is definitely something that can grow on the active listener and very deserving of the #2 slot.

And finally... drumroll please...

1. "Troubadour" by K'naan. Somalian rapper K'naan blew me away with his incredibly raw and angry debut "The Dusty Foot Philosopher." "Troubadour" finds K'naan covering the same topics of the troubles of Somalia and mainstream rappers who act like gangsters but don't know shit. The difference between the two (fantastic) albums is that "Troubadour" has a much softer, more-produced sound. Now, there is a difference between a more-produced sound and an over-produced sound (cue anything T-Pain or the like). The difference with the two K'naan albums is that "Troubadour" reflects a more optimistic light than "Dusty Foot." It's a much happier sounding album, yet it is still addressing the issues K'naan is passionate about (like the Somalian pirates, growing up in a violent place as a kid, leaving his family behind, etc). I don't like one album over the other, but "Troubadour" definitely stands out as 2009's top album. K'naan sings beautifully and many different styles are explored along with other featured musicians such as Mos Def, Damian Marley and Kirk Hammett (Metallica's guitarist with a stunning solo featured in the re-working of "If Rap Gets Jealous" from K'naan's first album). The thing I probably love the most about "Troubadour" is that it sounds like a fantastic mainstream hip-hop album, yet it is socially, politically and culturally aware. It's real. Proving that music can be mainstream and can have some sort of fiber unlike 99% of music currently on the pop/rap charts.

I hope you get a chance to sample the 25 albums I've posted, and I hope I provided you with some new music to fall in love with.

Check out the Spring Awakening Tour

2010-02-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

Spring Awakening is going to be in Durham, NC this March among other locations on its national tour. This rock musical has won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical for 2007. Based in late nineteenth century Germany, the show discusses very heavy subject matter and packs an amazing soundtrack. Check out the show's website and see for yourself... http://www.springawakening.com/

The Durham, NC show is being held at the Durham Performing Arts Center from March 2-7, 2010.
March 2 (Tue) at 7pm
March 3-4 at 7:30pm
March 5 at 8:00pm
March 6 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
March 7 at 1:00pm & 6:30pm
For more information about tickets and pricing, check out http://www.dpacnc.com/
As college students, we're always looking for ways to save on tickets. To save some money, think about going in a large group. Groups of more than ten get an immediate 10% discount off their ticket purchase. There will also be student rush tickets for $22 that can be purchased on the day of the performance.

The show is amazing, and if that is not enough incentive, some former Elon University students are actually in the tour cast!

Local Music Mini-Mecca: 7th Annual Double Barrel Benefit - Feb 5th & 6th

2010-01-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

Presented by NCSU's 88.1 WKNC, The Pour House in downtown Raleigh brings us the 7th Annual Double Barrel Benefit, featuring a two-night local music extravaganza type thing.

On Friday night, Max Indian will headline, with opening acts including Bellefea (pronounced Bella-fay-ah), Veelee, and The Light Pines. I'm particularly excited to see Bellefea, with a lead singer, Heather McEntire, who's gorgeous voice breaks and melts depending on the agression and intensity of their often bipolar setlist. I pretty much got hooked on her when I saw her perform an amazing show with Mount Moriah several months ago at Duke Coffeehouse. I'm also looking forward to checking out Max Indian for the first time (who will also be playing at The Light House on February 19th with The Light Pines and Ryan Gustafson, btw).

Saturday night, the headliner is Roman Candle, but I'll be showing up to see Midtown Dickens, my one of my favorite NC bands, leading the anti-folk/punk folk scene in Durham. Midtown Dickens are lead by best friends, Kym and Katherine. They always play a hugely creative (read: improvised, different every time) and lively set. There is a great, light-hearted dynamic between Kym and Katherine, who keep the audience laughing in between tunes with humorous stage banter and a performance that never fails to leave you sweaty and tired of so much smiling. The Tender Fruit and Spider Bags are also big names in the Triangle and are known for putting on fantastic live shows.

Come out and fill your live music quota, locally!

The Double Barrel Benefit will be going down at The Pour House in Raleigh both nights. Tickets: $7 in advance (online), or $9 at the door (add $5 if you're under 21). A $14 2-night pass for both nights is also available.

Doors open at 8pm so you can grab a couple beers before the first band takes the stage at 9pm.

Performing Friday, Feb 5th

Max Indian - southern rock/folk rock

Bellafea - rock/punk/folk
Veelee

The Light Pines - indie pop/rock

Performing Saturday, Feb 6th

Roman Candle - indie rock/folk rock

Spider Bags - indie rock

Midtown Dickens - punk folk/anti-folk ....SOO GOOD

The Tender Fruit - indie folk/americana

New Downtown Burlington Bio Bus Route

2010-01-31T14:37:00.001-08:00

“Starting Feb. 1, the Kernodle Center and EV! will be launching the new BioBus pilot program for the spring to create a stronger bond between the university and the Burlington community through service learning, and providing more business for the local economy”

I have been going down into Downtown Burlington for the last 3 years to go antiquing and jewelry hunting. There is a really great woman’s thrift store downtown that has provided me with some interesting pieces over the years. I really like the area but there are a lot of abandoned stores and it always looks abandoned. My roommate and I became really good friends with a jewelry seller on one of the side streets. She made her own jewelry and sold consignment clothes at a really good price. It was a really great store and even though I tried my best to spread the word, she went out of business last winter.
There is a lot of potential in downtown Burlington and I always thought that the Elon community could do a lot to help that area. I have a lot of beef with the island that Elon inhabits within this community. We have hundreds of Mac computers and dozens of video cameras at our disposal but we complain about late fees and broken printers. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of people at Elon do a lot of great things. Pelican Scholars is a great program but how much are we doing in the community around us? Burlington has a terrible illiteracy rate and a good amount of the population is underneath the poverty line.
I want to start featuring some of possibilities for fun in the Burlington area. If you have any stories to share, email me at showard4@elon.edu.
Here is some more info:

Departs from Moseley Center parking lot
-1 hour loop
-Monday-Thursday
-Departs at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. (5:30 is last pick-up)
-The loop has six stops with most partnering service sites* within a 10 minute walking radius
-This route can be used for any purpose, as it is a public bus system that starts and ends at Elon. Bring a group of friends to try out a new cafe, volunteer at the Boys and Girls club, work part-time or visit May Memorial Library.
-For more information join us at College Coffee on Feb. 2 or email us: elonvols@elon.edu

25 Stellar Albums of 2009:

2010-01-31T14:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I know it has been a while since the last time I posted, and for this I sincerely apologize. My blogging efforts found themselves in political angst.

Anyways, you may be asking yourself "why the hell is he writing a 2009 list? that was so one month ago." Well, in answer to your question, I absolutely hate the rush of lists that come out (sometimes even before the year ends).

These lists are typically generic across the board and I suppose are just for one blog or magazine to compete with another. I wanted to take my time to find some incredibly solid albums that may not have received the attention and recognition deserved. Good albums need time to sink in, and usually I discover awesome albums a year after they're out. I'm glad I waited because I didn't listen to the #1 and #2 albums until January of this year.

Disclaimer: If you're expecting Animal Collective's M.P.P. to be on this list, stop reading.

Oh, and before I start, there are absolutely NO local albums on this list. There were so many fantastic releases, and I didn't want to order them into a list. You can see a far-from-complete, yet still incredibly long list (and mix, yay!) on the dotmatrix project's blog.

This post will focus on 20 albums (with small blurbs) and later this week I'll post the final 5 with more detailed reviews.

Below, for your listening pleasure is a mix of the first 20.

25. Pure Reason Revolution - Amor Vincit Omina: PRR's sophomore album is an evolution from their debut "The Dark Third," an astral folk/new prog concept album with a continuous flow, brilliant layering of three guitars and some incredibly dynamic vocal harmonies. "A.V.O." examines a harder, more techno/electronica driven sound. The band had label problems and several member changes, but the intricate vocal harmonies are still present as you can hear on "Deus Ex Machina."

24. These days it's pretty hard to find good rock & roll. Well, The Discipline's "Smoking Kills" hits the nail on the head. Just listen to "Yours for the Taking" and you'll see what I mean.

23. Remember the 90's alternative band Toad the Wet Sprocket? Ever wonder what happened to lead singer Glen Phillips? No? Well, you should probably start wondering now. In his new folk-rock band, Works Progress Administration, Glen works with members of Nickle Creek, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello & The Impostors, and Fiction Family.

22. John Vanderslice is one of those people in "indie" rock who lurks in the shadows. He's one of the nicest people I've ever met, he is involved with many other band's projects and he's well known in many music circles, yet his albums never really get the attention they deserve for their innovation and careful production. Vanderslice is in love with analog recording and his albums are well produced, lyrically sad and musically upbeat. "Romanian Names" is a fantastic pop rock record that demands multiple careful listens.

21. Music in foreign languages can bother some people. You spend more time trying to figure out what they're saying and not enough on the music. I have no idea what Kent is saying, but the way the lyrics blend with the dance beats and swirling keys. I have no problem understanding the message.

20. Remember how I mentioned good rock is hard to find? Well, really fun, smart rock is harder to find. The Rifles' sophomore album "the Great Escape" is straight up fun, and everything we loved about British rock from the 90's.

19. Like John Vanderslice, Andrew Bird has a tendency to release fantastic albums, yet is overshadowed by Pitchfork's Animal Collective wet dreams. There is no doubt that Bird is one of the most talented, versatile violin players (and one of the best professional whistlers around). "Noble Beast" is full of feel-good songs laced with quality musicianship.

18. Punk is one of those genres that started with purpose and then turned into immature, middle school level crap with absolutely nothing to say. The Riverboat Gamblers take their sound where punk should be: intelligent and to the point. "Underneath the Owl" is a solid album and it will make you want to jump up and rock out.

17. The Protomen are known for their rock operas about Megaman. And since I am completely uncultured in the video game world, I really had no interest. This is until I heard "Breaking Out" off of "Act II: The Father of Death." I still don't know anything about Megaman, but the passion and careful production echo what Bruce Springsteen would be like if he really loved video games.

16. I say Wasilla, Alaska and immediately Sarah Palin comes to mind. Now (depending on your politics) your opinion of Wasilla might change when you hear Portugal. The Man's new album "The Satanic Satanist." PtM dabbles in progressive rock with poppy-hooks and political intelligence. "People Say" hooked me on the band, and for good reason. I hope it does the same for you.

15. Aviv Geffen is loved and hated in Israel. He has the bi-sexual stage attitude of David Bowie and a political spirit that we saw in American protest singers in the 70's. "Aviv Geffen" is his first album in English. It's sad, passionate and beautiful. "Cloudy Now"-a song previously written in English for Blackfield, a project with Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson, and reworked for this album-is a fantastic representation of Geffen's work.

14. I admire instrumental bands who can create captivating music. Today our attention spans tend to require lyrics or else we'll get bored. Album Leaf's "A Chorus of Storytellers" will not leave you bored. It's especially good music to put on as you lay down and relax.

13. Bomb the Music Industry! likes to release their albums for free. And no, they don't suck. They're raw, but the production isn't lacking. They're sarcastic and they're angry and "Scrambles" is a solid album. Get it, it's free!

12. I'm a sucker for really good folk-rock that takes a soulful direction. Canada's The Wooden Sky released a beautiful album last year entitled "If I don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone." It's in the same musical vein as The Snake The Cross The Crown and you will want to listen to it on repeat.

11. William Elliot Whitmore makes you want to drink whiskey. "Animals In the Dark" is a more than just a man-and-guitar folk album. Whitmore's voice has so much to say and you can tell he's putting his soul into these songs.

10. When I heard that the Black Keys were doing a hip-hop album (entitled Blackroc) with some well known rappers, I became very excited. The album is exactly what I expected, except for the tracks featuring Nicole Wray. Her voice is gold and it fits perfectly on her two featured tracks. The rest of the album is solid, but Wray is what takes this album to another level. Honestly, I hope the Keys and Wray write an album together.

9. Metric has an ability to make fantastic synth and guitar hooks that support the dark mind of singer Emily Haines. "Fantasies" is no exception, and is a top-quality pop-rock album.

8. Lucero is one of those bands that you might not know of, but probably should. "1372" Overton Park" is one of the few really talented bands keeping alternative country alive and well.
It rocks and it has soul and it's an album you want to throw on when you're going for a drive.

7. "Kingdom of Rust," is the latest album from UK band Doves. Overshadowed by bands like Radiohead and Muse, Doves are lost in the spotlight. Their latest is absolutely beautiful, which was expected since it took them forever to release it.

6. Porcupine Tree is starting to build a strong reputation for fantastic, evolving song-craft. The Incident is a continuously flowing album (with the exception of 4 bonus tracks on a separate disk) that looks at various different "incidents" in life, good and bad. There are elements of PT's softer-poppy elements, industrial creepiness, and hard-driving metal in "The Incident." It's an overall solid album, but it still has nothing on the likes of "In Absentia" and "Signify." Side note: I included 2 songs from the album because they're short and fit together seamlessly.

5. You'll have to wait and see!!

Local NC Bands playing "Save the Arts" benefit show 1/29!

2010-01-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

Midtown Dickens, Megafaun, The Beast, Hammer No More + more will be playing a "Save the Arts Education for the children" benefit show in Durham NEXT FRIDAY 1/29!

These artists, spanning genres such as indie/folk/alternative/rock/rap/experimental, represent the amazingly talented and diverse mixture of sounds coming out of the raleigh/durham/CH area these days. This show is sure to be the greatest performance from the brilliant NC local music scene of the decade [thus far]!!

6pm, $10 suggested donation

Friday, January 29, 2010

401 West Geer St., Durham, NC

come out and show your support for arts education in local public schools. enjoy the sounds. great times are guaranteed.

http://cpsfcsaveourarts.weebly.com/

http://www.myspace.com/midtowndickens

http://www.myspace.com/megafaun

http://www.myspace.com/thebeastreality

Avatar: A Belated Review

2010-01-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the first time you saw The Matrix? I do. I was maybe twelve or thirteen and I had rented it behind my parent’s back – they wouldn’t let me see it because it was rated R – and watched it with a couple of friends. They had been telling me to see it for months just because it was so different. I remember seeing bullet time and thinking it was pretty much the coolest thing ever. Most of all, I remember liking it because it was so different from what I had seen before.

Now it’s been a decade and I feel pretty much the same way with Avatar. I went to go see it as a last minute thing with a few friends over break (some of whom where the same folks from way back when that got me to first watch The Matrix) and lucky for us, the local megaplex had put in an IMAX screen just for the occasion. When we regrouped about three hours later for some late night food, the conversations still hadn’t faded away – the acid-trip, day-glo bioluminescence in the jungle at night; the magnetic flying mountains; the fact that we forgot partway through that most of characters were 10 foot tall blue cat people. In fact, this was the movie that made me think that 3D Is a possibly viable medium.

Yes, I’ll be the first to admit that the characters were weak and the plot was Dances with Smurfs. Was it a perfect film? By no means. But Avatar reminds us that cinema is a visual medium, so much so that we’re willing to forgive these flaws… or at least I am. Is this the future of cinema? Is Avatar the next the Matrix or the next Jurassic Park, a film that changes the way we do things? Only time can tell, and I'm not qualified enough to predict the future, but I'm willing to lean that way.

HBO Imagine

2010-01-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

I am really into the different ways people tell stories and HBO has created an awesome new way to explore movies. HBO imagine shows you a story from many different angles. You can rotate a cube to see a story from many different points of view. It is really high tech but it feels almost old school as a storytelling tactic. Writers have always created stories that are fully realized by different points of view. This storytelling technique also reminds me of video artists who take this idea into the instillation art space. Check it out, here.

Weekly Roundup

2010-01-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

in honor of my new Star Trek DVD.

Here is a round up of some fun things I have heard happening at Elon this week plus some links around the web I think you should see.

This Friday, Elon Dance Department is holding it's own SYTYCD finale. Click here to get the facebook details.

Rock Climbing with Elon Outdoors for cheap.

Have you heard of 35 cent wings Thursday at University Grill? You need to do it!

Trollinger House is acting as an art gallery. Curated by our own Lily Brown, Old Soul, New Space has an opening tonight.

Elsewhere:

Super cool, well designed to do lists

I know I am late but it is always interesting. Best songs of the 2000's

Love the cartoon work of Pasquale D'Silva

Amazing design blog.

If you have something to add to the weekly round up or want to create one of your own for the blogosphere, hit me up sheneehoward@gmail.com

Hello World!

2010-01-12T06:26:00.001-08:00

Brick Style is back for the year and we are looking for any new things that are happening this semester. A lot of my writers are deep in winter term things so I will be taking control of some of the entry writing ( as much as I can ) over this winter term. If you are interested in contributing to Brick Style, email me at sheneehoward@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2009

2009-12-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

Everything from a 140-foot long catwalk covered in 100 pounds of glitter to live performances from Black Eyed Peas to models wearing a total of 124 feet of faux hair all hosted by Heidi Klum who just had a baby six weeks ago – what else would you expect from the Victoria Secret Fashion Show. The annual show premiered last night on CBS and lived up to its typical expectations of glamour and suprises. The show featured great music, glamorous costumes and even a live “America’s Next Top Model” like reality show throughout the hour.

The show really revolved around era’s featuring futuristic, 60’s, 40’s and even enchanted forest themed attire. Here were some of my favorites:

Over the knee boots paired with shorter skirts and lingerie
Attire incorporating balloons such as trains, vest and accessories
Faux Fur
Bomber Jackets (not seen in the show, but all the Angels were wearing them!)
Futuristic metal (especially in the opening number for Black Eyed Peas Boom Boom Pow)
Cropped Vests and Jackets which were displayed with open backs creating a very sexy look

If you want a better look check out http://www.vsallaccess.com

for more highlights, photos and videos.

Holiday Entertaining

2009-11-28T05:01:00.000-08:00

Turkey. Stuffing. Cranberries. Mashed Potatoes, Yams and Marshmallows. Green Bean Casserole. Pumpkin Pie. Pecan Pie. All the usual suspects for a Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving has evolved into a lovely eating holiday for our country. Forget the fact that half of these foods were not present at the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Indians. Thanksgiving is undoubtingly one of America’s favorite holidays. It also is the official kickoff to the HOLIDAY SEASON!!! (not halloween, in case you were confused last time you entered a mall) If you need any ideas of some holiday recipes, I have collected a few for you to try. I have tested most of these recipes and you cannot go wrong with them on your table tonight. So if you have been talking about throwing a holiday party, now is your time to do it!

Over the next few weeks, I will post fun and festive holiday recipes. I guarantee that each recipe will be more delicious than the next. I will also give you the link to the recipe for you to find directly, as well as sneak in some perfected secret family recipes for holiday dining from some well respected chefs (my parents).

HAPPY LATE THANKSGIVING!

2009-11-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

I am sorry it's late but I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. : )

Something cool from one of my favorite blogs: Creature Comforts

Little cute printouts for the holidays coming up. Check it out here.

THE 90'S Part 1

2009-11-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

I recently created a 90's compilation CD cover for my corporate publishing class and it got me thinking about all of the stuff I like about that decade. If you know me at all, you know that I am obsessed with the 90's and wish that I could go back there. There are a lot of obvious things we make associations with ( boy bands, spice girls, baggy pants, ect. )but what about the other stuff? What are some of the less obvious things that defined your 90's experience? This is mostly a old school Nick shout out.Here are some things I thought of:

The Goofy Movie: This movie is a huge part of my upbringing. My mom says that my sister and I watched it a couple of times a week. I was recently talking to a friend of mine about being Powerline for Halloween next year.

Guts, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Wild and Crazy Kids: I lump all of these up in the same category because they came on one after the other on Saturday afternoons. I wanted to be on these shows so badly. Go Green Monkeys!

Sabrina the Teenage Witch
No one ever talks about her but she was the Miley Cyrus of our generation. I grew up on that show. I am sure I have seen every episode.

All That!
Welcome to good burger home of the good burger can I take your order?

Email me at showard4@elon.edu and tell me some of your favorite 90's things

Free Show Tonight

2009-11-11T09:37:00.001-08:00

FREE SHOW TONIGHT!

Matt Douglas of Raleigh band the Proclivities and The Small Pods (with Whiskeytown co-founder Caitlin Cary) will be playing a free solo show at the Lighthouse tonight at 9pm. It's free so you have no excuse to miss it!

The Proclivities
The Small Ponds

How to Layer Up and Down this Season

2009-11-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, summer clothing is quickly dwindling with the change of weather. However, how can you dress appropriately for Elon’s weather? I don’t know about you but it seems that every day the weather changes where you wake up to a 50° morning and find that you’re sweating by the rise to 80° by mid afternoon! Here are some great pieces that can easily fit into anyone’s wardrobe to transition into the fall/winter season for Elon’s weather while also staying stylish.

Try an oversized blazer. The boy-cut blazer has been a huge style statement this season. Whether tailored, knit or tweed a simple blazer can easily fit over any outfit while also keeping you bundled up for the cold weather. It can easily be worn during the day or night making it a perfect staple piece for the season. Urban Outfitters, Target and Nordstroms all have a great variety of options in a variety of colors. I even found some vintage styles at the local Trollinger Treasures for $3!

Try a leather bomber jacket. It seems that leather and rough is back in - making the bomber jacket a perfect way to stay warm while staying edgy. Lots of metal, leather, and pockets are necessary in order to create the look - and make sure to try it on first to make sure it works with your body type, (side zipper, front zipper, double-breasted etc.).

Attention: Calling for NY Bagels!!

2009-11-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

Burlington, North Carolina offers whatever food you want whenever you want it. It is surprising, however, that there is not a real authentic bagel shop remotely even close. Brueggers, Panera, Thomas Bagels don’t cut it. Elon is missing a genuine New York style bagel café and deli that offers freshly made cream cheese (the kind of cream cheese that you can see the mixed in ingredients), breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches with sliced to order lunch meat, and an assortment of traditional and interesting bagel flavors. Imagine biting into a delicious freshly made bagel that has been toasted, shmeared with copious amounts of your favorite flavor of creamy cream cheese. Everyone can relate to the comfort that can be found in any bagel, especially in the morning, after a long evening. Opening a bagel shop in Burlington could be your next entrepreneurial effort! There would be lines out the door every Saturday and Sunday, and you’d be providing Burlington with a great new addition.

Holy Flamenco

2009-10-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of seeing a real traditional Flamenco show in Madrid, Spain. If there's every an opportunity to see one near Burlington I definitely recommend it! Though the show was hardly what I was expecting, it was a really amazing cultural experience.

When I pictured a Flamenco show in my head, I was thinking there would be a male and female

dancer, and they'd sashay across the floor together in big sweeping steps- not so. There was a guitar player, and a male and female singer, and then 2 female dancers and a male dancer (who had an uncanny resemblance to Michael Jackson). The guitarist would play as the singers alternated passionately belting out verses of songs, though unfortunately I didn't understand many of the words. Then one of the dancers would come in, and it was like they were adding the percussion to the music with their feet. And then at some points all the other music would stop, and the dancer would just tap and tap, and toss their hair, and beat out an entire song with their feet. From some of the beats, it seemed impossible that anyone could move their feet that fast, or maintain the rhythm, but they did.

Definitely the highlight of the show was when one of the women dancers came out to do her dances at the very end. She at least in her late 50's, but she strutted onto the stage in a beautiful red dress with her hair perfectly done, her face all made up, and a huge smile on her face the entire time. Everyone in the room loved her, which I could tell from the chorus of "ole's" that were shouted at the stage as her feet moved faster and faster. All in all, it was a great experience, and a nice way to spend a a few hours of my evening in Madrid. Ole!

More Troika!!

2009-10-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Want more Troika! Check out this awesome video from BrickStyle's own Christine Mallia!

Troika Music Festival 2009 from mallia on Vimeo.

World of Glee Continues

2009-10-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Glee has just begun. Eight episodes in. I was just discussing with my roommate what needed to be said about this show. In the end, we decided that for those individuals brand new or on the fence about this show, watch it with a group of people. Choose a friend and laugh, sing along, anything. It is not a television show that takes itself serious. How many shows would even attempt to create a mash-up of Sisqo’s “The Thong Song” and My Fair Lady’s “I Could Have Danced All Night”? Well, not even Glee considered that possible, but they tried. The result was Will Schuester singing, or should I say ‘rapping’, “The Thong Song” to the sweet doe-eyed Emma, while she stood overwhelmed by the puffy mess of lace and train that was paying homage to Princess Diana’s wedding gown. If you’ve never seen the original, go ahead and google it. It really was that big. The mash-up attempt also allowed us to hear Jayma Mays, the actress who plays Emma, singing for the first time. Again, the entire cast is extremely talented. All we need is Will’s wife to belt out a song and everyone will have showcased their vocal abilities.

(not the best video quality, but the best I could find for this song)

I don’t know about you, but I was a little disappointed by some of the storylines lately. There have been a few that have just fallen a little flat. For instance, when Sue gave up control over the Glee club so easily or when Puck started dating Rachel because of a dream. Don’t you agree that there are plenty of these moments? In the end, I choose to see the shortcomings as just necessary evils in keeping the storyline moving. I can overlook Sue’s out of character decision when I see her swing dance with Will Schuester and wear a bright red zoot suit, and I can overlook bad-boy Puck’s random love-connection with Rachel when it results in his charming rendition of “Sweet Caroline.” Check out Glee on Fox Wednesdays at 9:00p.m. and see what you think.

Coming Shroom! Mellow Mushroom's mouthwatering menu

2009-10-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

As you drive down Huffman Mill Rd you are overwhelmed with all of the food options. Applebee’s, Namaste, Crazy Fire, Subway, Ruby Tuesdays, Crazy Fire, Honey Baked Ham, Panera, Starbucks, Texas Road House, Taco Bell, Bojangles, Biscuitville, Arby’s, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse, Chik-filet, and many more. But a new restaurant is joining the Huffman Mill food team, Mellow Mushroom. Described as an amusement park of pizza, Mellow Mushroom will add an alternative choice on the fast-food freeway. This indie, eclectic chain is a different flavor for Burlington. The menu has many delicious healthy options paired with foods for your own personal indulgence. The menu offers “munchies” which are appetizers, salads, pizzas, calzones, hoagies, and a bar that offers local brews. If you love pizza there are some of the best options. The House Special, Mega Veggie, and Kosmic Karma are note worthy pizzas. With at least 5 toppings it is hard to not want more. The House Special includes: (1) Pepperoni, (2) Sausage, (3) Ground Beef, (4) Onions, (5) Green Peppers, (6) Mushrooms, (7) Black Olives, (8) Tomatoes, (9) Ham, (10) Bacon, and (11) extra cheese. Coming shroom, Mellow Mushroom should be your next stop while traveling down the franchised ally of Huffman Mill Rd.

Alamance County Co-op: An organic edition to Burlington dining

2009-10-25T21:02:00.001-07:00

Have you found it impossible to find food that is organic and sustainably grown in the Burlington area? Coming soon is the Alamance Co-op Grocery. Located in downtown Burlington, the Co-op is going to provide groceries and a café using local, small, sustainable farmers. A consumer at the Co-op will know exactly where the food came from, and how it was raised. The groceries will include produce, a deli and salad bar, bakery ideas, meats, beer and wine, and body care. There will also be a café part that will offer sushi, an organic coffee bar, bar food, all in a nice outdoor ambiance. The Co-op promotes the local community and economy, and will provide Burlington with a fresh new healthy alternative to the millions of fast food restaurants that crowd the streets. Unfortunately, the anticipating customers will have to wait until 2010 when the Co-op will officially open.

Here is the website for ownership and employment opportunities, as well as, more information about the Co-op! http://www.companyshopsmarket.coop/index.html

Paranormal Activity: Small Budget, Big Scares

2009-10-25T14:22:00.001-07:00

With Halloween just around the corner, the cineplexes are getting flooded by the usual horror flicks. But for every Saw installment and slasher remake this year, there's one film that is proving to be not only a solid 'scare fest' but also the underdog movie of the year. That movie is the low-budget ghost pic, Paranomal Activity.

The movie, about a young couple with a nasty demon in their house, was filmed completely on a home video camera and it is the subtle realism that really makes the movie stand out. Thumps in the night, a door swinging by itself; all these little things are just real and convincing enough to send chills down your spine.

The movie is very simple, a bit slow in parts, but in the end it succeeds in what it set out to do: scare the pants off movie-goers without big-name stars, flashy effects, or a big-budget. The theatre was packed and the animated audience made it a truly fun movie-going experience. This is one you've got to see in theaters on a late night. You'll have a great time and be hearing mysterious sounds in your house for nights after.

Feature Friday: Troika Music Festival!!

2009-10-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while since I've updated the music section here at Brick Style. There has been a lot going on in North Carolina's music scene. The Beast released a new album along with Ryan Gustafson, I Was Totally Destroying It, Birds & Arrows and Luego. In addition, a handful of NC bands had the opportunity to play CMJ this week (a big music festival in NYC for college radio).

There is more excitement in the distance. November 5-7 marks this year's Troika Music Festival. A huge music festival in Durham, NC featuring over 65 bands (most of them from NC and a few out-of-towners).

For the next two weeks, up until the festival, I will have mini-features of bands playing at Troika. So make sure you stay tuned!

$8 gets you into all of the venues each night, or you can pay $20 for a 3-day pass.

Name another festival where $20 bucks will get you 65+ quality bands. I don't think one exists.

You can stay informed on the Bullbot Troika blog and follow them on Twitter. Also, check out their website for the schedule of bands.

There is a promo video on its way!

So keep checking back here on Brick Style. In addition to featuring the bands, I might also feature the Triangle Brewing Company. Their beer is awesome.

It’s Going to be a BIG Fall

2009-10-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Everything in the fall is looking BIG. The key is to find a big essential that can fit with your style and into your wardrobe! Click on the links to see my favorite picks

Boots. If you’re a bit daring...

Big Over the Knee Boots is a key fashion statement for the fall. This style, although bold, has been seen in all of the runway shows and iseasy to incorporate into any fall wardrobe.

I know most high thigh boots instantly reminds people of Pretty Woman, but thi

s trend is anything but trashy. Whether pairing with a short hemmed dress or skinny jeans over

the knee boots show the perfect amount of leg for the fall. If you want boots for a more night look you should try some leather high-heeledboots. Some of my favorites are these Christian Louboutin’s; however that’s not very realistic. Steve Madden has some great pairs and so does Jessica Simpson for a more reasonable price.

For a more casual look a good neutral over

the knee flat boot is another good way You can

find a nice pair at shopbop.com or at for a little bit cheaper at bakers shoes, Target.com even has some for a mere $35! Make sure that y

ou try them on in order to make sure it’s the perfect height for your leg!

Bags. If you’re luxurious…

A Big Bag is a sleek way to be stylish this season with bags that take any look from day to night. Look for metal accessorizing, leather and luxurious when you’re shopping for your bags. Most big bags are able to be versatile for day and night time style.

Some of my favorites you can find at BCBG Maxazria or Urban Outfitters for less pricey.

Jewelry. If you're looking for something fun...

Big jewelry is an easy way to add a fashionable accent to your outfit. Any gossip girl fanatics would agree that big is in fact in, considering that almost every character sported

a big accessory this past season. I’ve been a huge fan of Kenneth Jay Lane lately but Forever 21.com has great reasonable pieces.

Elon's Convenient New Date Destination - Simply Thai

2009-10-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Has it occurred to anyone else that Burlington seems to have a knack for excellent, authentic Thai cuisine? With the long established and extremely popular Dan Thai located just off S. Church St, to the brand new Anita's Thai Cafe located in downtown Burlington on Front St, to the recently opened Simply Thai within walking distance from Elon's campus, I am amazed at Burlington's high concentration of high quality Thai cuisine to offer its lucky university population, as well as any adventurous palates within the residential populations here.

Though I was a loyal, regular customer to the lovely, highly acclaimed Dan Thai due to my intense love for Thai food and convenience, I recently made it out for my first dinner at the newly opened Simply Thai Restaurant. It is, of course, within walking distance from campus, located just down and across from Sandy's, in Timberline Station, along with Fat Frogg and a couple Skiing Outfitters stores (why Burlington seemed to be a smart, strategic choice for a winter sporting goods store, I can't be sure).

Everything about this place is elegant, classy, and and casual at the same time. Stepping just inside the front door, you will be immediately struck by the how gorgeous the large, golden Buddha wall hangings were against the stunning deep red color of the far wall. Also at the far end of restaurant is a sushi bar with ample number of sturdy chairs and stools, easily enough to handle a large lunch crowd.

Glancing skyward you will notice suspended staircase of white lighting platforms installed to cast a soft light upon the large tables directly below. This totally reminded me of some of M.C. Escher's relativity paintings.

The menu is extensive, including a wide variety of exotic salads, flavorful soups, sushi, Pho, chef specialties, signature Thai noodle dishes, and Thai curries. Not to mention an intriguing dessert menu and great selection of beer, wine, sake.

I ordered the Eggplant with tofu. It was bright, colorful, spicy, and completely gone in about 15 minutes. The eggplant is lightly fried, and all the veggies are

extremely fresh and covered in this spicy, savory brown sauce. My only complaint was they may have used a little too much oil, and that they did not have brown rice as an option. I'd totally get this again, though I'm not one to order the same thing twice.

My friend ordered the Spicy Noodles (Drunken Noodles) with chicken. She loved it and said she preferred it over the other Thai place, which, to me, was saying a lot, cause lets be honest, Dan Thai sets the bar HIGH for excellence in Thai food- not just in Burlington, but anywhere.

Overall Review of Simply Thai

Positive highlights include:

Ice - they use that crunchy, Sonic type ice that is vastly superior to all other forms of ice
DELICIOUS food - maybe even better than its long-established competitor- fresh and spiced perfectly
Large portions
Comfy chairs
Sushi is offered
Service - prompt to bring water, the free small salad with yummy peanut dressing
Ambiance- totally a date worthy destination - they've totally mastered the lighting, colors, interior design and decor.
price is comparable to the other Thai place

Cons

Thai ice tea wasn't as good as the one at Dan Thai
No free refills on my Thai Iced Tea like I'm used to at that other Thai restaurant
Peanut dressing on the free little salad with dinner isn't as good as Dan Thai's to me
Eggplant dish, though super tasty, was little bit on the greasy side
Servers seemed a little confused as to who was taking care of our table
No brown rice...yet

I would recommend Simply Thai to anyone who like fresh, delicious, adventurous food. As my friend described it, Simply Thai "is like a fusion between Dan Thai and Red Bowl," but its within walking distance from campus. This is a great place to satisfy any ethnic food craving- its convenient, reasonably priced, and offers an atmosphere that you might expect to find in a big city. This proximity issue, coupled with the fact that their food is as good, if not better than the other Thai places in B-Town, may soon cause me to change my regular destination to please my weekly Thai cravings.

What are your thoughts? What have you tried here? How does Simply Thai compare to that other Thai place in your mind?

Where will you be on October 24th?

2009-10-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Raleigh March for Climate Leadership

The time is now for real climate leadership, we need President Obama and Governor Perdue to show that they are committed to protecting our climate from runaway global warming.

October 24th is International Day of Climate Action

--Think globally, act locally--

Come march through Raleigh on October 24th from 2-5pm to demonstrate that the people want real change. There will be a rally before and after with great speakers, and then we will bring the message straight to the Governor.

For more information about this amazing event and to RSVP: http://www.350.org/Raleigh

The World of Glee

2009-10-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

What is the secret behind the success of a television series like Glee? There is singing, dancing, high school drama and cheerleaders. It sounds more like every other series, but instead, the show offers refreshingly witty dialogue and plenty of comedy. Of course, the outstanding soundtrack of weekly downloadable songs the cast cover is nothing to look down upon. In fact, songs from this show are listed as top sellers on I-tunes for anyone looking for new music to become addicted to. Might I suggest, Glee's rendition of "Somebody to Love" or the classic "Don't Stop Believing". In general, the story-lines are a little absurd starting with a boy being convinced that he got his girlfriend pregnant from a make out session in a hot tub (and yes, they were wearing bathing suits and only kissing) and the entire Glee club using pseudoephedrine to raise everyone's energy level creating a frighteningly energetic bunch of teenagers that go a little too far in the name of competition. Like most shows with teenage characters, the actors look much older than the sophomores they are supposed to be playing. Still, I wouldn't trade this cast even for a more age-appropriate one especially with Lea Michele, who plays Rachel, singing and looking like a very close relation to the amazingly talented Idina Menzel. My suggestion would be to check out Glee Wednesday nights at 9p.m. on Fox, even if it is only for the musical numbers that will be stuck in your head until the following week's download becomes available.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTzB8W8shi8)

Rural Roadside Snapshots

2009-10-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I went on a really nice, long bike ride along the country roads headed north of Elon....here are some of the shots I took along the way.

tobacco field

...getting close to Grove Winery

sky on crisp feeling day

Tractor and lady farmer

eerie old car...i can't quite figure out the theme of it...

child friendly bug exterminator from the post-war era?

seriously if you have any idea what this thing is, please give me a shout

grazing horses

shed in field near the horses

If you wanna know my exact route, just ask. and if you want to join me for a ride some thursday or friday afternoon just let me know... I'd love someone to enjoy this scenery with every now and then. :)

Loomcraft: the Fabric Outlet Store

2009-10-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

New to Burlington is a fabric outlet factory! You might have seen the huge sign beside I-40/85 that says FREE FABRIC.

Unlike many offers these days, there really is free fabric.

Shenee and Mica hit up several yard sales on the way (scoring several awesome deals, I might add), and had a wonderful adventure.

To get to this fabric outlet, take Exit 143 off of I-40/85. Turn south (if you are coming from the east you'll turn left, coming from Elon you'll turn right). Take a left on the road just past the Hardee's. Follow this road through cornfields for about a mile, then take a left at the stop sign. Before you reach the road that crosses over I-40, take a right into the parking lot of Loomcraft Fabric Outlet store. When you walk in, there are several bins that have free fabric scraps per customer. Just to be courteous, try to buy something to "earn" your free fabric.

This store is primarily interior fabrics for making curtains, upholstering furniture, etc., although there are some lighter cotton pieces for making clothes.

Have fun, thanks for reading!

DIY #3: What to do with all those leftover paint chips?

2009-10-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Mica had acquired hundreds (okay, maybe not THAT many) of paint chips--- probably many of you have the same problem, and if you're at all environmentally inclined you don't want to throw them away. But what to do with all of them?

Her bedroom window has a sizable windowsill and frame area: instead of keeping it plain white, she decided to make a rainbow collage, of sorts, from paint chips. These are Scotch taped together and to the wall, cut to size, overlapping, and put with similar shades and hues.

This design is a colorful surprise when the curtains are pulled open--it brightens up the room!

As with any art project, use your creative license: make a design, keep it all in the same color scheme or the same color, decoupage an old jar or lampshade-- the possibilities are almost limitless.

Have fun, be creative, thanks for reading! :)

Nature Photography

2009-10-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

Cucumber vine tendrils hugging the spoke of a bike tire...

Jackie in the wetland off of Highway 100 behind campus...

Tupelo, Mica's kitten, peeking out from under the backyard basil plant...

A mushroom that popped up in Mica's driveway...

A "writing spider" in the Highway 100 wetland...

A fluffy dandelion plant in the Highway 100 wetland...

A butterfly (looks like a Monarch) on a purple coneflower outside Loomcraft. Photo by Shenee.

All other photos by Mica, Sept-Oct 2009.

DIY #2: Shenee and Mica Fabricate a Corner Table Thing!

2009-10-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

1. Did you notice the clever pun in the title? FABRICate? Ha Ha :)
[Ahem]

Mica's neighbors had a yard sale with some interesting finds: among them a plastic corner table, which was pretty boring and kind of disgusting on top. So, Shenee and Mica decided to cover it with awesome fabric to make it beautiful, one-of-a-kind, and a more exciting addition to whichever room in Mica's house had space for it.

Drawing the shape of the tabletop onto the fabric as an outline for cutting. *This step is especially important because of the odd shape.*

Cutting the fabric to size and shape. We used the outside edge as a guide, rather than cutting it too small by using the inside.

Hot gluing the corners so they will lie flat in the shape and size to fit in the inside of the tabletop.

Applying Velcro, sticky-side down. The two Velcro pieces were latched together, then the sticky side peeled off the top layer so it could be placed and stuck in the correct spot on the tabletop.

Attaching the Velcro to the tabletop-- we opted for Velcro in case these covers need to be removed and washed.

Some assembly required.

The artists and the finished product, voila :)

The fabric is from Malawi, and we tried to incorporate at least one whole fish per shelf.

It ended up in the bathroom.

Thanks for reading, have fun!

~Mica

DIY #1: Painting a Desk

2009-10-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

- I bought a computer desk from a friend of mine, something that (AWESOMELY) folds up flat so I can put it into the trunk of my car when moving.

- It was a little bland, just plain wood.

- I bought a hutch from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Burlington, NC (be sure to measure the desk top space and hutch base before purchasing because you can't return items from such stores).

- It, too, was a little bland.

- Thus, I spruced them up a bit.

Step 1. Buy your wooden piece(s) to paint.

Step 2. Sand them down, if needed, to ensure a smooth painting surface.

Step 3. Purchase a bottle of gesso, a variety of brush sizes, and some acrylic paints from the painting section of a craft store. Gesso acts as a primer, of sorts, and is ideal if you'll be painting a dark wood piece in light colors. I opted for white gesso and a pack of different brushes from Hobby Lobby, which has occasional really good sales.

- My color scheme involved orange, fuchsia, gold, light yellow, dark brown, and bits of turquoise and white. It's important to not go overboard with the amount of colors, and try to keep them all of similar brightness but with some variety thrown in (like the dark brown to tie everything together). It's also nice to have one main color and several complimentary colors that are seen in smaller amounts. An art teacher of mine once ordered me to "never use the color directly from the tube!", so try experimenting with mixing your own color shades-- just be sure to mix enough so you don't run out!

Final Step. Cover the floor with an old shower curtain or drop cloth and let the creative juices flow :)

This turned out to be about a $15 project, not including the cost of the desk and hutch. Here are some detail photos:

to remind me of wonderful things (this is on the footrest part)

the part of the desk that faces me

view of the detail on the bars/rungs my kitten, Tupelo, loves to hang out on the keyboard drawer

Thanks for reading, enjoy :)

~Mica

2009-10-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

Another Brick Style break! : ) We are recruiting / getting some fun stuff together to show!

In the meantime, check out our other cool stuff.

Movie posters made with Legos

2009-09-24T13:22:00.001-07:00

This isn't local but it is def. cool. Sometimes that is enough.

Check out more here!

DIY: Business Cards

2009-09-21T17:25:00.001-07:00

I won't lie here, being a senior would probably stress me out a lot more right now if I didn't have post-grad plans already in place. As it is though, there are two things that still pretty much dominate in importance this year, besides paying Elon another outrageous fee to wear that pretty gown. One is creating a website. The other, making business cards.

I've been told before that handing out business cards is generally ineffective unless you have something to back it up, (hence the website). But in my experience at internships and networking events, you want that little piece of paper to pass from your hands into someone else's. At the opportune time, it could make all the difference. And then, once it's out of your hands, you want it to stand out.

That doesn't mean spending $10 and getting wimpy 3.5x2 white cards with black writing. But you don't have to spend $100, either. You could do it yourself.

Don't be afraid to think way, waaay outside the box. It could be that kick you need to really get the job.

If you need more inspiration, this is possibly one of the greatest design websites I've ever seen, and the book Design It Yourself has an amazing section, including one (rather out there) design that involves writing your name and email in icing on a card-sized brownie.

I don't necessarily suggest doing that particular one though, as I probably wouldn't remember someone's name if I ate it. Unless they tasted really exceptional.

Do. Not. Miss. This. Show.

2009-09-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

I probably say this a lot. But hell, why shouldn't I?
Four fantastic bands will be playing Lighthouse on Friday the 25th (that's this Friday for those of you who are deathly afraid of calendars)... and a Magician.

The show starts at 9pm and it costs $3 to get in if you are over 21 and $5 to get in if you're under.

Five dollars. That is ONE dollar per act (if you are under 21). Deals like this don't come around that often.

So let us get to the meat of this post.

My Name is John Michael comes from New Orleans. When a band comes from New Orleans, you know they will be good. And they are. I can't describe them, they have their own full, happy sound. Just listen!

Shine River brings the rock. Think Black Keys and White Stripes. It's melt your face blues-rock. How can you go wrong with that? You can't.

The Tipsy Bacchanals are Elon's favorite student band. Bringing you best classic rock, grunge and original heavy metal tunes. "Medicine Woman," that's rock.

Red Collar. I have said all that I needed about Red Collar. Truly one of the most rocking, energy-filled live shows. Here, at Elon.

Finally, this brings me to Magician Michael Casey. Magic Mike is pretty much the resident local music magician here in North Carolina. You can catch him rocking out at shows and you can catch him making shit disappear at shows. Now, he does not get on stage since he is a close-up magician (as opposed to one of those showy, egomaniac, look at me I can freeze myself, magicians), so you need to look for the circle of people crowding around while bands switch and set up. Mike does things with cards that you have never seen before. He will blow minds.

So you're not doing anything Friday night except coming out to The Lighthouse. Got it? Good. You'll thank me later.

Feature...Thursday?: The Pneurotics

2009-09-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

Band: The Pneurotics
Style: Alternative Rock
Albums: "Forty" and "Second Skin"
From: Chapel Hill, NC
For Fans Of: The Replacements, Pavement, Soul Asylum

The Pneurotics will be releasing their second album "Second Skin" tomorrow at the Local 506 with Rat Jackson and the Travesties (Hence the advance notice of a feature Thursday instead of Friday).

"Second Skin" is an appropriate follow up to "Forty." The trio has come into their own and the sound is more together. Rich Mclaughlin's vocals and guitar style really define the band's raw and real sound. There are elments of punk, alt-country, and garage rock throughout the album offering a decent amount of variety.

If this album was released in 1992, I would not be surprised. It has that 90's alternative/grungy feel.

So if you want to go see some live local music, check out the Pneurotics tomorrow at the Local 506. $8 gets you in and Rat Jackson (another must see band) will hit the stage at 9:30pm.

Air from Second Skin

Local Vineyards and Wineries: A Great Weekend Destination

2009-09-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Haw River Wine trail is a great collection of small farm wineries scattered along the rural banks of the Haw River here in Alamance County, which include Benjamin

Vineyards & Winery, GlenMarie Winery, Grove Winery and Iron Gate Winery. When most people think of wine produced in North Carolina, they think of the sweet, fruity Muscadine wines, often snubbed for dryer, more sophisticated taste experiences. The sandy

loam of the Piedmont combined with the warm Carolina climate allows for a wide variety of grapes, including French varieties and French-American hybrids, to be grown successfully. The conditions yield an array of wines sure to appeal to wine drinkers of all kinds, no matter where your preference stands on the wine flavor spectrum. All the Haw River Wineries are within an hour’s drive of Elon, each with their own distinct personality, passions, and adventures to offer.

On a fine late summer day, I set out to travel and experience The Haw River Wine Trail, hoping to learn as much as I could about local vineyards and the many approaches to the art of wine making. Here are the highlights of each one I visited.

Benjamin Vineyards & Winery, located in Saxapahaw, was my first stop on the trail, where I met Andy Zeman, who owns and runs the vineyard and winery along with his wife Nancy and their three teenagers. “Localism is a big deal here,” Zeman says, and he means it; it even says it on his local TS Designs organic cotton t-shirt printed with soy-based ink. Evolving his efforts of environmental stewardship with every passing year, he sets himself apart as the only vineyard on the Haw River Wine Trail using organic methods.

Benjamin Vineyards makes a variety of dry wines, semi-dry wines, and the region’s signature sweet wines. The vineyard has comfortable seating to compliment the great wine and the rural scenery. Beckoning each visitor to linger and enjoy the vista as well as taste the fruit of the vines, there are shaded picnic tables nestled under a cluster of towering cedar trees, enough large, wrought-iron tables on the wrap-around front porch to seat fifty or so, and a couple white rocking chairs at the forefront of it all, angled out at the rolling rows of green, grape-laden vines.

GlenMarie Winery was the second stop on my trek along the Haw River.

A small farm, with vines spread out on just over two acres, GlenMarie was the most modest of all the wineries, yet more than a dozen varieties of grapes are grown here. The past years have yielded an assortment of wines containing creative blends and flavor combinations such as their wine entitled “Summer’s Promise,” a blend of four white wines. They also make sweet wines, dessert wines like strawberry and blackberry, as well as dryer table wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Just yards outside the tasting room lays an expansive, wire fenced-in dog park. There is a separate area adjacent to the dog park that is home to two energetic, young alpacas, named Willy and Twister.

Why the need for a dog-friendly winery with a couple of adorable alpacas, you ask? Why, to give one the priceless opportunity to sit with a glass of wine and watch your pooch mingle with other pups of wine-loving owners, of course.

After a scenic drive, wandering evermore across the lush, green countryside of the Piedmont, and grabbing some lunch along the way, I arrived at my third destination, Grove Winery, situated just north of Elon. They bottle a wide selection of dry white and red wines, and semi-dry wines too, as do each of the Haw River Wineries, but their bestseller, strawberry wine, contains no grapes at all, but only locally grown strawberries.

Well suited for the social yet laid-back feel to the place, there is plenty of space inside and out for the many fun events that they hold, not to mention Adirondack chairs positioned lakeside, just down from their large, seated patio area. The owner, Max Lloyd, is a charismatic guy who likes nothing more than to bring a lot of good people together over some quality local wine and music.They bottle a wide selection of dry white and red wines, and semi-dry wines too, as do each of the Haw River Wineries, but their bestseller, strawberry wine, contains no grapes at all, but only locally grown strawberries.

As I moved on, I traveled eastward toward my final setting to taste local wine, Iron Gate Winery, located in Mebane.

The first thing in sight during the drive up to Iron Gate Winery, apart from the rolling landscape of vines in every direction, is a rustic, wooden, open-air shed extending off the front porch of the main building of the winery. Within its walls is an impressive patio space with a number of wrought iron and wooden tables, a dance floor under a large, central gazebo, and a spacious bandstand.

Toward the back of the Iron Gate property you will find a beautiful field of grazing horses and further down a hill, a large pond with chairs and tall shady trees surrounding its romantic banks. It is not surprising at all to learn that Iron Gate Winery has hosted several weddings, parties, and elegant private events. In fact, they never get bored here; there are public events scheduled year-round, including Bonfires and Bingo, Christmas at the Vineyard, Art on the Vine, and wintertime murder mystery dinners.

This fall, whether you choose to drive, cycle or paddle the winding routes to the vineyards in the peaceful, North Carolina countryside, take time to appreciate all the great local gems just a stone’s throw from the Elon bubble.

While I ain't Ryan Sweeney...

2009-09-09T08:12:00.001-07:00

I do have a "WSOE Wednesday" themed post! LiveNation is partnering with WSOE again (mainly via the vehicle that is my show, Venus Rising) to give away tickets to a concert at the Fillmore of Charlotte. This time, it's folk-rock duo the Indigo Girls (Amy Ray and Emily Saliers).

The Girls have been active in the music scene for nearly 25 years, and put on a heck of a live show (listen to their album 1200 Curfews for all the proof you'll ever need). The tickets are general admission (valued at $29.50, but go up in price the day of the show), so not only are you getting a pair of free (barring travel expenses) tickets, you've also got the opportunity to be in the front "row" (the main floor is all standing but there are chairs and accommodations made for folks with disabilities). My show with Paul Mirek, Venus Rising, will hopefully be the main vehicle for this giveaway, but if any new ideas come up, you'll hear all about it here. Good luck everyone!

Concert Details

Who: Indigo Girls w/ Maia Sharp
When: Friday, 18/09/2009 @ 7 pm
Where: The Fillmore in Charlotte (directions here)
What if I don't win?: Tickets aren't sold out yet, so don't fret! Also, if you order within the next 24 hours only, there are discounted tickets at LiveNation.com for $20 with no service charge. So if you don't think you are going to be able to call in or otherwise snag the pair in the giveaway, now is the time to buy the tickets.

Library Book Sale

2009-09-08T01:32:00.000-07:00

Starting this Friday, you can get some great deals in Burlington at the 24th annual booksale. The Friends of Alamance County Public Libraries booksale will start on Friday, 11 September 2009 with the Members Only Day. This doesn't exclude you, though! You can purchase an individual membership at the door for $5. Other days are Free Entry. Opening Day hours will be from 1 PM to 7 PM. The booksale will be held daily from the 11th through the 20th. Saturday hours are 9 AM to 4 PM, Sunday hours are 1 PM to 4 PM, and Monday through Friday hours are 12 PM to 7 PM. It's located at 342 S. Spring Street in Burlington; use the Davis Street entrance in downtown Burlington. The sale features donated CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, records, and thousands of books. With a little hunting, it's a great place to find some fantastic bargains!

DIY: What, no pot of gold?

2009-09-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

On a really boring Friday in June I came home to find that my sister had made a titan mess in the kitchen. Considering the fact that she routinely asks me to help her boil water so she can make Ramen, this was kind of a surprise. But the oddest part was that on the counter sat one monstrosity of a cake. Decorated with the most gruesome-colored frosting I'd ever seen in my life, (a mixture of storm cloud gray and asphalt), it sat on the plate like a lopsided little rock. I made a face at her as I poked at it, eyeing the cloud and lightning bolt doodle done in yellow on top.

And then she cut into it.

According to most colored cake connoisseurs, this is called a rainbow cake. According to my sister, you are supposed to bake it on rainy days, decorate it with a goopy layer of black frosting that turns every white surrounding surface an icky sort of gray (including your teeth), and have your mood be emphatically lifted as you cut in to reveal a rainbow of colors. (Or you can just frost it white.) You are totally welcome to your own creative liberties. The basic recipe is this:

1 box of white cake mix (and necessary supporting ingredients)

food coloring

Divide the cake batter into 6 bowls. Mix into each, respectively, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Just a forewarning- if you want really rich colors, you'll need a ton of food coloring. Layer in two 8x9 round cake pans, and follow cake instructions. It really can't get any easier.

This is probably the loudest cake you've ever made. Ignore the fact that you're ingesting more colors than exist in an Inkjet printer cartridge and enjoy.

(This is the first in what will hopefully be a weekly series of DIY projects. We're open for suggestions, so if there's something you'd love to share, or especially love to learn how to do, please let us know. Unless it's illegal.)

Photographs from a.meadowlark on Flickr

Katie Puckett's space in the Oaks

2009-09-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Our contributing Brick Style writer, Katie spent a lot of times on her new digs in the Oaks. Check out her Cribs worthy home here.

Send us more pictures! : ) Brickstyle@gmail.com

Feature Friday: The Beast

2009-09-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

Band: The Beast
Style: Jazz based Hip-Hop
Albums: "Belly EP," "Catalyst EP," and "Silence Fiction"
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, Nas, Earth Wind & Fire, Jamie Cullum

Believe it or not, Durham is a mini oasis for underground Hip-Hop. The home of Little Brother (Phonte, Big Pooh and 9th Wonder) is also the home to a lot of emerging artists. One of these hip-hop groups is about to release their first full length album "Silence Fiction."

The Beast is composed of Pierce Freelon, MC; Eric Hirsh, keys; Pete Kimosh, bass; Stephen Coffman, drums. Pierce is the son of Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon (also appearing on at least one track in every Beast release) whose vocal tallent definitely did not skip a generation. Hirsh, Kimosh and Coffman are all jazz majors from UNC-CH and their education shows.

I recently sat down with Pierce for a WSOE interview (which will be broadcast sometime next week). As I have said in every (or almost every) post, it is hard to pigeonhole bands from North Carolina. The Beast is no exception as it was verified in the interview.

To argue that The Beast is more jazz than Hip-Hop could actually be a valid statement, especially when the band plays live. Jazz is all about improvisation, something Hirsh, Kimosh and Coffman are well versed in, and so is The Beast. By this I mean that Pierce Freelon can freestyle. About anything.

When not free styling on audience suggested topics, the lyrics cover topics from social change and racism as well as songs about love for women, love for people, love for music and love for life. If you're listening to The Beast for "I popped a cap in that po-po's ass like a motherf***er" or "slap that b*tch round and round" or "get crunk and grind on my d*ck", you won't find it. Sorry.

A Tribe Called Quest comes to mind with the jazz beats, yet there is a newer and more refreshing jazz sound. Instead of just jazz beats and three MCs, it's the real thing with beautiful jazz complexities.

Beyond playing music, the group also leads workshops on African-American music culture, free styling, etc.
If you're going to Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (which you should), you'll be able to see The Beast before their CD release party at the Duke Coffee House on October 16th. Stay tuned to WSOE 89.3 FM The Only Alternative for The Beast and my interview with Pierce.

Also, go to their website and download the Catalyst Ep for free! The guitar on "come up, come down" might blow your mind.

Below are some of the new tracks you'll hear on "Silence Fiction."

Translation from Silence Fiction

Get Gone from Silence Fiction

Show us your awesome spaces!

2009-09-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

So by now, everyone in Elon should be moved in and settled! I think it would be so cool to feature some cool digs from Elon students. Take some pictures of your wonderful spaces and we can make you famous! We will feature them on our lovely blog for the viewing pleasure of the Brick Style readers.

Sound good? If so, email us at brickstyle@gmail.com

Feature Friday: Midtown Dickens

2009-08-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Band: Midtown Dickens
Style: Anti-Folk, Punk, Bluegrass
Albums: "Oh, Yell!" and "Lanterns"
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: Kimya Dawson (from the Juno soundtrack), Bon Iver, The Mountain Goats

Once again we find Feature Friday featuring another impossible-to-pigeonhole Durham band. Midtown Dickens started out as Kym and Katherine, growing since their inception and the release of their first full length "Oh, Yell!" the band has grown to a quintet upon the release of "Lanterns."

Midtown Dickens falls into a unique category called "anti-folk." Anti-folk takes folk traditions and twirls them around with a mocking, punkish attitude. The instrumentation is a bit more elaborate (with saw, horns, accordions, banjos and other instruments the members taught themselves to play) and the lyrics seem more innocent as they range from topics like Tetris and "The Best Summer Ever." While the lyrics may sound like something from an innocent child, there is so much more depth to the writing as simple metaphors become complex analogies for more major life issues and observations.

Their second album "Lanterns" was recorded by Scott Solter (The Mountain Goats, Pattern is Movement, John Vanderslice, Bombadil) and features a more "together" production. The album flows incredibly well and the band members come together to really add depth to the songs.

"Lanterns" will not be officially released until September 15th (as a CD, mp3 download and vinyl package), however they will be playing an album release party at Duke Coffeehouse next Friday (August 28th). The event is free and you can get a copy of the new album early. Opening for Midtown is Mount Moriah and Des Ark (solo).

Old Dogs from the album Lanterns

What a Bore from Oh, Yell!

WSOE Wednesday: A (Free) Show You Must See

2009-08-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

There will be a free, local show in Chapel Hill tomorrow. The show features The Love Language and Lost in the Trees with local music scene's Magic Mike opening with an awesome can't-miss magic show.

The thing you need to understand about this show: Two fantastic bands. For Free. These bands are pretty big deals. The show is: Free.

Also, local restaurants will be selling food. So, yay local food! Yay local music!

Click here for times, directions and more info.

You should not miss this show. It's free. You will not regret it.

Quentin Tarantino Poster Picks

2009-08-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

This isn't local but I thought this was too cool to share. Mr. Trantino picks his favorite posters. His picks are twisted, violent and cool. Typical Quentin.

Check it out here.

Feature Friday: Hammer No More The Fingers

2009-08-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Band: Hammer No More The Fingers
Style: "indie" rock
Albums: "Hammer No More The Fingers" and "Looking For Bruce"
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: Weezer, Pavement, The Pixies and Superchunk

Following the release of their self-titled EP, Hammer No More The Fingers was featured as a "Band To Watch" on the music blog Stereogum. HNMTF is still a band to watch with the brand new full-length"Looking For Bruce," they released last spring.

Just like the other bands on Feature Friday, Hammer can't really be pigeonholed. A lot of comparisons have been drawn between classic alternative 90's bands Weezer and Pavement. But, by pigeonholing, that makes them sound like their music is not fresh. Hammer quite possibly has one of the freshest sounds in the scene. It has an attitude, it's fun, catchy, smart and you can dance to it.

While they have only been Hammer for a little over two and a half years, the three members have been playing music together since their childhood. Their early years consisted mostly of Pavement and Archers of Loaf (an old-school NC band) covers. Duncan went to school in New York where he formed a band with the daughter of proto-punk legend Patty Smith (and wrote "Shutterbug," a track that appears in a new form on "Looking for Bruce").

If you have a spare 7 minutes, watch this clip:

Upon returning from college, Duncan and the trio formed Hammer. Two and half years have passed with an EP and a full-length between them. The band now packs the house at local shows and has been building up quite a following in the D.C. area.

Hammer is another one of those N.C. bands you must see. Their live show is very high energy, and so is the audience. In fact, there are rumors that Viking Storm will become an annual event. Viking Storm was the name of their "Bruce" CD release party. At the show, the bands and fans were encouraged to dress up as Vikings. Triangle Brewery made a special "viking" ale for the show (they did this for Red Collar's release as well with "Pilgrim" ale) and there were Viking decorations all over the place (including a huge wooden viking ship Duncan's parents made).

The following is the theme for Viking Storm co-written by Hammer and heavy-metal band Tooth (both on Churchkey Records):

The members of the band are serious musicians, but they don't take themselves too seriously. They allow themselves to have fun and you can definitely tell they achieve that. Not if, but when, you go to a show you'll find Duncan, Joe and Jeff walking amongst the crowd catching up with as many people as they can.

Black Harmony from their EP

Nobody Knows from Looking For Bruce

Dear Anthropologie, stop stomping on my soul

2009-08-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Who do I have so sell my soul to? I don't need it.
via Anthropologie.

Links you will Love: Ted Talks / The Moth

2009-08-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of some spiritual guidance or just a dose of perspective? Lately, I have. I have been inching ever so slowly to officially being a senior and I find myself in a bit of a rush to figure it all out. I love Ted Talks because you are listening to the smartest people in the world give you guidance and advice on life. My good friend Bethany lead me to this excellent one by Malcom Gladwell. Any time I am feeling a little too into my problems or becoming obsessed with figuring it all out, I have discovered that listening to a good story helps bring me back to earth. The Moth has some of the most amazingly funny, sad and happy stories you will ever hear. So watch some Ted Talks and listen to The Moth when you are asking yourself those awesome life questions.

The Moth

TedTalks

Mix Monday: Songs That Make You Want to Dance

2009-08-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

You can listen to the latest Lil Wayne song and grind up on someone, or you can actually dance. Meaning, the music (instead of primal lust) inspires you to move your body.

This Mix Monday is composed of well written songs from North Carolina musicians that will make you want to move and shake. The last song is for those who want a something to bump & grind to.

The Playlist:

1. "Getting Over Your Love" - Holy Ghost Tent Revival
2. "I Am A Train" - Hotel Lights
3. "Sparxxx" - The Love Language
4. "I Found A New Baby" - The Firecracker Jazz Band
5. "Vibe So Hot" - Benji Hughes
6. "Papers in Order" - The Old Ceremony
7. "Now I Know" - Max Indian
8. "Dancing Daze" - The Avett Brothers
9. "Hell" - Squirrel Nut Zippers
10. "Black Harmony" - Hammer No More the Fingers
11. "Incest" - Juan Huevos

Playlist Contest / Visual tribute to John Hughes

2009-08-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, the contest is still going on so be sure to post your movie soundtrack playlist here. Just let us know what songs you would put on a movie soundtrack and you could win a free movie ticket. Here is a visual tribute to John Hughes to help you get inspired. These are some of my favorite moments from the movies.

Feature Friday: Red Collar

2009-08-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

Band: Red Collar
Style: Classic Punk/Working Man's Punk
Albums: "Hands Up EP", "Pilgrim"
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, Fugazi, Against Me!, The Hold Steady, and Jawbreaker.

If you want a band that really defines today's music scene in North Carolina, it's Red Collar.

I hate saying the typical comparison of "Red Collar is like Fugazi fronted by Springsteen" for two reasons. 1) It makes them seem like they are one of the many bands jumping on the "lets sound like Springsteen" bandwagon and 2) Red Collar does what Fugazi nor Springsteen could do; which is creating consistently well rounded sound and attitude.

Fugazi is rough and edgy and Springsteen has (had) the working man's voice. Red Collar not only has something to say, but when they say it through their music it is incredibly well rounded. So, to avoid throwing Red Collar in specific categories that very few NC bands seem to be able to fit in, I'm going to say that Red Collar is the perfect soundtrack to a 9-5 job.

When you go to a Red Collar show (and you need to, more on that down the line) you can see that these people love what they are doing. They feel called to play music, for them, it is a release from the rat race.

Their debut album released this year, titled "Pilgrim," flows like a 9-5 job and an entire life. "Commuter" opens with a sound resonating early excitement and passion with an eagerness to tackle what is ahead. It continues throughout the album flowing towards restlessness by the time it gets to the title track in the middle. Finally, the album flows towards frustration and defeat.

While the lyrics about hardships endured in a blue-collar world may seem depressing, there is an incredibly optimistic cheer in the songs. The general feeling is "this job (or lack of) may be getting me down, but at least I'll get through it through the help of music." And that's what Red Collar does.

Moving beyond "Pilgrim" (produced by Brian Paulson - Wilco, Beck, Superchunk, etc) and the fact the band is releasing it on vinyl, I must focus on the live show.

I have had many conversations with Jason Kutchma (guitar & lead vocals) where he talked about how, for them, the album is the musical promotion for a show. The band wants you to come out to a show and become a contributor. Beyond the fact they put on a constantly energetic (even for three people in the audience) show, the band values its audience members.

As one of the most notoriously kind bands in the Triangle, Red Collar wants to share what they have to say. They want to help you relieve that 9-5 stress with a fantastic rock show so anthemic it can give you an euphoric out-of-body experience similar to that of a tribal seance.

In addition, they don't pack up their stuff and leave as soon as they get off stage. The band hangs around to chat before and after the show in order to get to know those around them.

Even if your preferred music is silence, I can guarantee you will have a fantastic experience at a Red Collar show.

Below you can download "Pilgrim" and "Used Guitars" for your listening pleasure. Just be sure to catch them at a show when they come around!!

Pilgrim

Used Guitars

Links You Will Love: Online Shopping Bonanza!

2009-08-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you consider online shopping a sport. And what better way to go pro then to learn how to shop designer sample sales online? My fave sample sale websites after the jump!

Now what makes these websites especially cool, is that you need an invite to join. Lucky for you, I've got the inside scoop (of you could just follow the sites on twitter, where they sometimes post their invite codes too). My favorites:

1. HauteLook

Invite me to Hautelook!

2. Rue La La

Invite me to Rue La La!

3. Ideeli

This site is definitely my favorite of the three. The sales include the most wearable and affordable of the designers, and the website is a easy, simple design too!

Invite me to Ideeli!

Alright BStylers-- do you know any other sample sale websites? Send them this way!

Mission: Dress to Impress Dublin (pt. 2)

2009-08-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season... for denim! I'll be the first to admit-- when the temperature starts dropping and the leaves start changing, I'm more than ready to get back into "fall mode" with a great pair of jeans. Whether I'm wearing them for an afternoon of shopping (please, pretend you're surprised), a night out on the town, or even just to class, nothing rounds out my fall wardrobe for Dublin like some denim. See my favorite picks for this fall's denim trends after the jump!

Big this fall? Colored denim, the cuff-bottom boyfriend jeans (a la Katie Holmes), skinny jeans, and more! Here are some of my favorite takes on the denim trends:

1- 7 For All Mankind- Dojo Squiggle Pocket Jeans. For those who only do designer denim, these jeans are great. Their "havasu wash" is light enough for everyday, and perfect to pair with the trendy boho and plaid tops that will be in this fall. (On sale from $198 for $99 @ Nordstrom.com)

2- Forever 21's - Virginia Skinny Color Jeans. If you're feeling bold, colored denim is a great way to make a statement this fall. Jeans of all hues-- coral, royal blue, or even just gray for the less adventurous (myself included) are a great way to transition the colors of summer into your autumn wardrobe. ($29.90 @ Forever21.com)

3- Ann Taylor Loft- Rinse Wash Modern Skinny Jeans. I'll admit, I'm having a taudry affair with these jeans. I tried them on last week in the store, fell in love, but politely (and painfully) declined their $60 pricetag in a last-stitch effort to save money for Dublin. Yet three days later, what appears in my e-mail inbox? A 30% off coupon for Loft! God has smiled upon me, and he said "let there be denim". These sassy skinny jeans are mine! ($59.50 @ Ann Taylor Loft ... or $42 if you're lucky enough to get their coupons in your inbox)

4- !iT Jeans- Ellie Boyfriend Jean. No need to steal these bad boys from your boyfriend (or, if you did, it might be time to reevaluate your relationship). The darker wash makes these jeans polished enough to pair with a pretty little cardigan and some bedazzled fall flats. ($78 @ Nordstrom)

5- Old Navy- The Flirt. To me, these jeans are a must-have in everyone's wardrobe. They're sleek, timeless, smart, and a silhouette that will flatter EVERYONE. Dressy enough for stilettos and a silky top on a night out, and casual enough for flip flops and a vintage tee on a lazy afternoon. Oh, and the cherry on top? They're only $29.50. ($29.50 @ Old Navy)

What are your favorite denim trends for this fall? What about the trends you hate? What are your all-time favorite jeans? Let me know, leave a comment!

WSOE Wednesday: B-54's Giveaway

2009-08-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

WSOE has two pairs of tickets to the B-52's show on August 11th in Charlotte for all of you Love Shackers. Since we have two pairs, there will be two ways to win! The first way to win is by answering the B-52's trivia in this post. The second way to win is to listen to WSOE 89.3 FM. DJ Paul Mirek (the music director for WSOE) will be hosting a radio show sometime in the next few days in order to give the tickets away. Be sure to follow the WSOE twitter to find out when the show will air so you can call in!

The first person to email me (rsweeney2@elon.edu) with the most correct answers will win two tickets:

1. Which 90s show featured the B-52's singing the theme song?

2. What instrument did Keith Strickland play in the band prior to 1985?

3. Which founder members of the band were siblings?

4. Which Beatle once proclaimed that the B-52's were his favorite band?

5. What is the band named for?

6. In which R.E.M. video did Kate Pierson appear?

7. Members of the B-52's did voice acting for what 1998 animated film?

8. Which famous crossdressing diva made a cameo in the "Love Shack" video?

9. Which animated sitcom featured the lead character performing an abbreviated version of "Rock Lobster"?

10. What is the lyric shouted in the "break" during "Love Shack"?

Great news, everyone! B-52's giveaway c/o LiveNation!

2009-08-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! LiveNation has now established a partnership with WSOE to give away tickets to upcoming concerts in Charlotte at the new Fillmore venue. They have proposed to us a list of concerts of interests for giveaways as well, so I'm in the process of working with Ryan about this for future shows... The first concert they have cleared is two pairs of tickets to see the B-52's one week from today (11 August, 7:30 PM)! We're still working out the kinks, but more info will be up as quickly as possible. In the meantime, check out the B-52's website, brush up on your trivia, and make note of the below directions in case you're interested in going!

From I-85N

Look for exit 36 signs, HWY 16 (Brookshire Freeway, I-277 East) and take that exit turning Left at the top of the ramp. As you are traveling East on Brookshire Frwy, take the first exit after crossing over I-77, the Graham Street exit. You will merge onto 10th Street at the bottom of the exit, bearing right until you come to the traffic light at Graham Street. As you approach the light bear right onto Graham St. and make your way into the left lane traveling North. After you pass under the bridge and through West 12th Street traffic light, merge into the left lane, and turn left on Seaboard Street. Stay on this street for ½ mile and you’ll see the Fillmore Charlotte on your right.

Mix Monday: Tracks for Traveling

2009-08-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is Tuesday. However, poor internet has prevented quick mp3 uploads for this week's mix!

August consists of driving for that final trip before school, and finally the trip back to school. Thus, this week's mix is to serve as a soundtrack for this restless time of year.

1. "Some are Love" - Des Ark
2. "Blue Ridge Cowboy Church" - Aminal
3. "Game" - Bull City
4. "Canterbury Road" - Down By Avalon
5. "Summertime" - Lonnie Walker
6. "Headlights" - Mingus Young
7. "The Show is On the Road" - Paleface
8. "Pilgrim" - Red Collar
9. "Laurinburg" - Rat Jackson
10. "All Dressed Up" - Joe Romeo & the Orange County Volunteers
11. "Pennsylvania" - The Old Ceremony

Floss and Heartbreak

2009-08-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

The Paper Heart post inspired me to create two playlists of my own. Love (floss) and Heartbreak. I tried to make playlists that featured songs not commonly found in movies but still do a good job of expressing the two emotions. I didn't submit this to the contest because I'm going to be in Paris starting the 28th of August, so a movie ticket wouldn't be of much use to me. But I thought it would be fun to think about what songs I'd want in a movie...enjoy!

FLOSS

1. Thinking of You - Katy Perry
2. Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
3. Upside Down - A*Teens
4. Falling Down - Avril Lavigne
5. You Drive Me Crazy- Britney Spears
6. All I Need Is You - The Click Five
7. Doctor- Cute Is What We Aim For
8. You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) - Dead or Alive
9. Stuck On You- Elvis Presley
10. Breathe In - Frou Frou
11. Head Over Heels - The Go-Gos
12. Always In Love- Graham Colton
13. Burnin' Up - Jonas Brothers
14. Who'd Have Known- Lily Allen
15. Sunday Morning- Maroon 5

HEARTBREAK

1. One More Sad Song - The All-American Rejects
2. Whatever Breaks My Heart- Graham Colton
3. Re-Offender - Travis
4.. Congratulations- The Traveling Wilburys
5.. I Hate Everything About You- Three Days Grace
6.. Sick Of Love- The Takeover U.K.
7. Another One Bites The Dust- Queen
8. You Left Me- The Maine
9. F**k You - Lily Allen
10. How Do You Sleep - Jesse McCartney
11. Heartless (Swinghouse Sessions) - The Fray
12. I'm Not Over- Carolina Liar
13. Can't Let Go - Landon Pigg
14. Lounge Act - Nirvana

Movie I want to see : Paper Heart / Playlist Contest

2009-08-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

This summer, I have been hearing so much about the L word that I have started to loathe it. Not the feeling, but the word itself. Can't we think of something else to call it so it isn't such overkill? For example, I glop him, or she is the floss of my life. Hey, I like that. Floss of my life. I am so aware that this hate makes me sound like a bitter old skeptic, but I have embraced it. People throw it around like it's no bd and call me old fashioned but shouldn't you at least have some sense of self before you give all your lovin/flossin to someone who brushes the hair off your face? But then I saw the commercial for Paper Heart and I have to admit, my bitter skepticism turned a little more semi-sweet, if you know what I mean. The idea of a love found by someone who doesn't believe in it seems to work it's way in a lot of indie films, especially love found by a quirky leading lady and a social awkward male lead ( what up Juno?! ). Regardless of the indietastic trailer song ( a cheap but effective ploy by the indietastic studio? ) and the new indie awkward it boy Micheal Cera, I am still down for seeing this movie. I am a big fan of documentaries and I actually threw around doing some "What is love?" interviews for a final project but Charlyne Yi beat me to the punch. And speaking of Charlyne Yi, she is awesome. She is real, man. I am so over seeing "indie films" with really gorgeous people in super trendy clothes and she looks like someone I would actually know ( outside of Elon, of course ). I would break down the synopsis, but I want you guys to check out the trailer because I think it's more fun that way. What do you think? Do you want to see the movie? I will do a soundtrack breakdown when it comes out. I am thinking we will be seeing some Arcade Fire, Wilco and Shiny Toy Gunish type jams.

CONTEST TIME : )
If you had to create a movie soundtrack, what would be on it? First tell me what the movie is about ( very generally of course, love, loss of love, death of family member and love, mystery about a super hero who gets killed, ect ) and create a soundtrack for it. If that is a bit of a stretch, give a new soundtrack to a movie that already exists. Send your playlists by responding to that entry about Paper Heart until next Friday and the person with the best playlist ( as voted on by Brick Style writers ) gets a movie ticket!

Sound good?

Mellow Mushroom, Coming Shroom

2009-07-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

If you like a good microbrew beer with your fresh, gourmet pizza, then you should be pretty excited for the next great dining establishment gem to crop up among Burlington's busy and congested strip of standard restaurants.

Come this fall, 767 Huffman Mill Rd, the former location of Rockola Grill, will be the cozy new home of our very own purveyor of quality pizza, hoagies, and calzones...Mellow Mushroom!

For the vegetarians and vegans out there, they also offer BBQ tofu, Pesto tofu, grilled tofu and tempeh as pizza and sandwich toppings- this variety of veg options will definitely be a unique first among the restaurants in B-town. I’ll definitely one of the first in line to sit down and enjoy me an Abita Purple Haze and Kosmic Karma pizza.

Your Chance to Attain Locavore Status

2009-07-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Do you like to know where your food comes from? Do you shop at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, your local farmer’s market, etc? Are you generally a natural, organic, local food consumer? Well, whether you answered “yes” to any of the previous questions or not, a great opportunity to help Burlington develop with the times and pursue sustainable agri-business has arrived!

Burlington’s own local and organic co-op will soon be opening in the vintage downtown Burlington, at 268 East Front Street. It’s called Company Shops Market, and, though it has chosen this quaint location to begin construction and development, its still in the process of raising enough money to do so.

It will have everything from local produce to local wines and microbrews, as well as a bakery, sushi bar, coffee bar, slow food bar, and outdoor patio dining.

If you would like to help support this small town vision of sustainability, there is no better way to vote with your dollars, and invest in your community!

To show your support, buy a membership to the co-op for $100, which will make you a part owner of the business. Owners receive several benefits in addition to supporting a worthy cause, such as getting 10% off your purchase on the 10^th of each month, getting 15% off case purchases everyday, a free t-shirt, a year-end Patronage Dividend (Oooh! free money!!), among others.

The more support they are able to get from the community, the quicker they will be able to open! Become an Owner today- Log on to www.companyshopsmarket.coop to find out more.

Street Style roundup: Wardrobe_remix

2009-07-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hello!
So, it is almost August! Ahhh! I walked into Target the other day and was not only met with the beautiful target design aesthetic that I have come to expect but the words BACK TO SCHOOL big and everywhere. I also saw that oh too familiar site of the "dormwares" section of the store. Remember running around Target freshman year?
For me, back to school means that I have one of my shopping blackouts. I don't think, I just buy: anything and everything. I want to be a little more focused this year so I have been trying to draw some inspiration. I love street style blogs because I think you tell a lot about a person by what they are wearing. Here is some lovely street style for your eyes. Today, I am pulling from wardrobe_remix, a lovely street style group that tends to be a lot less indie hipsta. I was feeling feminine stuff today.

Peace and Love

Feature Friday: Bombadil

2009-07-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

Band: Bombadil
Style: International Folk / Pop Rock
Albums: "Bombadil Ep", "A Buzz, A Buzz" and "Tarpits and Canyonlands
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: The Beatles, The Shins, Paul Simon, and happiness

Bombadil is one of those bands that is easy to fall in love with (yes, their name does come from Tom Bombadil, the poetic character they left out of the movies). Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on who you are) their lyrics are not about LotR but rather the songs deal with topics such as the relationship of innocence and maturity ("Jellybean Wine"), the realities of marriage, as well as other dark topics disguised as really happy songs (i.e. "Johnny" a very happy sounding song about about a cutter).

Bombadil will make you smile and keep you smiling long after you've listened. The quartet of Duke grads uses a variety of instruments and all four members have main vocal parts. Their first full-length, "a buzz, a buzz," has a strong international folk element as well as down home NC mountain style folk and blues.

This Durham band is our Feature Friday this week because of their new album "Tarpits and Canyonlands." "Tarpits" is a strong follow-up to "a buzz" as it focuses on beautiful vocal harmonies, fantastic layered production (produced by Scott Solter who has also produced The Mountain Goats, John Vanderslice, and St. Vincent) and experimentation ("25 Daniels" uses 25 layers of saxophones to immitate the sound of bagpipes).

Bombadil In the WSOE Studio

I don't want to risk sounding too bold with this statement, but "Tarpits" is the "Sgt. Peppers" of North Carolina, in it's own special Bombadil way.

Since there is really no easy way to explain the band, here are some songs to listen
to:

"Honymoon" from "Tarpits and Canyonlands"

"Johnny" From "A Buzz, A Buzz"

Peace, Love and Choose Local Music!
-Ryan

Links you will love: indieNC

2009-07-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

IndieNC features items handmade by North Carolina artists. There isn't much there yet but I still found some things I really liked.

Mission: Dress to Impress Dublin (pt. 1)

2009-07-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Brick Style fashionistas! As a foreign correspondent, I'm going to try to give you a good look at everything BStyle covers, but from the perspective of a student spending the semester in Dublin. And without a language barrier to worry about in Ireland, of course fashion is on my radar of important things to think about before I leave. So my last month of prepping before Dublin is spent figuring out what stylish digs I can cram into two tiny suitcases that will last me four months. First on the agenda: rainboots! See my rainboot lust-list (and the pair I actually bought) after the jump...

1. Tretorn- Rigg. These sporty little boots come in a variety of colors, and have just the right amount of playful white detailing on the side. ($69 @ Zappos)

2. Sperry Top-Sider- Wool Pelican Boot. Okay, Preppy McPrepster, these boots are for you. Traditional Sperry plaid, you know they're solid quality, and they look pretty warm too. ($95 @ Zappos)

3. Target- Three Strap Rainboots. If you're on a Target budget, and want a classic, black boot, these are prefect. Supposedly fits well for a wider foot, and at the price- you can't beat 'em. ($12.50 @ Target)

4. Target- Citrus City. Just because the weather is gloomy, doesn't mean your fashion sense has to follow suit! These colorful and fresh boots will definitely bring a little sunshine to a gloomy day. And I've bought similar rainboots from Target before- the quality is pretty good for the price if you're only busting out the boots occasionally. ($24.99 @ Target)

5. Coach- Ursula Boot. Okay, okay, I caved, these are the ones I bought for my trip. They are super comfortable, and shorter on the calf (which I needed! darn my muscular calves). Plus, I figure if I'm going to be wearing rainboots multiple times per week, I may as well jazz it up a bit. ($75 @ Macy's, but they were on clearance so check eBay!)

6. Hunter- Original. Timeless, comfortable, and built to last. These really are a solid and sturdy pair of boots. They come up almost to the knee, but Hunter makes a couple different styles if you want something a little shorter. Plenty of colors to choose from too! ($114.95 @ Zappos)

What about you, BStylers? Any recommendations on a great pair of rainboots?

Elon Performing Arts 09-10

2009-07-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Elon's Performing Arts Department has a very exciting season of works coming up this year!

Performances this year include a lot of student created pieces, such as "ID" a new musical by musical theatre majors Chris Staskel ('10) and Dan Gibson ('09)

Below is the schedule of performances so you can be sure and be there. Support your Elon peers and ENJOY all the wonderful performance art your school has to offer!

Fall

One-Day Plays (September 12)

Improvisation Olympics (September 19)

Dance in the Landscape (September 27)

Psycho Beach Party (October 7-13)

Choreography Salons I & II (October 22 & 23)

Kiss Me Kate (October 29-November 8)

Dancing in the Black Box (November 12-14)

The Rabbit Hole (Acting Senior Project #1) (November 19-22)

Freshman Acting Showcase (November 22-23)

Assassins (Music Theatre Senior Project #1) (December 6-8)

Winter

Broadway Cares Performance (January 16)

The Time of Your Life (January 21 – February 6)

110 in the Shade (February 11-14)

Spring

Student-Directed One Act Festival (February 19-21)

DanceWorks (February 26-28)

Little Women (Music Theatre Senior Project #2) (March 14-16)

Grand Night (April 9-10)

Dance Senior Projects #1 & #2 (April 11-13)

Love’s Labor’s Lost (April 22-25)

Tapped Out (April 25-26)

ID (New Musical Project) (April 27-May 1)

Student-Directed Full Length Play (Title TBA) (April 28-May 1)

Elements (Spring Dance Concert) (May 6-8)

Metamorpheses (Acting Senior Project #2) (May 9-11)

Elon Community Church Farmers Market

2009-07-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Stop by the Elon Community Church Parking lot, at Williamson and Haggard Ave every Thursday, June through September, from 3:00 to 6:30 pm to pick up your weekly supply of nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Other delicious goodies include fresh eggs, homemade breads, herbs, local honey, jams, jellies, and artisan cheeses!

Etsy Love: Elon Edition

2009-07-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have never had that much school spirit. While I always attempted to go to the occasional football or basketball game freshman year, I have pretty much given up. I still want to show a little Elon pride. I am not really one for the tee-shirts and the sweatshirts are way out of my price range. I have been on a constant search for something Elon themed but not in the traditional way. I stumbled across cravejewelrydesign when I was looking for a great octopus necklace ( found that too. ) Not only does she have the squirrel necklace, which is the unofficial Elon mascot, but she also has phoenix earrings and a really beautiful acorn necklace.
Check it out.

Links you will love: The Selby

2009-07-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

I know this isn’t a local find but I am totally inspired by this website idea. I love seeing where inspiring people live. Their homes always seem so much more beautiful than mine.I am thinking about putting together a version for Elon.
Check out the home of Natalie Wood.

Can I have all of these necklaces please?

Music: Introduction and Mix Monday

2009-07-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I will kick this blog off with an introduction to the music section of Brick Style. Our music posts are going to focus heavily on the North Carolina music scene surrounding Elon in the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and Triad (Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem).

At one of the (many) local music festivals I attended this summer, I encountered an individual who recently moved from Los Angeles. He and I talked about local music here and how, apparently, the music scene in LA is not thriving the way it is here.

North Carolina is home to some of the most talented, original musicians. I'm sure your mom and dad used to play James Taylor all the time when you were growing up (he attended UNC Chapel Hill just as Ben Folds did).

Beyond acoustic ballads and piano rock comes a lush music scene with every genre you could imagine (or combine!). There is something for everyone in the NC local music scene. Of course there are original, talented musicians everywhere. However, it seems that NC is a place where musicians play music because they love it and want to share it. Egos (amongst fans and musicians alike) are limited and everyone is welcome. At a local music show, you are not just a fan or audience member; you become a collaborator.

With such a rich musical landscape no more than 40 minutes away, there is no reason to ignore it. Of course, we will also have features and reviews on popular music and music venues in the area.

With that lengthy introduction out of the way, I would like to start the first in our "Mix Monday" series. Each Monday we will compile a themed mix on 8tracks.com for your listening pleasure.

Today's mix will serve as an introduction to the variety of music North Carolina offers. Click "read more" for a description of the play list.

The NC Music Intro Mix (*means they have played at Elon)

1. Till My Voice Gave - The Old Ceremony: A soulful track from this solid Chapel Hill band's new album "Walk on Thin Air." The Old Ceremony is very melodic and they make use of a variety of instruments in order to develop a full sound. For fans of: The Beatles, Beck, Led Zeppelin, Sinatra, Tom Waits, Nick Cave and the like.

2. Tellin' A Lie - American Aquarium: Yes, their name came from that Wilco song. AA have two sides, their rockin' alt-country side (also known as country for people who hate country) and their slower, introspective ballad side. This is a rockin' track. For fans of: Dylan, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Springsteen, Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown.

3. Honeymoon - Bombadil: Bombadil is a fun, intelligent band with a happy sound disguising darker, thoughtful lyrics. They play a variety of instruments and cover a variety of folk traditions. For fans of: the Beatles, They Might Be Giants, and "The Lord of the Rings"

4. Osk - Sunfold: Influenced by Queen, ELO, Miles Davis, The Smashing Pumpkins and the Beatles, Sunfold plays a balanced mix of progressive jazz and pop-rock. For fans of: Jack Johnson, Pico vs. Island Trees, Jason Mraz and Jamie Cullum.

5*. Nobody Knows - Hammer No More The Fingers: Hammer is a trio that has been playing together for years. Establishing themselves as a "legit" band two years ago, they bring a big crowd in the Triangle. Their sound is indie from the 90's with a danceable fresh twist. For fans of: Weezer, Pavement and Nirvana.

6. Come Up, Come Down - The Beast: An incredibly intelligent, positive Durham Hip Hop group featuring 3 UNC jazz trained musicians and an MC who is the son of a Grammy nominated jazz singer. Their lyrics are positive (and the free styling at shows is very well done) and the music is well executed. This track features guitar from Raleigh band The Proclivities' guitarist. For fans of: A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, The Fugees (I haven't asked, but I'm assuming they got their name from The Score) and De La Soul.

7*. Walk Around The Lake - Lost in the Trees: It's hard to fit this folk orchestra on stage, or describe it for that matter. For fans of: Folk with epic classical string compositions.

8. Nice Fox - The Rosebuds: You might have heard of this duo. They're an indie-pop/indie-folk group from Raleigh (signed to Merge). For fans of: The Shins, Metric, She & Him and (once again) The Beatles.

9. One More Road - Roman Candle: Interesting fact - our new basketball coach is the band's cousin. Roman Candle is like Bob Dylan and The Band without the years of smoking. For fans of: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Wilco and Uncle Tupelo.

10*. 10 Simple Murders - The Future Kings of Nowhere: FKoN is a pop-punk/folk group with a ska flare. For fans of: Against Me!, Reel Big Fish and Greenday.

11*. Pilgrim - Red Collar: Red Collar is the band that many view as "the local music band." They have become one of the most popular groups to go see in the Triangle and their fans are very loyal. Many bands look up to them as the definition of local music success. Red Collar is real punk for the working man. For fans of: The Clash, Fugazi, Springsteen, and The Hold Steady.

12*. Falling Out - The Sammies: If Bombadil are "The Beatles" of North Carolina, the Sammies are probably The Who. They have an energetic, semi-serious attitude and they love what they do. Hailing from Charlotte, the Sammies bring the garage rock and add a bit of twang when necessary. For fans of: The Who, The Whigs, American Princes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

13*. Getting Over Your Love - Holy Ghost Tent Revival: HGTR blends ragtime, folk, punk, ska, and God knows what else. One of the more original bands coming out of Greensboro, these guys bring a ton of energy to their shows and recordings. For fans of: fun.

14. This Year - The Mountain Goats: You may have heard of The Mountain Goats. Writing Dylan-esque folk with occasional string arrangements, John Darnielle is one of Durham's most appreciated musicians (he's also good friends with John Vanderslice). For fans of: Dylan, Aesop Rock (he appears in the song "coffee"), Neutral Milk Hotel, John Vanderslice and Destroyer.

15. Hell - Squirrel Nut Zippers: I thought I'd throw this little treat on the end. The Zippers play swing, and they play it well. For fans of: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Andrew Bird & His Bowl of Fire (in fact Andrew Bird played with them for a bit), and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies (a.k.a. the group that does "Zuit Suit Riot").

I hope you enjoy this introduction. All of these groups (and MANY more!) will be featured sometime or another in the future of this blog.

Peace, love and Choose Local Music!
-Ryan