The Sandspur volume 122 Issue 8

Issue 8, Volume 122 Thursday, October 29, 2015

Or

Faculty petition opposes gun bills page 4

Page Page #2 •• SECTION NEWS

Established in 1894 with the following editorial:

Thursday, September 11, 2014 Thursday, October 29, 2015

Preparing for campus disasters Rollins reviews the methods and measures currently in place to deal with natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

EXECUTIVE STAFF Micah Bradley Editor-in-Chief Lauren Waymire Managing Editor Stephanie Garcia Production Manager

CONTENT STAFF

Alexandra Mariano Head Copy Editor Esteban Meneses Barbara Padilla Amanda Hughes Copy Editors Eric Hilton Minoska Hernandez Section Editor Danielle Del Pico Staff Writer Nolan Brewer Kalli Joslin Web Assistants

DESIGN DEPARTMENT Shaayann Khalid Head Designer Carmen Cheng Masha Protopopova Zoe Kim Designers Nagina Chaudhry Natalie Hayes Photographers

BUSINESS & FACULTY Greg Golden

General Manager of Student Media

Dr. Bill Boles

Professor of English

David Neitzel

Business Manager

PUBLIC RELATIONS Adam Belsky

Public Relations Intern

Anneliese Duprey

Social Media Manager

ADVERTISING

Contact: advertising@thesandspur.

Danielle Del Pico

Living in the Sunshine State is not always as easy as the postcards show, especially in the midst of hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season is through the end of November, but there is always a chance a hurricane will occur after this date. Several years have passed since a hurricane or tropical storm has devastated Central Florida—the last ones hitting over 11 years ago were Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne.

The Campus Safety Office has ways to protect students in case of such dangerous weather and other threatening situations.

Scott Rayburn, the Safety & Emergency Planner of Rollins Campus Safety Office, detailed what Rollins does to protect students from inclement weather.

“Florida has active inclement weather throughout the year— heavy rain and thunderstorms are the daily norm, especially during the hot months. Rollins College has several systems

and procedures to protect students from inclement weather.

The Rollins College Emergency Operations Plan provides guidance for the campus community regarding a large variety of emergency situations. We have a robust emergency notification system–‘RAVE Alerts’–that serves to notify the community via text, voice, and email regarding developing emergencies in and around campus,” he said.

“The Campus Safety department has a Facebook page and a Twitter feed that provide information regarding weather and other emergency situations on the campus. We have several emergency generators that provide power to select buildings in case of a power outage. There are also several National Weather Service radios throughout campus and in the residential halls that provide instant alerts about watches and warnings.”

Over the years, Rollins has improved their safety program to safeguard students from inclement weather. Rayburn talked about the logistics of new

plans and structural changes.

“The campus is continually undergoing physical upgrades— ‘hardening’—that serves to mitigate the effects of severe weather.

Roofs, drainage, and windows, are surveyed and improved when necessary. Many Rollins College staff members participate in emergency exercises and drills throughout the area and directly on campus. Our Rollins College Marketing and Communications people are particularly adept at handling emergency communications,” he said.

“We take an ‘all-hazards’ approach to emergency preparedness and response, which includes using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS). NIMS and ICS are federally mandated and used by first-responders throughout the country. Staff members at all levels in many departments have taken the on-line training and attended training with local first responders. Additionally, we have established an Emergency Operations Center

(EOC) on campus to act a base to manage significant emergencies and disasters on campus.”

What are the most important things students should do to prepare for a hurricane or an emergency on campus?

Rayburn offered advice that will allow students them to be prepared for anything.

“I like to tell our staff to play the ‘what if?’ game. What if a storm hit right now? What would I do? What if there was a fire in the building right now?

Do I have two ways out? What if someone started shooting nearby? What’s my escape plan?

What if a hurricane hits? Where do I go, how will I communicate with my family? By playing the ‘what if?’ game, you slowly develop a sixth sense about your personal safety. Take advantage and familiarize yourself about the systems that are already in place—the Emergency Operations Plan, the Campus Safety Facebook page. You don’t have to dwell and memorize it all— but know that it exists and where to find it.”

Literary magazine brings new ideas, theme to the table ‘Brushing’ takes on a new theme and encourages all aspiring writers and artists to share their work with the Rollins community.

Christina Fuleihan

Cover Design by: Caroline Arrigoni ’17

Staff Writer

Illustrator

As Editor-in-Chief Jenna Lindsey ’16 puts it, Brushing is an “expressive outlet that we don’t see in many other places around campus. Brushing is so passionate.”

It may be exclusive in terms of staff, but the Rollins College literary arts magazine encourages submissions from all: faculty, staff, alumni, and the general community. Amateurs are welcome. “I don’t want amateurs to think that because they’re new to writing poetry or doing art that their pieces aren’t good enough.

Their piece might fit really well with our theme and end up in print,” said Lindsey.

Brushing has been a part of

Rollins for years, but its pres- or play?” ence has not always been felt The theme is broad enough consistently. However, previous to encourage interpretation, and editors-in-chief each submishave paved sion will bring the way for with it a new This is the changes that perspective.

Lindsey hopes first year that the However, the to implement is also journal hopes to journal this year—big aiming for cochange is defihesiveness, takunify its entries nitely in the air ing the publicawith a set theme: tion to the next for the journal.

Not only does of social Will you “pass or level Brushing hope commentary. play?” to incorpoSubmissions rate more art are blindly among its pagevaluated and es—to make up voted on by the for previous years’ deficiency— organization’s executive board. but this is the first year that the Lindsey’s focus this year is journal hopes to unify its entries “quality over quantity.” If the with a set theme: Will you “pass number of submissions wanes,

“

she is willing to settle with “a short journal,” but not a “mediocre” one.

Brushing stands out as a creative outlet on campus. As a magazine that encourages creativity, Brushing certainly plays its part in honing the liberal arts atmosphere at Rollins—it allows for inspired and innovative communities to share their views, while presenting new opportunities for students to build on their colleagues’ philosophies.

So whether you are an artist, a poet, a writer, or just someone with a story to tell, you should consider submitting; it is a great opportunity to express yourself, share your personal outlooks, and show off the work you are most proud of to a wide audience.

Page 3 • OPINIONS

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Spring semester course recommendations Students share their insights into their favorite courses available next semester.

More recommedations appear on our website, thesandspur.org.

PEA73 | Basic Yoga MW 11-11:50 a.m. / 1-1:50 p.m.

T. Portoghese In Basic Yoga, students learn not only the physical motions of an ancient art, but also some history behind the philosophies from which yoga has developed. The class slowly introduces students to yoga, first through easy poses and simple breathing methods, then building mental and physical strength until students find themselves capable of poses and clarity of thought that may have been leaps and bounds away from being possible just weeks before the start of the course.

This is a wonderful way to stay in shape and learn to relax.

This course can even help with relieving stress and building confidence in day-to-day life.

ART110 | Two-Dimensional Foundations

ENG167 | Intro to Creative Writing

ECO202 | Econ in Historical Perspective

TR 11 a.m–12:15 p.m.

Dr. Simmons

TR 2–3:15 p.m. / M 6:45–9:15 p.m. Dr. Williams / Dr. Aufhammer

TR 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Dr. Balak

Two-Dimensional Foundations is an art course that is sure to have something for everyone. If you are new to the world of art, the class could be an eye-opening experience as it covers at least one dozen different art forms. For experienced artists, the course could be a way to expand horizons.

Students try many techniques, showing perspective, block printing, charcoal illustration, painting, mixed-media art, and much more. The class is well-structured and fosters success for all students, but also leaves enough freedom for students to explore their own strengths and interests.

Next semester is packed with fascinating classes, including Intro to Creative Writing.

This is a great introduction for aspiring writers who are looking to learn more about the world of creative writing and all that it entails.

It has definitely helped enhance my writing skills for future classes. As an English major, I was able to learn different forms of writing and gained confidence in my own work.

I highly recommend this fun writing course whether you are pursuing English or not. It is a great way to strengthen your writing skills and gain some new ones.

Are you looking to complete your D credit in a fun and innovative way? Econ In Historical Perspective is the place to go.

Taught by Professor Beni Balak, the course centers on learning economic history in a new, interesting way. Professor Balak uses a new system called 3D GameLab as a way to organize and motivate students to push themselves to create their own paths of learning. He also uses video game knowledge and video games themselves to apply the concepts introduced in class. If you are tired of the old syllabi system, check this class out next semester.

This course is dedicated to studying textile and dress traditions across Africa and can fulfil C, AAAS, INB, and SWAG requirements. Students will delve into everything from fashion trends to the materials, weaving, dyeing, embroidery and beadwork. Class discussions will place the clothing trends in political, historical, social, and religious context, focusing on colonialism and independence.

Dr. Ryan is one of the only specialists in East African textiles. Discussions will range from her favorite kanga cloth to scandalous mini-skirts. Passion for exudes from every word she speaks, and not a second will lack interesting discussion.

By Minoska Hernandez

By Nicolas Nagaoka

By Alexandra Mariano

By Lea Warren

ARH275| Fashion in Africa TR 2–3:15 p.m.

Dr. Ryan

Neighborhoods ICE100A | Before the Curtain Rises MWF 9–9:50 a.m.

Dr. Griffin

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MM200H| Greek Initiation TR 8–9:15 a.m.

Dr. Kenyon

“Basically, it’s every Gen Ed I’ve ever taught rolled into one,” said Dr. Kenyon.

Tying into the Mysteries and Marvels theme, this course will explore the ancient Mystery Cults, religious groups who purified their recruits before accepting them—similar to going through Rush before entering Rollins Greek Life. Students will examine various aspects of ancient Greek life including history, myth, theater, art, ethics, physics, and medicine. Readings will include Plato, Homer, Aeschylus, Hesiod, Euripides, and Thucydides.

Get ready to discuss the allure of purification, virtue, vice, and secrets that keep modern thinkers coming back to the Greeks for solving contemporary mysteries. Sometimes the best answers are the ones we write off because they are so removed from our culture.

By Alexandra Mariano

This course is meant to show students who have little to no background in theater the teamwork and magic that go into creating exceptional stage productions.

A play is not created by just the actors or the designers or even the director—it takes many parts that come together as a whole. This value of teamwork becomes more important as live theater persists in the modern age of instant and individual entertainment.

Students will lead discussions on readings and carry out team projects throughout the semester emphasizing theater’s collaborative nature; they will also watch shows at the Annie Russell Theatre, critiquing productions through their new perspective. Dr. Griffin’s goal is not to build theater majors, so come in with an open mind.

Page 2 •• SECTION NEWS Page #4 FEATURES

Thursday, September 11, 2014 Thursday, October 29, 2015

Campus carry causes controversy Micah Bradley

Editor-in-Chief

If the Florida Legislature eventually passes laws allowing guns onto college campuses, Rollins, as a private school, will not have to comply.

Last week, separate senate committees moved the campus carry bills forward. They still have more hurdles to jump in the House and Senate before they are made law, but this is a significant gain for the controversial bills.

With recent campus shootings, such as the one last week at Tennessee State University or the one last year at the Florida State University library, many people, particularly Republican politicians, want to make carry laws looser so that students and faculty would be able to protect themselves in dangerous situations on campuses. The law would affect students 21 and older who have a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Many supporters of campus carry laws point to the oft-cited

second amendment of the United Sates Constitution: “. . . the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

So how will the potential passage of campus carry laws affect Rollins if the administration does not plan to allow guns on campus?

Many of Rollins faculty and staff are opposed to having guns on not just Rollins’ campus, but any campus. In spring of 2015, Professor Kathryn Norsworthy and Dr. Lisa Tillmann began the Rollins Action Network, a group of approximately 40 faculty members who are interested in, as Tillmann put it, “community organizing and social change.”

Assistant Professor Emma Oxford originally proposed a faculty initiative regarding the campus carry laws, and a petition was sent out the faculty.

The petition states, “We, the undersigned faculty and senior administrators of Rollins College, oppose Senate Bills 68 (HB 4001) and 72, so-called ‘campus-carry bills.’ Campus carry would allow

people to carry loaded, hidden weapons into classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, chapels, dormitories, and other public campus venues. Please do not endanger the security and safety—and indeed the very lives—of students and colleagues at Florida’s public universities and colleges.”

175 faculty and staff members, including President Grant Cornwell, have signed the petition that was presented to Representative Mike Miller over the summer along with a compilation of reasons not to allow campus carry laws to pass.

“I am passionately opposed to allowing guns on college campuses. Their very presence would be inimical to the culture and purpose of a campus.

Colleges are a place for free exchange of diverse points of view all in the service of advanced human understanding,” said President Cornwell.

“Rollins is a private college.

We will not allow guns on our campus whatever the outcome of the Florida Legislature debate.”

But the faculty and staff are concerned with the effects that guns being allowed on other campuses could cause Rollins students.

“With the petition, we stand as allies to students and colleagues at Florida’s public colleges and universities. Members of the Rollins community have children, spouses, partners, and friends at public colleges and universities. Rollins students intern at UCF, and students and faculty use their library and other facilities,” said Tillmann.

“So although Rollins would not be most acutely affected by campus carry, it would be naïve and dangerous to conclude that the Rollins community will be safe simply because our campus is exempt.”

Ken Miller, Director of Campus Safety, said that he believes that prevention is the best way to combat gun violence, instead of arming students and faculty.

“I would suggest that adding more community members with firearms into active shoot-

er situations could add to target confusion by emergency response personnel,” said Miller.

“Currently, [the police’s] training dictates that they move swiftly to find the shooter and neutralize them either through arrest or use of force. With the confusion that surrounds these incidents, it is likely that a lawful person with a firearm might be perceived by the police to actually be the shooter and be injured.”

Norsworthy points out that she would like to see more campus involvement as these bills move forward in the Florida Legislature.

“I would like to see our Board of Trustees get behind a policy of a ‘gun-free campus’ and have the administration make a public announcement of the policy with an explanation of why it is important,” said Norsworthy.

“I would also like to see more public conversations on campus about this issue—even now before it is passed.”

The Florida Legislature’s session begins in January.

Page 5 • FEATURES

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Photos by Natalie Hayes

Annual Comfest unites Communication Department Comfest showcased research being done by professors in the communications field and welcomed new students to the department.

Nicolas Nagaoka

Columnist

Comfest is the annual event where the faculty of the Communication Department gathers to welcome new and current Communication Majors and Minors.

This year Comfest had two new professors of the department present their research. The event moved from the Winter Park Institute to the Bush Auditorium this time around, garnering a much larger crowd than last year.

Dr. Joshua Hammonds was

the first to speak with his presentation about privacy management and how and what people disclose with their closest peers or family.

Hammonds went on to say how his research had revealed interesting patterns between parents and their children. For example, some young adults would not disclose private information even though their relationship was very healthy. Others would only reveal private information to their mothers rather than their fathers.

He concluded with asking

anyone interested in the idea of privacy management to talk to him for any kind of help or possible independent studies.

Next, Dr. David Painter presented his research in political communication. He specifically researched social media and the role it has on politics and political information.

His research had primarily focused on what kinds of social media receive the most political attention, where people learn recent political news from, and how effective social media is as a whole to promote campaigns. He

also spoke about the effect that social media had on the Obama campaign and how it encouraged young voters to vote more so than ever before.

Dr. Painter ended with asking anyone with interest in this field to contact him for an independent study possibility.

After the speakers presented, a representative from the Communications Honors Society came up to speak about the association, how to join, and what benefits there are for joining the association.

The night ended with ques-

tions for the major, answered by the department’s chair, Anne Stone.

Many big questions were answered, such as the new structure and course load for the major, what courses to take early on, such as Research and Methods, and what to look for in the future of the Communication Major and Minor.

It seems that the Communication Department and its students are excited for the major’s new changes. The new research and interest paints a bright picture for Comfest 2016.

Page 6 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, October 29, 2015

‘Steve Jobs’ film captivates audience, villainizes founder

The Park Ave experience

The Danny Boyle film leaves viewers mesmerized and speculative regarding the complex and fascinating life of Steve Jobs.

Park Ave provides students with a firstclass array of unique shopping and dining options.

Nicolas Nagaoka

Wozniak, which surprised me.

Columnist Anyone would feel Wozniak’s frustration and anger toward Vicious, egotistical, and ma- Jobs. Daniels plays Jobs’ father nipulative, yet brilliant, ambi- figure John Scully, who was intious, and visionary, Steve Jobs tense and incredible. The interacwas a complicated man. Direct- tions between Jobs and Scully are ed by Danny Boyle and starring intense and heart wrenching.

Michael Fassbender, Kate WinsThe technical side is inlet, Seth Rogen, and Jeff Daniels, credible. The shots are perfectSteve Jobs looks at the life of Jobs a ly framed, sharp, and parallel. little more critically, through the There are a lot of wide shots in debuts of three of his creations. the film that looked bleak yet Fassbender is completely clean. The colors are either bright immersed in his 1980s pastels or role, as usual. the sci-fi cleanHe understood cut silver and Jobs was a that he was takwhite. The editing on one of the ing is rapid and human being, most important sharp, having something that several quick people in history, but still man- people needed to cuts between aged to do what the three major understand, and debuts depicted I believed was Boyle’s intention: the movie.

Fassbender really in portray Jobs as The best exama person. In the did understand ple of editing in film, Jobs feels the film is the this idea. like a human cuts between with many flaws two different and vices, but arguments that still possessing Scully and Jobs ideas ahead of his time. Though have in the present and in the Fassbender makes the viewer de- past. It exemplifies the intensity spise Jobs and what he stands for, and their relationship. The techhe portrays him in a fair manner. nical side of the film gives it fluJobs was a human being, some- idity and cleanliness, just like the thing that people needed to un- products that Jobs desired. derstand, and Fassbender really Steve Jobs is a fantastic biopdid understand this idea. ic. It understands who Jobs was, Winslet, who plays Jobs’ re- aside from a couple of dramatluctant assistant Joanna Hoffman, ic liberties taken to improve the does an excellent job as a moral film. Boyle’s intention is to show compass for her boss as well as that Jobs was as flawed as anyone someone who would stand up to else. Until the end, Jobs, though him when he needs to be brought vicious and morally displeasing, back down to reality. Rogen plays never compromises his values for the emotionally turbulent Steve others, which is commendable.

“

Lea Warren

Columnist

Trees break up the severity of the mid-morning sun beating down on the pavement as passersby stroll down the street, some walking dogs, some stopping to chat with a familiar face seated outside a small cafe, and some carrying paper bags printed with dedicate lettering as they move from shop to shop.

This is an average day on Park Avenue, our own little heaven waiting just across the road.

Park Avenue carries a certain New York City feel, but it still clings to Florida’s unique style, creating a thoroughly unique blended experience of high fashion and quaint comfort. Several shops seem to exemplify this style, including Charyli, Forema Boutique, Tuni, and Violet Clover.

All of these stores carry that same local but trendy flare that Park Avenue is known for, and all of them are guaranteed to provide a pleasant and successful shopping experience. Other great stores on Park Avenue are Cottonways, Eileen Fisher, Lilly Pulitzer, and Gap. And, for the guys, Current carries a large variety of great clothes.

In addition to great clothing stores, Park Avenue is also home to several amazing cafés and restaurants, such as Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen, the Bistro on Park Avenue, Tropical Smoothie Café,

Uni Japanese Restaurant, the Briarpatch Restaurant, and at least a

“

Park Avenue carries a certain New York City feel, but it still clings to Florida’s unique style, creating a thoroughly unique blended experience of high fashion and quaint comfort. Several shops seems to exemplify this style, including Charyli, Forema Boutique, Tuni, and Violet Clover.

dozen others.

Park Avenue also has several ice cream and candy stores in addition to several wonderful bak-

eries if you are ever in the mood for sweets.

On Park Avenue you can also find Kendall & Kendall Hair Color Studio, Bella Ella Salon and Day Spa, Gary Lambert Salon, and several other wonderful salons and spas.

Another great aspect of Park Avenue is the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art where you can spend the afternoon or even the whole day exploring all of the beautiful art housed in this amazing gallery. Morse Gallery displays wonderful two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of art, including the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works in the world, including the Tiffany Chapel.

Park Avenue has everything you could ask for, from wonderful dining options to a unique shopping experience, to museums and galleries to explore. In every way, it is a lovely way to spend your day, or even just a few hours of free time.

This Saturday will be the kid’s Trick or Treat on Park Avenue, from 10-2 p.m. Small children wearing costumes will get treats from the different stores on Park.

There is always something new to discover, and a wonderful experience is always sure to ensue, even when you are just going for a short walk down the road. As a whole, Park Avenue is charming.

Page 7 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Free speech honored in slam poetry event This year’s slam poetry winner celebrates Free Speech Week with an enthralling and thought-provoking piece.

Alexandra Mariano

Head Copy Editor

Celebrating Free Speech Week, The Sandspur and the communications honor society Lambda Pi Eta hosted a poetry slam on Monday, October 19.

The winner was Curtis X Meyer, a seasoned slam poet in the area. The competition was open to Rollins students as well as the Winter Park community. Participants came into the Bush Auditorium, filled out a thought bubble explaining why free speech is important to them, and mingled with one another before the slam began. Like any Sandspur-hosted event, of course there was free pizza provided.

The Winter Park community members—who by far outnumbered Rollins students in the auditorium—were all from an informal local poetry organization founded by Meyer entitled

S.A.F.E.! Words! Poetry! Slam!

The group urges slam poets to develop their writing as well as encouraging more academic po-

“

Each performance was filled with passion and vigor—from an altered Lord’s Prayer to affairs of the heart to Meyer’s thoughtprovoking piece.

ets to embrace their performative side, all in the aim of broadening the poets’ audiences. S.A.F.E.!

meets at the Milk Bar, alternating between open and themed submissions. From time to time they also host guests who give TEDtalk-like speeches.

Clearly these organized slam poets of central Florida are doing something right because each performance was filled with passion and vigor—from an altered Lord’s Prayer to affairs of the heart to Meyer’s thought-provoking piece. Meyer’s official title is “Slam Master,” and he’s clearly earned it. He has a poetry collection, Ride The ¥€$, and two spoken word CDs, Certainty and Rant Down Babylon.

Though The Sandspur does not typically publish creative writing, the paper agreed to print the contest’s winning poem to promote free speech.

The winning slam-poem, reprinted below with Meyer’s permission, begins with a haiku/ senryu by Charles Ellik.

Being Crude Copyright © 2008 by Curtis X Meyer “In a thousand years all the soldiers of this war will come back as oil.”

I was born of darkness, and thus darkness I became.

I am known by many names—Black Gold, Texas Tea. A composite ghost of all human history ground upinto liquid shadow.

When Mother Nature cries, I am the mucus in her throat.

So spare me your crude remarks—pun intended.

You, who curse me while I grease the feathers of your shorebirds and the fur of marine mammals.

Your tycoons all but suck me dripping off their fingers like mother’s milk. Fresh cider. Sap from The Tree of Knowledge.

You walk across my back all day.

Surface me gurgling from your rigs.

Cage me in drums, pipelines, and pumps.

Know I will not be contained—I, who come from fire.

I course through the veins of the phoenix.

From my bubbles: The foundations of your progress.

– Ladders of society made from bones.

– Cities built on the skeletons of rivals.

– Dreams fulfilled.

– Ocean floors drilled.

I spill to build.

I was built to spill.

I have been here before you.

Watched all your lively subcultures and petty holocausts.

Speak not to me of water. We get along just fine— so long as it doesn’t forget its place: Beneath me.

Make no mistake, I was made to rise.

Speak not to me of the soul.

I am what flesh knows of purgatory.

Gaze upon me and face your future reflection as fertilizer.

I am the remains of dinosaurs. Your great-grandparents.

My blood cells: The corpses of trilobites and extinct ferns.

My skin: Minerals recycled. Dust inhaled from the dawn of time.

Tell me dirt and grime serve no place in sanitation when I thrive in your detergents. The glycerin in your toothpaste.

The body and nylon bristles of your toothbrush.

I remember my darkness once lit your lanterns.

How ironic that the lightning you harness be deemed unworthy of your cars.

How poetic that you race towards tomorrow on the ashes of your ancestors.

Tell me you’ve never made a deal with the devil when your vehicles run on the soup of Hell.

I am the great equalizer.

All colors mix into black upon my canvas.

It is I who turns your blood against itself.

Yet you squander me for your petroleum products.

Your precious paints, plastics, and fossil fuels.

Speak not to me of water.

I am thicker than blood.

You, who cling to your weapons.

Who claim to not fear death. To know no retreat.

Who die so that others may baptize themselves in my body —eventually your own— what makes you think you can outrun destiny?

Tell me, what makes you think you’re slicker than me?

Page 8• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Columnist dubs local music festival wild success The 19th annual Magnolia Fest delivered with top tunes and good vibes.

Jonny Scoblionko Columnist The team of the 19th annual Magnolia Fest cultivated one of the best festivals I have attended. Throughout the event, the music was fantastic, the weather was perfect, and the vibe was extremely welcoming. With that in mind, I compiled a list of my MagFest Five Fav Memories: 5. Entering the festival and the campsite It is always enchanting to enter the grounds at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. The trees in the entryway were draped in decorative light, which made for a beautiful atmosphere. It took no time at all for my friends to have their “I get it” moment, as this was their first time at the park.

Just when my friends and I thought we had a great camp setup, we noticed that our neighbors were clearly the true Suwannee professionals. The campsite next to us included a fire pit, 40-foot decorated tarp, numerous moving lights with changing colors, homemade lanterns in the trees, and great tunes being played all weekend. Needless to say, it was pretty easy to find our campsite; all we had to do was look for the

giant multicolored tarp.

4. The Motet late night One of the best late-night acts around, the Colorado funk circus delivered a two-hour relentless dance party Saturday night at the Amphitheatre. Utilizing their unique blend of retro funk and experimental dance music, their energy saturated the Spanish moss.

3. Roosevelt “the Dr.” Collier with the Travelin’ McCourys I will admit that I was extremely unsure as to how this collaboration would turn out, but I was absolutely blown away. The Dr. blended his touch of funk and southern blues with the Travelin’ McCourys’ high-energy folk in way that pushed the melodic boundaries. It was extra special when Del McCoury joined the band for part of the set.

2. The Avett Brothers’ rendition of “Kick Drum Heart” Prior to this set, I would have never considered myself a fan of the Avett Brothers, but they certainly converted me. Their undeniable passion for the music was mesmerizing. Their rendition of “Kick Drum Heart” toward the end of the set was an absolute explosion of energy that caused the crowd to erupt in euphoria.

It was one of the most beautiful moments I have experienced as part of the crowd at a concert.

1. Getting by with a little help from Tedeschi Trucks Band Few musical acts achieve a synergy comparable to Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. His razor sharp guitar solos blended with her magnificent voice always cuts directly to my soul.

After one of the most beautiful sets of music I have ever seen, they played an outstanding cover version of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” as an encore.

Rising Star - Heather Gillis This 16-year-old sat in with Col. Bruce Hampton for both of his sets and absolutely stole the show. Her soulful melodic exploration and undeniable comfort onstage was far beyond what one would expect to see from such a young musician. I very much anticipate watching her mature as an artist in the years to come.

Overall, MagFest was a wonderful experience—unlike any other Suwannee Festival I have attended. The musical diversity, wonderful vibe, and beautiful community will certainly motivate me to return.

Photos by Jonny Scoblionko