11
The
Vanguard
March 3, 2008
‘Kamp Katrina’ film is profound eye opener Amber-Marie Isenburg STAFF WRITER sumowrestlearehot@gmail.com
“Kamp Katrina” is a relatively new documentary concerning the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The film will be showing at the Ben May Main Library in Bernheim Hall on March 18 at 6:45 p.m. While the disasters and memories of Hurricane Katrina may be distant and vague in our minds, it is still a genuine reality for film directors David Redmon and Ashley Sabin. In “Kamp Katrina” Redmon and Sabin travel deep into the destruction of Hurricane Katrina by going straight into the backyards of New Orleans inhabitants - particularly that of Ms. Pearl and her husband, David Cross. Pearl and Cross have opened their backyard to 14 homeless victims during the aftermath of one of the worst storms to ever hit the Gulf Coast. The backyard dwellers soon became residents of what is known as “Kamp Katrina.” Ms. Pearl quickly establishes ground rules for her backyard dwellers. However, many of the rules are broken or ignored within several minutes. Ms. Pearl’s rules include having a desire for a job, having a stay no longer than six months, no drunkenness and no hard drugs. The documentary explores the lives of Hurricane Katrina victims and their attempt at starting anew. While some surpass, others fail. Trailers and other reviews promise an hour of excitement, drama, laughter and despair. Matt Cale of Ruthless Reviews said that “this movie hits with such profound force.” The documentary is sure to be an eye opener, perhaps either confirming or transforming our ideas of the results of Hurricane Katrina. Charlie Smoke, director of the Mobile Arts Council, says the film is one of six in the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. “The reason we were interested in the series was that it would give film lovers in our area the opportunity to see films not otherwise available and, perhaps even more importantly,
to discuss the films with the people who made them,” said Smoke. “It’s a compelling story of a good deed that goes awry, featuring strong, interesting characters.” Admission is free and open to the public. A question and answer session with the filmmaker will follow the documentary. For more information visit http://www.mobilearts.org.
Juried art show awards USA students Amanda B. Johnson STAFF WRITER amanda_b_johnson@yahoo.com
Courtesy of Charlie Smoke
The film “Kamp Katrina” documents the lives of Hurricane Katrina victims during the storm’s aftermath.
This Saturday, Daphne's Bay Rivers Art Guild was pleased to present the opening reception of their juried photography show, "Life in Lower Alabama." The show featured coastal and rural Alabama scenes from local artists, both professional and aspiring. President Valley O'Neal commented that this was the first photo exhibition for BRAG in many years, but promised many more to come. "We are thrilled at the turnout this year," O'Neal remarked to a dozen onlookers as she eagerly announced the events winners. Serving as this year's judge was local Fairhope photographer Pinky Bass. Bass is known for her work with pinhole cameras and has exhibited her art across the United States. “Four artists received honorable mention, including University of South Alabama photography student Amanda Johnson for her work 'Life,' a hand colored montage chosen for it's creativity,” Bass said. Also a South student, Kathleen Schmucker had all three of her works admitted to the jury's show.
MSO welcomes spring in upcoming concert Daniela Werner STAFF WRITER danigirl6013@gmail.com
In celebration of the departure of winter's chilly, dry winds and the arrival of spring's warmth, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra will perform “Overture to Spring” on March 8 at 8 p.m. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's “Overture, Le Nozze di Figaro,” from his opera “Marriage of Figaro” will be the first of three works performed. The opera's first performance, conducted by Mozart himself, was held in
http://www.mobilesymphony.org
Guest singer Jayne West will be performing with the Mobile Symphony on March 8.
the Vienna Burg theater on May 1, 1786. Deemed as the oldest Mozart opera in traditional repertory, the popularity of “Marriage of Figaro” grew rapidly among its enormous audiences. Mozart derived this piece from a libretto, or the text of a dramatic work, by Lorenzo da Ponte, which came from Beaumarchais' comedy of manners “Le Mariage de Figaro,” a play that had entertained the French aristocracy. Guest performer Jayne West, soprano, will perform with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. West is currently a faculty member of Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Mass., and travels extensively throughout the United States performing repertoire by renowned composers such as Bach, Handel and Brahms. Aaron Jay Kernis “Simple Songs” will be the second piece performed. Originally from Pennsylvania, Kernis began studying violin at age 12. He began teaching himself piano and continued his musical studies at several prestigious institutions, including the Yale School of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. One of the youngest artists to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize, Kernis is one of the most respected musical figures in America and is currently Minnesota Orchestra's musical advisor. “Simple Songs” was derived from religious texts out of numerous books that instill the value of living life simply. Some of these include the “Book of
Psalms,” work from a Sufi poet and Japanese Zen master. Characterized by romantic qualities and emotional tones, “Simple Songs” incorporates erratic harmonies and agitated melodies. The orchestral accompaniment to the soprano's soulful expression is dark and meditative at times. The third work to be performed is Gustav Mahler's “Symphony No. 4 in G Minor.” Mahler was born in 1860 in Kalischt, Bohemia and died in 1911 in Vienna. During his lifetime, Mahler referred to himself as a “holiday composer.” His schedule as a conductor was hectic and intense, so he rarely found time to compose. Mahler was the music director and first conductor of the Vienna Opera. He was known for his demanding and exhausting rehearsals and brought reform to the Opera. The most lighthearted of Mahler's symphonies, titled “Fourth,” was first resisted by audiences who preferred his more dynamic, shaking pieces. After Mahler died, it was performed frequently and eventually became his most popular symphony. Tickets to “Overture to Spring” can be ordered online at http://www.mobilesymphony.org. A sneak preview open dress rehearsal for this show will be held on March 8 at 2 p.m. For more information, call the Mobile Symphony Office at (251) 432-2010.
Amanda B. Johnson / Staff Writer
Mary Elizabeth Davidson, a USA student, won second place at the Bay Rivers Art Guild juried show.
Third place was awarded to BRAG President Valley O'Neal for the image "Dining in the Delta." Bass, dubbing herself all but an expert on color photography, was "drawn by the subtlety of color ... and the unexpected contrast" of O'Neal's work. The image depicts a convenience store shelf lined with Beanie Weenies, Sardines and MoonPie. Second place winner Mary Elizabeth Davidson, a painting major at USA, offered viewers a look at her influence from motherhood. Her work, "Prior to Conversation," depicts two small dollhouse chairs sitting atop a pregnant belly. The printing quality and conceptual thought proves Davidson as a talented student emerging into the world of professional photographers. Best of show was received by USA photography instructor Margarita Skiadas for her work "My Tamata." The exhibit will be on display at the Bay Rivers Art Guild until March 26.