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Reelin' in the year – South Bend Tribune
Before 2006 turns into 2007, The Notebook pauses, takes an Intermission, if you will, to look back at the year that was. Tribune staff writers Jeremy D. Bonfiglio, Howard Dukes, Andrew S. Hughes, Karen Rivers and Robin Toepp pick their favorite arts and entertainment moments from 2006 in the following lists.
Depending upon the writer, the choices were ranked according to quality or importance, the alphabet, chronology or haphazardly.
The order, however, doesn't matter: Each of these moments made 2006 worthwhile for The Tribune's staff and -- The Notebook hopes -- area residents who also experienced them.
Happy New Year.
-- Andrew S. Hughes, Arts & Entertainment editor
Reeeally great shows
John Mellencamp, Joyce Center, April 18: With energy, attitude and a persistent sly smile, Mellencamp took on his greatest hits and proved that treading on familiar territory can make for a great show. There was no doubt that this Hoosier rocker's still got it. (Of course, that was before the lame Chevy commercial ...)
The Producers, Morris Performing Arts Center, Oct. 13-15: This was one traveling version of a big Broadway hit that didn't disappoint. Fabulous staging and performances did justice to the riotous Mel Brooks script -- and there's just nothing like having "Springtime for Hitler" in your head all week.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company, DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts, Oct. 4-5: Now in his 70s, Taylor continues to produce unexpected, gripping choreography. In the program presented on the first evening of this two-night run, his antiwar piece "Banquet of Vultures" was exquisitely danced, evoking a visceral response without saying a word.
"Loyal Daughters," DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts, Nov. 13-16: Emily Weisbecker's play about sexuality and sexual assault on the University of Notre Dame campus had moments that were hysterical, moments that were heartbreaking, but most impressive was seeing a student bravely tackle a taboo issue and challenge the audience in the process.
Chuck D, DeBartolo Hall, The University of Notre Dame, Feb. 2: Yes, he talked way too long, but this pioneering rapper's engaging lecture offered some very funny and very pointed criticism of American culture. Also, he coined our new favorite word: dumbassification.
The Surreal McCoys, Club 22/JT's Sports Bar, Sept. 15: When the lead singer introduced the guitar player by saying "He'll eat anything for a nickel, including a dime," we knew it would be a special evening. This band is a quintet of lawyers that gets together a couple of times a year to wear overalls, play country-punk songs and, oh yes, ride a rocking horse onstage. Truly a can't miss formula.
Pure Praise Gospel Celebration, Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ, Jan. 2: The atmosphere was absolutely electric as a number of local artists offered powerful, emotional performances to ring in the new year. They sang, they rapped, they mimed -- but above all, they commanded the stage completely, engaging the audience for close to three hours.
Sarah Vowell at the Dogwood Fine Arts Festival, Dowagiac Middle School, Oct. 25: Ever dry and insightful, the essayist and commentator gave an entertaining reading from her latest book, "Assassination Vacation." This was followed by a lively Q&A, which revealed, among other things, Vowell's thoughts on fictional super-spy Jack Bauer and what she learned from baby-sitting her nephew.
Hoodoo Groove, Mishawaka Brewing Company, July 25: This five-man band formed when saxophonist Chris Olivier moved to South Bend from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. At this gig, the newly born jazz-blues-funk-rock group proved themselves a notable addition to the local music scene with a rousing set that consisted mostly of original tunes.
Jordan Knight and Jeff Timmons, Blue Chip Casino, Feb. 26: OK, this choice is not critically sound. But c'mon. A former New Kids on the Block member crooning decades-old hits in the ballroom of a casino? There are moments in life one will never forget ...
-- Staff writer Karen Rivers