'Beatbox-style' improvisational comedy:
IU junior Sam Hammersley of Full Frontal Comedy said he and senior Brian Frange of Awkward Silence Comedy are collaborating to bring yet more humor to campus. Patterned off Chicago’s The Beatbox, the as-yet-unnamed new troupe will combine freestyle rap with improvisational comedy. The new group will be holding workshops during the first two weeks of classes to recruit members.
Eta Iota Rho (HIP):
In addition to hosting events in collaboration with IU’s Hip Hop Congress, Eta Iota Rho, IU’s self-proclaimed “hip-hop fraternity,” is looking to hold Hip Hop Fridays, possibly twice a month, to showcase DJ-ing, graffiti art and break dancing. Plus, sophomore and member Dino Karabegovic said he has been working on bringing alternative hip-hop MC Talib Kweli to Bloomington sometime this year.
Hip Hop Congress and Liquid Mustache:
IU junior and Hip Hop Congress Vice Chair Alex Goulet told WEEKEND that besides sponsoring the opener for Aug. 30’s Lupe Fiasco concert (Chicago’s Iomos Marad) and sponsoring events with HIP, he and friends will be launching a new electronic- and DJ-focused performance group called Liquid Mustache. The group plans to organize happenings throughout the year, including an Electronic Picnic featuring DJs performing in the Collins Living-Learning Center courtyard.
HoosOnFirst:
The short-form improvisational comedy group HoosOnFirst will add to its Saturday evening performances in the Indiana Memorial Union by holding a “HoosOnFirst Improv-Along Blog” competition where three-person groups will be joined by a HoosOnFirst cast member to produce five-minute sketches. The competition will begin Oct. 18, and HoosOnFirst will hold auditions for new members Sept. 2.
IU Auditorium:
In addition to Bill Cosby, the Dresden Staatskapelle, and musicals "Sweeney Todd" and "Hairspray," the IU Auditorium has branched out this year into country and world music. Vince Gill will be giving a special acoustic performance Sept. 24, while acclaimed South African singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform March 2. At present, students can pre-order tickets from the IU Auditorium Box Office.
IU Student Television:
This fall, IUSTV will bring back its current roster of shows while adding an as-yet-untitled “30 Rock”-inspired show taking place behind the scenes of IUSTV. Students can also look forward to a live taping of “Hoosier Date?” (possibly scheduled for Halloween) and uncut online editions of shows whose material was deemed too edgy for the airwaves.
Jacobs School of Music:
The Jacobs School of Music is offering a bounty of performances for 2008-2009. A few highlights are: a Sept. 17 performance of the IU Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin and featuring violinist Joshua Bell; three new opera productions ("La Traviata", "Le Cendrillon" and "The Most Happy Fella"); the fall and spring ballets (in addition to the annual "Nutcracker" production); and a piano recital from Prof. Menahem Pressler on Oct. 2.
Union Board:
Union Board is pulling out the stops to welcome students back. Tomorrow evening the Indiana Memorial Union will host the annual Taste of the Union, featuring free food, live music, bowling and billiards; and on Saturday, Aug. 30, the campus will see one of the major musical events of the year when rapper Lupe Fiasco performs with a full band at the IU Auditorium. More free food, along with international culture, will be available at the IU World’s Fare on Nov. 6.
