A&E

'Bacchai' receives facelift, new spin

When most people think of a Greek tragedy, they conjure up images of formal white robes. Check those preconceptions at the door, though, as the IU Department of Theatre and Drama presents "Bacchai" at the Wells-Metz Theater, beginning today.

University gives opera 'legs'

Fans of the opera will experience a modern twist on an old format as the IU Opera launches into its spring season. William Bolcom's "A View From the Bridge" comes to the IU Opera Theater this weekend and next, showing at 8 p.m. today and Saturday, with additional performances Feb. 11 and 12.

Chocolate cook-off to benefit charity

Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" isn't due out in theatres until this summer, but Bloomington residents can get a real cocao fix this Saturday at the Bloomington Convention Center.

Rastafarians descend on Ethiopia for concert lashes with Ethiopian culture

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia -- Throughout his life, Bob Marley looked to Ethiopia as the spiritual home of his Rastafarian faith.

Institute raises cultural awareness

This year marks the African American Arts Institute's 30th anniversary at IU. In the 1970s the Institute debuted as one of the first performing arts programs in the country. Now it has an office in the Neal-Marshal Black Culture Center, 275 N. Jordan Ave.

IU faculty member gives talk , advice about photography

Tuesday evening a group of photography enthusiasts were treated to a 'work-in-progress' view of IU professor and former National Geographic magazine staff photographer Steve Raymer's most recent work on the Indian Diaspora.

North Korea wages 'hair war' on people who grow it long

SEOUL, South Korea -- The order to shaggy-haired North Korean men couldn't be clearer: Get a trim like Kim. The reclusive communist country is waging a hair war, telling its male population to lose the long locks, cut the coiffures and mow the mane to conform to the "socialist style," which is no longer than 2 inches. Even hair-challenged, authoritarian leader Kim Jong Il has trimmed his famous pompadour. One exception, however: Comradely comb-overs are OK for older men.

Jury selection begins for Michael Jackson case

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Michael Jackson stood and smiled as he faced the first prospective jurors in his criminal trial, a group roughly split between those willing to decide his fate and those hoping to avoid a role in the latest trial of the century. Jackson, dressed in an all-white suit and a jewel-trimmed vest and belt, rose and remained standing as two groups of prospects, about 150 in the morning and another 150 in the afternoon, filed into the courtroom Monday.

IU Auditorium hosts 42nd Street musical

The story that began the musical genre of "a star is born" and spawned a slew of movie musicals during Hollywood's depression era comes to the IU Auditorium Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m. Although "42nd Street" originally was a 1929 film, Warner Brothers remade it as a musical in 1933 with choreography by Busby Berkeley and introduced a number of classic Hollywood stars.

Chefs gather for 'The Art of Chocolate'

BSO celebrates anniversary with concert

On Saturday night, a musical staple of the south-central Indiana community celebrated its 35th anniversary. The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra rang in its 35th season with a concert entitled "The Composer and his Orchestra," featuring works by composers from the Bloomington area who are involved with the BSO under the baton of guest conductor Christopher Ludwa.

'Pride' film festival includes panel talk, after-party

Following the PRIDE Film Festival screening on Friday, the stage was opened, rainbow-colored fabrics hung from the ceiling and the lights turned down low as the after-party began. The event featured three separate showings of different films, as well as an after-party -- one of several new features to this year's festival -- and panel discussion with the directors.

Orchestra marks 35th anniversary

A volunteer orchestra made up of students, amateurs and professional musicians will take audiences from Vienna to Israel while celebrating its 35th anniversary at 8 p.m. Saturday. The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra's concert will present community-tied pieces written and preformed by local musicians.

New stamp honors Marian Anderson

WASHINGTON -- Marian Anderson returned to the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall for one more triumph Thursday.

Branford Marsalis embraces jazz tradition

NEW YORK -- Branford Marsalis has no regrets about casting aside what many would consider the trappings of a successful musical career. He's had gigs as bandleader-sidekick on "The Tonight Show" and musical director of Sting's post-Police band, and even a contract with a major record label.

Celebrated guitar player returns to Bloomington

World-renowned guitar performer Denis Azabagic will travel to Bloomington for an anxiously awaited performance Saturday. The guitarist has played in various countries and received international accolades.

PRIDE Film Festival expands to include kick-off party

Drag queens, transgender people and gay adoption are only a few among the slew of topics for films in this year's PRIDE Film Festival, which will take place Friday and Saturday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 144 E. Kirkwood Ave.

Putting together a runway show

In the upcoming months, four seniors in the Individualized Major Fashion Design Program will debut their individual lines, presenting them to fit their unique personalities and inspirations. Themes range from biker, Brazilian birds, a winter in Russia to wealthy women at a country club.

Dance links Native American's roots

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- His arms stretched out like wings, Rudy Vallejo begins his dance to honor the eagle. His feet, clad in soft leather shoes, pound to the drumbeat and chant from a friend. His words, reverent and soft, give honor to a creature whose existence was threatened.

Show pays tribute to Johnny Carson

BURBANK, Calif. -- Jay Leno turned back the clock on "The Tonight Show" with a touching hour-long tribute to Johnny Carson that mixed warm memories from the former host's friends with the more outrageous moments from Carson's three-decade reign as the king of late-night comedy.