music

Explosions in the Sky makes Westcott debut
By Angela Zonunpari
August 8, 2013 - 11:19am
Review: The Texas instrumental rock band delivered an energetic performance on Tuesday to a sold-out crowd.

The Westcott Theater had two firsts on Tuesday night: performances by post-rock instrumental band Explosions in the Sky and local psychedelic rock group Black Throat Wind. The two bands performed to a sold out theater, with an audience that largely consisted of teenagers and 20-somethings.

Coachella Day Two: 4/20 with Moby, Hot Chip and Phoenix
By Elizabeth Kahn
May 8, 2013 - 2:16pm
Music connoisseur Elizabeth Kahn recounts her journey from Syracuse to her favorite place in the world: The Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif.

Saturday, April 20: Jour Deux

10 a.m: I can’t manage to sleep in any later. Damn it’s hot, but I’d rather be in dangerously high temperatures than back in Syracuse.

Things accomplished: My first shower in the campsite showers was way cleaner than expected. Although there was a VIP Shower option for $10, my camping neighbor Ana and I decided that it was worth it to just wait it out for the free showers since other girls leaving the area said it wasn’t so bad. Felt very refreshed and ready for the second day of the festivities.

The Coachella Experience
By Elizabeth Kahn
May 8, 2013 - 2:12pm
Music connoisseur Elizabeth Kahn recounts her journey from Syracuse to her favorite place in the world: The Coachella Music and Arts Festival in southern California.

Two weeks ago I returned from my sixth Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif.

Preview: 5 things to look for at Coachella Weekend 2
By Elizabeth Kahn
April 19, 2013 - 12:29pm
Music connoisseur Elizabeth Kahn ventures from her Syracuse college turf to experience once again her favorite California festival.

1. WHAT WILL DAFT PUNK DO NEXT?
The godfathers of electronic dance music are sure to surprise Coachella Weekend 2 attendees with another sneak peak at their highly anticipated album Random Access Memories. In case you missed it, last weekend the duo showed a trailer of “Get Lucky featuring Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers.

Review: Smash Season 2 Episode 7
By Xiaoran Ding
March 21, 2013 - 11:12am
The show goes back to its old, messy, uneven tricks, after a promising respite last episode.

Just when we think “Smash” is headed in the right way, it turns onto a bumpy road. Last week, showcasing conflict in the creative process with an amazing makeover of an old number, and Tom replacing Derek as “Bombshell” director, for once in this season the audience could look forward to a better show. This week, “Smash” shattered that hope with “Musical Chairs” an at best, uneven episode.

What “Smash” after this episode? “Glee.”

Review: Smash Season 2 Episode 6
By Xiaoran Ding
March 21, 2013 - 10:49am
A solid episode presents some solid changes to the playing field of "Smash."

“Smash” gives us a brilliant song and some cast turnover in one of the better episodes of the season. For those who have been watching it from the very first episode, “The Fringe” reproduces the fresh and energetic feeling that originally drew them into the show.

Preview: Jukebox the Ghost to play in Schine Underground March 19
By Megan Paolone
March 19, 2013 - 8:06am
Vocalist/pianist Ben Thornewill talked to The NewsHouse in February about Czech bakeries, touring and new music.

Ben Thornewill is standing on the sidewalk outside Czech bakery-gas station hybrid in the middle of Texas in February, on his way to a show in Dallas.

“We always stop here on tour,” Thornewill says. “It’s just so doughy and good.”

Review: Smash Season 2, Episode 5
By Xiaoran Ding
March 14, 2013 - 9:46pm
The spotlight shines on Ivy in "The Read-Through" but that just lets the disappointing changes in her character.

Ivy’s part has been largely weakened this season. Partially it is because she is no longer in Bombshell, acting as Karen’s competition as she did in last season. Her character used to be a perky, rash young girl, and has now become a considerate and wizened lady who gives incisive advice. “The Read-Through” grants viewers some time with her and new guest star Sean Hayes, as they prepare for another show, Liaisons.

Review: Smash Season 2, Episode 4
By Xiaoran Ding
February 28, 2013 - 3:42pm
"The Song" continues the predictability and frustration of watching the second season.

“The Song” is literally about the composing of a song. The metaphor of finding one’s own song isn’t lost on the characters or the show itself, as it struggles to find a balance between character stories and stories about producing a show.

Review: Smash Season 2, Episode 3
By Xiaoran Ding
February 28, 2013 - 10:03am
The third episode of "Smash" this season shows one bright spot amongst too many familiar complaints.

Finally, “Smash” is going somewhere that satisfies the audience this week: real drama falls on the play writer Julia and the new character Peter, a dramaturg, which will probably refresh and re-explore Bombshell.