Entertainment: Top Featured

SU mourns death of esteemed alumnus
By Andrew Martini
October 28, 2013 - 9:29am
Influential singer and songwriter Lou Reed died Sunday after undergoing a liver transplant earlier this year.

Lou Reed, a singer, songwriter of The Velvet Underground and immensely influential rock & roll artist, died Sunday, Oct. 27. Reed attended Syracuse University and graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with honors in 1964.

In a statement released on Sunday, the university says of Reed: “Lou's artistic daring reflects the boundary breaking determination that characterizes the cultural contributions of our most accomplished alumni… While the SU community mourns his loss, we celebrate his poetic soul and innovative spirit.”

Combat Paper returns to ArtRage Gallery
By Ally Balcerzak
September 30, 2013 - 6:39pm
Combat Paper Redux encourages creative expression to help veterans cope with war experiences.

During the height of the Iraq War, many veterans were looking for a release when they came home -- a way to deal with the stress of combat and to cope with any trauma.

Out of frustration came the Combat Paper Project in Burlington, Vt. The project began when Drew Cameron, an Iraq War veteran, cut his uniform from his body, turned the cloth into pulp and created paper from it.

'Blithe Spirit' starts slow, ends strong
By Yang Bai
September 26, 2013 - 4:45pm
Review: Syracuse Stage's production of 'Blithe Spirit' drags through Act 1 but bursts into hilarity when the action picks up.

Known as “the funniest ghost story ever,” the light-hearted 1940s comedy Blithe Spirit not only made people laugh when they were suffering the pain of war in London’s West End, but also conquered audiences on Broadway and became a classic that has been staged hundreds of times over.

Unlike other classics with complicated plots and profound thoughts, Blithe Spirit owes its enduring fame to its sense of humor.

Diane Williams wraps up Raymond Carver Reading Series
By Eesha Patkar
April 26, 2013 - 7:23am
The short story author discussed the art of writing in HBS Gifford Auditorium on Wednesday evening.

Reading Diane Williams Vicky Swanky Is a Beauty (McSweeney’s 2012) is to enter a kaleidoscope of unsettling emotions, where time either stands still or moves entirely too fast. But to listen to her read from it makes a world of difference. Williams is soft-spoken and almost diminutive in appearance, but her voice brims with steel. More importantly, her advice to young writers packs a punch:

Mic check: Wu-Tang Clan's GZA draws motley crew at The Westcott
By Stephen Salvitti
April 6, 2013 - 5:07pm
Review: The founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan rolled out the classics at Westcott Theatre on Friday.

“Keep it loud as f-ck. At least let me get some feedback.”

GZA’s duel over the iron mic with the inept sound engineer was a reoccurring theme throughout the night. The lack of response from the sound booth, though, was compensated with an electric human feedback comprised of a circuitry of hands forming the renowned Wu-symbol, hammering heads and feet pulsating to the rhythms of the hits of the night: Duel of The Iron Mic, 4th Chamber, Protect Ya Neck, and Reunited.

SNL vet Seth Meyers leaves sold-out SU crowd in stitches
By Stephanie Eliza...
March 27, 2013 - 11:38pm
The SNL head writer and comedian performed his own material, as well as some SNL favorites, in Goldstein Auditorium on Wednesday night.

A sold-out Goldstein Auditorium welcomed Saturday Night Live head writer Seth Meyers with uproarious applause on Wednesday night.

The laughs started immediately when he “mistakenly” greeted the crowd as Indiana University, Syracuse’s latest basketball rivalry in Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament. Meyers then gave shout-outs to each class, spending extra time with the juniors, calling them “the dicks of every college campus.” Although he successfully insulted a portion of the audience, he was off to a great start.

Despite technical difficulties, Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche collaborates with SU musicians
By Victoria Kezra
March 8, 2013 - 11:57am
The Setnor School of Music welcomed percussionist and Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche Thursday night as part of their guest artist series.

Wilco drummer and composer Glenn Kotche powered through one technical difficulty after another to perform an eclectic batch of percussion-based numbers Thursday night in Setnor Auditorium.

Pop star Aaron Carter remixes his image on After Party tour
By Abby Isaacs
February 25, 2013 - 2:07am
Review: Now 25, pop singer Aaron Carter invited fans to the After Party at The Westcott Theater on Sunday Feb. 24.

Aaron Carter diehards waited for six hours outside The Westcott Theater in the snow and rain on Sunday afternoon, just so they could be front and center for The After Party Tour.

Their wait was well worth it.

Catherine Sasso lined up with two friends outside the Westcott around 1 p.m. hoping that she’d get a peek at Carter when his van pulled up.

Oscar poll and predictions: Lincoln will win most major categories
By Stephanie Eliza...
February 21, 2013 - 5:50pm
Staff writer Stephanie Diehl lists her picks for the major categories at this year's Academy Awards.

With the Academy Awards on Sunday, the film industry is abuzz with guesses about who will take home the coveted trophies. Here are some NewsHouse staff predictions for the night's biggest categories:

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

Amy Adams: The Master

Sally Field: Lincoln

Anne Hathaway: Les Miserables

Helen Hunt: The Sessions

Q&A with singer Aaron Carter: The After Party stops in Syracuse
By Megan Paolone
February 18, 2013 - 9:46pm
After seven years off the road, Mr. Aaron's Party himself is officially back in business.

Aaron Carter is back, without adult supervision.

The 25-year-old singer known for hits like "Aaron's Party" and "How I Beat Shaq" will embark on his After Party Tour later this week after a nearly seven-year hiatus, and he's stopping at Syracuse's Westcott Theater on Sunday Feb. 24. It's possible he was shirtless the entire time, but Carter spoke to The NewsHouse recently about getting back on the road, dealing with female fans and his pet...